Evolution (Star Trek: The Next Generation) neutronium as a result of a stellar explosion that occurs every 196 years and is due to occur in the next few hours. Stubbs plans to launch a probe, dubbed the Egg, to gather the data, a result of a lifetime's development. Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) has returned to her duties on the "Enterprise" after a stint at Starfleet Medical. As the expected time of the stellar explosion nears, the ship malfunctions in odd ways, and the issue is traced to the computer core. Acting Ensign Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton), who had been working on a
Family (Star Trek: The Next Generation) away from the Picard story. James Van Hise and Hal Schumer in "The Complete Trek: The Next Generation" also criticized the Wesley and Worf stories for the same reason, but called "Family" one of the best "The Next Generation" episodes as it "bravely deals with human issues rather than galactic conflict." The duo suggested that it may have been considered for awards if the writers had concentrated solely on the Picard plot. In 2010, Zack Handlen gave "Family" a rating of A for "The A.V. Club". He said it was "one of the best hours "TNG" has ever done", saying