Dumb episode. At least Yar gets a better death in a few seasons in Yesterday’s Enterprise.

Symbiosis is on the one hand very 80’s with its “Just Say No” philosophy, but on the other it explores the philosophy of what to do when people are suffering and if giving them drugs will, at least for the short term, relieve suffering. Good use of the Prime Directive and how Picard and Crusher disagree about what is the humane (human) thing to do.

This was one of the more exciting episodes of the whole season, plus by putting La Forge in command gave his character a chance to grow more into the role. The season is closing out pretty strong, especially considering what a rough start it got off to.

19 episodes in before finally getting an episode with Worf and the Klingons. I’m surprised Dorn didn’t quit the show this late in before the writers remembered he was getting a paycheck from Paramount every week. Good episode, especially considering how much of Worf’s character arc is eventually covered thru 7 seasons of TNG and another 4 of DS9.

Coming of Age is the first episode where Picard finally becomes Picard. Up till now he’s not quite felt like the Picard that is remembered, but this episode tests him and finally fleshes out what makes him such a bad-ass.