SCHISMS


I don't know what it is, but this season seems to consist so far of relatively
enjoyable episodes - though not especially *ourstanding* ones - about which
I have not a whole lot to say.  ("Relics" was mainly an exception because
of the link to Classic Star Trek; if Scotty had instead been some generic
character thrown forward as he was, it would have been much less meaty.)

"Schisms" struck me as nothing so much as an H. P. Lovecraft story in a
science fiction setting.  (Yes, I know Lovecraft's "In The Walls Of Eryx"
was SF, but that's not what he's known for writing. :-)  TNG has had some
of its most consistent success with horror stories (such as "Night Terrors"
and "Identity Crisis"), I think.  Perhaps this is because it almost
consciously throws scientific plausibility out the window (good thing too,
since TNG has been very INconsistent in this area) and focuses on the
mood and suspense.

This story was well-developed, though it fell short of being outright eerie
as the two episodes mentioned above were at times.  Jonathan Frakes turned
in one of his better acting jobs, looking frazzled and exhausted throughout
the episode.  The holodeck sequence was quite well done, and was one of
the better uses of this plot device in some time.  The problem was interesting,
and the climactic sequence satisfying.  The bit about the crewmember whose
blood was turning to plastic was also quite good.

The big drawback, though, was not learning anything about the motivations
of the creatures abducting the crew.  There was some guesswork, but this
episode definitely demands a sequel to really sit well.  (I also had some
questions about just how the creatures managed to subdue Data and muck with
his memories.)  We're also left wondering why Riker was abducted multiple
times, and what that escaping piece of light at the end was (though happily
it tends to suggest a sequel in the offing sometime).

If all this sounds a bit cursory, well, as I said, there isn't a whole lot
to say here.  It was a straightforward plot, without any significant
twists or turns, or character pieces, or themes.  Enjoyable, but not too
substantial.  Sort of like most of this season so far...

Grade: B-

SEASON SIX AT A GLANCE:
Time's Arrow II: B-
Realm Of Fear: C
Man Of The People: C
Relics: B+
Schisms: B-
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Total Points: 12 2/3
Season Average: 2.533 (B-)
(Rise of 0.033 from last episode)