A Matter of Time (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

"A Matter of Time" is the ninth episode of the fifth season of the science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. It originally aired on January 3, 1992.

The episode revolves around the arrival of Professor Berlinghoff Rasmussen (played by Matt Frewer), a historian from the 26th century who claims to be studying the Enterprise crew. While Rasmussen initially fascinates the crew, particularly Data, his presence gradually becomes suspicious as he displays an unusual lack of historical knowledge and engages in questionable activities.

Meanwhile, the Enterprise is attempting to assist a planet, Pentarus V, under relentless attack from an unknown source of energy. The situation grows increasingly dire, forcing the crew to find a solution while also dealing with the enigmatic and increasingly disruptive Rasmussen.

The episode explores themes of historical accuracy, the temptation to interfere with the past, and the importance of ethical conduct in research. It also features Data grappling with the complexities of human behavior and the allure of historical knowledge. The mystery surrounding Rasmussen deepens throughout the episode, culminating in the revelation of his true motivations and his impact on the Enterprise's mission. Ultimately, the crew must solve both the Pentarus V crisis and uncover the truth about Rasmussen before his actions have catastrophic consequences.