This episode is basically a morality play about a misunderstood character who wants to do the right thing. his powers are unique and out of the ordinary, making him seem at first a little threatening. there is far more to it of course, we are soon taught not to judge someone by first impressions and he actually turns out to be really nice. kindness and trust are the key values lying at the heart of the story, naturally john doe has enemies who want to get rid of him and the enterprise crew find themselves with choices to make. this shows that the situations which they face require personal discretion of a high order, not just following rules and regulations. fortunately the enterprise crew does what is right and try to sort things out.
15 Reviews
A great change
bkoganbing28 May 2020
This TNG story has an away team led by Dr. Crusher rescue Mark LaMura from a
downed spacecraft.
LaMura recovers and has transferable healing powers. His body is also undergoing tremendous cell structure that Gates McFadden can neither explain or understand. But among others Colm Meaney and Michael Dorn have reason to be grateful.,
In the end his own rather advanced race chases him down to the Enterprise and there's a climax in storee when all is revealed.
A very nice allegory. Harking back to Star Trek prime LaMura is an Organian in the making.
LaMura recovers and has transferable healing powers. His body is also undergoing tremendous cell structure that Gates McFadden can neither explain or understand. But among others Colm Meaney and Michael Dorn have reason to be grateful.,
In the end his own rather advanced race chases him down to the Enterprise and there's a climax in storee when all is revealed.
A very nice allegory. Harking back to Star Trek prime LaMura is an Organian in the making.
Compelling but lacks urgency.
thevacinstaller21 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode has a glacial pace designed around the mystery of who John Doe is and why he has super powers. I love the idea of being present during the evolution of a species from matter to energy. I was left scratching my head about the changes in Geordi LaForge ---- was this ever explained? Does he have a part of Joh Doe inside of him forever now? Is it odd that it improved his dating game and nothing else? Odd.
I wasn't feeling the connection between Dr Crusher and John Doe. Nothing against either of the actors --- sometimes the chemistry is just off or it just doesn't work.
I'd be interested to see how something like this would play out in human society? I'm willing to be the first pure energy evolution of humanity to see how it plays out? Sign me up ---- I don't have to work, eat, participate in a wage slave society that has invisible chains upon .... Sorry, thought I was in my anarchist meeting for a second.
This is a great concept that required a different approach with some tension or exploration of the experience of being an outcast and hunted down instead of revealing the transfiguration at the end of the episode. I believe they should have dropped the memory loss all together.
Worf delivered several belly laughs and wonderful physical acting during Geordi's no game conversation with emilia clarkes mom.
A pretty okay episode/idea hampered by a snails pace and lack of urgency and tension.
I wasn't feeling the connection between Dr Crusher and John Doe. Nothing against either of the actors --- sometimes the chemistry is just off or it just doesn't work.
I'd be interested to see how something like this would play out in human society? I'm willing to be the first pure energy evolution of humanity to see how it plays out? Sign me up ---- I don't have to work, eat, participate in a wage slave society that has invisible chains upon .... Sorry, thought I was in my anarchist meeting for a second.
This is a great concept that required a different approach with some tension or exploration of the experience of being an outcast and hunted down instead of revealing the transfiguration at the end of the episode. I believe they should have dropped the memory loss all together.
Worf delivered several belly laughs and wonderful physical acting during Geordi's no game conversation with emilia clarkes mom.
A pretty okay episode/idea hampered by a snails pace and lack of urgency and tension.
Touching episode.
russem3120 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:73 - "Transfigurations" (Stardate: 43957.2) - this is the 25th episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
When the Enterprise finds a damaged escape pod, they also find a severely inured humanoid whom Dr. Beverly Crusher tries to heal, though she thinks his chances of survival are slim - when he wakes up he doesn't even know who he is. However, he begins to heal at a phenomenal rate, faster than even Dr. Crusher thinks is possible, when he begins to exhibit other symptoms wholly unrelated to his injuries. Soon, he even starts affecting the Enterprise crew including Geordi LaForge who now has new-found confidence in himself (reversing his bad luck streak with women) and heals Chief O'Brien's kayaking wound with a simple touch.
However, soon a ship from this person's homeworld demands his return because he is a criminal and very dangerous.
What is the Enteprise to believe? Trivia note: Julie Warner returns as Christy Henshaw (we last saw her on a dismal date with Geordi in an early 3rd season episode "Booby Trap").
When the Enterprise finds a damaged escape pod, they also find a severely inured humanoid whom Dr. Beverly Crusher tries to heal, though she thinks his chances of survival are slim - when he wakes up he doesn't even know who he is. However, he begins to heal at a phenomenal rate, faster than even Dr. Crusher thinks is possible, when he begins to exhibit other symptoms wholly unrelated to his injuries. Soon, he even starts affecting the Enterprise crew including Geordi LaForge who now has new-found confidence in himself (reversing his bad luck streak with women) and heals Chief O'Brien's kayaking wound with a simple touch.
However, soon a ship from this person's homeworld demands his return because he is a criminal and very dangerous.
What is the Enteprise to believe? Trivia note: Julie Warner returns as Christy Henshaw (we last saw her on a dismal date with Geordi in an early 3rd season episode "Booby Trap").
Another Lost Soul on Board
Hitchcoc19 August 2014
A shuttlecraft is brought aboard containing a man who is near death. His vital signs are all over the place. Dr. Crusher makes him her special project and through every trick in the books, she manages to stabilize him. When he has recovered his health, he tells them he has no idea who he is. He knows bits and pieces, one being that there were once more like him but they all perished. Another thing is that he seems to have the gift of healing. He cures O'Brien's dislocated shoulder and when Worf takes a fifteen foot tumble, breaking his back, he touches him and Worf fully recovers. The unfortunate things is that there is a ship with a captain that insists that this guy is a criminal, but when asked what the man did, he won't say. This is one of those kind of transition to a new species shows where the entity is so much more than he appear. Picard is once again faced with needing justification to turn a guest over to a hostile authority. As a matter of fact, these guys are up front in saying that the man will be executed the minute they lay hands on him. Good episode with some spiritual implications.
Who is John Doe?!
planktonrules17 November 2014
An escape pod has crashed onto the planet below and the Enterprise investigates. The being inside is near death--yet, inexplicably, he survives. Not only that, but his body has amazing recuperative powers--and without this he never would have pulled through. Additionally, there is something about the guy that makes those around him really like him...including the Doctor. At the same time, the once shy Geordi suddenly is a hit with the ladies...all this following his being linked, briefly, with the alien. Who is he and how does he have such powers? When asked, this John Doe says that he has no idea who he is. Who is this being really and what sort of agenda does he have, if any? And, from whom was he escaping when they found him?
Apart from the annoying plot element where John couldn't remember anything until the very end of the show (and there was no explanation for this), this isn't a bad episode. On the other hand, almost all the episode was aboard the ship and the ending was a bit too 'nice' for my taste. Overall, watchable but weak.
Apart from the annoying plot element where John couldn't remember anything until the very end of the show (and there was no explanation for this), this isn't a bad episode. On the other hand, almost all the episode was aboard the ship and the ending was a bit too 'nice' for my taste. Overall, watchable but weak.
John Doe becomes Dr. Manhattan
XweAponX4 July 2023
Or a Vorlon...
And Julie Warner becomes very aggressive.
This episode is a nice Interlude before best of both worlds. Revealing the Enterprise' exploratory methods.
A mysterious crash survivor is found, and for the first time we get to see Dr. Crusher actually being a doctor, basically reassembling this person.
John was in very bad shape when he was found, but there was something about him that transcended Dr. Crushers' ministrations. It is almost as if he would have reassembled himself.
But he did need help at the beginning. Mark LeMura portrays this crash survivor/amnesiac with relish.
Also, Geordi's relationship with Miss Henshaw takes an unexpected turn- where he suddenly becomes the one being pursued. But Geordi also experiences a sudden increase in his self-esteem, which helps.
We also get to take a look at a suppressive society that allows "no dissent", on pain of death. The enterprise is met by a spaceship from this society, and they dismiss John's recovery, and call reports of John's healing powers "lies". It is almost a prophecy about what was to happen to us during the Covid crisis, so many people did not believe it was any kind of issue, and therefore paid the ultimate price.
Ironically, the spaceship model used for the Zalkonians was the same model as a plague ship from the first season episode "haven".
I don't understand the thrashing this episode seems to be getting, it is a very well written and directed episode, and there is a lot of mystery. And stories like this are basically the heart of Star Trek, where mysteries are portents to wondrous things.
And Julie Warner becomes very aggressive.
This episode is a nice Interlude before best of both worlds. Revealing the Enterprise' exploratory methods.
A mysterious crash survivor is found, and for the first time we get to see Dr. Crusher actually being a doctor, basically reassembling this person.
John was in very bad shape when he was found, but there was something about him that transcended Dr. Crushers' ministrations. It is almost as if he would have reassembled himself.
But he did need help at the beginning. Mark LeMura portrays this crash survivor/amnesiac with relish.
Also, Geordi's relationship with Miss Henshaw takes an unexpected turn- where he suddenly becomes the one being pursued. But Geordi also experiences a sudden increase in his self-esteem, which helps.
We also get to take a look at a suppressive society that allows "no dissent", on pain of death. The enterprise is met by a spaceship from this society, and they dismiss John's recovery, and call reports of John's healing powers "lies". It is almost a prophecy about what was to happen to us during the Covid crisis, so many people did not believe it was any kind of issue, and therefore paid the ultimate price.
Ironically, the spaceship model used for the Zalkonians was the same model as a plague ship from the first season episode "haven".
I don't understand the thrashing this episode seems to be getting, it is a very well written and directed episode, and there is a lot of mystery. And stories like this are basically the heart of Star Trek, where mysteries are portents to wondrous things.
"Tell me..., who am I?"
classicsoncall11 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The title of the episode hints at religious connotations, and though other reviewers mentioned the connection, I didn't really see it or think it applied. I was surprised the name 'John Doe' was maintained throughout the episode, which meant we never really got to know who the mysterious character beamed aboard the Enterprise near death really was. On the other hand, I had to laugh when the Zalkonian Commander appeared and called himself Sunad (Charles Dennis). That was dangerously close to the Italian slang term 'stunad', which implies that one is foolish or stupid. I'm sure it's just me but I got the biggest kick out of that.
In any case, our John Doe, who started out not knowing who he was or where he came from, gradually underwent an entire bodily cell transformation while gaining (or regaining) healing powers that mystified the crew of the Enterprise. Mending Chief O'Brien's shoulder was one thing, but healing Lieutenant Worf's (Michael Dorn) broken neck was a whole different level of curative ability. Equally curious was the way John's presence on board led to an oddly spiritual connection with Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) and improved the prospects for romance for Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton).
However, the one thing the wardrobe department for Next Generation should have figured out by now in the third season, was how to outfit the characters without putting them at risk of embarrassment. When john Doe first appeared on the bridge in that white jump suit, one's eyes are immediately drawn to that area of anatomy that makes one wonder of he was sensually aroused or not. You would think the dailies reviewed at the end of a day's filming would make the observation apparent. This happened quite often with Counselor Troi's (Marina Sirtis) clingy outfits as well, a point I haven't mentioned before in other reviews, but fairly obvious to anyone paying attention.
In any case, our John Doe, who started out not knowing who he was or where he came from, gradually underwent an entire bodily cell transformation while gaining (or regaining) healing powers that mystified the crew of the Enterprise. Mending Chief O'Brien's shoulder was one thing, but healing Lieutenant Worf's (Michael Dorn) broken neck was a whole different level of curative ability. Equally curious was the way John's presence on board led to an oddly spiritual connection with Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) and improved the prospects for romance for Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton).
However, the one thing the wardrobe department for Next Generation should have figured out by now in the third season, was how to outfit the characters without putting them at risk of embarrassment. When john Doe first appeared on the bridge in that white jump suit, one's eyes are immediately drawn to that area of anatomy that makes one wonder of he was sensually aroused or not. You would think the dailies reviewed at the end of a day's filming would make the observation apparent. This happened quite often with Counselor Troi's (Marina Sirtis) clingy outfits as well, a point I haven't mentioned before in other reviews, but fairly obvious to anyone paying attention.
REVIEW 2022
iamirwar31 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
John Doe gets involved in an mash-up, but fortunately the Enterprise is in the neighbourhood and an away team including Dr Crusher and Geordi La-Forge beam down to the planet where Mr. Doe's spaceship lies smashed. John himself has suffered major head injury so that Bev Crusher transfers John's brain to Geordi in order to get the injured man up to sick-bay. As Geordi develops a new sense of confidence, our mystery man's health improves to the point where he can cure Miles O'Brien's Kayak injuries as well as Worf's broken back at the merest of touches. He also gets a new sweater and visits 10-forward. Slowly but inexorably our man who cannot remember who he is turns into a light bulb.
The climax of this episode was actually very good, although it did take us a while to get there. This is something I well remember about the early seasons of TNG. Stories that started out with so much promise never quite seemed to reach the level of expectancy that their build-up suggested. This one started as a slow burner but improved as its story developed. Certainly a highlight of season three.
Geordi also acquired a new sense of confidence as a result of his brain-stem link with Mr. 500 volts.
The climax of this episode was actually very good, although it did take us a while to get there. This is something I well remember about the early seasons of TNG. Stories that started out with so much promise never quite seemed to reach the level of expectancy that their build-up suggested. This one started as a slow burner but improved as its story developed. Certainly a highlight of season three.
Geordi also acquired a new sense of confidence as a result of his brain-stem link with Mr. 500 volts.
Julie Warner is a dead ringer for Emilia Clarke
i-stevens24 March 2020
Dude with the Junk episode
sparecrow-8778526 October 2018
What can I say? The episode is great, I'm completely distracted by John Doe's junk pack the entire time. Dr. Crusher and Geordi both have a sense of something given to them during this episode, which is strange to reconcile because it feels contrived. Geordi's love affairs have been few and far between and ge's Usually painted as a creep. Dr Crusher (ultimate Hottie Trek girl) again has a sad romantic connection with nothing of consequence leaving her more alone than before. Why do we run into these clunky episodes that can only be rectified by the top notch acting of the cast? It's the next to last episode of the season without any sort of Trek canon propulsion. That's... probably why. It's jam packed with Junk! You've been warned.
Jesus, transcending and being born
the_oak9 November 2023
This is about Jesus, transdescending and being reborn. The episode has humor also and a story of connection between the doctor and the humanoid transdescending.
A thoughtful and nice episode. Me and my brother watched it yesterday and he made the remark: why can't they make Star Trek like this today? This is one of the many Star Trek episodes I've watched several times. It's proper science fiction. I love Star Trek the way it used to be. I'll probably continue to watch it on and off for the rest of my life. You can't go wrong with this episode. Wish you a good day, my fellow ape, soul, human being, star dust creature.
A thoughtful and nice episode. Me and my brother watched it yesterday and he made the remark: why can't they make Star Trek like this today? This is one of the many Star Trek episodes I've watched several times. It's proper science fiction. I love Star Trek the way it used to be. I'll probably continue to watch it on and off for the rest of my life. You can't go wrong with this episode. Wish you a good day, my fellow ape, soul, human being, star dust creature.
Jesus appears on the Enterprise
dreyenerd9 July 2019
Transfigurations is an allegory to the mission, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Like a lot of episodes of TNG it is well acted and written, but the plot is poorly developed and the ending leaves a lot to be desired.
A People Scared of Change
Samuel-Shovel15 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
In "Transfigurations" while on a routine star charting mission, the Enterprise discovers a crashed escape pod on a planet's surface with a surviving humanoid. Much to Dr. Crusher's disbelief, the man recovers and soon is back on his feet, exhibiting strange healing powers to himself and others. The man has amnesia and can't remember who he is or where he comes from.
Slowly he regains his memory and more comes to light about his past. The Enterprise runs across another ship from the man's home world who want him back because he is sentenced to death. The government is scared of this man's genetic mutation as he is quite possibly the first of his species about to partake in an evolutionary leap. Picard refuses to give the man back and he transforms into a being of light. He leaves the crew to head back to his planet to spread the good word.
I don't have any real issues with this episode other than it's a bit of a bore. The guess acting is fine without being stellar, the plot has some interesting wrinkles without being exciting. It's pretty forgettable and middle of the road for TNG. I do love watching the HD updated version and clearly seeing the actor in a full body spandex suit though, pretty hilarious!
Slowly he regains his memory and more comes to light about his past. The Enterprise runs across another ship from the man's home world who want him back because he is sentenced to death. The government is scared of this man's genetic mutation as he is quite possibly the first of his species about to partake in an evolutionary leap. Picard refuses to give the man back and he transforms into a being of light. He leaves the crew to head back to his planet to spread the good word.
I don't have any real issues with this episode other than it's a bit of a bore. The guess acting is fine without being stellar, the plot has some interesting wrinkles without being exciting. It's pretty forgettable and middle of the road for TNG. I do love watching the HD updated version and clearly seeing the actor in a full body spandex suit though, pretty hilarious!
A Senior Trekker writes...................
celineduchain16 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
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.
A difficult episode to get to grips with if one ignores the religious parallels. I'm not sure that there were meant to be any such allusions, as these stories were normally avowedly secular but the "Space Jesus" analogy is inescapable.
The Enterprise rescues a humanoid life-form with no memory and some weird cellular transformation going on. Beverley Crusher forms a quasi-romantic relationship with John Doe as she nurses him back to health but he keeps getting strange glowing lights in his chest and develops the ability to heal injuries and bring people back to life.
Despite being pursued as an outcast by members of his own race, he completes his transformation and becomes a glowing entity which disappears off into the Cosmos to experience a higher plane of existence.,
Busy TV actor, Mark La Mura, was actually very good looking under all those prosthetics but you would never have known it as the make-up department chose most unbecoming scalloped aesthetic for his face and the costume department encased him in a fleecy white romper suit. Unsurprisingly, he never returned to the genre. Canadian actor, Charles Dennis, who played the captain of the pursuing ship, returned in Enterprise and also to voice various Star Trek video games.
A difficult episode to get to grips with if one ignores the religious parallels. I'm not sure that there were meant to be any such allusions, as these stories were normally avowedly secular but the "Space Jesus" analogy is inescapable.
The Enterprise rescues a humanoid life-form with no memory and some weird cellular transformation going on. Beverley Crusher forms a quasi-romantic relationship with John Doe as she nurses him back to health but he keeps getting strange glowing lights in his chest and develops the ability to heal injuries and bring people back to life.
Despite being pursued as an outcast by members of his own race, he completes his transformation and becomes a glowing entity which disappears off into the Cosmos to experience a higher plane of existence.,
Busy TV actor, Mark La Mura, was actually very good looking under all those prosthetics but you would never have known it as the make-up department chose most unbecoming scalloped aesthetic for his face and the costume department encased him in a fleecy white romper suit. Unsurprisingly, he never returned to the genre. Canadian actor, Charles Dennis, who played the captain of the pursuing ship, returned in Enterprise and also to voice various Star Trek video games.
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