Star Trek: The Next Generation - 5x03 - Ensign Ro

    After a Federation outpost is destroyed, and one species claims responsibility for the attack.  Picard is called upon by an Admiral to find the terrorists, and bring the one responsible back to his proper place.  To assist with the mission, the Admiral assigns a poorly regarded former Starfleet officer, Ro Laren.  Picard's investigation of the situation suggests that there is more than had been offered to him.
    This episode was more serious than most of the well-regarded episodes, but it's actually pretty good.  It's easy to dislike Ensign Ro from her poor behavior, especially early in the episode, but we learn to like her, along with Picard.  This also handles Picard in a much more fatherly way.  He is tough, but fair, and he's willing to use the Enterprise's resources to help the settlement he visits.
    I also liked how the story played out.  We know that there's something more underhanded going on, but it isn't clear what it is.  Again, we learn about it as Picard does.  It's pleasing to see a story develop this way, instead of artificially timing the reveals.