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AI/LLM reviews of STNG - Haven

Google Gemini

"Star Trek: The Next Generation - Haven" 
is an early episode that delves into the 
personal life of Deanna Troi, exploring 
themes of love, destiny, duty, and the 
challenges of arranged marriages within 
a futuristic context.

Plot Overview: The USS Enterprise-D 
arrives at the idyllic planet Haven, 
renowned for its beauty and healing 
properties. The purpose of their visit 
is a deeply personal one for Counselor 
Deanna Troi: her arranged marriage 
to Wyatt Miller. The arrival of 
the Miller family, followed by the 
flamboyant and outspoken Lwaxana Troi, 
adds a layer of familial drama to the 
proceedings. Wyatt presents Deanna with 
a symbolic Chameleon Rose, hinting 
at the shifting nature of their impending union.
However, the wedding preparations are disrupted 
by the unexpected approach of an unidentified 
vessel, which bypasses Haven's stargate. 
The vessel is identified as a Tarellian ship, 
carrying inhabitants afflicted with a deadly 
virus. This immediately raises concerns among 
Haven's leaders, who fear contagion. As events 
unfold, Wyatt, who is a doctor, discovers 
a profound connection to a woman named Ariana 
aboard the Tarellian ship, recognising her 
from his dreams. This unexpected bond forces 
Wyatt to confront his destiny, realising 
his true purpose lies with helping 
the Tarellians, rather than marrying Deanna. 
During the wedding preparations, Wyatt makes 
the difficult choice to transport himself 
to the Tarellian ship to assist them, 
ultimately departing with them. The Enterprise
 departs Haven, leaving Deanna to come to terms 
 with the unexpected and emotional turn of events 
 in her life.

Strengths:

Focus on Deanna Troi: The episode provides 
a rare and early opportunity to explore Deanna 
Troi's background, family dynamics, and personal 
challenges, moving her beyond her role as ship's 
counselor.

Exploration of Arranged Marriages: It offers 
a futuristic perspective on the concept 
of arranged marriages, contrasting tradition 
with personal choice and destiny.

Lwaxana Troi's Debut: Majel Barrett's 
introduction as Lwaxana Troi is a memorable one. 
Her eccentric and strong-willed personality 
immediately adds a comedic and often poignant 
dynamic to the series.

Themes of Duty vs. Destiny: Wyatt's struggle 
between his pre-arranged marriage and his 
perceived destiny to help the Tarellians 
is a compelling central theme.

Weaknesses:

Pacing Issues: The episode can feel a bit slow 
and meandering, particularly in its initial 
setup before the main conflict with 
the Tarellian ship emerges.

Simplistic Alien Threat: The Tarellian plague 
and their desperate situation, while providing 
the catalyst for Wyatt's choice, are somewhat 
underdeveloped. The "deadly virus" feels more 
like a plot device than a fully realized threat.

Convenient "Destiny": Wyatt's immediate 
and dream-fueled connection to Ariana, 
leading to his abrupt change of heart,
 can feel overly convenient 
 and lacks the deeper emotional exploration it could have had.
 
Dated Visuals: As an early TNG episode, some of the 
visual effects and set designs show their age.

Underutilized Supporting Cast: Beyond Troi and Lwaxana, 
other crew members have limited impactful roles.

Overall Impression:"Haven" is a notable early 
Star Trek: The Next Generation episode primarily 
for its focus on Deanna Troi's personal life 
and the memorable introduction of Lwaxana Troi. 
While it attempts to explore themes of love, 
destiny, and the clash between tradition 
and personal calling, its pacing issues
 and somewhat convenient plot resolutions 
 prevent it from reaching its full potential. 
 It's a foundational episode for Troi's character 
 development and Lwaxana's recurring role, 
 but it's not a standout for its overall narrative strength.
 
Rating: 5.5/10

ChatGPt

**Review: *Star Trek: The Next Generation – “Haven”***
**Season 1, Episode 11**
**Transcript Source:** [chakoteya.net](http://www.chakoteya.net/NextGen/105.htm)
**Rating: ★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆ (3/10)**

---

### Summary

In *“Haven”*, the Enterprise-D visits a lush, 
healing world for a peacekeeping mission. 
The emotional core centers on Counselor Troi’s 
betrothal to Wyatt Miller—a man she’s never met—based 
on ancient Betazoid genetic traditions. Meanwhile, 
a Tarellian refugee ship suffering from a mysterious 
plague seeks asylum. The episode swings between 
romantic drama and a medical-ethical dilemma.

---

### Strengths

* **Character Focus on Troi:** This is one of the 
first Troi-centric stories. We see her struggle 
with obligations: duty to Starfleet, familial ties, 
and romantic pressure. Her internal conflict gives 
the episode an emotional touch ([them0vieblog.com][1]).

* **Introduction of Lwaxana Troi:** Majel Barrett 
shines as Troi’s formidable mother. Lwaxana’s 
flamboyant presence—including a memorable gong 
and comedic arrogance—adds levity and stands 
out as a highlight ([douxreviews.com][2]).

* **Stronger Dual Plot Structure:** *Den of Geek* 
credited *“Haven”* for being the first TNG 
episode to successfully intertwine 
two A/B plots—Troi’s betrothal 
and the Tarellian plague—bringing 
them together in a satisfying conclusion ([denofgeek.com][3]).

---

### Weaknesses

* **Thin Plot and Dialogue:** Both editor *Jammer’s Reviews* 
and *the m0vie blog* describe the story as perfunctory and bland. 
There's no strong narrative arc or thematic depth—just 
a series of misplaced romantic clichés ([jammersreviews.com][4]).

* **Outdated Gender Tropes:** Wyatt’s expectation that Troi will 
abandon her career and follow him after marriage feels 
regressive—especially in the 24th-century Federation context. 
Critics like *Tor.com* noted how this reflects 
sexist storytelling that undermines Troi's agency ([en.wikipedia.org][5]).

* **Plot Convenience & Flaws:** The Tarellian subplot hinges on Troi’s 
fiancé conveniently finding the correct telepathic match among strangers, 
and the Enterprise solving the plague too effortlessly. Viewers 
like Reddit’s Wil Wheaton have called out these flaws 
as weak storytelling ([jammersreviews.com][4]).

* **Tonally Uneven:** The episode sways between melodramatic 
romance and altruistic sci-fi, never fully committing. 
This tonal indecision prevents either aspect from resonating.

---

### Critical Reception

* **Jammer’s Reviews:** Calls it "perfunctory" and "flat", 
with only sporadic character moments standing 
out ([denofgeek.com][3], [jammersreviews.com][4]).

* **The m0vie blog:** Labels it bland but not 
disastrous—it’s dull, but not the worst 
of early TNG ([them0vieblog.com][1]).

* **Den of Geek:** Commends its narrative structure 
and notes its competence despite its flaws ([denofgeek.com][3]).

* **Tor.com (Keith DeCandido):** Rates it 3/10, citing sexist 
values but praising Majel Barrett’s strong performance ([en.wikipedia.org][5]).

* **Wil Wheaton:** Surprised that the episode isn't a 
complete "shotgun wedding cliché," and credits strong 
guest casting and acting for a B grade ([en.wikipedia.org][5]).

* **Zack Handlen (The A‑V Club):** Gives it a D grade,
criticising its clichés and shallow writing ([en.wikipedia.org][5]).

---

### Final Verdict

*“Haven”* is a mixed bag. It’s at its best when spotlighting 
Troi’s internal dilemma and the comedic chaos brought by her mother, 
Lwaxana. However, narrative shortcuts and outdated plot tropes 
drag the episode down. The emotional payoff is weakened 
by lazy storytelling and cultural inconsistencies.

**Score: 3/10** – Despite some redeeming character moments 
and humour, *“Haven”* ultimately fails to deliver a compelling 
story. Recommended only for viewers interested in early 
character development or Lwaxana’s debut.

[1]: https://them0vieblog.com/2012/12/10/star-trek-the-next-generation-haven-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation – Haven (Review) - the m0vie blog"
[2]: https://www.douxreviews.com/2014/09/star-trek-next-generation-haven.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek The Next Generation: Haven - Doux Reviews"
[3]: https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-haven/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: Haven | Den of Geek"
[4]: https://www.jammersreviews.com/st-tng/s1/haven.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Haven\" | Star Trek: TNG - Jammer's Reviews"
[5]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haven_%28Star_Trek%3A_The_Next_Generation%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Haven (Star Trek: The Next Generation)"



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