Ep 20. Cost of Living

In this episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, season 5 episode 20, titled "Cost of Living," the Enterprise receives a visit from Counselor Troi's quirky Betazoid mother, Lwaxana. However, Lwaxana is not there just for a friendly visit, she has come to announce that she is getting married, and wants her daughter Troi to be her maid of honor.

Things become complicated when Lwaxana's fiancé, a Tavnian named Jeyal, arrives on the Enterprise as well. He is a traditionalist who wants Lwaxana to embrace his culture's strict gender roles and become a subservient wife. This puts Lwaxana in a difficult position, as she is a strong, independent woman who is not used to being told what to do.

Meanwhile, Commander Riker has been assigned to mentor a young alien woman named Kamala, who has been genetically engineered to be the perfect mate for a high-ranking official in her homeworld's government. As part of her training, Riker takes Kamala on a tour of the Enterprise, and the two begin to develop feelings for each other.

As the wedding approaches, Troi and Lwaxana find themselves at odds with each other over the issue of Lwaxana's impending marriage and traditional Tavnian customs. Troi is concerned that her mother will lose her independence and will be unhappy in a subservient role, while Lwaxana insists that she loves Jeyal and wants to make the marriage work.

At the same time, Riker and Kamala's relationship begins to intensify, causing Riker to question his own feelings and the ethics of their situation. As Kamala's time on the Enterprise comes to an end, Riker must decide whether to follow his heart or maintain his duty as a Starfleet officer.

Overall, "Cost of Living" explores themes of tradition versus individuality, gender roles, and the nature of love and relationships. The episode features strong performances from both Marina Sirtis as Troi and Majel Barrett as Lwaxana, as well as some touching moments between Riker and Kamala. Fans of character-driven episodes and thoughtful exploration of social issues are sure to enjoy this installment of Star Trek: The Next Generation.