episode #11: Haven

HAVEN - episode #11, first season / Air Date: 11/30/87
written by Tracy Torme, Lan O'Kun; Directed by Richard Compton

Here was the first appearance of Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett), mother of counselor Troi, as well as the 1st show-up of Lwaxana's valet, the very tall Mr. Homn (Carel Struycken). The over-the-top, randy older Troi beams aboard because it's time for a wedding - a pre-arranged one between the younger Troi and a human (a very young Rob Knepper, later well known for recurring roles on Prison Break and Heroes).  Haven is the name of a planet, btw.
This news seems to fill the younger Troi with dread and sorrow - it means she will have to leave the ship; this pre-arranged marriage is due to genetic bonding Betazoids practice at an early age (again copying a plot point from Amok Time). Then her mom annoys & embarrasses her the whole time she's on-board - this is not a good day for Deanna Troi. But this turns out to be the story of Deanna's groom; he's been having visions of a blond woman and this woman turns out to be among a group of space lepers approaching Haven.
I don't pretend to 'get'  a lot of this; this episode seems a chance to illuminate counselor Troi's background and showcase Barrett's comical acting chops. But, that's about it - the story gives Deanna an easy out; her beau, of course, goes off to be with the blond. Riker breathes a sigh of relief. Lwaxana would return in several more TNG episodes, making the crew uncomfortable - especially Picard - and a portion of the audience, as well. BoG's Score: 4 out of 10