ST:TNG, Lower Decks, Episode 715

If I had to describe the plot of this episode, it would probably sound simplistic and trite: A few low ranking officers and civilians serving on the Enterprise vie for promotions while dealing with a Cardassian spy plot. It almost sounds as bad as "Something turns the crew's senior staff into children" or "A virus turns the crew into their primordial ancestral animals. (both are episodes, both are... less than great)

This one I actually enjoyed. It was well-written, introduced new characters I could immediately relate to, and actually felt slight attachment to towards the end, particularly when one of them died in the line of duty. A successful hero's arc.

I also laughed out loud when Picard completely tore one of the ensigns a new one. I liked it less that they later explained the dress-down as yet another example of Picard's amazing leadership (something to the affect of "I wanted you on this ship, despite your past mistakes, to give you a second chance," or something). I honestly would have preferred it just have been a side of Picard we haven't seen since the first season: the one who hated children, didn't get along with anybody but the senior staff, and spent his vacation on Risa reading Shakespeare instead of wenching.

I miss that Picard a little.