Synopsis:  Picard sees the wizard for a new heart, and Riker helps a race that wants to make their ship go.

Memory Alpha Summary:  Rumors of a sensical plot within have been greatly exaggerated

Review:  This episode is an example of the tenuous potential that bridges seasons one and three.  The awkwardness (Wesley notwithstanding) is no longer there, but the strength of storytelling is still lacking.  For starters, how the hell does a race as stupid as the Pakled get into space in the first place?  They’re cunning only in the basest sense, but when the tables are turned on them they are too stupid to realize it.  The rescue plan is bloody hilarious, but it still doesn’t negate the ridiculousness of the trap.  On top of that, Troi, the only person on board who senses that the Pakled are up to no good, is conveniently not around until after Riker sends Geordi into the trap.

On the other hand, I love the Picard subplot.  And I love Pulaski.  When Crusher orders Picard to do something, he rebuffs her until she gives up, her loins aching.  Pulaski doesn’t take his shit for a second.  She’s the perfect complement to him.  And even though Wesley (who is traveling with Picard to take his exams) is again given the “Kick Me” sign again with asshole lines like “You’re not too comfortable with me, I understand sir,”  Picard handles it with grace and leadership.  We learn a significant part of his past, his run-in with the Nausicans, a part of him that will be revisited later on.  Unfortunately, the ending is contrived, with Pulaski having to save his life, but at least Picard gets to drop a Mark Twain quote at the end.