This is a difficult episode to critique because the analysis is fairly straightforward: Homesoil is based on a fascinating concept, but its execution is simply nondescript. And the ending is simply too hokey.

The episode starts off promisingly enough with a murder mystery that the crew must solve. Unfortunately the plodding pace it takes to reach the mystery, as well as the subsequent discovery of the “microbrain” saps the episode of its intrigue. The Microbrain itself (and let’s not forget to take note of how lame a description “microbrain” is) is actually the most compelling aspect of the show: what constitutes “life” and how often (and easily) humanity simply destroys life out of ignorance.

Unfortunately, once we do arrive at the Microbrain sequences, the episode stumbles with not only the cheesy voice effects, but also the “ugly bags of mostly water” description of humans. While true, it also come across as overly silly and, ultimately, it is enough to distract us from the story.

As for acting, none of the characters fare particularly well. Data has some good moments, but he inexplicably has a sudden display of emotion when describing how the Microbrain gets its energy. Picard also starts of well enough, but his final dialogue sequences with the Microbrain and Troi are part of the issues the episode has with its conclusion. And, for some unknown reason, before it is returned to the planet, Riker struts and postures for the Microbrain like he is doing a runway walk at a fashion show.

A solid concept that suffered from faulty execution.

Topics: New Life
Filed under: TNG Reviews