This could have been an interesting episode – an alien comes aboard with a biological disposition towards something that makes the human characters morally troubled, but also messes with their hormones/emotions in a way that compromises their decision making. What we get doesn’t really achieve that, though. Kala, the “empathic metamorph” just seems constantly turned on and better-than-average at reading the room. Since her abilities don’t feel especially intrusive on the psyches of those around her, it means Picard and everyone else handles the situation in an outrageously stupid and careless way.
An ambassador comes aboard and wants everyone to stay away from his secret and fragile cargo.Coincidentally two Ferengi show up.I’m not sure what the plan was here. Does the tricorder not read anything unless you’re a foot away? Also, for real Enterprise crew, the ambassador *just* got done whining about how important his golden egg was. Maybe… lock… the door…?They break the egg and the phoenix comes out.She is a metamorph, and is a “gift” for the sake of peace. She empathically understands what a mate wants and becomes that.So it probably wasn’t a great idea that Riker shows her to her quarters. Riker keeps it together though. This is a normal distance for people to talk to each other, right?They have the conversation where they don’t like the aliens’ customs but whatretheygonnado cause prime directive. She’s allowed to walk around only with Data as her escort because she’s just too irresistible to men. So they go to Ten-forward where a bunch of miners are hanging out?Highlight of the episode: Horny growl exchange with Worf.Surely Picard has had some time to think about a better way to handle this situation…Turns out this Ambassador guy can almost die *very* easily.Which means Picard has to take care of all the peace ceremonies and negotiations, and the metamorph has to help him study up. Data must be busy this seems like something Data should be handling considering everything they know.pure TNG eroticismThe metamorph “bonds” with Picard instead of her true mate, so she will no longer change based on what other men want. She says not to worry that she can just pretend. No big deal!!In the end, Picard doesn’t even appear to be aware that what he has done is wrong, he’s just sad that he won’t get the girl. It doesn’t seem consistent with his character.
