Star Trek TNG S02E07-09 Unnatural Selection, A Matter of Honor, The Measure of a Man – “If You Don’t Give this Episode at Least a Six…” | First Time Reaction – To Baldly Go Podcast (Ep. 043)

First-Time Watch – Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episodes 7–9

Welcome to another episode of the To Baldly Go Podcast, where I — a newcomer to the Star Trek universe — am watching through the entire franchise from the beginning, in release order, alongside my long-time Trekkie friends.

This week we discuss:

• The ethics of genetic engineering • Riker serving aboard a Klingon Bird-of-Prey • Whether Data is truly a person • Picard surrendering the Enterprise… again • Klingon culture and honor • Transporters as video-game checkpoints • One of the greatest episodes in Star Trek history?

Episodes covered:

• Unnatural Selection – Genetic research leads to a rapidly aging disease that infects the Enterprise crew, forcing them to find a cure before it’s too late. • A Matter of Honor – Riker joins a Klingon crew in a rare officer exchange program and must prove he belongs among the warriors of the Empire. • The Measure of a Man – A courtroom battle determines whether Data is Starfleet property… or a sentient individual with rights.

We also talk about:

• Klingon worldbuilding • Pulaski’s evolving relationship with Data • Star Trek courtroom drama • Nate threatening to quit the podcast • Why some actors are forever tied to the first role we saw them in

This week gave us a solid episode followed by two of the best episodes we’ve seen yet. Season 2 is definitely starting to find its stride.

As always — Never give up. Never surrender.