Nano-technology is an interesting subject for great speculation. It's interesting to me that several reviewers were so annoyed with Stubbs' character flaws that they said he ruined the episode. The guy has devoted his entire life to this one event and may be cheated out of it because Wesley Crusher has lost control of another of his science experiments. Granted, he takes matters into his own hands after Picard has put the kebosh on doing in the little buggers. But there seems to be little animus over Mr. Crusher's outrageous experimentation that could take the lives of the entire crew and destroy the ship. For me, this would be the end of any immediate roadway to the Starfleet Academy. He may just be a kid, but he has intellectual powers that are handled in a slipshod, careless way. Whether these microscopic things are a life form is open to discussion. If your car parts act in concert with each other and your modern flywheel arrangement is able to adapt to changes in need, is your car now a lifeform. I'm with Stubbs on this one. Besides, many geniuses are eccentric and he is sanctioned by the powers that be. If he forced Picard's hand (as well as Momma Crusher's annoying concerns) then it may be he that saved the ship.
24 Reviews
Those little little bots
bkoganbing9 September 2019
With Dr. Crusher back on the Enterprise like she never left the Enterprise is watching for a predicted star explosion, an event that guest scientist Ken Jenkins
is recording as it's historic.
Then the ship starts behaving like on a drunken rage with systems going haywire. The reason is Wesley Crusher who was doing an experiment in nano-technology and some of his microscopic bots have gotten loose.
What to do with them? I'm afraid that I would agree with Jenkins that Captain Picard's first responsibility is the safety of ship and crew and they really can't afford philosophical debates whether this is a new life form.
With Gates McFadden on board again, Wil Wheaton is feeling abit itchy with mother around again. What 17 year old wouldn't? Usual mother and son problems that are universal.
Then the ship starts behaving like on a drunken rage with systems going haywire. The reason is Wesley Crusher who was doing an experiment in nano-technology and some of his microscopic bots have gotten loose.
What to do with them? I'm afraid that I would agree with Jenkins that Captain Picard's first responsibility is the safety of ship and crew and they really can't afford philosophical debates whether this is a new life form.
With Gates McFadden on board again, Wil Wheaton is feeling abit itchy with mother around again. What 17 year old wouldn't? Usual mother and son problems that are universal.
A New Season, A New Phase of the Show
Samuel-Shovel10 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In "Evolution" the Enterprise is hosting a scientist on a project to study a once in a lifetime phenomenon of a dual star system explosion. But when Wes starts tinkering with some nanobots that get loose and wreak havoc on the ship's computer, the mission is put into jeopardy and the crew must consider the ethics of dealing with this evolving life form.
We're onto Season 3, where many trekkies agree that the show's quality really improves. The sets look better, the crew gets spiffy new uniforms, the scripts are better.
The season premiere is okay though, we'll call it par for the course. It's a very Wes-centric episode which is usually unfortunate. We get the return of Dr. Crusher. While I'm glad to have her back, I had grown rather found of Pulaski towards the end of Season 2. Her character had improved a lot since her introduction.
This episode is pretty standard with no real twists or turns. It all gets solved a bit quickly and neatly in the end though. Data letting these lifeforms take over his body is a dangerous and foolhardy decision but it works out alright in this instance.
We get a fun guest appearance with the mean doctor from Scrubs who is obsessed with baseball for some reason. He's a scientist with a one track mind that almost ruins it for everyone. But in the end, Picard is able to deescalate the situation and save the day.
We're onto Season 3, where many trekkies agree that the show's quality really improves. The sets look better, the crew gets spiffy new uniforms, the scripts are better.
The season premiere is okay though, we'll call it par for the course. It's a very Wes-centric episode which is usually unfortunate. We get the return of Dr. Crusher. While I'm glad to have her back, I had grown rather found of Pulaski towards the end of Season 2. Her character had improved a lot since her introduction.
This episode is pretty standard with no real twists or turns. It all gets solved a bit quickly and neatly in the end though. Data letting these lifeforms take over his body is a dangerous and foolhardy decision but it works out alright in this instance.
We get a fun guest appearance with the mean doctor from Scrubs who is obsessed with baseball for some reason. He's a scientist with a one track mind that almost ruins it for everyone. But in the end, Picard is able to deescalate the situation and save the day.
Evolution of a series.
russem3116 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:50 - "Evolution" (Stardate: 43125.8) - this is the 2nd episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, though the 1st episode to air on TV and rightfully so, considering this is the episode that Dr. Beverly Crusher mentions she has come back from Starfleet medical (where she was during season 2). Dr. Crusher even questions her being onboard because she mentions that Wesley is the only Starfleet officer "with his mother onboard".
This episode has great use of music and great visual effects (especially at the beginning of the film when the Enterprise begins failing for some reason) while they try to launch a probe to study the rare explosion of a star in the Kavis Alpha Sector. Also, nice writing with the "egg" motif that runs though this episode.
Watch this "Evolution", it's a great one!
Trivia note: it's noted that a starship hasn't had a systemwide failure of the main computer in 79 years. Whoopi Goldberg also makes a comeback as Guinan (she notes "her husbands" - in Star Trek: Nemesis, she will mention she was married 23 times!). And, it is mentioned again how baseball became an extinct sport.
This episode has great use of music and great visual effects (especially at the beginning of the film when the Enterprise begins failing for some reason) while they try to launch a probe to study the rare explosion of a star in the Kavis Alpha Sector. Also, nice writing with the "egg" motif that runs though this episode.
Watch this "Evolution", it's a great one!
Trivia note: it's noted that a starship hasn't had a systemwide failure of the main computer in 79 years. Whoopi Goldberg also makes a comeback as Guinan (she notes "her husbands" - in Star Trek: Nemesis, she will mention she was married 23 times!). And, it is mentioned again how baseball became an extinct sport.
Do the evolution.
thevacinstaller13 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
An interesting episode. Sure, it has the jerk genius trope ---- but I am a fan of jerk genius trope. My takeaway on the episode was the message about the consequences of obsession. Wesley Crusher's obsession with his science experiment and Dr. Stubb's obsession with his 'egg'.
The nanite plot was interesting but lacked impact power. I supposed this design was on purpose to reflect the 'accident' theme to allow Picard to work out a diplomatic solution.
So, Wesley created a new life form? This has to be against some starfleet protocol? I guess 'Whoops, my bad' works.
Stubb's get to conduct his experience, the nannites get an entire world, Crusher doesn't destroy the enterprise and gets a date with a hot blonde for being an alpha and getting an A on his science experiment. Happy ending --- Let's go get some ice cream.
The nanite plot was interesting but lacked impact power. I supposed this design was on purpose to reflect the 'accident' theme to allow Picard to work out a diplomatic solution.
So, Wesley created a new life form? This has to be against some starfleet protocol? I guess 'Whoops, my bad' works.
Stubb's get to conduct his experience, the nannites get an entire world, Crusher doesn't destroy the enterprise and gets a date with a hot blonde for being an alpha and getting an A on his science experiment. Happy ending --- Let's go get some ice cream.
Evolution
Scarecrow-8817 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
An astrophysical research mission in a binary star system regarding a renowned scientist's study of the decay of neutronium using "an egg" he was responsible in construction that will study a massive stellar explosion at varying speeds will be in jeopardy thanks to Wesley Crusher's Starfleet Academy nanotechnological experiment, where two nanites were left free to escape on accident because the 17 year old ensign fell asleep. Dr. Stubbs (Ken Jenkins; portraying a highly-motivated genius completely determined to see his experiment carried out, with a rather large ego and desperation in seeing his lifelong work succeed without fail) will do his very level best in making sure that his egg is sent into a star, regardless of whether or not he might have to execute intelligent lifeforms (the nanites are reproducing and "exploring" throughout the computers of the Enterprise, in turn causing internal and external malfunctions with the shields continuing to go down, turbolift doors opening and closing wildly, sensors indicating a Borg vessel that isn't there, Sousa's Stars and Stripes Forever sounding on the Bridge loudly (!), among other things interrupting the mission at hand). When Stubbs uses gamma radiation to kill a group of nanites with phaser fire, Picard will have to find a way, with help from Data, to communicate with the surviving ones still alive to conduct a peaceful solution that will end the "conflict" and help the Enterprise in stopping their disruptions throughout the main computers causing all of the malfunctions. Data might can act as a conduit for the nanites to communicate. The episode also has Gates Mcfadden returning as Dr. Beverly Crusher, a year at Starfleet Medical has kept her from son Wesley so she wants to reconnect and understand how her son's life has been during her absence. However, she is concerned her presence on the ship will interfere with her son's growing and maturation process. Wesley also will have to admit his responsibility in all that has happened, although he is the one who led to the birth of a new species. Fun way to open the Third Season (some consider this the best season of the series, up for debate, but it is a great one), a welcome return for Mcfadden, with nice doses of humor, including all the crazy malfunctions on the Enterprise, and a great guest starring role for Ken Jenkins who has some tense moments with Counselor Troi over her attempts to "beam into his soul", wanting him to address the possibility that his egg might miss its launch into the star
he flat refuses to allow her access to his emotions, and even though can sense how he feels, Stubbs won't interact with her in a positive way. Sure he is deliberately guarded, willing to only share when necessary, although he does own up to his mistakes to the nanites when almost killed by them with an electrical charge. He also has some warm moments with Wesley, using baseball as an analogy for the sad failure that could result from not making history with his experiment in astrophysics.
Review 2022: Evolution
iamirwar12 August 2022
As I continue my journey through the STNG back catalogue in order to review the quality of the storylines and revisit some of my past favourite episodes I have to say that this episode: Evolution (S03 E01) is definitely a step up from many of those storylines of Season 2. At least the main story has its focus on the space aspects of Star Trek rather than the personal relationship stories which always leave me disappointed within minutes of the opening credits. This episode was not the best episode I have seen so far, but it is certainly an improvement on a few that have gone before. The graphics at the start of the episode are also of good quality.
Changes in Evolution
ShogaNinja6 October 2008
Warning: Spoilers
The beginning of the 3rd season marks a milestone for the series. As we all know the 3rd season was the final one in the Original Series. From this point on we will see TNG surpass its forebear and become a classic phenomenon in its own right as a series. With 4 movies, they never beat the record of 5 set by Kirk and the original crew(6 if you include Generations).
Changes to the series: Dr. Beverly Crusher returns from the cast after a season away as head of Starfleet Medical. She has a new shorter haircut and she looks as good as ever. From an acting perspective she doesn't miss a beat. Some of the crew are looking slightly older, in particular this is noticeable of Data who isn't supposed to change because he is an android (what a challenge from a producer's standpoint!).
The main theme song is comprised of two parts, the intro with Picard's Mission Statement, and the actual Theme song. Apparently the Intro's music changes each season - while the statement remains the same. The Intro changed after the first season by adding a droning bassline. In the 3rd season that drone has been modified to be less harsh and more of a background noise but it is still there. Also tinkling bell chimes have been added to the mix to give it depth. The intro video of the planets has changed dramatically, while the Enterprise shots were unchanged(possibly improved special effects is all). The show by this point is no longer skimping out on the special effects to save money.
We are entering the Golden Age of TNG.
Changes to the series: Dr. Beverly Crusher returns from the cast after a season away as head of Starfleet Medical. She has a new shorter haircut and she looks as good as ever. From an acting perspective she doesn't miss a beat. Some of the crew are looking slightly older, in particular this is noticeable of Data who isn't supposed to change because he is an android (what a challenge from a producer's standpoint!).
The main theme song is comprised of two parts, the intro with Picard's Mission Statement, and the actual Theme song. Apparently the Intro's music changes each season - while the statement remains the same. The Intro changed after the first season by adding a droning bassline. In the 3rd season that drone has been modified to be less harsh and more of a background noise but it is still there. Also tinkling bell chimes have been added to the mix to give it depth. The intro video of the planets has changed dramatically, while the Enterprise shots were unchanged(possibly improved special effects is all). The show by this point is no longer skimping out on the special effects to save money.
We are entering the Golden Age of TNG.
That one sentence...
ThunderingTim29 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
PLOT (SPOILERS)
About to achieve the obsessed Dr Stubbs' once-in-a-lifetime experiment the Enterprise begins to malfunction. Dr Stubbs feels connected to fellow genius Wesley, but it turns out fellow genius Wesley is responsible for everything, allowing 2 aggressive nano-robots to escape because he fell asleep. These nanites are now wreaking havoc on the ship and the mission, not to mention their lives, are in serious danger. Picard can remove them but refuses because he believes they are sentient. Dr Stubbs disagrees by effectively mass-murdering some of them. The nanites accept Data as a mediator and through him a peace settlement is reached, Dr Stubbs achieves his experiment and they warp away without so much as a slap on Wesley's wrist
THE GOOD STUFF
I was surprised other reviewers were so harsh on Dr Stubbs. I rather liked him but then again I also was alone in liking Kosinski. He doesn't fit in with Starflleet which makes him more real, more believable. I cheered him on when he refused Troi to mentally invade him -honestly he cannot be the only one who objects to this. Troi's habit of just scanning people without their permission is one of TNG's biggest irritations for me personally. I liked the bond he felt with Wesley. I liked Guinan in this episode. I liked the idea of the nanites. And for some part of the show, I finally began to like this more human and flawed Wesley.
THE BAD STUFF
That is of course, until he utters a sentence I fricking' hate. When Guinan catches him setting "mousetraps" he is forced to admit that everything is his fault. He looks so guilt-ridden and afraid what will happen I actually approved of him. But then Guinan, almost sarcastically, asks what he thinks of the grading for this disastrous experiment. Completely earnest, he responds with "I always get an A!" AAARRRGGGHHH are you kidding me? Are you KIDDING me? You almost destroyed your ship and still think you will get top marks? I almost liked him and he says that, returning to his softie know-it-all character we all know and despise. Even yelling at Dr Crusher doesn't rectify this. In the end, Wesley isn't blamed, even though, just to remind you, he fell asleep and nearly killed his crewmates, and no lesson is learned. If this was DS9 Odo would be hunting him down the Promenade.
I also disliked Dr Crusher's (yuck) return. She babbles on about her realization that (s)mothering Wesley is bad for him but does little else the entire episode. The end scene where, after deciding to let her son go more, she sees him with a girl and immediately questions Guinan about it is meant to be funny and make us happy that the lovable chagrin of a Pulaski has been replaced with this robotic plastic we call Dr Bev and horribly fails. I know she has fanboys but she doesn't have any depth as an actress or a character and barring one or two episodes the entire character could have been deleted and you would barely notice.
CONCLUSION
Perhaps not the spectacular show that was needed to kick off Season 3 but that season is the one that saw TNG finally escaping the long shadow of Kirk and Spock and give us quite a few good episodes. "The Defector" automatically comes to mind but there are many more. I like this episode, I liked Dr Stubbs, I liked someone finally telling Troi that she's rude and invasive, I liked Guinan and the nanites, I liked the weighing of nanites as a living people against the value of the experiment (Dr. Stubbs: "How many viruses have you killed, doctor? And at least that is a recognized form of life."). I even liked Wesley until he becomes arrogant and annoying again and while I wouldn't call this filler or unworthy of your time, the ending desperately needs Worf chastising Wesley with a Klingon pain stick so that a lesson is learned. I like it but it's not for everyone. 7/10
About to achieve the obsessed Dr Stubbs' once-in-a-lifetime experiment the Enterprise begins to malfunction. Dr Stubbs feels connected to fellow genius Wesley, but it turns out fellow genius Wesley is responsible for everything, allowing 2 aggressive nano-robots to escape because he fell asleep. These nanites are now wreaking havoc on the ship and the mission, not to mention their lives, are in serious danger. Picard can remove them but refuses because he believes they are sentient. Dr Stubbs disagrees by effectively mass-murdering some of them. The nanites accept Data as a mediator and through him a peace settlement is reached, Dr Stubbs achieves his experiment and they warp away without so much as a slap on Wesley's wrist
THE GOOD STUFF
I was surprised other reviewers were so harsh on Dr Stubbs. I rather liked him but then again I also was alone in liking Kosinski. He doesn't fit in with Starflleet which makes him more real, more believable. I cheered him on when he refused Troi to mentally invade him -honestly he cannot be the only one who objects to this. Troi's habit of just scanning people without their permission is one of TNG's biggest irritations for me personally. I liked the bond he felt with Wesley. I liked Guinan in this episode. I liked the idea of the nanites. And for some part of the show, I finally began to like this more human and flawed Wesley.
THE BAD STUFF
That is of course, until he utters a sentence I fricking' hate. When Guinan catches him setting "mousetraps" he is forced to admit that everything is his fault. He looks so guilt-ridden and afraid what will happen I actually approved of him. But then Guinan, almost sarcastically, asks what he thinks of the grading for this disastrous experiment. Completely earnest, he responds with "I always get an A!" AAARRRGGGHHH are you kidding me? Are you KIDDING me? You almost destroyed your ship and still think you will get top marks? I almost liked him and he says that, returning to his softie know-it-all character we all know and despise. Even yelling at Dr Crusher doesn't rectify this. In the end, Wesley isn't blamed, even though, just to remind you, he fell asleep and nearly killed his crewmates, and no lesson is learned. If this was DS9 Odo would be hunting him down the Promenade.
I also disliked Dr Crusher's (yuck) return. She babbles on about her realization that (s)mothering Wesley is bad for him but does little else the entire episode. The end scene where, after deciding to let her son go more, she sees him with a girl and immediately questions Guinan about it is meant to be funny and make us happy that the lovable chagrin of a Pulaski has been replaced with this robotic plastic we call Dr Bev and horribly fails. I know she has fanboys but she doesn't have any depth as an actress or a character and barring one or two episodes the entire character could have been deleted and you would barely notice.
CONCLUSION
Perhaps not the spectacular show that was needed to kick off Season 3 but that season is the one that saw TNG finally escaping the long shadow of Kirk and Spock and give us quite a few good episodes. "The Defector" automatically comes to mind but there are many more. I like this episode, I liked Dr Stubbs, I liked someone finally telling Troi that she's rude and invasive, I liked Guinan and the nanites, I liked the weighing of nanites as a living people against the value of the experiment (Dr. Stubbs: "How many viruses have you killed, doctor? And at least that is a recognized form of life."). I even liked Wesley until he becomes arrogant and annoying again and while I wouldn't call this filler or unworthy of your time, the ending desperately needs Worf chastising Wesley with a Klingon pain stick so that a lesson is learned. I like it but it's not for everyone. 7/10
A dull story to start
geffers10 June 2010
Warning: Spoilers
After the Season 2 ended with a we've - run - out - of - money episode that largely consisted of flashbacks, you would think the opener for Season 3 would be something special. What we get is a dose of stodginess, with long dull scenes, and a preachy moralistic tone.
The underlying story about nanites is just ludicrous, and of course we might have guessed it was all Wesley's fault. It's either he who saves the Enterprise, or he who destroys it - a sort of balance I suppose. Watching this episode straight after the end of the previous series - doesn't Data's face look older? A problem they eventually fix in Time's Arrow.
On the plus side though, the special effects in the opening are very beautiful, the Enterprise in orbit is gorgeously lit. Also nice to see Doctor Crusher back. The best is yet to come, but this episode is dull, dull and dull.
The underlying story about nanites is just ludicrous, and of course we might have guessed it was all Wesley's fault. It's either he who saves the Enterprise, or he who destroys it - a sort of balance I suppose. Watching this episode straight after the end of the previous series - doesn't Data's face look older? A problem they eventually fix in Time's Arrow.
On the plus side though, the special effects in the opening are very beautiful, the Enterprise in orbit is gorgeously lit. Also nice to see Doctor Crusher back. The best is yet to come, but this episode is dull, dull and dull.
"I have played seasons in my mind."
classicsoncall24 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Gates McFadden makes her return to 'Next Generation' following a one-year absence. It puts her somewhat at a disadvantage regarding her son Wesley's (Wil Wheaton) growing independence aboard the Enterprise as a junior officer gearing up for Starfleet Academy. In retrospect, it seems a little surprising that Wesley didn't get some sort of discipline for the trouble he caused with his runaway science experiment involving a couple of nanites that escaped his watch and began evolving so quickly and strongly that they tampered with the Enterprise's computer core. The playing out of this drama interfered with the lifelong goal of Dr. Paul Stubbs (Ken Jenkins), aboard the Enterprise to observe a once in two-decade star explosion that would have been a career capper. The nanites knew that Stubbs wanted to get rid of them, and formidably zapped him to demonstrate the sway they held over the Enterprise if they were threatened any further. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), caught in the middle between destroying the nanites to save his ship and conflicted over whether they were a life form or not, decided to have Data (Brent Spiner) act as a go-between, sort of a machine-to-machine contact that might avert a disaster. The plan worked, as we all knew it would, but it could have been curtains for Data if the nanites didn't cooperate. For their gracious understanding and need to expand into a larger environment, the nanite entity was transferred to the planet Kavis Alpha IV to continue their development, while Wesley pretty much got away scot-free!
P. S. That baseball game Dr. Stubbs was reliving - having named players Branca (Ralph), Dark (Alvin) and Thompson (Bobby), I'm going to assume he was referring to the 1951 playoff game between the New York Yankees and the New York Giants in which pitcher Ralph Branca of the Yankees gave up that walk-off home run to Bobby Thompson, the game winning hit that came to be known as 'the shot heard round the world'. Alvin Dark played for the same Giants team.
P. S. That baseball game Dr. Stubbs was reliving - having named players Branca (Ralph), Dark (Alvin) and Thompson (Bobby), I'm going to assume he was referring to the 1951 playoff game between the New York Yankees and the New York Giants in which pitcher Ralph Branca of the Yankees gave up that walk-off home run to Bobby Thompson, the game winning hit that came to be known as 'the shot heard round the world'. Alvin Dark played for the same Giants team.
Wesley's a daddy.
amusinghandle21 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
What we need is the sequel ---- Wesley crusher's science experiment has decided that organic life must be destroyed and wages a galactic war. Talk about consequences! Having Wesley talk to Guinan and then Mom and then ride off into the sunset with a hot blonde is the alternative path the episode took.
I like the performance of jerk doctor Stubbs. I get it --- The guy has spent his entire life focused on this one experiment and to have that in jeopardy would activate the flight or fight response.
See, this is how diplomacy should be. Sure, the nano life forms suffered a massacre but it's forgive and forget for the peace movement.
How do you react when you have created a new life form of machines? I would be filling my pants in concern of the potential fallout but I suppose letting them colonize a planet is the humanitarian way to go.
Maybe it's my fancy tv but this episode looks GOOD. We have a major upgrade from S2. Hell, they got even got new carpeting on the bridge! The visuals are crisp and sexy in comparison to the worn out VHS tape vibe that S1/S2 had.
It's an average episode that mechanically hits all the beats but it's not exactly keeping me on the edge of my seat.
I like the performance of jerk doctor Stubbs. I get it --- The guy has spent his entire life focused on this one experiment and to have that in jeopardy would activate the flight or fight response.
See, this is how diplomacy should be. Sure, the nano life forms suffered a massacre but it's forgive and forget for the peace movement.
How do you react when you have created a new life form of machines? I would be filling my pants in concern of the potential fallout but I suppose letting them colonize a planet is the humanitarian way to go.
Maybe it's my fancy tv but this episode looks GOOD. We have a major upgrade from S2. Hell, they got even got new carpeting on the bridge! The visuals are crisp and sexy in comparison to the worn out VHS tape vibe that S1/S2 had.
It's an average episode that mechanically hits all the beats but it's not exactly keeping me on the edge of my seat.
Devolution
machalekieran24 December 2020
Over the years there have been many guest appearances on Star Trek, some better than others, but few quite as irritating as Doctor Stubbs, a self proclaimed 'wunderkind' hellbent on completing a Federation approved science experiment. In an episode where an ever evolving micro organism invades the Enterprises' computer, debilitating it in the process, Stubbs serves as little more than an extra annoyance in everybody's ear, including the audience, as the crew scrambles to find an answer. The episodes conclusion isn't particularly clever or interesting, just another data ex machina moment. The only redeeming qualities about the episode is that the visual effects have taken a notable leap from previous seasons, and it is only guilty of being incredibly mediocre, unlike the offensively bad openings of previous seasons.
A slap in the face to Star Trek fans
skiop7 February 2016
Many of us are drawn to Star Trek because it depicts a universe where the individual is respected for what he or she is and can contribute, very different from our world where differences from the cultural norms and the pressure for those with such differences to "fit in" can make life very difficult.
In this episode, however, Dr. Crusher is worried that Wesley isn't acting like a normal 17-year-old. Of course, like many of us Trekkers, he's a geek without a personal life. According to the usual Star Trek philosophy that should be OK, but here it's seen as a problem. This episode's message to geeky 17-year-olds who would rather do science experiments than get into trouble is exactly the same as William Shatner's on Saturday Night Live.
Granted, this isn't the only time in Star Trek where this offensive theme is found. It is also found in the Voyager episode "Good Shepherd".
Plot A involving evolving nanites (hence the title) and an obnoxious scientist isn't much better.
In this episode, however, Dr. Crusher is worried that Wesley isn't acting like a normal 17-year-old. Of course, like many of us Trekkers, he's a geek without a personal life. According to the usual Star Trek philosophy that should be OK, but here it's seen as a problem. This episode's message to geeky 17-year-olds who would rather do science experiments than get into trouble is exactly the same as William Shatner's on Saturday Night Live.
Granted, this isn't the only time in Star Trek where this offensive theme is found. It is also found in the Voyager episode "Good Shepherd".
Plot A involving evolving nanites (hence the title) and an obnoxious scientist isn't much better.
Future ally against the Borg?
hawkianet19 July 2023
Won't try and re-state the well done reviews here.....
But I was always wondering after this episode, Could we see down the line a time where the struggle with the Borg is not going well, and then in the depth of despair, surprise step in the Nanites (maybe as Federation members or just back from outside) as a force that really have the ability to throw a wrench into the workings of the Borg.....
Yes, this being written 2023, so kind of comp to Avengers Endgame, "Cap, On your left!" or "Avengers assemble!!"
But the way Star Trek always has chances to bring things back in interesting ways, I just thought it worth mentioning...... And give Wesley some storyline, "The Creator", etc.
But I was always wondering after this episode, Could we see down the line a time where the struggle with the Borg is not going well, and then in the depth of despair, surprise step in the Nanites (maybe as Federation members or just back from outside) as a force that really have the ability to throw a wrench into the workings of the Borg.....
Yes, this being written 2023, so kind of comp to Avengers Endgame, "Cap, On your left!" or "Avengers assemble!!"
But the way Star Trek always has chances to bring things back in interesting ways, I just thought it worth mentioning...... And give Wesley some storyline, "The Creator", etc.
Another Repeat
anarchistica31 March 2020
Tiny things take control of the Enterprise and turn out to be a lifeform they have to try to communicate with. You know, like in the season 1 episode 'Homesoil'. And the situation is resolved peacefully after having them talk stiltedly - just like in 'Homesoil'. Sigh.
The whole Wesley story is pretty bad here. A simple science experiment turns out to be the ultimate weapon, easily taking over a gigantic spaceship within a matter of hours despite starting out as only two nanites. If this was at all possible, why aren't they better secured? Why does Wesley only get a slap on the wrist?
The other plot involves Dr. Kelso from Scrubs wanting to do an experiment he has one shot at. It's a bit more interesting but not much.
The whole Wesley story is pretty bad here. A simple science experiment turns out to be the ultimate weapon, easily taking over a gigantic spaceship within a matter of hours despite starting out as only two nanites. If this was at all possible, why aren't they better secured? Why does Wesley only get a slap on the wrist?
The other plot involves Dr. Kelso from Scrubs wanting to do an experiment he has one shot at. It's a bit more interesting but not much.
Hit and miss episode for me
snoozejonc11 June 2021
Enterprise plays host to an important scientific experiment in a binary star system.
I found this to be a fairly mediocre start to the third series with an unoriginal story and arguably quite flat character moments.
The plot involves Wesley working on a project that causes big problems for the Enterprise and it's current mission, but the way it unfolds is a retread of the first series episode 'Home Soil'. Similar to this episode it has decent sci-fi, but I found it's resolution to be equally as naff.
What makes 'Evolution' less enjoyable is the character of Dr Stubbs, who I found pretty whiny and irritating in virtually every scene aside from his interaction with Wesley. That being said his juxtaposition with Wesley works fairly well as a warning that this is how the boy may end up in the future if he focuses all his time and energy into work. For me though you need to actually care about this concept to enjoy the character arc.
Dr Beverly Crusher is back aboard the Enterprise which means there is no Dr Pulaski. I have to admit that based on the first two series I preferred Pulaski's character who is the more entertaining of the doctors, albeit slightly too much like Leonard McCoy than necessary.
On a more positive note I think the visuals are mostly great, particularly the images of the Enterprise reflecting the colours of the binary stars. It feels like the production values have strengthened during the third series.
All the regular cast give good performances but I mostly struggled with Ken Jenkins as Dr Stubbs who succeeds in annoying me but little else.
I found this to be a fairly mediocre start to the third series with an unoriginal story and arguably quite flat character moments.
The plot involves Wesley working on a project that causes big problems for the Enterprise and it's current mission, but the way it unfolds is a retread of the first series episode 'Home Soil'. Similar to this episode it has decent sci-fi, but I found it's resolution to be equally as naff.
What makes 'Evolution' less enjoyable is the character of Dr Stubbs, who I found pretty whiny and irritating in virtually every scene aside from his interaction with Wesley. That being said his juxtaposition with Wesley works fairly well as a warning that this is how the boy may end up in the future if he focuses all his time and energy into work. For me though you need to actually care about this concept to enjoy the character arc.
Dr Beverly Crusher is back aboard the Enterprise which means there is no Dr Pulaski. I have to admit that based on the first two series I preferred Pulaski's character who is the more entertaining of the doctors, albeit slightly too much like Leonard McCoy than necessary.
On a more positive note I think the visuals are mostly great, particularly the images of the Enterprise reflecting the colours of the binary stars. It feels like the production values have strengthened during the third series.
All the regular cast give good performances but I mostly struggled with Ken Jenkins as Dr Stubbs who succeeds in annoying me but little else.
Pretty dull.
planktonrules15 November 2014
A brilliant researcher's life work all rests on the next few days on the Enterprise. Dr. Stubbs' viability of his theories about the lives of suns will be put to the test when a binary star explodes. However, the ship soon begins to experience all sorts of random problems and it's as if the ship has gremlins. But, it turns out everything is Wesley's fault (THANKS, WES!!), as his school project on nano-bots is the reason for the problems. It seems that he accidentally let two loose and they are replicating like crazy and eating up the circuitry of the ship! Can the Enterprise purge itself of these micro-menaces? And, will poor Dr. Stubbs' life work be in vain?
The problem with this episode (like many of the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" shows) is completely stuck on the ship and is very static. Without a trip to a planet or any action, the program comes off as very dull. Not a terrible episode but clearly a sub-par one.
The problem with this episode (like many of the "Star Trek: The Next Generation" shows) is completely stuck on the ship and is very static. Without a trip to a planet or any action, the program comes off as very dull. Not a terrible episode but clearly a sub-par one.
Annoying but interesting overall.
smiledaydream14 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Dr. Stubbs is annoying and not in an entertaining way.
The look Wheaton makes when he sees the stellar explosion is great. He has the look of a handsome adult actor. I like his evolution which is part of this episode.
Leadership's solution to a critical problem is ridiculous. Good thing toilets didn't back up. Full of life forms they wouldn't want to destroy. But alls well that ends well, I suppose. I hope they didn't just create Borg 2.
The look Wheaton makes when he sees the stellar explosion is great. He has the look of a handsome adult actor. I like his evolution which is part of this episode.
Leadership's solution to a critical problem is ridiculous. Good thing toilets didn't back up. Full of life forms they wouldn't want to destroy. But alls well that ends well, I suppose. I hope they didn't just create Borg 2.
Writers made one character so irritating that it ruined the episode.
kfo949417 March 2014
In this episode, the first show of season three, Wesley class project goes wrong when he accidentally releases some small nanos (bug like) items throughout the Enterprise. What is happening is that the nanos are eating the ships computer and making the Enterprise perform in an awkward manner. Getting rid of the nanos is very simple but Picard believes that this may be a new life form and will not harm the nanos until more is learned. But communicating with the nanos will take some very odd turn when Data is used as a voice for the small bug-like items.
There is also another situation on board when the Federation sends Dr. Paul Stubbs on a mission to a star that is set to explode. Mr Stubbs lifetime work has been on this subject and now the nanos may make his life's work for naught. Stubbs is against protecting the nanos as it will halt something he will never again experience in his lifetime.
Ken Jenkins plays the stiff Doctor Stubbs but it seems that the writers made the character quite irritating. Why in the world Captain Picard let him in all the commander's meeting is beyond comprehension. The character was snobby, bitter and uninteresting. The character sucked most of the entertainment value out of the story making the episode less interesting. Due to its complicated conception this was not the best episode to start the season. Not one of the better episodes.
There is also another situation on board when the Federation sends Dr. Paul Stubbs on a mission to a star that is set to explode. Mr Stubbs lifetime work has been on this subject and now the nanos may make his life's work for naught. Stubbs is against protecting the nanos as it will halt something he will never again experience in his lifetime.
Ken Jenkins plays the stiff Doctor Stubbs but it seems that the writers made the character quite irritating. Why in the world Captain Picard let him in all the commander's meeting is beyond comprehension. The character was snobby, bitter and uninteresting. The character sucked most of the entertainment value out of the story making the episode less interesting. Due to its complicated conception this was not the best episode to start the season. Not one of the better episodes.
Unwatchable
daveiulee11 September 2020
Grossly immoral episode
loyalcitizenship12 July 2019
While the production values of this episode are quite good, the message is disturbing. And the portrayal of the main protagonist, Dr. Stubbs, is contrived to urge the audience into sympathizing with the writers' new age view of life.
The point of contention is how to relate to the replication and technical evolution of nano-electronics that accidentally infested the ship's computer and are causing havoc.
Dr. Stubbs - whether motivated by personal interests or a humanist-creationist philosophy or simple logic - insists that the nano virus be destroyed. The writers' on the other hand have gathered together the super-liberal forces of the cast (particularly Picard) to claim that these are possibly life forms, all because of their developing intelligence.
This philosophy is degrading to the human mind and absurd in its logic. Clearly, a machine - even if it can improve itself and develop better circuits and capabilities - remains a machine, an automaton, a mechanism that works by logical computation no different from the relays or switches or older pre-electronic age trains, calculators and telephone exchanges.
A human being or even animal life, has at its core an identity unconnected with improvements or illnesses that augment or deprecate it. The soul of a man - whether one can bring himself to believe it is from God or remains agnostic on this point - is a feeling identity with characteristic unique to it.
A computer, even with artificial intelligence, can only operate according to its programming and has no identity or feelings. An unwillingness to destroy it when necessary or simply desired, based on claims of life owing to mere intelligence - is a grossly immoral attitude and a threat to valuing and protecting true life forms.
The point of contention is how to relate to the replication and technical evolution of nano-electronics that accidentally infested the ship's computer and are causing havoc.
Dr. Stubbs - whether motivated by personal interests or a humanist-creationist philosophy or simple logic - insists that the nano virus be destroyed. The writers' on the other hand have gathered together the super-liberal forces of the cast (particularly Picard) to claim that these are possibly life forms, all because of their developing intelligence.
This philosophy is degrading to the human mind and absurd in its logic. Clearly, a machine - even if it can improve itself and develop better circuits and capabilities - remains a machine, an automaton, a mechanism that works by logical computation no different from the relays or switches or older pre-electronic age trains, calculators and telephone exchanges.
A human being or even animal life, has at its core an identity unconnected with improvements or illnesses that augment or deprecate it. The soul of a man - whether one can bring himself to believe it is from God or remains agnostic on this point - is a feeling identity with characteristic unique to it.
A computer, even with artificial intelligence, can only operate according to its programming and has no identity or feelings. An unwillingness to destroy it when necessary or simply desired, based on claims of life owing to mere intelligence - is a grossly immoral attitude and a threat to valuing and protecting true life forms.
A Senior Trekker writes.................
celineduchain7 January 2022
New uniforms, new credit sequence and Doctor Crusher returned to us but was Season 3 of The Next Generation really as good as we remember? Some of that enthusiasm may have have been generated by relief that the series had not been cancelled but the 1990's also heralded an era of considerably more stability behind the scenes. Senior Trekker will continue to score every episode with a 5.
In the UK from the early 1990's, the regular release of VHS tapes was speeded up and so, for the first time, we had a reliable source of Star Trek for home viewing. The back catalogue of TNG and the original Kirk era Trek became available at a very reasonable cost and missed episodes could at last be caught up with or re-watched. The Internet was still in its early stages and personal computers beyond the means (or understanding) of most people but fan magazines were available on every news stand and, what had up until then had more of a cult following, became part of mainstream entertainment.
Just as the Second Season of The Next Generation contained some surprisingly good episodes, not everything in Season 3 was as good as we remember. The twin hazards that threaten the crew of the Enterprise in this first episode, Evolution, involve an over-obsessive researcher being given access to the ship's systems and a teenager's science experiment gone wrong. Not a lot of fail-safes written in here then.
Some mention is made of Doctor Crusher's concern over being away from her son for a year but very little of the reason for her absence. Fan pressure may not have had as much influence on Gates McFadden's return as legend recounts but there is no doubt that this actress was better integrated into the crew "family" than her predecessor. Unfortunately, she had to wait a long time for her part to be well-written enough to make her a convincing medic but at least she was back aboard.
In the UK from the early 1990's, the regular release of VHS tapes was speeded up and so, for the first time, we had a reliable source of Star Trek for home viewing. The back catalogue of TNG and the original Kirk era Trek became available at a very reasonable cost and missed episodes could at last be caught up with or re-watched. The Internet was still in its early stages and personal computers beyond the means (or understanding) of most people but fan magazines were available on every news stand and, what had up until then had more of a cult following, became part of mainstream entertainment.
Just as the Second Season of The Next Generation contained some surprisingly good episodes, not everything in Season 3 was as good as we remember. The twin hazards that threaten the crew of the Enterprise in this first episode, Evolution, involve an over-obsessive researcher being given access to the ship's systems and a teenager's science experiment gone wrong. Not a lot of fail-safes written in here then.
Some mention is made of Doctor Crusher's concern over being away from her son for a year but very little of the reason for her absence. Fan pressure may not have had as much influence on Gates McFadden's return as legend recounts but there is no doubt that this actress was better integrated into the crew "family" than her predecessor. Unfortunately, she had to wait a long time for her part to be well-written enough to make her a convincing medic but at least she was back aboard.
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