Enterprise receives a distress call whilst observing a sun.
This is a solid episode focussed on the prime directive and has some effective guest characters.
The story is a simple but effective way to show how the prime directive is observed by Federation starships. It puts Captain Picard in a difficult position and under pressure from characters whose interests conflict.
Underlying the above are some fairly clear themes on capitalist systems and drug addiction. This gives the story a bit more relevance to real life issues, particularly during the 1980s when it was written. It can be a bit heavy handed at times, especially during one scene of dialogue between Tasha Yar and Wesley Crusher that feels terribly forced.
For me it is concluded in a refreshing way by a decision where we see the reaction of the individuals it impacts and then left to ponder what might become of the situation. It's not particularly cinematic, but the acting is strong enough to make it work well.
There are some decent visuals, particularly at the start where we see the solar flares. The costumes are a bit naff, but do tell you everything you need to know about the differences between the Ornara and Brekka. The effects that depict electrical powers also hold up well.
All performances are solid with Patrick Stewart standing out as always. Gates McFadden has a decent episode and all the guest actors play their parts well.