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AI LLM reviews of STNG - The Long Goodbye

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"Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Big Goodbye"
is an early episode that introduces
the groundbreaking concept of the holodeck
as a source of both recreation and peril,
blending classic detective noir with science fiction.

Plot Overview:Captain Jean-Luc Picard,
a connoisseur of classic literature,
indulges his passion for 20th-century detective
stories by entering the Enterprise-D's holodeck,
immersing himself in the world of his favorite
private eye, Dixon Hill. Joined by Data,
Dr. Beverly Crusher, and the historian Whalen,
Picard anticipates a relaxing and enjoyable
recreation. However, their immersive experience
takes a dangerous turn when a malfunction,
inadvertently triggered by a scanning probe
from the enigmatic Jaradan race, traps them
inside the simulation.

Within the holodeck, the line between fiction
and reality blurs. The characters find themselves
in a hard-boiled detective narrative, with Picard
as Dixon Hill and his companions as characters
within this dangerous world. The stakes escalate
dramatically when Whalen is genuinely shot,
and they discover they cannot exit the holodeck.
They encounter menacing figures from the simulation,
including the formidable Cyrus Redblock, who is
pursuing a mysterious object. Meanwhile, outside
the holodeck, the Enterprise is preparing for
a delicate first contact with the Jarada,
an insectoid species renowned for their rigid
adherence to protocol. Riker and the remaining
crew frantically work to free Picard and the
others, all while managing the increasingly
impatient Jarada. Ultimately, Wesley Crusher's
ingenuity saves the day, allowing Picard
and his party to escape the malfunctioning holodeck,
though Redblock and his assistant, caught between
realities, are unfortunately deleted.

Strengths:

Holodeck Introduction: This episode
marks the significant introduction of the holodeck,
a revolutionary piece of technology that would
become a recurring and beloved element of Star Trek,
offering endless storytelling possibilities.

Picard's Character Development: It provides valuable
insight into Captain Picard's personal interests
and allows Patrick Stewart to showcase his range by
playing the dual role of Picard and the hardened Dixon Hill.

Genre Blending: The successful integration
of detective noir elements into the Star Trek universe
is a creative achievement, providing a unique aesthetic
and narrative tone.

Exploration of Reality: The episode subtly explores themes
of artificial intelligence, simulated reality,
and the blurring lines between what is real
and what is programmed.

Wesley's Competence: Wesley Crusher again proves his worth
in a crisis, demonstrating his technical aptitude
and contributing significantly to the resolution.

Weaknesses:

Pacing: The initial setup and the gradual realisation
of the danger within the holodeck can feel a bit slow.

Plot Convenience: Wesley's ability to fix the complex
holodeck malfunction, while good for his character,
can feel a bit too convenient.

Underdeveloped Jarada Plot: The external plot involving
the Jarada, while serving as a catalyst for the holodeck
 malfunction, feels secondary and somewhat underdeveloped.
 Their impatience is a minor inconvenience rather than
 a major threat.

Dated Visuals: As an early TNG episode, some of the
holodeck effects and general visuals show their age.
Minor Character Fate: The "deletion" of Redblock
and his assistant, while logically consistent
with holodeck rules, is a somewhat abrupt
and dark ending for simulated characters
who had become dangerously real.

Overall Impression:"The Big Goodbye" is a landmark early
episode for Star Trek: The Next Generation primarily
because it introduces the iconic holodeck. While it
suffers from some early series pacing issues and has
a secondary plot that feels less compelling, its
innovative concept, the successful blending
of genres, and the insights into Picard's character
make it a highly significant and enjoyable watch.
It's a key episode in establishing the distinct
identity and possibilities of the new series.

Rating: 7/10


ChatGPT

**Review: *Star Trek: The Next Generation – “The Big Goodbye”***
**Season:** 1, Episode 12
**Original Air Date:** February 14, 1988
**Transcript Source:** [chakoteya.net]
(http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/113.htm)
**Rating:** ★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)

---

### 🎩 Overview

In **“The Big Goodbye”**, the Enterprise's holodeck malfunction
traps Captain Picard and Ensigns Crusher, Pulaski, and Torres in
a 1940s noir-themed simulation of San Francisco.
As a gangster showdown unfolds, the crew outside
races to save them, blending homage, humour,
and suspense into one of TNG’s standout early episodes.

---

### ✅ Strengths

#### **1. Noir Atmosphere Done Right**

The 1940s setting is richly evocative—trenchcoats,
smoky offices, and femme fatales evoke classic detective
cinema. The writing strikes just the right balance,
creating tension and nostalgia without parody.

#### **2. Picard as Dick Tracy**

Patrick Stewart shines outside his usual facade, embracing
gritty swagger and charm. His transformation from dignified
captain to smooth-talking gumshoe is a highlight that
showcases his range.

#### **3. Tight, Self-Contained Plot**

The story provides clear stakes: holodeck characters
gain sentience, endangering the trapped crew.
The premise feels urgent yet self-contained,
avoiding unnecessary bloat.

#### **4. Great Secondary Characters**

Kelsey Grammer guest-stars as Fletcher, a detective
with sharp wit. Additionally, Ensigns Pulaski, Crusher,
and Torres each contribute humour and ingenuity
in the simulation, fleshing out their characters
early in the series.

#### **5. Holodeck Rules with Consequences**

This episode helped establish the holodeck as more
than a fun side feature—here, it’s a dangerous
environment with real consequences. This risk-laced
tension would influence countless future episodes.

---

### ⚠️ Weaknesses

#### **1. Slight Tonal Imbalance**

While mostly well-handled, the tonal shifts between
comedy and danger occasionally feel jarring, especially
when characters switch from noir to tech-speak abruptly.

#### **2. Supporting B-Plot Less Engaging**

The efforts to rescue the trapped crew add depth,
but the medical/engineering tension isn’t as gripping
as the noir storyline. Still, it ties together competently.

#### **3. Minor Production Shortcomings**

Holodeck effects and set details are strong for the era,
but occasional lighting inconsistencies undercut
immersion. Small moments, like actors toggling
between noir diction and Starfleet jargon,
also briefly break character.

---

### 🧭 Overall Impression

**“The Big Goodbye”** is a love letter to detective
noir and a clever use of Star Trek’s sci-fi premise.
It balances humor, tension, and nostalgia while
deepening our understanding of Picard and his crew.
The holodeck becomes a meaningful storytelling tool
rather than just a novelty. Its self-contained
charm and strong performances set it apart
from other early-season experiments.

**Final Rating: 8/10** – A polished and enjoyable
adventure that combines stylish genre homage with
smart sci-fi, holding up as one of TNG’s early
high points.



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