Ep 14. Conundrum

The episode "Conundrum" of Star Trek: The Next Generation season 5 is a thrilling installment in the space odyssey series that follows the journey of the USS Enterprise and its crew. The episode starts with the Enterprise encountering a strange alien ship that sends out a powerful energy blast, causing the crew to suffer memory loss. When the crew wakes up, they find themselves in a state of confusion as they can't remember who they are, what their mission is or what their allegiances are.

The crew discovers that their memories have been selectively erased, leaving them with little to no information about their identity. They also find out that the computer systems on the ship have been tampered with, deleting critical information about their past, present, and future. The only thing that remains clear is that they are on a mission to stop an impending attack on a peaceful planet, but they don't know who or what they are up against.

As they struggle to decode the mystery behind their memory loss, they face a dilemma of trust, loyalty and survival. One by one, each member of the Enterprise's crew realizes that their initial instincts about themselves or their colleagues may not be what they seem. With their mental faculties compromised, they must use their intuition and skills to discern who to trust and how to work toward their goal. They embark on an odyssey of discovery that takes them to the edges of space and time.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) leads the crew through this tumultuous mission, but he can't rely on his past experiences or knowledge to guide him. He must put his faith in his crew, who are equally uncertain about their individual abilities and limitations. The episode showcases how the captain works to maintain order and decorum on the Enterprise, even in a state of chaos.

The audience follows the journey of the Enterprise crew as they try to piece together the clues and memories that have been tampered with. The episode is a masterful display of storytelling, as it deals with themes of identity, memory, and trust, and the consequences of their loss. The characters are tested to their limits, and the episode masterfully blends moments of humor, suspense, and drama.

"Conundrum" is a standout episode in the Star Trek series, thanks to the sharp writing and direction by Robert Lederman. The episode feels like a breath of fresh air, as it is a departure from the usual plotlines of previous episodes. Its twists and turns are genuinely surprising, and the way it gradually resolves the mystery of memory loss is satisfying.

In addition, the episode features standout performances from the cast, particularly Stewart as Captain Picard and Brent Spiner as Data. With a running time of 45 minutes, "Conundrum" never feels too long or too short- it's a perfectly balanced episode.

Overall, "Conundrum" is an excellent addition to the Star Trek series, highlighting its strengths in storytelling, action, and characterization. The episode is a must-watch for fans and newcomers alike who will all appreciate its innovative approach and outstanding execution. This episode is a unique installment in the series that will leave viewers wanting more.