This involves the return of Professor Moriarity. As Data continues to play Sherlock Holmes in a holodeck program, the character of James Moriarity returns to cause all kinds of havoc. Four years earlier, he was placed in memory, promised by Picard that when technology could be developed to allow him to leave the holodeck, he would be released. Unfortunately, he has been aware of the passage of time and Picard feels that he should be treated respectfully (even though he is programmed as an arch-villain). Through trickery, he gains control of the Enterprise and begins to figure out how to exist as a free man. There are layers in the holodeck and these are used to play with appearance and reality. This is another skillfully written episode. Moriarity feels his power and strings the crew along. Picard is removed from the picture for a time. Also created is the love of Moriarity's life, who is a beautiful nineteenth century dutchess. An incredibly complex puzzle forms and it is cleverly approached with every ounce of creativity from the crew.
24 Reviews
Moriarty is back
Tweekums6 August 2015
Warning: Spoilers
During a holodeck session, where Data is playing Sherlock Holmes, he notices a minor glitch so asks Lt. Barclay to investigate. As he looks for the fault he only finds one file that doesn't look right so he opens it and is joined by sentient hologram Moriarty for appeared in an episode several seasons ago. Moriarty demands to see Capt. Picard claiming that Picard had promised to find a way for him to leave the holodeck but had left him in the computer for the last four years. Picard and Data join Barclay and explain to Moriarty that it is impossible for him to leave given current technology
then something strange happens; Moriarty just walks through the door like any other person! Medical scans show that he is human now. Free from the confines of the holodeck he has another demand; he wants the love of his life, the holographic Countess Regina Bartholomew, to be made real and freed from the holodeck too. Not only that he has somehow locked the ships commands and as they were preparing to watch two planets collide and need to move to a safe distance within five hours. They try transporting an item out of the holodeck and Data notices something strange that has only one explanation; they never left the holodeck! The problem isn't over though as Picard unwittingly used his real command codes enabling Moriarty to take control of the real Enterprise from within the holodeck.
Holodeck episodes are a fairly mixed bunch; some are clichéd excuses to have the crew interact with historical characters but others are more original; for me this comes in the latter category thanks to the twist part way through. It wasn't too obvious although it might have been if I'd paid more attention to the episode title! The idea of having holodecks within holodecks was rather fun; reminding me of 'Inception' although here we aren't told what is happening in advance. It was nice to see Dwight Schultz return as Barclay especially as this episode wasn't centred on one of his various problems. Guest star Daniel Davis did a fine job as Moriarty; it was a nice touch that his character used the correct pronunciation of 'lieutenant' for an Englishman. Overall an interesting episode which turned out better than I expected.
Holodeck episodes are a fairly mixed bunch; some are clichéd excuses to have the crew interact with historical characters but others are more original; for me this comes in the latter category thanks to the twist part way through. It wasn't too obvious although it might have been if I'd paid more attention to the episode title! The idea of having holodecks within holodecks was rather fun; reminding me of 'Inception' although here we aren't told what is happening in advance. It was nice to see Dwight Schultz return as Barclay especially as this episode wasn't centred on one of his various problems. Guest star Daniel Davis did a fine job as Moriarty; it was a nice touch that his character used the correct pronunciation of 'lieutenant' for an Englishman. Overall an interesting episode which turned out better than I expected.
Man out of time
Mr-Fusion23 July 2017
'Ship in a Bottle' involves both Barclay and the holodeck, yet it's without the usual calamity. That alone is refreshing, but it turns into something much deeper and engaging.
Moriarty's back, able to stroll off the holodeck and take control of the ship; all he wants is to get away from it all with his lady but ends up putting the ship in danger. How he's been conscious all this time is a worthy mystery, as are the moral implications.
It's a pleasure to see this character (left as an ellipsis from season 2) brought back, and Daniel Davis' scenes with Patrick Stewart are like seeing two classic Brits going toe-to-toe. It's not as simple as a rogue simulation hijacking the ship, and it's a well-meaning episode, nimble and carrying it's own surprises.
8/10
Moriarty's back, able to stroll off the holodeck and take control of the ship; all he wants is to get away from it all with his lady but ends up putting the ship in danger. How he's been conscious all this time is a worthy mystery, as are the moral implications.
It's a pleasure to see this character (left as an ellipsis from season 2) brought back, and Daniel Davis' scenes with Patrick Stewart are like seeing two classic Brits going toe-to-toe. It's not as simple as a rogue simulation hijacking the ship, and it's a well-meaning episode, nimble and carrying it's own surprises.
8/10
Moriarty returns!
russem3129 April 2006
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:138 - "Ship In A Bottle" (Stardate: 46424.1) - this is the 12th episode of the 6th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
This episode marks the return of one of the more memorable Star Trek characters - that of Daniel Davis as Professor Moriarty. We last saw him in the 2nd season episode, "Elementary, Dear Data" where at the end he was stored away with Picard's promise that they will look into how it might be possible to free him from the confines of the Holodeck. However, now, 4 years later, Moriarity is awakened and is told by Lt. Barclay (Dwight Schultz in another welcome appearance) that Picard has done nothing to try to free Moriarity from his Holodeck confines.
Regardless, Moriarity won't believe that he can't leave the Holodeck and shows Picard, Data, and Barclay that he can - and he does! How does he do this? Find out in this exciting episode.
Trivia note: the title (Ship In A Bottle) is an ongoing verbal motif throughout this series.
This episode marks the return of one of the more memorable Star Trek characters - that of Daniel Davis as Professor Moriarty. We last saw him in the 2nd season episode, "Elementary, Dear Data" where at the end he was stored away with Picard's promise that they will look into how it might be possible to free him from the confines of the Holodeck. However, now, 4 years later, Moriarity is awakened and is told by Lt. Barclay (Dwight Schultz in another welcome appearance) that Picard has done nothing to try to free Moriarity from his Holodeck confines.
Regardless, Moriarity won't believe that he can't leave the Holodeck and shows Picard, Data, and Barclay that he can - and he does! How does he do this? Find out in this exciting episode.
Trivia note: the title (Ship In A Bottle) is an ongoing verbal motif throughout this series.
My favourite
neonblade-217 October 2019
A deadline has a wonderful way of concentrating the mind.
snoozejonc23 November 2021
Reg Barclay investigates a problem with the holodeck and inadvertently releases the Moriarty program.
This is a strong episode that makes great use of the holodeck and guest characters.
There is little about the story I can say without spoiling, so I'll just say that the holodeck is cleverly used to twist the plot in several directions. I also liked the fun observations made about the nature and perception of reality which links very well to everything that happens.
This is one of the best Reg Barclay episodes, as the writers refreshingly treat the character as a normal member of the crew as opposed to an oddball whose oddities drive the plot. Dwight Schultz is on great from as always.
Other cast members who stand out are Patrick Stewart, Stephanie Beecham, and Daniel Davis, who all recite their dialogue with class and have great chemistry in scenes together. Brent Spiner gets an opportunity to do Holmes again which is always entertaining.
Great endings are somewhat rare in episodes of Star Trek, but this is one of the better ones for being both positive, unexpected, and relatively humorous.
This is a strong episode that makes great use of the holodeck and guest characters.
There is little about the story I can say without spoiling, so I'll just say that the holodeck is cleverly used to twist the plot in several directions. I also liked the fun observations made about the nature and perception of reality which links very well to everything that happens.
This is one of the best Reg Barclay episodes, as the writers refreshingly treat the character as a normal member of the crew as opposed to an oddball whose oddities drive the plot. Dwight Schultz is on great from as always.
Other cast members who stand out are Patrick Stewart, Stephanie Beecham, and Daniel Davis, who all recite their dialogue with class and have great chemistry in scenes together. Brent Spiner gets an opportunity to do Holmes again which is always entertaining.
Great endings are somewhat rare in episodes of Star Trek, but this is one of the better ones for being both positive, unexpected, and relatively humorous.
The Return of Moriarty
Samuel-Shovel7 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In "Ship in a Bottle" while running a diagnostic on the holodeck, Barclay accidentally released a stored Moriarty who demands an update on Star Fleet's attempt to remove him from the holodeck, an impossible task. Moriarty reprograms the holodeck and tricks Picard into believing it is the Enterprise. Picard accidentally gives him all the necessary access code to allow the fictional villain to take over the real Enterprise. It then becomes a game of inception as Picard and Data then create their own holodeck program inside Moriarty's and trick him into believing he's actually escaped. Moriarty gives back control as he takes off in a fictional shuttlecraft to explore the fictional universe. He's none the wiser to the whole thing.
Man! What a fun concept. Hats off to the writers, I didn't expect them to pull off something so complicated but this really is well done. My one and only complaint is how Picard tricks Moriarty. The guy feels too smart to fall for the same trick that he pulls on the crew. You'd think he'd have a way of making sure he's not in a holodeck program but he takes it all at face value. I'm not sure how to get rid of that problem since any trick you pull might feel cheap against Moriarty so I can't dock this episode too many points. It's just a lot of fun, one of my favorites!
Man! What a fun concept. Hats off to the writers, I didn't expect them to pull off something so complicated but this really is well done. My one and only complaint is how Picard tricks Moriarty. The guy feels too smart to fall for the same trick that he pulls on the crew. You'd think he'd have a way of making sure he's not in a holodeck program but he takes it all at face value. I'm not sure how to get rid of that problem since any trick you pull might feel cheap against Moriarty so I can't dock this episode too many points. It's just a lot of fun, one of my favorites!
The Return of Moriarty
Samuel-Shovel4 July 2020
Warning: Spoilers
In "Ship in a Bottle" while running a diagnostic on the holodeck, Barclay accidentally released a stored Moriarty who demands an update on Star Fleet's attempt to remove him from the holodeck, an impossible task. Moriarty reprograms the holodeck and tricks Picard into believing it is the Enterprise. Picard accidentally gives him all the necessary access code to allow the fictional villain to take over the real Enterprise. It then becomes a game of inception as Picard and Data then create their own holodeck program inside Moriarty's and trick him into believing he's actually escaped. Moriarty gives back control as he takes off in a fictional shittlecraft to explore the fictional universe. He's none the wiser to the whole thing.
Man! What a fun concept. Hats off to the writers, I didn't expect them to pull off something so complicated but this really is well done. My one and only complaint is how Picard tricks Moriarty. The guy feels too smart to fall for the same trick that he pulls on the crew. You'd think he'd have a way of making sure he's not in a holodeck program but he takes it all at face value. I'm not sure how to get rid of that problem since any trick you pull might feel cheap against Moriarty so I can't dock this episode too many points. It's just a lot of fun, one of my favorites!
Man! What a fun concept. Hats off to the writers, I didn't expect them to pull off something so complicated but this really is well done. My one and only complaint is how Picard tricks Moriarty. The guy feels too smart to fall for the same trick that he pulls on the crew. You'd think he'd have a way of making sure he's not in a holodeck program but he takes it all at face value. I'm not sure how to get rid of that problem since any trick you pull might feel cheap against Moriarty so I can't dock this episode too many points. It's just a lot of fun, one of my favorites!
Daniel Davis
randy_kay16 November 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Daniel Davis was excellent as Moriarty in this episode. That's all I wanted to say. The following below is nothing.
Diagnosing anomalies in the recreative Sherlock Holmes hologram game programs, Lieutenant Reginald 'Reg' Barclay III discovers protected memory contains the arch-villain character professor James Moriarty, who has become self-conscious and demands fulfillment of a recent promise by the crew that they would think up a way for him to leave the holodeck . To Picard's astonishment, Moriarty proves empirically his will suffices to leave the Holodeck, he even retains a physical body. Picard grants him the benefit of the doubt despite his crimes in fiction, but refuses to grant life to the countess Barthalomew, who was created as his ideal but holographic mate. Moriarty manages to seize control of the Enterprise to force the crew to obey anyhow at pain of total destruction. That still leaves the technological challenge, but Data's logical deduction comes up with an entirely different viewpoint, inspiring another challenge and approach
Diagnosing anomalies in the recreative Sherlock Holmes hologram game programs, Lieutenant Reginald 'Reg' Barclay III discovers protected memory contains the arch-villain character professor James Moriarty, who has become self-conscious and demands fulfillment of a recent promise by the crew that they would think up a way for him to leave the holodeck . To Picard's astonishment, Moriarty proves empirically his will suffices to leave the Holodeck, he even retains a physical body. Picard grants him the benefit of the doubt despite his crimes in fiction, but refuses to grant life to the countess Barthalomew, who was created as his ideal but holographic mate. Moriarty manages to seize control of the Enterprise to force the crew to obey anyhow at pain of total destruction. That still leaves the technological challenge, but Data's logical deduction comes up with an entirely different viewpoint, inspiring another challenge and approach
A self aware hologram from season 2 returns, shenanigans ensue
snarky-trek-reviews30 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Lt. Barclay lets the genie out of the bottle while fixing the holodeck for Data and LaForge so he doesn't get paddled. Picard believes they have created a new life form but refuses to create a new race of sentient holograms on philosophical grounds. Moriarty takes control of the ship in order to free his companion Regina while the Enterprise falls into a gravity well. Shenanigans ensue, data makes a discovery, and Picard tricks Moriarty into living inside The Matrix. Barclay charmingly doubts the nature of his reality. The guest stars are fine actors and overall the episode is very watchable.
I can't help but wonder exactly how the holodeck works, specifically, how are three separate locations with changing perspectives convincingly generated within a single room. Stay with me here folks: when Data is in the holographic transporter room, Barclay is in the holographic holodeck, and Picard is off screen what exactly are the holo emitters doing? Seems impossible but the next episode is already playing. Looks like a murder mystery.
I can't help but wonder exactly how the holodeck works, specifically, how are three separate locations with changing perspectives convincingly generated within a single room. Stay with me here folks: when Data is in the holographic transporter room, Barclay is in the holographic holodeck, and Picard is off screen what exactly are the holo emitters doing? Seems impossible but the next episode is already playing. Looks like a murder mystery.
A joy to watch, especially Moriarty.
wwcanoer-tech8 February 2022
Moriarty is a wonderful character played perfectly by Daniel Davis. A joy to watch. If only every character could be that compelling.
Countess Barthalomew was also played well by Stephanie Beacham.
A fun episode that had a good pace throughout and some unexpected twists to keep it interesting.
P. S. I just saw that Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett) is the voice of the computer! TNG will feel very different if I envision her character whenever the computer speaks.
Countess Barthalomew was also played well by Stephanie Beacham.
A fun episode that had a good pace throughout and some unexpected twists to keep it interesting.
P. S. I just saw that Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett) is the voice of the computer! TNG will feel very different if I envision her character whenever the computer speaks.
"I think, therefore I am."
classicsoncall22 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) may have been successful in getting Sherlock Holmes' arch-enemy to stand down in the second season episode, 'Elementary, Dear Data', but he certainly has his hands full in this story when Professor James Moriarty (Daniel Davis) commandeers the Enterprise by overriding the Captain's voice authorization from the Enterprise's computer system. It's not explained how he could do that, so for this story, you have to take it on faith. If you recall, Moriarty had a burning desire to enter the real world by leaving the holodeck, having achieved a form of sentience that for all intents and purposes, turned him into a human, even by Dr. Crusher's medical standards. That's still his goal, along with living the rest of his life in the company of his one true love, Countess Regina Barthalomew (Stephanie Beacham). How this is all accomplished required some novel maneuvering by Picard, Commander Data (Brent Spiner), and Commander LaForge (LeVar Burton). In that respect, this was almost like one of those time travel stories that's hard to wrap your mind around. In this one, the solution amounted to creating a holodeck simulation within the holodeck, so that Moriarty and his lady friend could depart the Enterprise in a shuttlecraft to explore new horizons.
I only had one misgiving about this episode, and that was how it all hinged on a perceived flaw in the holodeck program that Data felt occurred when he threw an object to Geordi which he caught with his right hand. This seemed to confirm to Data that a character in the holodeck simulation used the wrong hand to catch an object, thereby suggesting a flaw in the holodeck program. But because Geordi caught the object in his right hand doesn't really confirm that he's right-handed. I'm right-handed but my natural impulse is to catch with my left hand, as in a back and forth catch with a baseball, because I then throw with my right hand. I can catch with my right hand, but it doesn't feel natural, almost awkward. So even though this premise was used in the story, I didn't think it was definitive to identify a problem with the holodeck program.
I only had one misgiving about this episode, and that was how it all hinged on a perceived flaw in the holodeck program that Data felt occurred when he threw an object to Geordi which he caught with his right hand. This seemed to confirm to Data that a character in the holodeck simulation used the wrong hand to catch an object, thereby suggesting a flaw in the holodeck program. But because Geordi caught the object in his right hand doesn't really confirm that he's right-handed. I'm right-handed but my natural impulse is to catch with my left hand, as in a back and forth catch with a baseball, because I then throw with my right hand. I can catch with my right hand, but it doesn't feel natural, almost awkward. So even though this premise was used in the story, I didn't think it was definitive to identify a problem with the holodeck program.
A Senior Trekker writes.................
celineduchain27 February 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The Golden Age of Star Trek: we had the 6th Season of The Next Generation and the 1st Season of Deep Space Nice on our televisions, Generations on view in our cinemas and First Contact due out soon. This season of TNG contains some excellent stand-alone episodes and several spectacular two-parters, with only the occasional make-weight. Despite the length of time it had already been on the air, it still represents some of the highest standard of television Science Fiction ever broadcast.
The holodeck is malfunctioning again. This time, though, there is an intriguing reason which actually forms part of the plot rather than just being the set up. The highly developed consciousness of the character Moriarty which was left in the computer after second season's episode Elementary Dear Data, has been running freely through the subroutines and now wants to get out.
Instead of turning this into the horror story for which it has great potential, it becomes a game of wits played out against the backdrop of some first class overacting by Daniel Davis as Moriarty and Stephanie Beacham as the Countess Bartholomew. The resolution is undoubtedly clever, although it fails to really address the deeper questions of artificially created consciousness that it set up at the beginning.
Ms Beacham was very well known to UK audiences for numerous appearances in the better type of television drama; after all, she got her start in the business playing opposite Marlon Brando in Michael Winner's film, the Nightcomers. In the USA she was better know as Sable Colby in Dynasty but everyone has to have a pension fund.
On re-watching this episode, I was saddened to see how the writers made a point of not mentioning Dr Pulaski by name since she had been such an integral part of the previous Moriarty story. But I suppose that's the reality of the business; when they write you out of a TV drama they really write you out. Instead, we have reformed holo-addict, Reg Barclay, back to deliver some superb technobabble as he tucks the loving couple (now encased in a sturdy 12 volt battery) under his arm and promises to store them somewhere safe. Hmm.
Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5.
The holodeck is malfunctioning again. This time, though, there is an intriguing reason which actually forms part of the plot rather than just being the set up. The highly developed consciousness of the character Moriarty which was left in the computer after second season's episode Elementary Dear Data, has been running freely through the subroutines and now wants to get out.
Instead of turning this into the horror story for which it has great potential, it becomes a game of wits played out against the backdrop of some first class overacting by Daniel Davis as Moriarty and Stephanie Beacham as the Countess Bartholomew. The resolution is undoubtedly clever, although it fails to really address the deeper questions of artificially created consciousness that it set up at the beginning.
Ms Beacham was very well known to UK audiences for numerous appearances in the better type of television drama; after all, she got her start in the business playing opposite Marlon Brando in Michael Winner's film, the Nightcomers. In the USA she was better know as Sable Colby in Dynasty but everyone has to have a pension fund.
On re-watching this episode, I was saddened to see how the writers made a point of not mentioning Dr Pulaski by name since she had been such an integral part of the previous Moriarty story. But I suppose that's the reality of the business; when they write you out of a TV drama they really write you out. Instead, we have reformed holo-addict, Reg Barclay, back to deliver some superb technobabble as he tucks the loving couple (now encased in a sturdy 12 volt battery) under his arm and promises to store them somewhere safe. Hmm.
Senior Trekker scores every episode with a 5.
A Mind-Bending Episode, Not the Best But Still Amazing
gavin69426 July 2008
Barclay inadvertently unlocks Sherlock Holmes' arch nemesis, Professor Moriarity, from the holodeck. He seeks an audience with Capt. Picard to discuss his self-awareness situation. His demands to be able to leave the Holodeck are not taken seriously enough and takes control of the starship. If the professor and his love, the Countess Barthalomew, are not allowed to leave the ship on their own, he will destroy the Enterprise and its crew.
This episode doesn't stand out as one of the most memorable in the series, but it's still a fine episode in its own right. And why shouldn't it be, featuring Dwight Schultz as Barclay, easily my favorite recurring secondary character. And Moriarty is a respectable character. (The Countess Barthalomew, unfortunately, comes off as being very poorly written. She is very dense, comparing outer space to Africa and talking about the joy of wearing trousers. I can't imagine an educated woman would be this daft.)
Philosophy professors could sit back and play "Next Generation" episodes for semester after semester with a little commentary to fill in the history. This episode is very scientific (including discussion of "uncoupling the Heisenberg compensators" on the transporter, whatever the heck that means). Underneath all that, it's simply a fleshing out of Descartes' "Cogito Ergo Sum" doubting method. (Moriarty actually quotes Descartes in the episode.)
Descartes asked, how can we know what is around us is real and not simply in our mind? Future philosophers modified this to the "brain in a vat" hypothesis -- given constant stimuli, would a brain know it wasn't in a body if the input told it that it was? Here we have Enterprise crew who may be on the Enterprise or may simply be in the holodeck. How can they tell if what they see is real or is simply fed to their senses? Just as philosophers determined that we likely cannot tell, so, too, does the crew find that reality and simulated reality are virtually the same.
I watched this episode at around three in the morning after drinking some whiskey. It really made my brain work extra hard, which is something that isn't safe if you're not used to exercising it. But that's what really sells this episode -- the deeper message under the basic plot. But when you walk away from your television, you might ask yourself if your life is real, or is it merely a very long dream created by Gene Roddenberry?
This episode doesn't stand out as one of the most memorable in the series, but it's still a fine episode in its own right. And why shouldn't it be, featuring Dwight Schultz as Barclay, easily my favorite recurring secondary character. And Moriarty is a respectable character. (The Countess Barthalomew, unfortunately, comes off as being very poorly written. She is very dense, comparing outer space to Africa and talking about the joy of wearing trousers. I can't imagine an educated woman would be this daft.)
Philosophy professors could sit back and play "Next Generation" episodes for semester after semester with a little commentary to fill in the history. This episode is very scientific (including discussion of "uncoupling the Heisenberg compensators" on the transporter, whatever the heck that means). Underneath all that, it's simply a fleshing out of Descartes' "Cogito Ergo Sum" doubting method. (Moriarty actually quotes Descartes in the episode.)
Descartes asked, how can we know what is around us is real and not simply in our mind? Future philosophers modified this to the "brain in a vat" hypothesis -- given constant stimuli, would a brain know it wasn't in a body if the input told it that it was? Here we have Enterprise crew who may be on the Enterprise or may simply be in the holodeck. How can they tell if what they see is real or is simply fed to their senses? Just as philosophers determined that we likely cannot tell, so, too, does the crew find that reality and simulated reality are virtually the same.
I watched this episode at around three in the morning after drinking some whiskey. It really made my brain work extra hard, which is something that isn't safe if you're not used to exercising it. But that's what really sells this episode -- the deeper message under the basic plot. But when you walk away from your television, you might ask yourself if your life is real, or is it merely a very long dream created by Gene Roddenberry?
One of the Best
zombiemockingbird14 April 2023
I usually dislike the holodeck episodes, but this one is on a completely different level. Data is my favorite character, I personally love Sherlock Holmes and Brent Spiner is a superb actor. I love Daniel Davis and he is perfect as Moriarity. I am not familiar with Stephanie Beacham but she additionally gives a wonderful performance. I also adore Dwight Schultz and for once Barclay acted like a normal, intelligent human being instead of an incompetent bungling imbecile. The story was entertaining and all of the twists and turns in the plot were well done and held my interest, and the unsuspected ending, while maybe not seeming ideal, was honestly perfect for the characters who didn't really exist.
Is reality believing that you are real?
thevacinstaller21 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Good episode. I enjoyed how it tied in to the sherlock holmes theme with Data using reason/logic to uncover the clever misdirection used by moriarty.
The idea of what is life is touched upon in this episode but not extensively worked through.
You would think that Picard might drop in on Moriarty once and a while for a cup of tea to discuss his situation? Maybe he has trepidation about doing so after the debacle that happened last time.
I got a bit of a twilight zone vibe with the 'what is reality' question. Trek can do masterful work in this field but Twilight/Black Mirror are the best at it in my opinion.
Now we can sit back and have a debate about whether or not it is ethical to trick Moriarty into believing he is having a space adventure when he actually is not. Is he alive now, since he thinks he is? What happens 20 years in the future when he figures out he has been duped? I guess I can write a fan fiction about that.
The idea of what is life is touched upon in this episode but not extensively worked through.
You would think that Picard might drop in on Moriarty once and a while for a cup of tea to discuss his situation? Maybe he has trepidation about doing so after the debacle that happened last time.
I got a bit of a twilight zone vibe with the 'what is reality' question. Trek can do masterful work in this field but Twilight/Black Mirror are the best at it in my opinion.
Now we can sit back and have a debate about whether or not it is ethical to trick Moriarty into believing he is having a space adventure when he actually is not. Is he alive now, since he thinks he is? What happens 20 years in the future when he figures out he has been duped? I guess I can write a fan fiction about that.
REVIEW 2022
iamirwar26 September 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Looks like Reg is back in town.. To date, I haven't really enjoyed any episode featuring him. But I do remember being more forgiving when these episodes first aired 30 years ago. As I am in the process of completing a review of the entire TNG run of 176 episodes, perhaps I am being too critical. But I did set about this task with the intention of setting out the wheat from the chaff. There have been some exceptional episodes during the run to-date, but there have also been some turkeys. I also wanted to identify any of those episodes that could be said to form an arc. These could either be Borg arc, Data-Lore Arc, Klingon arc, or even DS9 arc.
Holodeck Holmes. Something went wrong with the programme. We have tripped upon the Season Two story; Elementary, Dear Data. The one where Moriarty becomes self-aware.
Meanwhile we have arrived in the Detrian System where we are ringside for the collision of two planets. This is indeed, a unique celestial event. I note that Stephanie Beecham is in this one. I remember first seeing her in the Gerry Anderson production: UFO (from 1970). I also think she looks very much like Helena Bonham-Carter.
Daniel Davis is a brilliant actor and he certainly brings the character of Moriarty to life. Meanwhile, the big event out the front window has taken a side-seat to Moriarty's desire to bring his countess to life. She's a holodeck too. Keep your hands off the wheel.
This is actually a fun and interesting story. It gives us an opportunity to understand more about the holodeck, what it can do and also it's limits.
I have this vision of Moriarty and the Countess spending the rest of their days fighting off wild tangqa suy on Meles II
This Episodes Clue: Cogito ergo sum (Answer's to all episode clues will appear in the reviews of season seven, episode 25: All Good Things, Part One.)
Holodeck Holmes. Something went wrong with the programme. We have tripped upon the Season Two story; Elementary, Dear Data. The one where Moriarty becomes self-aware.
Meanwhile we have arrived in the Detrian System where we are ringside for the collision of two planets. This is indeed, a unique celestial event. I note that Stephanie Beecham is in this one. I remember first seeing her in the Gerry Anderson production: UFO (from 1970). I also think she looks very much like Helena Bonham-Carter.
Daniel Davis is a brilliant actor and he certainly brings the character of Moriarty to life. Meanwhile, the big event out the front window has taken a side-seat to Moriarty's desire to bring his countess to life. She's a holodeck too. Keep your hands off the wheel.
This is actually a fun and interesting story. It gives us an opportunity to understand more about the holodeck, what it can do and also it's limits.
I have this vision of Moriarty and the Countess spending the rest of their days fighting off wild tangqa suy on Meles II
This Episodes Clue: Cogito ergo sum (Answer's to all episode clues will appear in the reviews of season seven, episode 25: All Good Things, Part One.)
Barkley does it again
bkoganbing4 December 2018
In the episodes with Dwight Schultz as Ensign Reginald Barclay I am surprised they haven't transferred him off the Enterprise with all the problems he causes.
Schultz means well but he can't stay out of his own way.
Fooling around with some of the Holodeck programs, Barclay activates one from Season 2 that Patrick Stewart maybe would like to forget about. That's the one where Brent Spiner created a Sherlock Holmes program with a sensient Professor Moriarty. The Moriarty character was put into cold storage, but now he wants Captain Picard to make good his promise to give him life beyond the confines of the Holodeck. To prove he means business Daniel Davis as Moriarty seizes control of the ship from the Holodeck.
A problem that Picard, Barclay, and Data have to solve and of course they do. But it takes some multi-dimensional thinking on their part.
Both the Moriarty episodes are some of the best in the series.
Fooling around with some of the Holodeck programs, Barclay activates one from Season 2 that Patrick Stewart maybe would like to forget about. That's the one where Brent Spiner created a Sherlock Holmes program with a sensient Professor Moriarty. The Moriarty character was put into cold storage, but now he wants Captain Picard to make good his promise to give him life beyond the confines of the Holodeck. To prove he means business Daniel Davis as Moriarty seizes control of the ship from the Holodeck.
A problem that Picard, Barclay, and Data have to solve and of course they do. But it takes some multi-dimensional thinking on their part.
Both the Moriarty episodes are some of the best in the series.
Computer, end program...
dtegtmeier5118 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
I just watched this episode for the umpteenth time and can't believe I missed this important goof. At the very end, Picard says "But, who knows - our reality may be very much like theirs. And all this might just be an elaborate simulation running inside a little device, sitting on someone's table." Then everyone leaves the room except Barkley. Then Barkley says "Computer, end program"...and there's NO RESPONSE from the computer. Any time the computer is addressed it should respond... In other episodes, the computer responds to rhetorical questions even if just to say "There are currently no programs running, please restate question." As an example, the episode where Beverly Crusher was trapped in the warp bubble and kept talking to herself out loud which always got a response from the computer.
Ship In A Bottle, The Best Episode of Star Trek: Next Generation
RWright61718 February 2006
This was an excellent episode capturing mystery, adventure, as well as heart warming feelings for Moriarty and it's sequel to this episode was equally imaginative. In Ship in a bottle" Data and Lt. Forge go to the Holladeck to find a character capable of defeating Data. The way this was portrayed on the screen felt like the Enterprise Computer had created a character imputing a soul to the character. As you learn of how Moriarty no longer holds the same evil demeanor as had been depicted in the Sherlock Holmes stories it tugged at my own heart strings when his character is about to end. I was pleased to see character played by Daniel Davis come back to reprise the role and the create his Hollogrphic wife demanding that the two now be allowed to escape from off the Hollodeck and continue into space. The ending to the sequel was excellent as well.
Self-awareness
makiefer-8712813 April 2024
In a Sherlock Holmes holodeck simulation, hologram opponent Dr Moriarty becomes self-aware and demands freedom. He even holds crew members captive. What a newly developed will to live - brilliant. I'm not spilling the even more ingenious conclusion/solution. Minus one star in my rating because no one understands how self-awareness a/k/a consciousness works: You see yourself in a mirror (Iron elements) and affirm yourself (oxygen elements). Affirmed oxygen is consciousness. If you know you are, then you are oxygen. Minus 10 stars for churches, because they figured out nothing. Spirits are a thing, too. But they are not self-awareness. Or even good for that matter. There is a big branding issue here. And shows about self-awareness prove exactly that. God has little to do with spirits.
Hmmmm
swiitchhfw-265431 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Ok I'll just keep this short! Unlike most of the people I see in reviews, I actually like most of the holodeck episodes but in this episode, I've got to say "What the hell, Starfleet?!". Their primary mission is to seek out new life. Well, in season 2, the words were uttered "create an opponent that can outthink Data." and in doing so, created new life. And so what do they do with him?? Lock him in eternal nothingness and completely put him on the back burner for 4 years! It's not until he's driven to the point to take over the ship that they actually care enough to do something about it! And yes, Moriarty is supposed to be the villain, but he doesn't seem at all evil and more genuinely curious about the new century he's in. Even though they were not successful in getting him off the holodeck, they were able to come up with a solution, it's just sad they didn't do it sooner and without the threat of force!
Up to the standards of a typical holodeck episode.
planktonrules29 November 2014
I noticed that some people like the episodes of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" that involve the holdeck, so I am obviously not speaking for them. But for me, I really hate most of the holodeck episodes and find the plots in them are pretty silly and forgettable. Early in the series, I thought a particularly weak holo episode was the one where Data played Sherlock Holmes. So, I wasn't really happy to see yet another Holmes show and despite an overall score of 8.5 at this time, I cannot agree to the high scores for this one in particular.
The show begins with Data and Geordi playing a Sherlock Holmes case. However, strange errors occur and they ask Barkley to look into the problem. Soon, Moriarty appears and announces to Barkley that he's mad that Picard has kept him stuck in the computer even though he'd promised in the previous episode to try to help him obtain sentience and life outside the holodeck. And, when Picard is once again unable to come up with a solution to help Moriarty, the arch-villain responds by once again taking over the ship.
The 19th century fictional character Moriarty comes alive in the 24th century and wants to become a real person. Doesn't that also seem pretty contrived to you?! The bottom line is that this one is stuck aboard the Enterprise and just seemed very weak and silly.
The show begins with Data and Geordi playing a Sherlock Holmes case. However, strange errors occur and they ask Barkley to look into the problem. Soon, Moriarty appears and announces to Barkley that he's mad that Picard has kept him stuck in the computer even though he'd promised in the previous episode to try to help him obtain sentience and life outside the holodeck. And, when Picard is once again unable to come up with a solution to help Moriarty, the arch-villain responds by once again taking over the ship.
The 19th century fictional character Moriarty comes alive in the 24th century and wants to become a real person. Doesn't that also seem pretty contrived to you?! The bottom line is that this one is stuck aboard the Enterprise and just seemed very weak and silly.
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