Ep 23. The Host

In season 4 episode 23 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, titled "The Host," the crew of the Enterprise is called upon to mediate a tense conflict on the planet Kaelon II where a host and symbiont are parting ways. The conflict arises from the fact that the host and symbiont are deeply in love with one another, but the host is a human male, and the symbiont is a Trill, a species that requires that symbionts inhabit a humanoid body. The host's departure from Kaelon II is imminent, and the Enterprise is enlisted to transport him and his Trill symbiont to Trill for re-implantation into a new host body.

The episode's central focus is Commander Riker, who becomes romantically involved with the Trill symbiont. This relationship poses a challenge for both Riker and the Trill because it requires that Riker must come to terms with the idea that the symbiont will outlive the host and will eventually inhabit a new humanoid body, essentially a new person. This level of emotional complexity is a hallmark of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and it adds depth and pathos to this thought-provoking episode.

The plot thickens when the host's condition takes a turn for the worse, and they need to save him. Dr. Beverly Crusher and her team perform a dangerous operation to save his life, but it comes with a catch: they must temporarily transfer the Trill symbiont to another humanoid body, one that is incompatible with his physiology. This creates a situation where Riker must come to terms with the fact that he is now in love with a sentient creature, not just the host body that he once inhabited. This leads to a complicated ethical debate about love, identity and the nature of life in the 24th century.

The writers of Star Trek: The Next Generation use the episode as an opportunity to explore the Trill species in greater depth, introducing the concept of the symbiont and the complex relationships they create with their humanoid hosts. The episode provides a glimpse into a vast Trill society and the different aspects of their culture that have yet to be revealed in the show. This level of world-building and attention to detail is why Star Trek has remained such a beloved franchise over the years.

Overall, the episode is a standout for its exploration of love, identity, and the nature of life in the Star Trek universe. It's also a great showcase for the characters of Riker and Crusher, who both have pivotal roles in the episode's plot. Like many episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation, it balances a complex sci-fi plot with compelling human drama to create an emotionally engaging viewing experience. "The Host" is yet another great example of why Star Trek: The Next Generation remains a seminal piece of television history that has inspired countless fans and creators over the years.