PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG - Season 3 Episode 10
Added 2024-05-13 00:34:04 +0000 UTCComment on this post your ‘takes’ on this episode and we will read a few in our discussion!
NO SPOILERS - If it is information regarding anything THAT DOES OR DOES NOT HAPPEN after this episode, don't include it in your comment.
If you want your take to be read in the video, comment ONE of the following:
- A brief review (2-3 sentences) of why you like/dislike the episode
- A question for us about the episode
- A prediction of how you think we will react to a certain aspect of the episode
- A fun fact about the episode
We are watching this episode Monday, so we won’t be reading the comments on this until then. If you have questions shoot us a message!
Comments
If you like this one there is a movie I could recommend about an enemy officer who tries to defect bringing his ship with him while being pursued by his fleet. Well, maybe not.
Alan Thompson
2024-05-19 14:59:46 +0000 UTCI can think of nine or ten more episodes this season that are as good if not better than this one. And I love this episode.
Dan Krantz
2024-05-17 05:15:11 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite episodes. You were disappointed they revealed too much info to the audience in the last episode. Hopefully this one makes up for it.
Brian K
2024-05-16 20:56:05 +0000 UTCI think you are going to love Picard's strategic thinking. The alliance has to terrify the Romulans. The episode is a favorite, I realized 10 episodes into Season 3, there were more episodes I would rewatch then in the first 2 seasons combined.
Aaron Holden
2024-05-16 17:12:47 +0000 UTCGreat episode. And even though it was released at the tail end of the cold war it should have an even greater impact at the time. Humanizing and reflecting on the internal conflicts of defectors.. No show but Star Trek could possibly do this at the time.
sjmpoo
2024-05-15 22:34:27 +0000 UTCI agree, the six foot model looks much better in HD as opposed to the four footer whereas the four footer looked better on the old standard def TVs. Although they only roll out the six foot model to make one new shot for the series, the stock shots of it made by ILM continue to be used throughout the series. BTW, the effects facility that Paramount used for TNG, DS9 and Voyager was Image G.
Dan Krantz
2024-05-15 19:41:50 +0000 UTCA superb Romulan episodes which establishes their deceptive nature and desire for conquest, whilst at the same time adding layers of depth.
Potatonano
2024-05-15 19:12:19 +0000 UTCThis is one of those episodes that I remember Crystal clear reacting to way back when. I remember thinking this is a superior piece of writing and acting and direction. The Romulans are really done proud. And it just gets better from here
Rich Cirivilleri
2024-05-15 12:53:39 +0000 UTCAwesome episode!
Dan Krantz
2024-05-14 20:14:44 +0000 UTCThis is one of my favourite episodes and I'm guessing you guys will enjoy it as well. James Sloyan gives an excellent performance as Jarok, a man torn between his culture and his conscience. And the way the mysteries of the plot slowly unravel is also great, culminating in such a bad ass moment with Picard and the Klingons. Plus, Tomalak is back as well. Just an outstanding episode all-around.
Ryan Caulfield
2024-05-14 16:09:44 +0000 UTCMy gut tells me that you'll be appreciative of the writers keeping the audience in the same suspense as the crew.
Miah1138
2024-05-14 14:16:54 +0000 UTCJust have to say, I love this episode. Ron Moore and Michael Pillar show once again they truly understand Star Trek on a fundamental level. Also Tomalak is back!
ijp8834
2024-05-14 04:27:01 +0000 UTCBehind the scenes three big things here. 1. Ron Moore 2nd story idea. And this one is one that he giving the full script and teleplay (of course all scripts in TNG do get a final polish to some degree uncredited by the Head Writer, here Michael Pillar). Unlike the Bonding, we have far more solid info about not only story concept, but structure, and teleplay work by Ron Moore. 2. Paramount discovers that Sherlock Holmes wants a fee for using their IP. Thus the teaser is rewritten to Shakespeare that has no additional costs associated with it (and it ties in beautifully to the episode). 3. The SFX team had for a while had some serious issue with the 6ft filming model that was created by ILM. The model is beautiful but the details were designed for film. Standard CRT displays washed away much of the detail. It was also designed by people who are used to the motion control facilities at ILM. Paramount outside of the pilot used I believe Motion G for model filming a much smaller facility, in the LA area. Thus they were more limited for length shots, (outside of using the 2 ft model whose details would be even harder to see on CRT devices). So they had model maker Greg Jein create a 4 foot miniature. The model loses its sleek lines, and is certainly chunkier, but it was specifically designed with raised hull details, that would be picked up better on TVs of the day. It did add ten forward to the saucer section, but the key factor is it was much lighter, took less crew to film and less time. This allowed the SFX team to get more complex, and more SFX shots for the same amount of money that they were using on the 6ft model. That model will only be used one more time on this series. Now with the remaster and of course TV's which get far more than 480p. Those details really stick out. When we first got the remaster it was amazing seeing how good the original 6ft model looked, with TVs that could see the details ILM put in it. But the 4ft was better for the TV's of the time....
Mark Wood
2024-05-14 01:48:42 +0000 UTCYeah, thats what Star Trek can do very well. Episodes like that. Thats also why westerns work well because you have to focus on characters, atmosphere and acting when you are producing in the dust in the middle of nowhere.
Sebastian_Frodo
2024-05-14 01:42:42 +0000 UTCI agree with everything you said
Moonlander
2024-05-14 01:35:16 +0000 UTCAnd a more or less bottle episode!
The ted berg
2024-05-14 01:27:47 +0000 UTC@James Goss Oh. I looked that up the other day and had already forgotten. I had, like, E19 stuck in my head, or something.
Jovet
2024-05-13 22:59:22 +0000 UTCLove it, it's awesome, excellent. Question\Prediction: Do you guys think season 3 has peaked with this one?
Burrito Vampire
2024-05-13 21:15:28 +0000 UTCThis is the best Romulan episode of the whole series in my opinion. Great guest actor and his character has such a good arch in just one episode. Don't you guys think that the personal drama leading up to or avoiding war is much more interesting than another space battle with special effects?
Erik Baca
2024-05-13 19:45:27 +0000 UTCI love this one. it's become my most re-watched episode over the years. The pacing of the plot and the buildup of tension, as well as the superb guest performance by James Sloyan, and Picard's great "Shall we die together?" moment always have me coming back to this one. Awesome hour of television.
dkenobi
2024-05-13 18:20:11 +0000 UTCMoore said the industry has a term of that - the script was "gangbanged".
JGoss
2024-05-13 17:16:46 +0000 UTCRon Jones got to shine in this one, getting an opportunity to highlight his Romulan and Klingon themes together at full blast.
JGoss
2024-05-13 17:12:59 +0000 UTC@Jovet - The Defector original air date: 01/01/1990
JGoss
2024-05-13 16:58:38 +0000 UTCBest episode of the season so far, by far. Overall my #3, behind only perhaps a couple obvious choices.
JGoss
2024-05-13 16:55:54 +0000 UTCThere are several episodes that have grown on me over time, especially since becoming a parent.
JGoss
2024-05-13 16:52:17 +0000 UTCGreat episode. Easy prediction: Josh and Alex will love it!
Haven SMM
2024-05-13 16:35:53 +0000 UTCIt occurs to me that many of the best Star Trek episodes have a tragic or bitter-sweet ending. As a kid I didn't really care for them as much, but these days I love them. I just wish the ending credits had a more matching score for such episodes. There are so many instances where they ruin the mood of the episode at the last second.
Tim b
2024-05-13 15:57:40 +0000 UTCAn established villain/faction, an amazing guest performance with a well written character and an episode that is soly supported by character interactions, that is Next Gen at its finest. And there are many more like that to come in the future. Definetely one of my all time favorites. 🖖
Sebastian_Frodo
2024-05-13 15:52:26 +0000 UTCI'll be shocked if you guys don't like this one. This is easily one of the strongest episodes of the season. The writing is great, the twist is great, the ending is great ... It's just a good, solid, well-crafted episode. Hits every beat it needs to. You'll like it... I'm sure of it!
Jack Shipley
2024-05-13 15:22:11 +0000 UTCWhen I told my wife (who has seen every TNG episode) that I was watching The Defector her response was, "oh, that's a great one" and she wasn't kidding. Guest actor James Sloyan knocks it our of the park in an amazing script. The one question I have is will you two figure out the ending based on the one line of dialogue foreshadowing like I did.
Nick Sauer
2024-05-13 14:54:08 +0000 UTCTop-notch episode, great guest performers that bring out the best in the cast. One to remember for sure.
Paul Rymer
2024-05-13 14:16:49 +0000 UTCWe're not *quite* to 1990... yet!
Jovet
2024-05-13 13:27:27 +0000 UTCMy favourite Romulan, and this is how a returning "villain" should be handled. Love the final exchange when Tomalak realises it's a stalemate, with the genuine smile and curt nod, and no throwing the toys out of the pram like some modern examples!
James Knight
2024-05-13 13:08:34 +0000 UTCYou guys are gonna like this one.
Just another Red Shirt
2024-05-13 13:00:23 +0000 UTCKatsulas as Tomalak in an episode written by Moore, is there anything to add ?
Syl
2024-05-13 12:33:42 +0000 UTCI've been waiting to see what you guys think of this one. Another one by Ron Moore. Excellent episode! One of the highlights of the season for me, and probably my favorite Romulan episode of the series. Top 10, but STILL not one of the top 5 of season 3 though. The best is yet to come.
BN13
2024-05-13 11:40:33 +0000 UTCWelcome to the 1990s
Warpiggaming
2024-05-13 11:34:46 +0000 UTCWhat an intro to this episode! I remember being on the edge of my seat when seeing those Romulan Warbirds confront the Enterprise. The script is solid. Not surprising really as by Ronald D. Moore. The score music during battles is intense! I think you will both love this one!
Andrew Bassey
2024-05-13 11:33:35 +0000 UTCi like to think of the conversation to get Klingon to join, either you get glorious battle against our common enemy, or you get to see them run away at the sight of you, Klingons " okay were in"
Dark Kronis
2024-05-13 10:47:23 +0000 UTCOne of the greatest twists ever. You just know the Klingons were ITCHING to press that "fire disruptors" button.. I don't know how they controlled themselves but they did.
valen
2024-05-13 08:26:56 +0000 UTCThere's not much I can add about this one, other than to say it's one the best again. In fact, it would appear you're on a string of 'one of the best's now. This one will tick all the boxes for you, especially as it's so soon after the last great Romulan episode, and Tomalak returns again.
Andy Frankham-Allen
2024-05-13 07:09:27 +0000 UTCI always feel like this is one of the unsung gems of the show. Great episode from the guest cast to the end. TNG really knew how to do good Romulan episodes.
Darren Seal
2024-05-13 06:08:37 +0000 UTCYeah, a Top 5 for season 3 is an embarrassment of riches. This is top 10 for sure. Edit: Actually now that I think about it, this is in my top 5.
JGoss
2024-05-13 05:45:27 +0000 UTCWell, after "The Enemy" you said you wanted more Romulan characterization. 90s Trek was really good at pairing episodes and having plot threads. Good stuff.
Nolan
2024-05-13 05:39:01 +0000 UTCI definitely missed the seeming throw away line about the communication to the IKS Bortas as a kid. But Alex and Josh are watching this more intentionally than I was. And I'm pretty sure they are smarter than 10 year old me. Lol
Greg Quinn
2024-05-13 05:38:14 +0000 UTCKlingons unclocking after Picard's speech is bad ass. Notice how the Klingon theme gets blended into the score at the point of unclocking? Top 10 episode for season 3 for me. But not top 5....there are some episodes yet to come that blow this episode out of the water. But this is a very very good episode.
Greg Quinn
2024-05-13 05:34:20 +0000 UTCUh oh, another Romulan Ep. and this is a good one too. My fav Scenes are with Picard and Adm. Jarok in his ready room, Jeordi and Data in Engineering & the faceoff with Tomalak in the Neutral Zone......(Klingon Backup)! Another good one I think, that's it! 😀🖖
Duane Chancey
2024-05-13 04:56:49 +0000 UTCPREDICTION: Josh and Alex will predict that Picard called for Klingon reinforcements
Matthew McKinnon-Gray
2024-05-13 04:50:40 +0000 UTCAlso completely useless to you youngin’s. Admiral Jarok was the voice of Lexus commercials for a long time
Phil Ken Sebben
2024-05-13 04:10:54 +0000 UTCNecco Wafers! Absolutely disgusting! No wonder he died.
Phil Ken Sebben
2024-05-13 04:07:09 +0000 UTCGood god I cannot wait for the pop at the end of this one.
Phil Ken Sebben
2024-05-13 04:05:57 +0000 UTCThat's really interesting, thanks.
NivekTheIncorrigible
2024-05-13 03:41:00 +0000 UTCTurns out Ronald Moore really didn’t write much of this one. It was bashed together and rewritten numerous times. Even Moore himself questioned why ultimately he ended up with the writing credit.
Column Meanie
2024-05-13 03:36:24 +0000 UTCCertainly one of the great episodes of the series. Love the political intrigue and the scope in this one. The performance of Jarok by James Sloyan is a terrific performance and of course it was good to see Andreas Katsulas return as Tomolak. My only gripe for this episode is how Picard treats Jarok at the end when the plot is realized to be a ploy. Not a shred of sympathy for the man who threw away his home and family “for nothing”. Essentially they just let him kill himself.
Column Meanie
2024-05-13 03:34:30 +0000 UTClongtime listener, first time caller! I bet you guys will like this because you are lockstep with the crew on what they know and don't know: your guess is as good as theirs! I foresee you will also like the references to "The Enemy." Finally, starting with a Shakespear drama class in this episode's hook, as well as the concerts in previous episodes makes this crew my favorite nerd-warriors ever.
The ted berg
2024-05-13 03:31:13 +0000 UTCThis episode introduced a new four-foot miniature of the Enterprise-D to the series. The original large scale studio model of the Enterprise D, created for the pilot, was six feet long and its size made it difficult to work with. The new model had greater surface detail. There were a number of subtle changes to the ship, including the addition of a row of windows on the leading edge of the saucer to match the location of Ten Forward.
Geordie Joe
2024-05-13 03:30:59 +0000 UTC*Takes a deep breath in* IRRELEVANT!!!!!!! In all seriousness, I really like this episode a lot. Love me some Romulan antics
Elway Simpson
2024-05-13 03:26:19 +0000 UTCGood episode. Not personally one of my favorites but it is a consensus favorite among most TNG fans.
Spencer Loften
2024-05-13 03:24:18 +0000 UTCEnough of the warm ups. Welcome to the real season 3. Just like with the Klingons, the writers have figured out how to build the Roman culture as well. We get a brilliantly conflicted character to follow through a mystery of sorts with an absolutely fabulous twist at the end.
Nerd's Gold
2024-05-13 03:15:33 +0000 UTCThe best Romulan episode so far, taking the type of deceit you see shown in The Enemy and turning it up to 11. James Sloyan steals the show any time he's on-screen and thankfully, the actor appears in other roles that are just as good later in the franchise.
THE LORE!!!
2024-05-13 02:46:05 +0000 UTCYou wanted Romulans? TNG delivers the Romulans!
EnigmaticPenguin
2024-05-13 02:35:54 +0000 UTCThis might be my favorite Romulan episode. Picard has a couple banger speeches and there's a lot of insights into Romulan culture.
Trouty McTroutTrout
2024-05-13 02:35:07 +0000 UTCLooks like a Tums
JGoss
2024-05-13 02:33:27 +0000 UTCThis one is a banger for me. This is the episode that basically makes me forget The Enemy more.
JGoss
2024-05-13 02:31:27 +0000 UTCTo me, the only reason this episode is not one of the more remembered ones is because of the certified bangers to follow.
Mike Rogers
2024-05-13 02:24:14 +0000 UTCVery close, yes.
JGoss
2024-05-13 02:19:23 +0000 UTCas large as they need it to be ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
Badger
2024-05-13 02:16:29 +0000 UTCAnother question: Did you guys pick up on what that pill was he took out of his boot?
Jovet
2024-05-13 02:06:15 +0000 UTCDoes "Alex lore-building noises" sound like Alex-yoga noises?
Jovet
2024-05-13 02:03:35 +0000 UTCQuestion: Did you spot Patrick Stewart in the opening scene? Besides being Picard? This scene is pretty surreal, especially with himself "paused" in the background for so long while Data and Picard chat.
Jovet
2024-05-13 02:03:11 +0000 UTCThere are many, many articles written about the inconsistent scales of the BOP. Ex Astris Scientia has a pretty good one. TNG mentions "K'Vort" class cruisers. We're led to believe these are much larger ships than the "scout class vessel" we first see in Trek 3. Heck in Trek 4 alone, the BOP becomes much larger than it should be multiple times. How large is a Bird of Prey? ...as large as they need it to be
JGoss
2024-05-13 02:01:58 +0000 UTCThey should love this one
JGoss
2024-05-13 02:00:19 +0000 UTCWeaving through the Shakespeare themes from Henry V through to the climax with Tomalak *happy Alex lore-building noises*
JGoss
2024-05-13 01:46:49 +0000 UTCPicard gets to be awesome in this episode. "Shall we die together?" One of my favorite Picard moments so far. The episode does a good job of showing how a society built on secrets and lies can destroy a man of conscience.
John
2024-05-13 01:41:47 +0000 UTCAnother great Romulan episode, and another written by Ronald D. Moore. I hope you all are now convinced of the step up Season 3 is and that TNG is hitting its stride.
NivekTheIncorrigible
2024-05-13 01:40:50 +0000 UTCJames Sloyan. Possible my most favored Trek guest actor, but not necessarily in this episode, but this is his introduction.
Matt G Cowart
2024-05-13 01:29:40 +0000 UTCIt's some great writing how early on Picard/Riker/Data all agree that this smells like a Romulan trap, but then the trap ends up being so well-laid that they still have to jump into it. Makes the villains look like evil geniuses without having the heroes come off as idiots.
bab
2024-05-13 01:19:28 +0000 UTCFind it hilarious that the Romulan Warbirds are scared off by Klingon birds of prey, ships small enough to land in a park in San Francisco, though somehow appear much larger here.
Evan Guthrie
2024-05-13 01:16:54 +0000 UTCIt's cool to know that Picard can just call up some random Klingons to covertly follow him as backup and trust them NOT to open fire on their own and start a massive war.
JGoss
2024-05-13 01:06:05 +0000 UTCOne of my favorites! There’s a nice callback to TOS in the communication from Starfleet: back in Balance of Terror, it took more than a day for Starfleet to advise Kirk while he was at the Neutral Zone. Here, communications have advanced so that Picard only has to wait 2-3 hours. The game of Blind Man’s Bluff being played out between the Federation and Romulus is always fun. Tomalak returns!
tyranusfan
2024-05-13 01:04:54 +0000 UTCI don't know how to summarize all the things I love about this episode in just a few sentences. So instead I'll just say: only a veruul would speak poorly of this episode.
Jeff Cornell
2024-05-13 01:03:47 +0000 UTCWelcome to the episode that started the last decade of the 20th century. This is the first of the season 3 GREAT episodes in my opinion. The reveal of the Klingons at the end and the fact that no one bought the story of a Romulan defector - it is just a master class in Star Trek writing. Its tight, its timeless and it reinforces a simple ideal - make peace with the Klingons and reap the rewards.
Paul Sage
2024-05-13 01:00:00 +0000 UTCThis is where I felt the show began to perfect its particular brand of world building: the subtle hints of events from past episodes being referenced. It’s a treat to those who’ve seen it, but not totally required viewing to understand what’s going on. Beverly’s hint of recently treating Romulans, events from The Enemy, is such an example.
Andrew F.
2024-05-13 00:55:33 +0000 UTCA good story but I always feel very sad with this episode.
Jason Mitchell
2024-05-13 00:50:24 +0000 UTCWell well well another Roman episode. As you can see TNG fleshes out the Romulans and make them great enemies to be reckoned with.
Jason Biggs
2024-05-13 00:48:54 +0000 UTCOne of the very best, with a great message.
Captain Proton
2024-05-13 00:47:32 +0000 UTCThis is one of my top 5 ever. The way Picard handles both Romulans is epic
Zack
2024-05-13 00:44:59 +0000 UTC🚨Badass Picard Alert🚨 the back and forth between Picard and Tomalak, topped off by the Klingon reveal is peak for me. Even a little hint of the Motion Picture Klingon theme sprinkled in there as they decloak. Chef’s kiss 👌🏼
Andrew F.
2024-05-13 00:42:55 +0000 UTCWelcome to the first appearance of the new 4-foot Enterprise model, built because the effects team were tired of working with the larger model. This one is noticeably more chunky, doesn't separate, and has more raised details. It was built for television, and doesn't quite hold up as well in HD.
JGoss
2024-05-13 00:42:00 +0000 UTCLove the daggers that Beverly shoots Worf when mentioning they had recent history treating Romulans.
JGoss
2024-05-13 00:40:43 +0000 UTCThe Enemy was ok but forgettable to me, as this episode comes soon after and overshadows it in every way. The suspense and drama nail it, and of course another great Ron Jones score, which Enemy sadly did not have. Jones's Romulan theme is always great to hear.
JGoss
2024-05-13 00:40:10 +0000 UTCTOMALAK THE GOAT RETURNS
Mister Hope
2024-05-13 00:35:49 +0000 UTC
