Now on the run, Picard and the crew of the Titan must break into Starfleet’s most top-secret facility to expose a plot that could destroy the Federation.

Part of the fun this season has been in working out when the next member of the legacy TNG crew will turn up, and while this can feel contrived, allowances have to be made to find a way for a group of people to be back together in one place, 20 years after they last met. I think it’s been well done, and by the end of this episode, they’re ready to take on Starfleet and the Dominion.

A visit to the Daystrom Institute has been on the cards for a couple of episodes, and if the sight of Riker, Worf and Raffi beaming aboard to discover the mystery of what was really stolen doesn’t fire up your retro phasers, why are you watching this show any way? Worf professes to be more of a pacifist now, but Riker can’t resist getting under his skin.

Of course, there’s the usual added complications – unexpected guests, adaptive AI defence and blocked transporter signal – but that’s all part of the fun. When the Titan has to leave the away party behind to hide from its pursuers… let’s just say that there’s unashamed fan service, and I’m here for it.

Verdict: With multiple countdowns and threats to contend with, the former TNG crew are up against it. But having spent over 178 episodes in their company, I know I’m in safe hands. I’ve been cloaked in a comfort blanket of familiarity and nostalgia – and I love it. 8/10

Nick Joy