I think the reviews calling Geordi a "creep" and engaging in "sexual harassment" are way overblown. At no point did he attempt anything sexual with Brahms. It's true that he had deluded himself into thinking she was something she wasn't, but it was an honest mistake for a guy who's obviously lonely and was hoping for something to happen. When she informed him that she was married, he immediately backed off and treated her as the brilliant professional she was, nothing more. I do think her anger when she found the Holodeck program was justified, but he acknowledged that he shouldn't have created a fantasy version of her. It was good to see them part on friendly terms.
26 Reviews
An Exploration of Self-Restraint That Ultimately Misses the Mark
noobitar19 January 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Everyone has fantasies. Everyone who is familiar with the concept of the holodeck has explored its possibilities. Everyone has imagined using the holodeck to make fantasies reality, even fantasies involving other real human beings, friends, strangers, celebrities, you name it. For this reason, it is important to explore just how far the average person might take it and the ethics of doing so. TNG rightly attempts to tackle this difficult concept in this episode and others (namely S3E6, "Booby Trap," and S3E21, "Hollow Pursuits") but ultimately shies away from delving too deeply into the psyche.
In this episode, Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge finally gets to meet the engineer chiefly responsible for designing the Enterprise's warp drive system, Dr. Leah Brahms. Of course, he has met her before, in a sense, in the aforementioned season three episode, "Booby Trap," when he creates a program simulating her likeness on the holodeck in order to work through a difficult engineering problem. It is implied that Geordi engages in a reasonably tame but somewhat romantic relationship with the holodeck version of Dr. Brahms—a relationship that can't be described as entirely professional, in any event. "Every time you're touching the engine, you're touching me." As a result of his virtual encounters, Geordi expects the possibility of a romantic relationship with the real Dr. Brahms during her visit to the Enterprise.
As it turns out, Dr. Brahms isn't exactly interested in Geordi the way he had hoped. In fact, the first thing she does is berate him for having "fouled up {her} engine designs." Nevertheless, Geordi continues to pursue her, asking her at one point to meet him is his quarters and passing up no opportunity to take advantage of every piece of knowledge he gleaned from her personal records in order to gain her favor (I had to Google fugilli). Ultimately, she discovers the questionable holodeck program, and this is where the episode falls short of its goals.
Although the show makes an effort to suggest that Geordi never engaged in any sexual or otherwise inappropriate behavior on the holodeck with the simulated Dr. Brahms, we and the real Leah Brahms are asked simply to take Geordi at his word. Given the candor with which LaForge interacts with Brahms in his holodeck program in "Booby Trap" in addition to his expressed hopes to spark a flame with her in this episode, it's reasonable for any audience to infer that Geordi could be lying about his behavior. It would certainly be far more interesting if he were lying, but Brahms unrealistically believes that he has exercised self-control on the holodeck and that her likeness was never violated. Beyond that, she ends the episode not only forgiving him for what could be pretty salacious invasions of her privacy but congenially apologizing to him for her behavior.
From a plot perspective, I left the episode disappointed in the lack of consequences for Geordi, but I was mostly disappointed in the show's reluctance to investigate the insight into human nature that they had at their fingertips.
In this episode, Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge finally gets to meet the engineer chiefly responsible for designing the Enterprise's warp drive system, Dr. Leah Brahms. Of course, he has met her before, in a sense, in the aforementioned season three episode, "Booby Trap," when he creates a program simulating her likeness on the holodeck in order to work through a difficult engineering problem. It is implied that Geordi engages in a reasonably tame but somewhat romantic relationship with the holodeck version of Dr. Brahms—a relationship that can't be described as entirely professional, in any event. "Every time you're touching the engine, you're touching me." As a result of his virtual encounters, Geordi expects the possibility of a romantic relationship with the real Dr. Brahms during her visit to the Enterprise.
As it turns out, Dr. Brahms isn't exactly interested in Geordi the way he had hoped. In fact, the first thing she does is berate him for having "fouled up {her} engine designs." Nevertheless, Geordi continues to pursue her, asking her at one point to meet him is his quarters and passing up no opportunity to take advantage of every piece of knowledge he gleaned from her personal records in order to gain her favor (I had to Google fugilli). Ultimately, she discovers the questionable holodeck program, and this is where the episode falls short of its goals.
Although the show makes an effort to suggest that Geordi never engaged in any sexual or otherwise inappropriate behavior on the holodeck with the simulated Dr. Brahms, we and the real Leah Brahms are asked simply to take Geordi at his word. Given the candor with which LaForge interacts with Brahms in his holodeck program in "Booby Trap" in addition to his expressed hopes to spark a flame with her in this episode, it's reasonable for any audience to infer that Geordi could be lying about his behavior. It would certainly be far more interesting if he were lying, but Brahms unrealistically believes that he has exercised self-control on the holodeck and that her likeness was never violated. Beyond that, she ends the episode not only forgiving him for what could be pretty salacious invasions of her privacy but congenially apologizing to him for her behavior.
From a plot perspective, I left the episode disappointed in the lack of consequences for Geordi, but I was mostly disappointed in the show's reluctance to investigate the insight into human nature that they had at their fingertips.
Maybe they should have changed the order of events
ThunderingTim26 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
"Mr. LaForge, I accuse you of violating me on the holodeck!"
"I'm guilty of something much worse!"
"Oh yeah? What?"
"Being nice to you!"
"I'm sorry. Can we be friends now?"
..............what???
In this episode we focus on Geordi and that's almost never a good idea. He hasn't had too much character development, and although he is a fine character in any scene with Data or with the bridge crew, he is slightly too 2D to pull of a character episode.
SPOILERS
PLOT
Having used Dr Brahms likeness on the holodeck in an earlier crisis (I will get to that review soon where I will focus on why the computer makes a warm, available and flirtatious creation where there is no need for one and that couldn't have been farther from the truth) Geordi is very excited about the real one turning up. He puts the moves on her but she is cold and hostile. Meanwhile the Enterprise heads straight for an unknown life form and when it defends itself from this menacingly advancing mechanical thing Picard immediately kills it, living in a world where a warning shot appears to be missing from procedures. It turns out the life form was pregnant and Crusher performs a C-section (don't worry, I'll address it). The baby life form sees its dead parent and this weird looking ship that is the only thing around, and instead of thinking "Mayhaps that alien killed me mum, let's get out of here" it declares the Enterprise its new mother (The mother is dead, long live the mother). It latches onto the ship and drains its energy, and the crew try to get it to a energy rich asteroid field where similar creatures appear. Meanwhile Brahms and LaForge duke it out but come to a sort of truce until she finds his holodeck fantasy and goes mental. However, she seems to forgive him after a heartfelt speech and they succeed in removing the baby, reuniting it with its kind.
Things I liked and disliked
Normally I make two sections but there are two sides to many points.
Another reviewer with the amusing pen name planktonrules wrote: "I can EASILY imagine a woman macing a guy like this", talking about LaForges inappropriate tone and behavior. He does come across as a creeper and that's highly unprofessional, but then again so is bitching against him and verbally castrating him as Dr Brahms does.
I like the idea of a real person not living up to holodeck expectations but I dislike a person having them in the first place (expectations based on a fantasy I mean).
I like the idea of the floating alien but the way Picard approaches it a conflict seems normal.
The C-section is utterly ridiculous because the life form is unknown and Crusher has no idea what she's doing.
Guinan is a relief as always, she seems like a much, much better counselor than Troi if I'm honest because she doesn't impose on people, tries to understand them rather than lecturing, and doesn't patrol the corridors of the ship looking for psychoprey.
I like the idea of a asteroid field as a natural habitat but I hated how Data knew where to go "based on the direction the life form was heading" when we encounter it hanging still in space, in orbit around a planet, a planet they completely ignore.
I loved Dr Brahms encountering the holodeck fantasy but I hated how LaForge got away with it but acting like he was hurt. The scene doesn't make any sense. He counters her understandable accusations of holodeck violation with a speech how she's mean to him while he tries to befriend her. Erm...yeah...but dude...the problem is the holodeck fantasy for which you have to answer, not deflect the guilt.
In typical TNG fashion the episode ends on a utterly positive note. Geordi is friends with Dr Brahms, the alien is amongst others of its kind, the crew has rectified murdering a alien in labor, and no one really learns anything and nothing has consequences.
CHANGING THE ORDER OF EVENTS
I think the episode would have been a lot better if Dr Brahms turned out to be every bit as warm and nice in the beginning as she is at the end of the episode, then finds the holodeck fantasy after being creeped out by Geordi, then explode, THEN either not forgive him or achieve success and an uneasy truce. By introducing her as a cold and vile woman you instantly don't care Geordi groped a holocopy of her making her outrage uninteresting. If they had shown her to be nice and likable, then having her turned ugly, it would have made for a better episode.
CONCLUSION
Some people hate it but that's unfair. I admit it brings together Starfleet doing unintentional harm/Geordi strikes out/let's end on a sweet note which often plague TNG seasons, but the episode has an interesting alien life form, some proper engineering work, and some good Picard moments. Part of the problem is Geordi not having enough depth as a character. Imagine O'Brien had worked closely with the holodeck Brahms and Keiko one day discovering this seductive holowoman. that would have made for good television. Why? because O'Brien is a well developed character that is amicable. Geordi is too 2D and a creepy guy the first half of this episode. It also makes his slightly superior attitude towards Barclay at times insufferable.
It's not the best of TNg but it certainly isn't the worst (after all, Tasha Yar isn't in it).
6/10
"I'm guilty of something much worse!"
"Oh yeah? What?"
"Being nice to you!"
"I'm sorry. Can we be friends now?"
..............what???
In this episode we focus on Geordi and that's almost never a good idea. He hasn't had too much character development, and although he is a fine character in any scene with Data or with the bridge crew, he is slightly too 2D to pull of a character episode.
SPOILERS
PLOT
Having used Dr Brahms likeness on the holodeck in an earlier crisis (I will get to that review soon where I will focus on why the computer makes a warm, available and flirtatious creation where there is no need for one and that couldn't have been farther from the truth) Geordi is very excited about the real one turning up. He puts the moves on her but she is cold and hostile. Meanwhile the Enterprise heads straight for an unknown life form and when it defends itself from this menacingly advancing mechanical thing Picard immediately kills it, living in a world where a warning shot appears to be missing from procedures. It turns out the life form was pregnant and Crusher performs a C-section (don't worry, I'll address it). The baby life form sees its dead parent and this weird looking ship that is the only thing around, and instead of thinking "Mayhaps that alien killed me mum, let's get out of here" it declares the Enterprise its new mother (The mother is dead, long live the mother). It latches onto the ship and drains its energy, and the crew try to get it to a energy rich asteroid field where similar creatures appear. Meanwhile Brahms and LaForge duke it out but come to a sort of truce until she finds his holodeck fantasy and goes mental. However, she seems to forgive him after a heartfelt speech and they succeed in removing the baby, reuniting it with its kind.
Things I liked and disliked
Normally I make two sections but there are two sides to many points.
Another reviewer with the amusing pen name planktonrules wrote: "I can EASILY imagine a woman macing a guy like this", talking about LaForges inappropriate tone and behavior. He does come across as a creeper and that's highly unprofessional, but then again so is bitching against him and verbally castrating him as Dr Brahms does.
I like the idea of a real person not living up to holodeck expectations but I dislike a person having them in the first place (expectations based on a fantasy I mean).
I like the idea of the floating alien but the way Picard approaches it a conflict seems normal.
The C-section is utterly ridiculous because the life form is unknown and Crusher has no idea what she's doing.
Guinan is a relief as always, she seems like a much, much better counselor than Troi if I'm honest because she doesn't impose on people, tries to understand them rather than lecturing, and doesn't patrol the corridors of the ship looking for psychoprey.
I like the idea of a asteroid field as a natural habitat but I hated how Data knew where to go "based on the direction the life form was heading" when we encounter it hanging still in space, in orbit around a planet, a planet they completely ignore.
I loved Dr Brahms encountering the holodeck fantasy but I hated how LaForge got away with it but acting like he was hurt. The scene doesn't make any sense. He counters her understandable accusations of holodeck violation with a speech how she's mean to him while he tries to befriend her. Erm...yeah...but dude...the problem is the holodeck fantasy for which you have to answer, not deflect the guilt.
In typical TNG fashion the episode ends on a utterly positive note. Geordi is friends with Dr Brahms, the alien is amongst others of its kind, the crew has rectified murdering a alien in labor, and no one really learns anything and nothing has consequences.
CHANGING THE ORDER OF EVENTS
I think the episode would have been a lot better if Dr Brahms turned out to be every bit as warm and nice in the beginning as she is at the end of the episode, then finds the holodeck fantasy after being creeped out by Geordi, then explode, THEN either not forgive him or achieve success and an uneasy truce. By introducing her as a cold and vile woman you instantly don't care Geordi groped a holocopy of her making her outrage uninteresting. If they had shown her to be nice and likable, then having her turned ugly, it would have made for a better episode.
CONCLUSION
Some people hate it but that's unfair. I admit it brings together Starfleet doing unintentional harm/Geordi strikes out/let's end on a sweet note which often plague TNG seasons, but the episode has an interesting alien life form, some proper engineering work, and some good Picard moments. Part of the problem is Geordi not having enough depth as a character. Imagine O'Brien had worked closely with the holodeck Brahms and Keiko one day discovering this seductive holowoman. that would have made for good television. Why? because O'Brien is a well developed character that is amicable. Geordi is too 2D and a creepy guy the first half of this episode. It also makes his slightly superior attitude towards Barclay at times insufferable.
It's not the best of TNg but it certainly isn't the worst (after all, Tasha Yar isn't in it).
6/10
A great episode.
russem3123 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:90 - "Galaxy's Child" (Stardate: 44614.6) - this is the 16th episode of the 4th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
In another great episode of the 4th season, Geordi LaForge is "reunited" with Dr. Leah Brahams, albeit in real human form this time (in the 3rd season episode "Booby Trap" he worked with her holographic image to get out of an asteroidal trap - he even became "romantically" entwined with this warm and friendly version of Leah). Therefore, it's a shock to him that she turns out to be cold and only caring about "her engines".
Geordi and Leah's conflicts to each other are put to the test when they must find a way to get a new alien lifeform baby off the hull of the Enterprise, where it has been "feeding" off of.
Trivia note: Whoopi Goldberg makes another appearance as Guinan. At the end of the episode, the Enterprise encounters an asteroid field that looks very much like the one in "Booby Trap". And, this episode continues the unlucky streak Geordi has with women.
In another great episode of the 4th season, Geordi LaForge is "reunited" with Dr. Leah Brahams, albeit in real human form this time (in the 3rd season episode "Booby Trap" he worked with her holographic image to get out of an asteroidal trap - he even became "romantically" entwined with this warm and friendly version of Leah). Therefore, it's a shock to him that she turns out to be cold and only caring about "her engines".
Geordi and Leah's conflicts to each other are put to the test when they must find a way to get a new alien lifeform baby off the hull of the Enterprise, where it has been "feeding" off of.
Trivia note: Whoopi Goldberg makes another appearance as Guinan. At the end of the episode, the Enterprise encounters an asteroid field that looks very much like the one in "Booby Trap". And, this episode continues the unlucky streak Geordi has with women.
All creatures great and small
bkoganbing11 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Attachments are the theme of this TNG story. A giant space creature the size of a
couple of starships is giving birth out in space and with a laser Dr. Crusher does a
Caesarean on it. Out pops a baby which attaches itself to the Enterprise because
it now thinks of it as mother.
Geordi LaForge has finally met Dr. Leah Brahms on the Enterprise and Susan Gibney is a business like woman full of critique, but eventually they reach a working arrangements. Then she sees the program in the holodeck with her in it and she does feel violated. It was not LeVar Burton's intent, but we know it gets straightened out so they can deal with the baby creature sucking the energy from the Enterprise to eat.
Later on this episode is referenced when LeVar Burton meets James Doohan from the previous Star Trek series. As Scotty says these are moments to reminisce and treasure.
Geordi LaForge has finally met Dr. Leah Brahms on the Enterprise and Susan Gibney is a business like woman full of critique, but eventually they reach a working arrangements. Then she sees the program in the holodeck with her in it and she does feel violated. It was not LeVar Burton's intent, but we know it gets straightened out so they can deal with the baby creature sucking the energy from the Enterprise to eat.
Later on this episode is referenced when LeVar Burton meets James Doohan from the previous Star Trek series. As Scotty says these are moments to reminisce and treasure.
Geordi's Lucky to Keep His Job
Hitchcoc26 August 2014
Leah Brahm's, one of the engineer's involved in the creation of the Enterprise, makes a return engagement, this time as a real person. Geordi, during a serious crisis, created a holodeck program so he could work with the beautiful young engineer. In that episode, he had the hots for her, and made her into a more compliant, though still feisty, character. She was computer generated and Geordi carried a crush for her. So she shows up and when Geordi starts putting moves on her, she is confused and somewhat hostile. She blames him for messing around with her engine (not her engine, the Enterprise engine). They have a volatile encounter and agree to try to make the best of things. Unfortunately for our visored hero, she comes upon his holodeck program and goes ballistic. He is angry and hurt but I have to tell you, he deserves every bit of it. At the very least, he should have destroyed the program. She was right to imagine him using her as a toy.
There is something else going on while all this is playing out. The crew discovers a life form that looks a little bit like a giant ravioli with a tail. It is aggressive and Picard is forced to defend the ship using what he feels is a restrained blow. Unfortunately, he kills it. Picard is horrified at what he has done. This is a newly discovered life form and what he has done is unconscionable. Shortly thereafter, it is realized that the thing was pregnant and its aggressiveness was probably a motherly instinct. The baby is born but bonds with the Enterprise, drawing energy from the ship and putting it in grave danger. Picard, already considering himself a murderer, feels he must not use life threatening action against the little one. It is up to Brahms and LaForge to come up with something. Pretty decent offering.
There is something else going on while all this is playing out. The crew discovers a life form that looks a little bit like a giant ravioli with a tail. It is aggressive and Picard is forced to defend the ship using what he feels is a restrained blow. Unfortunately, he kills it. Picard is horrified at what he has done. This is a newly discovered life form and what he has done is unconscionable. Shortly thereafter, it is realized that the thing was pregnant and its aggressiveness was probably a motherly instinct. The baby is born but bonds with the Enterprise, drawing energy from the ship and putting it in grave danger. Picard, already considering himself a murderer, feels he must not use life threatening action against the little one. It is up to Brahms and LaForge to come up with something. Pretty decent offering.
Geordie's real nerdgasm
snoozejonc15 July 2021
This is reasonably good episode that serves as a decent sequel to the previous episode 'Booby Trap'.
I like that the writers followed up a previous episode that fixated a lot on someone's fantasy and this time presented us with the reality. Although entertaining, the story does not exactly present Geordie in a very good light. The subplot is okay but feels stretched out to make up time.
What the writers were trying to achieve with the Geordie and Leah Brahms scenes I am not sure, but if they wanted the viewer to empathise with Geordie due to Brahms 'coldness' it misses the mark with me. If they were trying to show that Geordie is one of those nerdy men who at best ends up being best friends with all the girls, but never romantically involved, they succeed. Even to a single person, I fail to see anything remotely appealing in his character in this episode. She on the other hand does not come across as cold or hard nosed, just a professional who is a bit freaked out by his overfamiliar and generally weird behaviour. That being said, it entertains with general awkwardness and a positive outcome for the two characters.
The visuals were very good back in the early 90s but today the space creatures look very animated.
LeVar Burton and Susan Gibney play their parts excellently and are supported well by the rest of the cast, especially Patrick Stewart and Caryn Johnson.
For me it is a 6.5/10 but I round upwards.
I like that the writers followed up a previous episode that fixated a lot on someone's fantasy and this time presented us with the reality. Although entertaining, the story does not exactly present Geordie in a very good light. The subplot is okay but feels stretched out to make up time.
What the writers were trying to achieve with the Geordie and Leah Brahms scenes I am not sure, but if they wanted the viewer to empathise with Geordie due to Brahms 'coldness' it misses the mark with me. If they were trying to show that Geordie is one of those nerdy men who at best ends up being best friends with all the girls, but never romantically involved, they succeed. Even to a single person, I fail to see anything remotely appealing in his character in this episode. She on the other hand does not come across as cold or hard nosed, just a professional who is a bit freaked out by his overfamiliar and generally weird behaviour. That being said, it entertains with general awkwardness and a positive outcome for the two characters.
The visuals were very good back in the early 90s but today the space creatures look very animated.
LeVar Burton and Susan Gibney play their parts excellently and are supported well by the rest of the cast, especially Patrick Stewart and Caryn Johnson.
For me it is a 6.5/10 but I round upwards.
A black eye for the Enterprise.
thevacinstaller27 March 2021
Warning: Spoilers
As a man in the 21st century with a healthy libido, I am forgiving Geordi LaForge for his 'disney-like' holodeck crush on Dr. Brahms. If I had a holodeck it would be an absolute embarrassment to see what type of debauchery I would get into. The show itself frames the relationship as being one of admiration and love rather than a lustful obsession in keeping with Starfleet Boy Scouts in space tradition.
It's never a good idea to put a person on a pedestal. This is a neat exploration on dealing with expectation versus reality. I feel pretty bummed out for Geordi in this one but I appreciate the bitter sweet ending. There are a few telling conflicted looks between Brahns/LaForge that suggest a potential for this working out a different way ---- but then Brahns speed walks away to call hubby.
We have a black eye moment for Starfleet and Picard with the accidental killing of a pregnant space perogy. After killing the mother, Picard decides to be a dead beat dad and just leave the alien baby to fend for itself without observing it for a while. OH NO you don't! The alien baby imprints upon the enterprise and Picard comes to the realization that he is responsible for rearing the space perogy. Thankfully, the enterprise doesn't just toss the baby into the wild but fortuitously they encounter some foster perogy's and thanks to a Brahns/LaForge collaboration we get a happy(ish) ending.
I like the sci fi elements and watching LaForge dealing with a Brahms who is very different then his ideal perception of her.
It's never a good idea to put a person on a pedestal. This is a neat exploration on dealing with expectation versus reality. I feel pretty bummed out for Geordi in this one but I appreciate the bitter sweet ending. There are a few telling conflicted looks between Brahns/LaForge that suggest a potential for this working out a different way ---- but then Brahns speed walks away to call hubby.
We have a black eye moment for Starfleet and Picard with the accidental killing of a pregnant space perogy. After killing the mother, Picard decides to be a dead beat dad and just leave the alien baby to fend for itself without observing it for a while. OH NO you don't! The alien baby imprints upon the enterprise and Picard comes to the realization that he is responsible for rearing the space perogy. Thankfully, the enterprise doesn't just toss the baby into the wild but fortuitously they encounter some foster perogy's and thanks to a Brahns/LaForge collaboration we get a happy(ish) ending.
I like the sci fi elements and watching LaForge dealing with a Brahms who is very different then his ideal perception of her.
La Forge has issues
Mr-Fusion21 March 2017
Here's a curious case of bringing back an obscure holodeck plot device (Dr. Leah Brahms, whose real self is even more attractive at maximum aloofness). All of the stuff about Geordi fantasizing about a hologram doesn't tend to make our Chief Engineer look well-adjusted (or his love life, but it all turns out alright in the end).
The better material lies in the other plot line, with the Enterprise being attacked by an expectant space organism . . . and then performing a phaser C-section after the being's been killed. This really hit upon the space exploration angle of Star Trek, and I thought was pretty well done.
7/10
The better material lies in the other plot line, with the Enterprise being attacked by an expectant space organism . . . and then performing a phaser C-section after the being's been killed. This really hit upon the space exploration angle of Star Trek, and I thought was pretty well done.
7/10
Geordi is creepier than we thought!
Tweekums7 June 2015
Warning: Spoilers
In a previous adventure Enterprise's chief engineer Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge worked with a holographic representation of Dr Leah Brahms; the woman responsible for the design of the ship's engines
and now the real Dr Brahms is visiting to discuss his various modifications he is more than a little excited; partly for professional reasons and partly because he has developed feelings for her holographic alter-ego! He is in for quite a shock as she isn't pleased with the fact that he has modified her work and seems to take an immediate dislike to him. Meanwhile the ship encounters a strange space-dwelling creature whose actions pose a threat to the ship; an attempt to stop it kills the creature which turns out to have been pregnant. Feeling responsible the crew save the baby which promptly attaches itself to the hull and drains power as if it was suckling on its mother. Attempting to save the baby and protect the ship they head to where the mother was going. With power being drained they must make more modifications and while doing this Dr Brahms discovers Geordi's holodeck program and is horrified to say the least.
This episode is effectively two stories combined into one; the problem of dealing with the 'space-baby' and Geordi's relationship with the woman he idolised and clearly fancies. The former is typical Star Trek as the crew deal with a moral dilemma which also poses a threat. The second is more interesting and more disturbing; Geordi always came across as a likable character but here he comes across as distinctly creepy it is no wonder Dr Brahms is unimpressed by his sudden advances and then horrified by her portrayal on the holodeck. The strange thing is I think we were meant to feel sorry for Geordi rather than Dr Brahms and there are no consequences for his actions other than a little embarrassment! Guest star Susan Gibney does a solid job as Dr Brahms; I certainly believed her anger with Geordi was real! Overall a bit of an odd episode but entertaining none the less.
This episode is effectively two stories combined into one; the problem of dealing with the 'space-baby' and Geordi's relationship with the woman he idolised and clearly fancies. The former is typical Star Trek as the crew deal with a moral dilemma which also poses a threat. The second is more interesting and more disturbing; Geordi always came across as a likable character but here he comes across as distinctly creepy it is no wonder Dr Brahms is unimpressed by his sudden advances and then horrified by her portrayal on the holodeck. The strange thing is I think we were meant to feel sorry for Geordi rather than Dr Brahms and there are no consequences for his actions other than a little embarrassment! Guest star Susan Gibney does a solid job as Dr Brahms; I certainly believed her anger with Geordi was real! Overall a bit of an odd episode but entertaining none the less.
Goof that is never made apparent...
ckbell-7041827 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Um... did anyone notice that the space creature attaches itself to the hull over shuttlebay 3 and not shuttlebay 2??? The whole episode, theybkeep talking about shuttlebay 2 and Geordi is even shown in the control room of shuttlebay 2 decompressing the shuttlebay to no avail... this is a big goof.... no?!?
Leah is such a cold and not Funny girl
nicofreezer13 November 2021
In this episode Lt commander Laforge is very happy to finally met his dream girl, he told guinan " im sure we're gonna be good friends" he is sincère there, no reasons not to be talking to guinan.
So he offer his frienship to leah by beeing nice and friendly right from her arrival. But to his surprise she was very cold and even mean for no real reasons, she was like this right from the start even before meeting Geordie ( she latter admit she had a Bad opinion of Laforge before meeting him) , its totally innapropriate to be cold with someone for no reasons.
Of course Geordie secretly wanted more than a frienship but never make that clear to her, he was friendly maybe a bit to much for her not seeinf his intentions . He totally respect her décision not to stay for dinner and right from the moment she told him about her beeing married. He immediately treat her only as a proffesional. She was upset for the holodeck but once again the holodeck is a fantasy world, Geordie Can Do whatever he want to do without having to justified.
In the end, Leah finally apologies for her innapropriate behavior and they are good friends just like Geordie wanted.
So he offer his frienship to leah by beeing nice and friendly right from her arrival. But to his surprise she was very cold and even mean for no real reasons, she was like this right from the start even before meeting Geordie ( she latter admit she had a Bad opinion of Laforge before meeting him) , its totally innapropriate to be cold with someone for no reasons.
Of course Geordie secretly wanted more than a frienship but never make that clear to her, he was friendly maybe a bit to much for her not seeinf his intentions . He totally respect her décision not to stay for dinner and right from the moment she told him about her beeing married. He immediately treat her only as a proffesional. She was upset for the holodeck but once again the holodeck is a fantasy world, Geordie Can Do whatever he want to do without having to justified.
In the end, Leah finally apologies for her innapropriate behavior and they are good friends just like Geordie wanted.
A Review From a Non-Virgin
frankelee6 September 2020
I notice a lot of people claim Geordi is creepy in this episode and could get into some kind of trouble. Ummm, no. That's rather silly and certainly no HR department could press forward against him without facing a losing lawsuit from the accused. Geordi however does come across as rather pathetic. I think a certain level of empathy toward his character explains this, Dr. Brahms is his dream girl, an engineering nerd who's nice to him, who understands the way that he thinks. He can't help but be excited.
Dr. Brahms however is an absolute jerk, worse, close-minded. That he had a holodeck experience with a fake version of her is neither his fault, if you watch the show, nor inappropriate if you have adult sensibilities.
I don't really think the execution of Geordi's plot works, it's a good premise, his dream girl subverts expectations, but it's just awkward to actually watch. The background for why they meet is off the rails, she's supposed to come on the ship to see his work, not judge it. He could tell her to stand there and pout while he went back to work if he wanted to. She's a researcher with no authority or say in the operation of things. The show writers can't even keep their own plot straight.
The subplot of a baby space creature confusing the Enterprise for its mother is interesting and a good plot for Star Trek. Overall it's a decent episode despite the flaws, drama has to be created for every episode and it's rare that there isn't some silliness involved to make that happen.
Dr. Brahms however is an absolute jerk, worse, close-minded. That he had a holodeck experience with a fake version of her is neither his fault, if you watch the show, nor inappropriate if you have adult sensibilities.
I don't really think the execution of Geordi's plot works, it's a good premise, his dream girl subverts expectations, but it's just awkward to actually watch. The background for why they meet is off the rails, she's supposed to come on the ship to see his work, not judge it. He could tell her to stand there and pout while he went back to work if he wanted to. She's a researcher with no authority or say in the operation of things. The show writers can't even keep their own plot straight.
The subplot of a baby space creature confusing the Enterprise for its mother is interesting and a good plot for Star Trek. Overall it's a decent episode despite the flaws, drama has to be created for every episode and it's rare that there isn't some silliness involved to make that happen.
Huge Departure for Beloved Character
dwanuga20 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I remember a lot of people suggesting that Geordie was a complete creep in this episode, and always dismissed it as hypersensitivity, but after watching the episode again, they're right. Geordie departs from his usual likeability in this episode to be completely inappropriate with Dr. Brahms.
The issue stems from a hologram of Dr. Brahms created in a previous episode. Geordie was attempting to make modifications to the engines, and asked the computer to create a hologram of the woman who designed the engines as a means of simulating working with an actual person. When he requests that the computer add a personality based on available data about Dr. Brahms to the hologram, he starts to develop a romantic interest in the created personality. This creates a relatively innocent origin for what would otherwise be a super creepy holographic creation.
This episode builds on that, but instead of Geordie approaching the situation reasonably, his interest is turned up to eleven and he almost immediately treats Dr. Brahms with an unprofessional familiarity, and it's revealed that he has spent time researching more about her. He invites her back to his quarters for a professional discussion of their work, with no indication that his true intent is a romantic evening. He's then shown setting mood lighting and trying to find the perfect music. Brahms handles his advances extremely politely and informs him that she's married. The arc reaches its climax when Brahms discovers the hologram of herself reciting the creepiest line of dialogue from the previous episode. She confronts Geordie and he responds by yelling at her. He claims that all he did was offer her friendship (which is inaccurate), and she in response was cold and harsh (which is a huge exaggeration). They manage to work together and their story ends with Brahms apologizing to Geordie for overreacting. Geordie never apologizes for the hologram, or his obsessive interest in Dr. Brahms, or his unprofessional behavior toward her. This episode is devastating to an otherwise beloved character. Geordie went from an engineer that could solve any problem to a creep that can't treat women with even the most basic respect.
Also there's a space baby or something...
The issue stems from a hologram of Dr. Brahms created in a previous episode. Geordie was attempting to make modifications to the engines, and asked the computer to create a hologram of the woman who designed the engines as a means of simulating working with an actual person. When he requests that the computer add a personality based on available data about Dr. Brahms to the hologram, he starts to develop a romantic interest in the created personality. This creates a relatively innocent origin for what would otherwise be a super creepy holographic creation.
This episode builds on that, but instead of Geordie approaching the situation reasonably, his interest is turned up to eleven and he almost immediately treats Dr. Brahms with an unprofessional familiarity, and it's revealed that he has spent time researching more about her. He invites her back to his quarters for a professional discussion of their work, with no indication that his true intent is a romantic evening. He's then shown setting mood lighting and trying to find the perfect music. Brahms handles his advances extremely politely and informs him that she's married. The arc reaches its climax when Brahms discovers the hologram of herself reciting the creepiest line of dialogue from the previous episode. She confronts Geordie and he responds by yelling at her. He claims that all he did was offer her friendship (which is inaccurate), and she in response was cold and harsh (which is a huge exaggeration). They manage to work together and their story ends with Brahms apologizing to Geordie for overreacting. Geordie never apologizes for the hologram, or his obsessive interest in Dr. Brahms, or his unprofessional behavior toward her. This episode is devastating to an otherwise beloved character. Geordie went from an engineer that could solve any problem to a creep that can't treat women with even the most basic respect.
Also there's a space baby or something...
"So, you're the one who fouled up my engine designs!"
classicsoncall30 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
As this episode progresses, it's amazing to learn of all the modifications Lieutenant Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton) made to the Enterprise's operating systems. I think if I were in Dr. Leah Brahms' (Susan Gibney) shoes, I would have been put out of sorts as well. At least those changes were noted in the ship's logs, or one could never keep track of them all. This is another episode in which Geordi's love life hits the proverbial stone wall. He previously encountered Dr. Brahms, in a manner of speaking, as a holodeck simulation in the series third season story 'Booby Trap'. Believing he could entertain a shipboard romance, Geordi becomes disappointed to find out that Brahms is married. Making the best of it however, the pair reach an understanding and actually become friends by the time a potentially catastrophic situation facing the Enterprise is dealt with.
That situation involved what looked like a giant space amoeba that attached itself to the hull of the vessel, right after Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) gave the order to fire on its mother, seemingly threatening the ship with its energy draining force field. Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) helped the 'baby' to be born by performing a Caesarean section on the inadvertently killed parent. It took the combined insight of Geordi and Dr. Brahms to figure out a way to detach the creature from the Enterprise's hull, just as a handful of similar type creatures were making their way through an asteroid field to intervene. With the crisis over and Dr. Brahms preparing to leave, one could only speculate if Commander LaForge might ever meet the girl of his dreams and have her reciprocate the feeling.
That situation involved what looked like a giant space amoeba that attached itself to the hull of the vessel, right after Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) gave the order to fire on its mother, seemingly threatening the ship with its energy draining force field. Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) helped the 'baby' to be born by performing a Caesarean section on the inadvertently killed parent. It took the combined insight of Geordi and Dr. Brahms to figure out a way to detach the creature from the Enterprise's hull, just as a handful of similar type creatures were making their way through an asteroid field to intervene. With the crisis over and Dr. Brahms preparing to leave, one could only speculate if Commander LaForge might ever meet the girl of his dreams and have her reciprocate the feeling.
*SPOILERS* My least favorite episode
tikutiku-9225721 January 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I admit I have not watched all of Star Trek: TNG, I'm only a casual viewer. However, this episode made me extremely uncomfortable. Geordi was much too familiar with a professional acquaintance and essentially stalked her before meeting her. Imagine meeting someone for a business meeting and then they invite you back to their quarters and the lights are dim, there's music playing, and they're dressed all casual? Not to mention they know things about you that you haven't mentioned. Incredibly inappropriate. He acts like an incel in this episode and gets crazy defensive when she finds his holodeck program of her, even though she has every right to be upset. Honestly I'm surprised he's not called to HR and that they somehow end on a friendly note. I would've left that ship and never looked back, maybe even gotten a restraining order. Makes you wonder who wrote this one, and how many people it convinced that his behavior was normal and acceptable (hint: it's not. He claims he was just trying to be her friend but that was clearly not the case)
The subplot with the baby space manta ray is alright, pretty standard Star Trek fare
The subplot with the baby space manta ray is alright, pretty standard Star Trek fare
Geordi Goes Full Creep
Samuel-Shovel8 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In "Galaxy's Child", the Enterprise is forced to kill a large, intergalactic alien creature and is soon misidentified as the mother of its newborn. Dr Brahms, Geordi's secret crush and creator of the Enterprise's engines, visits the ship and isn't quite the person Geordi imagined she'd be.
All the stuff with Geordi's secret admiration for this woman is pretty cringeworthy. It's completely inappropriate and unprovoked. The other plot involving the giant baby is a little better but never lives up to the stakes it puts forth.
But I enjoyed Brahms presence, I just wish her storyline would have been better. The fact that she just laughs off Geordi's weird advances and holodeck program didn't ring true to what we know of her character. She should have some disdain for La Forge at the end. Instead they're buddy-buddy...
All the stuff with Geordi's secret admiration for this woman is pretty cringeworthy. It's completely inappropriate and unprovoked. The other plot involving the giant baby is a little better but never lives up to the stakes it puts forth.
But I enjoyed Brahms presence, I just wish her storyline would have been better. The fact that she just laughs off Geordi's weird advances and holodeck program didn't ring true to what we know of her character. She should have some disdain for La Forge at the end. Instead they're buddy-buddy...
An uncomfortable episode.
Glitterykittywitch2 December 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Lots of reviewers commenting on Geordi being a creep, no one picked up on the fact he mansplained how to examine a particular part of the ship she helped design?
Then he has the audacity to get snarky at the real Leah (a woman he met only a day previously) for not being as warm and inviting as his holo babe Leah "every time you touch the engines you're touching me".
Then she apologises to him, unbelievable!
The other storyline involves the hapless humanoids wandering up to wildlife it doesn't understand with tragic consequences when they kill a pregnant space pasty.
PSA please don't interact with wildlife its not hunkering down for a head scratch its trying to make itself look small and hide.
Then he has the audacity to get snarky at the real Leah (a woman he met only a day previously) for not being as warm and inviting as his holo babe Leah "every time you touch the engines you're touching me".
Then she apologises to him, unbelievable!
The other storyline involves the hapless humanoids wandering up to wildlife it doesn't understand with tragic consequences when they kill a pregnant space pasty.
PSA please don't interact with wildlife its not hunkering down for a head scratch its trying to make itself look small and hide.
Geordie commits workplace harassment
kattoomey-8926614 December 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The Geordie/Brahms plot here is unwatchable. Dr. Brahms, an accomplished female scientist, comes to the Enterprise to do her job and is treated by Geordie like a blind date he's internet stalked incessantly. Good on Dr. Brahms for calling him out when she finds his holodeck creep fest and good on Guinan for telling Georgie he's being stupid. If it weren't for Dr. Brahms APOLOGIZING TO HER HARASSER at the end, it might have been okay, but no. She apologizes to him and he's like, "Yeah, I've done nothing wrong. Too bad you're married lol." BAD.
LaForge is one creepy guy!
planktonrules19 November 2014
Maybe it's just me or maybe times have changed, but this episode highlighting Geordi LaForge is one CREEPY show! Back a season ago, Geordi created a holo version of the engines' designer, Leah Brahms. Oddly, he became infatuated with her and so when he learns that the REAL Dr. Brahms is coming to see him and the ship, he is excited. When she arrives, Geordi cannot contain his excitement--and he continually makes overtures towards her. Perhaps 'overtures' isn't quite right--more like sexual harassment by his creepy tone and sense of entitlement. I could EASILY see a woman macing a guy who acts like this or getting him fired or reprimanded--and you'd think this sort of boorish behavior would not be tolerated in the 24th century!
As for the rest of the show, it's a pretty dull affair involving some flying space slug...or something. All in all, a very poor and incredibly creepy episode--one that has only gotten creepier since its debut.
As for the rest of the show, it's a pretty dull affair involving some flying space slug...or something. All in all, a very poor and incredibly creepy episode--one that has only gotten creepier since its debut.
REVIEW 2022
iamirwar8 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
In Star Trek: Booby Trap (Season Three), Geordi created a holographic image of the Senior Design Engineer at the Theoretical Propulsion Group, Dr Leah Brahms. They worked together and he became smitten.
In this episode, the real Dr Leah Brahms is coming on board just to see the engine modifications that Geordi has made. This news excited Geordi no end.
For the record, I did not rate Star Trek: Booby Trap too highly among the Season Three episodes, but let us not judge too prematurely. Will the real girl be comparable to the holodeck recreation?
Miss Brahm's is certainly lovely, but Geordi's romancing is creeping me out a little and his love-sick behaviour is taking the story down a slippery slope. Imagine if you had your own holodeck and you could recreate anyone you meet or even people you see in the distance. Now imagine you meet that person for real. They may be spooked at the thought that you think you know them.
Meanwhile, a shell like creature is being scanned by the Enterprise and in return is attempting to probe the Enterprise itself. Sadly, I find neither story has enough about it to keep my attention focussed on the episode.
Surely, if YOU discover a strange object in space that has never been seen by Humankind before, wouldn't you want to give it a name? Maybe an alien-space-shell, junior, CeeGeeEye.
In reviewing the previous episode, First Contact, I made the comment that any episode of Season Four that is at the bottom of the heap as being the weakest story, is only there through default of being pitched among some much stronger stories. Unfortunately, this episode manages to make its own way to bottom of the heap simply because it really has nothing of interest.
NOTE: It's noticeable that we have had a few different Ensign's on Navigation since Wesley left for SFA... none of them have been killed in action as yet.
Interesting Fact: 9/11 was also Susan Gibney's 40th birthday.
In this episode, the real Dr Leah Brahms is coming on board just to see the engine modifications that Geordi has made. This news excited Geordi no end.
For the record, I did not rate Star Trek: Booby Trap too highly among the Season Three episodes, but let us not judge too prematurely. Will the real girl be comparable to the holodeck recreation?
Miss Brahm's is certainly lovely, but Geordi's romancing is creeping me out a little and his love-sick behaviour is taking the story down a slippery slope. Imagine if you had your own holodeck and you could recreate anyone you meet or even people you see in the distance. Now imagine you meet that person for real. They may be spooked at the thought that you think you know them.
Meanwhile, a shell like creature is being scanned by the Enterprise and in return is attempting to probe the Enterprise itself. Sadly, I find neither story has enough about it to keep my attention focussed on the episode.
Surely, if YOU discover a strange object in space that has never been seen by Humankind before, wouldn't you want to give it a name? Maybe an alien-space-shell, junior, CeeGeeEye.
In reviewing the previous episode, First Contact, I made the comment that any episode of Season Four that is at the bottom of the heap as being the weakest story, is only there through default of being pitched among some much stronger stories. Unfortunately, this episode manages to make its own way to bottom of the heap simply because it really has nothing of interest.
NOTE: It's noticeable that we have had a few different Ensign's on Navigation since Wesley left for SFA... none of them have been killed in action as yet.
Interesting Fact: 9/11 was also Susan Gibney's 40th birthday.
A Senior Trekker writes....................
celineduchain27 January 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Season 4 contains the 80th episode of The Next Generation, at which point it surpassed the output of the Original Series. A number of extended themes played out during this season delving into both the political backdrop and the personal lives of the crew. These continuing storylines proved extremely popular, however they did not detract from the use of Science Fiction to tell interesting stories. Senior Trekker continues to score every episode with a 5.
This episode combines the awkward meeting of Geordi LaForge with real life Doctor Leah Brahms (his fantasy crush) and a bit of silliness about an orphan space creature latching onto the ship and draining it of power.
The wonderful Susan Gibney, who played Leah, actually auditioned unsuccessfully for a number of Star Trek leads, in both The Next Generation and Voyager. Although she appeared again in a minor role in Deep Space Nine, this was her most memorable character. Her confusion, turning into outrage, as Geordi awkwardly attempts to woo her and is finally revealed to have had a relationship with her hologram is unforgettable. It's a shame that Star trek didn't contribute more to the actress's career because she, in turn, gave us so much.
I'm sorry to have to point this out but Geordi's angry riposte that he was "just trying to reach out and be friendly" comes straight out of a creepy stalker's play-book. He was a stranger who had appropriated her image for his own private ends. Not good. I'm glad that they reached an amicable resolution by the end of the episode and in one possible future (All Good Things, Season 7) they appear to have married but, in the meantime, the chap could do with a visit to Counsellor Troi.
If the Space Child part of the episode seems familiar it is because something similar took place in the Original Series; even in the use of the expression "we soured the milk" when the Enterprise got rid of "Junior" by changing the frequency of its power output. Patrick Stewart did manage to add a note of seriousness with his genuine regret at having accidentally killed the parent, an unknown life-form, but otherwise its pretty forgettable.
This episode combines the awkward meeting of Geordi LaForge with real life Doctor Leah Brahms (his fantasy crush) and a bit of silliness about an orphan space creature latching onto the ship and draining it of power.
The wonderful Susan Gibney, who played Leah, actually auditioned unsuccessfully for a number of Star Trek leads, in both The Next Generation and Voyager. Although she appeared again in a minor role in Deep Space Nine, this was her most memorable character. Her confusion, turning into outrage, as Geordi awkwardly attempts to woo her and is finally revealed to have had a relationship with her hologram is unforgettable. It's a shame that Star trek didn't contribute more to the actress's career because she, in turn, gave us so much.
I'm sorry to have to point this out but Geordi's angry riposte that he was "just trying to reach out and be friendly" comes straight out of a creepy stalker's play-book. He was a stranger who had appropriated her image for his own private ends. Not good. I'm glad that they reached an amicable resolution by the end of the episode and in one possible future (All Good Things, Season 7) they appear to have married but, in the meantime, the chap could do with a visit to Counsellor Troi.
If the Space Child part of the episode seems familiar it is because something similar took place in the Original Series; even in the use of the expression "we soured the milk" when the Enterprise got rid of "Junior" by changing the frequency of its power output. Patrick Stewart did manage to add a note of seriousness with his genuine regret at having accidentally killed the parent, an unknown life-form, but otherwise its pretty forgettable.
Just Overall Stupid
zombiemockingbird5 April 2023
Honestly, I was more upset about Picard casually killing a poor, pregnant space creature than the La Forge/Brahams debacle. I felt so far for that poor baby space creature. When it attached itself to the Enterprise I almost cried, just thinking about the poor little orphan searching for its Mom. The story with Geordie was just stupid. Geordie isn't stupid, yet he acted like what happened in the holodeck actually happened. I'm sorry, but no one of his intelligence level would realistically act so inappropriately. Everything we have ever seen of his character suggests that he would never behave that way; everything he did was out of character. It's just...sorry to repeat myself incessantly...stupid. I can't believe also that he wouldn't have known she was married. Guinan, as usual, offers great advice; I really wish they would just make Guinan Counsellor and get rid of the wooden, egotistical, useless Troi.
I was intimate with you on the holodeck
bobd-363025 April 2024
Even a blind man could see she wasn't down to clown. I feel somewhat sorry for his lack of tact. Apparently Facebook no longer exists in the distant future which is a good thing. I'm currently writing nonsense to try and reach the character minimum. For the record I will stand in line all night in the freezing cold outside a new chick fil a franchise to score free chicken because it's chicken fried chicken and I like fried chicken. And after further review crocodile Dundee 3 isn't as bad as people make it out to be Paul Hogan really shows his range as an actor. And while I'm at it Mr. Magoo is the best Scrooge.
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