Alright, I finished Season 2 of Star Trek: Next Generation. It was a vast improvement over the already good Season 1. Here are some of my thoughts:
The Writer’s Strike of 1988: People warned me that this season wasn’t any good because it was cut short by the Writer’s Strike, but I thought the effects were minimal. The season was cut short, but since it was the 80′s and shows actually had a suitable number of episodes, there were still 22 shows, which is a standard season these days, so it seemed normal. Also the first episode from the season was a rework of a script from Star Trek: Phase II and the last episode was a clip show. Both were pretty crappy episodes, but a bad episode of Star Trek is still an episode of Star Trek and therefore not all that bad.
Defending Dr. Pulaski: Occasionally watching reruns late at night, I never figured out how that random doctor who wasn’t Dr. Crusher fit into the whole scheme of things. Then when I watched Season 1 and Dr. Crusher was there and I already knew that she would be there in the movies that take place after the series, I looked it up online and read about how Dr. Pulaski replaced Dr. Crusher in season 2 but was disliked so much by the fans that Dr. Crusher was brought back. So I fully expected to hate her. When she first appeared and didn’t get along with Data, an inkling of hatred began to form. But she worked out her concerns with Data in the first few episodes, and it turns out that she was actually pretty cool. While Dr. Crusher is like the caring family pediatrician, Dr. Pulaski is more of a thinking scientist who also had a bit of a sarcastic sense of humor that I enjoyed. Granted I like the idea of Dr. Crusher and the history she shares with Captain Piccard, which leads to a more multi-faceted character, I respected what Dr. Pulaski brought to the crew.
The Recreation: Turns out there’s more to do on the U.S.S. Enterprise than play out your sexual fantasies on the Holodeck. Season 2 introduced us to the lounge Ten-Forward run by the mysterious and wise Guinan, played by Whoopi Goldberg, and was also the season of the first poker game. You can pretty much guarantee that any scene involving Ten Forward and/or poker is gonna be fun and really adds to the natural chemistry between all the actors. Oh, and Guinan and Q know each other, which I just think is all sorts of awesome. She also delivers my favorite line ever in the clip below:
Lwaxana Troi: Why didn’t anyone give this woman her own sitcom? Yes, I realize that her episode this season made just about all the same jokes as her episode last season, but I just get such a kick out of her and her crazy tall assistant Homn.
Stand Out Episodes: This season had the first encounter with The Borg in the episode Q Who. The Borg are just about the best villains in science fiction history and also the antagonist in the best Star Trek movie (yes, even better than Wrath of Khan) First Contact. Another episode that I absolutely loved was Measure of a Man where a Federation engineer wants to disassemble Data in order to figure out how he works so the Federation can make more of him. Data protested so they had to have a trial in order to determine Data’s rights as either his own person or the property of the Federation. It was just such an amazing episode. I especially liked how Data keeping a hologram of his friend and comrade Tasha Yar was used as evidence to prove his more human sensibilities. I realize that last sentence won’t make sense if you don’t know what I’m talking about, but trust me, it was really great.
Now I’m switching to Season 2 of Babylon 5, which I started over the weekend. I’m already liking Commander Sheridan better than Commander Sinclair and Londo’s hair has been vastly improved. I have a good feeling about this.
I agree with you on everything except Pulaski. I just hated her, she rubbed me the wrong way. That was a great clip and Data’s Tasha hologram was sweet. Reading that makes me realize I should be watching it again. Its on everyday but I haven’t been tuning in lately. Maybe I’ll start again.
Well, Craiggers, Season 2 is definitely the nadir of the series, so if you liked it, then be prepared to be blown away by whats up coming. The Series, in my mind, hit it’s stride about mid way through the 3rd Season, so you really have something to look forward too.
Glad you’re enjoying it!
HUGS…
Thank you, Craig, for your Pulaski discernment! I still stand by her. I loved that she caused tension and didn’t get along with everyone. Crusher was always such a yawner. I wasn’t, like, hugely disappointed that she returned, because I did like her, but I felt Pulaski had an edge that Crusher lacked. And I loved how she didn’t like Data — that was a great touch.
And Ten Forward was kickass!!!
Worf………….Fozzie Bear
Measure of a Man was by far the best episode of the season. Brent Spiner was really amazing. I had mixed feelings about Pulaski. I was incredibly annoyed by her, but she did add a new dimension to the ensemble which I liked. I think it is better to love to hate a character than to have no feeling for one.
How could you not like Lwaxana? She was perfect for the role and was a great foil to the stoicism of Picard. I love how she constantly made references to his attraction to her, real or not.
I’m on the opposite schedule as you, I will be starting Season 3 of TNG this weekend. Season 2 of B5 is when it starts to get really good. I’m looking forward to your review of it.
Oh come on Dave, Worf was 100 times hotter than Fozzie, especially once he let his hair grow. Rowr.
Tam: Are you saying the Fozzie’s not a hottie? Did you not see his Calvin Klein spread in GQ? Or his nude scene in Muppet Treasure Island? He’s got the ladies scrambling all over him.
I’m missing Star Trek now. Better than missing X-files — I think TNG was more consistently better.
I would have placed Worf as Sam the Eagle (although not as Janet Reno). Fozzie smiles too much to be Worf.
john! I *so* have a photo of Sarah Palin you gotta see!
Email me: davidwschaefer(at)gmail.com 
OMG, is Sara Palin nekkid? Gutting a moose? Nekkid gutting a moose?
Okay, you guys already ruined my muppet crush on Animal with the Cheney reference,I refuse to allow you to destroy my one remaining Star Trek fantasy with visions of Fozzie naked. *shudder*
No nekkidness. And no moose. And no nekkid moose. Just Palin in her total MILFness. (oh, and she’s making out with Fozzie) (and Rizzo) (at the same time)
Sheridan is a bazillion times better just because I think Bruce Boxleitner is an infinitely better actor than the terribly wooden Michael O’Hare. Season 2 is pretty good but season 3 will make you drop your jaw. (Actually, if my memory is correct, the finale of season 2 is when the jaw dropping starts. They do stuff that would NEVER happen on Star Trek.)
I’m excited for you to start season three of TNG because, for me, that’s where the show really hit its stride.
You’re going to seek out DS9 when you’re done with TNG, right? RIGHT? Because I don’t know if I can continue to be the e-friend of someone who claims to be a sci-fi geek but hasn’t at least tried to watch DS9.
Damn you Dave. Jeez, rat porn? I need some brain bleach now. (at least you didn’t drag Scooter into the depravity.)
Scooter? He wouldn’t be caught dead with a chick…
I’ve had three nicknames in my life: Bonkers, Skippy, and Scooter. They all make me sound like a 5 year old, which I suppose is appropriate based on my sense of humor.
Brian F: Yes, I’ll give DS9 a shot. I’ve heard great things!
Great observations! I was never crazy about Crusher so I didn’t mind Pulaski. I do think she had more of a personality. Some fans (like me) began to really dislike her because she apparently didn’t get along with the rest of the cast especially Patrick Stewart. Diana Mulder was bit of diva onset. I don’t mind the character though.
Majel Barrett is wonderful as Troi’s mom. She’s also the voice of the computer and Gene Roddenberry’s wife. She was always super nice at conventions.
I didn’t realize the Borg came into that early. They are definitely the best villians and Best of Both Worlds (coming up) remains my favorite among the episodes and movies.
Did Jonathan Frakes/Riker have his beard yet? That was when his character improved vastly.
Michelle: I didn’t realize she was also the voice of the computer. That’s really cool!
Diana Mulder also got her character killed off on L.A. Law by falling down an elevator shaft. Not a very dignified way to die! I wonder if that had anything to do with her diva antics also?
Yeah, Riker had his beard this season. It really suits him.
I was surprised the Borg were introduced so soon also. It was very creepy when they found the babies being assimilated on the Borg ship. Whoever considers Star Trek to be cheesy has no idea what they’re talking about!
I love the Borg, as bad guys of course. Hugh was adorable, in a Borg kind of way. I don’t think you’ve gotten to Hugh yet. Ooops, he’s in the 5th season. Sorry. Well, give you something to look foward to.
Wow, a sci-fi geek post where I actually know what you’re talking about!
I had totally forgotten about Dr. Pulaski. I didn’t like her. Plus, Gates McFadden is a fellow alumnus (go Brandeis!) so I was happy when she returned. I also think she got tougher as the series progressed.
Dave S.: Sarah Palin is a MILF? Pardon me while I wash my brain with bleach to get rid of that mental image.
Dave S.: Done and done. Hook a brother up.
Brian F.: You are so right, the B5 season 2 finale is where it all beings. “What do you want?”
David: Sarah’s rockin’ the hotness. Of course, only until she opens her mouth.
Craig: Bonkers, Skippy and Skooter? I think I smell the topic of a teach me something Tuesday.
Are you saying Scooter’s GAY??? Really??? How did I not pick up on that…..
And yeah Lawxana was awesome…espeically when she called him, “Mr. Woof.” hehehehe….
That was back when the Borg truly were creepy. BUt as time went on, and as they used the Borg more and more, especailly in Voyager, their creepiness kinda dimished. S till back then, they were kick ASS!
Ten-Forward never really appealed to me. I mean, why have Guinan when you’ve already got a counselor on board? Oh well, whatever.
HUGS…
john: We’ve already encountered the “What do you want?” guy and he is creepy as all heck!
Craig: I’m confusing my seasons a bit, but the answers to that question come into play more and more in season 2. I may have to watch season 2 so I’m fresh on my B5 info.
Dave S.: Oh My! Those are some nice stems. Not a fan of the stripper heels, but the rest of the package is pretty sweet.
I’m halfway through Season 3 of Babylon 5. Despite the naff handover Sheridan is miles better than Sinclair, but when they both get together to resolve the whole Babylon 4 thing it is out-and-out awesome. Sheridan was always going to be better though: he was in Tron?
hmmm, random question mark at the end there. It’s like I’m Australian or something.
I’m making a rare evening appearance! No no, please, don’t get up. Really. Hello? [cricket cricket]
I finally got to see the Guinan clip — you’re right, Craig, that line is priceless.
john: I’m seriously thinking about making that Palin shot my iPhone wallpaper.
Would that be bad…? She likely won’t make a good VP, but, damn, she’s great eye candy. 
Okay fine. My curiosity is killing me! Dave can you email me the pic please?
Personally Dave I think I should that pic of mine to Craig. I think he’d appreciate it more.
Tam: I would definitely agree.
I’m sorry — is there a blog going on around here? I keep forgetting…
Alright alright. What is this other picture you girls are talking about?
I´ve always disliked Crusher so much I loved Pulaski.