I'm surprised no one else has mentioned yet the epic line from this episode: "Prune juice. A warrior's drink!"

"That will be the day!" _Yesterday's Enterprise_ is peak Star Trek. One of the very best episodes of the entire Franchise.

'I don't know how you top this." Just you wait, Katrina...

I remember hearing Jonathan Frakes talking about needing to go out somewhere after they wrapped shooting this episode and, when he got there (dinner party maybe?) they were worried about him and asked if he had been in a car accident. He had forgotten that he still was wearing his "death" makeup from the tactical station blowing up in his face!

"THAT'LL BE THE DAY!" I was a freshmen in college when this aired (Gen X-er). And almost the entire Dorm was gathered in the rec room watching the TV. When Picard said that line, then ENTIRE room spontaneously cheered "YEAH!"! (Some fists where even thrown up in excitement & some clapping ensued.) Definitely one of the BEST episodes ever. It was moving & AWESOME! THIS was Star Trek!

Katrina: I don't know how you top this episode. TNG: Hold my beer...

Let's make sure history never forgets the name Enterprise.

20 years of war with the Kilngons were averted because a Federation ship was willing to sacrifice itself to save a Klingon outpost. Not just sacrifice itself, but to go down fighting longer, harder, and more aggressively than it ever should have been able to. It was able to do this not just because it got a free time-out in the middle of the fight to rest and repair, but because it had one of the best tactical officers ever: Tasha Yar. But if Tasha hadn't been killed by that black sludge, she wouldn't have joined the NCC1701-C crew. So, in a way, her dying to that 'senseless death' actually averted 20 years of bloody carnage at the hands of the Klingons. Not so senseless after all, it would appear.

I love the production goof that Geordi is wearing the parallel universe uniform in the last scene with Guinan. It's like he was brought accidentally in to the prime universe and he hasn't figured it out.

I’ve waited nearly a year and a half, for Katrina to see this episode. This is my favorite episode of the entire show! Every time that I watch this, Christopher McDonald reminds me of season 1 Riker.

Oh, Katrina... you've got one emotional ride in store for you, but at least you've got some time to get prepared for what's coming up. Most memorable line: "This is not a ship of War; it's a ship of Peace."

I did love Guinan asking about Tasha. Even though she's gone, it shows there's some of Tasha's influence on this timeline.

May history never forget, the name... Gallifrey Gals

This is my favourite episode and it is one gut punch after another. The death of various crew members ( particularly Captain Garrett) is still shocking to me and the fact that the Enterprise C could not be saved is still difficult to accept. “ NOT GOOD ENOUGH DAMMIT! NOT GOOD ENOUGH!”. Not only is it good enough,it’s the best.

Trivia: The scene where Picard is talking to Garrett had a couple takes ruined because Crosby and McDonald said they were getting along so well, they started giggling then laughing audibly from the background when they were supposed to be going over repairs. (This isn’t that atypical since the cast have mentioned repeatedly how often they had bloopers and outtakes from constantly joking around so much, to the point they’re sure they aggravated more than one director and producers who were infuriated at how long shooting took.)

In the Doctor Who/Next Generation crossover they address Guinan's ability to perceive changes in the time line. 😉

Those who know the history and importance of the USS Enterprise (CV-6) in WWII will never forget the name.

I was terrified I was going to see a CBS block on this when I clicked! This episode is often considered the moment TNG actually escaped the shadow of TOS and proved it might even be better. I remember all the buzz in magazines after it aired and being that I'm in the UK, it was going to be a long time until I got to see it - until I found out you could get it on VHS and this was the first-ever episode of TNG that I purchased. I'd pegged about three episodes for possibly being Paula's favourite and this was obviously one of them. But I was actually betting on it being next week's. There's a pretty good run of episodes coming up now. all the way to the end of the season. Maybe only one or two weaker eps, but nothing bad. Regarding interesting details from the ep, I remember reading that they originally intended Worf to be the commander of the Klingon squadron that attacked them at the end, but decided it would be too much of a coincidence to be believable. I loved that the writers were that passionate about making the best show they could. The other thing I liked was when Picard has the conference telling the bridge crew that they're sending the Enterprise-C back. Rather than holding the meeting in the conference room, he holds it in the ready room. It provides a stark difference to the Picard we are used to, who wants everyone to be free to air their views before he makes a decision and the Picard here, who is saying "I'm in charge, you are here just to listen to my orders." Its a nice subtle touch that can easily be overlooked, but is an example of why this episode is so good. There was so much effort put into every single scene. It deserves its classic status.

I've always liked the design of the Enterprise 1701-C. It was built by Greg Jein who is a heavy weight in Star Trek model building. If it's going to be built in real life, he's the guy you go to. Though sadly, lots of models are CG nowadays and don't exist outside of a computer and on a screen. Rick Sternback designed the ship based on Andrew Proberts early designs for it.

... When we say this series is the best Star Trek had to offer: This is the type of episode we're talking about! Easily on anyone's top 10 best Star Trek Episodes (Top 5 of TNG). There are too many bits and pieces to point to to say "This is my favorite part", but one bit I find amazing is how when Tasha is trying to get Picard to let her go onto the other Enterprise, she tells Picard "I'm not suppose to be here, sir", Picard has that little pause of realization, without it being overtly explained, that the only way Tasha could say such a thing is if she had been told that by Guinan: THAT'S good writting! No hand holding the audience and no unecessary underlining: We know it because we saw it and Picard knows it because it is the only conclusion possible.

Back in 1966/67 when Nichelle Nichols started playing Uhura, she really didn't like the job very much and wanted to leave Star Trek. She ended up staying because Martin Luther King personally told her the role was too important, and that she wasn't allowed to quit.

Fun fact: When Guinan ask Geordi about Tasha in the end of the episode, LeVar Burton is accidentally wearing the ultimate timeline uniform instead of the regular TNG uniform. I LOVE little or, in this case, large costume mistakes in any TV show!

Fun easter egg, in one scene someone is ordered to report to cetacean ops, implying there are dolphin (or something like them) crew members

It's getting better and better ! I really can't wait for the next episode ("Lal") !

Katrina's reaction....damn. Poor thing just went to pieces. Reminds me of myself watching the ending of The Wrath of Khan. I feel you, sister. 😢👍

My fav bit was when Picard lowers his voice to explain how badly the war is going. How everyone doesn’t realise that the federation is on its knees. I remember renting this video from the local video rental shop and watching as many times as I could before having to return it.

Worf was originally going to be the commander of the Klingon ships in the final battle.

I saw this when it first aired and I was blown away. I'd seen a few other occasions where a similar concept had been done on other shows, but Yesterday's Enterprise was probably one of the best done I'd ever seen, both then and ever since. McDonald has said he still gets trekkies recognizing him and telling him how much they liked his performance, like decades later. For a one-off guest appearance.

Guinan goes 'Laplace's Demon! After all these years, the opening few minutes of this episode still gives me chills - especially as the scenarion shifts around Picard and we see Tasha there, in place of Lieutenant Worf and the momentous music as everything goes darker.

Also, this episode is precisely why you shouldn't skip season 1, like so many people say you should. Imagine never having known Tasha and then seeing this episode - it would gut so much from it. You may not even realise how much of the story you were missing. Oh, I also remember hearing Quentin Tarantino describe this as his favourite episode of Star Trek, too.

One of the things I think is great in this episode is how well they make the Enterprise look different without changing the sets much - it feels like such a relief at the end to get back to the bright cheerful lighting of the regular bridge.

I'll still always see him as Shooter McGavin.

Favorite under appreciated moments of this episode: Riker's clearly different relationship with Picard. This is a war. Riker has had to watch a lot of good people die, and Picard has had to order them to their deaths over and over again. They are not friends. Riker's behavior: He's not a playboy, Wesley: He's had to grow up fast in a universe at war. Picard's changes: Gone is the diplomat. He gives orders, he barks, he cut's off his officers when they test his patience. Picard's relationship with Guinan is severe, he speaks directly and doesn't mince words. Star Fleet: On constant edge, nothing wasted, they clearly are carrying thousands of soldiers and support crew. The little details really make this episode a gem.

Congratuatlions on watching one of the all-time fan favorites. The idea that one relatively small event in a battle could shift the entire history of the Alpha Quadrant was a great concept.

You two should check out the documentary Trekkies that Denise Crosby produced and hosted in 1997. It's not only an interesting look at the production, but at Star Trek fan culture of the mid-late 90's when it was at it's height but nerd fandom wasn't mainstream. It's quite a trip.

Not sure if mentioned yet but the Enterprise C was destroyed in 2344. During the same time period that Picard had been Captain of the Stargazer for eleven years with Jack Crusher serving under him at the time. The Ambassador Class Starship was designed to be kind of a waypoint between the old Constitution Class Starship and later Galaxy Class Starships

I love how Guinen is basically the anchor of the ship when things get wonky she knows something is wrong.

Trivia, the original script called for a death scene for all of the regulars. We were denied Wesley be decapitated.

My favorite ep of the entire series. You mentioned how believable the love story was and how we felt that connection right away. What also enhanced it for me was the music, which really brought out the emotion of the moment. So happy to see Tasha's return and the way it honored her character.

I love the casting of the previous Enterprise's captain. She effortlessly inspired respect

Ronald Moore has (supposedly) said that if Yesterdays Enterprise had not been made, the screenplay would (or could)have been used as the basic plot for Star Trek: Generations. This could be an urban myth of course.

I'm surprised that you didn't mention that Captain Rachael Garrett is the chronologically earliest known female Starfleet captain. She apparently took command of the Enterprise-C over 20 years before Katherine Janeway got her first commission as captain.

I really like how they brought back Denise Crosby here. Her death before was so 'meaningless'. 1:30 & 2:25 Katrina's reactions are beautiful :) 3:45 Katrina is eating space food.

Nicely done not spoiling this everyone. Yesterday's Enterprise is up there with one of my favourite episodes. But there are a couple more to come. :)

I was glad that Paula revealed that Katrina saw this episode before the Denise Crosby X-mas surprise...it took a lot of pressure off the commenters.

The open submission thing was so cool, I wish they'd do it with modern Trek and contemporary shows in general.

I weep like a child, every time. I love that you two love these characters as much as me.

The idea that it wasn't their success at protecting the Klingons that prevented the war like Picard assumed, but the fact that the Klingons saw them die trying 🥲

If Tasha did not die, we. Would not have gotten a goodbye in front of Windows XP.

When Whoopi Goldberg saw star trek uhura on the television, Whoopi ran into Whoopi's parents room and said that there was a black person on TV and that she was not a maid.

I am convinced from this episode and the TNG/Doctor Who crossover graphic novel that Guinan either is or is related to the Time Lords.

I've seen all of these episodes countless times over the past thirty years and have never even considered that anything TNG could bring someone to tears. Watching you guys break out every single episode is blowing my mind.

So, this is the point MANY started to pay attention to TNG. Which is hilarious because Wayne's World joked about how TNG was never going to be as recognized as TOS. Christopher McDonald who is known for being a dick character is SO AMAZING in this episode. I think it's been stated that if the season 1 writers had treated Tasha as great as she was treated here, Denise never would have left. I'm excited to see Katrina's reactions as we go to my favourites of season 3

I remember my dad telling me in retrospect that he actually appreciated the senselessness of Tasha's original death, because at the time, a lot of shows would would really hype up a season finale with this question of "One of these people will die! Which one will it be?" and that Star Trek chose to not do that, and that it just happened out of nowhere was something novel for him.

Welcome to the best run a Genre Show probably ever had. The next 20+ episodes are all amazing. This one however, is the probably the pinnacle of TNG. IT's time travel, it's alternate realities, it's action, adventure, moral dilemma's... it's seriously the sharpest writing and synergy of directing and acting the show ever had... the arguments, the music... the dramatic finale. This is prime TNG at it's best. I'm jealous of the newbies to this one.

Kat’s reaction is perfect. I weeped watching this again with you two. This is one of the best episodes of TNG

Half the team that wrote this episode went on to become senior writing staff of DS9, with one of the writers (Ira) taking over from Michael Piller to become showrunner of DS9. Of course they took the winning formula from this episode and made the second half of DS9 kinda like this episode. The second half of DS9 is some of the best scifi to have ever graced the small screen.

Oh, the rest of the season is lit. we've got at least 3-5 more times where Katrina is gonna get emotions

It's been mentioned before but you two would really love Farscape. The chemistry of both the actors and their characters is fantastic. You can't help but be invested in their journey.

Troy may be the ship's counsellor but Guinan IS the ship's counsellor!

This is in my top 5 story’s of the TNG era. I remember when this first aired in the UK I was in shock at seeing another Enterprise, as I’ve got older I started to appreciate it on so many levels. The score for this episode is so good, I have it on cd, I used to play it as I would recreate scenes with my home built Lego starships.

So, you could say the Gals not only get warped on this one, but wibbly wobbly as well. You know, because time travel. I'm sorry, but I thought it had to be said. I think the exchange between Guinan and Tasha is the best moment in the episode, possibly one of the best in the series. I didn't recognize Christopher McDonald until the Gals said his name. It was kind of nice to see him playing a sympathetic character, as I mostly remember him playing jerks, like in 'Happy Gilmore'. I predict later this week, it will be Paula's turn.

I appreciate Katrina forever for watching these episodes with her heart wide open.

If nothing else, surely the best teaser act ever. Worf-Guinan prune juice. Strange menace. Enterprise-C. Change of the timeline. Tasha Yar. All before the opening titles, leaving the audience with their collective jaw dropped.

I noticed just now that the episode starts and ends on the same shot of that seat in 10 Forward (showing Worf sitting across from Guinan in the beginning and then Geordi sitting across from Guinan at the end). I love little subtle details like that.

The original Star Trek was very progressive. You are are talking about Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols.

Paula: "Hey Katrina, wanna watch a fun show with me? It's got space ships. It's fun." Katrina: "Yay, I'll watch a fun show with you. What's it like?" Paula: "Being stabbed in the heart forever. It will wreck you. You will be more weeping than woman." I try to leave comments here so the KZfaq algorithm knows this is a channel I like to interact with or whatever. Sometime I have some historical anecdotes. I don't have a lot to say about Yesterday's Enterprise. It's just great television that stands on its own without needing to know about the Byzantine empire or the treatment of Vietnam vets to appreciate. I will say that I've always thought that as a piece of sculpture, I think the Ambassador class Enterprise C is the prettiest starship in all of Star Trek. You could put it in a museum as an abstract study of balanced shapes and curves and form, and people would have appreciated it before anybody had ever thought up the idea of a space ship. Also, Prune juice. Prune juice! The opening where Guinan has a unique insight into Worf's beverage taste sets up Guinan's deeper insights into people in such a subtle way. It's one of the most non-obvious Checkov's guns. You like prune juice. And you must sacrifice yourself to redeem your own death! As a little kid I really didn't fully understand the timeline stuff the first time I watched it. But as an adult, it's an episode you can just watch over and over again and appreciate it every time because of all the subtleties.

Kat, you don't have to worry about mimicking Paula. This is the favourite ep of a great many fans. It's not mine, but it's WELL up there. Perhaps The Inner Light or The Measure of a Man. It's a difficult task to pick out favourites of such an overall great series.🤷

This was my favorite TNG episode. It is possible that I was having similar reactions before you were born. This is the first video from your channel that the algorithm has seen fit to suggest to me. Instant subscribe.

It feels like a pre ds9 dark episode

A few main character deaths were averted in the making of this episode. And you're so right about Guinan. I'm so happy to see it again (especially my costume design for Worf...) and so happy to see you both enjoy it so much.

How does Paula have such a poker face whenever she talks about not talking about spoilers with Kat 😂

probably the best episode of the entire series, if not one of the best. Personally it's my favorite one.

One of the best episodes of Trek ever, one of the best episodes of any sci-fi TV show ever. Holds up time after time watching it. And the tears flow every time!

This is one of the all-time best ever episodes of the entire franchise. It's very much like a movie, especially the space battles. I definitely think it's a better end for Tasha. I'm also a sucker for these alternate timeline episodes. I love the set changes, especially the Bridge. I've always thought it was weird how the Ready Room and Conference Lounge are sort of switched around. Picard has one-to-one talks with Guinan in the spacious Conference Lounge but then squeezes the entire senior staff into the Ready Room for a briefing later. I also liked the character changes, like how Picard and Riker don't get on well or how Picard's a lot more quick-to-anger. It still shocks me when he slams the Conference table and then yells, "NOT GOOD ENOUGH, DAMMIT! NOT GOOD ENOUGH!" Well done for mentioning the original, graphic endings for Wesley and Data. But another one was that the Klingon Commander voice was meant to be Worf, to show that obviously he never joined Starfleet and was just raised among his people. As far as I know, there was never any plan to involve Deanna Troi, even though you'd think a warship would need a Counsellor as the whole crew are so war-weary and stressed-out.

Between this episode and "Q Who," I think you could make a genuine case that Guinan is a Time Lord.

Denise Crosby was asking for either more screen time or to be allowed time to shoot other shows/movies if TNG wouldn't give her character development. They instead killed off Tasha. She regretted it, they regretted it, and this episode allowed them to bring her back and also planted a seed for Sela and for Denise Crosby to play a very large role in the Star Trek MMO.

Whoopi Goldberg had apparently originally told LeVar Burton she wanted to be on the show, even in the tiniest capacity. He relayed that information, and the producers thought it was a joke because, they thought an Oscar-nominated actress wouldn't be interested in doing a scifi series they assumed would be *beneath* her. At the time, the show was still its first year-even most of the main cast expected the show would likely fail but that they'd at least get maybe a year or two's worth of work out of it-so many of them didn't expect the show to go much of anywhere. Goldberg had to call up one of the higher-ups (don't remember if it was Gene) and insist she actually wanted to do it, even if all they did was make her a bartender. So they created the role of Guinan, named after "Texas" Guinan, a famous Prohibition-era bar owner.

Nichelle Nichols, who played Uhura in the original show, once said in an interview that she wanted to quit Star Trek after the first season because her character was not being used for anything. At one point, she was doing some kind of charity event or something that also involved doctor martin Luther King. They got to talking because he was a fan of the show. When she told him of her plans to leave, it was doctor King who convinced her of the importance of seeing a black woman in a command position for future generations of black people. She stayed and played Uhura all the way up to the movie Star Trek VI. Katrina's comment reminded me of that story.

Actor Christopher Mcdonald auditioned for the role of Riker

Here you gals are! You disappeared from the wherever you were before (don't remember, left after you stopped posting Trek reactions). What a great episode to catch up with ya'll. Cool! Gonna binge on the episode reactions we've missed. Keep 'm' up! Love your reactions!

The character Whoopi saw was Lt. Uhura. The comment she gave was "Mamma, there's a black woman on TV and she ain't a maid!"

Thanks for getting to share this episode with you. I was bawling the whole episode. I had forgotten how great this episode was.

I searched KZfaq for reactions to this episode, and yours came up on top. Absolutely glad I found it, because everything about this was great. Both a fun reaction to watch, and great analysis.

This episode also mentions Cetacean Ops, which implies that the Enterprise has Dolphin and Whale crew members, something that would be confirmed 25 years later.

Iconic episode - not just for Star Trek, but for science fiction entertainment overall. It was the only television episode shown in my Science Fiction Film analisys class in film school.

People who hate on Trek have never taken the time to watch it. I have friends who said it was a nerds show, then I got them to watch this episode and they were forced to admit how great it truly was and became hooked 4 life

Season 3 is such a good watch, so many great episodes in a row, the next two in particular are spectacular. Can't wait for Broccoli to make an appearance, he's probably my favourite character in all Trek.

This is one of my favorite episodes. The First Duty. Is another that comes to mind.

Hooray for the Emotional Support Narwhal getting Katrina through this harrowing experience.

This episode has it all. Its really the whole Trek package.

I heard that Denise Crosby very much regretted having left the series and jumped at the chance to return when she was invited.

Next week's is not exactly chopped liver...with one of my own personal guest characters (and guest performances...) I feel like we should all crowdfund boxes of tissues for Katrina! I didn't expect her to be quite so emotional, even though it's an amazing episode.

This is top three in my episode list. It switches back and forth for the top spot with the episode with the line "There are 4 LIGHTS!!!" Not going to name the episode to keep the spoils to a min. I did not know this episode was written in 3 days or some of the other trivia bombs Paula dropped. Thanks for wrinkling my brain! Keep up the great work.

I am so happy I found your channel! Thank you for another awesome reaction.This is also one of my all-time favorite episodes.

I've loved this episode since it first aired. I can say that Katrina is going to need to stock up on tissues for a bunch of episodes from here on out. I can think of a bunch of episodes she's going to be losing it to.

This isn't my favorite, but it's definitely way up there. I actually can't even say that it's my favorite episode of this season. There is incredibly strong competition in season 3. My favorite episode is in season 5, and those who've seen this show before probably know exactly which episode I'm referring to.

A wonderful episode i enjoyed your reaction very much, i hope no one leaves spoilers as it's a joy to hear your fresh thoughts look forwad to future reviews.

When Picard says to the other captain, “1-7-0-1… D” it sounds like a punch in the belly, as if Rachel learns their own ship had been destroyed.

Katrina's tears bring me such joy! I couldn't wait to see how she'd breakdown after the fun of Deja Q. It's definitely one of the best episodes of the series, not my #1, but I've rewatched it so many times! One thing that worries me down the line is that she's not very familiar with TOS, so one of my other all-time favorites from this season might not hit the same way.