XPost: rec.arts.startrek.current, rec.arts.startrek.fandom, rec.arts.tv
XPost: can.arts.sf

AI/LLM Review of Star Trek - The NExt Generation - Lonely Among Us

Google Gemini

"Star Trek: The Next Generation - Lonely Among Us" is an early episode
that delves into themes of alien possession, communication,
and the challenges of diplomacy, while also showcasing the burgeoning
dynamics of the Enterprise-D crew.

Plot Overview: The USS Enterprise-D is on a sensitive
diplomatic mission, transporting delegates from
two long-warring planets, the Anticans and the Selay,
to a neutral conference. The hope is to resolve their
dispute and potentially pave the way for their entry
into the Federation. However, the journey is disrupted
when the ship encounters an unusual energy cloud.
This encounter leads to a series of escalating
malfunctions and, more disturbingly, strange behaviour
among the crew, including Worf and Dr. Crusher.
It soon becomes clear that an energy entity
from the cloud has invaded Captain Picard's mind,
gradually influencing his actions
and putting the Enterprise in peril.
The crew races against time to understand
the nature of this unseen invader
and find a way to separate it
from their captain, all while dealing
with increasing tensions and even violence
between the Antican and Selay delegates.
The episode culminates in a desperate effort
to restore Picard to his normal self
and ensure the safety of the ship
and its passengers.

Strengths:Picard's Performance: Patrick Stewart
delivers a strong performance as Picard,
particularly as he portrays the subtle,
then increasingly overt, influence
of the energy entity. His struggle
for control is compelling.

Intriguing Premise: The concept of
an energy-based life form seeking
to communicate and potentially merge
with a humanoid host is classic Star
Trek and offers a unique kind of threat.

Early Crew Dynamics: The episode
provides early glimpses into the working
relationships of the main crew, particularly
their concern for Picard and their
collaborative efforts to solve
the crisis.

Diplomatic Challenges: The ongoing
tension between the Antican and Selay
delegates adds a layer of real-world
diplomatic complexity to the science
fiction plot.

Weaknesses:Dated Special Effects: As an early TNG
episode, some of the visual effects, particularly
the energy cloud and the manifestations
of the entity, show their age.

Simplistic Alien Portrayals: The Antican and Selay
delegates are somewhat one-dimensional, primarily
serving as archetypes of warring factions rather
than fully developed alien cultures.

Pacing Issues: The episode can feel
a bit slow in places, particularly
during the initial investigation
of the energy cloud and the gradual onset
of the entity's influence.

Convenient Resolution: The method of separating
Picard from the entity, while technically
plausible within Star Trek's universe,
can feel a bit too easily achieved given
the severity of the threat.

Overall Impression:"Lonely Among Us" is
a decent early Star Trek: The Next Generation
episode that offers an interesting,
if not groundbreaking, science fiction premise.

It provides a good showcase for Patrick Stewart
and hints at the complex relationships that would
define the series. While it suffers from some
of the typical growing pains of a new show,
including dated effects and somewhat simplistic
alien portrayals, it's a worthwhile watch
for fans interested in the early development
of the Enterprise-D crew and their encounters with the unknown.

Rating: 6/10

ChatGPT

**Review: *Star Trek: The Next Generation – “Lonely Among Us”*** **Episode:** Season 1, Episode 7
**Transcript Source:** [chakoteya.net](http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/108.htm)
**Rating:** ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)

---

### **Overview**

*“Lonely Among Us”* is an early attempt by *TNG*
to mix political diplomacy, body-swapping alien possession,
and existential mystery.
Unfortunately, the result is a muddled episode
with clashing tones, an underdeveloped plot,
and awkward pacing that fails to resonate.

---

### **Strengths**

* **Interesting Core Concept:** The idea of a non-corporeal
entity hitching a ride on the Enterprise via energy transfer
is solid, and very much in line with *Star Trek*'s
long tradition of exploring non-physical lifeforms.

* **Spock-esque Mystery Angle:** Data channeling
Sherlock Holmes adds a touch of charm, and while
it feels out of place, it's one of the more
entertaining parts of the episode.

* **Hints of Future Themes:** Picard’s decision
to merge with the alien consciousness, even briefly,
hints at his future encounters with transcendent
beings (*Q*, *The Inner Light*, etc.).

---

### **Weaknesses**

* **Unengaging Political Subplot:** The two a