PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 2
Added 2024-04-14 23:06:28 +0000 UTCTARGET DEMOGRAPHIC PATRONS! DO NOT USE THIS POST, USE THE TARGET DEMO PATRON TAKES!
Comment 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
I guess I missed the memo where it was stated this episode wouldn't be published this week?
Jovet
2024-04-21 01:32:37 +0000 UTCNot an amazing episode, but a really solid episode which becomes the norm from season 3 and onwards. I always thought the Sheliak were interesting. What did you guys think of them?
thesolarwind
2024-04-18 02:24:10 +0000 UTCAh yes, the time Data Thanos-snapped away an entire public utility.
Wyrwulf
2024-04-17 19:28:32 +0000 UTCData could have gotten so laid...
Nick Sauer
2024-04-17 00:47:43 +0000 UTCI think this episode shows a deeper understanding of the characters and their abilities. We get Picard on his diplomatic A-game but we also see a leader who makes use of his counselor's skills to do the best he can a difficult situation. We also get Data showcasing a great deal of creativity and we see him grow more as an officer and as a person. The colonists' acting was a flat, but I liked the realism of portraying all their different reactions to their predicament.
Captain Proton
2024-04-16 22:58:30 +0000 UTCI really like this episode, and I think you guys will enjoy it. We get both Data and Picard in the A and B stories trying to think outside the box to resolve a problem that is really outside their immediate control. To me, that's where Star Trek really shines - the characters using reason to overcome problems, not gadgets or technobabble.
Paul O'Neal
2024-04-16 03:51:44 +0000 UTCI’d have done the same in your position. Thanks for pointing it out
Matthew McKinnon-Gray
2024-04-15 22:59:05 +0000 UTCThor arbitration would be bad ass. Sorry I know you meant third. Just had to
Greg Quinn
2024-04-15 22:54:46 +0000 UTCMeh.
Rich Cirivilleri
2024-04-15 22:49:18 +0000 UTCThe baseline of the episodes has definitely come up by Season 3. I'm fairly sure that the top 5 episodes of this season will be better than the top 5 of last season, with maybe one or two exceptions. I don't think this episode would have cracked the top 5 last season. MAYBE if it were a Season One episode.
John
2024-04-15 18:44:05 +0000 UTCWell look at the other episodes in season 3. Definitely won't be top 5. Still solid episode that might have been top 5 season 1 ot 2.
Greg Quinn
2024-04-15 18:22:59 +0000 UTCkeep it bookmarked
Narnman
2024-04-15 16:54:36 +0000 UTCGreat catch!
Michael Metrick
2024-04-15 16:39:58 +0000 UTCThe Enterprise tackles CBS/Viacom YouTube copyright lawyers.
Juan Tutrífor
2024-04-15 14:35:24 +0000 UTCThink of "ensigns" here as "symbols of burden" or "measuring the shoulders of responsibility" ...
Jovet
2024-04-15 12:30:59 +0000 UTCIt's one of the "if they had really stopped to think about what they were doing" flaws with the character. It's hard to ignore, when you think about it.
Jovet
2024-04-15 12:29:02 +0000 UTCI think this is a solid episode. While not top tier for the season, its an episode you don't skip during rewatches. It's entertaining enough. There is a parallel to some real world current events that can be made, and I like how 30+ year old Star Trek episodes can remain relevant in 2024.
Jack Shipley
2024-04-15 11:40:33 +0000 UTCBe sure to keep us updated for each episode you spot this....
StonyD
2024-04-15 11:34:45 +0000 UTCA gaffe in the episode
Narnman
2024-04-15 09:28:13 +0000 UTCIf they gave the female guest actor shots in soft focus this would feel like a TOS episode
Paul Rymer
2024-04-15 08:32:28 +0000 UTCSo I'd say this episode is clearly better than about 5 other episodes of season 3. On about the same level as 8 episodes...and clearly below 13 episodes of this season. But all in all I think this would be a top 5 or at least top 10 episode of either season one or two.
Greg Quinn
2024-04-15 08:19:41 +0000 UTCI heard it was the waterfall
Jon1701
2024-04-15 08:06:14 +0000 UTCI just googled it: "The phrase "the ensigns of command" is from the poem "The Wants of Man" by John Quincy Adams. In the context of this poem, the term "ensign" means a flag or symbol, not the Starfleet rank." This part is me...I went and read the poem, it is basically about the things that a man wants, the things that motivates a man. I'm guessing the phase is used because Data tries to motivate behavior. Or maybe because Data is acting out of duty for star fleet? Not sure...
Greg Quinn
2024-04-15 07:56:26 +0000 UTCThank you. That’s the first time anyone has ever quoted me. :)
startrekiborg
2024-04-15 06:45:36 +0000 UTCGood episode but I don’t understand the title, which doesn’t seem to fit the plot. What am I missing? Is the Patreon Takes format confusing me?
Paul Rymer
2024-04-15 06:21:24 +0000 UTCI usually watch the episode again before commenting but had not had the chance. I remember it was a good episode. I remember being taken with the cute wide eyed girl helping Data out.
Mike Rogers
2024-04-15 06:11:23 +0000 UTCOnly Patrick Stewart could make a request for Third party arbitration sound so bad ass
Matthew McKinnon-Gray
2024-04-15 06:06:01 +0000 UTCWhat compelled you to write this?
Cameron Thacker
2024-04-15 06:00:31 +0000 UTCTrivia: The actor who plays the Sheliak "guy" is the same person who played Armus in "Skin of Evil." Those were his only roles on Star Trek. In hindsight, the costumes are both pretty similar!
Jovet
2024-04-15 04:35:53 +0000 UTC“Of course, one begins to wonder what, if anything, he learned for the years he’s been turned on, and how he ever attained the rank of Commander if he was so naive.” Too right!!!
Jovet
2024-04-15 04:11:24 +0000 UTCReally in-your-face here, though, when the part out of Data's arm is just the right shape to fit perfectly in the phaser...
Jovet
2024-04-15 04:09:44 +0000 UTCThis is a good, solid story in my opinion, where both the A and B stories contribute to the whole, overarching story. I wouldn’t say it’s “outstanding” by Season 3 measures, but a pretty good hour of television
The Game Show Reviewer
2024-04-15 03:38:17 +0000 UTCI've always liked this episode, and it can sometimes be underrated. It's a solid plot, with Data being the perfect choice to go down to the planet because he would be the one who wouldn't understand how his perfect logic (i.e., some aliens are coming to destroy you) wouldn't immediately convince them to leave. There is growth on all sides as Data learns to use emotions to push people where they need to go instead of cold logic. The colonists eventually learned that their lives were more important than pride in the past. The Sheliak are an interesting, non-humanoid species that are fair but obsessed with the letter of the law. It's an interesting puzzle for Picard to solve. Overall, a solid episode that features Data and those on the ship attacking the same problem from two different angles instead of featuring two different A and B stories.
Justin B
2024-04-15 03:20:16 +0000 UTC"My grandfather was buried on that mountain" 🤣. Picard: " Mister Worf, calculate a detonation big enough to destroy that mountain and leave the city unharmed and fire a photon torpedo right at it. That way they see what powerfull weapons the Shelliaks possess, destroying their water supply forcing them to leave and best of all I dont have to hear that line anymore. A win win win situation." I think I would be a great captain🤣. Love that episode though🖖.
Sebastian_Frodo
2024-04-15 03:06:20 +0000 UTCNot exactly a new convenience for a Star Trek episode.
startrekiborg
2024-04-15 02:52:59 +0000 UTC(Star-Trek-Eye-Borg) I predict you’ll really enjoy this episode. It’s a good Data episode where he starts to learn more about humanity. Of course, one begins to wonder what, if anything, he learned for the years he’s been turned on, and how he ever attained the rank of Commander if he was so naive. But, if you ignore that, it’s enjoyable. I’d actually give it a much higher rating if they had left out the totally uncalled for and misplaced feelings Ard'rian McKenzie has for Data. She’s supposed to be the closest thing that this colony has to a robot expert and she falls in love with an android within a few hours of him beaming down, and is surprised he doesn’t have feelings. Even if Data was human, it was a bit quick.
startrekiborg
2024-04-15 02:48:13 +0000 UTCcool i had been wondering about this
Narnman
2024-04-15 01:32:45 +0000 UTCAh the one where you see Troi's camel toe
Narnman
2024-04-15 01:28:27 +0000 UTCPerfect middle-of-the-road episode for me. Nice showcase for Data, and Picard making the Sheliak wait was just priceless. I just always thought it was interesting that while the resolution is framed as a triumph for our characters, the colonists still have to abandon their homes and planet. There was no magical solution where they got to stay somehow.
Ryan Caulfield
2024-04-15 01:04:29 +0000 UTCHe has no emotions!
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:54:46 +0000 UTCI really like this episode as a smidge above average, middle-of the road outing. We finally see Picard really own as a diplomat, and the planet set is a HUGE step up from what we've had so far. The days of the arid TOS landscape with an odd colored sky background seems to be behind us. This is where the show really feels like it's found it's own path and identity, instead of being like or different from TOS. A feeling that will keep growing.
Nolan
2024-04-15 00:53:12 +0000 UTCData has a visibly nervous reaction knowing the captain and doctor were in the audience, and then gets distracted when they leave. But sure, he "has no emotions"
JGoss
2024-04-15 00:50:50 +0000 UTCOh yeah! I meant to mention that too! He looks completely lost doing that... LOL
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:43:24 +0000 UTCLOVE that line! That's Data-level efficiency.
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:40:17 +0000 UTCOur boy O'Brien holding it down on the cello...
THE LORE!!!
2024-04-15 00:38:29 +0000 UTCIt's also Shuttlecraft 05, but with a new name from when we saw it in "Time Squared" for whatever reason.
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:38:28 +0000 UTCThat's life in Show Biz, kid [when you're a nobody].
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:35:14 +0000 UTCAnother goof in the episode is the three weeks. It was hilarious watching Picard get to "hang up" on the Sheliak and ultimately get his three weeks. But, if it will take three weeks for the ship just to *arrive*, then they did not plan any time to actually perform the evacuation. With no transporters it's still going to take some time, even for a specialized ship, to get 15253 people and their belongings off of the planet.
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:33:24 +0000 UTCAt about 38:32 in the episode is one of my favorite goofs. Picard tells Worf to "get me the Sheliak" and everyone walks away from the computer terminal they were crowded around. Worf clearly walks right past his station with the communication controls, where he would carry out Picard's request. No idea where he's going! LOL Just before all this, if anyone pauses to read the displayed text of the treaty, you can get some pretty good laughs.
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:29:15 +0000 UTCAnother solid story to keep up the momentum, despite its production being the victim of a budget crunch. Data gets well-used here in his first real test as a mission commander, and his chemistry with Ard'rian is great to see. Speaking of Data, episode writer Melinda Snodgrass explained her focus on him: "I wanted to take Data one step further in his development as a Human being. I wanted to stress him and have him face a situation where logic isn't enough, to show that in order to command you have to have charisma. You have to learn how to wave your dick and hope your dick is bigger than the other guy's." Besides Data's big dramatic scene at the end, the other memorable moment has to be Picard making the Sheliak sweat over the comm line. His master negotiator skills are finally showing.
Patrick47
2024-04-15 00:22:54 +0000 UTCI’d say this is about as average as it gets for season 3. A good watch, but nothing that pops up in many top 10 lists.
Tim b
2024-04-15 00:20:55 +0000 UTCThe actor (Grainger Hines) had a fairly thick South Carolina accent which didn't quite fit, they concluded. When he learned he would be overdubbed, he asked to go uncredited, which was granted.
JGoss
2024-04-15 00:20:07 +0000 UTCThey also re-used the same actor in the suits, Mart McChesney 🖖
Patrick47
2024-04-15 00:10:52 +0000 UTC“That's the short definition of captain.” is also a great line for Geordi. Deanna's talk about species understanding each other was also really good, and really poignant. That is something that Star Trek often just glosses over for convenience.
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:07:34 +0000 UTCGood Data episode.
Steven Linden
2024-04-15 00:06:26 +0000 UTCA piece of Data's circuitry that conveniently and precisely fits into a bunch of unlikely wasted space in a hand phaser is pretty cringy. There is no way that such a modification would be so simple, and no way it would not require a completely novel discharge head.
Jovet
2024-04-15 00:01:11 +0000 UTCUnlike the previous episode, this is one of my favorites in the series. Top 10. Excellent personal and professional growth for Data's character. The scene at the end where he blows up the aqueduct and his "This is not" line is soooo good. It's just a shame he couldn't have given the "it's just a thing" speech a little earlier on. All of Gosheven's lines sound overdubbed. Ard'rian is a nice tease for a lady-friend companion for Data. It's a shame she acts intelligent, but can't seem to grasp the whole "not having feelings" thing.
Jovet
2024-04-14 23:59:34 +0000 UTCI’ve always been curious about that. Thanks!
tyranusfan
2024-04-14 23:56:37 +0000 UTCBe sure to pause and read the text of the "treaty". More funny easter eggs
JGoss
2024-04-14 23:53:22 +0000 UTCThe movie in question was Valmont, directed by Milos Forman. The role instead went to Henry Thomas, of E.T. fame
JGoss
2024-04-14 23:50:21 +0000 UTCThis episode made Wil Wheaton mad. He had been offered a movie in the summer hiatus between seasons, but it would require him to report back to work on TNG one week later than everyone else. He asked, but the producers refused, claiming the first episode of the season featured Wesley heavily (Evolution). So he had to pass on the movie. He comes back, and due to scheduling, this episode was filmed before the first, and there was actually no need for him to be there!
tyranusfan
2024-04-14 23:42:53 +0000 UTCRecognise the Sheliak costume? They reused it from the oil puddle that killed Tasha Yar.
Smear Campaign
2024-04-14 23:40:32 +0000 UTCLike with episode 1, I'm kinda in the middle about this episode. I don't think either one of these is going to make your top 5, but you never know for sure. That said, I have a pretty good idea which episodes WILL make your top 5. *evil grin*
John
2024-04-14 23:30:37 +0000 UTCAn important life lesson: Always read the terms and conditions.
Evan Guthrie
2024-04-14 23:25:05 +0000 UTCData’s shuttlecraft is named for astronaut Ellison Onizuka, who died in the space shuttle Challenger explosion in 1986.
James H
2024-04-14 23:23:40 +0000 UTCThis was a great Data episode, even if the story was a little...eh. A lot of good parts, but overall, very Star Trek, though it reminded me a lot of TOS (not in a bad way). An excellent episode, but I can't give it more than that.
wildhunt1973
2024-04-14 23:19:59 +0000 UTCThe Sheliak learned “Don't mess with Picard”, and everyone on Tau Cygna V learned “Don't mess with Data”. I have this one ranked as “Enjoyable”.
KatWithAttitude
2024-04-14 23:12:50 +0000 UTCMore scheduling silliness, this episode was shot before Evolution, so Beverly's return to the show begins right away in Ten Forward, a set Gates gets to be on for the first time.
JGoss
2024-04-14 23:12:31 +0000 UTCLove me a technicality, technicalities are fun.
Elway Simpson
2024-04-14 23:09:17 +0000 UTC"That was the stun setting. This is not." What a badass moment from Data.
JGoss
2024-04-14 23:07:45 +0000 UTC
