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Half a Life, Gallifrey Gals Get Warped! S4Ep22

🕑 Added 2021-10-12 17:00:05 +0000 UTC

Comments

Dan Williams

Another that I rarely watch because it's so tough..... One more that I know for sure is worse than this for tears, Lwaxanna, again....

T J

When this watch first came out almost 3 months ago, I saw the episode with a fresh viewpoint...and hit a little close to home. You see, at that time I was two months from turning 60 and had to leave a job I had held for over 38 years. It started me thinking about my life, my career, my worth and having to leave when I turned 60. The stakes weren't nearly as high as the ones in the episode, but they were real enough for me to feel real empathy for a person cast aside because of reaching a certain age. I knew I would be conflicted when the time came for me to leave. On one hand, it was time for the next generation (no pun intended) to take over, but I would miss the work, the friends...and it was simply what I've done practically my entire adult life. On the other hand it means more time spent with my family (they had sacrificed too much already) and gave me the chance to start a new chapter. At least I have the opportunity for a new life after 60. Perhaps this is a warning to all of us to make good use of the time allotted us. I knew 60 was as far as I could go with this job, but at one time it seemed impossibly long ways off. I can't tell you how quickly it happened, especially the last 20 years. It's up to each of us to use our time wisely, and not to "die before you die".

Patrick Armbruster

Oh, I believe you that you (and your proposed 99% of people) might see it differently. But "blind rage" is not where I'm coming from. Just try and see it from my perspective. I don't hate her in other episodes. I don't hate her here – I just feel she's used badly in that she seems unable to see other perspectives (i.e. his perspective) until the daughter speaks. Don't you agree at all that she doesn't weigh her thoughts at all until that moment? I mean: I agree that the thought experiment of finding a people who have agreed to off themselves when turning 60 might pose interesting questions to be weighed before deciding to interfere or not interfere. But she's ... bulldozering until she sees how he reacts to his daughter's thoughts. I'm not in any way suggesting their "way of life... and death" would be a good idea, if that's what you might have thought.

Scott Archibald

To me it seems you got to caught up with hating the character to not actually understand the motivations and are just led by blind rage. Sorry you feel that way but that is not how I or at least 99% of the people I know see how she acted.

Christine Ester

Verteron I had wondered what I have been missing in new trek as I try and try to get into it and you put it together for me. Star Trek was always about the the thought provoking story telling and the Action was always considered a well thought out and entertaining side note.

Patrick Armbruster

Her talking to Deanna feels so staged, too. She only asks herself whether the crush she's had for five minutes maybe led to a rather rash act _after_ hearing his daughter speak? So _his_ talking about it had no effect on her thoughts but to violently ignore all his wishes? Well, at least the episode has a "happy end". Lwaxana considers herself a "loved one" after all of this. And I'm back with my original assessment: Ugh...

Patrick Armbruster

She's just incredibly ignorant for someone who is supposed to be "empathic". If their ships had someone on board, say, a funky prodigy like a Wesley, her impulse crush based actions could've easily led to the destruction of the Enterprise and created an interstellar war. But I'm glad the dresses are stunning. :)

Patrick Armbruster

Ugh... The telepath/empath who completely ignores basically everything people around her feel, "boldly" imposes her personal wishes over the prime (!) directive of Starfleet, in a prime (heh...) example of where it _should_ apply. I can't really see anything redeeming about this episode, although the intro scene is of course a little bit fun.

Antonio

As others have said, this is my favorite Lwaxana episode. It just elevates her character to a new level. Also, I have to say, watching Katrina's reaction and "reenactment" of the opening to the show was just beautiful and awesome! Very interested in seeing your reaction to the next episode!

David Brown

* Major Winchester

Brett Whittaker

Watch the Mash clip where Charles is sitting with Hawkeye while he’s sitting waiting to hear about his dads cancer operation. So good

Brett Whittaker

I wasn’t going to say anything lol

Thontor

I had completely forgotten Michelle Forbes was in this episode.

Anthony Wickizer

I would actually slightly disagree with this take. I think this episode absolutely tells you what to think. I just does it in an extremely subtle manner. As a viewer we are predisposed to side with our main crew by default. So they can use those characters to steer the moral code/lesson they want to discuss. And here, while Timicin, by nature of being played by a great actor, has some extremely great points, they are all countered by the people we are predisposed to agree with. So I firmly believe the episode is flat out saying, "What is happening is wrong." It is just doing it in a way that asks the viewer to come that conclusion on their own. Which yes I do prefer, and it really does shine in this episode. And regarding media from today being a bit more forward with their messages, I can understand that. If a message is delivered in a subtle manner, no matter how clear it is, then the subtlety can be ignored and the wrong lessons learned from a piece of art. Look at what happened to American History X or Fight Club. :)

Mark Chrisco

Can't quite remember. but I think she called him that in an earlier episode 🙂.

Mark Chrisco

Yes, she did catch the attention of the producers as well.

Sal Sanchez

All the oldies will always refer to this as the Maj. Charles Winchester III episode. LOL!!!! I love this guy. He also plays "Nicky Flippers" on Hoodwinked! David Ogden Stiers

Artemis Zeidman

Definitely a nuanced message in this episode, as you all mentioned. My takeaway is that cultural relativism is BS. I think when Lwaxana and Timicin are debating, it’s clear Lwaxana is making the better and more logical points, arguing from an outsider’s more objective perspective. However, it still had to be Timicin’s choice. He had to be the one to say that it was time for a change. Change has to come from within a culture, not from without. Maybe, if there were a cultural exchange and the Federation influenced by example (just as Lwaxana and the Enterprise crew had “influenced” Timicin), someone on Timicin’s world would finally stand up and say, “Enough.”

Verteron

This might be my favorite Lwaxana episode. The acting all around was excellent. Even the small parts with Worf, Picard, and Deanna, and how they interacted with her were performed beautifully. This is a prime example of what Star Trek is, a thoughtful discussion of an issue, but lets you decide on your own about the solution, if you have one. Which is a problem I have with the newer Trek. It's not about shooting phasers, and saving the universe from some convoluted season long plot. It's just small personal stories and great acting.

David Gallagher

Oh yah now I see that the guest star was major winchester from MASH. MASHG was so loaded with talent

Kirk Deighton

Its hard to believe "Mr. Woof" came from such a sad episode.

Timothy Hennon

After the last two episodes, from the writing, the acting, and the star power of guest actors the show is now able to land, TNG is now officially firing on all cylinders. Boy, this show has come a long way from the days of "Code of Honor" and "Angel One"! ;-)

Nolan

One of the two, or possible three, best Lwaxana episodes. Which is not bad for a character reviled by the audience. That whole bit about TNG just *presenting* the sides of a debate goes back to what I said last week about "The Drumhead." These shows are the START of debate, not the end, and Trek up until 2005 knew that. Granted, in later years they got a little shaky with that concept and maybe came up with some artificial stand points (There are a couple episodes in Enterprise that just, oof not great at it) but they knew their purpose in giving issues a set stage to be discussed. New shows are more content to just TELL you how to think, what side of the debate to be on. And that harms the legacy of this show somewhat, I think. And that the actress for Timicin's daughter could give that baller and sincere a performance with THAT hair-do speaks to how good she is. I now think BSG *would* e too triggering for both of you, but she has a HELL of a role in that for an arc and it is just as powerful although a LOT less sympathetic.

R. Chang

One of the things I loved about this episode is how Lwaxana handled it. She strongly disagreed with the tradition and she argued against it passionately. But even though she and Timcin were so opposed on this issue, it didn't divide them. In the end, it was his decision, and even though she didn't agree with it, she chose to stand by him anyway. That attitude of--I don't agree with what you're doing, but if you're going to do it, I'm going to be by your side--Lwaxana is ride-or-die, for sure.

Gjermund Higraff

Kind of irrelevant for this episode, but I restarted DS9 a few days ago, and I'd forgot about her first appearance there (besides the computer voice) and her encounter with Odo. While some may not like the character, damn, that's a good Lwaxana episode.

Henchman Twenty1

The end of his first episode was gold. He's recording a message to his parents after a 38 hour shift and goes to pour himself some tea - "Mother and dad, I will put this as eloquently and succinctly as possible," - Nothing comes out of the tea pot, He removes the lid and pulls out a rubber chicken and continues, "Get me the HELL OUT OF HERE!" Classic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPVfLmkRFKI

Jarrod Wild

I find it intriguing that we essentially watch Lwaxana go through the stages of grief before he dies, ending with acceptance.

Henchman Twenty1

Spoiler below! Also, Patreon deleted my comment so this is a repost with minor modifications Way back in the day when these episodes first aired I'd record them on VHS tapes (this predates DVR's and streaming, kiddies). Besides writing the actual title of each episode on the tape label I'd also include my own more descriptive title to remember what it was basically about. If I recall correctly, the alt title for this one was either Major Winchester In Space or Major Winchester Croaks Himself. I wasn't too crazy about this one and Lwaxana Trio always annoys me in all but one upcoming episode she was in. It's too bad because I have nothing but respect for Majel Barrett. I think Voyager had a better, more poignant episode about assisted su1c1de from season 2 called "Death Wish". The guest actor, Gerrit Graham, gave an excellent performance.

Matt O'Keefe

The daughter's actress was instantly recognizable facially and by voice. She automatically had an almost seemingly gruff manner.

DarkAshtar

sending narwhale hugs and support and kitty snuggles. I'm not really big on physical contact with others so I can definitely send synthetic hugs lol

thereelnerd

One of my favorite Lawaxana episodes.

Lloyd B

David Ogden Stiers was a wonderful performer who lent nuance and depth to his roles. He took the character of Captain Winchester on MASH, originally cast as the antagonist of the show replacing the unlikable Frank Burns, and made him into a complex, sympathetic individual. His performance in the MASH finale always chokes me up. And for once we also get to see another side to Lwaxana. One of my favourite episodes from this season.

Joe Concepts

David Ogden Stiers is a great actor who played one of my favorite characters on MASH. The character is pretty much the complete opposite personality, and one of those "love to hate" people, with a lot of depth.

Joe Concepts

As someone who usually cringed as much as Picard with Lwaxana episodes, this one stands out showing they can do some good stuff with the character. When she shows up... elsewhere... she has some pretty good serious material, too. Also, this kind of story only works with an older character like her to give extra depth to the idea of dying before you get too old.

Tristan Rose

53:00-55:00 This is exactly why the classic treks are so much better than all the new CBS drivel.

Bruce Bromley

I loved that they fleshed out Mama Troi's character a lot more. She's just not straight "comic relief". This one and and I believe her next appearance are Miss Roddenberry's best.

Peter

Really great episode. Small plot but so much to say and make one think about. I think one of the reasons this episode is so memorable to me though is its similar sci-fi idea from one of my favourite classic sci-fi book/film Logan's Run.