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AI/LLM  reviews of STNG - Coming of Age

Google Gemini

"Star Trek: The Next Generation - Coming of Age" 
weaves together two distinct but thematically 
linked storylines, exploring the trials of 
personal growth and the unseen tests of loyalty 
and leadership within Starfleet.

Plot Overview:The episode features 
two parallel narratives. The first centers 
on Wesley Crusher's rigorous attempt 
to gain admission to Starfleet Academy. 
He undergoes a series of challenging 
and unconventional tests designed to assess 
not only his intellect and problem-solving 
abilities but also his character, ethics, 
and ability to work under pressure. 

During these trials, Wesley demonstrates his intelligence 
but, more importantly, his compassion and selflessness 
by prioritising the well-being of a struggling fellow 
candidate over his own chances of admission.
The second storyline unfolds aboard the USS Enterprise-D, 
where Admiral Gregory Quinn arrives to conduct a highly 
unusual and seemingly invasive investigation. Quinn 
expresses a belief that something is "amiss" on the 
ship and assigns the meticulous and somewhat 
adversarial Commander Remmick to carry out 
a thorough inquiry. Remmick relentlessly questions 
the crew, scrutinises Captain's logs, and probes
 for any signs of wrongdoing or dissent. Despite 
 his exhaustive efforts, he uncovers no evidence 
 of serious issues; instead, he observes a profound 
 sense of teamwork, loyalty, and camaraderie 
 among the crew. Ultimately, it is revealed 
 that this entire investigation was a covert test 
 of Captain Picard's loyalty and trustworthiness, 
 orchestrated by Quinn, who seeks to recruit Picard 
 for a critical, high-level position within 
 Starfleet Command. Both storylines converge 
 on the theme of integrity and the true measure 
 of a person's worth.
 
 Strengths:
 
 Wesley's Development: This episode is crucial 
 for Wesley Crusher's character arc. It portrays him 
 facing genuine challenges and making ethical choices,
 moving beyond his "boy genius" trope and showing 
 real maturity.
 
 Insight into Starfleet Academy: The glimpse into 
 the Starfleet Academy entrance exams provides 
 interesting world-building and shows a rigorous, 
 multi-faceted approach to candidate evaluation.
 
 Exploration of Loyalty and Trust: The Enterprise-D 
 investigation cleverly builds suspense around Picard 
 and his crew, ultimately reinforcing their strong 
 bonds and ethical fortitude. It's a test 
 of the Enterprise as a whole.
 
 Remmick as an Antagonist/Tester: Robert Schenkkan's 
 portrayal of Commander Remmick creates a believable 
 sense of bureaucratic threat, making the investigation
 feel genuinely intrusive and challenging for the crew.
 
 Picard's Leadership: Picard's calm handling of the 
 investigation and his unwavering faith in his crew 
 further solidify his character as a wise and trustworthy captain.
 
 Weaknesses:
 
 Pacing: The two parallel plots, while linked thematically, 
 can make the episode feel a bit fragmented at times.
 
 Lack of Obvious Threat (Investigation): While 
 the investigation creates tension, the lack of a clear 
 external threat or direct danger makes the B-plot less 
 immediately compelling than some other episodes.
 
 Dated Visuals: As an early TNG episode, 
 some of the visual effects and set designs 
 show their age, particularly the Academy tests.
 
 Quinn's Motivation (Initial Ambiguity): Admiral Quinn's 
 intentions are deliberately opaque for much 
 of the episode, which can be frustrating for viewers 
 seeking immediate clarity.
 
 Overall Impression:"Coming of Age" is a solid 
 and significant early Star Trek: The Next Generation 
 episode. It excels in character development for Wesley 
 Crusher and offers a thoughtful exploration of integrity, 
 loyalty, and the challenges inherent in evaluating 
 true leadership. While its dual narrative structure 
 might affect pacing slightly, its strong thematic 
 content and positive portrayal of the Enterprise crew's 
 cohesion make it a worthwhile and important entry in the series.
 
 Rating: 7.5/10

ChatGPT

Here’s a refined review of **“Coming of Age”** (TNG S1E18), 
based on the transcript you linked:

---

### ✅ Highlights

* **Wesley’s Character Growth**: This episode gives Wesley 
a genuine emotional arc—his first real failure, facing his 
fear, and a heartfelt connection with Picard and Worf. 
As one reviewer notes, “for possibly the first time ever, 
there's a full episode that actually makes good use of him!” 
([jphalt-startrek-tng-reviews.blogspot.com][1])

* **Picard’s Moral Center**: Picard shines 
under pressure in the shuttle crisis
 and ultimately chooses to stay with his crew instead 
 of taking a prestigious academy post—demonstrating
 his deep commitment to the Enterprise’s ‘family’ 
 ([eruditorumpress.com][2]).
 
* **Structural Innovation**: This episode balances 
two parallel storylines—Wesley’s exam 
and the investigation of the crew—more effectively 
than earlier first-season efforts ([reddit.com][3]).

---

### ⚠️ Weaknesses

* **Clichéd Academy Story**: The Wesley plot feels 
formulaic with predictable archetypes and test setups. 
Many see it as “paint‑by‑numbers” ([them0vieblog.com][4]).

* **Disconnected A/B Plot**: Unlike TOS, the two 
storylines don’t converge thematically for some 
viewers. Critics called it "clunky" and disjointed .

* **Uneven Guest Roles**: The investigator Remmick 
and Admiral Quinn can feel heavy-handed or one-note; 
Burroughs of intimidation without punch for all viewers
 ([trektoday.com][5]).

---

### 🎯 Critical Consensus

| Source              | Rating / Grade | Notes                                                                 |
| ------------------- | -------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Tor.com (DeCandido) | 5 / 10         | Strong cast, but weak suspense ([en.wikipedia.org][6], [imdb.com][7]) |
| A.V. Club (Handlen) | C              | Clunky, cliched Wesley arc                                            |
| Den of Geek (Hunt)  | 8 / 10         | “Very good,” praised shuttle and interviews                           |
| Jammer’s Reviews    | 3 / 5 ≈ 6 / 10 | Solid plot execution and character beats                              |

---

### ✍️ Personal Take & 10‑Point Rating

“**Coming of Age**” marks a turning point in Season 1. 
It finally gives Wesley emotional stakes, and showcases 
Picard’s leadership beyond cosmic diplomacy. The dual-plot 
structure is better executed than earlier episodes, 
and the themes of growth and responsibility come through clearly.

However, the Wesley storyline remains somewhat familiar, 
and the two threads largely exist in their own bubbles. 
Some guest characters feel underused, and pacing issues 
linger from earlier in the season.

**Still, it’s a solid entry with noticeable 
growth for both show and cast.**

**My rating: 7 / 10**

---

Let me know if you’d like a scene-by-scene breakdown or how this ties into later Season 1 arc episodes!

[1]: https://jphalt-startrek-tng-reviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/1-19-coming-of-age.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994) - Random Musings: 1-19. Coming of Age"
[2]: https://www.eruditorumpress.com/blog/well-be-grandmas-by-then-coming-of-age?utm_source=chatgpt.com "“We’ll be grandmas by then…”: Coming of Age – Eruditorum Press"
[3]: https://www.reddit.com/r/StarTrekViewingParty/comments/1hemc3m?utm_source=chatgpt.com "TNG, Episode 1x19, Coming of Age"
[4]: https://them0vieblog.com/2012/12/18/star-trek-the-next-generation-coming-of-age-review/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation – Coming of Age (Review) | the m0vie blog"
[5]: https://www.trektoday.com/reviews/tng/coming_of_age.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Trek Nation - Coming of Age"
[6]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coming_of_Age_%28Star_Trek%3A_The_Next_Generation%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Coming of Age (Star Trek: The Next Generation)"
[7]: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6955934/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "snoozejonc's Review of Coming of Age - IMDb"

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