From: goodwin@orionsci.uucp (Ben Goodwin)
Subject: First Duty (Spoilers)
Organization: Orion Scientific, Inc.
Distribution: usa
Date: Tue, 07 Apr 1992 11:54:14 GMT

Spoilers for First Duty

First the grade then you can hit <n>
Grade D


Sorry, hated almost everything about this one.  I am not kidding.
Reasons follow.

I couldn't buy the whole premise.  Let's see, Wesley knows that the
maneuver is dangerous and regardless of whether they pull it off or
not there is going to be a reprimand at the least.  Joshua whatshisname
isn't ready for the maneuver.  Wesley stated at sometime that Josh had
been shakey as of late and yet Wesley decides to risk it all on a stupid
childish prank.  I couldn't buy this characterization of Wesley.  And
then when the board questions him he lies.  And he refuses to answer
to Picard.  I am not surprised by Picards actions in the conference room.
Wesley has shown himself to be a mature person in the last 4 years and
now this?  Sorry, ruined it for me.

The leader of nova squadron was a jerk.  Who would follow him?  OK,
just kidding.  He was an egotistical selfserving fool who got exactly
what he deserved.  God, I wouldn't want to serve under him.  His
attempts at controlling Wesley reminded me of the mind games we used to
play when we were 10 years old.  His methods would have pushed me the
other way.  But Wesley, savior of the Universe, fell for his stupid and
obvious arguments.

Oh, and to the person who compared the leader of Nova Squadron to
James T Kirk, I have this to say; NFW (No F*cking Way)!  I hope that
is clear enough.  IMHO Kirk was the epitome of what a commander of
his time should be.  He was decisive, charismatic, and inspired loyalty.
In "The Kobyashi Maru" during Chekov's story they pretty well state that
he was great in the academy.  He would never have pulled that stunt.  He
cares for everyone of his crewmen and would never risk their lives just
so that he could show off! Also, saying that Commanders like Kirk are
an anachronism of the TNG time is not fair.  he would excel in that time
like he did in his own.

Boothby, totally unnecessary waste of time.  The scene with Picard trying
to thank him, and Boothby saying "you just needed to listen to yourself"
grated on me.  I didn't like Picard in that scene.

One interesting note:  It seemed to me that when Picard went to Boothby
to ask about Nova squadron Boothby was very cool, as if he knew what 
had probably happened and was pretty angry at the squad.  Didn't he
say something to the affect "Ah nova, I know them all" in an angry
voice and then walk away.  It seemed that Picard picked it up too.  Oh
well, I may be wrong.

Sorry, I liked the Vulcan.  I was cringing as he cross examined the
cadets and showed that they were obviously lying.  Said to myself, "gee,
wouldn't want him on a board of inquiry if I was the accused."

The scene in Picard's ready room was fabulous.  Saved it from an F.
Stewart was great.  Even Wesley did well in that scene.

Didn't really like the scene where Picard informed Beverly that Wesley
was OK.  I'm no psychologist, but the wooden, hypnotized manner didn't
cut it for me.  If my little girl (22 months) was injured and they told
me she was alright, I'd be overjoyed.  Beat the grim reaper again.

Oh well, hope the next one's better.

-- 
============================================================================
| uunet!orionsci!goodwin        | you with your hair that's always combed,
| Ben Goodwin                   | your suit is always white, your car is
| Washington DC (703) 524-0504  | always clean.  You I hate!!! -Great Race
============================================================================
Newsgroups: rec.arts.startrek.current