1.18 Coming of Age

Rating: 3

Wesley competes against three other highly qualified candidates for one seat in Starfleet Academy. At the same time, the crew of the Enterprise is investigated by a brusque Admiral (and old friend of Picard’s) and his zealous and obnoxious assistant.

Comments

The use of two parallel storylines makes the episode more interesting.

The crew (in particular, Riker and Troi) are so defensive about protecting Picard that it made me think maybe he was guilty of something. But then that might have been the point.

Will Wheaton’s acting in this episode is much improved.

Picard is fantastic in this episode, even when the dialogue is mediocre. He makes everything sound good.

Nits

Why does Remmick interrogate Riker, Worf, Data, and Crusher behind closed doors, yet he interrogates Geordi in a loud voice (and Geordi responds in a loud voice) while they are in engineering, with scores of other people within earshot?

Intellidoors again: When Merrick delivers his report, he walks back to the doors and stands next to them, with his back to them. Yet they do not open. He gives a little speech, and, just after he finishes (and even though he still has not moved) the doors open.

When Picard admits that he has not decided whether to take the promotion to Admiral, Riker gives him a "gee, what kind of jerk would turn down a promotion" look. Keep that look in mind as the series progresses and Riker faces his own choices regarding accepting command of a ship.

Memorable Moments

•    Picard talks Kerland through the shuttlecraft maneuver and saves his life – stirring.

•    The editing between Data and Worf’s interview with Merrick – great switcheroo, and the first time we realize it is a new interview is when we see Worf’s reflection in the computer terminal.

•    Mordoch’s fog-emitting breathing apparatus is really cool (although the rest of his make-up does look like a Halloween mask).

Quotable Quotes

"It’s a good thing you’re cute, Wesley, or you could really be obnoxious."
– Oleanna (and unfortunately, she’s the only person in the universe who thinks Wesley is cute J)

"Only fools have no fear."
– Worf

Kerland: Thanks for saving my life.
Picard: That’s my job, young man.