As this episode opens in Ten Forward where Riker and Troi are discussing the latest crew evaluations, which will determine which ensigns are promoted to lieutenant. Across the room four young ensigns look on wondering how things are going for them. As the episode progresses we see these characters interacting with members of the main cast; Dr Crusher tells Nurse Ogawa that her promotion is virtually in the bag; Taurik, a Vulcan, appears to irritate Geordi with his ideas for improving efficiency, Sam Lavelle is convinced that Riker has got it in for him and Sito Jaxa is championed by Worf. It is the last of these characters who proves to be most important; she appeared before in 'The First Duty' and Picard tells her that he thought she should have been thrown out of Star Fleet for her part in the events of that episode
it later transpires that this dressing down was part of a test to see whether she had the backbone to stand up for herself when unfairly treated. When she passes she is invited to take part in a top secret, and potentially very dangerous, mission that requires a Bajoran to play the part of a Cardassian prisoner.
This is a superior season seven episode; the way it concentrates as much of junior characters as well as the main cast shows us another side of life on the Enterprise; instead of concentrating on those already in important positions it shows us those still struggling to be noticed and get a chance for promotion. It is fun to see how each of them deals with the situation and when the later plot involving Ensign Sito's mission it is interesting to see how they deal with the fact that they can't talk to their friends about everything anymore; being able to keep secrets from those closest to them is just part of the job. The way the junior officers activities mirror their seniors in handled well; we see both groups relaxing in Ten Forward and at other times playing poker. The cast do a fine job with the guest stars holding their own amongst the established cast; this is particularly true of Shannon Fill who puts in a sensitive performance as Sito as she has to deal with some rather unconventional tests prior to her mission. Overall this was a top quality episode with a surprisingly downbeat ending.
This is a superior season seven episode; the way it concentrates as much of junior characters as well as the main cast shows us another side of life on the Enterprise; instead of concentrating on those already in important positions it shows us those still struggling to be noticed and get a chance for promotion. It is fun to see how each of them deals with the situation and when the later plot involving Ensign Sito's mission it is interesting to see how they deal with the fact that they can't talk to their friends about everything anymore; being able to keep secrets from those closest to them is just part of the job. The way the junior officers activities mirror their seniors in handled well; we see both groups relaxing in Ten Forward and at other times playing poker. The cast do a fine job with the guest stars holding their own amongst the established cast; this is particularly true of Shannon Fill who puts in a sensitive performance as Sito as she has to deal with some rather unconventional tests prior to her mission. Overall this was a top quality episode with a surprisingly downbeat ending.