Despite my tag line for this review I still rate this episode highly for many reasons.
Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden are both on top form here and their chemistry on screen is undeniable and it's one of STNG's biggest flaws. The fact they never went anywhere with this (until Picard S3 but I have very mixed feelings on that) was incredibly frustrating and very noticeable in this episode. For the first time in many seasons (I think S1 infact) they're has barely been a mention of their shared past and emotional ties. Why write such an interesting back story then do nothing with it. A common theme for many of the main female characters in STNG, again another massive flaw in this show imo.
The ending is very sad as I feel Picard really wanted to explore a romantic relationship with Beverly but out of fear (I think) she rejected this idea. The look on Picards face is genuinely devastating and full props to Patrick for that.
Overall I'm happy that they finally decided to address this massive elephant in the room and the superb performances from both Stewart and McFadden also help excel this episode in my eyes. It feels bittersweet though as it's been left too late in the run to be really as important as it could have been.
Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden are both on top form here and their chemistry on screen is undeniable and it's one of STNG's biggest flaws. The fact they never went anywhere with this (until Picard S3 but I have very mixed feelings on that) was incredibly frustrating and very noticeable in this episode. For the first time in many seasons (I think S1 infact) they're has barely been a mention of their shared past and emotional ties. Why write such an interesting back story then do nothing with it. A common theme for many of the main female characters in STNG, again another massive flaw in this show imo.
The ending is very sad as I feel Picard really wanted to explore a romantic relationship with Beverly but out of fear (I think) she rejected this idea. The look on Picards face is genuinely devastating and full props to Patrick for that.
Overall I'm happy that they finally decided to address this massive elephant in the room and the superb performances from both Stewart and McFadden also help excel this episode in my eyes. It feels bittersweet though as it's been left too late in the run to be really as important as it could have been.