Contagion

Enterprise responds to a distress call from the USS Yamoto inside the neural zone.

This is a solid episode with some strong character moments, but the much lauded suspense and excitement doesn't fully work for me.

The plot is quite detailed and interesting with great world-building and sci-fi concepts. However the suspense driven sequences are lost on me as I never felt for a minute that Enterprise would be in danger or likewise any of the main characters. The resolution is simple, but in today's IT dominated world it works in a humorous way. Who hasn't been given a solution like that by an IT helpline?

I enjoyed the character moments of the episode, as pretty much everyone makes a contribution. Picard leading the away mission is a refreshing change, Dr Pulaski talking about splints was fun, Geordie has some far stronger moments than usual and Data has one quite cinematic scene towards the end.

I was slightly disappointed with the Romulans who were portrayed as one-note baddies, but their impending threat is implied well.

The visuals are decent, with good effects and nice set design. I particularly enjoyed the scene where Geordie runs from engineering to the bridge to deliver an important message.

All acting is good, particularly the regular cast members. This is my favourite LeVar Burton performance so far.

For me it's a 7.5/10 but I round upwards.