Poll of the Week: Best Shore Leave Episode?

[Randal Shayne]

For all the work they do exploring and saving the Federation from endless threats, it seems our beloved crews don’t get anywhere near enough shore leave. Nevertheless, when it is shown, more often than not, the results is excellent television. With the first episode to fit this bill- aptly titled “Shore Leave”- a precedent was set, one that episodes following it would generally honor. “Shore Leave” itself is often lauded by fans as a fun romp, and a standout of TOS’ first season. “Captain’s Holiday” features uptight and work-addicted Jean-Luc Picard become embroiled in a time-bending adventure on Risa. “Family”, another offering from TNG, this time hailing from the fourth season, follows the events of “The Best of Both Worlds”, and gives the audience a rare and cherished glimpse of characters dealing with the consequences of previous events. Incidentally, this is the only episode in all of Star Trek canon that does not include a scene on the bridge. Enterprise follows this trend twice- once with the episode entitled “Two Days and Two Nights” in its first season, and another entitled “Home”, which features Enterprise crew members dealing with the personal issues following the conclusion of the Xindi conflict.
While there are other episodes that mention or feature shore leave, these are those predicated around it. With that in mind, which shore leave episode is your favorite? Give us your vote, and let us know your reasons in the comments section below!
 

[Jona ch'Ranni]

Had to pick "Family" from TNG. Getting a deeper understanding of Picard's family dynamics was a treat. It took this character in my mind that was strong and THE CAPTAIN and made him more human. And isn't that what Star Trek is about? Sure, it's about the future, and space travel, and seeking out new life ... yada yada yada. But ultimately it's about the people that are in the future ... in space ... seeking out new life. That's why I love this shore leave episode. Because it adds another facet to the story of Picard and who he is.

[Brell]

I had to go with Family as it's one of the best and most re-watchable episode of TNG, rare for the syndicated series to have follow up episodes that dealt directly with what happened in a previous episode.  Seeing the characters especially Picard, picking up the pieces after the borg event was great. Though to me, after Star Trek Generations came out the episode gained another level of sadness, as we were told Rene and Robert Picard had died tragically and unexpectedly. 

 

Close second for favorite shore leave episode is in DS9's fifth season, "Let He Who is without Sin..." Risa and Federation extremists whats not to love!