Episode: Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season 1, Episode 10
Airdate: November 30, 1987
Welcome back, fellow retro enthusiasts, to yet another enthralling episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation! Today, prepare yourselves for the mesmerizing journey that is “Haven.” This tenth installment of the inaugural season will whisk you away to a world filled with family drama, intergalactic romance, and encounters that will make you scratch your head. So, pour yourself a glass of your favorite scotch, settle into your comfiest chair, and let’s dive headfirst into a character focused episode.
Our adventure begins with a delightful surprise—Counselor Troi’s impending wedding to her fellow Betazoid, Wyatt Miller. Brace yourselves, folks, because you’re about to witness the intricate tapestry of Betazoid customs and traditions! Or not. We get a few cultural highlights, but that’s about it. Hey, the emotional turmoil of Troi torn between duty and love will surely keep you on the edge of your seat. Right?
As we sail through the cosmos, we stumble upon the mysterious Tarellian vessel, a key ingredient in this perplexing recipe. These folks, who are supposed to be sickly wanderers, bring an aura of intrigue and suspense. Their occasionally over-the-top performances, reminiscent of a high school play, add a certain charm. The intense interactions between Captain Picard and the Tarellian leader will make you wonder, “Why can’t everyone just get along?”
But wait, there’s more! Prepare yourselves for the entanglements of love, dear viewers. The undeniable chemistry between Troi and Riker will keep you guessing, hoping, and questioning if they’ll ever get their act together. Or will Riker ultimately choose his true love, playing the trombone? Just when you thought it couldn’t get any weirder, enter one the first appearance of one of ST:TNG’s best reoccuring side characters not named Q, Lwaxana Troi, Deanna’s mother.
Now, let’s address the minor hiccups along the way. The pacing is a rollercoaster ride. Some scenes drag on, threatening to put you to sleep, while others whiz by quickly enough that you’ll be left wondering if your scotch is playing tricks on you. And let’s not forget the slightly contrived resolution. Look, we can’t have our ship’s councellor and quasi love interest for the first officer taking off, right?
In the end, “Haven” is an enjoyable episode that skillfully weaves together the tangled threads of romance, intrigue, and cultural exploration—albeit with a few loose ends. So, let’s raise our glasses to Star Trek: The Next Generation, where even the most convoluted stories can still manage to keep us entertained. Until our next retro rendezvous, may your scotch be adequately sarcastic and your stories mildly twisted. Engage, my friends, and may the force be with you. Wait, wrong show. Cheers!