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The Measure of a Man (Star Trek - TNG episode production code 135) written by Melinda M. Snodgrass directed by Robert Scheerer music by Dennis McCarthy

The Measure of a Man We like to put Star Trek's stories regarding time travel and the prime directive through the mill, dissecting the philosophical motives behind each scene, often saying that better examples of Star Trek values exist elsewhere. Well, this is one of the elsewheres. We love this story. Star Trek explores its values, and gets them right, while also delivering an excellent drama. In fact this is probably the absolute best episode created for The Next Generation up to this point half-way through season two. The script is perfectly set-up to harness Patrick Stewart's strengths while giving his character the classic hero's journey. So much of The Next Generation gels here in this episode. We get the very first of many poker games for the crew, and here Chief O'Brien is finally treated as a multi-faceted character instead of just the guy who'll get the lines at the transporter controls by default. Data and Riker also get big roles as well, and do excellent work with them. Guinan's appearance is probably the most archetypal she has had yet on the series, as she solidly settles in as the mentor for this week's main protagonist (Picard), and applies her advice to help pick him up from his low point just prior to him going back to claim his biggest victory for the story. In many ways she is encroaching on Deanna Troi's territory, and perhaps Troi ended up with less to do than she deserved when Guinan was around. All things considered, there is still plenty of scope for both of them in the show. All in all, this is one episode that is not to be missed. Fans of Donald P. Bellisario's series J.A.G. should also enjoy this one. A great contender for best episode of the second season.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Two (1988-1989): Includes 22 episodes @ 45 minutes each. Click on the Amazon symbol for the desired disc format and location nearest you for more information:

DVD U.S. DVD Canada DVD U.K. (regular) 6-disc DVD set DVD U.S. DVD Canada DVD U.K. slimline DVD Extras include: Mission Overview (14 min.) Selected Crew Analysis Starfleet Archives Departmental Briefing: Production (17 min.) Departmental Briefing: Memorable Missions (16 min.)

Blu-ray U.S. NEW for Dec. 4, 2012. Blu-ray Canada NEW for Dec. 4, 2012. Blu-ray U.K. NEW for Dec. 10, 2012. 5-disc Blu-ray box set Blu-ray features add: 2 Audio Commentaries: "The Measure of a Man" by writer Melinda Snodgrass and scenic/graphic artists Mike and Denise Okuda. "Q Who" by director Rob Bowman, visual effects supervisor Dan Curry, and the Okudas. TNG 25th Anniversary Cast Reunion (HD, 62 min.) with Patrick Stewart (Picard), Jonathan Frakes (Riker), LeVar Burton (Geordi), Michael Dorn (Worf), Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher), Marina Sirtis (Troi), Brent Spiner (Data), and Wil Wheaton (Wesley). "Making It So: Continuing The Next Generation" (HD 2-part documentary, 81 min.) Energized! Season Two Tech Update (HD, 8 min.) Gag Reel (HD, 10 min.) Deleted Scenes "The Measure of a Man" HD extended version (57 min.) and hybrid version (56 min.) Promos for each individual episode plus, all featurettes from the DVD version.

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