Identity Crisis

This episode reminded me a lot of an X-Files "monster of the week" episode where there was mystery combined with body horror. Some surprisingly well done make-up, visual effects, and set design also helps sell this entertaining, but mostly by-the-numbers episode.

Without spoiling the episode, there's a decent mystery involved, a very neat usage of the holodeck reminiscent of how it was used in Season 3's "A Matter of Perspective", and some touching scenes with Geordi and an old friend and colleague of his. There's also some nice character bits with Data that further touches on his friendship with Geordi, along with some solid medical detective work by Beverly.

Recommended.

I always thought Commander Leijten (Maryann Plunkett) was very pretty in this episode. It is what makes me come back and watch it again and again... A very good actress, this was the first time I ever saw her in anything. She has a kind of "Little Sister" relationship with Geordi. He never pushes to have more than he already has... Unlike his on-off relationship with Christy Henshaw (Julie Warner... s3e25 "Transfigurations" and s3e6 "Booby Trap").

This is one of the last times we see the original, I believe it was "type seven" shuttlecraft, which were the larger shuttlecraft that we saw in season 1, which crashed on Viagra 2. They weren't used much after " The best of both worlds" because the set for the inside of the shuttle was scrapped. In fact we don't even see the inside of the shuttle in this episode. The shuttles used after this were basically the ones that were introduced in Star Trek IV. They changed the exterior a little bit, and modern engine nacelles added.

They also have the smaller shuttlecraft like the Pike and the El Baz, which are like the one Data was flying in "The Most Toys" which blew up in the Hi-Tritium Explosion...

Geordi had gone on a mission with Suzanna Leijten years earlier, and they re-create video of that mission for log entries. Including The season 1/2 uniforms and phasers. But it is now years later, and each member of that away team are being mysteriously drawn back to the planet Tarchannan.

Why? And what happened to them after they got there? And what are these weird footprints?

They re-created a very good set of the planet surface, including a multi level structure.

What intrigues me about this episode is the question of what Geordi and Suzanna are turning into?

This is one of the best times Crusher acts and speaks like a real doctor.

Eventually she figures out what is happening, but is it too late for Geordi?

The other part of this episode that is extremely interesting for me is where Geordi reconstructs the video from the Ares Mission log on the Holodeck, and he identifies a shadow that could not possibly be there. So when he tells the computer to reconstruct the shape that is causing that shadow, the computer manufactures something out of the worst possible nightmare of H. P. Lovecraft.

And then when Riker and Worf go into the Holodeck they see this monstrosity, while scratching their heads. Remember this was all done with practical special effects.

In the end it is that friendship between Leijten and Laforge that allows a resolution of this particular conundrum.

Members of Geordi's former assignment on the USS Victory begin disappearing and together with his former colleague Lt. Commander Susanna Leitjen, Geordi's investigations uncover a more terrifying prospect than simple abduction. The secrets lies on a mission conducted years before, where an alien parasite infected those involved - including Geordi and Susanna.

I'm pleased that La Forge was finally getting some back story after seemingly waiting ages for such a luxury. The episode's core mystery is a solid one and while the pace of the investigation feels rather slow, it keeps things tense and interesting. There is some impressive makeup work later on as well while guest star Plunkett is a solid addition to the cast. Overall, this is a solid and satisfying episode.

Commander La Forge reunites with a friend from a different crew and finds out something disturbing is happening.

This is a reasonably good episode with great visuals and decent character moments for Geordie.

The plot is fairly good with a nice sci-fi concept but does not really generate much tension when you know that in about 20 minutes Geordie will be back to normal.

As an episode focussed on Geordie it is nice to see it stays away from his romantic exploits. He comes across as far more likeable here and has some cool moments figuring things out.

The visuals are excellent with some superb makeup and creature effects. The black lighting and UV scenes work brilliantly. I also love the holographic reconstruction sequence where Geordie is investigating the shadows.

LeVar Burton gives a solid performance as the episode lead and is supported well by the other cast members, particularly Maryann Plunkett.

40164.7: USS Victory away teams sensor log: Tarchannen III investigation... it looks like a whole outpost just vanished.

It also looks as though all those involved in the investigation are disappearing one by one... Don't I remember a DS9 story that ran along the similar lines?

4468.1: Data is strongly motivated to solve this mystery, meanwhile Commander Susanna has got the shakes... When we consider all the wonders of the universe and the fact that the human race has been inflicted by one disease or another throughout the history of time, it is surprising that members of the Enterprise crew don't get infected by many more weird and wonderful alien viruses.

This is a better than average episode and a step-up from our two previous outings, TNG: Galaxy's Child and TNG: Night Terrors. It has to be agreed that the girl with blue veins and yellow eyes looks quite cute, but Geordi isn't getting very far with his search for what's happening.

This Episodes Clue: World Without Sun.