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AI/LLM reviews of STNG - Haven
Google Gemini
"Star Trek: The Next Generation - Haven"
is an early episode that delves into the
personal life of Deanna Troi, exploring
themes of love, destiny, duty, and the
challenges of arranged marriages within
a futuristic context.
Plot Overview: The USS Enterprise-D
arrives at the idyllic planet Haven,
renowned for its beauty and healing
properties. The purpose of their visit
is a deeply personal one for Counselor
Deanna Troi: her arranged marriage
to Wyatt Miller. The arrival of
the Miller family, followed by the
flamboyant and outspoken Lwaxana Troi,
adds a layer of familial drama to the
proceedings. Wyatt presents Deanna with
a symbolic Chameleon Rose, hinting
at the shifting nature of their impending union.
However, the wedding preparations are disrupted
by the unexpected approach of an unidentified
vessel, which bypasses Haven's stargate.
The vessel is identified as a Tarellian ship,
carrying inhabitants afflicted with a deadly
virus. This immediately raises concerns among
Haven's leaders, who fear contagion. As events
unfold, Wyatt, who is a doctor, discovers
a profound connection to a woman named Ariana
aboard the Tarellian ship, recognising her
from his dreams. This unexpected bond forces
Wyatt to confront his destiny, realising
his true purpose lies with helping
the Tarellians, rather than marrying Deanna.
During the wedding preparations, Wyatt makes
the difficult choice to transport himself
to the Tarellian ship to assist them,
ultimately departing with them. The Enterprise
departs Haven, leaving Deanna to come to terms
with the unexpected and emotional turn of events
in her life.
Strengths:
Focus on Deanna Troi: The episode provides
a rare and early opportunity to explore Deanna
Troi's background, family dynamics, and personal
challenges, moving her beyond her role as ship's
counselor.
Exploration of Arranged Marriages: It offers
a futuristic perspective on the concept
of arranged marriages, contrasting tradition
with personal choice and destiny.
Lwaxana Troi's Debut: Majel Barrett's
introduction as Lwaxana Troi is a memorable one.
Her eccentric and strong-willed personality
immediately adds a comedic and often poignant
dynamic to the series.
Themes of Duty vs. Destiny: Wyatt's struggle
between his pre-arranged marriage and his
perceived destiny to help the Tarellians
is a compelling central theme.
Weaknesses:
Pacing Issues: The episode can feel a bit slow
and meandering, particularly in its initial
setup before the main conflict with
the Tarellian ship emerges.
Simplistic Alien Threat: The Tarellian plague
and their desperate situation, while providing
the catalyst for Wyatt's choice, are somewhat
underdeveloped. The "deadly virus" feels more
like a plot device than a fully realized threat.
Convenient "Destiny": Wyatt's immediate
and dream-fueled connection to Ariana,
leading to his abrupt change of heart,
can feel overly convenient
and lacks the deeper emotional exploration it could have had.
Dated Visuals: As an early TNG episode, some of the
visual effects and set designs show their age.
Underutilized Supporting Cast: Beyond Troi and Lwaxana,
other crew members have limited impactful roles.
Overall Impression:"Haven" is a notable early
Star Trek: The Next Generation episode primarily
for its focus on Deanna Troi's personal life
and the memorable introduction of Lwaxana Troi.
While it attempts to explore themes of love,
destiny, and the clash between tradition
and personal calling, its pacing issues
and somewhat convenient plot resolutions
prevent it from reaching its full potential.
It's a foundational episode for Troi's character
development and Lwaxana's recurring role,
but it's not a standout for its overall narrative strength.
Rating: 5.5/10
ChatGPt
**Review: *Star Trek: The Next Generation – “Haven”***
**Season 1, Episode 11**
**Transcript Source:** [chakoteya.net](
http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/105.htm)
**Rating: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)**
---
### Summary
In *“Haven”*, the Enterprise-D visits a lush,
healing world for a peacekeeping mission.
The emotional core centers on Counselor Troi’s
betrothal to Wyatt Miller—a man she’s never met—based
on ancient Betazoid genetic traditions. Meanwhile,
a Tarellian refugee ship suffering from a mysterious
plague seeks asylum. The episode swings between
romantic drama and a medical-ethical dilemma.
---
### Strengths
* **Character Focus on Troi:** This is one of the
first Troi-centric stories. We see her struggle
with obligations: duty to Starfleet, familial ties,
and romantic pressure. Her internal conflict gives
the episode an emotional touch ([them0vieblog.com][1]).
* **Introduction of Lwaxana Troi:** Majel Barrett
shines as Troi’s formidable mother. Lwaxana’s
flamboyant presence—including a memorable gong
and comedic arrogance—adds levity and stands
out as a highlight ([douxreviews.com][2]).
* **Stronger Dual Plot Structure:** *Den of Geek*
credited