There is much to be said about Skin of Evil. It is an episode that is paradoxically both brilliant and a failure. And it all hinges on what is, clearly, one of the most pivotal moments of the season, if not the series: the death of a main character.

To be realistic, Tasha Yar’s character was rather underdeveloped throughout the first season. We had hints and brief glimpses into her character, but for the most part, Yar was a caricature of a security officer. That being said, at this point in the series, there were other characters in who were less developed (Worf) and others still that could be seen as more expendable (Troi). But it is Yar who is killed. And, ultimately for the series, it is all for the good. It allows other characters, such as Worf, more room and space to develop.

If only the benefits had been as immediate. While Yar’s death is, perhaps, one of the most pivotal of the series, it isn’t the most pivotal of the episode. Yar is killed early, and senselessly and the rest of the episode focuses on saving Troi and the shuttle pilot from Armus. This was no accident, and it was a courageous move on the part of the writers to avoid the cliché of having a warrior character die a heroic, warrior’s death. And if you buy into the reasons and purpose — the decision — of such a death, then the episode plays very well because Yar’s death becomes all the more tragic.

But if you don’t buy into the decision, the episode becomes exceptionally problematic beause Yar’s death becomes not only senseless, but pointless for the episode itself. If that is the case, the death doesn’t create the tensions and spectre of mortal peril that would otherwise hang over the episode. And there you have the paradox.

Outside of Yar’s death, which is itself an emotional scene, the most emotional part of the show is her farewell speech. It’s something that has the potential for making viewers misty-eyed … if you buy into the tragedy of Yar’s death. The real praise from the scene comes from the acting — more specifically from Picard. His facial expressions really “sell” the moment and it is touching to see such a usually stoic figure fighting the emotion within.

Fortunately for us, Yar’s memory prevails and the series will find ways throughout the next few seasons to remember her.

Chances are, if you like Skin of Evil, you will see it as one of your favorites of the season. If you don’t like it, you will likely see it as one of the worst. And because the episode fails at a broad appeal, I’m unable to label it as a classic.

Filed under: TNG Reviews