'The Battle' is yet another episode which begins with mystery and interesting ideas but is too thinly plotted and lacking depth and therefore peters out half-way.
The dynamic between Dr. Crusher and Picard continues to be playful and entertaining. The direction in the first scene of the crew aboard the Stargazer is wonderfully fluid in its blocking. I also like the Battle of Maxia story as told by Picard in the conference room very much, especially his humility. The writing, however, is weaker when it concerns his getting 'lost' in the events of his past.
On the other hand, the Ferengi are still eye-rolling caricatures, although they are at least able to remain somewhat dignified compared to their appearance in 'The Last Outpost'. Riker, as far as I'm aware, can generally manage two emotions: confusion/concern and glee. His eye twitch to denote concern is so cliched it becomes laughable.
Kazago's "As you humans say, "I'm all ears"" is a horrible pun. I also found the music underwhelming and misused. As has frequently occurred in previous episodes, poor writing choices that break the rules set up seemingly at will result in plot developments being more frustrating than exciting. I would also note a pattern of rushed endings that force a "clever" moral wrap-up in a far too mechanical manner.
The dynamic between Dr. Crusher and Picard continues to be playful and entertaining. The direction in the first scene of the crew aboard the Stargazer is wonderfully fluid in its blocking. I also like the Battle of Maxia story as told by Picard in the conference room very much, especially his humility. The writing, however, is weaker when it concerns his getting 'lost' in the events of his past.
On the other hand, the Ferengi are still eye-rolling caricatures, although they are at least able to remain somewhat dignified compared to their appearance in 'The Last Outpost'. Riker, as far as I'm aware, can generally manage two emotions: confusion/concern and glee. His eye twitch to denote concern is so cliched it becomes laughable.
Kazago's "As you humans say, "I'm all ears"" is a horrible pun. I also found the music underwhelming and misused. As has frequently occurred in previous episodes, poor writing choices that break the rules set up seemingly at will result in plot developments being more frustrating than exciting. I would also note a pattern of rushed endings that force a "clever" moral wrap-up in a far too mechanical manner.