TNG: Manhunt

            I never thought I would be looking forward to a Lwaxana Troi episode, but after the last nights Up the Long Ladder today's episode was something of a relief. I have a theory about Lwaxana, I think she is supposed to represent the worst depictions of men courting women on media but with the genders swapped. She always thinks she knows what men want and that she is that thing. This episode manages to have two subplots, but they both feel squeezed out by all the Troi. Having Data show up to bail him out of a solo dinner with Lwaxana is a pro move by the captain. 
            The episode begins with the Enterprise in charge of bringing deligates to planet Pacifica for a conference, the same opening as Journey to Babel in TOS. They pick up some hibernating fish people who are delegates and also get a surprise visit from the Betazoid ambassador, none other than Lwaxana Troi. She is dead set on marrying Picard and even tricks him into a private dinner in her quarters, but he out smarts and and invites Data. Deanna explains to the senior staff that her mother is going through a period of her development where she is super extra horny for a bit. To avoid her they all agree the captain should spend some quality time in the holodeck.
            Picard decides the best choice for relaxation is his Dixon Hill detective adventures, but the computer keeps trying to kill him. Eventually he decides to just head to the virtual bar with his secretary. Back in reality just about every man on the ship including Worf is trying to keep Lwaxana at bay. Eventually she declares she is marrying Riker but he flees to the holodeck as well. She finds him and the captain relaxing and is at first upset but then falls for the unreadable bartender who is of course an illusion. But given how the rest of the episode has gone they both let her have her fun for a bit. In the very end she proves to still have her mind reading powers when she detects that the fish ambassadors are in fact assassins carrying undetectable explosives saving the day. 

            Review: This is another one that I hated as a kid and would have for sure given a 1 out of 10. But as an adult it has improved a bit and is up to:

4 out of 10