Yes, it's true, the "duplicate" and "clone" stories are pretty ubiquitous in the Star Trek Universe (the two Kirks in TOS "The Enemy Within", the "alternate universe" duplicates in TOS, ST:NG and "Star Trek; Enterprise", etc), but this installment presents a startling, fresh, and thought-provoking twist on this frequently re-visited concept- the "second Riker" isn't just a copy, clone, or evil twin, he's another original, complete with childhood memories, career goals, and romantic thoughts identical to the first Riker (at least up to 8 years ago in the story).
Being exactly the same person in all respects- sharing everything in common (including Riker's legendary individualism, ambition and stubbornness), the two Rikers are forced to work together on the Enterprise and find themselves competing with each other in almost every respect (including a moving & sometimes heart-wrenching contest for the love of Deanna Troi).
What a fascinating idea- imagine being forced to work with & compete with yourself! This is a great episode because it makes full use of Star Trek's wonderful imaginary technology (in this case the transporter) to present the viewer with a unique situation that could only happen here, in the Star Trek Universe.
Not much action in this one (unless one includes the romantic scene(!) with Riker#2 and Deanna in the workout room but that's a different kind of action- lol), but that is more than compensated for by a well written script, excellent acting and directing, and of course a highly intriguing premise. Jonathan Frakes follows up his outstanding performance in "Frame of Mind" with another tour de force here in a dual role that showcases his excellent acting skills.
The only negative aspect of this installment (if there is any) is that it's only an hour long- all the avenues of such an interesting concept just can't be explored fully in 60 minutes. This story could have easily made a great two-part episode or even a feature film (with a little more action added in).
Being exactly the same person in all respects- sharing everything in common (including Riker's legendary individualism, ambition and stubbornness), the two Rikers are forced to work together on the Enterprise and find themselves competing with each other in almost every respect (including a moving & sometimes heart-wrenching contest for the love of Deanna Troi).
What a fascinating idea- imagine being forced to work with & compete with yourself! This is a great episode because it makes full use of Star Trek's wonderful imaginary technology (in this case the transporter) to present the viewer with a unique situation that could only happen here, in the Star Trek Universe.
Not much action in this one (unless one includes the romantic scene(!) with Riker#2 and Deanna in the workout room but that's a different kind of action- lol), but that is more than compensated for by a well written script, excellent acting and directing, and of course a highly intriguing premise. Jonathan Frakes follows up his outstanding performance in "Frame of Mind" with another tour de force here in a dual role that showcases his excellent acting skills.
The only negative aspect of this installment (if there is any) is that it's only an hour long- all the avenues of such an interesting concept just can't be explored fully in 60 minutes. This story could have easily made a great two-part episode or even a feature film (with a little more action added in).