PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 21
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Comments
Of the main cast, who was your favourite Barclay creation? I’m really hoping you gents have a blast seeing all the characters overacted to a comedic extreme, and see potential in exploring the cast through Barclay!
Ross Townsend
2024-07-11 02:00:48 +0000 UTCI was going to post a comment but I've been stuck in the holodeck all day...
Michael Metrick
2024-07-10 21:59:36 +0000 UTCBred out? Sounds like eugenics.
Lincynity
2024-07-10 16:44:47 +0000 UTCIt’s in the name and things like that are part of gene manipulation also seems it could have been bred out by then too.
Jason Biggs
2024-07-10 16:39:02 +0000 UTCWhy would they? Is neurodiversity something that should be eradicated?Part of the value he brings to his job is that he doesn't think in lockstep with the rest of the crew.
Lincynity
2024-07-10 16:37:14 +0000 UTCEvery thing you guys thought about doing in the holodeck Reg was way ahead of you. But he is a great character and really grew on me and definitely gained sympathy. My only thing is wouldn’t they have gotten rid of autism symptoms in the 24th century?
Jason Biggs
2024-07-10 15:14:32 +0000 UTCAnd we have reached the introduction of one of my favorite characters in TNG. It would have been really easy to get Barclay wrong in both writing tone and in acting, but somehow they managed to pull it off extremely well.
LMPGames
2024-07-10 02:41:03 +0000 UTCWell, then, they need to switch to Earl Grey.
Jovet
2024-07-09 22:57:33 +0000 UTCOn paper the Barclay character is a horrible idea. The audience could easily find him as annoying as the rest of the crew, or even worse, an insulting caricature of a trekkie. But a decent script and an amazing performance makes it work somehow, and to this day he's one of the most beloved TNG guest characters.
Tim b
2024-07-09 22:50:11 +0000 UTCMe too. But, I don't think Alex & Josh will appreciate it. I don't think they'll have it, but it's not their cup of tea.
startrekiborg
2024-07-09 17:38:04 +0000 UTCYeah, right? Like how many other crew members have done the same thing but have just had nobody barge in on them?!
Ryan Caulfield
2024-07-09 15:30:01 +0000 UTCAh, the second episode in a row where the guest character is a version of myself! (Probably why I enjoy this episode so much.) Do you guys side with Picard trying to provide some empathy and understanding for Barclay, or ar you more aligned with Riker's sort of "shape up, or ship out" mentality? On the one hand, Barclay did help save the ship from breaking apart, but on the other hand, his holodiction is an HR nightmare.
Ryan Caulfield
2024-07-09 15:27:43 +0000 UTCDaa da daa! Da da daa... Da da dada da da....da dada daa... (A-Team theme)
Zack
2024-07-09 04:17:21 +0000 UTCNumbr Wun!!!
Jovet
2024-07-09 03:45:51 +0000 UTC@John That sounds good. I can relate to you on DS9. I did not get into it or watch it when it first came out. I think I've seen most of it, within the past 10 years, but I am sure there are some I have still missed. I'm still debating with myself what to do about that when the guys get to it next year.
Jovet
2024-07-09 03:42:28 +0000 UTCThe Introduction of one of the best non-main characters of all time (rivaling but not surpassing Chief O’Brien)! After watching this episode, would you see yourself using the holodeck in a similar fashion (I.e. using people you know in caricature depiction?)
Nathan Walker
2024-07-09 03:38:15 +0000 UTCSo they dump the screw-up onto The Flag Ship!? Not some nothing Outpost? I think that line from Riker was him trying explain the difference from the reports with what he's personally seen. Cause' Barclay achieves some great things & even in this episode, picking around the stuttering, he knows his stuff
Justin DiBari
2024-07-09 02:40:57 +0000 UTCOne of the epics, and it really has the makings of a Bla episode if not for the talent of the guest star. Have you seen A Team because I feel like it should be a pre req of watching this episode.
Quacer Productions
2024-07-09 02:22:11 +0000 UTCLower Decks. All I can say..
Zee Doctere
2024-07-09 01:39:18 +0000 UTCThe best of what is to come in the whimsical way trek blends sci-fi, morality tale, and fantasy. Do you guys think we will see more of Mr. Barclay?
Zee Doctere
2024-07-09 01:36:16 +0000 UTCI guess we'll just have to agree to disagree.
Nick Sauer
2024-07-09 01:03:59 +0000 UTCMy favorite line from this episode is Deanna: "I am the godess of EMPATHY." Do you have any stand out lines?
T’Pynyn of Vulcan
2024-07-09 00:55:55 +0000 UTCLet's be honest. If a holodeck existed most people would be doing what Barclay is doing if not a whole lot worse.
Greg Quinn
2024-07-09 00:45:52 +0000 UTCI'll watch it for the first time with the Target Audience. There will be quite a few DS9 episodes I'll be doing that with, so this'll be an interesting test bed. (The first time I watched DS9 was on rerun on... I forget which channel, but they were running 12 episodes a day, and even at top capacity, I can't do 12 episodes a day. I only saw it when they were most of the way through Season 1, so I had to pick and prioritize which episodes to recor and watch. Since then, I've seen most or all of Seasons 4-7, much of Season 3, but very little of Seasons 1 and 2.)
John
2024-07-08 23:51:36 +0000 UTCNah. I can totally see Picard being too shocked at what he did to react.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:33:43 +0000 UTCit's my favorite because it's so damn funny. Picard's flub is just so unexpected and raucous, and then Riker-Troi-Geordi finding "Troi" on the holodeck... best reaction ever.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:33:13 +0000 UTCEYEW-lug mahk-AHV-ir-in ?
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:31:50 +0000 UTCIt always takes me out of the moment when Data, while being Mister Language Person, mispronounces “metathesis.” But maybe it’s a 24th-century version of Umhoefer’s Rule that most writing on language is badly written.
James H
2024-07-08 23:30:17 +0000 UTCProbably.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:29:11 +0000 UTCHe is pretty smart and he's a very good diagnostic engineer—when he applies himself.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:27:10 +0000 UTCIn their defense, they were not crew members whom were simulated.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:26:40 +0000 UTCHe had a "good record" because people wanting to dump him off talked him up. Or, as Riker put it, buttered some bread.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:24:48 +0000 UTCThat's the Goddess of Empathy, you're talking 'bout!
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:23:51 +0000 UTCNoooooooo
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:23:07 +0000 UTCYou have to watch it. The laffs are supreme. One of the best (comical) scenes ever on television, at least of its era.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:22:06 +0000 UTCBarclay can be assumed to be doing much more than just wanking it with them watching.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:20:36 +0000 UTCOh. My. God.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:19:25 +0000 UTCOne of the best scenes ever on television is *that scene* ... and Riker's reaction, and then Geordi's reaction, and then Troi's! LOL!!!
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:19:11 +0000 UTCRule #1 is Follow orders. If you don't perform Rule #1, you're not going to make your CO very happy.
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:18:32 +0000 UTCThis is one of my most-favorite episodes of TNG. Barclay is my favorite TNG character, and some of the laughs in this are unsurpassed. I'd write more, but I would have done that last night, not right when I get home from work. (e.g. Please post these Patron Takes things sooner so we have time to actually write our predictions/questions/comments that you'll be able to read.)
Jovet
2024-07-08 23:14:20 +0000 UTCThe thing that did the most damage to this episode for me was the part where Picard slips with calling Reg "broccoli" but, not because of the slip itself but because he freezes afterwards. Picard would have immediately apologized after the mistake and, in fact (no spoiler), we see exactly that happen next episode. It was a cheap laugh that I felt cheapened Picard as character that I just couldn't buy into. Otherwise, it was a mediocre episode for me with a couple of good ideas.
Nick Sauer
2024-07-08 22:37:09 +0000 UTC(Star-Trek-Eye-Borg) I don’t think you’re going to hate the episode. I think you’ll be a bit “meh” about it. But, be warned, it is a fan favorite. Not because of the quality of the episode, but because of the fallible, relatable character of Lt. Reginald Barkley. Your age being what it is, you may not understand why he’s so popular. Besides being a good character, he’s being played by Dwight Schultz. The actor was just a couple of years removed from playing the much beloved character of Howling Mad Murdock on the highly successful show “The A Team”. I like how they used Geordi in order to relate to his Holo-addiction. I believe this is the first time that the word Holo-addiction is used, and would definitely be a very real problem if holodecks really existed, just look at how people are glued to their phones.
startrekiborg
2024-07-08 22:25:55 +0000 UTCI don't have anything to say about the episode (not really one of my favourites). I just want to hear you try to pronounce my name. :D
Uileag MacAmhairghin
2024-07-08 21:47:01 +0000 UTCData explains the "broccoli" flub, notices he's said too much and then turns to push a button to appear busy and change the subject, definitely the act of someone without emotions. #DataHasEmotions
JGoss
2024-07-08 19:50:54 +0000 UTCDid you catch the shout-out to Back to the Future with "flux capacitor"?
JGoss
2024-07-08 19:46:16 +0000 UTCI don't have a strong opinion of the episode itself. I do however like Barclay quite a bit. He's so different than the typical Star Trek character who is always portrayed as confident and in control. It's interesting to see someone so completely different.
Spencer Loften
2024-07-08 19:46:04 +0000 UTCI love the Picard and Geordi scene where Geordi is admonished to get to know Barclay, to be his friend. THIS is the utopian ideal that Star Trek should be known for. As a people, we need to get away from tearing each other down or pushing others out because we find them difficult or different.
JGoss
2024-07-08 19:40:12 +0000 UTCYou'll hate this episode. Too comedic, just like the Q episode you hate. Also it has a B plot that will interfere with the Barclay's A plot. You will hate this episode more than Deja Q, and this episode will probably make you appreciate Deja Q more. That being said, this wasn't a bad episode. It let the actors have fun with Barclay's holodeck versions, and it was a just a good "fish out of water" story. Enjoyable, even if not the best. You'll still hate it, though, with every fiber of your beings.
wildhunt1973
2024-07-08 19:35:51 +0000 UTCI think you both will find this episode a good but not great season 3 episode. I love the new character and this episode as I can relate to his level of anxiety, but feel you will just think the episode OK overall, due to a lot of the silliness.
Murtaugh
2024-07-08 19:27:18 +0000 UTCYou have been told wrong
Mordock_Vapelord
2024-07-08 18:59:04 +0000 UTCTreads well into the cringe zone, and arguably predictable. (Of course the awkward protagonist is going to save the day). Nonetheless very entertaining, and at times hilarious. Some great acting, both in the ‘real world’ and the over the top holo-stuff. I still remember exchanging jaw-dropped wtf glances during the cold open. Picard’s embarrassment on saying Mr Broccoli was priceless. As was Data’s reaction.
rear adm. crackbiscuit
2024-07-08 18:49:00 +0000 UTCI think you'll like this episode. Some fans love it, others see it as it having a main character parody of a Star Trek fan, even though that does not check out for me.
Mike Rogers
2024-07-08 18:30:10 +0000 UTCI remember watching this as an awkward anxious judgmental kid aged around 11 and being deeply impacted by it. This is definitely an episode that changed me for the better. A rare subject to approach respectfully, ESPECIALLY in the early nineties. I think this was the point I officially became a trekkie. It was always good TV but I remember thinking about this one for WEEKS after. I am interested to see how this holds up for a first time viewer in a very different era (I haven't revisited this one in a while so very much remembered through rose colored glasses lol)
Christopher Devlin
2024-07-08 18:09:50 +0000 UTCAnother example of Picard being an exceptional captain. He doesn't just transfer you if you struggle, he tries to help you first. Also, do you like the idea of an "everyman" crew member the audience can identify with? I think anyone with mental health issues can relate to Barclay's struggle to measure up to social expectations.
Justin B
2024-07-08 18:00:48 +0000 UTCBarclay is the most human crew member. He’s not the smartest man, he doesn’t have all the answers immediately on hand, he has an addiction to the holodeck, but when necessary he can step up to help save the ship. Barclay shows in this episode that he really is part of the Enterprise’s A-Team.
Gregory
2024-07-08 17:56:02 +0000 UTCMy psych student observation: the 2 guys that have such a big problem with Barcleys holodeck usage are the same 2 that fell for a girl in a big way on the holodeck. And they are very embarrassed about it.
Alan Thompson
2024-07-08 17:53:32 +0000 UTCSuch a complicated relationship with this episode. On one hand I greatly sympathise with Reg's struggle for connection, on the other hand he takes it too far and it starts getting creepy. It is however brilliantly written.
Angarl
2024-07-08 17:49:28 +0000 UTCBarclay is basically a you character, he the most realistic human character in trek, imagine you working on the enterprise with the best and brightest and you have social anxiety, yeah i be in the holodeck dealing with the stress too
Dark Kronis
2024-07-08 17:44:42 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite episodes. I find Barkley relatable: A (very) socially awkward guy who is merely decent at his job in an environment of professional overachievers. Very funny but then again I laugh my ass off at Scott's Tots as well.
Captain Proton
2024-07-08 17:31:16 +0000 UTCDo we really have to watch this one? I'm still waiting for an official apology for expecting us to believe Broccoli made it through the academy, let alone got assigned to the Enterprise.
Nerd's Gold
2024-07-08 17:03:29 +0000 UTCWil Wheaton’s best line quickly followed by Frakes best acting so far. Riker: Am I late? Did I miss the fight? En garde! Hope either of you aren’t drinking when this line occurs 😆
Schnabley
2024-07-08 16:57:31 +0000 UTCHuh... that's so weird. I recall reading or watching an interview where it was stated to be... maybe it was a segment from one of the "Trekkies" films commenting on similarities after the fact? Regardless, I have edited my take to amend the error.
Nolan
2024-07-08 16:36:26 +0000 UTCDo you think Lt. Reg Barclay will return? Do you want him to return?
Sam Langanke
2024-07-08 16:23:04 +0000 UTCThis episode has always given me such second hand embarrassment. Poor Broccoli, not only do they witness his fantasies, but they see his fantasies are also so ridiculous. Doubly embarrassing.
Connor Fallon
2024-07-08 16:17:45 +0000 UTCThat's super realistic though. A guy who has his own issues there is going to be the most judgemental. He's angry because he's sees some of himself in Barclay.
paultardspambot .
2024-07-08 16:15:43 +0000 UTCThe writers have denied that interpretation being intentional or even crossing their minds when they wrote the episode.
paultardspambot .
2024-07-08 16:12:31 +0000 UTCAnd supposedly Goldberg recommended him for Star Trek based on a film they worked on together.
paultardspambot .
2024-07-08 16:11:41 +0000 UTCWorf 42:10 "Today is not a good day to die!"
C
2024-07-08 16:10:55 +0000 UTCIt was supposed to be something else but the actor flubbed the line and they left it in.
paultardspambot .
2024-07-08 16:10:45 +0000 UTCSocial anxiety, now that's the killer. Picard even said Brocoli had an excellent record previously. Getting assigned to the flag ship seemed to be just too much for him. Even if you're perfect for the job, Social anxiety makes you look like a babbling idiot. & when there's a whole holographic world completely under your control just around the corner, it's easy to fall in.
Justin DiBari
2024-07-08 15:54:58 +0000 UTCThe holodeck has no lock. Insanity! Imagine walking into one of Riker's programs because you with your non dirty starfleet mind assumed "Take me to poundtown" was a historical program about England.
Phillip Grischa
2024-07-08 15:51:21 +0000 UTCCreating your coworkers as different characters was entertaining, but embarrassing when your coworkers find out, especially Troi finding out lol.
Christopher Dorn
2024-07-08 15:34:21 +0000 UTCThis is another episode which heavily depends on the guest character. As someone who's suffered with social anxiety, I've always really related to the character of Barclay and his struggles. Also a good examination of the ethics of the holodeck.
Elizabeth N
2024-07-08 15:32:09 +0000 UTCWhen this aired, Dwight Schultz (Barclay) was best known for being on the original A-Team, playing a crazy guy who had a different personality every episode. The actor has chops to be the focus of a single episode.
C
2024-07-08 15:31:40 +0000 UTCI love this actor on The A-Team as H. M. "Howlin' Mad" Murdock. But damn I want to shove Barclay in a wood chipper. Feet first, so it hurts more.
Juan Tutrífor
2024-07-08 15:31:32 +0000 UTCThe writing of the command crew could be inconsistent. Riker in particular. I don't know if this was to give the actors something more to perform, but there are definite episodes where most of the bridge crew appear capable of being jerks.
Numinous2019
2024-07-08 15:19:41 +0000 UTCI’ve never liked this episode but I appreciate at Barclay isn’t thrown away just because he isn’t perfect.
Sharron
2024-07-08 15:19:07 +0000 UTCI always enjoyed Barclay, mostly because as an introvert I can relate to him and his total lack of social skills. But this episode establishes that “flux capacitors” exist not only in Back to the Future, but also in Star Trek! I wonder if Doc Brown left one here when he dressed up as a Klingon?
Brian Moore
2024-07-08 15:13:38 +0000 UTCEngineering is a dumping ground for substandard personnel. Season 1’s revolving door of Chief Engineers, Geordi whose main skill is rerouting power, Ensign Gomez who pretended to accidentally throw a hot drink on Picard, and now a VR porn addict. Where do I sign up!
Smear Campaign
2024-07-08 15:07:11 +0000 UTCI suspect the guys will like the central moral themes of the episode but roll their eyes at how over the top some of the scenes get. And LaForge acts pretty damn superior for a guy who fell for the simulated version of a real person
Jeffrey P
2024-07-08 15:07:04 +0000 UTCWe finally meet the Enterprise's HR nightmare. Reginald Barclay. Hard to say what Alex & Josh will make of him but the episode is a thought provoking exploration into the sometimes cliquey behaviour of the crew from the POV of an outsider, social anxiety, the ethics of holodeck usage and personal boundaries between officers.
Lincynity
2024-07-08 15:04:32 +0000 UTCPoor broccoli is just trying to earn a paycheck and have an occasional wank and his squeaky clean crewmates keeps sharing his search history….🙂↕️
Benjamin Azure
2024-07-08 15:02:43 +0000 UTCI actually have never watched this episode, because if I ever do, then I will have finished "The Next Generation," because I will have seen every episode. From what I've been told, it's a thoroughly 'missable' episode.
John
2024-07-08 14:58:42 +0000 UTCI completely agree. This episode is hard for me to watch because of that. I think that happens because this episode was a product of it's time. Meaning that Neurodivergence wasn't well understood or tolerated yet. People just viewed it as being "shy." As an autistic person, I think it's very likely that Barclay is neurodivergent in some way. He'd be fine if he just had the right support.
BN13
2024-07-08 14:51:21 +0000 UTCTotally relevant today, following on from questions raised in the Geordi episode with Leah Brahms.
Paul Rymer
2024-07-08 14:36:46 +0000 UTCWith the proposed Deepfake legislation being talked about today I think this episode was WAY ahead of its time! Agree or disagree guys?
Patrick Rynearson
2024-07-08 14:33:43 +0000 UTCI always enjoyed this episode. And Barclay is one of my favorite Trek characters: a relatable guy with issues to get over and not a hyper-competent, unwavering professional like the rest of our heroes. We can aspire to be those guys, but really, we're all Barclay trying to do our best.
Alexander McKechnie
2024-07-08 14:29:23 +0000 UTCAlex would be Barclay. Never leave the holodeck.
tyranusfan
2024-07-08 14:29:22 +0000 UTCThe final frontier of holodeck episode concepts: People who jerk off to their coworkers in it. This episode is a case study in HR.
EnigmaticPenguin
2024-07-08 14:27:35 +0000 UTCThe episode where the characters have to deal with a stereotypical Star Trek fan persona - which is in actuality based on Producer Micheal Pillar. I love that scene where Picard encourages supportive interpersonal development, instead of washing his hands of Barclay's troubles, taking responsibility for the well-being of his crew. A scene that will be HEAVILY contrasted much later on. -_-
Nolan
2024-07-08 14:27:03 +0000 UTCI love Deanna's hilarious hypocrisy here!
David Wayne Fox
2024-07-08 14:23:01 +0000 UTCIt's always bugged me how intolerant and impatient some of the crew are with Barclay (especially Geordie - who actually acts like an asshole at times) - not something you'd expect from our enlightened 25th century crew! That being said this is an OK mid-tier episode and I think you'll like the character stuff with Barclay and the commentary on the holodeck.
Alan F
2024-07-08 14:17:50 +0000 UTCI've come to appreciate this more and more as a fun opportunity for the writers to take the piss on their own characters while somehow still loving and respecting them in the process. But what do you guys think is worse? Generating AI porn of your coworkers, or them looking through your browsing history on your work computer? Poor Barclay. Dude got exposed. Very curious if you'll find him sympathetic or not in the end.
#MaxwellDidNothingWrong
2024-07-08 14:15:31 +0000 UTCI remember thinking when I watched "The Big Goodbye" that the holodeck tech would be used in all sorts of unsavory ways and that some people would never leave. And in a world where, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, you don't have to look for work and work doesn't have to look for you, why not stay in there all the time? Better than stealing hubcaps...
Michael Schwarz
2024-07-08 14:15:27 +0000 UTCAh the HR Department’s nightmare… As a real question though, is this an ethical form of therapy/helping people face social anxieties under supervised conditions?
Andrew Duffy
2024-07-08 14:10:23 +0000 UTCOnce again the Star Trek writers show their forward thinking. AI cloning of faces and voices is an important topic today but the same ethical questions were being asked 30 years ago.
Evan Guthrie
2024-07-08 14:04:09 +0000 UTC🥦🥦🥦
Elway Simpson
2024-07-08 14:03:42 +0000 UTCI find this episode more relevant today than ever before. Imagine a society where people are more focused on a piece of technology than the real world around them, creating a fantasy world that is molded to their desires. And yes I’m typing this from my phone.
Column Meanie
2024-07-08 14:03:30 +0000 UTC
