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AI/LLM reviews of Star Trek The Next Generation - Galaxy's Child 

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Plot Synopsis

The Enterprise encounters a massive, silicon-based, 
spaceborne lifeform. Lieutenant Commander Geordi 
La Forge, fascinated by the creature, names it 
"Gomtuu" after a phrase meaning "lonely one" 
in a children's book. The crew quickly discovers 
that Gomtuu is weak and possibly dying. In a tragic 
and unexpected turn of events, a mistake during 
a diagnostic scan causes the Enterprise 
to inadvertently kill the creature.

Immediately, a new, much smaller lifeform 
emerges from the dead body of Gomtuu. This "child" 
imprints on the Enterprise, perceiving it 
as its parent. The child begins to feed 
on the ship's energy, drawing power from the warp 
core and causing a critical power drain. The crew 
must race against time to figure out how to 
communicate with the child and teach it to find 
its own energy source before it completely 
drains the ship.

A compelling secondary plot unfolds as Geordi 
is joined on the bridge by Dr. Leah Brahms, 
the brilliant warp field expert he has long a
dmired. However, the real Dr. Brahms is 
a stern, serious professional, nothing 
like the idealized, friendly version Geordi 
created on his holodeck. Their professional 
collaboration is strained by the awkwardness 
of Geordi’s prior "relationship" with 
the simulated Brahms, forcing him to confront 
his own insecurities and idealization of others.

Strengths
Classic Moral Dilemma: The episode presents 
a powerful and classic Star Trek ethical conundrum. 
The crew, through no malice, accidentally kills 
a sentient being, and the story explores their 
profound sense of responsibility 
and guilt for its orphaned child.

Geordi's Character Development: This is a 
standout episode for Geordi La Forge. It 
highlights his passion for science 
and his emotional depth. The subplot 
with Dr. Brahms is a bold, realistic, 
and often uncomfortable look at the 
dangers of idealizing people. It's 
a memorable moment of growth for his character.

Emotional Core: The relationship between the 
crew and the cosmic lifeform's child is genuinely 
touching. The attempts to communicate with 
the young creature and the sense of mourning 
for the parent create a strong emotional 
foundation for the story.

Tense Pacing: The urgency of the ship's 
power drain and the impending danger create 
a palpable sense of tension throughout the episode.

Weaknesses
The Brahms Subplot: While it is a strong point 
for Geordi’s character, the subplot is very 
uncomfortable to watch at times. The resolution 
of their conflict, while necessary for the story, 
can feel a bit rushed, especially 
given the emotional fallout.

Overall Impression
"Galaxy's Child" is an excellent 
and emotionally resonant episode 
that skillfully balances a compelling 
sci-fi plot with a deep character study. 
It stands as a great example of the show's 
ability to explore complex themes 
of responsibility, grief, 
and the mistakes we make in a powerful 
and memorable way.

Rating: 8.5/10

ChatGPT

Here’s a thorough review of **“Star Trek: 
The Next Generation” — *Galaxy’s Child*** 
(Season 4, Episode 16), based on script 
details and a broad range of critiques 
and fan responses:

---

### Overview

In *Galaxy’s Child*, Dr. Leah Brahms—one 
of the Enterprise engine’s original 
designers—joins the ship for consultation. 
Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge, who previously 
relied on a holographic version of her to save 
the Enterprise in *Booby Trap*, is eager 
to meet the real her. However, the meeting 
turns awkward quickly: Brahms dismisses 
his engine modifications, 
and when she discovers the holodeck program 
of her likeness—which was used by Geordi 
without his fully realizing 
the implications—things become severely uncomfortable.

At the same time, the Enterprise encounters a colossal 
space creature that attacks defensively. After accidentally 
killing it, Picard and crew discover it was pregnant. 
Through ingenuity, they safely deliver the offspring, 
which then latches onto the ship for nourishment—forcing 
the crew to find a way to safely separate it and set it free.
([Wikipedia][1], [Den of Geek][2], [Everything Explained Today][3])

---

### What Works

* **Sci-Fi Concept & Visuals**
  The space creature and its newborn 
  are creatively conceived and compellingly 
  portrayed, offering an imaginative alien 
  subplot that balances the more human drama. 
  Effects were praised for their smoothness and originality.
  ([Wikipedia][1], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][4], [Everything Explained Today][3])

* **Strong Performances**
  Patrick Stewart delivers moving emotional 
  moments as Picard wrestles with guilt over 
  killing a sentient being—even unknowingly.
  ([Wikipedia][1], [Everything Explained Today][3])

---

### Where It Falls Short

* **Problematic Portrayal of Geordi**
  A majority of critics and fans find Geordi's 
  behavior—stemming from unconsented use of Brahms’s 
  likeness—deeply unsettling. His defense of himself 
  rather than acknowledging the violation has drawn 
  widespread condemnation: terms like “creepy,” 
  “gaslighting,” and “uncomfortable” frequently
  appear in commentary.
  ([Reddit][5], [angriest.blogspot.com][6], [Trakt][7], [Thoughts From the Mountain Top][4], [Den of Geek][2], [The Trek BBS][8], [jphalt-startrek-tng-reviews.blogspot.com][9])

* **Uneven Character Resolution**
  Critics point out that Brahms’s final apology toward
  Geordi—given her rightful anger—is tone-deaf, 
  reinforcing an imbalanced power dynamic rather than healing it.
  ([angriest.blogspot.com][6], [Trakt][7], [Reddit][10])

* **Mixed Critical Reception**

  * **Zack Handlen (The A.V. Club):** Gave it a **C+**, 
  noting the audience isn’t given reason to sympathize 
  with Geordi's actions.
    ([Wikipedia][1], [Everything Explained Today][3])
  * **Den of Geek:** Mixed; calls it well-structured 
  with good chemistry, but built on a flawed premise.
    ([Den of Geek][2], [Everything Explained Today][3])
  * **Keith DeCandido (Tor.com):** 3/10; praises Picard's 
  arc, but condemns Geordi’s behavior as morally reprehensible.
    ([Everything Explained Today][3])

---

### Audience Feedback

* **IMDb Rating:** Approximately **7.0/10** 
   from \~3,500 users—suggesting moderate 
   viewer approval overall.
  ([IMDb][11])

* **Fan Perspectives Vary:**

  * Some note the space creature subplot 
  is enjoyable and imaginative 
  but overshadowed by Geordi’s unsettling conduct.
  * Others outright skip the episode in 
  rewatch marathons due to how uncomfortable 
  they find his behavior.
    ([Reddit][12])

---

### Final Verdict

**Rating: 5.5 / 10**

**Verdict:** *Galaxy’s Child* presents 
  an intriguing sci-fi scenario—the birth 
  of a living starship baby—that showcases 
  the series' creative spark. However, it's 
  deeply marred by a misjudged romantic 
  subplot, where Geordi’s behavior crosses 
  ethical lines without meaningful 
  consequence or acknowledgment. The uneven tone 
  and dismissal of Brahms’s justified reaction 
  undermine the episode’s impact. What could have 
  been a thoughtful exploration of ambition 
  and obsession instead leans into discomfort.



[1]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galaxy%27s_Child?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Galaxy's Child"
[2]: https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/revisiting-star-trek-tng-galaxys-child/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Revisiting Star Trek TNG: Galaxy's Child | Den of Geek"
[3]: https://everything.explained.today/Galaxy%27s_Child/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Galaxy's Child Explained"
[4]: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.com/2020/08/24/star-trek-the-next-generation-galaxys-child/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation – Galaxy’s Child – Geordi LaForge’s Love Strugglesopinions, ideas, thoughts, & reviews"
[5]: https://www.reddit.com/r/DaystromInstitute/comments/m7ig3k?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Galaxy's Child\" is a severely misunderstood episode which is critical (albeit, gently) of the male gaze - NOT an endorsement of it."
[6]: https://angriest.blogspot.com/2015/12/star-trek-next-generation-galaxys-child.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The Angriest: Star Trek: The Next Generation: \"Galaxy's Child\""
[7]: https://trakt.tv/comments/372804?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation 4x16 \"Galaxy's Child\" review by Andrew Bloom - Trakt"
[8]: https://www.trekbbs.com/threads/galaxys-child-in-a-tng-marathon-why-i-skipped-this-episode.302645/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Poll - Galaxy's Child: in a tng marathon why I skipped this episode? | The Trek BBS"
[9]: https://jphalt-startrek-tng-reviews.blogspot.com/2011/09/4-16-galaxys-child.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987 - 1994) - Random Musings: 4-16. Galaxy's Child"
[10]: https://www.reddit.com/r/startrek/comments/ho6zch?utm_source=chatgpt.com "The ending of \"Galaxy's Child\" makes no sense"
[11]: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0708720/?utm_source=chatgpt.com "\"Star Trek: The Next Generation\" Galaxy's Child (TV Episode 1991) - IMDb"
[12]: https://www.reddit.com/r/TNG/comments/kl44hh?utm_source=chatgpt.com "Episodes you skip when rewatching ?"
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