Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds (1990)

-Written by Kyle Bain. 

When the heinous Borg cube threatens the galaxy, Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes), and the rest of the Enterprise crew must rush to save humanity. However, when Picard’s life suddenly becomes threatened, Riker must assimilate into his new role on the bridge. Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Best of Both Worlds explores the depths of these characters from a new and unique angle. 

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this is what I love about Star Trek. The Best of Both World is intelligent and doesn’t speak down to its viewers. Writer Ronald D. Moore knows his audience, and regardless of the possibility of him not playing a future role in the greater Star Trek universe, he produces something here that stands the test of time and surpasses many of the previous Star Trek properties, becoming one of my new favorite pieces. While the second half of the pair pales in comparison to its predecessor, the overall arc of the episodic duo remains honest, accessible, and narratively paramount. 

Finally an episode that focuses on Riker. I’ve seen a few things now (but by no means am I well traveled in the Star Trek universe), and this is the first time that I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Riker grow. The Best of Both Worlds quickly subverts expectations, shifting the believed focus from Picard to the aforementioned Riker. That choice alone is a welcome addition to the franchise, as it feels rare that this greater cinematic expanse chooses to shift in this way. Sometimes something as simple as this can make an episode of a series better, and that’s absolutely the case here in The Best of Both Worlds. 

Nearly every person in the work force has experienced a want, need, or a disappointment in regard to a potential professional advancement. The Best of Both Worlds is perfectly grounded, as it addresses this aspect of human life—and it permeates the entirety of the pair of episodes. Much like the decision to subvert expectations early in the story, this simple decision speaks volumes to the audience, and continues to allow viewers to appreciate and access the core of the film. Riker’s story, as important as it is in other aspects of the series’ arc, is most accessible in this way. 

Something that doesn’t often happen in Star Trek, particularly in regard to the actors and their performances, is a true mistake. However, there are singular moments within these episodes where I felt that star actors slipped up—and it works in favor of the episodes’ arc. Check the following:

1. Picard: At one moment, at the height of the drama, before his [quote, unquote] exit, Stewart stutters. Given his theater background, and the fact that the world knows his near perfection as an actor, this is out of character. However, the blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment signifies the amount of pressure that has befallen the hero. 

2. Data: The android is often void of emotion; though he frequently seeks emotion in order to grow closer to the human species. One moment in The Best of Both Worlds sees Data reach emotionally. Brent Spiner responds to a particularly emotional moment with an aggressively contorted face. Odd for the character. However, it may keep pace with the overall tone of the two episodes. 

3. Riker: Riker is someone that, regardless of the fact that he frequently takes a backseat to the other players in the series, is stoic in his presentation. Emotion isn’t a dominant piece of this character; though his connection to Picard (and many of the other The Next Generation characters) can be a stressor for the character. Viewers anticipate Riker’s emotional response in the most powerful emotional moments—but at the time of Picard’s abduction, there is no response. Riker simply exists in this moment—and I initially questioned why this made its way into the final cut of the episodes. 

Did these actors, known for their continued prowess, actually screw up in one of the most well-received episodes of Star Trek? I think the answer is both “yes” and “no.” These are simply slip ups in my opinion, however, they work to strengthen these episodes. For various reasons, these faux pas help to develop intensity and drama. 

Again, The Best of Both Worlds has quickly become one of my favorite pieces of the Star Trek franchise. The first episode is far better than the second, and there are some pacing and structural issues that befall the second half of this duo, but, overall, what plays out like a feature-length film is a strong outing for this cast and crew.

Directed by Cliff Bole. 

Written by Ronald D. Moore, Gene Roddenberry, Michael Piller, & Joe Menosky, 

Starring Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton, Michael Dorn, Gates McFadden, Marina Sirtis, Brent Spiner, Wil Wheaton, Elizabeth Dennehy, etc. 

9/10 = DROP EVERYTHING AND WATCH IT NOW