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Best of Both Worlds, Gallifrey Gals Get Warped! S3Ep26

🕑 Added 2021-04-27 17:01:01 +0000 UTC

Comments

Mr Kitty

"I felt a great disturbance in the Force. As if millions of Trekkies cried out in terror, and were suddenly silenced. I fear something terrible has happened." Thus ends Season 3!

Andrew Pulrang

This pair of episodes always makes me nostalgic. The first part aired when I was about to graduate from one colleges, and I watched it with my Star Trek fan college friends. Then I watched the 2nd part after starting grad school at a different university, with the Star Trek fans I had found there. It made for some very quick and easy bonding because no matter where we all were from, we were all collectively holding our breaths for that whole summer and couldn’t wait to see what happened after Riker said “fire.”

Brett Whittaker

It’s Rick n Morty not TNG

Brett Whittaker

https://youtube.com/watch?v=x9vcTf3_nro&feature=share

Bluefox

I'm pretty sure she had to, due to the titles appearing for Katrina on Netflix. I've talked to her about trying to hide the titles that have spoilers. They were able to do it when they watched in the same room, but not now.

Bluefox

The way she acts so calm most of the time made me forget how utterly brutal she gets in that Turbolift scene with Riker. It's such an interesting way to play that sort of character, who you would think would sound like that all the time.

Kathy A

No one’s yet mentioned that Shelby is played by Elizabeth Dennehy, the daughter of one of my favorite character actors, Brian Dennehy.

Hampus Theander

You forgot the USS Lollipop, it's newly commissioned and is a good ship. =)

DarkAshtar

No, because it reminds us of our own responses. (Only more attractive) ;)

Colin 3of5

And we will. We'll just have to wait.

Brad Ireland

In this episode it's said that Riker had been offered command three times. I couldn't member 3 offers, only 2 including the Melbourne. For anyone else who is interested I had to look it up, but he was offered command The USS Darke - The Arsenal of Freedom (season 1) The USS Aries - The Icarus Factor (season 2) The USS Melbourne - Best Of Both Worlds (Season 3)

Brad Ireland

A really great reaction, I felt for Katrina and Paula. It's the first time (that I can remember) seeing Katrina left speechless trying to get her 'broken brain' to process what had just happened. I was a bit like Katrina when originally watching this episode I was also very shocked and couldn't immediately process everything and had no idea how they would resolve it. I couldn't just re-watch the episode or jump to the next episode because there were no streaming services back then and the TV channel in Australia showing TNG (Channel 9) was only showing it once a week without repeats 11pm Tuesday nights and there was at least a three month delay getting the next season. I also remember buying the TNG series on VHS tape two episodes at a time Best Of Both Worlds was one of the episodes I watched multiple times probably nearly wearing out the tape. @Katrina, when you do see part 2, the next major Star Trek phrase that will have significance for you will be 'Wolf 359". When I saw that scene it broke my brain again. I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy how they resolve things and I think it's fair to say after Best Of Both Worlds nothing will be quite the same again.

Joshua Gosdin

THIS EPISODE. All the props and glory to the creative triumvirate of this episode: Michael Pillar, Cliff Bole, and my man Ron Jones. Almost all of the things that give us goosebumps, chills, tears, and gasps come from these guys combined with MASTERCLASS performances from the entire cast. As much as this is a Riker/Picard episode (Riker carries the greater character arc imo), the entire ensemble gets great moments. This episode is them knowing the characters cold. I loved y'all's observation about Worf doing ABOLUSTELY EVERYTHING to defend his ship and protect his captain - I had never caught that nuance before. I was always distracted by Gates McFadden's gravitas. Her tension after Picard is taken, her devastation when she gasps, "Jean-Luc," and her plea with Riker. "Will, he's alive. If we can get him back to the ship, I might be able to - " save him. She was thinking, "save him." :( I LOVE the conflict between Riker and Shelby. She is so perfectly written to give him a chance to reflect on himself for really the first time since the pilot. His realization that she has characteristics that remind him of his younger self coupled with the uncertainty that those characteristics are currently driving him crazy. It's like Riker has to grapple with himself all episode when he conflicts with her. Also, this is one of the best poker games in the series imo because it's one of the most thematically relevant. Riker and Shelby approach risk differently: Shelby thinks the size of the risk is what matters. "Two extra bodies," "if we have a confrontation with the Borg without improving our defenses," "separate the saucer section." Riker knows it's what is being risked that matters. "Without any regard for the risk of coming down here alone," "I don't want a crew fighting the Borg while they are fighting their own fatigue," "we may need the power from the saucer's impulse engines." And, yes, BINGO at the end, Lieutenant Commander "if you can't make the big decisions" Shelby balks at making the Big Decision. Commander William T. "one hell of a first officer" Riker makes the Big Decision in a way that EXACTLY fulfills why Picard wanted him as a first officer in the first place; Picard wanted Riker because Riker was a first officer who was willing to stand up to his captain. Seriously, Google "best TV episodes" and "best cliffhangers." :) THANK Y'ALL so much for this lovely reaction!

Artemis Zeidman

It’s interesting to ponder where Barclay’s character was during the events of this episode. Did he help implement the deflector dish plan, or was he just toiling away in some dark corner of engineering? How did he react to Picard being taken? How did he manage his anxiety in the heat of battle?

Artemis Zeidman

Paula continues to impress with her spoiler-proof poker face. Wesley wouldn’t stand a chance. Hopefully, you all won’t torture poor Katrina with too long a wait for Part II.

Richard Saldana

I can't believe it. I've seen this episode dozens of times and watching it with you brought me back to 1990 with all feels. Thank you!!

Jarrod Wild

My dad and I would watch TNG together when I saw him on weekends, but this episode in particular was a bonding moment for my mother and I. She didn't really get the show, and I don't blame her. But she watched the finale with me, and I kept checking my watch wondering how they were going to wrap up the episode as the time ticked away. With 5 minutes left she said "I don't think Picard's getting out of this one" and I said something like "there's still time left". And then we see Borgified Picard, and then the Locutus intro, and then the "Mr. Worf, fire" and the screen cut to black and TO BE CONTINUED appeared and I just could not believe what was happening. My mother gave me an "I told you so" look.

Chris Lane- Venturi 3D

Imagine having to wait around 3 months for part 2 like we had to when it first aired!

Brett Whittaker

The dumb one is either 13 or most probably 20

DarkAshtar

The emotion on Katrina's face when the lines "I am Locutus of Borg" come out I just wanna give Katrina a big huge hug she needs one. Paula doesn't need one because she's the fan in this case. I went through this as a kid/teenager my mom was a sci fi fan. Oh geez, Sisko..... Sorry can't say more, spoilers ;) This and some Dr. Who episodes are why I went for the higher patreon level. (While I still say Matt Smith is my favorite doctor, there are a few Capaldi episodes I really want to see your reactions to.

DarkAshtar

Been waiting for this episode

Matthew Berry

Does it make me a horrible person because I enjoy seeing Katrina's look of horror at the end of this episode? Probably. Lol. See you two in a week!

Joe Concepts

Plus she probably thought she may be the only one who would tell Will that.

Ian Smith

For those of us who grew up watching TOS,this was THE moment when TNG absolutely and emphatically emerged from out of its shadow. This season gave me Yesterday's Enterprise and Offspring,which were instant classics - but it was this story which made me accept the fact that TNG had become the better of the two (up to that point) Star Treks. A landmark story.

David Brown

Gallifrey Gals, if you haven't watched the CW superhero shows (Arrowverse), I would love to see you react to them. Especially since you are Doctor Who fans, THAT will pay off as you watch them. I'm sure many of your Whovian patrons would join that tier, and youtube subscribers would watch those reactions. As well as many Star Trek patrons. And you might get some new ones, too. That would be Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, etc. Start with Arrow. Please give this some thought. Thank you.

R. Chang

Season 3 was when I first started watch TNG, off and on. This finale made it appointment television after that. Season 4 is probably my favorite, though I'd say that 3, 4 and 5 are all peak TNG. I wonder what S4 episode Paula thinks is the dumb one. It' s a pretty solid season.

e com

I was 13 when this episode first aired and I went absolutely bonkers at the end of this episode. I was running around the living room yelling "did you see that! oh my god oh my god, what's going to happen I can't believe it" My parents were just laughing at my reaction. Memories!

Bruce Bromley

If memories serves, I think they only had one more cliffhanger on TNG, It was used more on DS9 where it fit better with it's multiple episode story arcs.

James Miller

Now, imagine watching this when it first aired, and having to wait months for the conclusion. I don't have to imagine it, I lived it.

Alexander Caldwell

I've been waiting for over a year for you gals to reach this point; seeing that tear run down Katrina's face at the sight of Picard transformed, and knowing how emotionally invested she has become in the series and its characters and stories, has made it all worth it. You are one of us now, Katrina; in true Star Trek fashion there is no going back, and you must boldly go forward into the exciting unknown of Trek fandom. Looking forward to watching you react to Season 4 and beyond!

Raja

THIS is the episode that put TNG on the map and firmly into pop culture. Until this, although the show enjoyed moderate success, it was always in the shadow of the original series. I wore out a VHS tape re-watching this ep during the summer of '90.

Raja

Yes, and Journey to Babel too since she enjoyed Sarek so much.

Glen

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VvmRlrZdkDU&list=PLmNYJN9KN5hTb7B11Yl00UhdC43Y2fPjC The whole score to this episode is on youtube. I think this two=parter is the peak of Goldsmith and Jones's work on the franchise.

Stephen Kronfeld

Great reaction.

Joe Concepts

I still remember watching this and having to wait 3 whole months for the resolution! It was crazy! And I can't think of one cliffhanger episode that works as great as this one. It is so "immediate" with no time to spare.

John Welch

Hmmm...I wonder if they will do season 4? lol

TB

As I understand it this episode started the trend of ending a season on a major cliffhanger. Now we’re used to this happening in today’s tv finales (and then get super annoyed when the show is canceled and left unresolved) but in the late 80s early 90s it was practically unheard of and it drove people insane. Also a few more episodes and I think you’ll be ready for the Doctor Who Star Trek Next Generation crossover comic. It’s amazing

Anthony Wickizer

I love that story when he tells it. Who knows how it actually wen t down, but he always adds there was a "Oh shit" moment for himself trying to figure out how to solve the problem he wrote. ahahah

Anthony Wickizer

Welcome to what is still generally considered to be among the greatest season finale cliffhangers of all time. I still clearly remember being 9 years old watching this live. My mind was blown. I had to go for a sudden run around the block because I couldn't control myself. I had no sense of what a cliffhanger was. Having to wait three months to see the resolution of the story was unheard of. It still to this day hits me with excitement and chills in equal measure when I hear, "I am Locutus of Borg." Hot damn I love this show.

Nolan

I'm thinking either GC, or Cupid (Titles changed obviously, either abbreviated or alluding to stuff)

Brendon Waldron

I'm simultaneously jealous of everybody who saw this cliffhanger when it aired and relieved that I didn't have to wait for what happened next so it was great to see somebody experience it for the first time. The Nelson/Trafalgar conversation was great at setting up dread for the rest of the episode, such a great scene...

Nolan

Every subscriber you've got has basically been waiting for this episode. And I am so proud we all managed to keep it under wraps. Although Paula is a better friend than I, I'd have kept the Borg involvement and two-parter nature of this episode to myself. I think on the DVD it leaves the part 1 off, so I'm gonna have fun when my friend gets there. But yes, while I've said this season was all about escape and escapism, culminating with Barclay's trying to escape into the holodeck, and Sarek escaping into denial about his condition and how those attempts at unmoderated escapism caused more problems, there is no escaping the Borg, and Riker, can no longer use the Enterprise as a comfort zone either. He has had command very much thrust upon him. He couldn't escape it.

August King

Paula, have you checked out the Doctor Who/Star Trek crossover involving the Borg? The Next Generation cast interact with the Matt Smith Doctor and the original Star Trek crew interact with the Tom Baker Doctor. It is an excellent graphic novel. You and Katrina would love it. It's called Doctor Who: Assimilation 2

Brett Whittaker

Hopefully they spend that time watching TOS and the movies 1-6

Jared Abrahamson

This episode blew my mind when I saw it when I was ten. It is so fun rewatching this show through Katrina's eyes.

Jarrod Wild

RIP Michael Piller. He originally wrote the finale without a resolution in mind, so when he ended up sticking around as head writer for season 4 he had to write himself out of the corner he made! Piller was such a pivotal force for the series and his contribution to Star Trek in general can never be overstated.

Andrew Hogan

I feel as if we all spoiled this a little with the build up of discussion about it. Nobody knew anything heading into this first time around, so it caught everybody completely off guard. Hopefully nobody gives anything away for the second part, even if by mistake. The 4th season is my favorite, but I’m wondering which episode Paula thinks is dumb? I’ll ask for the hundredth time, do you have a timetable on when the Original episodes will air and when you’ll begin the next season?

Christian Rennie

Yeah, I think the wait is worth it. Give Katrina some time to think about what could happen. I had to wait an entire summer when it originally aired. A couple of weeks respite should be ok. TOS Space Seed, Trouble with tribbles. I think it would be best to se the pilot episode, The Cage, with Pike and Number One (Majel Barrett).

Antonio

I wonder if I'm the only one who thinks "it's great that we finally got to this reaction, but I'm just waiting for next season's finale..."

Brett Whittaker

Paula laughing, Katrina crying. Love this show!!! I love Katrina’s progression from Farpoint to here, you can see how invested in the show and the characters. We’ve assimilated her!!

Gregory

Oh boy we’re finally here. Got some Parma Violets just for this.

thereelnerd

You have engaged...the Borg.

Brett Whittaker

I love the way Troi says Will can’t go on the away mission, she doesn’t do it for Shelby, she does it for the good of the ship

Rylee

semi-random question I know you guys have said you might check out the other series after this one but do you have any interest in seeing the movies after the series too? and if I may say Season 4 has my favorite episode(s) in it.

Brett Whittaker

Nice name bro, you must be a good bloke

Brett

Me too!

Brett

The music proceeding, during and after Picard says “We have engaged the Borg” is utterly chilling and sends shivers up my spine every time I hear it. Just a fantastic episode with an awesome cliffhanger ending

Jarrod Wild

Oh Paula you shouldn't have mentioned the "part 1"! When this originally aired, there was no part 1 in the title, which was why so many of us were shocked and traumatized when TO BE CONTINUED popped up. It was the first two-parter in the show's history (the pilot doesn't count because it was split for syndicated reruns into 2 parts).