Patrick Stewart once said that Brent Spiner was the best actor he ever worked with. This episode is one shining example of why he said that. The trope of "imported multiple personalities" has been used in virtually every sci fi series in memory, but few actors are as capable of pulling it off. He is.
40 Reviews
Too many questions, no real answers.
gilbertayres9 October 2018
The basic idea of this episode is really very interesting, but the conclusion/solution is never fully fleshed out and the motivation of the "villain" such as it is, is never logically presented. In the beginning we get some really interesting ideas, like the signs and one of them meaning death, but the solution isn't so much simple as too easy. The biggest problem with this episode is that it really could have been more interesting, an alien civilization is dumping artefacts everywhere. Why? We never find out! Apparently Data is taken over by well over a thousand personalities, why? We never find out! How is Picard able to so easily trick whatever force is behind all of this? We never find out! Too many questions, no real answers.
Not the greatest, but still worth a watch.
lolita-minako7 February 2014
Warning: Spoilers
After such a great run of episodes in seasons 5 to the 16th episode of the seventh and final season of TNG, this 17th episode was rather lackluster. The plot (the Enterprise is, essentially, taken over and transformed into an ancient culture) lacks the depth we've come to expect from the latter seasons' episodes.
However, I will *not* suggest the casual viewer to skip this episode, and it is also the reason for my generous 7/10 rating.
Quite simply, it is worth a watch for Brent Spiner's performance. In the episode, Data suffers similar effects as the Enterprise, only he is taking the personalities of ancient people. Several personalities, which Spiner seamlessly transitions into in a way that seems so natural and effortless. It is truly a pleasure to watch. Brent Spiner is quite the actor, and it was refreshing to see him show his stuff!
It is truly worth the watch for his performance alone, and it is a shame they couldn't develop the plot to match his dynamic. It it had been, this could have easily been one of the best episodes, instead of the opposite.
However, I will *not* suggest the casual viewer to skip this episode, and it is also the reason for my generous 7/10 rating.
Quite simply, it is worth a watch for Brent Spiner's performance. In the episode, Data suffers similar effects as the Enterprise, only he is taking the personalities of ancient people. Several personalities, which Spiner seamlessly transitions into in a way that seems so natural and effortless. It is truly a pleasure to watch. Brent Spiner is quite the actor, and it was refreshing to see him show his stuff!
It is truly worth the watch for his performance alone, and it is a shame they couldn't develop the plot to match his dynamic. It it had been, this could have easily been one of the best episodes, instead of the opposite.
I can't believe the bad reviews...
MisuBisu14 February 2011
This may not have been a ten out of ten plot/story-line, but it certainly was a engaging episode. The one thing I truly loved about this episode, was that it gave Brent Spiner the ability to truly demonstrate his acting ability.
Any actor that can portray multiple personalities, and do it in a way where you believe that each persona is a unique and different individual, truly is a great actor. The emotional struggle, between the competing personalities was also portrayed in a believable way.
It's been a while since I have watched this episode, so I can't go into more detail about the story-line... but reading the negative reviews, I felt I had to say something in its defense.
Spiner's performance in this episode has always stayed with me!
Any actor that can portray multiple personalities, and do it in a way where you believe that each persona is a unique and different individual, truly is a great actor. The emotional struggle, between the competing personalities was also portrayed in a believable way.
It's been a while since I have watched this episode, so I can't go into more detail about the story-line... but reading the negative reviews, I felt I had to say something in its defense.
Spiner's performance in this episode has always stayed with me!
An indie play not a TV show
Hughmanity16 July 2020
Brent Spiner (Data) is a great actor, that is not in doubt. Sometimes the writers rightly try to play to those strengths by allowing him emotion chips or having him play Lore or other characters with more range. In this case he's given a multiple personality disorder which could have worked had they gone to a set outside the ship and ultimately shown who was behind his personalities. As it was, it's just the core cast on the same old Enterprise sets and it played out like kabuki theater.
I liked it.
stevesheldon-2255712 January 2022
I noticed the low rating before watching it, and therefore was primed to skip to the next episode, but it held my interest all the way through.
Highlights for me were Brent Spiner's various characters; he is definitely the best actor in this series and I enjoyed watching him dip into his repertoire of faces and voices. Also, the conversation about symbols used by ancient civilizations I found interesting.
I understand that this isn't enough for a lot of people, and I don't imagine I'll ever watch it again. If you're not a big Data fan you might want to give it a miss.
Highlights for me were Brent Spiner's various characters; he is definitely the best actor in this series and I enjoyed watching him dip into his repertoire of faces and voices. Also, the conversation about symbols used by ancient civilizations I found interesting.
I understand that this isn't enough for a lot of people, and I don't imagine I'll ever watch it again. If you're not a big Data fan you might want to give it a miss.
No Earthly Sense
Hitchcoc13 October 2014
Somehow, an Aztec-like culture invades the enterprise. They start by transporting artifacts and then use Data as a conduit to express their purposes. Why go through this whole complex procedure. Why not just do their will. Data begins to exhibit multiple personalities and Picard carries on discourse with him in an attempt to figure out what is going on. At least the Captain has been shown to be a true student of archaeology, a cosmic interpreter of mythology, an intergalactic Joseph Campbell. This gives him some sort of credibility. However, the whole thing bogs down when the creature/creatures become true forces. The solution is so simplistic. The conclusion is the worst of any episode I've seen. Watch at your own risk, although Brent Spiner is quite wonderful with his use of voices and his physicality. His Commander Data is one of the most entertaining and creative characters in all of science fiction.
Data possessed
Tweekums19 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
This episode opens in the Enterprise's classroom as the children are being taught to use their imagination to create objects out of clay; along with the children there is Data; his work is technically good but shows no imagination whatsoever. The Enterprise's latest mission is to investigate a rogue eighty seven million year old comet; as the ship draws alongside and starts scanning something strange starts to happen; objects start appearing aboard the ship; odd symbols are on the computer screens and Data becomes more creative. It isn't long before stranger things happen; a symbol appears on Data's forehead and he takes on the personality of somebody who warns that 'Masaka is coming'. As the story progresses Data shows more and more personalities and an attempt to investigate what is in the comet leads to the discovery of a large structure. More and more parts of the Enterprise are converted into what looks like a South American temple; if they are to stop the entire ship changing they will have to find 'Masaka' and then discover how to make her leave.
Despite all the negative reviews I rather enjoyed this episode although I can see why others didn't. I liked the idea of the archives of an ancient culture being hidden within a very old comet and there was a sense of mystery as various artefacts started appearing on the Enterprise. The highlight though was seeing Data possessed by various personalities the always reliable Brent Spiner excels here as he gets to show a greater than usual acting range. The way he warns that 'Masaka is coming' was rather creepy even if every time Masaka was mentioned I though the name sounded too like 'Moussaka'! The ending was a bit disappointing as the Enterprise reverts to normal almost instantly once Masaka is dealt with. Overall the episode may not be perfect but it is far from the worst episode and if nothing else it is worth watching to see Data's various possessing personalities.
Despite all the negative reviews I rather enjoyed this episode although I can see why others didn't. I liked the idea of the archives of an ancient culture being hidden within a very old comet and there was a sense of mystery as various artefacts started appearing on the Enterprise. The highlight though was seeing Data possessed by various personalities the always reliable Brent Spiner excels here as he gets to show a greater than usual acting range. The way he warns that 'Masaka is coming' was rather creepy even if every time Masaka was mentioned I though the name sounded too like 'Moussaka'! The ending was a bit disappointing as the Enterprise reverts to normal almost instantly once Masaka is dealt with. Overall the episode may not be perfect but it is far from the worst episode and if nothing else it is worth watching to see Data's various possessing personalities.
An uninteresting and confusing story.
kfo949410 March 2014
Just guessing but I assume that most people that review this episode are fans of series and would rate higher than an independent reviewer. But if we can be honest about this particular episode, then this show was lacking in so many ways. And after watching the episode on two occasions, this was more about the many acting abilities of Brent Spiner than an entertaining view by the public.
When the Enterprise investigates a passing comet they find inside a mysterious religion facility deep inside the comet. Somehow the passing facility invades the Enterprise's computers plus Data's computer mind making the facility able to communicate with the crew by means of several strange characters that are projected through Data's computer brain. While the Enterprise is being transformed into a ancient alien city, Data's computer mind will hold the key to how Captain Picard can communicate with the forces that are holding the Enterprise.
Brent Spiner did his best at playing several characters but it was not enough to make the story interesting. In fact it was distracting seeing Data change into so many characters in which some had no relevance to the on-going problem the crew was facing.
Thinking I may have missed some important information during my first view, I watch the episode for a second time. Much to my chagrin the second viewing was worse than the first. Nothing had been missed. This was an uninteresting and confusing story that had little action and even less sense. Even being a fan of the series, this was one of the poorest offerings in the entire collection.
When the Enterprise investigates a passing comet they find inside a mysterious religion facility deep inside the comet. Somehow the passing facility invades the Enterprise's computers plus Data's computer mind making the facility able to communicate with the crew by means of several strange characters that are projected through Data's computer brain. While the Enterprise is being transformed into a ancient alien city, Data's computer mind will hold the key to how Captain Picard can communicate with the forces that are holding the Enterprise.
Brent Spiner did his best at playing several characters but it was not enough to make the story interesting. In fact it was distracting seeing Data change into so many characters in which some had no relevance to the on-going problem the crew was facing.
Thinking I may have missed some important information during my first view, I watch the episode for a second time. Much to my chagrin the second viewing was worse than the first. Nothing had been missed. This was an uninteresting and confusing story that had little action and even less sense. Even being a fan of the series, this was one of the poorest offerings in the entire collection.
Better on paper
ashleyannkennedy26 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode seemed like it probably had a lot of potential at the drawing board. Combine the weird probe thing that made Picard live a whole lifetime with a more nefarious purpose and a horrible amalgamation of Picard's archaeology passion, add in some terrible amalgamation of mesoamerican culture and Brent Spiner's amazing performance and voilà!
In reality, we got an arthouse play that had some weird BDSM tension between Picard and Data that left me wondering whether there's something more going on between the two than meets the eye...
In reality, we got an arthouse play that had some weird BDSM tension between Picard and Data that left me wondering whether there's something more going on between the two than meets the eye...
I could not engage........
hmoika21 May 2018
I agree with various points made from several reviewers.
Yes, Brent Spiner did a great job with this one.....but I still felt somewhat embarrassed for him as an actor----given the feeble script.
Yes, I would much rather watch "Spock's Brain" than this episode.
To my credit, I was able to watch it all the way through. But never again.
It just seemed to be embarrassingly bad.
I could not engage.
Yes, Brent Spiner did a great job with this one.....but I still felt somewhat embarrassed for him as an actor----given the feeble script.
Yes, I would much rather watch "Spock's Brain" than this episode.
To my credit, I was able to watch it all the way through. But never again.
It just seemed to be embarrassingly bad.
I could not engage.
I wish it had gone into more depth!
klakkara3 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I really liked this episode of STNG, but I felt it was a bit short! I wish they had gone into more detail. Why did the civilization build a structure that took over nearby ships? Was it the last achievement of a planet who's star was going supernova? If they could have built that, why not build a spaceship to carry them away?
It seemed like a lot of the parts of the episode were cut out - in the other episodes there were much better explanations of what went on. In this episode they really skipped out on explaining the significance of the characters Data played - names that ihat was the comet, masaka as a star going supernova (at least, that is what it seemed like to me), her father as the discarded remains, etc. I just wish they had taken more time to explain it.
It seemed like a lot of the parts of the episode were cut out - in the other episodes there were much better explanations of what went on. In this episode they really skipped out on explaining the significance of the characters Data played - names that ihat was the comet, masaka as a star going supernova (at least, that is what it seemed like to me), her father as the discarded remains, etc. I just wish they had taken more time to explain it.
it's just fun to watch
linus-7695010 January 2023
So, this episode is about some ancient probe or something transforming the Enterprise into some sort of temple? I don't really know what's going on there. But it is one of those episodes that I can just enjoy watching without thinking to hard.
The episode might be considered pointless. It does not contain any meaningful character development, it is not very interesting on a philosophical level and it is definitely not emotionally touching.
But it is highly entertaining. Even though it is often considered one of the weakest episodes of the series, I just love it for being absurd. It also contains some cool set design. I liked that.
So yeah, I would definitely recommend this episode, just because it will never leave you bored.
The episode might be considered pointless. It does not contain any meaningful character development, it is not very interesting on a philosophical level and it is definitely not emotionally touching.
But it is highly entertaining. Even though it is often considered one of the weakest episodes of the series, I just love it for being absurd. It also contains some cool set design. I liked that.
So yeah, I would definitely recommend this episode, just because it will never leave you bored.
Not the worst-- but damn close!
Qanqor25 January 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Some are comparing this episode to "Sub Rosa", but for me the nadir of the series has always been "The Neutral Zone", an episode where literally *nothing* happens. I can't rate this one as worse, but it gives it a good run for its money. At least this episode *has* a plot. But you can search high and low and never find one with a plot that makes less sense.
Let us summarize: some giant alien space probe with super-advanced technology that well outstrips that of our heroes starts *slowly* transforming the Enterprise into a model of its home world, while filling Data with the personalities of its *primitive* religion. Our heroes must stop it from doing this before the ship is completely transformed and they, presumably, die (no life-support systems or anything). Data's personalities gradually reveal some kind of vague story about the sun god killing everyone because the moon good is inexplicably absent to keep her in check. So in the end Picard decides to role play the moon god, and, voilà!, the probe instantly puts the ship back to normal.
And the reason that the aliens built a probe to do *that* is....?
Take your time trying to come up with a plausible reason. You won't find one.
And by the way, what would have happened if it had been the U.S.S. Lollipop that had wandered by instead of the Enterprise, which did not conveniently sport an android among its crew? With no android to play the parts of the probe's various characters, what happens then? How are the Lollipop's crew supposed to solve the ridiculous "puzzle" that the probe requires in order to not destroy the ship?
This episode is a bad crossing of "The Inner Light" with "The Royale". At least in "The Royale", they provide a plausible explanation of *why* it is necessary to act out the fiction to the end.
Yes, as someone else stressed, Brent Spiner gives an excellent performance as all those alien personalities. But this is balanced by the rest of the crew being simply *awful* as a bunch of inept and impotent losers. Only Picard has *any* idea of anything to do, and all of his ideas ridiculously involve trying to solve the alien personalities' problems rather than his own. That is to say, *his* problem was never Masaka, it was the alien probe! By any logic, he ought to have been concentrating on doing something to disable or escape the probe. He had absolutely no way to know that putting on a mask and role-playing some mythical god figure would make the probe somehow magically put the ship back together again.
It is my natural inclination to focus on plot problems, and this episode has more than its share. But I would not want to give the impression that that is the only problem with this episode. The writing is terrible. Some of the dialog is just painfully bad. Wince- inducing.
This is an episode that just gets worse with each viewing. I admit that the first time I saw it, while I didn't rate it highly, I didn't realize how awful it is. But I just had the misfortune to watch it again for the first time in a long time, and boy does it stink!
Let us summarize: some giant alien space probe with super-advanced technology that well outstrips that of our heroes starts *slowly* transforming the Enterprise into a model of its home world, while filling Data with the personalities of its *primitive* religion. Our heroes must stop it from doing this before the ship is completely transformed and they, presumably, die (no life-support systems or anything). Data's personalities gradually reveal some kind of vague story about the sun god killing everyone because the moon good is inexplicably absent to keep her in check. So in the end Picard decides to role play the moon god, and, voilà!, the probe instantly puts the ship back to normal.
And the reason that the aliens built a probe to do *that* is....?
Take your time trying to come up with a plausible reason. You won't find one.
And by the way, what would have happened if it had been the U.S.S. Lollipop that had wandered by instead of the Enterprise, which did not conveniently sport an android among its crew? With no android to play the parts of the probe's various characters, what happens then? How are the Lollipop's crew supposed to solve the ridiculous "puzzle" that the probe requires in order to not destroy the ship?
This episode is a bad crossing of "The Inner Light" with "The Royale". At least in "The Royale", they provide a plausible explanation of *why* it is necessary to act out the fiction to the end.
Yes, as someone else stressed, Brent Spiner gives an excellent performance as all those alien personalities. But this is balanced by the rest of the crew being simply *awful* as a bunch of inept and impotent losers. Only Picard has *any* idea of anything to do, and all of his ideas ridiculously involve trying to solve the alien personalities' problems rather than his own. That is to say, *his* problem was never Masaka, it was the alien probe! By any logic, he ought to have been concentrating on doing something to disable or escape the probe. He had absolutely no way to know that putting on a mask and role-playing some mythical god figure would make the probe somehow magically put the ship back together again.
It is my natural inclination to focus on plot problems, and this episode has more than its share. But I would not want to give the impression that that is the only problem with this episode. The writing is terrible. Some of the dialog is just painfully bad. Wince- inducing.
This is an episode that just gets worse with each viewing. I admit that the first time I saw it, while I didn't rate it highly, I didn't realize how awful it is. But I just had the misfortune to watch it again for the first time in a long time, and boy does it stink!
Seeing another culture up close and personal.
russem313 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:169 - "Masks" (Stardate: 47615.2) - this is the 17th episode of the 7th and last season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
When the Enterprise encounters a rogue comet en route for 87 million years, it is scanned seemingly by the comet itself. Soon the Enterprise begins transforming into an ancient alien culture and even Data becomes affected (representing different and myriad personalities of this culture's beings).
This is another fascinating episode worthy of the name Star Trek! Trivia note: we see an Enterprise classroom again - and Data is one of the students!
When the Enterprise encounters a rogue comet en route for 87 million years, it is scanned seemingly by the comet itself. Soon the Enterprise begins transforming into an ancient alien culture and even Data becomes affected (representing different and myriad personalities of this culture's beings).
This is another fascinating episode worthy of the name Star Trek! Trivia note: we see an Enterprise classroom again - and Data is one of the students!
Strong idea with an average execution
snoozejonc22 February 2022
Enterprise investigates a comet that is concealing something within its structure.
Star Trek has produced some good ideas for stories that work on screen. Unfortunately, 'Masks' has a great concept but it does not translate particularly well.
If you are a big sci-fi fan who is interested in the relics of ancient cultures and civilisations, the story here might intrigue you but for me as someone who likes sci-fi but needs a strong narrative to be compelled, I find this one is mostly a struggle to get through.
There is nothing wrong with how the episode unfolds, it just involves a great deal of heavy concept explanation from one scene to the next until the characters eventually talk themselves to a resolution. A positive aspect is that, as with all traditional Star Trek stories, it relies on characters using their intelligence to overcome the problem.
Brent Spiner is fun to watch as he attempts to be four different characters (with little preparation according to memory-alpha) and the visuals in certain scenes are exceptionally good.
One other reviewer compared it to 'The Inner Light' which is an interesting thought. What happens to Data here should be as mind-blowing as what happened to Picard, but there is no comparison in how the two stories are told.
Star Trek has produced some good ideas for stories that work on screen. Unfortunately, 'Masks' has a great concept but it does not translate particularly well.
If you are a big sci-fi fan who is interested in the relics of ancient cultures and civilisations, the story here might intrigue you but for me as someone who likes sci-fi but needs a strong narrative to be compelled, I find this one is mostly a struggle to get through.
There is nothing wrong with how the episode unfolds, it just involves a great deal of heavy concept explanation from one scene to the next until the characters eventually talk themselves to a resolution. A positive aspect is that, as with all traditional Star Trek stories, it relies on characters using their intelligence to overcome the problem.
Brent Spiner is fun to watch as he attempts to be four different characters (with little preparation according to memory-alpha) and the visuals in certain scenes are exceptionally good.
One other reviewer compared it to 'The Inner Light' which is an interesting thought. What happens to Data here should be as mind-blowing as what happened to Picard, but there is no comparison in how the two stories are told.
Data's multiple personalities
bkoganbing18 December 2018
This had to be one of the murkiest episodes in the history of TNG. A sign maybe
that the originality was wearing thin. I'm not quite sure what was going on here
other than Brent Spiner was being inhabited by a lot of personalities.
The Enterprise discovers a rogue comet in their path. But when they burn off the space debris accumulated over 87 million years by Data's reckoning it's discovered to be some kind of archive of a long dead civilization. The personalities of which start inhabiting Data.
Not only that but the ship starts being transformed into that civilization that died so long ago. A great find for amateur archaeologist Patrick Stewart, but Captain Picard always knows his first duty is to his ship and crew.
I have to confess I got lost during the telling of this rather murky tale. Not one of the better TNG's of the last or any other season.
The Enterprise discovers a rogue comet in their path. But when they burn off the space debris accumulated over 87 million years by Data's reckoning it's discovered to be some kind of archive of a long dead civilization. The personalities of which start inhabiting Data.
Not only that but the ship starts being transformed into that civilization that died so long ago. A great find for amateur archaeologist Patrick Stewart, but Captain Picard always knows his first duty is to his ship and crew.
I have to confess I got lost during the telling of this rather murky tale. Not one of the better TNG's of the last or any other season.
"There are no others like me."
classicsoncall23 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Ever get the feeling that the Enterprise crew manages to get out of cosmic sized trouble just a little too easily? Brent Spiner as Data takes center stage in this one, having gone from an Iceman in the prior story, 'Thine Own Self', and taking on multiple personalities in this one, led by a forceful presence calling itself Ihat, emerging from an eighty seven million year old rogue comet. There's some kind of force in the comet that begins transforming decks of the Enterprise into alien forms simulating such things as an aquarium in Ten Forward and a swamp on the Bridge. It was also leaving ancient looking artifacts lying around on the Enterprise, which was right up Captain Picard's (Patrick Stewart) alley, who's interest in anthropology was by this time well known. Taking the lead, the Captain questions the various personalities residing in Data to learn that only an entity called Korgano would be effective in stopping a being known as Masaka from completely overwhelming the ship. No problem, Picard dons a mask fashioned by Data right before all this occurred and speaks to Data's 'Masaka' presence to convince this 'queen' to release the Enterprise from her terraforming grip. Along with Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton) disabling the alien transformation program, everything turned out hunky dory. You have to wonder why the Captain and crew had such a hard time with Romulans and the Borg.
Give me a break
oneknightstands2 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Captains Log: I love STNG. It is my favorite TV series of all time. I made it my mission to buy all 7 Seasons on DVD and watch them straight through. I just finished watched The Masks, so you can see that I'm almost accomplished my mission objective.
So far, this is the only episode that I've felt the need to write a review about ... a warning to my fellow star travelers. I've seen some things that have made me roll my eyes, but nothing as bad as this episode (yes, Dr. Crusher's episode "Sub Rosa" was pretty dumb, but her sexiness cancels out much of the dumbness.).
In this episode a floating alien library starts turning the Enterprise into an Aztec/Mayan temple. This is done through the ships computer, so Data is also affected. Data get's multiple personality disorder and becomes a couple of members of this ancient culture. Picard talks to these personalities for clues on how to stop the ancient goddess. (As an aside, there is a scene where only 20% of the Enterprise is still left "unchanged". The big 4: Picard, LaForge, Riker, Troi, are trying to decide whether or not to enter a certain symbol into the computer. Hello?! The Enterprise is almost completely transformed into a frickin' temple! Is there an alternative?) In the end, Data becomes the sun goddess (yes, a goddess). Picard puts on a mask of the moon god and convinces Data (as the sun goddess) that she is tired and must "relinquish the sky" to the moon god so the "hunted may become the hunter" and the hunt can continue. Data agrees, and everything goes back to normal.
Picture Picard wearing a Halloween mask. Patrick Stewart is a great actor, and I enjoy watching him perform, but I was laughing AT him in this episode. Ugh! This is not an episode that I need to watch again ... ever.
Picard, out.
PS - This is a pretty scathing review. So why did I give it a 4? Being a fan of the series, even the worst episode of STNG is better that much of the drivel that is out there.
So far, this is the only episode that I've felt the need to write a review about ... a warning to my fellow star travelers. I've seen some things that have made me roll my eyes, but nothing as bad as this episode (yes, Dr. Crusher's episode "Sub Rosa" was pretty dumb, but her sexiness cancels out much of the dumbness.).
In this episode a floating alien library starts turning the Enterprise into an Aztec/Mayan temple. This is done through the ships computer, so Data is also affected. Data get's multiple personality disorder and becomes a couple of members of this ancient culture. Picard talks to these personalities for clues on how to stop the ancient goddess. (As an aside, there is a scene where only 20% of the Enterprise is still left "unchanged". The big 4: Picard, LaForge, Riker, Troi, are trying to decide whether or not to enter a certain symbol into the computer. Hello?! The Enterprise is almost completely transformed into a frickin' temple! Is there an alternative?) In the end, Data becomes the sun goddess (yes, a goddess). Picard puts on a mask of the moon god and convinces Data (as the sun goddess) that she is tired and must "relinquish the sky" to the moon god so the "hunted may become the hunter" and the hunt can continue. Data agrees, and everything goes back to normal.
Picture Picard wearing a Halloween mask. Patrick Stewart is a great actor, and I enjoy watching him perform, but I was laughing AT him in this episode. Ugh! This is not an episode that I need to watch again ... ever.
Picard, out.
PS - This is a pretty scathing review. So why did I give it a 4? Being a fan of the series, even the worst episode of STNG is better that much of the drivel that is out there.
The worst TNG episode
thao11 May 2008
I have been watching TNG again (or so I thought, but I found out I had only seen about 50%). I'm now at season 7 and just saw the episode "Masks". And what a torture.
I know that many complain about Sub Rosa but this episode sinks lower. The writing was so bad that I had look away at times and the plot was just plain stupid. Why would someone create a station like that in space and to what purpose? But the worst thing with this episode is the stupidity of Picard. He is supposed to have studied ancient cultures but he does not get that it is the moon that can put the sun to sleep. Even the sign they find looks like a moon and still he does not understand anything. It is very bad when the viewer is 25 min. ahead of the "intelligent" Picard.
I know that many complain about Sub Rosa but this episode sinks lower. The writing was so bad that I had look away at times and the plot was just plain stupid. Why would someone create a station like that in space and to what purpose? But the worst thing with this episode is the stupidity of Picard. He is supposed to have studied ancient cultures but he does not get that it is the moon that can put the sun to sleep. Even the sign they find looks like a moon and still he does not understand anything. It is very bad when the viewer is 25 min. ahead of the "intelligent" Picard.
One of my faves, if only for brent spiner
lathamv3 June 2019
While the story line might be a bit odd, its not difficult to follow. a lof of earth cultures follow similar gods/godesses. what is odd is the way the enterprise is controlled.
why this is one of my favorite eps is bc of brent spiners range of acting out all these characters. he does a wonderful job getting the audience to believe he is each individual. he goes from one character to the next seemlessly and is believeable with each one.
why this is one of my favorite eps is bc of brent spiners range of acting out all these characters. he does a wonderful job getting the audience to believe he is each individual. he goes from one character to the next seemlessly and is believeable with each one.
A brave, but weak, attempt.
laclone12 November 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Interesting, but tired use of Egyptian symbols.
Ra as a female sun. Fertile sun, giving life, but also bringing about drought and death.
Horus as a male moon, forever chasing Ra across the sky. Bringer of night and release from Ra's heat and suffering.
Both poorly disguised symbols, borrowed to make up a story by some writer with no knowledge of archeology.
Yet these people progressed to the point of building a lifeboat pod, or seed, of their society, to send it out among the stars, to re-create themselves in the future. A structure whose gravitational mass forms the nucleus of a comet in its over 87 million years of travel through space.
Goddess! Spare me from a reality in which any religiously based society ever advances this far. It's like a cross between the Genesis Project and the Dark Ages.
Kirk would have blown it away the minute it started damaging the ship. With no great loss to anyone.
Ra as a female sun. Fertile sun, giving life, but also bringing about drought and death.
Horus as a male moon, forever chasing Ra across the sky. Bringer of night and release from Ra's heat and suffering.
Both poorly disguised symbols, borrowed to make up a story by some writer with no knowledge of archeology.
Yet these people progressed to the point of building a lifeboat pod, or seed, of their society, to send it out among the stars, to re-create themselves in the future. A structure whose gravitational mass forms the nucleus of a comet in its over 87 million years of travel through space.
Goddess! Spare me from a reality in which any religiously based society ever advances this far. It's like a cross between the Genesis Project and the Dark Ages.
Kirk would have blown it away the minute it started damaging the ship. With no great loss to anyone.
What the???
david-5298112 October 2019
45 minutes of joyless perplexing narrative.
thevacinstaller22 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
What's was the point?
The alien probe was clearly designed to terraform the enterprise into the 87 million year old civilizations city structures ---- but why? Somehow the alien probe took over Data but I have not been able to find an actual point or reason for doing all this.
I am confused. Data was portraying mythical (gods from fables?) beings from an ancient society ---- right? Why does the probe have data do this? We get no answers just more questions. At the end of the episode we learn that data had the experience of an entire civilization (?) despite the audience being presented with a few personalities in data throughout the episode.
Was this a form of warfare? Was it an inner light like probe designed to carry on the memory of a civilization? Why was the probe sent out into space?
This is just a mess of an episode and a completely joyless watch through. I can see the potential in the story but this script needed the showrunner to step in and say, "Joe, this doesn't make any damn sense..."
The alien probe was clearly designed to terraform the enterprise into the 87 million year old civilizations city structures ---- but why? Somehow the alien probe took over Data but I have not been able to find an actual point or reason for doing all this.
I am confused. Data was portraying mythical (gods from fables?) beings from an ancient society ---- right? Why does the probe have data do this? We get no answers just more questions. At the end of the episode we learn that data had the experience of an entire civilization (?) despite the audience being presented with a few personalities in data throughout the episode.
Was this a form of warfare? Was it an inner light like probe designed to carry on the memory of a civilization? Why was the probe sent out into space?
This is just a mess of an episode and a completely joyless watch through. I can see the potential in the story but this script needed the showrunner to step in and say, "Joe, this doesn't make any damn sense..."
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