This is one of those episodes that keeps us engaged all the way along. I have to say that I am bothered by how it ends (but I won't spoil that). This is a case of parry and thrust throughout. Riker is on a planet where suspected Romulan shenanigans are going on. The away team is overcome by heavy methane gas and pass out. When Riker wakes up, he is on board the Enterprise, but the crew (except for Data) have grown older. He, himself, has wrinkled skin and a bit of gray in his hair. Beverly looks older. He is told that he has been leading a life on board the ship, but has had a recurrence of a fever. He has lost sixteen years of his life. He can only remember that which happened before they went to that planet. It turns out he has a son and had a wife who died. The Romulans have become allies with the Federation and are kindly and outgoing. Something is wrong. There is a touching scene where he meets his son and tries to bond with him. Unfortunately, nothing brings back a single memory. Fascinating effort.
16 Reviews
A bit like "36 Hours"?!
planktonrules18 November 2014
Altarian Encephalitis--16 year gap
Riker is on an away team mission when they're beaming back to the ship. The beam-out appears to be going badly. Suddenly, Riker finds himself in the sick bay...and when he looks in the glass, he sees gray in his hair. He's now 16 years older...with no recollection of the last 16 years. Most of the crew looks familiar but older. There are also a few changes--such as a Ferengi bridge officer and Picard is an Admiral on a Romulan ship!! Obviously things have changed a lot...or, perhaps someone is just jerking with Riker for some ulterior motive. What's next?
As I watched this show, I kept thinking of the wonderful James Garner film "36 Hours". In it, Nazis capture and allied soldier and try to convince him that the war is over...in order to trick him into betraying secrets. It's all very complex and very exciting...as is this "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode. So what is REALLY happening in this case? Watch it yourself--it's well made and very interesting.
Riker is on an away team mission when they're beaming back to the ship. The beam-out appears to be going badly. Suddenly, Riker finds himself in the sick bay...and when he looks in the glass, he sees gray in his hair. He's now 16 years older...with no recollection of the last 16 years. Most of the crew looks familiar but older. There are also a few changes--such as a Ferengi bridge officer and Picard is an Admiral on a Romulan ship!! Obviously things have changed a lot...or, perhaps someone is just jerking with Riker for some ulterior motive. What's next?
As I watched this show, I kept thinking of the wonderful James Garner film "36 Hours". In it, Nazis capture and allied soldier and try to convince him that the war is over...in order to trick him into betraying secrets. It's all very complex and very exciting...as is this "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episode. So what is REALLY happening in this case? Watch it yourself--it's well made and very interesting.
Messing with Riker episode #1
thevacinstaller23 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Well execute episode of an alien orphan completely messing up Riker's brain because he/she is lonely.
Interesting to see an alternative reality for Riker. Part of the fun is knowing that something does not add up throughout the entirety of the episode but not knowing what it actually is.
Riker's a solid actor. He get's overshadowed by some heavy hitters in TNG but he's consistently Rikeresque throughout the TNG run.
I do not believe I would as forgiving as Riker was at the end of this episode --- but it is very starfleet ---- I just don't know if being lonely is an acceptable reason for commandernapping Riker and having him live out the rest of his life (?) in an alternative reality. Ah, but kids will be kids I suppose.
The alien kid looks very TOS ---- that was a nice call back.
Interesting to see an alternative reality for Riker. Part of the fun is knowing that something does not add up throughout the entirety of the episode but not knowing what it actually is.
Riker's a solid actor. He get's overshadowed by some heavy hitters in TNG but he's consistently Rikeresque throughout the TNG run.
I do not believe I would as forgiving as Riker was at the end of this episode --- but it is very starfleet ---- I just don't know if being lonely is an acceptable reason for commandernapping Riker and having him live out the rest of his life (?) in an alternative reality. Ah, but kids will be kids I suppose.
The alien kid looks very TOS ---- that was a nice call back.
Beware Romulans . . .
russem3122 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:82 - "Future Imperfect" (Stardate: 44286.5) - this is the 8th episode of the 4th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In this Riker episode, when he leads an away team to investigate a suspected Romulan base near the Neuteral Zone, he and the others are overcome by a poisonous gas. When he wakes up, he finds out it is 16 years later with no memory of those years! 16 years into the future, he is now Captain of the Enterprise, with Picard now an Ambassador. Geordi now has no visor, Troi is no longer counselor of the Enterprise and now wears a blue commander uniform (which foreshadows her wearing it in the latter seasons), peace is about to be made with the Romulans (through Ambassador Tomalak - played again by the late Andreas Katsulas) and there is a Ferengi at the Enterprise helm! However, things are not what they seem to be as Riker finds out slowly but surely.
Trivia note: Patti Yasutake makes her first of many appearances as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa. We see Riker play the trombone (not too perfectly) at his birthday party. And Carolyn McCormick returns as Minuet.
Also, it's interesting to note that 12 years after this episode (which takes place in our 1990), the Enterprise helped a Romulan vessel in its distress, which paved the way for the peace talks now. The same thing happened in Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) when the Enterprise and the Romulans worked together to stop Shinzon - exactly 12 years since this 1990 episode!
In this Riker episode, when he leads an away team to investigate a suspected Romulan base near the Neuteral Zone, he and the others are overcome by a poisonous gas. When he wakes up, he finds out it is 16 years later with no memory of those years! 16 years into the future, he is now Captain of the Enterprise, with Picard now an Ambassador. Geordi now has no visor, Troi is no longer counselor of the Enterprise and now wears a blue commander uniform (which foreshadows her wearing it in the latter seasons), peace is about to be made with the Romulans (through Ambassador Tomalak - played again by the late Andreas Katsulas) and there is a Ferengi at the Enterprise helm! However, things are not what they seem to be as Riker finds out slowly but surely.
Trivia note: Patti Yasutake makes her first of many appearances as Nurse Alyssa Ogawa. We see Riker play the trombone (not too perfectly) at his birthday party. And Carolyn McCormick returns as Minuet.
Also, it's interesting to note that 12 years after this episode (which takes place in our 1990), the Enterprise helped a Romulan vessel in its distress, which paved the way for the peace talks now. The same thing happened in Star Trek: Nemesis (2002) when the Enterprise and the Romulans worked together to stop Shinzon - exactly 12 years since this 1990 episode!
Shall we end this charade?
snoozejonc11 July 2021
Riker wakes to find himself 15 years into the future.
This is an enjoyable episode with a compelling plot and some fun characterisations.
The story contains a clever idea that twists and turns very well as it unfolds. Although you know better than to take any of what's happening to Riker at face value, it is entertaining watching his interaction with regular characters in a different circumstance and to see him figure everything out.
I enjoyed the concept of the TNG characters fifteen years beyond the show's timeline, particularly Admiral Picard, the crew's set-up and the attitude towards the Romulans.
The final resolution is quite satisfying and I have to admit that I never guessed what was coming. Whether that means the writing is good or that I was slow on the uptake is debatable.
Visually it works well with some decent creature costuming and subtle makeovers to the regular cast. Picard looks like Lenin, which is ironic in the fact that Patrick Stewart once played him.
All performances are solid, with Jonathan Frakes leading well and other cast members playing a slight variation on their usual characters. Chris Demetral and Andreas Katsulas both give strong guest performances.
This is an enjoyable episode with a compelling plot and some fun characterisations.
The story contains a clever idea that twists and turns very well as it unfolds. Although you know better than to take any of what's happening to Riker at face value, it is entertaining watching his interaction with regular characters in a different circumstance and to see him figure everything out.
I enjoyed the concept of the TNG characters fifteen years beyond the show's timeline, particularly Admiral Picard, the crew's set-up and the attitude towards the Romulans.
The final resolution is quite satisfying and I have to admit that I never guessed what was coming. Whether that means the writing is good or that I was slow on the uptake is debatable.
Visually it works well with some decent creature costuming and subtle makeovers to the regular cast. Picard looks like Lenin, which is ironic in the fact that Patrick Stewart once played him.
All performances are solid, with Jonathan Frakes leading well and other cast members playing a slight variation on their usual characters. Chris Demetral and Andreas Katsulas both give strong guest performances.
James Garner 36 Hours Revisited
mahler-1984023 December 2021
Sinister until proven touching.
gilbertayres21 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This episode was a little weird but also heartwarming at the same time. I knew from the moment Riker woke up and is filled in by Dr. Crusher that something wasn't "real" about the situation which rather spoiled things, although the suspense of "just what is real" will have you rethinking everything in the second half, and the resolution is actually rather touching. I'll give it away here: a little grey alien whose entire species had been wiped out by the Romulans wanted a flesh and blood companion, and chose Riker. Have to admit, I would have too!
A real different universe
bkoganbing31 May 2020
Fans of Star Trek prime will see some resemblances to the original pilot with Jeffrey Hunter as as Captain Christopher Pike. For myself In see a strong resemblance to the James Garner classic film 36 Hours.
Jonathan Frakes is overcome with methane gas and gets quite an opening surprise in that he's aged 17 years and is now Captain of the Enterprise. and that he was about to enter delicate negotiations with the Romulans, ???????But that's hardly the end of it.
Riker in that time was married and widowed and now has a son Chris Demetral. But like James Garner there's a slip made and we get part of the real story.
As for Chris Demetral he has the Eva Marie Saint role from 36 Hours and the Susan Oliver role from Star Trek prime.
See 36 Hours and you''ll know what I tak about.
Jonathan Frakes is overcome with methane gas and gets quite an opening surprise in that he's aged 17 years and is now Captain of the Enterprise. and that he was about to enter delicate negotiations with the Romulans, ???????But that's hardly the end of it.
Riker in that time was married and widowed and now has a son Chris Demetral. But like James Garner there's a slip made and we get part of the real story.
As for Chris Demetral he has the Eva Marie Saint role from 36 Hours and the Susan Oliver role from Star Trek prime.
See 36 Hours and you''ll know what I tak about.
Future Unwanted
Mr-Fusion29 September 2016
'Future Imperfect' relies on a sci-fi hook that I'd seen years earlier on an episode of "Batman: The Animated Series" (Mad Hatter tried something very similar), so the big twist during the closing moments was robbed of some of its impact. Although, it's still pretty sad.
Either way, this is all about Riker living out a fantasy; the Enterprise is his, he has a son, everything's all sunshine and waffle cones. But in the end, it's all a ruse; a tragic one, but artificial nonetheless.
I guess I've always liked this episode because I like this character; or maybe it's Jonathan Frakes I've taken to, I'm not sure). And it's nice to have a glimpse into his idea of domestic bliss and how he'd act in a parental capacity, comparing himself to his own father and whatnot.
After all is said and done, the real appeal isn't how the fantasy is constructed, but why.
7/10
Either way, this is all about Riker living out a fantasy; the Enterprise is his, he has a son, everything's all sunshine and waffle cones. But in the end, it's all a ruse; a tragic one, but artificial nonetheless.
I guess I've always liked this episode because I like this character; or maybe it's Jonathan Frakes I've taken to, I'm not sure). And it's nice to have a glimpse into his idea of domestic bliss and how he'd act in a parental capacity, comparing himself to his own father and whatnot.
After all is said and done, the real appeal isn't how the fantasy is constructed, but why.
7/10
"What else do you remember, Captain?"
classicsoncall21 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
This felt like one of those DC Comics imaginary tales from back in the Sixties where Superman would find himself in some oddball situation and the reader wouldn't be made aware of it until the very end, or one of those Mr. Mxyzptlk stories where the imp from the Fifth Dimension would bedevil the Man of Steel until he was tricked into saying his name backwards. Even so, it was a real life situation for Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes), fooled for a time believing he might have been in a coma for a few days and lost all memory going back sixteen years to an event that occurred on planet Alpha Onias III. With personnel changes aboard the Enterprise, he finds himself addressed by Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) as Captain Riker, and we learn that Jean-Luc Picard is now an admiral aboard the Romulan vessel Decius, with Deanna Troi alongside him as counselor!! The surprises don't end there either, as soon enough he finds out he has a son, and that his wife died two years earlier. It's not until he views a personal history log of his lost years that Riker realizes he's in a rigged game, because the wife he didn't remember only ever existed in a holodeck simulation. The whole ruse was concocted by the Romulans, posing as allies of the Federation, in an effort to learn the location of Federation Outpost Twenty Three where secret defense system information was said to be stored. With the Romulans exposed, things are restored to normal aboard the Enterprise, although that doesn't fully explain the presence of the alien Barash on hand posing as Riker's son. He would have had to be in league with the Romulans, but that didn't seem to be the case, as his transformation back to alien form mimicked in reverse the finale of the original Star Trek series story, 'The Corbomite Maneuver'.
An Inception-like Premise
Samuel-Shovel10 December 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In "Future Imperfect" after a mission on an unexplored planet goes awry, Riker wakes up to find himself thrust into the future, a future where he is captain of the Enterprise and brokering a peace treaty between the Federation and the Romulans. But something is not quite right...
We haven't had a good mystery episode of TNG so this was a refreshing change of pace from the family dramas that have been the focal point of practically every episode of the season thus far. I genuinely didn't see the second twist coming. Maybe this episode isn't as exciting once you know the twist but I guess that's an issue with every mystery... Definitely worth the watch though.
We haven't had a good mystery episode of TNG so this was a refreshing change of pace from the family dramas that have been the focal point of practically every episode of the season thus far. I genuinely didn't see the second twist coming. Maybe this episode isn't as exciting once you know the twist but I guess that's an issue with every mystery... Definitely worth the watch though.
Good premise, but lacking at the end
cfefnir11 November 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I enjoyed this episode and the psychological terror component of it. Waking up 16 years in the future with no memory of what has happened is terrifying.
Then, it slowly starts to show that it is not real life but more and more looks like a Romulan simulation. Obviously! They wanted to spy into the Federation secrets again.
Then the plot thickens with a simulation inside a simulation, and the secret of what they wanted being even more obscure.
Finally I got disappointed at the end with the alien being just wanting some company. Why did him involved the Romulans and a so much convoluted story for? It wouldn't have been easier to just create a perfect fantasy world? Another case of "good premise, bad resolution"
Then, it slowly starts to show that it is not real life but more and more looks like a Romulan simulation. Obviously! They wanted to spy into the Federation secrets again.
Then the plot thickens with a simulation inside a simulation, and the secret of what they wanted being even more obscure.
Finally I got disappointed at the end with the alien being just wanting some company. Why did him involved the Romulans and a so much convoluted story for? It wouldn't have been easier to just create a perfect fantasy world? Another case of "good premise, bad resolution"
A twist too far.
maiaemmett4 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Most of this episode was great, all the way up until the last five minutes. The characterization of everybody on the future Enterprise was all very uncanny let alone the question as to why most of the crew is unchanged after sixteen years. All the little hiccups and glitches, all the wrong things adding up to increasing suspicion was great. I half expected the boy to find a way to ask about the starbase. It becomes easy to guess that the Romulans had taken Riker but I don't mind a twist that you can figure out with the clues being dropped. The last five minutes gets rid of the Romulans altogether for some kid doing space magic. The ending twist was a huge let down honestly. Would have been a fairly solid episode otherwise.
REVIEW 2022
iamirwar5 September 2022
Wil Rikers the birthday-boy and he's got his trombone out. We're conducting a security survey in the Onias sector near the Neutral Zone. Despite our proximity to Romulan territory, all is quiet, all is calm. Unusual fluctuations in subspace frequencies, are we being probed? Could it be a secret Romulan base on the third planet of the Alpha Onias system?
Number One assembles an away team and pops down to the surface. Suffocating toxic-gasses knock the away team out. When Wil regains consciousness he is in sick bay back on board the Enterprise. But things do seem a little off.
It has to be accepted that Season Four is a leap-forward in quality stories. Characters have more depth, plot lines have many layers to them. It is clear that the ensemble cast are comfortable in their roles and at ease with the characters that they portray. Step by step we also get to learn a little more about each of these characters. Every nuance, smell, sound... Would I rate this episode among the better episodes of this season?
NO. But only because there are already so many nuggets to choose from.
So, what did Riker wish for?
Number One assembles an away team and pops down to the surface. Suffocating toxic-gasses knock the away team out. When Wil regains consciousness he is in sick bay back on board the Enterprise. But things do seem a little off.
It has to be accepted that Season Four is a leap-forward in quality stories. Characters have more depth, plot lines have many layers to them. It is clear that the ensemble cast are comfortable in their roles and at ease with the characters that they portray. Step by step we also get to learn a little more about each of these characters. Every nuance, smell, sound... Would I rate this episode among the better episodes of this season?
NO. But only because there are already so many nuggets to choose from.
So, what did Riker wish for?
Set in the future but the script reads like it's from the past
christopher-m-collins24 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
This episode is interesting, I enjoyed the premise. But even for the time when it aired some of the dialogue sounds very dated. In particular are referring to Riker's wife as "Mrs. William T Riker" - Removing her first and last name, sounds really strange. I realize that it was done for the purposes of the storytelling, since he was not supposed to know the name, but it kind of broke the immersion in the story for me. I can't imagine anyone would refer to a woman that way hundreds of years in the future, because progressive people didn't do it even in 1994.
A Senior trekker writes......................
celineduchain22 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Season 4 contains the 80th episode of The Next Generation, at which point it surpassed the output of the Original Series. A number of extended themes played out during this season delving into both the political backdrop and the personal lives of the crew. These continuing storylines proved extremely popular, however they did not detract from the use of Science Fiction to tell interesting stories. Senior Trekker continues to score every episode with a 5.
Well, every one's getting to meet up with previously unseen family members this season so why not Will Riker?
He wakes up in sickbay from an apparent injury to be told he has lost 16 years of memory. The passage of time is subtly indicated by the crew's slightly grey-tinted hair and new style com-badges. All, that is, except Admiral Picard, who seems to have grown considerably more hair in the interim. Hilarious. Of course, it's all an illusion, which Riker discovers when he sees a picture of his dead wife, Min, who turns out to be Minuet, a holo-character from Season 1.
The story of the lonely alien manipulating a human's psyche in a desperate attempt to find companionship is not a bad one and the boy who plays the part, experienced child actor Chris Demetral, is appropriately spooky. It's great to see Carolyn McCormick back, however briefly and we also get to meet the charming Patti Yasutake for the first time.
Nonetheless, whoever decided to have the final reveal show an big-eyed Area 51 style alien, looking like nothing so much as a cheap trick-or-treat costume, deserves to never work in the business again. For the longest time, the Andorians were kept off of our screens because the producers thought that antennae looked hokey. They should all have been forced to put a poster of the Barash alien on their office walls.
Well, every one's getting to meet up with previously unseen family members this season so why not Will Riker?
He wakes up in sickbay from an apparent injury to be told he has lost 16 years of memory. The passage of time is subtly indicated by the crew's slightly grey-tinted hair and new style com-badges. All, that is, except Admiral Picard, who seems to have grown considerably more hair in the interim. Hilarious. Of course, it's all an illusion, which Riker discovers when he sees a picture of his dead wife, Min, who turns out to be Minuet, a holo-character from Season 1.
The story of the lonely alien manipulating a human's psyche in a desperate attempt to find companionship is not a bad one and the boy who plays the part, experienced child actor Chris Demetral, is appropriately spooky. It's great to see Carolyn McCormick back, however briefly and we also get to meet the charming Patti Yasutake for the first time.
Nonetheless, whoever decided to have the final reveal show an big-eyed Area 51 style alien, looking like nothing so much as a cheap trick-or-treat costume, deserves to never work in the business again. For the longest time, the Andorians were kept off of our screens because the producers thought that antennae looked hokey. They should all have been forced to put a poster of the Barash alien on their office walls.
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