TNG - The Royal

The Royal is a variation of the “malfunctioning holodeck” plot line that is very common to Star Trek. Not that this is a bad thing. This type of story line, in which Star Trek characters from one series or another are trapped in some kind of “fantasy world” such as the Royal and have to find their way out, usually makes for a very good episode. The Royal is no exception. The bad novel that the Commander Riker, Worf, and Data find themselves trapped in, gives this episode an almost comical quality. The melodramatic actions and dialogue of the novel’s characters are so bad it’s funny. This episode has very few negative aspects. Worf’s characteristically frank, surly attitude and Data playing cards are two entertaining aspects of this episode. The away team’s solution to being trapped in the casino; playing out the novel to its conclusion, is enjoyable to watch. The Royal is one of the better episodes of the second season of the next Generation because, of the entertaining nature of the actions of most all of the characters in this episode.