For starters, Haven represents a shift in the story-telling approach of the series. It’s a personal, mystical story which helps balance the usual sci-fi fare. Of course, the episode has its elements of sci-fi as represented by the Tarellian survivors of biological warfare, but they play a secondary role to the main story: that of Troi’s marriage. The mysticism comes from the fact that Troi’s betrothed, Wyatt, and another character “dream” about each other for years before they actually meet.

Unfortunately, the story itself is not handled particularly well. Wyatt, is a mousy character who would seem to repel Troi, who is clearly attracted to the much stronger (in terms of character) Riker, rather than reassure her in going through with the arranged marriage. Troi isn’t a particularly strong character herself, so she has some difficulty carrying this episode. Lastly, the story is rather predictable. It’s easy to predict that Wyatt’s dream woman will be on the Tarellian ship, as well as his subsequent decision to join the plague ship to follow his “destiny.”

Highlights of the episode include Data’s fascination with human interaction (“please continue with the pointless bickering”) and the introduction of Lwaxana Troi, Deanna’s mother. Indeed, Lwaxana’s interactions with Picard provide the best humor of the episode and are revisited in for future episodes. Of course, the fact that Lwaxana is a highlight should tell you something about the rest of the episode.

Haven simply isn’t a particularly strong episode. A long running series needs variety, and while the more personal story of this episode is a welcome change, its execution is, regrettably, lacking.

Topics: Lwaxana Troi
Filed under: TNG Reviews