I have strong memories of really enjoying this episode as a kid, and those feelings haven't changed all that much. The idea of using what appears to be an innocent game to take over Starfleet isn't actually as crazy as it sounds. This device would make it past the scans in the transporter since it doesn't contain any drugs. And while we don't know quite what it does on the inside of its victims minds, we can tell that it doesn't alter their knowledge or intelligence. Also this is maybe my favorite Wesley episode of all time since he both saves the day, gets the girl, and isn't super annoying the whole time. Also the aliens nailed it by going after Riker's lust as a way to infiltrate the Enterprise.
Speaking of, we open with Riker cavorting about in his bedroom on Risa with an alien girl. After chasing her around she introduces him to a game in the form of a headset with two probes that shoot light into your eyes. You control it with your mind moving a disk into a cone shaped hole and receiving a jolt of pleasure each time you complete a level. Back on the Enterprise Wesley is on vacation from the Academy and has come for a visit. When he first arrives everyone pretends to ignore him and he has to ask to go stop by a meeting in the observation lounge, but when he arrives he greeted with a surprise gathering in his honor. Everyone is pleased with how he is doing and he heads down to engineering with Data where he meets Robin Lefler, a talented ensign who teaches him a few things about engineering before stealing his heart. She agrees to meet him for dinner later.
While Wesley has been busy falling in love Riker has been gradually introducing the crew to the game he was shown on Risa starting with Dr. Crusher. Data is summoned to sickbay to assist the doctor but instead she knocks him out and along with Riker and Troi manages to get him into a bed. After having tea with the captain Wesley returns to his mothers quarters to get ready for his date and finds her playing the game. She pushes him hard to try it but his mind is elsewhere and he rushes off to Ten Forward. After some flirting the topic of the game comes up and the two of them go to sickbay to try and figure it out. After hooking the game up to the computer they realize both that it is addictive and that it somehow affects the higher reasoning center of the brain. Wesley takes his concerns to the captain who promises to start an investigation, but as soon as Wesley is gone he puts on one of the headsets.
Soon the whole crew are playing the game, the only way to keep from being constantly hassled to play is for Wesley and Robin to make fake headsets. They then go to Data and discover he didn't just pass out, we had a critical part cut, something that only Dr. Crusher and Geordi could have done so they realize they can trust no one. Their plan to use the transporters is interrupted when Robin is somehow started on the actual game and Wesley is sent fleeing across the ship. Meanwhile on the bridge Picard has brought the ship the rendezvous with another ship with the lady Riker was having fun with in the opening in command. They are clearly under her control and establish a plan to spread the game throughout Starfleet. Eventually Worf and Riker catch Wesley and drag him onto the bridge and force a headset onto his head. Just then the lights go dim and out of the gloom Data appears and flashes a light in a pattern that somehow cures them of their addiction. They arrest the alien and Wesley heads back to the academy after making out with Robin for a while.
Review: I admit I have a soft spot for some of the darker episodes of Trek and this certainly qualifies. The scene near then end where they drag Wesley onto the bridge and force his eyes one so he can be brainwashed while smiling calmly the whole time is downright disturbing.
8 out of 10
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