Amazon.com As the sixth season of Star Trek: The Next Generation went into production, everyone knew that attentions would soon be permanently divided by the debut of Deep Space Nine. Sure enough, that meant crossovers ("Birthright"), guest stars, and references back and forth. The sense of baton-passing drew the TNG family closer, however. Directorial debuts begun in season 5 allowed for repeat group-huddle ownership of several shows. Jonathan Frakes bettered "The Quality of Life" by "The Chase," which finally offered an explanation why most races in the Trek universe are humanoid with knobbly foreheads. Patrick Stewart crowbarred a Western into the franchise in "A Fistful of Datas." LeVar Burton introduced the far more exciting Riker clone Thomas in "Second Chances." But here we still find an inability to follow through a good idea, since it was intended for the clone Tom to replace the real Will. Barclay outstayed his welcome with a lackluster "Ship in a Bottle" (despite a hammy cameo from Stephanie Beacham) after he'd injected creepiness into "Realm of Fear." The same happened with Q and the painfully weak "True Q" contrasted by the philosophically challenging "Tapestry," in which Picard faced the decisions of his youth.
Yet ultimately the year provided more memorable moments than either year 5 did or year 7 would. There was the fun of a pint-sized Starfleet in "Rascals," the shocking comment on political torture in "Chain of Command," the endless Matrix-like guessing game of reality in "Frame of Mind," and even a jokey genre nod often called "Die Hard Picard" instead of its official title, "Starship Mine." The two biggest attention-drawing moments came via stellar cameos. There was the bittersweet sight of James Doohan revisiting the original Enterprise bridge on "Relics," then a quick contribution by Stephen Hawking in the cliffhanger "Descent." Both were attempts at keeping TNG the connoisseur's Trek incarnation of choice. --Paul Tonks
Star trek next generationJune 11, 2010 K. Echols(Massachusetts) No words can elaborate on this wonderful piece of achievement. This is a sci-fi/drama masterpiece woven togteher by a tightly nit group of actors who became friends and played off eac other flawlessly in this outer space show about exploration. Many people try to "crack" this formula and master it, but fail. At last, Gen Roddenberry and Rick Berman finally did it, making what was quite possibly the most beloved sci-fi series ever made for television, which even rival (if not overcome) stupid awful crap star wars, which is mindless battling in the future.
Star trek is for people who wish to see what it might be like on another planet, to meet others like us, to live the dream of a futuristic navyman (a ship versus a...ship on water) in the federation wher ethey are charged with exploration, versus mindless killing in the star wars.
If you have ever wished to see the world beyond earth, to ever see any kind of possible realistic portrayal of what life might be like on a space ship (a cozy one, not some damned ugly space-submarine like on Enterprise series of Star trek) and to explore the world that is described and theorized on by the greatest minds such as Albert Einstein and his theory on relativity and Stephen Hawkings on black holes, you name it, they had seven seasons to spend at least one or more episodes trying to explain and explore these wild phenomena and what it might be like to get in close, to see these phenonema affect worlds around us, which are often inhabited.
Plus, there are many different lifeforms ranging from near Gods to the tiniest microscopic lifeforms...all of which are explored. Even inner space (human body) is explored and the mind and its perceptions are forever questioned. Where time and space and life are all bound, Star Trek seeks to unbind them, revealing theoretical truths (based on knowledge from the 80's however, people today would spot some "older" , no longer valid information).
Aside from being a little out of date in this year of 2010, it is amazingly enjoyable. I have seen every episode of the Next generation series over 9 times, some more, and I have not grown tired of it. I just wish more shows would pick up this genre...Stargate SG1 is great too, though it is cast in Star Trek's indomitable shadow.
The Apex of the Series with Great Episodes - Including one that is a Classic.May 5, 2010 Ocean_villa Strange that such a series would reach its top point in such fine form, as most shows don't even achieve this level of quality, even when at their best. I have to hand it to the writers, actors, and everyone else involved: this is the most memorable season of TNG. Philosophies, life, characterization, youth, time-travel, comedy, and nostalgic themes all present themselves. Combined with an excellent script, top-notch acting, direction, and very few filler episodes, Season 6 is a must-have for fans. In addition, Season 6 also has the best TNG episode ever created. (At least in my view - more on that later)
The series begins with the conclusion of Time's Arrow, which focuses on time-travel and the strong bonds of trust that can exist across space-time. It's a memorable episode. "Realm of Fear" focuses on Barclay having to face what he's most afraid of after a transporter malfunction. This is topped off with an underlying theme that: we fear what we don't fully understand. It's only when a phobia is faced, that we may see it in a different perspective. "Man of the People" brings up the the question of individual vs. greater good, and how that agenda can be twisted. "Relics" is an ode to the past: with Scotty making a return. It's a touching episode focusing on aging and reflection. Plus, it will be a joy to fans of the original series to see veteran actor Doohan make a return. "Rascals" is about the opposite: a return to childhood, which provides a very interesting "what-if?" scenario.
"Schisms" is an eerie episode. The crew begin to feel exhausted as though they haven't slept. Then, Dr. Crusher finds that Will's arm has been severed and re-attached without his knowledge. What follows is a race for the crew to find out what's being done to them. The scary atmosphere is spot on: especially during the memorable holodeck scene as they piece everything together.
Following this are two lighter episodes: "True Q" revolves around Amanda, revealled to have Q-like powers. John De Lancie guest stars as Q. He attempts, sometimes in rather comedic fashion, to get her to join the Continuum. It's interesting to see what would happen if someone didn't know they had ultimate power. "A Fist Full of Datas" is a parody episode of the old west. It's done with style and it's obvious that the actors (especially Marina Sirtis) were having a lot of fun. A little later, the episode "Starship Mine" gives us a second well-rounded parody: Die-Hard, ST style.
"Ship in a Bottle" is the return of the Moriarty program, who hijacks the ship once again. It's an great conclusion to the events that began in "Elementary, Dear Data". "Lessons" shows Picard's softer side, while "The Chase" delves into his love for archeology. Similarly, Riker has his own great episodes as well. "Frame of Mind" tests the limits of his sanity and constantly has the viewers question what is real and what isn't. Hats off to Frakes for a terrific acting job. "Second Chances" throws us another "what if" curve when two Rikers show up.
"Timescape" and "Descent Pt 1" are also excellent.
"Birthright" is a nice double episode; but the 2 parter star is the psychologically challenging "Chain of Command". Picard is captured and tortured. There are references to Orwell's 1984 here and Stewart is amazing playing the tortured Picard. Human will, propaganda, and mental battles are all depicted in fine fashion. It's the second best episode(s) in this set.
However, there is one episode that tops it. That would be the masterful "Tapestry". For me, it's the best TNG episode ever created. It forces Picard (and subsequently the viewer) to examine life, the choices we make, and the impact of the things we may regret or consider unimportant. The plot revolves around Picard "dying," only to be greated by Q (John De Lancie returning again) as he passes into the afterlife. Q gives him the option to change the one thing Picard regrets, to which Picard accepts - before realizing that it changed his life in major ways. The running theme is that life's events cause us to have new perspectives and open mental doors for us, allowing us to choose to become different people. Stewart and De Lancie work off each other brilliantly. The episode makes one think even after the credits role, leaving an impact. I really can't say enough about "Tapestry". If there's one episode I'd recommend seeing it would be this one. It's classic.
The rest are the few filler episodes this season. Overall, this is the strongest ST: TNG season and I would recommend buying it if you're a fan or interested in good sci-fi shows.
Star Trek, Next Gen Season 6March 29, 2010 Book Lover(Midwest, USA) To be completely fair, this was purchased as a gift. But if you are a Next Gen fan, each season is beautifully packaged and features lots of extras. Amazon was extremely prompt in shipping and saved the day for us.
This series just gets better and better!February 18, 2010 Obiturized(New Hampshire) What a terrific season, I think this might be the best season in The Next Generation series, and that's saying a lot, because seasons 3, 4, and 5 are great beyond words, so to say this is the best season is pretty high ranks, of course I haven't seen season 7 yet, but I have it already (i have the whole series), and I except nothing less.
There is so much going for this season, from the story lines, to the acting, to the character development, which is something this series lacked in it's first 2 seasons, and once again the special effects are great.
'Time's Arrow Part 2' kicks off the season from the season 5 ending cliffhanger, what a great episode, both parts, if you've seen season 5, you know that Data has to go back to the 19th century to save himself, and part 2 picks right up, and doesn't disappoint, 'Realm of Fear' is another Reggie Barclay episode, not much to say about it, just a nice solid all-around episode, 'Man of the People' is a bit on the sub-par side, but does get interesting, so not a waste of time, in 'Relics' guess who we meet again?! Montgomery Scott (Scotty!) from The Original Series, this is a very well done episode, bringing Scotty into the 24th century after being in limbo for 75 years, an excellent episode, in 'Schisms' the crew encounters strange happenings due to an unwelcome alien visit, good solid episode, 'True Q' the first of two Q episodes on this season, and a great episode, giving a woman a chance to decide wether to Q or not to Q, then we get 'Rascals' which I think is very well done, a none-annoying kid episode, a transporter accident transforms Picard, Guinan, Keiko, and Ensign Ro are transformed into what they were as children, a great episode.
'A Fistul of Data's' continues the excellence of this season, Worf and Alexander are set to do battle in the wild west...with Data! a great episode, 'The Quality of Life' an episode in which a robot is created to make it easier for the crew to maintain the ship, but Data feels it is wrong using a lifeform to do their work, and tries to prove that the robot is indeed life, nice! 'Chain of Command Parts 1 and 2, just a terrific two part episode, Picard are crew are on a top secret mission from Starfleet, and part of the role, is Picard resigning his command to Captain Jellico (played by Ronny Cox), so that Picard and his crew can go undercover and carry out their mission, but are taken hostage by the Cardassians! and in part 2, the crew aboard the Enterprise are not convinced with their new captain, and insist on a rescue attempt on Picard and his away team, an awesome episode!, the great episodes just keep coming 'Ship in a Bottle' Moriary who was put into the Holodeck system in season 2 is wanting more, wanting to experience life outside in the real world, with his wife, excellent!
'Aquiel' the only bad episode, I'm not going to explain it, 'Face of the Enemy' perfect episode after the only bad one on this season, Troi wakes up aboard a Romulan warbird, unknowingly, she is on a top secret mission for the Federation, great episode, 'Tapestry' the second 'Q' episode of the season, Picard is killed, and Q gives him the chance to change his destiny, some terrific drama between Picard and Q, just another great episode!, 'Birthright Parts 1 and 2' Worf and Data set out to find their fathers, not much else to say, just another solid episode, it's getting to be a theme with this season, 'Starship Mine' while the Enterprise is being struck with lethal rays, Picard discovers a band of interstellar thieves are aboard the Enterprise, excellent! (also features Tim Russ) who would later play Mr. Tuvok on Voyager!, 'Lessons' is actually a great love story episode, Picard is forced to send a woman he has fallen in love with on a dangerous mission, great ending!.
'The Chase' continues the excellence, the Enterprise is in a race with the Klingons and the Cardassians to solve a 4 billion year old genetic puzzle, the ending is shocking, and great!, 'Frame of Mind' another great episode, Riker is trapped in a mental hospital with hardly any memory of the past and is convinced he is going insane, another shocking ending, 'Suspicions' A Ferangi scientist is on the brink of a new discovery, but his partners aren't so sure, and the Ferangi is murdered, Dr. Crusher suspects one of his partners, which it did turn out to be, BUT NOT WHO YOU EXPECT IT TO BE, 'Rightful Heir' a great Klingon episode, the Klingons have made a copy of the greatest Klingon of all time 'Kahless' whom they want to take over the empire, but Worf and others aren't so sure!, 'Second Chances' another great Riker episode, while transporting down to a research station, Riker discovers a exact of himself, who tries to rekindle the relationship with Troi, great episode!, 'Timescape' EXCELLENT, The Enterprise is frozen with a Romulan warbird and is on the brink of annihilation, GREAT!, and then we get to the season ending cliffhanger, 'Descent Part 1' A GREAT cliffhanger, while checking out a planet that has been attacked, the away team discover that it is indeed, THE BORG, and they help Data feel his first emotion...to feel angry!, The Borg convince him to join them...little do we know, at the end of the episode, we discover Data has not only joined the Borg, but Lore as well!, and together they plan to destroy the Federation!
A GREAT SEASON!, that is all I can say, now I'm onto see the conclusion to Descent, Star Trek fans, BUY THIS!
very happyDecember 28, 2009 Tracey L. Van Klingeren(Australia) I received the DVDs a lot earlier than I expected and they are just what I expected I have enjoyed watching them. The work perfectly on both of our dvd players. Thank-you so very much, if I had to buy them here from a shop they would have cost almost double the price as they are hard to find now.
Thank-you again Tracey V.K.
ps I cannot tag this product as it just wont allow it, I have tried several times. If I could I would tag it "Great, amazing".
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