A pair of elderly people are the only inhabitants left of what was once a thriving culture. They have obviously been victimized by some force or people. They live in a little plot of land in a beautiful dwelling and seem happy with each other. The Enterprise away team wants to get to the bottom of things and is confronted by the man (played by John Anderson) who wants them on their way. They refuse help from the starship, even though their supplies are obviously dwindling. Each time a crew beams down, the Enterprise is confronted by an enormous, hostile ship which will not acknowledge them. They simply fire. Still the Enterprise survives the onslaught. Something is terribly wrong and secrets are being kept. The long monologue at the conclusion reveals something so sad and devastating that it leaves us speechless. We need to ask, "What is forgivable?" This episode banks on its unanswered questions and doesn't wrap it up with a bow. This is what I love in science fiction.
27 Reviews
An entertaining and emotional story
kfo949418 March 2014
This is one of those episodes that made the series so entertaining. In this show we will learn that things are not exactly what they appear as the Enterprise is called to help two elderly people on a planet that has been attacked by aliens.
The two people, Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge, are living on the only spot of land that has not been destroyed by the passing aliens. They live in a nice house surrounded by trees when the rest of the planet is a wasteland. And right from the get-go we, as viewers, know that something just is not right about this situation.
Veteran actor John Anderson gives a stirring performance as the elderly Kevin Uxbridge that only wants to be left alone with his lovely wife. But before we learn the entire account of why the couple want no part of outside contact, we will be taken on an emotional trip that will lead to deception and remorse. An excellent story that was entertaining the entire time. One of the better episode we have seen this season.
The two people, Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge, are living on the only spot of land that has not been destroyed by the passing aliens. They live in a nice house surrounded by trees when the rest of the planet is a wasteland. And right from the get-go we, as viewers, know that something just is not right about this situation.
Veteran actor John Anderson gives a stirring performance as the elderly Kevin Uxbridge that only wants to be left alone with his lovely wife. But before we learn the entire account of why the couple want no part of outside contact, we will be taken on an emotional trip that will lead to deception and remorse. An excellent story that was entertaining the entire time. One of the better episode we have seen this season.
Uncomfortable but impressive. ASD T/W.
hamstersinwigs10 March 2020
I find this episode very difficult to watch, but not for the main plot; it's Deanna that gets me.
I don't know if it was intentional (probably not due to when this was made), but Marina Sirtis portrays a sensory overload as perfectly as I've ever seen on film. I'm autistic, I've felt that feeling. Even if Sirtis had little awareness of autism at the time I'll bet whoever she used as research / reference suffered with it, whether they had an official diagnosis or not. She nails it perfectly; the way her response to stimulus builds from her looking just a bit distracted, to uncomfortable, to rattled, to screaming, to meltdown; the way she becomes clearly disorientated, the pain and desperation on her face, the need to stay grounded in her room. Been there. Have spent 30+ years learning to hold that feeling in for the comfort of others. Been accused of being oversensitive or histrionic or just plain nuts when my barriers break and it comes out anyway. I can imagine some people would apply that assessment to Sirtis' performance as well, but that says more about their understanding of what's going on. Personally, I applaud her very, very much. Doesn't make it any easier for me to watch though.
I'm 8-starring it. I loved her performance, I'd max it for that, but I barely recall the rest of the episode in comparison so I can't really. There was a really nice looking matte painting when the away team landed - that stuck out. The rest of the reviews suggest that it was good overall, so go by those.
I don't know if it was intentional (probably not due to when this was made), but Marina Sirtis portrays a sensory overload as perfectly as I've ever seen on film. I'm autistic, I've felt that feeling. Even if Sirtis had little awareness of autism at the time I'll bet whoever she used as research / reference suffered with it, whether they had an official diagnosis or not. She nails it perfectly; the way her response to stimulus builds from her looking just a bit distracted, to uncomfortable, to rattled, to screaming, to meltdown; the way she becomes clearly disorientated, the pain and desperation on her face, the need to stay grounded in her room. Been there. Have spent 30+ years learning to hold that feeling in for the comfort of others. Been accused of being oversensitive or histrionic or just plain nuts when my barriers break and it comes out anyway. I can imagine some people would apply that assessment to Sirtis' performance as well, but that says more about their understanding of what's going on. Personally, I applaud her very, very much. Doesn't make it any easier for me to watch though.
I'm 8-starring it. I loved her performance, I'd max it for that, but I barely recall the rest of the episode in comparison so I can't really. There was a really nice looking matte painting when the away team landed - that stuck out. The rest of the reviews suggest that it was good overall, so go by those.
Powerful performance from a veteran character actor
garrard15 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Though special effects play an important part in science fiction, it is the human drama that elevates most into a different level. "The Survivors," though featuring a spectacular craft of destruction, has a tour de force performance from John Anderson as "Kevin Uxbridge," one of two elderly survivors from a devastating onslaught from marauding aliens. The crew of the Enterprise seek to rescue Kevin and his wife but are met with combat by the strange craft.
As the drama unfolds, it is revealed that things aren't as they appear to me and the elderly couple, themselves, possess some secrets that underly the attack from the aliens.
Anderson's soliloquy near the installment's conclusion is brilliant and memorable.
As the drama unfolds, it is revealed that things aren't as they appear to me and the elderly couple, themselves, possess some secrets that underly the attack from the aliens.
Anderson's soliloquy near the installment's conclusion is brilliant and memorable.
John Anderson is remarkable
XweAponX31 March 2020
He is even wearing a costume very similar to something that he was wearing in one of his westerns.
I always felt that this was a subject that Trek should have returned to and revisited... in fact when I first saw the original promotions and teasers for Deep Space Nine they were talking about an unusual alien with a mysterious past and I was hoping it would be Kevin. It turned out it was Odo, of course...
The ending of this episode was something that really knocked me over. We knew something was amiss, but we couldn't put our finger on it until Kevin tells Picard the whole story. And the whole episode is just a teaser until that one item is revealed. And I admit that there were times I wanted to stop watching it. But I decided to stick with it and was rewarded for that, The resolution of this episode is one of the strongest Star Trek stories of all time.
I always thought Starfleet should have sent somebody back to that planet just to see if Kevin was all right...
At least they wouldn't have to worry about any new attacks from the Hoosenok.
I always felt that this was a subject that Trek should have returned to and revisited... in fact when I first saw the original promotions and teasers for Deep Space Nine they were talking about an unusual alien with a mysterious past and I was hoping it would be Kevin. It turned out it was Odo, of course...
The ending of this episode was something that really knocked me over. We knew something was amiss, but we couldn't put our finger on it until Kevin tells Picard the whole story. And the whole episode is just a teaser until that one item is revealed. And I admit that there were times I wanted to stop watching it. But I decided to stick with it and was rewarded for that, The resolution of this episode is one of the strongest Star Trek stories of all time.
I always thought Starfleet should have sent somebody back to that planet just to see if Kevin was all right...
At least they wouldn't have to worry about any new attacks from the Hoosenok.
Right out of 'The Martian Chronicles' by Ray Bradbury
couchfrenchfry25 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Bradbury often wrote of the last man on a planet or the last couple. Even the character's name, Uxbridge, sounds like one of his. Of course if the writer of 'The Survivors' was inspired by stories he had read, well as they say, if you're going to steal, why not steal from the best? Bradbury was more of a poet who used science fiction as a setting for stories of human emotion. The best science fiction has a strong human story at its heart. Stories with nothing but whiz bang special effects may be okay for a short time, but we do not return to watch such stories again. Next Generation's 'The Survivors' is the kind of story you watch more than once. It also has a good science fiction twist at the end. Well worth watching.
The Survivors
Scarecrow-8812 July 2012
Warning: Spoilers
On the planet Rana IV, a Federation colony was wiped out by a cruel race, as the Enterprise discovers after answering a distress signal and arriving too late. Curiously, a plot of property and a couple, seemingly human, occupy it while the rest of the planet shows the horrifying fate of the alien attack. Rishon and Kevin (Anne Haney and John Anderson), a couple up in years came to the planet from Earth to settle into their old age, but how they were spared while the rest of the colony perished is quite a mystery. When anyone from the Enterprise beams to the couple's home, Kevin is visibly upset and rather rude, just wanting them to leave Rana so the couple can get on with their lives. Meanwhile, a ship of unknown origin threatens the Enterprise as long as they orbit Rana IV
the question is why? Fascinating episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation which ponders what to do with enormous power if you are a pacifist yet everyone around you is under perilous attack from a superiorly weaponized alien race, fighting for survival. After the away team beams to Rana the first time, Counselor Troi is terrorized by a musical tune (that plays from a certain music box owned by Rishon) that plays over and over in her mind; who has planted this tune in her mind and why? You always feel, from the first moment you see the devastation all around the Uxbridge home, that something is not right. The way Kevin insists that the Enterprise leave and his persistence in receiving nothing from them, there's a huge secret he's hiding. Rishon, however, seems to have a desire to leave but loyalty to Kevin and actually Rana itself are of importance to her. I think most viewers will see that there's a peculiarity in how they behave, considering what happened to the planet. What is hidden that Kevin is protecting? The mystery of the plot results in a tragic reveal that confirms Picard's suspicions regarding Kevin's secret, testing him through certain acts such as saying things just to see if his assumptions are correct (a theory involving the ship and why it doesn't truly destroy the Enterprise when it has a superior arsenal at its disposal and, most importantly, why this alien vessel seems to act out when crew members transport to and from the planet), leaving orbit only to return. Anderson's ornery nature and ultimately his pitiable monologue and unveiling of painful truths at the end really add potency to the episode, paying off a really intriguing mystery with a sad conclusion. Recreation and extinction, too much power used (and not used) poorly, all play into the revelation. Really a memorable episode from the third season with a melancholic vibe that hangs over it as it unfolds.
A highly unusual plot to say the least...
planktonrules15 November 2014
The very familiar character actor John Anderson stars in this unusual episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation". The enterprise responds to a distress call and amazingly, when it arrives, every person on the planet is dead...save two who are just fine in their home. Why they were not harmed is a total mystery and when they are visiting with the pair, a spaceship appears and tries to destroy the Enterprise. Unable to stop it, the Enterprise is forced to leave. It returns later, and once again, the same thing happens. Oddly, Mr. and Mrs. Uxbridge still won't leave and Mr. Uxbridge insists that they are fine and the Enterprise should leave--even though this ship MIGHT just attack the couple and finish off everyone on the planet. What's next? See this show, as it has many unusual surprise twists.
The solution to all this is what makes this particular show worthwhile. And, seeing Anderson playing Uxbridge made the show even better. Well worth seeing and incredibly unique.
The solution to all this is what makes this particular show worthwhile. And, seeing Anderson playing Uxbridge made the show even better. Well worth seeing and incredibly unique.
Grandma and Grandpa
bkoganbing6 December 2018
This episode has the Enterprise checking in on a planet that looks to have been
devastated by futuristic war. That is except for a lovely house inhabited by an
elderly couple John Anderson and Anne Haney.
These two look like everyone's ideal of humanoid grandparents. Why would war on a planetary scale spare them?
The Enterprise has to battle a large warship from an alien race as well and for one of the few times in the history of the Star Trek franchise it has to turn tail and run.
It is Patrick Stewart who figures out somewhat the cause of all this and it has of course to do with Anderson and Haney. It is quite a story.
Kudos to guest star John Anderson in one of his last roles as someone with quite a tale to tell.
These two look like everyone's ideal of humanoid grandparents. Why would war on a planetary scale spare them?
The Enterprise has to battle a large warship from an alien race as well and for one of the few times in the history of the Star Trek franchise it has to turn tail and run.
It is Patrick Stewart who figures out somewhat the cause of all this and it has of course to do with Anderson and Haney. It is quite a story.
Kudos to guest star John Anderson in one of his last roles as someone with quite a tale to tell.
Deceptively heartfelt
Mr-Fusion27 October 2016
A season 3 highlight, 'The Survivors' is classic TNG exploration with a shot of pathos. The crew happens upon a planet, decimated by a holocaust, but with two tenants still alive. Why were they spared? That, along with the massive warship that's patrolling the planet are the burning questions.
I don't want to give anything away (beyond Picard's solving the riddle and unloading a twist ending), but the reason behind all of this is a tragic one, brought about by pain and loneliness. One aspect that's noteworthy is the location shooting (this is a pretty episode), but in the end, it's also a bitter pill.
8/10
I don't want to give anything away (beyond Picard's solving the riddle and unloading a twist ending), but the reason behind all of this is a tragic one, brought about by pain and loneliness. One aspect that's noteworthy is the location shooting (this is a pretty episode), but in the end, it's also a bitter pill.
8/10
Review 2022
iamirwar15 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
As far as storylines go for the third season, this wasn't too bad but I do feel they spoiled the outcome of the story by making Kevin far too powerful. Personally, I was never a great fan of Q although it could be agreed that some of the stories involving Q were quite good (Q who? For example), but here we have Kevin who it will be revealed has powers similar to that of Q. He admits he did nothing whilst the Husnock were destroying his planet only to act in revenge by destroying every Husnock everywhere as revenge for the fact that they killed his wife. Why didn't he simply create a force-field around the planet and protect the inhabitants of the planet. Poetic justice that he will live out eternity as a prisoner of his own guilt upon the surface of Rana IV with only a projection of his dead wife as companion. Otherwise he wants for nothing.
I also feel Troi's telepathic powers are a little bit ridiculous that she can sense the presence and feelings of people down on the surface of the planet even whilst the Enterprise is still travelling to that star system. In this case her telepathic powers do get her into trouble and even though she promises to do anything for the security guard who tries to help her if he can stop the music playing in her head, she does look cute in her brand spanking new teal dress.
I also feel Troi's telepathic powers are a little bit ridiculous that she can sense the presence and feelings of people down on the surface of the planet even whilst the Enterprise is still travelling to that star system. In this case her telepathic powers do get her into trouble and even though she promises to do anything for the security guard who tries to help her if he can stop the music playing in her head, she does look cute in her brand spanking new teal dress.
And had you the power, would you not do the same?
laclone29 December 2013
Warning: Spoilers
A very powerful human drama.
A peaceful being, possessing omnipotent abilities, finds love with a human woman and settles down to live a joyful normal life with her. All is well with them, and they eventually settling down on a remote world to live out the remainder of their lives (her life, as he is immortal) together.
A Powerful and evil alien race attacks the colony years later, killing the only woman he has ever loved, and in a moment of grief-fueled rage, he erases the entire attacking race, billions of them, from existence. Everywhere.
Doubly stricken with grief now, for both her death, and for what he has done because of it, he creates a small bubble/prison of illusion to live out eternity in.
Unfortunately, the colony had sent out a message for help before being destroyed, and now the Enterprise has arrived to investigate what happened.
A peaceful being, possessing omnipotent abilities, finds love with a human woman and settles down to live a joyful normal life with her. All is well with them, and they eventually settling down on a remote world to live out the remainder of their lives (her life, as he is immortal) together.
A Powerful and evil alien race attacks the colony years later, killing the only woman he has ever loved, and in a moment of grief-fueled rage, he erases the entire attacking race, billions of them, from existence. Everywhere.
Doubly stricken with grief now, for both her death, and for what he has done because of it, he creates a small bubble/prison of illusion to live out eternity in.
Unfortunately, the colony had sent out a message for help before being destroyed, and now the Enterprise has arrived to investigate what happened.
A Fun Initial Viewing
Samuel-Shovel17 September 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In "The Survivors" the Enterprise finds a devastated planet with only two survivors from the colony, an elderly couple, still there. The Enterprise needs to figure out who decimated this planet, where did it go, and why did it spare these two. But Picard quickly realize there's more to these octogenarians than meets the eye.
I like this episode. It's a fun little mystery episode with the added benefit of having an almost horror-like subplot as Troi slowly loses her mind. I'm not sure it has much rewatch value after the initial viewing spoils the resolution but the first time around it really is a fun watch. The guest actors and great and really brings it to a higher level than the source material would be otherwise.
I like this episode. It's a fun little mystery episode with the added benefit of having an almost horror-like subplot as Troi slowly loses her mind. I'm not sure it has much rewatch value after the initial viewing spoils the resolution but the first time around it really is a fun watch. The guest actors and great and really brings it to a higher level than the source material would be otherwise.
A Senior trekker writes.........................
celineduchain7 January 2022
New uniforms, new credit sequence and Doctor Crusher returned to us but was Season 3 of The Next Generation really as good as we remember? Some of that enthusiasm may have have been generated by relief that the series had not been cancelled but the 1990's also heralded an era of considerably more stability behind the scenes. Senior Trekker will continue to score every episode with a 5.
This is a beautiful episode and it has long been a personal favourite of mine. The story has such a classic Science Fiction feel that it barely needs the presence of the Enterprise at all. We could probably have skipped the "Troy gets mind-raped (again)" musical box nonsense aboard ship and been all the better for it. The outdoor location used for the Survivor's anomalous house and garden, isolated on a desolate planet, adds authenticity to the story and puts a spring in the step of the cast. Literally, in Riker's case as he sets off an unseen security device.
Guest actor John Anderson was already a veteran performer with more than forty years of screen experience when he accepted the role of the mysterious Kevin Uxbridge so he could have been excused for giving us less than 100%. Instead, he drew deeply on the recent loss of his own wife to produce an incredibly moving and memorable performance. A as uxorious a man in real life as his screen character, he was not long a widower but died in the year after this episode was released.
Just visible on the bridge of the Enterprise as the uncredited Ensign Bailey was award winning make-up artist, Natalie Wood (ii). Whether she just was just needed to fill a seat at short notice or was being rewarded for her dedicated work behind the camera, we are unsure, but she went on to work consistently on further Star Trek productions for many years to come.
This is a beautiful episode and it has long been a personal favourite of mine. The story has such a classic Science Fiction feel that it barely needs the presence of the Enterprise at all. We could probably have skipped the "Troy gets mind-raped (again)" musical box nonsense aboard ship and been all the better for it. The outdoor location used for the Survivor's anomalous house and garden, isolated on a desolate planet, adds authenticity to the story and puts a spring in the step of the cast. Literally, in Riker's case as he sets off an unseen security device.
Guest actor John Anderson was already a veteran performer with more than forty years of screen experience when he accepted the role of the mysterious Kevin Uxbridge so he could have been excused for giving us less than 100%. Instead, he drew deeply on the recent loss of his own wife to produce an incredibly moving and memorable performance. A as uxorious a man in real life as his screen character, he was not long a widower but died in the year after this episode was released.
Just visible on the bridge of the Enterprise as the uncredited Ensign Bailey was award winning make-up artist, Natalie Wood (ii). Whether she just was just needed to fill a seat at short notice or was being rewarded for her dedicated work behind the camera, we are unsure, but she went on to work consistently on further Star Trek productions for many years to come.
A touching episode.
russem3117 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:51 - "The Survivors" (Stardate: 43152.4) - this is the 3rd episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek: The Next Generation and a VERY good episode at that. This episode involves meeting 2 survivors of a global holocaust - who live in an acre of land with trees, grass, and a intact house, in the middle of destruction. What the Enterprise finds out will shock even the keenest of viewers for the two survivors are not what they seem - especially after Troi starts hearing "music" in her head that won't stop and only gets louder, and eventually starts going mad (very shocking to see indeed). Also, an extraordinary performance by veteran actor John Anderson as Kevin Uxbridge).
One of the best episodes of the series. Bravo to everyone involved.
leetylr10 January 2020
This episode keeps you on the edge of your seat and keeps you thinking until the very end and stays with you.
All the main cast are as brilliant as ever in their roles, especially Marina Sirtis who gives us some of her best acting in the series. The guest stars John Anderson and Anne Haney both shine as loving husband and wife team Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge.
This is a must watch episode and one of the highlights of the third season. Bravo everyone Bravo.
All the main cast are as brilliant as ever in their roles, especially Marina Sirtis who gives us some of her best acting in the series. The guest stars John Anderson and Anne Haney both shine as loving husband and wife team Kevin and Rishon Uxbridge.
This is a must watch episode and one of the highlights of the third season. Bravo everyone Bravo.
Outstanding performance by John Anderson.
pheard356 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The performance of John Anderson as Kevin Uxbridge is everything in this episode. John was a fine, fine character actor and he gave so much to the character of Kevin. I've rewatched this episode recently about five times as I am awestruck with John Anderson's performance. He brought so much realness, so much pain, emotion, and love to a character wracked with guilt. There's plot holes in the epsisode to be sure, but John Anderson makes this episode worth watching again and again and again. If you haven't viewed it yet and are reading my words, I hope I'm not overselling his performance. You simply must see it for yourself. He did a remarkable job and his portrayal of Kevin touches me to the core of my soul. Special head nod to Marina Sirtis, who is in utter agony in this eposide. I felt her pain too. I give this episode 9 stars for their performances alone.
Too Inconsistent
anarchistica31 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
The Survivors is one of the better TNG episodes so far, falling just short of a 'good' rating (i.e. an 8).
The first problem is that Kevin seriously harms Troi for seemingly no reason. He couldn't just put in a block or otherwise hidden himself? Why does the music keep playing even after he thinks the Enterprise has left?
The second problem is how Kevin seems both all-powerful and rather limited. He can't track the Enterprise? They can simply beam him up? Why doesn't he reinstate everything within view? Et cetera.
The final problem is the Husnok. We never see them, the only things we know about them are negative. Kevin even says they're a race of "hideous intelligence". It's hard to feel sorry for someone faceless who is only known in a negative way.
Also, Picard isn't aware of the UN Genocide Convention? What?
The first problem is that Kevin seriously harms Troi for seemingly no reason. He couldn't just put in a block or otherwise hidden himself? Why does the music keep playing even after he thinks the Enterprise has left?
The second problem is how Kevin seems both all-powerful and rather limited. He can't track the Enterprise? They can simply beam him up? Why doesn't he reinstate everything within view? Et cetera.
The final problem is the Husnok. We never see them, the only things we know about them are negative. Kevin even says they're a race of "hideous intelligence". It's hard to feel sorry for someone faceless who is only known in a negative way.
Also, Picard isn't aware of the UN Genocide Convention? What?
Good story and acting from start to finish.
smiledaydream14 February 2022
John Anderson and Anne Haney are terrific. So far this is the best show in season three. The story is interesting and holds together very well. The characters and the dialogue stay consistent and don't contradict other shows or the Star Trek universe. It's amazing how prolific an actor John Anderson was. And when I look at him in this show he keeps reminding me of Lloyd Bridges. The writing has the quality of an outer limits episode.
Good grief!
thevacinstaller14 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Wonderfully executed mystery episode.
You can't buy or fake experience and Anderson delivers a great 'tormented' performance as Kevin Uxbridge ---- I did some research on this episode and discovered that Anderson had lost his wife not long before this episode took place.
To be fair ---- This is a great episode but it loses it's punching power if you have watched it before. Anderson's performance is strong enough to carry this episode for subsequent viewings.
Picard flexes his intuition and reasoning muscles in this one. I like smart characters that are not superhero's ---- He uses logic/reason and some human intuition to figure out what is going on.
The commentary/end scene on the terrible destructive power of grief was eye opening.
You can't buy or fake experience and Anderson delivers a great 'tormented' performance as Kevin Uxbridge ---- I did some research on this episode and discovered that Anderson had lost his wife not long before this episode took place.
To be fair ---- This is a great episode but it loses it's punching power if you have watched it before. Anderson's performance is strong enough to carry this episode for subsequent viewings.
Picard flexes his intuition and reasoning muscles in this one. I like smart characters that are not superhero's ---- He uses logic/reason and some human intuition to figure out what is going on.
The commentary/end scene on the terrible destructive power of grief was eye opening.
Amazing story and characters
meztrax19 September 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of my favorties, as it shows how humans would act in the spur of the moment if they lost someone they loved. For me atleast it really shows how a human would react to someone killing their loved ones if they had godlike powers, and at the same time asks the question how humans without that power would react to that heinous crimes.
Q like
donp-675923 February 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The answers are to simple to the questions. why are they the only survivors? why does Capt. Picard figure out everything but Kelvin with Q like powers cant figure out Picard's simple tricks...Worf is a simple idiot.
Picard and the crew have met Q so they have seen powers on this scale but they ask like they have no understanding. Kelvin cant sense Picard and the crew beaming up and down to their house...really where's his power.
THIS EPISODE IS SUCH A GREAT PEICE OF ART!!!
fullofteeth25 August 2018
I admire gall
snoozejonc12 June 2021
Enterprise answers a distress call from a federation colony.
This is a solid episode with some thought-provoking themes and excellent performances.
The story is conveyed using a familiar narrative structure to the Star Trek franchise and looks at themes such as pacifism, revenge, genocide, intervention and justice. It uses the Enterprise crew's interactions with characters situated on planet Delta Rana IV to present a fairly intriguing mystery with a number of memorable conversations and character moments. There are some aspects of the plot that are difficult to accept but if you do not think too much about them it helps with the suspension of disbelief.
Picard and Troi have some strong scenes and to a slightly lesser extent so does Worf. Picard is like a detective unraveling a mystery whilst commanding a starship. However it is the two guest roles that are the most memorable and you almost want to condemn the crew for bothering them.
Setting aside all the positive aspects, 'The Survivors' is more of a tell rather than a show episode. As good as the story is, it's not completely suited to the screen. The crux of it is conveyed by a character telling the audience what happened, which is never the most cinematic approach.
That being said there are plenty of decent visuals. There is a nice matte used during the one of the Delta Tana scenes and some of the space battle sequences involving Enterprise are good.
The regular cast members all give good performances, especially Patrick Stewart and Marina Sirtis. John Anderson and Anne Haney are exceptionally good as Mr and Mrs Uxbridge.
For me it is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
This is a solid episode with some thought-provoking themes and excellent performances.
The story is conveyed using a familiar narrative structure to the Star Trek franchise and looks at themes such as pacifism, revenge, genocide, intervention and justice. It uses the Enterprise crew's interactions with characters situated on planet Delta Rana IV to present a fairly intriguing mystery with a number of memorable conversations and character moments. There are some aspects of the plot that are difficult to accept but if you do not think too much about them it helps with the suspension of disbelief.
Picard and Troi have some strong scenes and to a slightly lesser extent so does Worf. Picard is like a detective unraveling a mystery whilst commanding a starship. However it is the two guest roles that are the most memorable and you almost want to condemn the crew for bothering them.
Setting aside all the positive aspects, 'The Survivors' is more of a tell rather than a show episode. As good as the story is, it's not completely suited to the screen. The crux of it is conveyed by a character telling the audience what happened, which is never the most cinematic approach.
That being said there are plenty of decent visuals. There is a nice matte used during the one of the Delta Tana scenes and some of the space battle sequences involving Enterprise are good.
The regular cast members all give good performances, especially Patrick Stewart and Marina Sirtis. John Anderson and Anne Haney are exceptionally good as Mr and Mrs Uxbridge.
For me it is a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.
"We'll be fine, Commander. We have each other."
classicsoncall28 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Name almost any TV series between 1950's 'Fireside Theater' and 'Jake and the Fatman' from 1992, and there's a good chance John Anderson appeared in an episode. The actor had a ubiquitous presence in dozens of programs, and I caught him in a fair share of TV Westerns and movies back in the day. One that stands out was his role as Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis in the 1988 film "Eight Men Out", about the 1919 Black Sox scandal. In this story, Anderson appears as one of the lone survivors, along with his wife, to have survived a nuclear war on his home planet of Delta Rana IV. However, not all is as it seems, and the story that unfolds is what good science fiction is all about.
The thing I can't understand is how Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), alone among the crew of the Enterprise, managed to figure out who and what Kevin Uxbridge (Anderson) was all about. I think that had more to do for what the story called for rather than any rational explanation. Picard took an enormous chance with his hunches in this one, and if he was wrong, the Enterprise could have been obliterated in a flash, just as the planet below had been decimated prior to the Enterprise's arrival. Which in hindsight now that I'm thinking about it, makes no sense that a distress signal would have gone out to the Enterprise, since all Uxbridge and his wife Rishon (Anne Haney) wanted was to be left alone.
Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis), sporting a new outfit for the first time, finds herself at a disadvantage in this story as she becomes disabled by a loud screaming waltz in her head that threatens to drive her mad. There's a connection to the Uxbridge's, but for that, you'll have to watch the program. The solemn epilog delivered by Kevin Uxbridge to explain why he and Rishon alone survived on Delta Rana IV is delivered in heart rending fashion, but it can't be denied that the entity that was Uxbridge committed perhaps the single greatest atrocity of all time due to his hatred of an alien race before returning to a life of pacifism. Which sounded kind of hollow to me once I heard it.
For once, Captain Picard had no other choice but to allow Uxbridge return to Delta Rana IV and recreate his vision of personal happiness and companionship once more. How else to deal with an immortal being capable of destroying the Enterprise with a single thought?
The thing I can't understand is how Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart), alone among the crew of the Enterprise, managed to figure out who and what Kevin Uxbridge (Anderson) was all about. I think that had more to do for what the story called for rather than any rational explanation. Picard took an enormous chance with his hunches in this one, and if he was wrong, the Enterprise could have been obliterated in a flash, just as the planet below had been decimated prior to the Enterprise's arrival. Which in hindsight now that I'm thinking about it, makes no sense that a distress signal would have gone out to the Enterprise, since all Uxbridge and his wife Rishon (Anne Haney) wanted was to be left alone.
Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis), sporting a new outfit for the first time, finds herself at a disadvantage in this story as she becomes disabled by a loud screaming waltz in her head that threatens to drive her mad. There's a connection to the Uxbridge's, but for that, you'll have to watch the program. The solemn epilog delivered by Kevin Uxbridge to explain why he and Rishon alone survived on Delta Rana IV is delivered in heart rending fashion, but it can't be denied that the entity that was Uxbridge committed perhaps the single greatest atrocity of all time due to his hatred of an alien race before returning to a life of pacifism. Which sounded kind of hollow to me once I heard it.
For once, Captain Picard had no other choice but to allow Uxbridge return to Delta Rana IV and recreate his vision of personal happiness and companionship once more. How else to deal with an immortal being capable of destroying the Enterprise with a single thought?
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