Masks is an episode rich in symbolism, mythology, archaeology, stunning visuals and compelling performances. In many ways, it is perhaps unique in the entire TNG series. Indeed, all of the components exist to make this episode one of the very best. So why isn’t it? The bottom line is that, unfortunately, Masks is unable to seamlessly weave together its various threads into an exceptional tapestry.

The first issue with Masks is its pacing. It takes an unfortunately long time to get into the real heart of the story. And, even when the story is in full swing, there is a repetitiveness to a few sequences that also makes unnecessarily draws out some scenes. And, too, the basic premise requires a tremendous suspense of disbelief.

Having encountered an 87 million year old comet, the Enterprise decides to study it. But their scans trigger an ancient, alien archive buried deep below the ice an rock. The archive immediately begins transforming the Enterprise.

The transformation begins with the replicators. And suddenly, all over the ship, alien artifacts begin to appear. These artifacts, which look reminiscent of Mayan or Incan design, prominently display a sun symbol, with a crescent shaped symbol usually “hidden” in some obscure part of the artifact. The two symbols are meant to evoke the sun and the moon.

Symbols also begin to appear in the Enterprise computers. Stunningly, Data is somehow able to decipher them. It’s an ominous revelation because the implication is clear: if the computers have been corrupted, and if Data’s processors are suddenly able to decipher the strange symbols then, perhaps, Data has also been corrupted.

Events become more bizarre when Data suddenly “transforms.”  After worrying that he was losing his mind, we next see Data with a simplistic sun symbol on his forehead, some kind of badge on his chest, and an alien personality.  The personality identifies himself as Ihat, who warns of the ominous coming of Masaka — a goddess whom he describes is as cruel as she is powerful.

Ihat is a kind of Loki character, a boisterous trickster  who has the capacity to create as many problems as he solves.  But ultimately, Ihat proves his worth by providing Picard with valuable information about Masaka’s temple.  Additionally, Ihat provides Picard with a means of keeping Masaka at bay: the mysterious Korgano.  Part of what makes the conversations so interesting is the sun-centered dialogue.  Ihat describes Masaka as so cruel that she lets her prisoners “die of thirst” or “burns them” mercilessly.  It’s just another example of the many layers woven into the story.

Brent Spiner’s performances of Data’s multiple personalities is, as expected, exceptional.  There is a drawback, however.  With so many previous episodes focusing on Data acting out of character — including the just seen Thine Own Self — the impact is diluted.  This is in no way a criticism of the performance, rather it’s an acknowledgment that the cumulative effect of so many ploys can eventually be a detriment.

Ultimately, LaForge learns how to access a program on the Archive which allows him to control its transformation program.  After finding the appropriate symbol for Masaka’s temple, the Enterprise  is once again transformed.  When Data reappears one last time, wearing a mask he created way back when the Archive first started influencing him and the ship, he enters not as Data — but as Masaka herself.

Picard attempts to confront her, but she dismisses him.  In desperation, Picard has LaForge input Korgano’s symbol and what appears is another mask. Picard, drawing on his wealth of knowledge about ancient civilizations, wears the mask and masquerades as Korgano.  He rightly interprets the sun – moon, hunter – prey dynamic of Masaka and Korgano.  Using that information he is able to subdue Masaka, and the Enterprise is returned to normal.

Masks is a fantastic episode for a study of symbols, myths and personalities.  But what it lacks most of all is an element of humanity.  Had that been added to the mix, the result may very well have been one of the very best episodes that TNG had to offer.  As it stands now, it is still very good — if only because it is so rich with ideas.

Filed under: TNG Reviews