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AI/LLM Reviews of  Star Trek The Next Generation - Devil's due 

Google Gemini

Plot Synopsis
The Enterprise receives a distress call from the 
planet Ventax II, where the populace believes 
it's about to be claimed by Ardra, a devil-like 
figure from their legends. When the crew arrives,
a mysterious woman named Ardra appears, claiming 
to be the entity from their prophecies 
and demanding that the planet's people fulfill 
their contract and turn over the planet.

Captain Picard, ever the skeptic, refuses to 
believe Ardra is a genuine supernatural being. 
He challenges her to a trial to prove her 
identity and her claim to the planet. As the 
trial proceeds, Ardra uses what appear to be 
supernatural powers to trick and intimidate 
the crew, but Data, with his methodical logic, 
begins to unravel the mystery. It is revealed 
that Ardra is merely a clever con artist 
using advanced technology and telepathy 
to stage her ruse.

The episode's climax sees Picard outsmarting 
Ardra in the trial, using his knowledge 
of Ventaxian law and the Federation legal 
system to expose her deceptions. 
The Ventaxians, relieved and enlightened, 
see that their so-called "devil" 
was nothing more than a fraud.

Strengths
Picard's Charisma: The episode is a showcase 
for Picard's character, highlighting 
his intellect, his unwavering belief 
in logic, and his commanding presence. 
His courtroom scenes are particularly entertaining.

Humourous Tone: The episode's lighthearted 
approach to the "devil" mythos makes it an 
enjoyable watch. Ardra is a charismatic 
villain, and the crew's reactions to her 
supposed powers provide some humourous moments.

Classic Trek Theme: "Devil's Due" perfectly 
embodies a classic Star Trek theme: using 
reason and science to debunk superstition 
and belief in the supernatural. It's a 
satisfying message that aligns 
with the show's core values.

Weaknesses**
Predictable Plot: The central mystery is fairly 
easy to solve. The audience can figure out 
early on that Ardra is a fraud, 
which lessens the suspense.

Lack of Stakes: The threat to Ventax II never 
feels truly dangerous, as it's obvious to the 
viewer that Picard will ultimately succeed. 
This makes the episode feel more like a fun 
romp than a high-stakes drama.

Overall Impression
"Devil's Due" is a straightforward 
and entertaining episode. While it lacks 
the emotional depth and complexity of other TNG 
stories, it's a great example of the show's 
ability to tell a simple, clever tale. It's a fun
and lighthearted adventure that allows the crew, 
especially Picard, to shine.

Rating: 7/10

ChatGPt

Here’s my review of **“Star Trek: The Next 
Generation — *Devil’s Due***” (Season 4, 
Episode 13), based on the transcript 
and a variety of critical perspectives:

---

## Overview & Plot Summary

The Enterprise responds to a planet-wide panic on
**Ventax II**, where citizens fear that 
**Ardra**—their mythological devil—has 
returned to claim dominion as per 
a 1,000-year-old contract. Captain Picard 
must defuse the situation, steering a volatile 
society back toward reason while uncovering 
Ardra's true nature. The charismatic con 
artist (played by Marta DuBois) uses theatrical 
illusions—like shapeshifting into a 
Klingon “devil”—to enforce her claims. 
Picard calls for arbitration, naming Data 
as judge, while the crew works behind the scenes 
to expose Ardra as a fraud. In the end, 
her leverage is exposed, and she’s arrested 
by her own people.
([Wikipedia][1], [Den of Geek][2], [Memory Beta][3])

---

## Okay, What Works?

* **Pure Fun Energy**
  This episode is a lighter, camp-infused 
  diversion—a palate cleanser amid heavier 
  arcs. Many viewers enjoy its playful tone.
  ([IMDb][4], [Den of Geek][2], [Joy of Trek][5])

* **Marta DuBois as Ardra**
  Her mischievous, seductive portrayal elevates 
  the episode. Critics say DuBois “steals the 
  show,” delivering a devilish charm that’s 
  both memorable and theatrically delightful.
  ([IMDb][4], [Wikipedia][1], [Joy of Trek][5])

* **Nostalgic TOS Vibes**
  The story originates from an unused *Star 
  Trek: Phase II* script, giving it 
  a “TOS feel” with echoes of courtroom 
  showdowns and mischievous trickery.
  ([Jammer's Reviews][6], [Wikipedia][1])

* **Thematic Play on Superstition vs. Skepticism**
  The story explores how easily fear and folklore
  can be manipulated—Picard's methodical 
  unraveling of Ardra’s tricks emphasizes reason 
  and critical thought.
  ([Scifi Dimensions][7], [Den of Geek][2], [TrekToday][8])

---

## But Where It Trips Up

* **Mixed Critical Reception**
  The take is polarizing—some find it 
  entertaining, others view it as a gimmicky 
  strain on TNG’s usual depth.
  ([Scifi Dimensions][9], [Den of Geek][2])

* **Shallow World-Building**
  Critics argue the Ventaxians and their society 
  are underdeveloped, making the premise feel 
  thin and contrived.
  ([TrekToday][8], [Doux Reviews][10])

* **Plot Convenience & Silliness**
  The legal gimmick—naming Data as an impartial 
  arbitrator because he’s an android—is clever, 
  but edging into farcical territory.
  ([Den of Geek][2], [Doux Reviews][10])

* **Resistance to Depth**
  Keith DeCandido describes the episode bluntly:
  "it's just dumb," and sees DuBois' performance 
  as the only redeeming factor.
  ([Wikipedia][1])

---

## Fan & Critic Voices

* **The A.V. Club (Zack Handlen)**
  Calls it “silly, goofy fun” and gives it 
  a “B+” for embracing its camp with charm.
  ([Wikipedia][1])

* **Tor.com (Keith R.A. DeCandido)**
  More critical, rating it 2/10—he notes 
  DuBois as the lone saving grace amid 
  a blatantly un-serious script.
  ([Wikipedia][1])

* **Scifi Dimensions**
  Labels it “worthwhile” for its fun 
  vibes, strong guest performance, 
  and clever twist on belief versus illusion.
  ([Scifi Dimensions][7])

* **TrekToday**
  Calls it a "terrible episode, yet memorable," 
  thanks largely to DuBois' relish in the role.
  ([TrekToday][8])

---

## Final Rating: **6/10**

**Verdict:** *Devil’s Due* doesn’t deliver 
the philosophical depth of classic TNG—it’s 
more theatrical than thoughtful. But if you’re 
in the mood for camp, charisma, and a playful 
twist on lawyer-vs-devil tropes, it’s a guilty 
pleasure worth watching. DuBois shines, Picard 
holds his ground, and the episode earns a spot 
for pure entertainment value—even if it’s not 
among the best.


[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Devil%27s_Due_%28Star_Trek%3A_The_Next_Generation%29?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Devil's Due (Star Trek: The Next Generation)"
[2]: https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-devils-due/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: Devil’s Due - Den of Geek"
[3]: https://memory-beta.fandom.com/wiki/Devil%27s_Due?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Devil's Due | Memory Beta, non-canon Star Trek Wiki | Fandom"
[4]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708702/reviews?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: The Next Generation\" Devil's Due (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb"
[5]: https://joyoftrek.com/episode/devils-due-tng-s4-e13?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Devil's Due (TNG S4 E13) - The Joy of Trek"
[6]: https://www.jammersreviews.com/st-tng/s4/devils.php?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Devil's Due\" | Star Trek: TNG | Jammer's Reviews"
[7]: https://www.scifidimensions.com/is-devils-due-worth-watching/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Is “Devil’s Due” worth watching? - Scifi Dimensions"
[8]: https://www.trektoday.com/reviews/tng/devils_due.shtml?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Trek Nation - Devil's Due - TrekToday"
[9]: https://www.scifidimensions.com/what-are-the-reviews-saying-about-devils-due/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "What are the reviews saying about “Devil’s Due”?"
[10]: https://www.douxreviews.com/2016/08/star-trek-next-generation-devils-due.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Doux Reviews: Star Trek The Next Generation: Devil's Due"
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