Conundrum (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

"Conundrum" is the 14th episode of the fifth season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the 114th episode overall. It aired in syndication starting February 10, 1992.

"Conundrum"
Star Trek: The Next Generation episode
Episode no.Season 5
Episode 14
Directed byLes Landau
Story byPaul Schiffer
Teleplay byBarry Schkolnick
Featured musicDennis McCarthy
Production code214
Original air dateFebruary 10, 1992 (1992-02-10)
Guest appearances

In this episode, the entire crew suffers complete memory loss after an unknown alien ship scans the Enterprise. Although unable to recall their names or duties, they quickly realize that somehow they still know how to operate the starship. With their memories limited, no one notices that Kieran MacDuff, identified by the ship's computer as the Enterprise's executive officer, is someone they've never seen before. The computer also provides evidence that they are on a mission to cross into Lysian space and destroy that species' central command, as well as any Lysian vessel that attempts to stop them. Somehow, it all seems wrong to Picard, but his new first officer insists he must follow his orders.

"Conundrum" won an Emmy award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Special Visual Effects.[1]

Plot

After being scanned by an unknown alien spaceship, the Enterprise crew discover that their personal memories and the ship's computer memories have been partially erased. They do not remember each other and their own identities. Unknown to the crew, a mysterious new member has joined the bridge.

The bridge crew recover the ship's computer memory and re-learn their own names and positions aboard the Enterprise. With no knowledge of their prior contentious relationship, Commander Riker and Ensign Ro Laren are immediately attracted to each other and engage in a brief sexual relationship. The computer claims the Federation is engaged in a protracted war with an alien race called the Lysians, and the Enterprise's mission is to destroy the Lysian central command while maintaining communications silence. The manifest identifies the new member as Commander Kieran MacDuff. MacDuff volunteers for Doctor Crusher's attempt to restore the memories of the crew, but apparently reacts poorly to the treatment and discourages further attempts.

The Enterprise encounters and easily destroys a Lysian ship, and closes in on the Lysian central command without difficulty. Noting the Lysians' extremely limited defenses and firepower, Picard expresses suspicion about the alleged state of warfare and questions the order to destroy the central command. MacDuff insists on carrying out the attack and attempts to take control of the Enterprise, but is subdued by Worf and Riker.

MacDuff is identified as a Satarran, an alien race at war with the Lysians who attempted to use the Enterprise against the Lysians. Picard apologizes to the Lysians for their attack, and Dr. Crusher is able to restore memories to the crew. In Ten Forward, Commander Riker is rebuffed by Ensign Ro and Counsellor Deanna Troi.

Reception

In 2014, IO9 rated "Conundrum" the 82nd greatest episode of Star Trek.[2]

In 2017, Screen Rant ranked "Conundrum" as the 14th most hopeful episode of all Star Trek episodes up to that time.[3] The episode was noted for being optimistic, because of the crew's compassion, and for its humor.[3]

In 2017, SyFy rated the Satarrans featured in this episode, one of the top 11 most bizarre aliens of Star Trek: The Next Generation.[4]

In 2019, Den of Geek recommended rewatching this episode as background for Star Trek: Picard.[5]

In 2020, Screen Rant ranked "Conundrum" the 14th best episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, pointing out it "gave viewers a chance to know the characters a bit more."[6]

Releases

The episode was released in the United States on November 5, 2002, as part of the season five DVD box set.[7] The first Blu-ray release was in the United States on November 18, 2013,[8] followed by the United Kingdom the next day, November 19, 2013.[9]

References
  1. Montgomery, Tony Ruiz,Daniel; Ruiz, Tony; Montgomery, Daniel (2020-05-04). "All 28 classic 'Star Trek' episodes that won Emmys: From 'The Next Generation' to 'Discovery'". GoldDerby. Retrieved 2021-04-21.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. Anders, Charlie Jane (2 October 2014). "The Top 100 Star Trek Episodes Of All Time!". io9. Retrieved 2019-06-18.
  3. "Star Trek: 15 Episodes That Will Give You Hope For The Future". ScreenRant. 2017-01-10. Retrieved 2019-03-24.
  4. Rayne, Elizabeth (2017-09-28). "Celebrate Star Trek: The Next Generation's 30th anniversary with 11 of its most bizarre aliens". SYFY WIRE. Archived from the original on 2018-04-06. Retrieved 2021-03-01.
  5. "Star Trek: Picard - The Next Generation Episodes to Rewatch". Den of Geek. 28 May 2019. Retrieved 2019-06-30.
  6. "The 15 Best Star Trek: TNG Episodes Of All Time". ScreenRant. 2020-04-28. Retrieved 2021-03-27.
  7. Ordway, Holly E. (November 5, 2002). "Star Trek the Next Generation – Season 5". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on September 11, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  8. Miller III, Randy (November 19, 2013). "Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Five (Blu-ray)". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on August 15, 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  9. Simpson, Michael (November 11, 2013). "Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 Blu-ray Review". Sci-Fi Now. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
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