The Dauphin is an uneven episode that actually plays out better than one might expect — especially considering that it is, essentially, a teenage love story centered on Wesley.

Wesley’s youthful exuberance could have easily sunk this episode — but it didn’t. Instead of cringe-worthy, we get a number of scenes that are amusing and enjoyable to watch — particularly when Wesley seeks out advice from the crew about love. Most notable are the scenes from Worf and then from Riker and Guinan. They are definitely the highlights of the episode.

The lowlights come from the unforgivable special effects and monster costumes used to showcase the “shapeshifters.” This is TNG, afterall, and so we ought not be subjected to bargain Halloween costumes as a means of portraying some alien species. I would have expected such costumes from TOS, not from TNG.

One final point: Worf’s interactions with Anya, the protector, are quite interesting. The mutual respect they gain for each other is a sign of the maturing writing in the series. However, the clumsy writing and effects that lead us to that moment are also a sign that the series still has a ways to go, in spite of such success as The Measure of a Man.

The Dauphin episode is slightly above average, but it isn’t classic TNG.

Filed under: TNG Reviews