VHS : Star Trek The Next Generation - The Best Of Both Worlds [1990]

Rating: - Resistance is futile
This was such an important episode for Star Trek TNG and is a very significant episode for Picard. A alien race known as the Borg invade the federation intent on assmiliating the technology and people of the federation into their collective. Their extremely powerful ship, (a single cube) engages the federation fleet and the Enterprise providing plently of action.

What this episode captures very well and convinces, is the real dread that humanity is in serious danger as the Borg seem to be totally unstoppable and relentless. There are subplots interwoven in this episode with the introduction of the highly ambitious commander Shelby character who causes some tension between herself the "seasoned" commander Riker, a little bit of character development there, as Riker questions his career choice.

The acting is to a high standard and so is the main storyline which unfolds perfectly to produce tension and suspense. The episode is also accompanied by an eerie musical score which again compliments the storytelling perfectly, although maybe a touch dated these days.

I can't finish without saying Part 1 of this episode is ended brilliantly, with probably the best cliff hanger in TV history. It leaves you desperately wanting to see the second half, and it was this that made everyone talk about the show asking themselves "what will happen to Picard?"

If you have not seen this then all i can say is it is a must see for any self respecting sci-fi fan, it does help too if you watch the episode "Q who?" before hand :)

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Rating: - The saviour and launcher of TNG and Star trek
I can safely say that without a doubt, star trek would not be what it is today without this episode. At the time of its realise TNG was losing its grip with the older original series fans with it simply not having the new concept or simplicity of TOS. This episode finally puts the Borg into the picture, after they are briefly introduced in Q-Who? This episode basically pits an entire federation fleet against a single borg vessel - a sort of wake of call for starfleet to get their act together. I wont spoil it anymore, just watch it and if you have seen or heard references to 'wolf 359' that are mentioned in both DS9 and VOY, you will finally know what it means.

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Rating: - The Enterprise and crew battle against The Borg.
In a race against time, the Enterpise and her crew battle to stop arch enemies 'The Borg' from getting to Earth and assimilating the heart of the Federation. The Enteprise's crew also have a personal reason for stopping them as the Borg have also kidknapped Captain Picard so he can speak for them by turning him into a borg drone. So they have to save the planet but also have to save the man who has saved them so many times before, (nice way to return the favour don't you think). This is the best episode of the Next Generation series in my opinion. It has it all. It has action, it has suspense, it has hope. It has averything you want in a science fiction show as highly rated as Star Trek. If you buy anything today it has to be this one. Trust me I am very picky about my sci-fi.