The Nth Degree

Episode aired Mar 30, 1991
TV-PG
45m

IMDb RATING

7.9/10

3.7K

YOUR RATING

Dwight Schultz in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)

Space Sci-Fi Action Adventure Drama Sci-Fi

When assigned to investigate an unknown probe, Lt. Barclay is hit by an energy surge, through a shuttlecraft's computer, and he receives an inexplicable boost of confidence and a vast increa... Read allWhen assigned to investigate an unknown probe, Lt. Barclay is hit by an energy surge, through a shuttlecraft's computer, and he receives an inexplicable boost of confidence and a vast increase in his knowledge.When assigned to investigate an unknown probe, Lt. Barclay is hit by an energy surge, through a shuttlecraft's computer, and he receives an inexplicable boost of confidence and a vast increase in his knowledge.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

7.9/10

3.7K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Pre-credits scene is one of the longest in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987), around seven minutes long.

Goofs
This is one of the rare episodes in which one can clearly see Levar Burton's eyes through his VISOR. This happens when he and Barclay are in the shuttle pod and in engineering when increasing phaser power.

Quotes
Barclay: Computer, begin new program. Create as follows: workstation chair. Now, create a standard alphanumeric console, positioned for the left hand. Now an iconic display console, positioned for the right hand. Tie both consoles into the Enterprise main computer core, utilizing neural-scan interface.
Enterprise Computer: There is no such device on file.
Barclay: No problem. Here's how you build it.

Connections
Featured in Star Trek: Generations Review (2008)

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

User reviews15

Review

Featured review

8/10

Pretty good Barclay episode

Enterprise encounters an alien probe that has a bizarre effect on Lieutenant Reg Barclay.

This is a reasonably strong episode with a good idea and central performance. If you like the character you will enjoy it.

The story unfolds quite slowly with a lot of attention paid to Barclay's character. What happens to him is an integral part of the plot so it fits well with the great sci-fi concept at the heart of it all.

It is pointless critiquing Barclay's best moments because he is generally a liked or disliked character for most people and I do not think this episode is likely to change any minds either way. He is presented in different way here, which makes the character feel fresh, but as always he reflects the weird quirks of the actor. If there ever was a quintessential 'trekkie' represented by a character within the franchise, intentional or not, it is him.

The visuals are mostly excellent with some strong cinematography, lighting and effects during the holodeck scenes. I was not particularly sold on the floating head, but this is Star Trek!

Performances are mostly good, with Dwight Schultz on top form as ever. Marina Sirtis, Gates McFadden, LeVar Burton and Jonathan Frakes support well. Patrick Stewart is solid as ever but does not have his usual prominent lead role.

It his is a 7.5/10 for me but I round upwards.