This is one of the most surreal of all the episodes. Data has logged into his dream self and finds himself wandering the Enterprise. He encounters a group of workmen in dungarees tearing a hole in a wall. When he confronts them, he loses his voice and they attack him, ripping his head off and tearing off an arm and a leg. He awakens and faces his crew members. As things develop he has another dream. In this one, he sees Deanna turned into a cake. As she begs him not to cut into the cake he does anyway. The other plot occurring is the enterprise having problems with its warp drive and impulse engines. Time reveals that some sort of foreign entity has attached itself to several crew members and the fact is that if something is not done, they will die from loss of vital body substances, left as a pool of elements. I have never understood the holodeck. Data has a session with Sigmund Freud. Since this is a computer creation of Freud, of what assistance would it be. I suppose the vast computer banks were used to create the essence of Freud. Anyway, this proves to be a bizarre episode but well worth the time.
15 Reviews
Data's strange dreams
Tweekums4 September 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Things are rather strange as this episode opens; Data walks through the corridors of the Enterprise and comes across a trio of old-time miners who are using pick-axes on the ship's systems; they attack Data and pull him apart. He then wakes up; it was just a dream. He had been running a dream program for some time but this is his first nightmare. Counsellor Troi suggests that he shouldn't worry and exploring such dreams could be good for him. His next dream is even stranger; he has an old phone in his chest and cuts into a cake that is Counsellor Troi! It isn't long before the nightmares start leaking into his real life and he stabs a terrified Troi when he sees what appears to be a mouth on her shoulder. Meanwhile problems with the ship's new warp engine looks likely to mean Picard will miss a banquet
something he isn't too upset about.
This is what Star Trek would be if David Cronenberg guest directed of course this doesn't take things so far but the body horror is certainly weird enough I never thought I'd see Beverly drinking Riker's brain through a large straw! Inevitably Data's dreams prove to be linked to the engine problems and the strange creatures; these creatures are also pretty creepy. With all the slightly disturbing imagery it is just as well that there are some good comic moments; most notably when Data asks Worf to look after Spot and Picard's lack of disappointment when it looks as though he can't get to the banquet. Overall a distinctly weird but enjoyable instalment.
This is what Star Trek would be if David Cronenberg guest directed of course this doesn't take things so far but the body horror is certainly weird enough I never thought I'd see Beverly drinking Riker's brain through a large straw! Inevitably Data's dreams prove to be linked to the engine problems and the strange creatures; these creatures are also pretty creepy. With all the slightly disturbing imagery it is just as well that there are some good comic moments; most notably when Data asks Worf to look after Spot and Picard's lack of disappointment when it looks as though he can't get to the banquet. Overall a distinctly weird but enjoyable instalment.
Not great...but the stabbing and brain-eating scenes were pretty cool.
planktonrules2 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Data received a dream program in the show a few episodes back. Now, for the first time, he's exploring his ability to dream. However, things go pretty weird as his dreams have a repetitive and rather violent nature. So, Data tries to enlist the help of Freud* to tease apart the hidden meaning of these dreams. Later, however Data stabs Counselor Troi (yay!) and the crew quickly realize that Data isn't evil or nuts-- there are some weird giant invisible creatures eating away at them and Data was trying to destroy them. Can they stop these brain slugs before it's too late?
This is a fairly good episode. But some of the dreams are so disgustingly weird (such as Dr. Crusher slurping away at Riker's brain with a straw) that I found myself enjoying the show much more! Worth seeing.
*It's a bit anachronistic about having the Freudian angle in the show as today most therapists have rejected major portions of analytic therapy. This sort of long, long-term therapy has been supplanted by more short-term and problem-focused therapies (such as Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies). So why in the 24th century is Data consulting with Dr. Freud in the dreams?
This is a fairly good episode. But some of the dreams are so disgustingly weird (such as Dr. Crusher slurping away at Riker's brain with a straw) that I found myself enjoying the show much more! Worth seeing.
*It's a bit anachronistic about having the Freudian angle in the show as today most therapists have rejected major portions of analytic therapy. This sort of long, long-term therapy has been supplanted by more short-term and problem-focused therapies (such as Behavioral and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies). So why in the 24th century is Data consulting with Dr. Freud in the dreams?
Androids and Nightmares.
russem311 May 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:158 - "Phantasms" (Stardate: 47225.7) - this is the 6th episode of the 7th and last season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
While Geordi is installing a new warp core on the Enterprise, Data, having experienced his first nightmare, talks with Counselor Troi who encourages him to keep experiencing these bad dreams though he's apprehensive about doing so. Soon, after another nightmare, he "oversleeps" since his internal chronometer fails. Data soon experiences strange hallucinations and begins attacking Troi!
But what is causing his nightmares? Watch this intriguing episode that delves further into Data's dreams (as began in "Birthright, Part I").
Trivia note: Clyde Kusatsu reprises his role as Admiral Nakamura (the last time we saw him was in the second season episode "The Measure Of A Man", another Data-oriented episode). Worf mentions his son Alexander. And we also see Data's cat Spot again (which Worf turns out to be allergic to), right as Data goes to bed!
While Geordi is installing a new warp core on the Enterprise, Data, having experienced his first nightmare, talks with Counselor Troi who encourages him to keep experiencing these bad dreams though he's apprehensive about doing so. Soon, after another nightmare, he "oversleeps" since his internal chronometer fails. Data soon experiences strange hallucinations and begins attacking Troi!
But what is causing his nightmares? Watch this intriguing episode that delves further into Data's dreams (as began in "Birthright, Part I").
Trivia note: Clyde Kusatsu reprises his role as Admiral Nakamura (the last time we saw him was in the second season episode "The Measure Of A Man", another Data-oriented episode). Worf mentions his son Alexander. And we also see Data's cat Spot again (which Worf turns out to be allergic to), right as Data goes to bed!
Do androids dream of electric sheep?
lnvicta21 February 2022
"Phantasms" is an episode about dreams and symbolism - specifically Data's. He's having nightmares for the first time and it's interfering with his daily life, even compelling him to stab a fellow officer. Data claims to be seeing unsettling images from his dreams while he's awake, which baffles the crew. The dream imagery is well-done, and the way the A and B stories connect at the end is neat.
This is not the most scientifically plausible episode, nor does it have a powerful thematic message. But "Phantasms" is a fun mystery with some truly great moments.
This is not the most scientifically plausible episode, nor does it have a powerful thematic message. But "Phantasms" is a fun mystery with some truly great moments.
Warping dream and reality.
thevacinstaller10 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
In terms of having an insanely creative story this episode is a roaring success. I also enjoyed the camera work and lighting throughout this episode ---- not an aspect that I generally comment on, but it certainly captured the dream like element present throughout the episode.
It is a fascinating idea ---- unraveling ones dreams to solve a real world problem. I suppose Data's dreams were a byproduct of the alien bug attempting to leech onto his positronic brain?
I am going to give this episode higher praise than most based on my appreciation of them successfully producing this crazy idea for an episode.
PSA to Geordi ---- Are you crazy? Tyler is gorgeous! Go for it my man!
It is a fascinating idea ---- unraveling ones dreams to solve a real world problem. I suppose Data's dreams were a byproduct of the alien bug attempting to leech onto his positronic brain?
I am going to give this episode higher praise than most based on my appreciation of them successfully producing this crazy idea for an episode.
PSA to Geordi ---- Are you crazy? Tyler is gorgeous! Go for it my man!
Reasonably entertaining and quirky episode
snoozejonc17 January 2022
I think this is fairly enjoyable episode with some humorous moments and decent imagery.
I can't say the plot had me gripped. It is a clever concept but it's not told with any suspense or urgency. There is a lot of technobabble that pays good attention to the sci-fi detail, but it does not exactly make for cinematic story.
The best parts for me are the little injections of humour, like all of Worf's scenes and most of Picard's attempts to dodge the Admiral's conference.
Visually it has lots of fun with Data's symbolic dreaming and all these sequences are done very well. It feels a bit repetitive at times with Data going through them initially and then seeing similar things during the analysis scenes, but it's not to the point of annoying.
Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn and Marina Sirtis stand out.
I think it's a 6.5/10 but I round upwards.
I can't say the plot had me gripped. It is a clever concept but it's not told with any suspense or urgency. There is a lot of technobabble that pays good attention to the sci-fi detail, but it does not exactly make for cinematic story.
The best parts for me are the little injections of humour, like all of Worf's scenes and most of Picard's attempts to dodge the Admiral's conference.
Visually it has lots of fun with Data's symbolic dreaming and all these sequences are done very well. It feels a bit repetitive at times with Data going through them initially and then seeing similar things during the analysis scenes, but it's not to the point of annoying.
Brent Spiner, Michael Dorn and Marina Sirtis stand out.
I think it's a 6.5/10 but I round upwards.
Can Androids dream?
rupamsarockster30 January 2022
"Next time, see me before you see Sigmund."
classicsoncall10 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
It's sci-fi, so I guess Data (Brent Spiner) can have a bad dream, but why would a robot or android have dreams anyway. Although the story manufactured a reason when it was stated that Dr. Noonien Soong had developed a dream program which Data just got around to using here in Season Seven. What took so long? The thing is though, that Data suddenly has a nightmare in which he's violently disassembled by a trio of thugs, sending him on a quest to determine the source of his disturbing experience. Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) only gets so far in offering a rationale, and for her trouble, winds up as a piece of cake in a subsequent nightmare. Turning to the holodeck, Data seeks the advice of noted psychologist Sigmund Freud, whose Twentieth Century advice appears to hold little value for the impatient android. As it turns out, a sinister parasite has been playing havoc not only with Data, but with the rest of the crew, having been brought aboard the Enterprise during the installation of a new warp coil and interfering with that process as well. Between Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton) and the rest of the officer crew, it's determined that an adjustment to Data's positronic net inducing a high frequency interphasic pulse would get rid of the attacking creatures and restore some normalcy to the ship. Even so, the week long adventure had Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) missing out on a celebrated Starfleet Banquet for the seventh time in as many years, much to his relief, but to the consternation of Admiral Nakamura (Clyde Kusatsu). Whether Data would go back to using his dream program again was left an open question.
This was a great WTF were they smoking episode
threerail18 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The spaceship gets inter-dimensional bed bugs from a warp core they picked up at some parts warehouse. And the Android can speak to the bed bugs in his sleep with the help of his time traveling friend, Dr. Sigmund Freud. In his dreams he learns how to beat the bed bugs by screaming at them. Like that lady from Raised by Wolves when she took out that spaceship and its crew (That was a dope scene).
REVIEW 2022
iamirwar5 October 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Geordi needs Data's help to bring online that new warp core by installing that plasma conduit right away, but why is Geordi standing alone in the corridor to inform Data of this plan. Data heads up to deck twenty to begin the modifications. Instead he finds some miners dismantling a warp-plasma conduit. Following a difference of opinion, the miners continue to distribute pieces of Data around the ship... even to this day, they continue to do so on Beltane IX, Zaldan and even on Algeron IV. Oh, it was all a dream.
Engage, but we still ain't going anywhere...
The good news is that the Captain has been invited to the annual Starfleet Admirals Banquet. I well remember this one from its first airing although I do remember some scenes taking place on a locomotive, so I wonder if I am remembering a different episode.
Surreal, trippy, abstract... oh, and the miners have returned. I would like some cake with mint-frosting on it, even if it means eating Troi. Data is clearly a polymorphously perverse individual who doesn't care much for his own father. If only Freud knew the truth about Dr. Soong. But we're going nowhere fast.
We are having a few distractions what with Freud, the Starfleet Admirals Banquet and young Ensign Tyler. Some of the scenes seem intent on just killing-time with a few humorous side gags thrown-in making this a bit slow in parts but a better than average episode.
This Episodes Clue: Nakamura
(Answer's to all episode clues will appear in the reviews of season seven, episode 25: All Good Things, Part One.)
Engage, but we still ain't going anywhere...
The good news is that the Captain has been invited to the annual Starfleet Admirals Banquet. I well remember this one from its first airing although I do remember some scenes taking place on a locomotive, so I wonder if I am remembering a different episode.
Surreal, trippy, abstract... oh, and the miners have returned. I would like some cake with mint-frosting on it, even if it means eating Troi. Data is clearly a polymorphously perverse individual who doesn't care much for his own father. If only Freud knew the truth about Dr. Soong. But we're going nowhere fast.
We are having a few distractions what with Freud, the Starfleet Admirals Banquet and young Ensign Tyler. Some of the scenes seem intent on just killing-time with a few humorous side gags thrown-in making this a bit slow in parts but a better than average episode.
This Episodes Clue: Nakamura
(Answer's to all episode clues will appear in the reviews of season seven, episode 25: All Good Things, Part One.)
To sleep per chance to dream
bkoganbing26 March 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In another attempt to become more human Data has been given a dream program and he shuts himself off to experience sleep. Brent Spiner is usually the
one on the ship who never needs save for some internal self maintenance.
Only a new warp drive has been installed and it is flawed with some parasitic microbes which are infecting the crew and if unchecked might reduce carbon based life to masses of jelly. Data is sensitive to them through those other byproducts of sleeping and dreaming, sleepwalking and nightmares.
It's the holodeck that provides the answers as Picard and LaForge accompany Data to a visit with Sigmund Freud.
This one was a bit way out, but had amusement value.
Only a new warp drive has been installed and it is flawed with some parasitic microbes which are infecting the crew and if unchecked might reduce carbon based life to masses of jelly. Data is sensitive to them through those other byproducts of sleeping and dreaming, sleepwalking and nightmares.
It's the holodeck that provides the answers as Picard and LaForge accompany Data to a visit with Sigmund Freud.
This one was a bit way out, but had amusement value.
Another Data dream episode!
Adamanthe11 July 2023
Ugh, I just can't help it. I love all Data-centric episodes. I also love any TV show that does an episode dedicated to dreams, dream infiltration, nightmares and such. I fell in love with this episode the moment it began. This is the second Data-dream episode I have seen. The first dream episode was the best part of that Klingon/Romulan one and I was so disappointed when it got cut short. I am glad that we got to see an entire episode dedicated to Data's new ventures, even if it's to the world of dreaming. Maybe this dream episode will help Data ascend and somehow evolve to develop feelings. I am not done watching, and I wanted to review before I forget. Haha.
A Senior Trekker writes....................
celineduchain6 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The final season of Star Trek, the Next Generation gave us some splendid episodes and also a fair share of stinkers. Everyone knew by this stage that they would not be renewed and attempts were made to wrap up various story lines before they said their final goodbyes. There is still a great deal to be enjoyed.
Patrick Stewart directed this episode of "Star Trek does Surrealism" complete with classic dream imagery, a guest appearance by Sigmund Freud and a pretty pedestrian B story of the Enterprise's refit gone wrong. I have to admit that I found the story a bit creepy and unsuitable for Star Trek at the time and still do to this day but that doesn't mean that I can't respect a bit of creativity.
A lot of people DID like this episode and so kudos to the writers for taking chances that they wouldn't have done earlier in the series.
Bernard Kates, a very well known television actor, gives us a creditable portrayal of Professor Freud. His long resume included an appearance, alongside William Shatner, in the historically important film Judgement at Nuremberg.
Personally, I could do without the indelible image of Counsellor Troi being cut up and consumed as a cellular peptide cake with mint frosting but, say what you like, it was certainly memorable.
Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5.
Patrick Stewart directed this episode of "Star Trek does Surrealism" complete with classic dream imagery, a guest appearance by Sigmund Freud and a pretty pedestrian B story of the Enterprise's refit gone wrong. I have to admit that I found the story a bit creepy and unsuitable for Star Trek at the time and still do to this day but that doesn't mean that I can't respect a bit of creativity.
A lot of people DID like this episode and so kudos to the writers for taking chances that they wouldn't have done earlier in the series.
Bernard Kates, a very well known television actor, gives us a creditable portrayal of Professor Freud. His long resume included an appearance, alongside William Shatner, in the historically important film Judgement at Nuremberg.
Personally, I could do without the indelible image of Counsellor Troi being cut up and consumed as a cellular peptide cake with mint frosting but, say what you like, it was certainly memorable.
Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5.
Wake up.....please wake up.
mikerowerush-4906326 January 2022
Almost 26 years since I first watched this episode and sadly time has not been kind to it,why ?...because when you see the writer is Brannon Braga,you know-as with a lot of his later work-that it's going to be as incomprehensible/confusing/stupid as it's possible for him to make it. Braga did a few great stories but this is not one of them and it ranks alongside the stinker that was "Ermergence" as an episode I'd gladly never watch again.....3 stars is being kind.
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