Television Review: The Bonding (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S3X05, 1989)

The Bonding (S03E05)

Airdate: October 23rd 1989

Written by: Ronald D. Moore
Directed by: Winrich Kolbe

Running Time: 45 minutes

The episode The Bonding (Season 3, Episode 5) of Star Trek: The Next Generation stands as a poignant and emotionally resonant cornerstone of the series, cementing its place in the annals of Star Trek history. Written by Ronald D. Moore, arguably the most influential author in the franchise since Gene Roddenberry, this episode exemplifies Moore’s mastery of storytelling, blending existential themes, moral dilemmas, and the human capacity for resilience. As the architect of The Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, and Voyager, Moore’s legacy is defined by his ability to infuse Star Trek’s core principles—hope, unity, and the pursuit of understanding—with a depth that few could match. The Bonding, which began Moore’s journey as a writer in 1989, is a testament to his enduring impact, even as it serves as a bridge between the franchise’s Golden Age and its subsequent evolution. This episode, however, is not merely a showcase of Moore’s skill; it is a meditation on grief, identity, and the fragile threads that bind us to one another, even in the face of cosmic indifference.

The plot of The Bonding starts on a desolate planet once inhabited by the Koinonians, an ancient alien species that perished in a devastating civil war. The USS Enterprise-D arrives to investigate the site, and Captain Picard dispatches a team led by Worf to assess the terrain. The mission takes a tragic turn when Lieutenant Marla Aster (Susan Powell), Starfleet archaelogist, stumbles upon ancient landmines. The explosion leaves her dead, a fate that haunts the crew of the Enterprise for the remainder of the episode. The episode’s emotional core lies in the aftermath: Picard and Troi must deliver the news to Marla’s 12-year-old son, Jeremy (Gabriel Damon), whose father had already died and, as such, becomes an orphan. The episode’s power lies in its unflinching portrayal of grief, a theme that resonates deeply with the crew’s own struggles. Many characters, and especially Wesley Crusher and Worf, who have lost their own parents, are forced to confront the reality of loss, their humanity laid bare in moments of vulnerability.

The episode’s climax introduces a twist that elevates the narrative from tragedy to a surreal exploration of identity and redemption. Jeremy, now alone in a world that has lost its mother, begins to experience visions of Marla—apparently alive and well. The Enterprise crew, initially alarmed, traces these apparitions to unusual energy readings on the planet’s surface. It is revealed that Marla is not human but an offshoot of the Koinonians, an energy-based entity capable of adopting human forms and manipulating matter. This entity, driven by guilt over inability to prevent Koinonians’ self-destruction, believes that bringing Jeremy to the planet will grant him a “happy life” with copies of his parents. The entity’s motives might be noble, yet its methods are deeply unsettling, blurring the line between compassion and manipulation.

Picard, however, resists this “redemption,” recognising the danger of a being that seeks to impose its will on a child. With the help of Wesley, who draws on his own experience of loss, Picard convinces the entity to leave. The episode’s resolution is both bittersweet and hopeful: Worf, moved by Jeremy’s plight and his own personal history of loss, performs a Klingon bonding ritual to help the boy find closure. This act symbolizes the series’ recurring theme of finding strength in unity, even in the face of despair.

The Bonding is often cited as one of the great episodes of The Next Generation, a status that underscores its significance in the series’ trajectory. Moore, a lifelong fan of Star Trek: The Original Series, infused the episode with the spirit of Roddenberry’s vision, emphasising the importance of family and the moral weight of individual choices. The episode’s inspiration can be traced to the fate of the “Redshirts” in The Original Series, a recurring motif of sacrifice and the human cost of exploration. By giving Marla a family, Moore elevates the episode beyond the typical “Redshirt” trope, creating a narrative that explores the emotional dimensions of Star Trek’s universe.

The script, however, underwent significant revisions. Originally, the episode featured Jeremy attempting to resurrect his mother via a holodeck simulation, a concept that was ultimately altered by Melinda Snodgrass and showrunner Michael Piller, under Gene Roddenberry’s guidance. The change was intended to make the episode more in line with Roddenberry's views that 24th-century children would deal with grief more easily. The final version retains the episode’s ability to evoke profound grief and resilience, with all major characters—Picard, Worf, Wesley, and even the crew’s own losses—engaging with the themes of mortality and memory. The emotionally charged scenes, particularly the heartfelt conversation between Wil Weaton (Wesley) and Gates McFadden (Dr. Crusher), are a masterclass in character-driven storytelling.

While the episode’s inclusion of the alien entity might initially seem like a gimmick, it serves as a poignant exploration of the Koinonians’ legacy. The entity’s presence is not a departure from Star Trek’s traditions but a reinforcement of them: a being that seeks to atone for past failures, even if its methods are flawed. Susan Powell’s portrayal of Marla’s apparition is a standout performance, capturing the entity’s duality—both pitiable and dangerous.

The child actor Gabriel Damon, who would soon later appear as a 12-year-old drug lord in RoboCop 2, delivers a compelling performance as Jeremy. While not on the same level as the series’ regular cast, Damon’s portrayal of a boy grappling with loss and the lingering presence of a mother’s ghost is deeply moving. The episode’s attention to the child’s perspective is a hallmark of The Next Generation’s commitment to emotional authenticity.

Despite minor imperfections, The Bonding is a landmark episode that exemplifies the best of The Next Generation. It is a reminder of the series’ enduring belief in the power of human connection, even in the face of cosmic indifference. Moore’s ability to weave together the themes of grief, redemption, and the search for meaning is a testament to his genius. The episode’s legacy lies in its ability to resonate with viewers, offering a glimpse into the heart of Star Trek’s mission: to explore the possibilities of the universe while remaining grounded in the human experience.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

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