"Family" is not missable, so PLEASE let's watch it together. I promise you'll really love it.

"Family" is the followup to this story, and is one of the most powerful pieces of television I've ever seen. Must watch.

The “Best of Both Worlds” and “Family” should be considered a 3 part miniseries. It is damn fine character development and excellent storytelling.

When my 7 year old eyes saw that “To Be Continued” in 1990 I had a one-sided fight with my couch for like an hour or so…

Cassie, this is *_TOTALLY_* unfair. I had to wait *_FOUR_* months between Part I and Part II. *_LOL_*

Patrick Stewart talked about what it was like filming these episodes; after part 1 aired, it was months until part 2; he was out for a drive with friends/family, and at a red light, someone next to him leaned out the window and screamed "YOU RUINED OUR SUMMER!" at him.

“Family” is a huge episode. For Picard, it’s an emotional come-down from his Borg encounter and shows him at his most vulnerable. Must watch.

“Family” genuinely choked me up, it’s Picard at his most vulnerable while recovering from the trauma of being under Borg control

The ending of part one when Riker says "fire" and then they fade to black with the "to be continued" screen still gives me goosebumps. I was four years old when this episode premiered and I watched it with my dad. He was a huge Trek fan, he passed away back in '05 but I still watch the shows and he's still here with me when I'm watching them.

“Mr. Worf - fire!” We had to wait MONTHS to see what happened next.

The fact that Cassie now constantly speaks of the Enterprise crew in the first person plural ("We" "Us" "Our") and when her heart broke at seeing Locutus for the first time ("O Captain, my Captain...?") - all of this actually brought me to tears. She really loves Star Trek now. It's not every day you see it happen right in front of you.

The most endearing part of the TNG crew is how much they’re friends, outside of the show, still, to this day.

Wolf 359, the beginning of Benjamin Sisko, that's a story for another day 😉

Cassie... You MUST watch the next episode FAMILY. The truth is that it's the final part of this story.

"I remember everything." Tragically, that line delivery confirmed that Picard watched it all happen. He was sidelined by Locutus and as a result, Starfleet was almost massacred. The end of thousands of lives that tried to fight back against Locutus and the Borg. To make matters worse, he was the cause of so much death and destruction. When Picard stood to look out the window, it was the fact that all of the guilt suddenly was creeping up and striking his heart. The silence at the end without any music as the end credits popped up was meant to convey that even though it was a victory, there was so much loss. Patrick Stewart nailed the acting.

"He IS a Borg." Worf, Son of Mogh revealed how much he loves his Captain with the inflection in that line.

This is when shit got really serious and made it clear that this is not just campy entertainment anymore. A milestone of series TV.

"Death is irrelevant" - possibly the most chilling villain quote ever.

Picard: "fire at will" Worf: **shoots Riker**

The next episode “Family” is a must watch. So important for the character of Picard but has a very touching B-plot as well.

Such an iconic line, "We have engaged the Borg." "What if we, like, fire a little, like, give them ouchy." An iconic line from Cassie too! lol

One of the best Star Trek anything, ever. I remember when this first aired, everyone was talking about it. The first 2 seasons of TNG was shaky, and even Trekkies were concerned. Season 3 made believers out of the fans. BOBW made believers out of everyone else. I doubt Trek would be what it is today without this episode!

Riker's arc with Shelby in this two-parter is basically the writer (TNG producer Michael Piller) working out his own personal struggles about being caught in a job he loves while turning down opportunities for advancement on other TV shows. In doing so, he created one of the best stories in Trek history.

All these years later, and I can barely believe this quality of show was just put on network TV. What a time to be alive.

Your "worry" about Picard is exactly WHY episode "Family" should be next. Hell Yeah

Family has many ramifications for years. It is a great episode

"RESISTANCE IS FUTILE" One of the most iconic villain tropes in all of science fiction. Glad you're enjoying this, Cassie.

Imagine watching this back in the day. The season ends. Months before the next season comes on. These questions lingered for months until a resolution. Those were good times.

Whatever you do, just don't miss "The Inner Light" in season 5. I think it's one of those potentially life-changing ones.

"This is the third time we've pulled out the captain's chair for Riker. He just won't sit down." Is it too tall? Maybe he can't get his leg over it.

Yes an incredible season 4 episode is The Drumhead. It is applicable not only for Star Trek but as a philosophical exploration of humanity. The guest star actually approached the producers and asked to appear in the series, because of being such a fan of the show.

Yeah. "Family" is absolutely essential to understand Picard's character.

Yeah the next episode is absolutely worth watching. Such a key piece of Picard's character development.

Wolf 349: look there’s the Melbourne. Riker: wow…that was a close call. Glad I stayed.

"Family" is a must-watch if you want to understand Picard as a character. Patrick Stewart is at his finest, and story points from the episode will come back later.

Its amazing how even just watching a few episodes you can get so pulled in. Totally worth sitting down and watching the whole series on your own time.

It dawns on me that when you ultimately get to Star Trek: First Contact, you're going to have an AMAZING time watching that movie!

These two episodes kept Star Trek going for the next 20 years. They have long lasting ramifications on the rest of TNG, DS9, Voyager and even Picard season 3.

This is one of the best two-parters in the history of TV. You have to keep in mind that at the time this aired in 1990, serialized television was extremely rare. This episode aired the same year that Twin Peaks started, which was a show that helped change the landscape of the silver screen to tell longer, serialized stories. So to end the third season with this massive cliffhanger was a move that made a serious impression on audiences at the time. Picard's assimilation was shocking, and the battle at Wolf 359 also had lasting consequences for not only TNG, but DS9, and it is referenced in other Star Trek shows like Voyager.

It's with good reason this is routinely ranked as the best cliffhanger, and one of the best if not the best trek episode ever. The story, the interpersonal relationships, the suspense, along with great sets, effects, and an absolutely brilliant score.

“Fire a little, give them ouchie…” God I love Star Trek, I love you and I love this channel! PLEASE NEVER CHANGE!!! ❤🖖🖖❤

For the longest time fans of every genre had to suffer three simple words "To Be Continued." Trek fans had three particular words to suffer... "Mr Worf, Fire."

The ”Message Starfleet, we have engaged the Borg” still gives me goosebumps. The whole scene is perfect, music and everything.

What’s so great about this two-parter is it’s all about Riker: “The Best of Both Worlds” refers to his struggle to decide what he wants for the future. He wants to stay on the Enterprise. He also wants a command of his own. At the end of the end of part 1, with Picard assimilated, he has achieved both, but not in the way he ever imagined.

"Mr Worf, fire!" set the benchmark for end of season cliffhangers.

I hope Family makes the cut for season 4, it’s a great epilogue this story.

picard and the federation itself never recovered from the massacre at wolf 359.

His "experience" with the Borg really leaves deep scars and you should definitely watch family.

The ominous look at the end shot of Picard is that, "I remember everything" quote. I think he is having a first quiet moment to download his experience as Locutus into his own self Picard I was behind the times when these came out and had to rent them on VHS at Video Vern's. Thanks Cassie. We are your PIB family and you are our dear

Patrick Stewart's contract was expiring, so this episode was actually written with 2 endings. One where he was disconnected and survived and one where he died. Had he died, the show would have continued with Riker in command.

I still remember watching this with my dad when i was a little kid. I cheered when the cube blew up.

this nostalgia is so good. back in time, this was a major event in sci fi golden moments ever! The Borgs!

“Unborging” is my new favorite word 😂

@Cassie, Johnathan Frakes (a.k.a. Will Riker) was most famous for being on a mini-series in the 80's about the American Civil War called "North & South" where he also met actress Genie Francis who he later married and they're still together today! Frakes does a lot of directing of all the current Star Trek tv series (cartoon series "Lower Decks" included). Incidentally LeVar Burton, (a.k.a. Geordi LaForge) likewise was previously famous for being on another hugely popular mini-series called "Roots" .

I still remember watching Part 1 when it aired. The image of Picard assimilated was horror. And those last words spoken by Riker were chilling. "Mister Worf. Fire." I fell in love with Star Trek that day. Have been a fan of the franchise ever since.

21:56 Cassie, as you may recall, the USS Melbourne was the ship that Riker was offered to be the captain of, therefore turning down the command of the Melbourne had essentially saved his life

The moment Riker said "fire" was the EXACT moment that the next generation became the definition of "STAR TREK" to us.

don't forget to watch family. it's the third part of this two parter

The closing shot in part two suggests Picard is still silently suffering. The next episode, Family, is another must-watch. You get to see more about Worf’s background as well as Picard’s family. You also see that Picard has a long way to go in recovering from what’s happened to him.

"Family" should be considered part three of the story. Don't miss it. When BOBW first came out, I was part of a group of friends who were all massive Star Trek fans. One of our group had a satellite dish. He figured out that we could see the downloads that were intended for the TV stations that were going to Broadcast the show. This meant we could watch them, depending on what year it was, hours, if not days in advance of everybody else. Even better, no commercials! So we had these weekly watch parties. Another friend was visiting the day part one came down, and he watched it with us. Due to circumstances in his life, he wasn't able to watch TNG regularly. It was literally years before he got to see part two. "Mr. Worf, fire!" Was all we heard from him for those years. Followed quickly by don't tell me I wanna see it. LOL

In many ways family is better than best of both worlds. It provides excellent conintuity and closure, and highlights the trauma. It is one of Stewart’s best performances. The rest of the cast and guests are phenomenal as well.

This was not only the best of the Star Trek episodes; this was one of if not the best season ending cliffhangers of all time; this is right up there with the infamous “Who Shot J.R.?” cliffhanger of Dallas (1978-1991). BTW, Thank you Cassie for the birthday shoutout you gave me during the Live Feed. I really appreciated that. 😊

I really love how much shes getting into this show 😊 Star Trek TNG has some of the best speeches in TV history. Star trek in the 80s could have been a very corny and cheesy show but it stands up almost 40 years later

“Family” is literally the 3rd part of this episode. It is also in the top 5 best episodes of the entire series for many and holds useful (but not crucial) information for the first Star Trek Next Generation film. Be careful of the comments that talk about it, there are many that spoil the episode and that is relatively unfortunate for you if you read them but you can trust those who advise you.

The next episode is one realy good depiction of PTSD.

“He piled upon the whale's white hump the sum of all the general rage and hate felt by his whole race from Adam down; and then, as if his chest had been a mortar, he burst his hot heart's shell upon it.”

I just love the fact that when they finished making Part 1 the writers still had no idea what was going to happen in Part 2

Next episode is a must watch. Epilogue that is a big part of this story and ties into the 1st film.

Details I love about these episodes: When you need to do a tough away mission requiring relentless physical strentth and courage, you send Data and Worf. "They have broken through the Mars defense perimeter." Chills. And a neat bit of world building that the orbit of Mars is the last line of defense before Earth. Riker telling Shelby he'll snap her back like a first year cadet -- but completely able to acknowledge and use her very real competence and creativity. Admiral Hansen being a bit pissed at even the suggestion that Picard is willingly helping the Borg. Troi facing up to Riker and telling him it would be "inappropriate" for him to go on the away mission. That might be the moment the Troi character begins to develop into something interesting. Picard's historical references in his conversation with Guinan. There are too many great moments and details!

26:17 dude oversold that hit 😂😂

I was 16 years old when this aired and visiting my dad in Alaska. I had to wait all Summer for the conclusion. Imagine being a Star Trek sci fi nerd, in love with this show and having to wait that long. This was one of the very first huge cliffhangers on television at the time and it shook me.

“Resistance is futile.” I think you’ll remember that after this 😊

I love your comments for the end of part one. Especially your rescue plan to "fire a little, like get them ouchy".You are too cute sometimes.

The end of part one was possibly the greatest season ending cliff hanger EVER in TV history. I remember as a kid screaming NO!!!! WHAT HAPPENS!?!?!!??!?!?!?!? And then wait and LONG time for part two.

As a lifelong Star Trek fan, I'm so happy to see you getting so invested into this. 😍👍🍀

This is single handedly the greatest cliffhanger, your lucky and can see part 2 immediately, the rest had to wait months.

One of the the best season finale/season premiere in TV episodic history. Such well written and wonderfully directed and the acting was aaaahhhmazing!!! I could rewatch it again so many times!

This two-parter was part of the reason this show finally went from being one where people weren't sure if they were going to like it as much as the original to really buying into it. Somebody already told the story of how Patrick Stewart got yelled at in his car over the hiatus, but that was how he knew that they had finally really tapped into people's emotions, and that people were taking this show seriously as a proper successor to the original series.

S5: Darmok, *, Cause and Effect, I Borg, The Inner Light. *Bonus video: Unification 1+2 (Not completely necessary to me, but I think Cassie will like it IF she watched Redemption) S6: Relics, *, Ship in a Bottle, Tapestry & Frame of Mind. *Bonus video: Chain of Command 1+2 (Otherwise, skip the first 2 for this 2-parter)

'Mr Worf.....fire 😲' 'Family' is a must see.

Jonathan Frakes (Riker) was a mini-serries called "North and South" in 1985 which chronicles the story of two families on different sides of the Civil War. Also starring Kirstie Alley (Lt. Saavik from Star Trek II), David Odgen Striers (Charles Emerson Winchester III from M*A*S*H), Patrick Swayze (Dirty Dancing, Road House) and many more.

This battle is where the Deep Space 9 series begins with Ben Sisko - widower, combat veteran, father, emissary of the prophets. That show has arguably a very different tone. It’s the dark horse series of the franchise and my favorite.

17:00 "What if we like, fire a little... Get them ouchy... ". 😄😄😄 Tactical officer in the making... 👍👍👍

"Beverly. Crusher. Doctor. Body that won't quit." I was afraid Picard was just going to start rambling all his private thoughts there for a second.

"Family" is definitely worthwhile watching. It's essentially a character-driven episode, but gives us a glimpse at Picard and his past while also showing him facing and recovering from the trauma of his ordeal with the Borg here. It acts in many ways as an unofficial 'Part 3' to this two-parter.

I used to have a t-shirt that said, "I survived Wolf 359."

Before the use of subtitles, I always thought he said "The Cutest of Borg" ROFL!

The bravery that Commander Riker displayed and then the way he conducts himself is just awesome.

Absolutely love these episodes. It’s episodes like these that shine a light on just how subpar current day star trek is by comparison. It makes me miss the good ol’ days.

“To Be Continued” was absolutely brutal, at the time. We had to wait like 4 agonizing months to see the result.

Some of the best Star Trek ever. Imagine how loud I screamed when that cliffhanger happened.

Even years later, this is an excellent cliffhanger... but in context of the time it originally aired, it's soooo much better. 1) Riker's dilemma in the first part is mirrored by the lead writer Michael Piller. Was he getting too comfortable with Star Trek, should he move on a show created by him, was he afraid of the "big chair," as Riker put in, show creator and showrunner, responsible for the whole thing, nobody to fall back on? 2) The series was syndicated, meaning it had no specific television network producing the show, the studio that made the show was responsible for making it available to air. At the time, new syndicated programs were rare, and few had lasted as long as TNG. Nobody knew if there was going to be a 4th season at the time, and even if there WERE, nobody knew if Patrick Stewart would be interested in continuing as Captain Picard. So when Picard is assimilated by the Borg, that might have been the end of the character. And when Riker gave the order to use the boosted weapon against the Borg, that might have been the end of the series. The audience was left not knowing how, or even IF, things were going to continue for MONTHS. Even when the 4th season was confirmed, it was still several months before the show returned. There are so many great moments in this, it could almost be reeditted for a a feature. And if anyone ever doubted Whoopi Goldberg's acting chops, these two episodes should disavow them completely. Her manner with Captain Picard and Captain Riker is subtly different, while still giving needed advice and remaining cautiously optimistic while still giving Riker the kick he needs to realign his perspective. She never tells either man what they NEED to do, but gives them the encouragement to find their own path themselves. Jonathan Frakes had made a few tv appearances before TNG, but his biggest role before Riker was in the TV miniseries North & South, and after as the second host of Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction, an anthology show in which almost unbelievable short stories are presented and the viewer challenged to guess which ones, if any, are true or not. However, since then, aside from a few appearances, his career has mostly been behind the camera. He's directed at least a few episodes of every Star Trek series since TNG, as well the films Star Trek: First Contact and Star Trek: Insurrection. On TV, he's directed episodes of The Orville, Roswell, The Librarians, Leverage, Castle, Dollhouse, Burn Notice, Agents of Shield, and more.

The way Cassie reached/pleaded towards the screen when she saw Picard at the opening of part 2, was SOOOO endearing!!!! This is PRECISELY why this is my FAVORITE reaction channel!!!❤💯🥰

Remember, _Enterprise D_ is over 800 metres long. The Borg cube is 4 kilometres long on a side.

Fun fact the actors who play riker, worf, and trio all worked on a Disney cartoon series called gargoyles, and ruler actually wore the superman costume on a cameo he made on the show Lois and Clark the new adventures of superman.

To answer the pre-show, question, Frakes (Riker) mostly went behind the camera after STNG. Some voice acting, but mostly directing. He was in a Hallmark Christmas movie last year, A Biltmore Christmas.

Jonathan Frakes was a steady working actor from the late 70s into the 80s before Next Generation. In the 90s he was host of Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction. But during Trek, he got into directing and has directed numerous episodes of various Trek shows including movies. Also directed numerous other shows over the decades. Also producing the late 90s show Roswell and the 2010s show the Librarians. Continues to perform in guest spots like a recent Hallmark Christmas movie and voice over work. As well as directing and acting in recent Star trek Picard series

Quite a few of the Next Generation cast also did voices for the animated cartoon series Gargoyles. Gargoyles is a great show and still holds up when you're an adult.

Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) did voices for the TV animated show ‘Gargoyles’. Lots of TNG cast also appear as guest voices too including Data, Geordi La Forge, Diana Troy, Worf as well as from Captain Benjamin Sisko (DS9) and Captain Catherine Janeway (Voyager) ❤

Yeahhhh here we go, here's where the ship hits the cube shaped fan, ladies and gentlemen!!!!