Product Details

• Actors: LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden
• Directors: LeVar Burton, Gates McFadden, Gabrielle Beaumont, Robert Becker, Cliff Bole
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Language: English, French
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount Home Video
• VHS Release Date: July 23, 1996
• Run Time: 46 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304075286
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #407,486 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

While en route to mediate a dispute between two warring factions in the Peliar system, Dr. Crusher's (Gates McFadden) new romantic interest, Ambassador Odan (Franc Luz), is seriously injured when his shuttle is attacked. After examining his wounds, Dr. Crusher discovers a parasite is inhabiting Odan's body. But he stops her when she prepares to remove it, revealing that he is, in fact, the parasite. His body is merely a host and he needs another one to survive.

Meanwhile, the Peliar negotiations reach a desperate impasse and war becomes imminent. With time running out, Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) volunteers to serve as a temporary host for the parasite. But when his body begins to reject the transfer, the entire mission is put into jeopardy.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beauty Within, December 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 97: The Host [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I am not a Crusher fan, nor am I a big Riker fan, and if someone had told me the concept of the episode, I would have rolled my eyes, but this is one of the most profound, beautiful things I have ever seen on TV. Odan, the symbiotic being Crusher is attracted to, is incredible--he gives the notion of "having a beautiful soul" substance. His impulse to love, and the enforced restraint in Riker's body is riveting--Jonathan Frakes displays some of his best acting ever.
One wishes the episode didn't have to end as it does--Crusher's all-too human failing can't rise to the challenge of unconditional love--but it is fitting, and inevitable, given the episodic format.
I recommend this highly to anyone.

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice and emotional...so fitting for the sensitive Beverly Crusher..., February 28, 2009

By 

CNJ "eebooks" (Northeast US of A) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 97: The Host [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Beautiful episode!!!! It captured Beverly's sensitive heart very well. I loved the opening of Beverly giving the log; the way she describes her son writing to her and how he's doing at the Academy is very realistic and she truly sounds like a proud mom there.

The relationship between Beverly and the trill Odan twists and pulls Beverly's heart to the breaking point when she finds out that Odan is actually living in many bodies. It also makes her blush recurringly red throughout most of the first half of the show.

The scene when Beverly's in the Ten Forward nursing a hot lemon herb tea and Deanna joins her to help her talk and cry over Odan is moving and rather amusing also; I laugh, yet really feel for poor Bev when Odan comes in and perceptive, sharp Beverly senses Odan's presence before she turns around. Deanna has to wheedle a heartbroken, crying Beverly to turn to look and meet Odan's eyes. Bev finally finds the courage to lift her downcast eyes up after a while and turn to look at Odan and the sad look on her face is very moving, esp. when Odan kind of lights up when he sees her. Beverly gulps in an attempt to hold back a fresh wave of tears.

The ending is bittersweet and realistic; I liked how honest Beverly was with Odan and I love that Odan was understanding and that they admitted that they still loved each other.

The look on Beverly's face when the new host for Odan comes in is priceless; I laugh when Bev turns to the new host and realizes that Odan is actually a she and her large dark blue serious eyes just widen, she gasps a little, and her whole face is unforgettable!

Touching, lovely ending of Odan and Bev exchanging a last goodbye and Odan kissing Beverly's pudgy hand. I think Odan really loved that Beverly was honest in admitting that she was too sensitive and reserved to keep up with all the million body changes the trill go through; it shows Beverly's courageous, thoughtful, and lovely character all the way through. And Odan was lovely and wonderful also.

Excellent episode, just about the best in season 4.

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best episodes!, May 30, 2003

By 

Tracy Marks (Arlington, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 97: The Host [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is one of the best Star Trek Next Generation episodes because in the context of Star Trek and encounters with alien species, it explores the complicated and difficult feelings which can arouse in regard to love, physical appearance and the unpredictability of one's partner. If only we had more Star Trek episodes as thought-provoking and emotionally moving as this one!