Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) Peak Performance (1989) User Reviews

An Enterprise War Game

[Samuel-Shovel · 7/10 · 28 August 2019]

In "Peak Performance" the Enterprise is tasked by Star Fleet with participating in a war game with an old decommissioned vessel as its opponent, Riker at the helm. A renowned tactician is sent over to observe the simulation. All is going okay until a Ferengi vessel shows up, confused on what's going on and ready to steal the Hathaway for whatever valuables are aboard. A crippled Enterprise must devise a way out of this mess without losing any of its crew.

This is a nice little episode we have here. I like watching Riker and Picard duke it, both men respecting the other's resourcefulness. We get great guest appearances from Roy Brocksmith and Armin Shimerman. This is the first time the Ferengi pose an actual threat, it only took them two full seasons!

Why the Enterprise needs to battle against a derelict old ship to prepare for the Borg is beyond me though. How is beating up a little guy like the Hathaway going to help at all? Besides this one complaint, I really had fun with this ep. I always like watching Riker in command. Data's subplot of self-doubt is not bad either.

Kolrami....what a big butt-head!

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 15 November 2014]

The guest alien in this episode is a weirdo named Sirna Kolrami. While pretty harmless looking, Kolrami is apparently a savant when it comes to strategy and is the universe's greatest at some game involving strategy. The problem is that Kolrami is also a big butt- head--with an arrogance that makes him difficult to say the least. The reason that Kolrami is on the Enterprise is that he is to supervise a war game between the ship and an older, mothballed ship, the Hathaway. Riker is given command of this other ship and creates a crew for it from Enterprise staff. But, given that the Hathaway is old, has no warp drive and is at a huge disadvantage is most every way, the odds against Riker are tremendous. What's worse-- Kolrami has complete contempt for Riker and his strategic skills. Add to this mix a nearby Ferengi crew who are watching and hoping for an opportunity for some profit.

This is a pretty good episode. Well written, a bit funny and memorable.

Games Within Games

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 13 August 2014]

The Federation interrupts the work of the Enterprise to involve it in a type of war games which tests the ingenuity of the crew as they face off. Everything is done in simulation and no harm is to come. Part of the episode has to do with each ship and its "captain" getting the upper hand. Each plots in an interesting way to outdo the other. The bad thing is that both ships have had their weapons systems eliminated for the duration of the game, leaving the possibility open for an attack. Who should show up but the Ferengi. They throw a monkey wrench into things but, in the process, challenge the two captains to face a real threat without any weapons.

There is a subplot as well, as Data loses some of his confidence due to his performance against an arrogant overseer of the games. He feels he should be unbeatable and his lack of "confidence" leads him to withdraw and try to figure out what went wrong. This is an interesting twist until Picard intervenes. This is certainly an imaginative episode.

"And now for something completely different...,"

[laclone · 10/10 · 26 December 2013]

One of the better, more enjoyable, episodes in the TNG series.

An overly self-assured "strategic expert" has Picard and Riker pitted against each other in a War Games exercise. Picard and the Enterprise vs. Riker and a TOS era Constellation-class ship.

Quickly it becomes a contest between the "Strategic Expert" and Riker, whom the expert doesn't respect at all. And Picard, who was at first reluctant to partake in the exercise, begins to actually enjoy the whole thing.

This is one of those rare episodes where the contest and conflict is between people, not ships.

When the Ferengi arrive and suddenly turn it into a real battle situation, the 'Expert' finds that Picard and Riker are better at this game than he is. Data puts the final nail in the 'Expert's' inflated ego/coffin later.

A refreshingly original episode that deserves the 10 stars I gave it simply because it is original and very entertaining to watch.

When games become real.

[russem31 · 16 April 2006]

ST:TNG:47 - "Peak Performance" (Stardate: 42923.4) - this is the 21st episode to air in the second season of The Next Generation. Guest starring is Roy Brocksmith (of "Total Recall" fame) as master strategist Sirna Kolrami of the Zakdorn race, who comes aboard the Enterprise to lead a military battle simulation program - with Picard in the Enterprise facing Riker in an 80 year old vessel named the Hatthaway (it's nice to see a Kirk era vessel complete with that era's monitors and sound effects).

However, soon, as the games begin, a real threat in the form of the Ferengi appears.

Of note is Armin Shimerman (of Deep Space Nine fame) who returns as the Ferengi DaiMon Bractor (unrelated to his previous Ferengi role Letek in the 1st season episode "The Last Outpost" or his future Ferengi role Quark).

Peak Performance

[Scarecrow-88 · 9/10 · 10 June 2012]

In a Starfleet Battle Simulation ("war games"), Picard reluctantly agrees to have the Enterprise engage a limited battle cruiser with barely any warp capability and inferior in terms of technology and weapons. It is all about how the captain of this cruiser equips himself during the simulation and is able to get much out of so little, the crew's response to his command, that even though they have such inferior, insufficient means at their disposal, ingenuity and creativity (and maybe even a little cheating as Wesley Crusher sneaks out a little invention he has been working on to help boost warp ability because the ship has minuscule dilithium crystals on hand) can help them gain some semblance of an advantage, perhaps a trick or two to help their cause, over a superior opponent. Worf's idea of tricking the Enterprise's sensors (including their view screen) into believing an enemy ship is approaching with weapons firing and a surprise "warp jump" concoction invented by Geordi and Wesley could both benefit the battle cruiser. What adds excitement to this premise is that a Ferengi battleship, a *real* Ferengi battleship, attacks the Enterprise who has "disengaged" certain weapons functions in order to compensate for no firing upon the Federation battle cruiser, leaving them at a disadvantage with shields weakened after much phaser fire. How Picard—and Riker—get themselves out of this jam is a nice bit of chicanery where brains outwits greed (the Ferengi are devious, but not exactly the most smartest species in the Trek universe), which does include Worf's aforementioned trick, as well as, a bit of manipulation using the warp jump idea and an explosion. Deceiving the enemy and gaining the upper hand when the deck is stacked against you is a strategy often used in war when all hope seems lost and the outlook is grim. Meanwhile, an alien "war strategist", on board to assist Picard and Riker through their war games exercise is reputed to be the best at a game known as Strategma, defeating Riker with relative ease and even Data, causing the android Commander to doubt his abilities as an effective officer on board the Bridge when called upon to make a decision. Roy Brocksmith is a hoot as the Zakdorn strategist, slumping figure, dropping facial features, completely self-assured and supremely confident in his understandings of what it takes to win a war and the important aspects of commanding a ship engaged in battle when the dependence on gaining an edge when none seems to exist is essential in leading your crew to victory. Picard admits here he wanted to conduct the exercise in preparation for a Borg attack, to have his crew battle ready if the time comes. I love a lot of the little scenes such as Riker approaching Worf in his quarters about joining his crew on board the Hathaway, the moments inside the old vessel as the crew powers it up and makes repairs (the doubt there that they have even the slightest chance of winning the exercise), and Picard's acknowledgments of Riker's skills as an officer (even telling Brocksmith that Riker is the finest officer he's ever worked with).

Galaxy vs Constellation / Riker vs Picard #2

[anarchistica · 7/10 · 31 March 2020]

Just like in season 1's 'The Battle', the Enterprise faces off against an antiquated Constellation-class ship. And just like in that episode, Riker and Picard are in command of either ships.

It's a fun idea to have wargames in Star Trek, though it doesn't really make sense that they do it somewhere anyone can just show up and interrupt them. Generally speaking there's a few too many instances where something conveniently happens to allow the story to play out. Having the "person sent by Starfleet" by a stupid caricature once again doesn't help.

Riker's guile.

[thevacinstaller · 8/10 · 12 March 2021]

This episode is quite interesting to look back upon with knowledge of a pivotal Riker episode coming up in Season 3. I get a real enjoyment out of watching the process of using guile and creativeness to combat a much stronger opponent. It's the same feeling I get from the early Rocky movies. This episode does a solid job of making me root for Riker's success.

I thoroughly enjoyed Roy Brocksmith performance as Kolrami. He is the distilled essence of arrogance and I loved his presentation of those physical quirks/twitches to bring his character to life. He's the 1980's 'oh, I know that guy from' character actor with that distinct voice of his.

In TNG we get a lot of lip service about how Riker is the best ----- in this episode they show it. I am a firm believer in the 'show, don't tell' approach to character development.

This was a clever glimpse at what Riker is capable of doing when his back is against the wall and is enriched by events that happen in a future season.

Solid episode. We even get 2-3 great Worf moments..... With his warrior Klingon hands he is trying to build a ship like La Forge did for his old captain? *LOL*

TNG TOP 06 FAVOURITE EPISODES OF SEASON 02

[iamirwar · 6/10 · 27 August 2022]

Having recently watched each of the 22 episodes of Season Two again, I decided to rate them in order of my personal preference.

The points awarded to each episode are only used in comparison with other episodes of this season. The Top 6 shows as listed below are the ones I would choose to put forward from season two and add to my list of Top TNG shows of the entire series.

Each of these S02 'Top 6' shows will be reviewed again once I have completed watching the entire series as part of my REVIEW 2022.

Q Who (10/10) A Matter Of Honor (10/10) Peak Performance (10/10) Samaritan Snare (10/10) Pen Pals (09/10) The Measure Of A Man (09/10)

Three other episodes could have been included in this list, but overall missed the cut simply because I didn't feel they were quite as strong as these six.

Contagion (08/10) Unnatural Selection (08/10) Where Silence Had Lease (08/10)

Bottom Four Shows Of Season Two Up The Long Ladder (03/10) Shades Of Gray (03/10) Manhunt (03/10) The Dauphin (03/10)

One of my favorite episodes

[alci350 · 10/10 · 22 February 2019]

We have everything in this, from the excitment of a battle full of surprises to the best skills of the characters and races in the series. I enjoyed every second of this episode. Much more fun than BORG assimilation episodes for sure. But I must admit, I love nothing more than spaceships in battle.

You have.... ten of your minutes

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 10 June 2021]

Enterprise plays war-game style simulations to improve the battle readiness of the crew.

This is an enjoyable episode with some strong character moments for a number of the regular crew.

The plot is a very simple and effective premise that sets a up a practice showdown between various members of the Enterprise crew who are on board different ships. There is a good build up to the battle situation, a fun sub-plot and a conclusion that works well.

Most of the regular characters contribute with cool moments, my favourite probably being Wesley, Worf and eventually Data. Riker's prowess in battle is bragged up to the point of ridiculousness by certain segments dialogue in the script and the guest character serves as a point of ridicule but little else.

I enjoyed the visuals such as the Stratagema scenes and Ferenghi make up.

It's a 7.5/10 for me but I round upwards.

A Senior Trekker writes...................

[celineduchain · 5/10 · 5 January 2022]

The Second Season of Star Trek the Next Generation has often been downplayed due to multiple production and writing staff problems, and several major cast changes. Although of mixed quality, it does contain some outstanding and brilliant episodes. Senior Trekker is extremely grateful to all those people who worked so hard under difficult circumstances to keep it on our screens.

Without a doubt, it is the delicious performance of Roy Brocksmith as the odious Zackdorn strategist Sirna Kolrami that elevates this episode to its status of perennial favourite. We love to hate this officious little Starfleet advisor as he seeks to find fault with our crew during a simulated battle exercise.

The exercise itself is pretty pedestrian. Riker takes command of an inferior ship but manages somehow to win the day by means of what can only be described as a couple of outright lies told by young Wesley and a Ferengi ship (captained by none other than our friend Armin Shimmerman) momentarily gets in the way. However, the ensuing game of Strategema, carried out in the crew quarters of the Enterprise, is the real seat of the action.

There is a tangible warmth in the way in which crewmates gather round Data to cheer him on so that he can find a way to humiliate his supercilious opponent at last. Doctor Pulaski is one of the most enthusiastic and her comfortable integration into the crew in this, her penultimate episode, is accomplished at last.

Roy Brocksmith, instantly recognisable for his distinctive voice and appearance, was a very busy actor who, nonetheless, found time to further delight Science Fiction audiences with appearances in both Deep Space Nine and Babylon 5. He passed beyond the Rim in 2001.

(Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5)

Is a must see episode: a Data life highlight

[soporific · 10/10 · 17 October 2021]

This episode should be rated a bit higher, it deserves to be in the 8.x range at least due to it containing one of the great Data life highlights. Data loses to the smug wargame mediator at a game of strategem and thus loses self-confidence in a convincingly android fashion. The resolution to it all is just wondrous television that has certainly stood the test of time.

There's also a decent plot involving the Ferengi even though it's a bit implausible that Worf could hack into their systems like he was able to with the Enterprise to save the day. But all is forgiven for the scenes showing Data 'busting him up'.

"We do not whine about the inequities of life."

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 20 November 2023]

The Enterprise is summoned by the Federation to participate in a war games exercise in the Braslota System. Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) resists the idea on the grounds that the ship's primary mission is research, while Lieutenant Worf (Michael Dorn) thinks it's merely a waste of time. Nevertheless, the crew is placed under the watchful eye of Zakdorn Master Strategist Sirna Kolrami (Roy Brocksmith) as Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) accepts the challenge to lead a simulated battle against the Enterprise. This all wouldn't have been necessary if only Kolrani had watched a prior second season episode titled "A Matter of Honor", in which Riker took part in an exchange program with a Klingon vessel. That's where he showed his chops by besting the Klingon vessel's first officer and foiling an attack on the Enterprise.

Nevertheless, the simulated challenge begins but is interrupted by an attack by the Ferengi. Utilizing tricks up his sleeve and aided by Wesley Crusher's momentary beaming aboard the Enterprise to secure some dilithium crystals, Riker in concert with Captain Picard foil the Ferengi by faking the destruction of the Federation cruiser Hathaway. What didn't make sense to me was why the Ferengi didn't know it was the Hathaway itself that then reappeared on the scene to make it seem like they would have to face two Federation Starships if they didn't make the wise decision to retreat.

As tense as it could have been for the Enterprise, the episode's lighter moments occur when Data (Brent Spiner) engages in a 'stratagema' game with the war games expert Kolrami. Losing the first time made Data feel inadequate, forcing Captain Picard to use some sensible rationale to bring him around again. Their rematch was a frustrating one for Kolrami when it turned out he couldn't beat his android foe. It seems Data changed his own strategy, not so much to win, but to keep himself from losing by forcing Kolrami to an exasperating draw.

Look for a young Secret Service agent-to-be

[settsu · 11 April 2006]

Agent Aaron Pierce (television series, "24", actor, Glenn Morshower) appears, interestingly enough, as an interim security officer/chief.

I recognized him almost instantly, even if his red hair was a bit of a giveaway. But also, his character's demeanor is very similar to his role on 24. It doesn't hurt that I watched this episode on a Tuesday, after just seeing an episode of 24 the night before.

Also interesting is that he, at the time 30 years old, plays an impatient young ensign (though some trivia will note he is mistakenly addressed "Lieutenant" by Capt. Picard at one point), while on the series 24, he plays a wise, intuitive, and (apparently) experienced Secret Service agent at the ripe old age of 40.

IMDb lists him appearing in another episode of ST:TNG, so I'll look forward to spotting him in that...

Couple ideas that would have made this better.

[joe-122-733668 · 8/10 · 14 September 2019]

Watched it tonight. Had a few thoughts. It was a nice quirky episode until the Ferengi showed up and gave them an excuse to turn the whole thing into a 'oo they killed the hostage so the badguys have no chips left' twist. Here's a couple things that would have been super cool. The whole 'Wesley is gonna do something shady so we can Kobayashi Maru'; Well, it would have been TONS better if - get this, If they performed the Picard Maneuver on him!!! -he's the only person who's never see it!! That would have been cool. it would have worked.

#2 I think this is even better. The alien dude that beat Data at that game the first time and then Capt Picard told him to 'suck it up buttercup' and Data won the 2nd time; nah. Instead of Wesley dumpsterdiving on the Enterprise, how cool would it have been if Wesley had a talk with data and said 'hey, you know how you can't try to win in tic tac toe?' Data would take a sec to make sure. Then nobody could beat him in the game, that's a much better way.

Thank you for reading my humble review.

War game, no game

[bkoganbing · 5/10 · 18 September 2018]

One thing I could not figure out is what value StarFleet saw in Roy Brocksmith? His particular alien race was deemed a master at strategic planning so StarFleet inflicts him on the Enterprise and Captain Picard as an observer as the ship is ordered to a war game exercise.

Only it's not a game when the Ferengis deal themselves in. Brocksmith proves himself a fine armchair admiral. It's Patrick Stewart who employs a correct strategy to rescue forty of his crew on another vessel which includes Riker, Worf, Geordi, and Wesley Crusher.

As always even in the Star Trek future, war is really no game at all.

Boring pointless filler episode

[a-gordon-2374 · 2/10 · 28 February 2022]

Well Star Trek has a lot of filler episodes of course, but at least a lot of them are good.

This is nothing but boring an 100% pointless. Nothing of importance happens in this snoozefest of an episode.