Future Imperfect

Episode aired Nov 10, 1990
TV-PG
46m

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

3.9K

YOUR RATING

Action Adventure Drama Sci-Fi

Riker awakens sixteen years after an away mission where he contracted a disease which destroyed his memory back to the point of infection - or so he's told.Riker awakens sixteen years after an away mission where he contracted a disease which destroyed his memory back to the point of infection - or so he's told.Riker awakens sixteen years after an away mission where he contracted a disease which destroyed his memory back to the point of infection - or so he's told.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.7/10

3.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
The turbo-lift scene with Riker and young Jean-Luc was added because the show was running short. The scene was written only the night before it was to be shot.

Goofs
As Admiral Picard talks with Captain Riker in the Conference room and says "Will, you're sound of mind and body. If you are properly briefed, you'll still be able to perform your duty," you can see either a gnat, fly or mosquito buzz around his uniform.

Quotes
"Ambassador" Jean-Luc Picard: Captain - perhaps it would be best if we discussed this...
Commander William T. Riker: Shut up!
"Ambassador" Jean-Luc Picard: I beg your pardon?
Commander William T. Riker: I said 'shut up'. As in 'close your mouth and stop talking'!

Alternate versions
In the original broadcast and the Columbia House VHS version, when Riker discovers the Romulan deception and says, "Shall we end this charade," he pronounces the word "sha-rad". This line was later ADR'd by Jonathan Frakes for the DVD to say "charade" pronounced "sha-RADE".

Connections
Featured in re:View: Rich and Mike's Second TNG Top Ten Video part 2 (of 2) (2020)

Soundtracks
Star Trek: The Next Generation Main Title
Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage

User reviews18

Featured review

7/10

Future Unwanted

'Future Imperfect' relies on a sci-fi hook that I'd seen years earlier on an episode of "Batman: The Animated Series" (Mad Hatter tried something very similar), so the big twist during the closing moments was robbed of some of its impact. Although, it's still pretty sad.

Either way, this is all about Riker living out a fantasy; the Enterprise is his, he has a son, everything's all sunshine and waffle cones. But in the end, it's all a ruse; a tragic one, but artificial nonetheless.

I guess I've always liked this episode because I like this character; or maybe it's Jonathan Frakes I've taken to, I'm not sure). And it's nice to have a glimpse into his idea of domestic bliss and how he'd act in a parental capacity, comparing himself to his own father and whatnot.

After all is said and done, the real appeal isn't how the fantasy is constructed, but why.

7/10