Star Trek writer calls “Sub Rosa” an underrated Star Trek: The Next Generation episode

Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “Sub Rosa” is an odd addition to an underrated list. 

In celebration of the upcoming 35th anniversary of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Startrek.com writer Christine Dinh offered up a list of ten most underrated episodes of the series. And coming in second on the list was the seventh season episode “Sub Rosa.” Dinh expresses appreciation for the episode and gives it an A+ as well as a 10/10.

"This episode has everything — granny’s salacious diaries, mysterious heirloom candles, insane weather anomalies, impetuous acts of passion, and erotic ephemeral caresses. A+, 10/10, can’t recommend this episode enough."

It comes as no surprise to most Star Trek fans that “Sub Rosa” is one of the worst ranked episodes of the series. Most critics are consistent with their low opinion of it, and it has often made the top ten in the worst list of of not only The Next Generation episodes but all Star Trek episodes. But this writer saw something different than what others have seen.

Is there redemption for “Sub Rosa” after all?

The writer takes a different approach to the episode, adding compelling adjectives that will often make people take a second look. Perhaps the ghostly sex isn’t as objectionable as we remember, and there might be a tiny bit of good work in the episode. After all, it was directed by Jonathan Frakes and was a vehicle for Gates McFadden to be front and center.

Other fans have named the episode as one of their favorites, but it certainly isn’t Frakes’ favorite as he told Trekmovie in October 2020 that it wasn’t his finest hour. That’s something coming from the director, but rewatches of episodes can sometimes change a person’s thoughts on it.

Personally, I’ve only seen the episode one time, but would I consider rewatching it? Maybe, if only to attempt to see what this writer and these fans are seeing. So what about you? Would you rewatch “Sub Rosa?”