Target Audience / UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek 181 - The Best of Both Worlds (TNG 3x26)

Yep, same with everyone else. We had to wait like four LONG months for the new season to start after that thriller of a cliffhanger. Probably the most intense "to be continued" I ever saw at the time. Definitely not like today where as new season starts just weeks after the last one ended. Truly a long summer to wait.

Robert Durant

2024-12-06 14:02:08 +0000 UTC

Definitely not Swedish

Tony B

2024-10-13 03:22:16 +0000 UTC

You are right about the summer. Remember, when those of us watched this for the first time in late June of 1990, we had no idea it would be a cliff hanger. We had to wait an entire summer until late September to see the conclusion. At least you have the luxury of watching it much sooner. I recall reading that the conclusion was not known at the time that Part I aired. That's just the way production worked back then. When everyone went back to work for Season 4, the first task for the writers was... well okay, let's figure out Part II. And yes, this is where "Resistance is Futile" was introduced as a cultural meme.

Lou Trek

2024-08-09 17:04:32 +0000 UTC

It’s right here - https://youtu.be/TVRxOx0F0Zo?si=zg_lkMU_S615AIq0

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-08-09 10:10:07 +0000 UTC

This was the first cliffhanger I had ever seen. I remember asking my Dad what happens next and he said we'd have to wait until after Summer to find out. Because it was the 90's I had recorded this episode on VHS and I rewatched it so many times! In hindsight, this was probably the first seed planted in my mind that eventually led me to want to be a storyteller.

Matthew Jimenez

2024-08-09 07:51:05 +0000 UTC

Yes, I remember that

Collin Freeman

2024-08-08 14:54:51 +0000 UTC

Was Best of Both worlds hidden behind a pay wall? Because I didn’t know it was out then I had to pay.. maybe I just let my subscription lapse I’m unsure 🫤 😆

Philbot

2024-08-07 16:11:33 +0000 UTC

I wish people could refrain from "hyping up" certain episodes for you. It would have been great if you could have gone into this expecting nothing more than what you got in previous Star Trek season finales.

Steven Linden

2024-08-06 23:27:21 +0000 UTC

I don’t think Riker firing on the Borg cube is him taking the safe route at all. This is him showing he can and will make the tough decisions no matter the cost. The easy way would be to give in to his feelings and the rest of the crews feelings for Picard. He was out of time and options and made the right call like a seasoned captain needs to.

Bantha Fodder

2024-08-05 19:08:29 +0000 UTC

Did you guys forget about the movie Star Trek 4? (1986) Or did your YouTube video get pulled?

Carl Rice

2024-07-31 06:19:55 +0000 UTC

@nigel valentine That was my point. 😉

Jovet

2024-07-31 00:51:33 +0000 UTC

I think J.R. and his assassin might have something to say about that. :)

tyranusfan

2024-07-29 02:33:14 +0000 UTC

When I read this question, I misunderstood it. My brain went "the sex novel?" :D

tyranusfan

2024-07-29 02:32:16 +0000 UTC

Those stitched together two-parters were also released in theaters. I went and saw several of them.

tyranusfan

2024-07-29 01:50:19 +0000 UTC

I think the contract dispute idea might have come from radio show jockies, who mentioned that a lot during the summer. Perhaps just rampant speculation that wormed it's way into the collective consciousness.

tyranusfan

2024-07-29 01:49:35 +0000 UTC

Strictly speaking, they should have been in the center of the crater, which might have made a cool pullback reveal, but perhaps the matte painting tech wasn't up to that.

tyranusfan

2024-07-29 01:47:46 +0000 UTC

Actually resistance is futile was first uttered in a s2 space 1999 episode called The Dorcons. I shit you not

Scarpad’s Domain

2024-07-29 00:38:19 +0000 UTC

You only have to wait a month we waited 5 months. This started the season ending cliffhanger

Scarpad’s Domain

2024-07-29 00:31:44 +0000 UTC

Now that you've seen this episode and The Animated Series, you can watch this video from a couple of years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyz2pVqrEkI

BeatleBug69

2024-07-28 20:01:39 +0000 UTC

well, they do that and also raise from birth up, it would be a weakness if they were dependent on humanoids alone for their numbers

paultardspambot .

2024-07-28 19:35:57 +0000 UTC

Insert obligatory "but at what cost?"

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-28 17:48:13 +0000 UTC

Ah Best of Both worlds. While some think the title refers to Locutus(The knowledge of Picard combined with the tech and might of the Borg), with so much of the focus on Riker, I prefer the notion that it’s referring to him in a dark “Be careful what you wish for” way. There’s all this focus on Riker not wanting to give up the Enterprise to have his own command. But by the end of the episode, with Picard captured, Riker gets to have his cake and eat it. He gets to have a command AND stay on the Enterprise, enjoying the “Best of Both Worlds”. 🤔

Todd “Canuck” Schmuck

2024-07-28 16:10:19 +0000 UTC

At the end Riker is definitely thinking about "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."

KatWithAttitude

2024-07-28 16:08:01 +0000 UTC

Another little subtle bit I've noticed over many years and multiple viewings... the inversion of the TNG theme upon the reveal of Picard's assimilation as the shock sets in on the away team members' faces.

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-28 13:27:03 +0000 UTC

This episode always had a big episode feel - the threat of the Borg, the big developments in Riker’s arc, the cliffhanger, the music - all contribute but also some subtle things make it feel big too… specifically the reuse of the nebula footage from TWOK - which, up until this episode, had been the last huge turning point in the franchise, added to the epic feel of this.

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-28 13:07:32 +0000 UTC

Thank you. I knew I wasn’t crazy.

StealthMomo

2024-07-28 12:21:11 +0000 UTC

Great take!! 🙂

Daragh Graham

2024-07-28 11:48:44 +0000 UTC

Yes. We all thought that Patrick hadn’t signed his contract. It was all we talked about at Shoreleave that year. If it’s true about the real state of his contract, it’s actually brilliant to leak that he hadn’t signed the contract. It gave us real stakes.

Sharron

2024-07-28 11:43:30 +0000 UTC

@Jovet - fanny packs were called bum bags in the UK; as every Brit knows - the fanny is a specifically female part of the anatomy.

nigel valentine

2024-07-28 07:14:04 +0000 UTC

Ron Jones created so many of the memorable TNG scores. The Borg theme could be considered the best of all of them, and it adds so much to this episode. When the Enterprise first encounters the Borg Cube, and likely most well known, when Riker orders "Mr. Worf, Fire!"

SwAeromotion

2024-07-28 06:44:53 +0000 UTC

I doubt I'll get 2 patron takes read in a row, especially with 250+ for this episode, but from everything I have read and heard about Star Trek in 1990(I was only 2 years old), this episode may well have saved the entire franchise much in the same way TWOK did. There had always been a contingent of TOS fans who never bought into TNG. They dismissed it as "not my Trek". For those fans to come off 3 excellent Trek films and get TFF was a huge disappointment, and even Shatner thought he might have sunk the film franchise. And of the people who gave TNG a chance, a lot found S1 and 2 underwhelming and dropped off. S3 stopped the bleeding and offered some excellent stories, but was arguable too little, too late. Having another stand alone season finale that wraps things up with a neat bow would have been a off ramp to a lot of people. As frustrating as it might be, choosing to end on a cliffhanger was a stroke of genius on Piller's part. Having the crew put in this impossible situation, and Picard lost to the Borg, and then throwing up "to be continued..." and basically telling everyone they'd have to wait 3 months to find out how it ends no doubt pissed a lot of people off, but they HAD to know how it ends. All through that summer, EVERYONE was talking about Star Trek. The second part hadn't been planned out, so nobody knew what the resolution would be or even if Picard would return. This episode solidified TNG as "real" Trek, and got a lot of the doubters to return or even tune in for the first time. There's a reason this episode holds something of a legendary status in the franchise. Obviously this episode has a heavy focus on Picard being the "tip of the spear" against the Borg advance(before becoming the tip of the spear OF the Borg advance). His unease leading up to and during the confrontation is understandable when you remember that he openly admitted to Q being frightened of the Borg, and with the fleet being 6 days away, for all intents and purposes they're in the same situation they were in at J-25. And with all this, he has to worry about motivating Riker to think about the future of his career. Riker I feel truly starts to come into his own here. The show finally addresses the fact that Riker could be a couple years into his first command at this point, but keeps turning down opportunities. Obviously while the writers wanted to make Riker seem accomplished enough to be offered a command, they didn't want to lose Frakes or Riker from the show. The downside is it starts to make him look indecisive, and by offering him the Melbourne and again having him turn it down, it sets the stage to have that conversation. Shelby being this highly motivated go getter adds great contrast. What's great about that choice is it opens the door for Riker to show what he can do in the captain's chair, and by the end of the episode, he is anything but indecisive. It's also worth noting that this is Beverly's first encounter with the Borg, and it ends with her friend and captain being assimilated. Gates had actually requested to be on the away team to the cube since she hadn't had many opportunities to be in a scene firing a phaser. OTOH, it makes sense to have a medical officer on such a rescue mission, and thematically given how close Crusher and Picard are. Fantastic reaction to a brilliant episode. Glad you weren't spoiled ahead of time. Hopefully you also enjoy the next BSG episode as much as I do. Looking forward to S4.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-28 05:36:33 +0000 UTC

Let the Star Trek Golden Age begin

Fossilizer

2024-07-28 04:49:05 +0000 UTC

I had so much fun watching your faces throughout this excellent episode. You both were truly mesmerized! I’m glad that these good episodes have not been spoiled for you. Your channel has evolved in many positive directions. Thank you for your hard work and creativity. When it comes to Star Trek, Resistance is Futile!

T’Pynyn of Vulcan

2024-07-28 04:10:46 +0000 UTC

Several years ago after TNG was remastered, Paramount released a half dozen two-part episodes edited together as a standalone "movie". They were released individually on Blu-Ray. It definitely worth watching this in this format.

Ron Hubbard Jr

2024-07-28 04:08:49 +0000 UTC

Perhaps he said that in an interview, but I remember it IRL much differently. I would seek further feedback. Anyone else remember a different story in the trades at the time? I clearly remember an article about this situation in Starlog. (anyone remember Starlog?)

StealthMomo

2024-07-28 01:26:22 +0000 UTC

No. Patrick Stewart said so himself in the Blu-ray interviews that when the show started he signed a 6-year contract. At the end of the 6 years everyone re-negotiated an additional 1-year contract.

David Brown

2024-07-28 01:21:06 +0000 UTC

Holy hell - this is early! At least I know where my next hour is going.

Matt Newmark

2024-07-28 01:14:50 +0000 UTC

Ron Jones best TNG score ever. The “Ahhhh” electronic Borg choir sends chills down my spine every time. His style, particularly in this episode because of the amount of action, reminds me of John Williams’s score for 1977’s Star Wars. A lot of staccato brass and percussion etc. this was an award nominated score that was so good, it got its own separate release album. Amazing!

Chris S.

2024-07-28 01:14:33 +0000 UTC

Well, your reaction to "To be continued..." mirrored every one of us when it first aired. It's June, 1990. Final episode. All that pre-internet fandom knew at the time was that Patrick Stewarts contract was up. We all found out (much) later that as of that cliffhanger ending for season 3 Stewart had not yet decided if he would return so the second part HADN'T BEEN WRITTEN YET! It was the longest summer EVER! LOL

StealthMomo

2024-07-28 01:12:56 +0000 UTC

@The Untempered Cynic You're welcome, for fanny packs. I guess we're even, then.

Jovet

2024-07-28 00:27:25 +0000 UTC

Indeed

Collin Freeman

2024-07-28 00:25:51 +0000 UTC

I think it's very funny all the hype or chatter you've heard about "NOW it's really TNG" or not. I think the 3rd Season as a whole is the show coming together. For my money, Seasons 4 & 5 are Prime TNG, so regardless, I'm very excited for the all the coming reactions, and I thank you guys for keeping the pace of uploads up so well. I'm sure it takes a lot of work and coordination filming and editing and uploading AS WELL as interacting with people's comments. You're an enjoyable pair to rewatch with. I think it's really interesting to see your reactions having just come from TOS because you're kind of mirroring the exact reaction audiences had when TNG first came on-air. They were SO protective of Kirk and Co and did not trust this new iteration, and everything was a comparison. But slowly they were won over, and for many (me included) TNG really is the flagship. I hope you guys enjoy.

ScotchBeard78

2024-07-27 22:45:01 +0000 UTC

I remember me and my friends couldn't wait for it to air!

Josef Nitervol

2024-07-27 22:24:47 +0000 UTC

This was hell to wait for when it first aired. Question: are you guys going to adjust your reaction schedule to start season 4 a bit sooner? ;)

Steve Krautkramer

2024-07-27 22:09:17 +0000 UTC

yes this is where resistance is futile come from

Dark Kronis

2024-07-27 22:01:57 +0000 UTC

O'Brien said they were beamed to the "center of town", but clearly they were beamed outside so we could have the dramatic reveal of the crater. The first warning sign of things to come for this TERRIBLE episode. ;)

JGoss

2024-07-27 21:15:14 +0000 UTC

Forgot to mention in my earlier post, but wasn't this the start of the LaForge Maneuver?

wildhunt1973

2024-07-27 21:06:58 +0000 UTC

Thank you. I needed that video!

wildhunt1973

2024-07-27 21:03:01 +0000 UTC

Prior to the finale, there was the Viewers' Choice Marathon of fans' top 5 favorite episodes. You've now watched 2 of the 5 selected.

JGoss

2024-07-27 21:01:26 +0000 UTC

I honestly don't know which of you is luckier, so I'll just say you both lucked out. Congrats on 30 years!

wildhunt1973

2024-07-27 20:57:00 +0000 UTC

Michael Piller. Ron Jones. Cliff Bole. GOAT status

JGoss

2024-07-27 20:56:51 +0000 UTC

I felt that Riker knew the risk Picard posed to the Federation as a Borg. After all, they now have access to all of his command codes. By killing Picard, whom Riker respects, he was saving not only the Enterprise but the entire Federation...and it would just cost the life of one man.

wildhunt1973

2024-07-27 20:53:54 +0000 UTC

Safe trip.

wildhunt1973

2024-07-27 20:49:42 +0000 UTC

When "To Be Continued" flashed up on the screen, your reaction made me laugh harder than I have laughed at ANY of your reactions since you started Target Audience. When I read that you were going to take a 3-week break from TNG after this episode, I smirked and thought "They won't make it." As others have pointed out, we had to wait ALL SUMMER to see the next episode. And one does not truly know what to expect given what others have said about Patrick Stewart at that time. And wasn't Ron Jones score great? Thanks for not disappointing. Now see if you can last 3 weeks to watch the next episode.

Collin Freeman

2024-07-27 20:32:39 +0000 UTC

Yeah, me, too

Collin Freeman

2024-07-27 20:26:24 +0000 UTC

Ha! Nice pop for that To Be Continued. It was a long summer.

Joe Concepts

2024-07-27 20:24:15 +0000 UTC

Yes, I think that's supposed to be the idea and I thought most people see it that way. Riker's arc in the episode is already finished with that last word. It wasn't about if he plays it safe, but if he can make that hard decision. Hardnosed Shelby suddenly can't handle leaving Picard behind. While Riker "made the big decision" to kill Picard.

Joe Concepts

2024-07-27 20:22:54 +0000 UTC

Indeed. I think Ron Jones score is excellent. I love the little touch of the original TOS theme when the Away Team is facing the Borg on their ship before beaming back to the Enterprise.

Collin Freeman

2024-07-27 20:22:28 +0000 UTC

Ehh...they're be fine

Greg Quinn

2024-07-27 20:20:51 +0000 UTC

Yes, good of you to bring up that analogy.

Collin Freeman

2024-07-27 20:17:23 +0000 UTC

🤣

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-27 20:07:13 +0000 UTC

I see what you did there.

Tom Occhipinti

2024-07-27 19:58:59 +0000 UTC

He watched it as a way to get close to me. And 35 years later (30 years of marriage) he still watches the new shows with me. Now I just watch them first before telling him that a new episode has dropped. ☺️

Sharron

2024-07-27 19:37:31 +0000 UTC

Borg? Sounds Swedish.

Terminaldogma01

2024-07-27 18:41:40 +0000 UTC

I had not seen this episode in 20 years (although I had seen it multiple times before so it was not a surprise.) I enjoyed watching it with you guys - it was like I was in a room with friends watching STNG. Thanks, Alex and Josh

John5193

2024-07-27 18:41:29 +0000 UTC

Imagine being a crewman on the Melbourne and the guy offered the command snubs his nose at you and your ship.

#MaxwellDidNothingWrong

2024-07-27 18:37:43 +0000 UTC

When I heard you were going to take a break between seasons 3 and 4, I smiled because I knew you'd at least get a taste of what we had to go through waiting 3 months between parts! But also, I wondered if you'd decide to just do S4E1 right away, because who wants to wait?

David Clamage

2024-07-27 18:12:52 +0000 UTC

did you eventually assimilate him to star trek?

Narnman

2024-07-27 18:07:19 +0000 UTC

As long as nobody spoils it.

startrekiborg

2024-07-27 18:04:27 +0000 UTC

Nah, not even close. Maybe if when they took Picard he said "Data, something's GOT ME!!!"

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-27 18:03:34 +0000 UTC

Just arrived at the airport in Alaska for my 18 hour trek home. But now I have even more to look forward to when I get there

Jeffrey

2024-07-27 17:52:58 +0000 UTC

You could say it was a gamble.

Ca$hWednesday

2024-07-27 17:50:15 +0000 UTC

I don't see "trying to kill Picard/Locutus" as being the safe decision. “When it comes to this ship and this crew, you're damned right I play it safe.”

Jovet

2024-07-27 17:48:53 +0000 UTC

They're pretty birds

Jovet

2024-07-27 17:37:22 +0000 UTC

Only one question matters: Better than Shades of Gray?

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-27 17:32:04 +0000 UTC

NO. But if you'll excuse me I have to go meet with my accountant

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-27 17:28:08 +0000 UTC

LMFAO!!! The best reaction was to the "To Be Continued". The same reaction EVERYONE else had 35 years ago (dam, I feel old). We tried warning you, without spoiling it. Oh well, now you can suffer somewhat like we did.

startrekiborg

2024-07-27 17:25:53 +0000 UTC

The studio wasn’t even sure Patrick Stewart was going to return for Season 4 (contract not agreed upon), so the fans were stressing out. When they filmed this and broke for the summer, the creators and writers didn’t know how they were going to conclude the story. There was no script for Part 2.

Tom Occhipinti

2024-07-27 17:13:13 +0000 UTC

Good observation. We all know Riker is captain material, and I think deep down he knows it too, and that while Shelby is definitely more than competent and would make a quality first officer that's why she isn't on his level yet.

Menty

2024-07-27 17:11:12 +0000 UTC

I'm 40 in the UK, public schooled. It might have been a while ago 😅

SinocTheHodgeheg

2024-07-27 17:00:48 +0000 UTC

Ron Jones reworked his theme for a Family Guy cliffhanger, nearly 20 years later: https://youtu.be/dtZ2S2gWngo?si=4AflpWPu2ZqkM9qT

The Ninth Doctor

2024-07-27 16:57:24 +0000 UTC

I'm glad you guys got to experience some of the shock of "To Be Continued...". With all the hype I was a little worried you'd see it coming a mile away. With how TV's changed over the years I'm not sure it's possible for anyone today to be gobsmacked by it the way viewers were in 1990 - probably the majority of the audience had never seen a season-ending cliffhanger before.

bab

2024-07-27 16:41:32 +0000 UTC

This episode was the first time someone was assimilated by the Borg. That's how the Borg make new drones.

Christopher Dorn

2024-07-27 16:40:27 +0000 UTC

My girl Shelby ❤️

Phil Ken Sebben

2024-07-27 16:36:08 +0000 UTC

back in the days latin was taught in schools all over europe (maybe usa too?). not sure the exact moment they started phasing it out

Narnman

2024-07-27 16:31:38 +0000 UTC

A nice little touch too, is Picard pacing the bridge, and the tension in his voice when they detect the Borg ship. He's nervous and afraid. It's really the first time Picard has openly displayed that level of uncertainty in front of the crew. It took me several rewatches to really notice it. Great acting by Patrick Stewart.

That one green Bolian

2024-07-27 16:28:55 +0000 UTC

That about sums it up for most of us... LOL

StonyD

2024-07-27 16:20:39 +0000 UTC

I'm glad you guys commented on the score. This is Ron Jones' finest. The episode would not be the same without his work. The Borg theme he wrote is simple yet conveys so much.

That one green Bolian

2024-07-27 16:17:58 +0000 UTC

Did you lose a bet on the Discord?

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-27 16:15:35 +0000 UTC

"Welcome to the greatest cliffhanger in tv history." No, we weren't watching Blake's 7. :-)

Joe Stacey

2024-07-27 16:12:54 +0000 UTC

Putting the cute in Locutus

SinocTheHodgeheg

2024-07-27 16:02:20 +0000 UTC

You gotta ask yourselves now, how the hell can they get out of this?

Busy Andy

2024-07-27 15:59:50 +0000 UTC

Locutus was THE cutest of Borg

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-27 15:57:20 +0000 UTC

I wish I was smart enough to have gotten that 🫠

SinocTheHodgeheg

2024-07-27 15:55:29 +0000 UTC

Agreed. One of the many reasons the episode works is because this season really invested in Picard’s character. They made us, the audience, finally get comfy with him, and then so cleverly used that comfort to make the shock of his kidnapping that much stronger.

Lwaxana’s Poolboy

2024-07-27 15:54:15 +0000 UTC

Thank you so much for the early drop! I normally wait to watch, but this one deserved a morning watch. What a great way to start the weekend! As I'm sure others have said, that was a long summer to wait, it was fantastic. My friends were talking about it all summer. Is Patrick Stewart leaving the show? What do we think of Shelby as Rikers No.1? So many questions!

Gary Leyh

2024-07-27 15:50:29 +0000 UTC

Patrick Stewart’s performance as Locutus here is so iconic. If he didn’t deliver as Locutus, the whole episode would be ruined.

Sharron

2024-07-27 15:45:55 +0000 UTC

Interesting observation that even at the very end Riker is making the safe decision, but I wouldn't count that against him in this case. This situation shows that making the hard decision doesn't always mean taking risks. Sometimes the safest decision is also the hardest one. Shelby is ready to risk letting the Borg reach Earth because she can't bring herself to give up on rescuing Picard. But Riker, who's known Picard much longer and has more reason to want to save him, knows the stakes are too high to take that chance, and has the guts to fire on his own captain to protect Earth.

Jeff Cornell

2024-07-27 15:45:00 +0000 UTC

A starship and his old man fantasies

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-27 15:41:43 +0000 UTC

i still get goosebumps watching the ending of this episode more than 30 years later. just a thought, when you look back on the evolution of picard and Stewart’s portrayal from season one to here, this is one of reasons l think it’s hard for me to go back to watching season one. Stewart is so much more confident and compelling in the role.

David Marcoot

2024-07-27 15:38:54 +0000 UTC

Did you guys catch the Latin reference? “Locutus” meaning “he who speaks”

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-27 15:26:56 +0000 UTC

Also, Beverly gets to kill a Borg or two!

Lwaxana’s Poolboy

2024-07-27 15:25:53 +0000 UTC

“Like a mall store door closing,” you gave no idea how many times I thought about that scene whenever I was in a mall late at night.

tyranusfan

2024-07-27 15:24:48 +0000 UTC

“Resistance is futile” is the remembered phrase but the sheer force and horror of the Borg for me were “Strength is irrelevant” and “Freedom is irrelevant. Self determination is irrelevant” and “Death is irrelevant”

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-27 15:24:26 +0000 UTC

The ending also gave us the great parody moment in Family Guy many years later.

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-27 15:22:33 +0000 UTC

No, no, it is NOT Sunday, you take that episode right back down young men

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-27 15:22:16 +0000 UTC

Yep… Riker WAS making the big decision here. It was Shelby playing it safe. Love the double meaning in the title - “both worlds” being the dichotomy between the Federation and the Borg AND Riker trying to have the best of both growing his career and enjoying his happiness on the Enterprise.

Alexis Piazza

2024-07-27 15:18:58 +0000 UTC

Early reaction!!! And a GREAT one at that! Thank you! :D

Lovok

2024-07-27 15:18:39 +0000 UTC

the music on this is next level

David Marcoot

2024-07-27 15:17:50 +0000 UTC

Welcome to the greatest cliffhanger in tv history. And the excruciating summer of 1990 waiting for season 4. This was the only time, as a nerd in middle school, where everyone, including my teachers, were talking about this episode. :)

Joshua Langweil

2024-07-27 15:15:09 +0000 UTC

BANGER episode! Yes, that summer was brutal, but gave us all something really exciting to look forward to in the Fall when it returned. Have a great break gentlemen. Well earned. See you in S4! : )

StonyD

2024-07-27 15:12:08 +0000 UTC

No, the Show Show begins with Season 4

Justin DiBari

2024-07-27 15:10:30 +0000 UTC

For me, nothing will beat their TMP Bones moment lol

StonyD

2024-07-27 15:10:19 +0000 UTC

This is obviously what God needed with a starship...

StonyD

2024-07-27 15:09:23 +0000 UTC

This was my second year of college and after this I told my boyfriend (now husband) not to come over until after TNG had aired that day. No talking during episodes allowed.

Sharron

2024-07-27 15:08:41 +0000 UTC

Then let me correct and say, it was completely unknown in America before this episode. So if they didn’t invent it, they brought it to the United States. Is that fair?

Jeremy Torgerson

2024-07-27 15:07:28 +0000 UTC

I’m hoping y’all give this a second watch before watching the conclusion. There’s so many details that are easily missed. A few of my favorites are on the planet when Shelby says “early bird catches the worm”, you can see in the background the puzzled look on Data’s face as he starts scanning the ground for worms. Also, the look Shelby gives Riker on the bridge when he says “they have the ability to analyze and adapt”.

Lwaxana’s Poolboy

2024-07-27 15:06:19 +0000 UTC

I’ve heard this in several interviews about this season finale. Piller wrote it with no ending in mind already. The reason for this was that contract negotiations with Patrick Stewart were becoming difficult and they weren’t sure if they would reach an agreement to have him back on the show in the next season. This was Star Trek’s way of telling Patrick Stewart, “you can be replaced”. And indeed, by the end of this episode, they had Will in the command chair and a viable new officer already in the crew.

Jeremy Torgerson

2024-07-27 15:05:12 +0000 UTC

I wonder if Patrick Stewart tweaked the phrase.

Sharron

2024-07-27 15:01:05 +0000 UTC

Pop culture is so funny. I’ve been aware of the phrase my whole life.. even being said in a “robotic” manner, but never once heard of The Borg before watching Q Who and would’ve never guessed this was their phrase

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-27 14:55:56 +0000 UTC

Yes this is where "Resistance is futile" comes from... that's how culturally important this episode is. (Almost rivals "Live long and prosper") And when for me TNG equaled TOS. Next we match season 4 TNG against season 4 of TOS (TAS)... After 3 seasons of each, how do you think they compare?

Stevtrek

2024-07-27 14:55:44 +0000 UTC

So much to ponder for the next 12 weeks. Oh ... Wait...

Eric Singer

2024-07-27 14:47:07 +0000 UTC

No, they didn't create it. They just gave it a bigger audience. It was a common phrase in Britain long before this episode aired.

Lincynity

2024-07-27 14:43:57 +0000 UTC

Yes. They did create “Resistance is futile.”

Jeremy Torgerson

2024-07-27 14:39:56 +0000 UTC

No update for the Sex Scoreboard so the season ends: Riker 6 Troi 3 Data 1 Picard 1 Worf 1 Jordy 1 + 1 I Broccoli 2 i HOWEVER, I almost gave Data and Shelby a +1. I wonder why Shelby seeing a storm front moving in "early" in the morning (clearly before daybreak) was able to get Data to go with her. "Data was avaiable", how did she know. Hmmmm was it that she searched all over the ship for Data and asked him to go OR was it she just rolled over in bed and nudged him awake from sleeping (or from doing a daily update after a night of downloading). Was Data impressed with her calling the bluff so much that wanted to see what 2 pair Shelby had, since that is what she said she had. No one knows for sure except Shelby and Data.

Prof Moff

2024-07-27 14:34:16 +0000 UTC

The phrase definitely existed before this episode, but this definitely catapulted the phrase "Resistance is futile" into the public zeitgeist.

THE LORE!!!

2024-07-27 14:34:02 +0000 UTC

I went to bed two hours before the reaction was released when I had already been up for 20 hours. Thanks. Then when I did get up after 8 I had to get my Dad up and help him get dressed before I could even think about watching. It was worth the wait.

KatWithAttitude

2024-07-27 14:26:01 +0000 UTC

Congratulations! This just made me super happy! I love you guys! 😃🖖

Anthony Goodwin

2024-07-27 14:23:59 +0000 UTC

There's a special 3-part behind the scenes look at Season 3 on the same disc that you watched this episode called Resistance is Futile - Assimilating Star Trek: The Next Generation and in the third part features interviews with the cast, and it was mentioned by Patrick Stewart, in regards to the ending of this episode, that he was driving in a convertible in Florida that summer of 1990 and he was at a red light and there was another convertible that had a family in it that just pulled up next to him, and they recognized him and just as the traffic light was about to turn green, they yelled out to him: "YOU HAVE RUINED OUR SUMMER!"

Anthony Goodwin

2024-07-27 14:09:14 +0000 UTC

I have a question for all of you out there who use Amazon streaming....just why DO dermatologists use Dove? They never really said.

Monty Crawford

2024-07-27 13:54:00 +0000 UTC

well, i had plans for this morning...now they are amended. I'll comment on your reaction in 55 minutes.

Monty Crawford

2024-07-27 13:50:25 +0000 UTC

The last time I saw that kind of indignation at the title screen dropping (edit: erm ... at the credits rolling is more like it) was when I was in the theater for Fellowship of the Ring and 3/4 of the theater didn't realize it was a three part event lol Great work guys, I've been looking forward to this reaction for a long time, and it didn't disappoint. Excited for the discussion!

Joshua Taylor

2024-07-27 13:23:58 +0000 UTC

Hope your child feels better soon

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-27 13:18:13 +0000 UTC

So happy you guys finally made it to this episode! What a ride it's been, and will continue to be, into the future. I still remember watching this episode with my family when it aired and just being so dumbfounded by that "to be continued" that none of us had been expecting. And then having to wait all summer to see what would happen next... agony. Even now, that Ron Jones score still makes my body tense up. What a joy to watch it again through your eyes. There are many great things about this episode, but my favourite thing about it is seeing the entire bridge crew all working together to save the day. The episode is centred around Riker and Shelby sure, but everyone else has something to do (including Wesley); even Guinan gets a nice moment in there as well. The teamwork and competence on display is riveting; this is the very definition of firing on all cylinders.

Ryan Caulfield

2024-07-27 13:18:07 +0000 UTC

https://www.liveauctioneers.com/en-gb/price-result/boardwatch-billgatus-of-borg-poster-1996/

Lincynity

2024-07-27 13:15:07 +0000 UTC

Good old Billgatus of Borg. It was a business magazine cover from '96. It got made into a poster, a meme before memes were really a thing.

Lincynity

2024-07-27 13:11:54 +0000 UTC

Tasha’s reveal in Yesterday’s Enterprise and now the ending of this episode with “To be Continued” have definitely been my favorite reactions!

Lwaxana’s Poolboy

2024-07-27 13:02:25 +0000 UTC

My 6 month old Milo is sick so I’ve been up since 3am… and this episode release made it all worth it.

Stuart Arbury

2024-07-27 12:57:11 +0000 UTC

My wallpaper in Windows 95 was a photo of Bill Gates as Locutus on the viewscreen. That image still lives on somewhere on the internet. It's impossible to overstate how big of influence on pulp culture TNG was at this poin.

EnigmaticPenguin

2024-07-27 12:39:22 +0000 UTC

1-UP-mushroom-sound :D

MadScientist

2024-07-27 12:16:13 +0000 UTC

The Admiral is the same actor who played “God” in Star Trek V.

Stuart Arbury

2024-07-27 12:09:51 +0000 UTC

This episode is perfectly constructed. While it seems to start off slow given everything it needs to do, this pacing is necessary for setting up Shelby and the Borg threat, which it handles excellently. It packs a lot into its 45-minute run time. When it first aired in 1990, it was a mind-blowing experience (has it really been that long!?). Serialised TV for a sci-fi show like this was groundbreaking, and the three-month wait between this and the second part was agonizing. Michael Piller was firing on all cylinders and is rightly considered one of the most important creatives in Star Trek history for his contributions going forward. I love the theme for the Borg. Ron Jones had to push for the choir aspect for the theme with the studio unsure at first but that otherworldliness of the theme really adds another dimension to the fact that the Borg is something entirely new and dangerous. TNG was already a successful show, but this episode significantly ramped up interest, making it must-see TV. There was a huge surge in media interest. It felt like the moment when the show truly shed the shackles and constant comparisons of TOS and established itself as something special in its own right. I remain fascinated by your journey watching all of Trek. Considering how much ground a show like TNG has broken and its influence on the evolution of TV, there’s a concern that some of the novel elements might not have the same impact in 2024. However, it’s clear you are aware of this, and these big moments still resonate with you which is why it's great to see that not only do you guys take being spoiler-free so seriously this community seems equally committed to it. And well, great television is great television, and TNG is certainly that.

Menty

2024-07-27 11:22:25 +0000 UTC

I waited three minutes, and just got done watching S04E01.

Jovet

2024-07-27 11:19:54 +0000 UTC

My grandad used to say it as a joke. It was fairly normal villain speak when I was a kid along with "we have ways of making you talk" and I was an adult by the time this episode aired. Maybe it's a two countries divided by the same language thing? I do recall thinking it was an excellent application of the phrase and it suited the Borg to a T, but it wasn't new to me.

Lincynity

2024-07-27 11:08:13 +0000 UTC

I appreciate learning this wasn't the origin of the phrase. Definitely the first time I ever heard it, and the the only usage of it. Nobody else walking around saying "resistance is futile" other than the borg.

SageGreenGoat

2024-07-27 10:50:31 +0000 UTC

It was frequently used in popular culture in the UK long before this episode. I grew up hearing it all over the place. It may have been it's broadest exposure in the US at this point, but this isn't where it came from.

Lincynity

2024-07-27 10:43:06 +0000 UTC

Congrats, you guys, you've leveled up to Season 4

Firekrys FWO

2024-07-27 10:36:17 +0000 UTC

Yup, it hurts, but the reaction at the end of the episode was worth it. As a kid, I was pissed that I'd have to wait months to find out what happened. And if I recall, the S4 premiere was a back to back, where they re-ran this finale to recap everyone.

Firekrys FWO

2024-07-27 10:35:00 +0000 UTC

You did not err.

Jovet

2024-07-27 10:31:43 +0000 UTC

I've been awake too. high five

Jovet

2024-07-27 10:30:44 +0000 UTC

Early reaction, let's go! Personally, I think this is a solid episode on its own, but it's really a two-parter, so taking it as just half the slice, I wouldn't say it's the best episode of S3 (but again still very solid even on its own... and that cliffhanger, damn).

Paul

2024-07-27 10:30:21 +0000 UTC

Soon they will be close to half-way through TNG, too.

Jovet

2024-07-27 10:29:25 +0000 UTC

This is what made the phrase famous in popular culture, so yes this is where it came from in this context

Zack

2024-07-27 10:26:56 +0000 UTC

Exactly

Zack

2024-07-27 10:25:55 +0000 UTC

51:10 It's the music, Josh. That what gave you the impression it wasn't just a commercial break.

Jovet

2024-07-27 10:24:59 +0000 UTC

49:16 It's 5:30am and I am laughing soooo hard. I'm going to wake everyone up! HAH!!!

Jovet

2024-07-27 10:22:54 +0000 UTC

The early bird catches the worm

Yorin

2024-07-27 10:20:29 +0000 UTC

Michael Piller had a one year contract, so this was going to be his final episode. Gene came to him and said he liked what he’d done and wanted him to stay. So, Riker is Piller here, should he stay or should he go? He decided to end the season with a bang, and would decide whether to stay or leave later…

tyranusfan

2024-07-27 10:19:30 +0000 UTC

At 0500 hours this morning I got out of bed to use the bathroom. At 0506, I noticed an update on the patreon app. Patreon reported contact with a season finale described as “cube shaped.” Honestly I went back to bed. I laid there for five minutes, then said “fuck it, I’ll sleep later.”

tyranusfan

2024-07-27 10:16:34 +0000 UTC

Oh, this isn't just a good episode, it's a great one, it makes that list. I've argued and debated the motives, behaviour and characterisation of this episode at length since I first saw it. Yet to meet anyone who hated it.

Lincynity

2024-07-27 10:00:18 +0000 UTC

13:30 Wesley's perfect FML face

Jovet

2024-07-27 09:46:50 +0000 UTC

No. It was a fairly common phrase before this use, although it's fair to say it became most associated with the Borg since. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-resistance-is-futile/answer/David-Calladine?ch=15&oid=225756537&share=a3a4f270&srid=yXyFA&target_type=answer

Lincynity

2024-07-27 09:46:09 +0000 UTC

Resistance is futile is probably most associated with the Borg but it wasn't it's first use. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-origin-of-the-phrase-resistance-is-futile/answer/David-Calladine?ch=15&oid=225756537&share=a3a4f270&srid=yXyFA&target_type=answer

Lincynity

2024-07-27 09:42:52 +0000 UTC

One of the late great Michael Pillers greatest contributions to Trek was this story. Feel like this is the culminations of his efforts. He really revitalised the show, brought in talented writers and changed the direction of Trek.

Darren Seal

2024-07-27 09:37:12 +0000 UTC

OMG, I'm suffering from insomnia and it's 2:35in the morning. Guess I'm not going to bed now. This is gonna be painful. Ah screw it...LFG!!!!!

Firekrys FWO

2024-07-27 09:36:36 +0000 UTC

Oh my! Early release! Most men are embarrassed about that, but I'm glad you guys aren't.

Jovet

2024-07-27 09:32:51 +0000 UTC

Just the reaction I was hoping for. Yay!

wildhunt1973

2024-07-27 09:26:19 +0000 UTC

It's ironic that Shelby accused Riker of not being able to make the big decisions, when in the end Shelby wanted to check with Starfleet command before firing their weapon at the Borg. Riker giving the order to fire while Picard was still on the Borg ship, was the ultimate "big decision", and he made it under the most pressure imaginable.

Charlie's Illiteracy

2024-07-27 09:14:17 +0000 UTC

Love the reactions! If you make us wait to long for season 4, I will snap you back to episode 1 of TOS!

Randy Benton

2024-07-27 09:01:34 +0000 UTC

Jonathan Frakes would come on stage at cons and say his famous line into the mic, “Mr. Worf…fire.” The crowds always went nuts! You just experienced a true moment in Star Trek history.

Brian Moore

2024-07-27 09:01:29 +0000 UTC

"Resistance is futile" came from this, yes

SageGreenGoat

2024-07-27 08:49:58 +0000 UTC

LFG!!

Ramen Nudels

2024-07-27 08:23:50 +0000 UTC

Only started watching your stuff on YouTube once you started TNG and became a patron a bit after, but been waiting for this and I'm so exited to see your reactions... And hyped for season 4!

Murtaugh

2024-07-27 08:18:52 +0000 UTC

Whaaaaaa. You are legends, love you all!

SinocTheHodgeheg

2024-07-27 08:04:16 +0000 UTC

I’m so glad I’m still up for this! Guess I’ll be up for another hour or so now.

Brian Moore

2024-07-27 08:04:01 +0000 UTC

I love you both lots, and I'm so glad we finally got to this point, however it goes.

SageGreenGoat

2024-07-27 08:02:53 +0000 UTC

First! Congratulations on reaching this monumental point in Star Trek history.

Leyton Jay

2024-07-27 08:02:40 +0000 UTC

UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek 181 - The Best of Both Worlds (TNG 3x26)

Comments

Definitely not Swedish

It’s right here - https://youtu.be/TVRxOx0F0Zo?si=zg_lkMU_S615AIq0

Yes, I remember that

Was Best of Both worlds hidden behind a pay wall? Because I didn’t know it was out then I had to pay.. maybe I just let my subscription lapse I’m unsure 🫤 😆

I wish people could refrain from "hyping up" certain episodes for you. It would have been great if you could have gone into this expecting nothing more than what you got in previous Star Trek season finales.

Did you guys forget about the movie Star Trek 4? (1986) Or did your YouTube video get pulled?

@nigel valentine That was my point. 😉

I think J.R. and his assassin might have something to say about that. :)

When I read this question, I misunderstood it. My brain went "the sex novel?" :D

Those stitched together two-parters were also released in theaters. I went and saw several of them.

I think the contract dispute idea might have come from radio show jockies, who mentioned that a lot during the summer. Perhaps just rampant speculation that wormed it's way into the collective consciousness.

Strictly speaking, they should have been in the center of the crater, which might have made a cool pullback reveal, but perhaps the matte painting tech wasn't up to that.

Actually resistance is futile was first uttered in a s2 space 1999 episode called The Dorcons. I shit you not

You only have to wait a month we waited 5 months. This started the season ending cliffhanger

Now that you've seen this episode and The Animated Series, you can watch this video from a couple of years ago. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jyz2pVqrEkI

well, they do that and also raise from birth up, it would be a weakness if they were dependent on humanoids alone for their numbers

Insert obligatory "but at what cost?"

At the end Riker is definitely thinking about "The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, or the one."

Another little subtle bit I've noticed over many years and multiple viewings... the inversion of the TNG theme upon the reveal of Picard's assimilation as the shock sets in on the away team members' faces.

Thank you. I knew I wasn’t crazy.

Great take!! 🙂

Yes. We all thought that Patrick hadn’t signed his contract. It was all we talked about at Shoreleave that year. If it’s true about the real state of his contract, it’s actually brilliant to leak that he hadn’t signed the contract. It gave us real stakes.

@Jovet - fanny packs were called bum bags in the UK; as every Brit knows - the fanny is a specifically female part of the anatomy.

Ron Jones created so many of the memorable TNG scores. The Borg theme could be considered the best of all of them, and it adds so much to this episode. When the Enterprise first encounters the Borg Cube, and likely most well known, when Riker orders "Mr. Worf, Fire!"

Let the Star Trek Golden Age begin

Several years ago after TNG was remastered, Paramount released a half dozen two-part episodes edited together as a standalone "movie". They were released individually on Blu-Ray. It definitely worth watching this in this format.

Perhaps he said that in an interview, but I remember it IRL much differently. I would seek further feedback. Anyone else remember a different story in the trades at the time? I clearly remember an article about this situation in Starlog. (anyone remember Starlog?)

No. Patrick Stewart said so himself in the Blu-ray interviews that when the show started he signed a 6-year contract. At the end of the 6 years everyone re-negotiated an additional 1-year contract.

Holy hell - this is early! At least I know where my next hour is going.

@The Untempered Cynic You're welcome, for fanny packs. I guess we're even, then.

Indeed

I remember me and my friends couldn't wait for it to air!

This was hell to wait for when it first aired. Question: are you guys going to adjust your reaction schedule to start season 4 a bit sooner? ;)

yes this is where resistance is futile come from

O'Brien said they were beamed to the "center of town", but clearly they were beamed outside so we could have the dramatic reveal of the crater. The first warning sign of things to come for this TERRIBLE episode. ;)

Forgot to mention in my earlier post, but wasn't this the start of the LaForge Maneuver?

Thank you. I needed that video!

Prior to the finale, there was the Viewers' Choice Marathon of fans' top 5 favorite episodes. You've now watched 2 of the 5 selected.

I honestly don't know which of you is luckier, so I'll just say you both lucked out. Congrats on 30 years!

Michael Piller. Ron Jones. Cliff Bole. GOAT status

I felt that Riker knew the risk Picard posed to the Federation as a Borg. After all, they now have access to all of his command codes. By killing Picard, whom Riker respects, he was saving not only the Enterprise but the entire Federation...and it would just cost the life of one man.

Safe trip.

Yeah, me, too

Ha! Nice pop for that To Be Continued. It was a long summer.

Indeed. I think Ron Jones score is excellent. I love the little touch of the original TOS theme when the Away Team is facing the Borg on their ship before beaming back to the Enterprise.

Ehh...they're be fine

Yes, good of you to bring up that analogy.

🤣

I see what you did there.

He watched it as a way to get close to me. And 35 years later (30 years of marriage) he still watches the new shows with me. Now I just watch them first before telling him that a new episode has dropped. ☺️

Borg? Sounds Swedish.

I had not seen this episode in 20 years (although I had seen it multiple times before so it was not a surprise.) I enjoyed watching it with you guys - it was like I was in a room with friends watching STNG. Thanks, Alex and Josh

Imagine being a crewman on the Melbourne and the guy offered the command snubs his nose at you and your ship.

When I heard you were going to take a break between seasons 3 and 4, I smiled because I knew you'd at least get a taste of what we had to go through waiting 3 months between parts! But also, I wondered if you'd decide to just do S4E1 right away, because who wants to wait?

did you eventually assimilate him to star trek?

As long as nobody spoils it.

Nah, not even close. Maybe if when they took Picard he said "Data, something's GOT ME!!!"

Just arrived at the airport in Alaska for my 18 hour trek home. But now I have even more to look forward to when I get there

You could say it was a gamble.

I don't see "trying to kill Picard/Locutus" as being the safe decision. “When it comes to this ship and this crew, you're damned right I play it safe.”

They're pretty birds

Only one question matters: Better than Shades of Gray?

NO. But if you'll excuse me I have to go meet with my accountant

LMFAO!!! The best reaction was to the "To Be Continued". The same reaction EVERYONE else had 35 years ago (dam, I feel old). We tried warning you, without spoiling it. Oh well, now you can suffer somewhat like we did.

Good observation. We all know Riker is captain material, and I think deep down he knows it too, and that while Shelby is definitely more than competent and would make a quality first officer that's why she isn't on his level yet.

I'm 40 in the UK, public schooled. It might have been a while ago 😅

Ron Jones reworked his theme for a Family Guy cliffhanger, nearly 20 years later: https://youtu.be/dtZ2S2gWngo?si=4AflpWPu2ZqkM9qT

This episode was the first time someone was assimilated by the Borg. That's how the Borg make new drones.

My girl Shelby ❤️

back in the days latin was taught in schools all over europe (maybe usa too?). not sure the exact moment they started phasing it out

That about sums it up for most of us... LOL

I'm glad you guys commented on the score. This is Ron Jones' finest. The episode would not be the same without his work. The Borg theme he wrote is simple yet conveys so much.

Did you lose a bet on the Discord?

"Welcome to the greatest cliffhanger in tv history." No, we weren't watching Blake's 7. :-)

Putting the cute in Locutus

You gotta ask yourselves now, how the hell can they get out of this?

Locutus was THE cutest of Borg

I wish I was smart enough to have gotten that 🫠

1-UP-mushroom-sound :D