PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 2 Episode 21
Added 2024-03-25 03:38:16 +0000 UTCComment on this post your ‘takes’ on this episode and we will read a few in our discussion!
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- 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
Good episode, some fan favorite quotes. Last good episode of season 2 though.
Chris M
2024-03-28 02:02:21 +0000 UTCWesley employs the Kirk maneuver
Collin Freeman
2024-03-28 00:06:14 +0000 UTCThe whole "one-millisecond timing" thing strikes me as invented plot drama. It does not seem to me that such a situation requires that level of timing.
Jovet
2024-03-27 12:39:26 +0000 UTCWesley cheats! Okay, that's out of the way. I rather enjoy this one, with a very visually impressive solution at the end, plus even a little wrap up with Kolrami and Data! I know y'all don't like the typical "slash, bang, boom" space battles, but I'm very curious about what you thought of this episode as a whole. Especially considering we have the long awaited RETURN OF THE FERINGI!!
The Game Show Reviewer
2024-03-26 18:51:16 +0000 UTCI really like this episode a lot. I like space battles that are smart like the battle in Wrath of Khan and Balance of Terror. And we get some nice ingenuity and tactics here. And we see Riker show his tactical abilities.
James Hoffmann
2024-03-26 16:04:07 +0000 UTCI think the best part of this episode is Pulaski's attitude towards Data. Is this pride she is showing in Data? She has clearly accepted Data as equal crewmember, not just a machine. That alone is worth the episode!
Dale Gonyea
2024-03-26 15:41:56 +0000 UTCYeah but winning is losing, or losing is winning. Or some stupid bullshit. They tried to do a thing, and even as a kid I called bullshit.
Steven Johnson
2024-03-26 13:48:30 +0000 UTCI think the writing of Picard's lines there is a bit sloppy. Starfleet was not chartered to execute defensive and offensive military operations, but it can do so when needed. Its more-basic purpose is cooperation and exploration, along with some trade and logistical management and stability. Basically, leading by example. But, it definitely has more in common with military organizations than non-military ones. I think what the writer was trying to get across was that "they are not just a bunch of soldiers." I wouldn't describe any of the crew of the Enterprise-D as soldiers.
Jovet
2024-03-26 03:01:15 +0000 UTCWinners find a way to win!
Jovet
2024-03-26 02:05:52 +0000 UTCI thought kinda the same thing, back in the day. But I didn't read too much into it, we the audience aren't supposed to understand it.
Jovet
2024-03-26 00:09:22 +0000 UTCGoddamn Ferengi 😒 great episode overall. Just seeing all the crew being their best with some great moments by all of them. The crew is truly starting to become what we all love going forward.
Incredible Jon
2024-03-26 00:02:29 +0000 UTCAlex won't see it that way lol
StonyD
2024-03-25 23:34:08 +0000 UTCIt's Data's fault. If there is a fault.
Jovet
2024-03-25 23:06:05 +0000 UTCFar better than I remembered. I particularly liked the scene with Pulaski and Troi working together when talking to Picard about Data's self-doubt. It was an excellent contrast to the scene way they confronted each other in Time Squared.
Nick Sauer
2024-03-25 22:21:52 +0000 UTC3D chess and now 3D speed Othello ( that is a game in case my age is showing)
Prof Moff
2024-03-25 19:25:02 +0000 UTCI totally missed that the first time! Now that's some good punning.
Ian Westcott
2024-03-25 18:32:11 +0000 UTCThe Season 2 trend of "let's visualize a future entertainment in a really stupid way" continues. That game being played was just silly... but at least.. at least it was not as dumb as that absolutely ridiculous Ambo-jitzu, the Future Of Martial Arts thing from the Kyle Riker episode. That was maybe as bad as it gets.
Ian Westcott
2024-03-25 18:31:05 +0000 UTCRoy
David Brown
2024-03-25 17:40:40 +0000 UTCI have to admit, I actually LIKED Wesley in this episode. He was beneficial, crafty, and duped that ginger Chad Security officer who seemed to hate being seen with the kid. THAT dude got transferred, no doubt.
StonyD
2024-03-25 17:24:07 +0000 UTCRiker putting together a team is great, Worf is a stand out in this one imo, and who doesn't love seeing Data bust up that jerkwad?
James Bottas
2024-03-25 17:12:47 +0000 UTCAn OK episode, not that memorable except for Picard's talk with Data on how real life works.
Monty Crawford
2024-03-25 17:06:06 +0000 UTCShout-Out to random blonde officer on Riker's team who gets a line. I imagine after she speaks, Riker and Worf look at her with disgust because she's not Tasha Yar.....
StonyD
2024-03-25 15:26:17 +0000 UTC"Klingon guile" ; D
StonyD
2024-03-25 15:19:52 +0000 UTCKolrami consistently cracks me up.
Steven Linden
2024-03-25 15:18:59 +0000 UTCPrediction: You will be annoyed that Data lost, and most of all, that it's Pulaski's fault LOL!
StonyD
2024-03-25 15:18:17 +0000 UTCSince Mr Kolrami works for Rekall, I'm certain this entire episode takes place in Riker's mind...
StonyD
2024-03-25 15:17:53 +0000 UTCGood episode. One not to skip on a re-watch
Miah1138
2024-03-25 15:11:58 +0000 UTCDo you think Data won the game or not? A fun episode, but the wargame doesn’t make much sense. If they were trying to see how they might fight the Borg, then why have the lesser ship stripped of its warp drive? Why allow all the cheating? Against the Borg, Wesley wouldn’t be stealing tech from the enemy ship, Worf wouldn’t have the enemy security codes…
tyranusfan
2024-03-25 14:26:23 +0000 UTCFor me, I don’t like this episode, though it does have its moments. And the things that I don’t like about it are how they look at Kolrami as very arrogant and yet I can’t help but think look who’s talking with the crew of the Enterprise D in these early seasons, are one of the most arrogant crews in all of Star Trek at least in the early seasons. The other thing that I don’t like is Picard saying that Starfleet is not a military organization, which has contributed to a debate amongst fans about is Starfleet a military organization. I am firmly on the side that it is in with Picard simply being wrong and or misguided. My reasonings are that they were military uniforms, have an entire military structure, have military rules and regulations they utilize government authority have court-martials have military ranks fly around and ships that have the armaments and defences that make them a match for the warships of the other regional powers like the Klingons and the Romulans and are responsible for the Federation’s national defense, so yes they are military. Also I hate Rikers idiot lying about preferring brains over brawn. As SF debris in his review of this episode points out brains over brawn is tactics which is something you’re supposed to be practising and you’re working scenario.
Leighton Cressman
2024-03-25 14:25:07 +0000 UTCThis episode manages to make both Dr Pulaski and Wesley more likable. Even the portrayal of the Ferengi is improved, making them more believable villains.
KMScudder
2024-03-25 13:27:28 +0000 UTCWould you like to ski... But you're snowed under with work? Do you dream of a vacation at the bottom of the ocean... but you can't float the bill? Have you always wanted to climb the mountains of Mars... But now you're over the hill? Then come to Rekall lncorporated... Where you can buy the memory of your ideal vacation cheaper, safer and better than the real thing. So don't let life pass you by. Call Rekall for the memory of a lifetime. Rekall, Rekall, Rekall (Roy Brocksmith)
Steven Johnson
2024-03-25 13:13:04 +0000 UTCTo the best of my recollection, this was the first TNG episode I ever saw, a perfect introduction to the entire ensemble.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-03-25 13:02:52 +0000 UTCColm Meaney is the movie version of Colm Meaney.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-03-25 13:02:01 +0000 UTCYup! I have thought about that over the years too. I have decided that the Ferengi are just much easier to hack! [Especially considering all of their computers were built and programmed by the lowest bidder! LOL!]
Jovet
2024-03-25 13:01:53 +0000 UTCThe subtle irony here is that he would be dying "in battle" so he should like that! haha
Jovet
2024-03-25 13:00:06 +0000 UTCPulaski has an even better pun. After comparing Data to Achilles in the Iliad, she says, "You might be able to sell Troi [Troy] with that story, but not me."
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-03-25 13:00:01 +0000 UTCDon't be jelley.
Jovet
2024-03-25 12:59:10 +0000 UTCI’ve always really enjoyed this episode and personally think it would have made a decent finale rather than penultimate episode Sure it doesn’t set up anything major going forwards as a tease or a cliffhanger but it sorta represents the completion of an arc we’ve seen between Pulaski and Data of a relationship that started out quite hostile and now she’s basically acting as his wingman/cheerleader If anything this is possibly the most central social activity that Data has had so far, least in terms of a visual of the crew all standing around cheering on his efforts and of course picards line “It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life.” There’s your classic quotable line we all need reminded of from time to time
Andrew Duffy
2024-03-25 12:54:49 +0000 UTCPeak Performance is a great Riker/Data episode. What did you think of them bringing back a certain villain?
Chris S.
2024-03-25 12:41:49 +0000 UTCThank you for your service. I served on the USS Supply. It was an UNREP vessel. I did the same thing one time, and popped in Wrath of Khan, and some guys were playing cards, others were chatting. And within a half hour, most of the guys had gathered around to watch it. It was so great.
Chris S.
2024-03-25 12:40:17 +0000 UTCWorf gets to sit down while on the bridge, that's twice in two episodes now!
SinocTheHodgeheg
2024-03-25 12:10:49 +0000 UTCThis is my all-time favorite episode of TNG! Here's why: When I was serving on the USS Trepang (SSN-674) we were in the middle of a 6 month deployment in the Mediterranean. Toward the end of that deployment, we were given back-to-back war game exercises. The crew was tired and morale was low. So one day we had about an hour to kill and an hour isn't long enough to watch a full movie, so I popped in "Peak Performance," which I had on VHS. This was the "gateway drug" to Star Trek for a lot of the members of the crew, who didn't really know what Star Trek was. Even the Captain came down to watch it with us. We found it so relatable.
Darin Wagner
2024-03-25 11:57:09 +0000 UTC7/10 episode. The story itself isn't as strong as the character moments in this episode. Pretty much the whole cast get's to have some moments in this one. Wesley finding a way to kinda sorta way to cheat shows he's come a long way from his season 1 "I'm with Starfleet, we don't lie!" days. Glenn Morshower shows up in this episde, and he's like the movie version of Colm Meaney!
EnigmaticPenguin
2024-03-25 11:51:20 +0000 UTCOverall a good but not great episode for me. Some great moments stitched together by some meh moments. “He’s the best.” I think that sums it for how Picard feels about and respects William T. Riker. And just remember, when outgunned, you always have guile,
Collin Freeman
2024-03-25 11:40:28 +0000 UTCThat line sounds like something Roddenberry threw in.
Collin Freeman
2024-03-25 11:35:37 +0000 UTCI always enjoy a good wargames episode. Plus the Constellation class ship is always a favorite of mine so I'm happy to see it. I love Picard's line to Data that you can still lose without making any mistakes. That's life.
Alexander McKechnie
2024-03-25 10:40:59 +0000 UTCOh yes!
Silk
2024-03-25 10:34:14 +0000 UTCI noticed that this episode is written by David Kemper. He is one of the main writers and executive producers for Farscape, which I recall some of the episodes he wrote for Farscape were actually pitched for TNG.
TalynStarburst
2024-03-25 09:23:01 +0000 UTCI’ll predict you’ll enjoy it. I’ll also predict that as soon as Sirna Kolrami starts talking, you’ll immediately know he’s playing a pompous ass, which is not really too different from the actor’s character in Total Recall.
startrekiborg
2024-03-25 09:20:24 +0000 UTCI predict Alex’s reaction to Kolrami will be: “This f***ing guy.”
James H
2024-03-25 09:18:33 +0000 UTCOne of my favorites. It's crazy that it's season 2 still! I think it's safe to say, this is considered the the season 2 finale by most.
Andrea R
2024-03-25 09:01:36 +0000 UTCOne of Picard's more memorable lines. I've quoted it to my kids before even.
Andrea R
2024-03-25 08:58:06 +0000 UTCWorf's one liners are the best.
Andrea R
2024-03-25 08:54:17 +0000 UTCI agree 100%. Super quotable.
Andrea R
2024-03-25 08:52:09 +0000 UTCThe growth is subtle but it's definitely there for sure.
Andrea R
2024-03-25 08:51:09 +0000 UTCI always really liked this episode. I've never done a list but I'd say it's probably in my top 20 for all TNG episodes or at least close (definitely top 30). One little plot hole has always bothered me though. Worf makes the "ghost ship" Romulan War Bird appear to the Enterprise. But he manages that because he has the access codes. But later he makes the Frengie think Federation ships are coming...but...he doesn't have their access codes; so how did he do that? Also if he could do that why not just do that without the Photon torpedo / warp jump trick which could have ended in disaster. Seems like the cowardly Frengie would have ran with Federation ships coming either way....(I guess maybe the fear that Frengie could take them out with out shot...so maybe they would do that even if they were running? Or Worf for some reason needed to be hidden to do his trick). Bur still...all in all good episode.
Greg Quinn
2024-03-25 07:47:44 +0000 UTC"It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life."
Greg Quinn
2024-03-25 07:39:40 +0000 UTCThe style in which Data beats Kolrami reminds me of how AlphaGo won against Lee Sedol in one of the most famous AI vs human matches of all time: "As one of the creators of the system explained, AlphaGo does not attempt to maximize its points or its margin of victory, but tries to maximize its probability of winning. If AlphaGo must choose between a scenario where it will win by 20 points with 80 percent probability and another where it will win by 1 and a half points with 99 percent probability."
snthd
2024-03-25 06:42:37 +0000 UTCThis would have worked well as a season finale. The Borg threat being the driver of the story and a clear signal for future seasons. Everyone on the crew getting their part to play, or a moment to shine.
Numinous2019
2024-03-25 06:18:37 +0000 UTCI busted him up!
Troy Massey
2024-03-25 06:10:06 +0000 UTCAt least Worf doesn't have to worry about losing his job to the backup security chief.
bab
2024-03-25 06:05:39 +0000 UTCNot much to say about this good episode except we have another actor from Total Recall. Ray Brocksmith, with his distinctly annoying voice. Data's hang up was also very entertaining.
Mike Rogers
2024-03-25 05:48:51 +0000 UTCGiven they just had their asses handed to them by the Borg, I question why Picard and Riker were so resistant to hone their combat skills.
JGoss
2024-03-25 05:43:54 +0000 UTCWas just telling the truth "we're conducting a military training exercise, that's why there's a mismatch" out of the question or not even worth trying? Instead it was easier to pretend they're hiding something valuable.
JGoss
2024-03-25 05:42:07 +0000 UTCThe Ferengi must really be dim-witted if they didn't pick up on the warp jump or the lack of debris when the Hathaway "exploded".
Evan Guthrie
2024-03-25 05:37:58 +0000 UTCDamn, beat me to it
JGoss
2024-03-25 05:36:43 +0000 UTCAnother stand out episode in this supposedly “bad” season. Riker showing what makes him a good captain separate from Picard. Data getting a character moment in wallowing in defeat. Plus everyone else’s shines as well including Roy Brocksmith as Kolrami and character actor Glenn Morshower as Burke.
Eric Bundy
2024-03-25 04:56:29 +0000 UTCI feel like this episode gets a bad wrap, but I really like it. Definitely one of the more memorable S2 episodes. I like the arc for Data, and we get another classic Picard quote. Also, Riker and Worf showing their "guile" is fun.
Michael Mannisto
2024-03-25 04:46:42 +0000 UTCThis episode is one of my favorite in TNG, many characters has some fantastic lines, the humor is great, conversations realistic, even Data having a existential crisis (as far as androids go), we get some good action, some fun situations, and one of the best quotes in Star Trek from Picard to Data. "It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness; that is life."
A Surprisingly Moist Fart
2024-03-25 04:42:01 +0000 UTCAnother Total Recall connection. If you don't recognize the face under that make-up, you gotta at least recognize that voice. Let's hope Riker doesn't have a schizoid embolism like Quade potentially did. Also "Starfleet isn't a military." Yeah, sure Jean-Luc, not quite, but it also isn't NOT a military. It's maybe the IDEAL form of a military. I dunno, what do you guys think, is Starfleet military?
Nolan
2024-03-25 04:41:09 +0000 UTCTroi: “And, from these specifics, what general conclusion can you extrapolate?” Data: “Only 21% of the time does he rely upon traditional tactics. So, the Captain must be prepared for unusual cunning. Counsellor—Commander Riker will assume we have made this analysis, and knowing that we know his methods, he will alter them. But, knowing that we know that he knows that we know, he might choose to return to his usual pattern.” Troi: “Wait, wait. You're over-analysing, Data.” Also ROTFL. Also a great pun on Troi's final line there. 😀
Jovet
2024-03-25 04:39:02 +0000 UTCData: “If the warp engines fail to function, the result could be… unfortunate.” Worf: “Very unfortunate. We will be dead.” ROTFL
Jovet
2024-03-25 04:35:14 +0000 UTCThis is the final episode of season two. Episode 22? Nope, didn’t happen.
Smear Campaign
2024-03-25 04:34:09 +0000 UTCSirna Kolrami is a pretty quirky but fun guest star. At the end, at 42:18 in my copy, I was convinced he was going to slap the guy at tactical on the bum. LOL
Jovet
2024-03-25 04:33:47 +0000 UTCPicard vs. Riker round 3! In round 1, Picard surrendered to Captain Riker of the Pagh. In round 2, Riker failed to rebut a full-force Picard speech at Data's hearing. Here in round 3 ... game cancelled on account of Ferengi interference. Who do you think would have won if they had finished the war games?
Jeff Cornell
2024-03-25 04:29:38 +0000 UTCYes. I've tried to point out her "growth" at various stages throughout the season. I think she got a lot closer with him after he piloted the shuttlecraft for her in "Unnatural Selection." She started out not respecting, understanding, or finding herself able to relate to him at all. She has come full circle now. She even gives him some counsel (like she would a biological patient) in this episode.
Jovet
2024-03-25 04:26:49 +0000 UTCUGH!! why does it have to be Wesley again.
Smokey C
2024-03-25 04:25:28 +0000 UTCI also really like this one. It's well paced, exciting, slightly devious, and has some good twists. However, The Zakdorn is probably the lamest species name to date!
Jovet
2024-03-25 04:25:07 +0000 UTCHey Captain Riker is back! This was sort of a turning point from peaceful exploration to we need to prepare for the Borg, they are coming and we “don’t want to be caught with our britches down” as another captain of the Enterprise once said. It’s a fun war game season finale. What’s that shades of wha? No…. I don’t know what you’re talking about. END COMMUNICATION!
Gregory
2024-03-25 04:07:54 +0000 UTCLove this episode a lot (continuity error aside in how Riker was able to trick the Ferengi ship, wasn't he able to do that with the enterprise because he had access to the ship anyway cause....whatever, who cares) Awesome Picard quote, Data vs Guest Star in the game was awesome. Pulaski seems to have some level of respect for Data now, what a nice ending to that season arc they had there. Good way to end the season as a whole... Nope, whatever episode you're describing doesn't exist, nope. Season finale right here
Elway Simpson
2024-03-25 03:58:48 +0000 UTC"It is possible to commit no mistakes and still lose. That is not a weakness, that is life" is, in my opinion, one of Picard's best quotes and has resonated with a lot of fans in real life, including myself.
THE LORE!!!
2024-03-25 03:52:32 +0000 UTCGreat Riker episode but also a great life lesson for Data :)
Andreas Schmitt
2024-03-25 03:49:45 +0000 UTCJust in case you were missing them since their last appearance, the Ferengi are back! At least they aren't in it that much, and their far superior replacement big bad gets mentioned. The battle strategy is cool, and Data gets a life lesson. In my rankings I have it as “Enjoyable”.
KatWithAttitude
2024-03-25 03:42:48 +0000 UTCIt's nice to see the development between Data and Doctor Pulaski in this episode. Not only has she apparently become a fan of Data, but she also seems to now genuinely care about his well-being.
Gweneviere
2024-03-25 03:41:14 +0000 UTC
