The Most Jaw-Dropping Star Trek: TNG Episode - Surprisingly Relevant After 35 Years!
TNG's Angel One: A Failed Attempt at Gender Commentary, Proves Its Ineffectiveness Even 35 Years Later A Disappointing Regression Post Promising Episodes
Summary
Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1 struggled to find its footing, and "Angel One" is often cited as one of its worst episodes, lacking nuance and making odd choices.
The episode's attempt to criticize gender roles by overturning the patriarchy is a major failure. It neglects the female leads and instead highlights Commander Riker as the hero, contradicting its supposed goal of empowering women.
"Angel One" feels like a significant regression following the success of episodes like "The Big Goodbye" and "Datalore." It relies on cliches from the original Star Trek series and includes a pointless subplot, ultimately making it the weakest episode of the season.
Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1 struggled initially, with some episodes showing potential for greatness while others, like "Angel One," did not age well. The series follows Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the USS Enterprise-D, and eventually becomes known for its exceptional science fiction television. However, "Angel One" is often recognized as one of Star Trek's weaker episodes.
In this episode, the Enterprise visits a planet governed by a female oligarchy, where men serve in subordinate positions. Commander William Riker leads a team to investigate the disappearance of a freighter years ago. The leader of Angel One, Beata, appears hesitant to cooperate with the Enterprise crew, but shows a clear interest in Commander Riker. Although there may be a meaningful message within, "Angel One" falls short of expectations, much like the previously criticized episode "Code of Honor."
TNG's Angel One Tries to Critique Gender Roles But Fails Spectacularly
The society on Angel One is a blatant reversal of patriarchy, which is a major issue due to its lack of subtlety. Men are treated as inferior citizens incapable of understanding governance, undermining the complexities present. While "Angel One" contains decent ideas, its lack of nuance and peculiar choices hinder its impact. Notably, the episode focuses on Riker as the main character. Beata overtly expresses her attraction to him, emphasizing Riker's superiority as a "real man" compared to the perceived weakness of men on her planet. This decision, which sidelines the primary female characters, is peculiar in an episode seemingly dedicated to celebrating women.
Captain Picard suggests that Counselor Deanna Troi should initiate a dialogue with the people of Angel One, a proposition that lacks rationale and appears condescending. However, upon their arrival, it is Riker who takes charge of most of the conversation. Counselor Troi and Lt. Tasha Yar join Riker on the away mission, yet they are confined to minimal involvement, reduced to mockery of Riker's outlandish attire required to blend in with the locals. Furthermore, Riker ultimately emerges as the hero, delivering a crucial final speech that saves the day and influences Beata to reconsider her beliefs. Evidently, his message resonates to some extent, as Angel One transforms into a tourist destination in Star Trek: Lower Decks.
Angel One Is A Step Back After Episodes Like The Big Goodbye and Datalore
TNG season 1 was notorious for having a chaotic writer's room. According to The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years, "Angel One" in particular faced numerous behind-the-scenes problems. The story underwent significant changes from the initial pitch to the final draft, leading to delays in filming due to an unfinished script. Actors and producers from TNG have openly expressed their dislike for "Angel One," criticizing its sexism. The episode's positioning within the season exacerbates these issues.
Compared to the enjoyable "The Big Goodbye" and captivating "Datalore" that precede it, "Angel One" feels like a considerable regression. While TNG season 1 was beginning to find its stride and move away from the influence of Star Trek: The Original Series, "Angel One" relies on some of the worst TOS cliches. The secondary plot, where the entire Enterprise crew falls ill with a cold, is hardly worth mentioning as it has no relevance to the main story. Although not all of Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1 was subpar, "Angel One" certainly stands out as a low point.
