Home Soil

Enterprise visits Velara III and a terraforming colony.

This is an enjoyable episode with some familiar Star Trek themes and strong sci-fi elements.

The story is reminiscent of the original series classic 'The Devil In The Dark' and also the Genesis project from 'The Wrath of Khan' with a mixture of concepts from both. It starts strongly with an intriguing premise and a lot of excellent scientific detail that for once does not come across like technobabble inserted for the convenience of a plot.

There is one sequence involving one of the main characters and a laser drill that is quite cinematic for a 80s small screen production.

I thought the ending was quite hit and miss. It is a classic Star Trek resolution to a problem, but in the same breath it's predictable and not the slightest bit cinematic. The communication element of it is obviously a morally sound message, but fairly naff to witness on screen.

Generally the visuals are good with some creative ideas on display, but the life form in focus has no real tangible presence that is memorable.

All performances are strong, especially Brent Spiner and Patrick Stewart. So far this is the best showing from LeVar Burton.