This works initially because the androgynous race is really interesting. I do take issue with the fact that this race is so clueless about conventional male/female roles. Most of the galaxy is probably made up of flora and fauna that function this way. Obviously, there is a mystery as to how this all works and the young Jenaii (Coren) is curious. This person eventually admits that the female side has established dominance. Riker begins to find "her" fascinating. It is explained to him how dangerous it is to admit that you gravitate one way or the other. Of course, Riker falls in love, letting his lust overcome his reason, endangering the person he now loves. Many Star Trek TNG episodes find Riker stomping around like a little boy, not getting his way. He has pushed the envelope on more than one occasion, ignoring PIcard's advice about the prime directive. There is a trial where Coren makes an impassioned speech about individual rights. She finishes and instead of making an impression, she is carted away to be "fixed." Riker tries to take the blame in one of his silly pathetic speeches, but he is ignored. The point is that he never used reasoning to look at the big picture of this world. He is responsible for taking away any chance that things could eventually change. So much erratic, improper behavior really diminishes this episode.
Review of The Outcast
