Home
Creators
Search Recent Random
Posts
Search DMs Popular Hash Lookup Tags Random
Importer
Import FAQ
Filehaus
Recent
Register Favorites Keys Review DMs Logout
Home Creators Posts Import Register Favorites Logout

Star Trek TNG 3x20 Full Reaction! (Patreon)

Published:
2025-01-25 18:00:07
Imported:
2026-06
Tags:
haven't archived this post yet. have a subscription? use the importer!

Files

Previews only

Star Trek TNG 3×20 Full Reaction

Download Full Reaction (3.3 GB) Full Reaction You are now able to stream the full reaction directly from this website. Alternatively, you can download it to your computer using the button underneath the video player. You

Comments

Ryan

You don't often hear this one talked about, and the reviews I've seen are all over the place, including its director not caring much for how it turned out, especially the technology of the time compromising his ability to make Gomtuu feel like a living being (check out Farscape to see how much this had advanced a decade later). Personally, I've always really loved it, and I suspect it fell victim to the old "If everyone's super, no one is." After almost every episode of Season 3 has had such high quality storytelling, it inevitably reaches a point where that's just the base expectation rather than anything special. I couldn't remember if you'd seen Buffy, and even with that, I have some doubts if I'd immediately recognize Harry Groener, so that was quite impressive. At this point he was mostly a Broadway actor with just a few TV guest spots, so it was a major coup to get such an important, complex role on a show this big. And he makes the most of it, fully diving into the richness of the character and making us believe in some aspects of telepathic powers that are very hard to fathom. Sometimes it gets on my nerves when the Enterprise crew are treated like guest stars (Okana, anyone?) but this one fully earns it and you always want to see more of him and strip away more layers. The negative reviews mostly focus on the Romulan stuff, saying it feels like rote action material that's out of place with the rest. A few also noted it feels very odd that Tomalak isn't there, and this was still before Babylon 5 was in the picture. I'd guess they were worried his threat level would be permanently damaged if we saw him defeated so easily, but I think they could have gotten away with it in the same way Q Who did, with us left thinking "What happens next time when they don't have the help of an all-powerful living ship?". But the whole thing still never bothered me much, and certainly not enough to throw out the rest of what works so well here. Add another one to the huge pile of wins this season.

Josef Schiltz

Not having seen this one since my diagnosis of Asperger's, this "switched on" business and Tam's oversensitivity really comes home to me. Tam is, like all those who are autistic, neurologically divergent. The sensorial overload can't be switched off. He was born like it and will die like it. The only peace he gets is being with Data or the ship. Gomtuu is to Tam, as the zero room is to the Doctor. A place of regenerative solitude. Much as my home is to me and especially my library. As you say, Jess, this was a beautiful episode. I understand Tam very well and it has me in tears.

Thomas Corp

Sorry to hear about the headache. The bright lights exacerbating that, well, headaches weren’t exactly a concern, but the lights combined with the stage makeup when doing theatre work, would cause some sweltering temperatures, so I hear you there. Dad mentioned much the same thing from when he played band in school, sans stage makeup. I almost always wake up with my head in a funk. Strangely enough, not so much after a night of overdoing it, drinking-wise; orange juice and/or coffee seem to help with that. Likewise, sorry to hear you’re not getting any sleep. Think the last time I got good sleep was back in 2003. Lately I keep waking up in this bizarre fog of sorts, so, if it makes you feel any better, Jess, you’re not alone on having the tough time, sleep-wise. Now to the episode. Pleasing to see that you found this to be a fascinating episode. As I see Ryan has said, this episode is one that tends not to be talked about as much as others, yet it is quite excellent. The big highlight is Tam played by Harry Groener. As I consistently mention, given you make constant references to the show, (which makes you sound like me when I constantly make M*A*S*H references, yet at work especially, nobody understands the references,) I’ve not seen Buffy, though I had heard that yes, Harry is, in fact, the mayor in Buffy, whoever the hell said mayor is. Here, he is great. As you exhibited in your reaction, the heart just goes out to Tam. Tis an amusing coincidence how you express complaint of the headache, when said headache seems tame compared to the mental anguish that Tam would suffer from. That, as you say, the constant assault on the mental senses that you cannot ever truly and authentically get to know someone, nor can you ever truly have peace. I see that Josef expressed the strong relation to the sensory overload, and as someone who likewise has Asperger’s, I concur that this episode resonates strongly with me. I like how you assess Tam’s demeanor, where yes, he comes across as off-putting and abrasive. Considering what he goes through every single day, can’t say I blame him. And you can tell that he’s received the constant helpful advice over the years, which has never helped. For instance, one would imagine he has been told to take up meditation, and that would not be successful. The feeling is a most familiar one. You always hear people advising meditation, and it never sounds an efficacious solution. In my experience, I find it difficult to meditate. My mind, it, it won’t quiet. It’s a, it’s a character flaw, I suppose. We all have them. A mind as cacophonous as Tam’s undoubtedly is, no solace would be found. Love the Deanna focus with her past connection to Tam, Marina being excellent. And how it shows the softer side of Tam how he expresses the nice sentiment of observing that Deanna found her home as it were, and Deanna has the slight smile of appreciation at that. The big heart of this is Tam and Data forming the bond, and all your reactions to those heartfelt scenes, just warm the heart something fierce, Jess. I also love Picard’s scenes with Tam where he is accommodating to Tam as best he can and is impressed that Tam is as impressive as he is, whilst still being able to function. I greatly appreciate how Picard does take the firmer stance when Tam’s actions inadvertently put his ship and crew in danger. You can tell Tam appreciates Picard’s position when Deanna is about to defend Tam, and Tam concedes that Picard’s stance is valid. Certainly, the whole thing is stressful for our poor Geordi, though he soldiered on admirably. I love the whole mystery of Gomtuu. And the resolution is a beautiful thing. Gomtuu is a wounded soul resulting from the crushing loneliness of having no one. Tam is a wounded soul from the crushing loneliness that has come from too much of feeling other people’s feelings. Thus, the two find each other, and become whole, and it is a very touching conclusion to the story, and your reactions were so sweet. Leading to that very heartfelt scene that Marina and Brent had of Deanna and Data’s talk, which you had again, such sweet reactions to, Jess, just as your reaction to this episode was most sweet, thank you.

Thomas Corp
>>162452333

Had heard that the assessment from the creative staff varied. This one was, as Jess said, fascinating. Perhaps perception of it can fall victim to that line from The Incredibles. Given how often Jess references Buffy, (making me resemble Michael Keaton in The Other Guys, saying, “I don’t even understand the reference.” whenever she does,) I was just curious how fast she would recognize Harry, sort of like how, in the previous episode, she clocked Ray Wise in the makeup, or like how I clocked Pamela Adlon in the same episode. Harry put in the work here. The thing of the Enterprise feeling like guest stars, well, that is sort of the case with Déjà Q, and that’s one of my top episodes. In general, I don’t mind that as much with shows that are more ensemble in nature. Or I like in Better Call Saul where Five-O, Mike feels more like the series lead, or Point and Shoot, Gus gets arguably some of the greatest time in the spotlight. So, I kind of like occasions when the main characters take something of a back seat; I remember once my dad and I talking about favorite episodes of M*A*S*H when that happened. Okana is a case when it was done poorly, so it can backfire, granted. Here, it works beautifully. The Romulan aspect DOES feel slightly superfluous, and yeah, you could cut them out of this and not lose much. I do get the concern of Tomalak’s image taking a hit. It’s something I liked with Rebels especially: The concern of keeping the villains as credible threats, whilst not making the heroes useless at the same time. Yeah, this episode’s a good one.

Ryan
>>162481033

Mayor Wilkins is the main villain of Buffy's third season, and one of the show's absolute most popular characters. The fans nicknamed him "Evil Mr. Rogers," since he acts like a cheesy '50s sitcom dad and treats all his minions like family, and at first you assume that's just his public face, but then it becomes clear he really is just naturally like that and just happens to also be evil. Which of course also means you spend the whole season waiting for him to finally get pissed off in a scary way, and that doesn't disappoint.

Jenny Chalek

I swear, this episode is like the source of inspiration for the Farscape series. Which is a beautiful series, and I would love if that could go on a list somewhere as a suggestion for a reaction series with its own science fiction fandom. Anyway, so sorry you're still having it rough. Sorry about the headache. Here's hoping you can get some sleep. Sleep fixes a lot of things.

Thomas Corp
>>162472433

I knew that you’d have a strong connection to this one. Just watching it again, the empathy and understanding with Tam is strongly felt. There are the strong parallels with Asperger’s, autism, otherwise neurodivergence, and it’s done remarkably well. It is as you say: born like it and will die like it. You hope and dream you can find a woman who is that someone who is your other half, and that it will feel like my favorite musical theatre song, which is Till There Was You from The Music Man, providing peace, comfort, and joy. And you know at times that it’s a pipe dream. Still, you can dream. In the absence of that, like Tam, you look for the peace and regenerative solitude where you can find it. Home is such a place. Good books provide that. Like Jess has said, there is great solitude in film and television, where in my case, there is (probably very unhealthy) immense solitude in the far too visceral relation and kinship with the villains that I’ve had since preschool. Jess and her reactions provide great tremendous relief and joy. Music is always the tremendous balm, especially classical, musical theatre, and anything by John Williams. In terms of singers, Ray Charles provides great comfort and solace. As you and Jess, say, a beautiful episode. One that brings tears to our eyes.

Thomas Corp
>>162483677

See Ryan made the comparison to Farscape as well. If this didn’t provide the source of inspiration, it certainly feels like it, even if it is a remarkable coincidence. I do keep hearing that sleep fixes many things; be nice to experience that. Haven’t had a fully restful night’s sleep since 2003. Maybe part of the problem is being unable to remember my dreams. But yes, here’s hoping that gets the rejuvenating rest in that good sleep provides.

Geordie Joe

Sorry to hear that you've been going through a tough time off camera Jess. I don't watch Squid Game so I missed those updates. Sending you positive thoughts and prayers. "Where there's tears, there's hope" You were indeed correct Jess. Harry Groener is Mayor Wilkins from Buffy. He was also Senator McGee in Oppenheimer. I can't imagine what it would be like to constantly hear everyone's thoughts all the time. Harry Groener does a great job portraying someone suffering from that kind of stress. It's always nice to see Troi getting some much needed screen time. Love the moment between her and Data at the end of the episode. We even got some great Geordi scenes in this episode too. I think this story features some of the most incompetent Romulans we ever see in Star Trek. They had two clear cut chances to either destroy or capture The Enterprise but instead, they attempt to destroy an alien that is right next to a star which is about to go supernova at any moment, thus destroying said alien anyway.

sesskasays
>>162481033

The Mayor was played impeccably. Absolutely one of the most entertaining villains I’ve ever watched.

Josef Schiltz
>>162472433

I have to admit, Thomas, that I almost didn't watch this instalment simply because of this and delayed. In the end, I baked some bread and sat to watch. It is interesting just listening to the episodes - since I do not have a DVD player at the moment and I honestly am not going to go through all the alternatives on the net - so it is like listening to a radio play. The words become far more important and the writing is what got to me. Now, I must look up who wrote this episode. The authors look like a team-up that were interested in parapsychic phenomena and this episode was based upon a pre-existing work of theirs called Tin Woodsman. Music is a great catharsis for overemotionality and I go to it everyday. A good and eclectic range is essential. Thankfully, I have no immediate neighbours and triple glazing. I've tested the volume walking around the house and, assured of the volume and the material that I can play, have found that I can play whatever I want and put it on a loop if I wish. Today, it's a rather raunchy rock cover by Susanna Hoffs. I don't know who the guitarist is but he is really ripping that guitar. I usually like Brian May. I can't help thinking about that girl at college. I have that vision of her, twiddling a strand of her hair as she spoke to me about her drawings that I had said I liked so much. Damn it. I was admiring her work, but I was also admiring her as well. There was - thankfully, I might add - a great distance between our cubicles. Opposite sides of the illustration room.

Thomas Corp
>>162472433

I get the delay. I’ve had that with rewatching a few things, or watching for the first time a few things that I happen to know about certain aspects in advance. I do watch the episodes in the week, either on my blu-ray copies, or through streaming if I am somewhere where I don’t have the blu-ray. The thing is, I can’t do picture-in-picture to save my life, so with the full reactions, I just watch it without the visual, which incidentally helps my ADD at times. It is quite like a radio play; the original series felt more like that. My parents mentioned that with sometimes having Perry Mason on late at night, given the sparse music, it had that radio play feel to it. It has a strangely wonderful feel. Heard this episode was based on the pre-existing work. Brick house, with thick walls, so same thing of being able to play music more or less as loudly as you please. You do try to change it up a bit from time to time. Or when I mow the lawn, I have a playlist or two for that, and the task can breeze right by. That’s probably good, the distance between the cubicles. Sounds like a nice memory.

Josef Schiltz
>>162472433

I think that, mentally, I placed her on a pedestal. Even more out of reach. Like Galatea. Overwhelming self-consciousness did the rest - plus you-know-who! My constant 'Confession Dial' spectre that dogged my every moment at home. Some reactors to series have taken to blurring the picture and I can't take that. Can't look past it either so I have to give up. Someone said to cover the blur with the actual episode. Tried that and the reaction and the episode kept either freezing or mismatching, so that was it! Countryside UK has been badly neglected when it comes to internet connections. The speed test says I should enjoy an excellent connection for all sorts of goodies! Total BS! I feel like saying to my server. One more like that and I'll hit you with my shoe!

Thomas Corp
>>162472433

Hear you on the overwhelming self-consciousness. I know some reactors have the blurred picture with the timer, and that part I don’t mind. The problem there is that there’s no sound, which I get for copyright concern. Like I said, can’t do picture-in-picture to save my life. Again, quite like the radio play feel. There are days when the hitting the server with the shoe strategy does sound agreeable.

Josef Schiltz

I love that Tam refers to Deanna as 'Dee'. I like that. It's cute. It suits Deanna. Marina? Marina Sirtis: "Don't make me come over there!!"