Ep 15. Yesterday's Enterprise

In season 3, episode 15 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, titled "Yesterday's Enterprise," the crew of the Enterprise-D is faced with a unique situation that could alter the course of reality. The episode opens with the Enterprise being thrown back in time, to a period where the Federation is at war with the Klingon Empire. This timeline is very different from the one the Enterprise crew is accustomed to, and they soon discover that things are not as they seem.

The ship's first indication that something is wrong is when the tactical officer, Lt. Tasha Yar, is suddenly alive and well on the bridge. Tasha died in an earlier episode, so her appearance on the Enterprise is a shock to everyone. She tells Captain Picard about the alternate timeline, explaining that in this reality the war with the Klingons has been going on for over 20 years.

The Enterprise's mission in this timeline is to help the USS Enterprise-C, a ship belonging to the previous generation, return to its rightful place in time. The Enterprise-C was supposed to defend a Klingon outpost from Romulan attack, but it was destroyed before the mission could be completed. This event sparked a war between the Federation and the Klingons, which has been raging ever since.

Captain Picard is hesitant to interfere with the timeline, but as he learns more about the situation, he realizes that sending the USS Enterprise-C back in time could have a significant impact on the future. The problem is that the Enterprise-C is vastly outnumbered by Klingon warships, and the likelihood of the vessel surviving the mission is slim to none.

As the Enterprise works to protect the USS Enterprise-C and ensure its safe return to the past, they encounter several obstacles. The crew must battle Klingon warships, negotiate with the Romulans, and find a way to convince the USS Enterprise-C crew that returning to the past is their only hope for restoring the timeline.

Throughout the episode, the crew is forced to confront tough ethical questions. Do they let events unfold as they did in the alternate timeline, even if it means countless lives lost in a never-ending war? Or do they take action to alter the timeline and risk damaging the future in unforeseen ways?

The episode is buoyed by fantastic performances from the cast, particularly Denise Crosby as Tasha Yar. Crosby expertly portrays the emotional turmoil of a character who thought she was long dead, and now finds herself in a strange new world. Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard also shines, showcasing the character's moral compass as he tries to navigate the difficult decisions he must make.

"Yesterday's Enterprise" is a standout episode in the Star Trek canon, remembered by fans for its thrilling action sequences, gripping storyline, and thought-provoking themes. The episode's exploration of the consequences of actions in the past resonates with viewers, as it forces us to consider the impact of our own choices on the world around us.

Overall, "Yesterday's Enterprise" is a must-watch episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Whether you're a die-hard Trekkie or just a casual fan, this episode provides a great mix of science fiction, action, and moral quandaries that are at the heart of what makes the Star Trek franchise so compelling.