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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