4.18 Identity Crisis

Rating: 4

The mystery surrounding the unsolved disappearance of all members of a Federation outpost on Tarchannen III hits close to home when members of the away mission who investigated the original disappearance – an away mission that included Geordi – also begin to disappear.

Comments

This is considered a very good episode by those who are willing to put science aside and enjoy science fantasy. At least for once the writers were willing to have something truly dramatic happen to one of the characters.

Nits

Although the sensors can, I assume, pick up that Lt Hickman is on board the soon-to-blow-up shuttle, it is unfortunate that they cannot detect that Hickman is no longer a human life form – or it would have been a much simpler mystery.

This mystery is partially solved by examining detailed video footage of the away mission made by one of the away team. Although this is a handy plot device, why have we never seen anyone else – before or after this – filming an away mission?

Maybe, instead of just asking Geordi to let her know if he started to develop symptoms, Crusher could have suggested a security guard (or nurse/doctor) be assigned to Geordi for 24 hour watch. Picard was there too, and he didn’t think of it. Or maybe they should have taken away his codes to activate the transporter.

Memorable Moments

•    Leitjen clamping a webbed hand on Geordi’s shoulder as she starts to change

•    Geordi looking sadly at the non-transformed hologram of Leitjen on the holodeck

•    The entire holodeck scene where Geordi extrapolates the hidden shadow and fleshes it out into a shape – it’s unrushed pacing adds to the creepiness. And in this scene, it’s a nice scientific touch that the computer refuses to create a shape based solely on a shadow – Geordi has to first give a height of the being.

•    The final scene, when the transformed Geordi, bathed in ultraviolet light, is convinced to return to the Enterprise, is effective and emotional

Quotable Quotes

"I am…strongly motivated to solve this mystery."
- Data, admitting in his own way that he is worried about Geordi

"Geordi? Geordi, my voice is familiar, listen to it. You can feel that we share this. You know I’m not a threat. The others – Mendez, Brevelle – they don’t exist as humans anymore. But a part of you still does. You’re not one of them yet, Geordi. I can help you if you’ll just trust me. I know what’s going on inside of you – the war you’re fighting with yourself. Your humanity slipping away. The instinct to run – it’s overpowering. But they know how to beat it now, Geordi. Look at me! I’ve come back, Geordi. Let me take you back too. Just take my hand…please."
- Leitjen convinces Geordi to come back to the human race

"You know, down there I…I didn’t know who you were, and yet, somehow, I believed you, I trusted you."
- Geordi to Leitjen