Star Trek: The Next Generation episode review: The Bonding
The Bonding Stardate 43198.7 (Earth Calendar Date 2366) Episode Production Number: 153 Episode Number (Aired): 52 Original Airdate: October 23, 1989 Written by: Ronald D. Moore Directed by: Winrich Kolbe The Episode: On Stardate 43198.7, the Galaxy- class USS Enterprise (registry number NCC-1701-D) is in standard orbit over an uncharted and seemingly uninhabited Class-M planet. An away team led by Security chief Lt. (j.g) Worf (Michael Dorn) is exploring the surface. After the away team makes its initial survey, Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) learns that the planet was once inhabited by a culture known as the Koinonians. The Koinonian culture had apparently wiped itself out in a war, leaving only archaeological relics behind. Before the away team beams back up to the Enterprise, Lt. Marla Aster (Susan Powell), an archaeologist, is killed when one of the leftover bombs from the Koinonian war explodes. " Away team is aboard, captain. One dead on arrival. " - Be