PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG - Season 2 Episode 7
Added 2024-02-04 22:51:56 +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
Holy hell. Yeah - it was rude. And (understandably!) not grasping Data's sentience quickly enough doesn't mean she was being RACIST. My god... 🤦🏻♀️
Lady Beyond The Wall
2024-02-07 14:35:50 +0000 UTCI think in space seed they mention that they no longer do eugenics?
Greg Quinn
2024-02-06 22:08:16 +0000 UTCI was pulling memory from TOS and Khan episode where they discuss the eugenics wars but I suppose they never bring up policy. My bad. Still, the lab produced superhumans feels very offbeat in this series imo.
Jonas A. Lind
2024-02-06 15:31:13 +0000 UTCThe only stand-out memory I have from this episode is the Quarantine Mode that Picard enables on the Lantree, warning ships to steer clear due to a biohazard. Expands upon the known remote command abilities between ships (akin to using the Prefix to override Reliant's shields, ST:II).
James Knight
2024-02-06 03:55:42 +0000 UTCIt’s the return of the killer “old makeup”! Some interesting ideas here, but ultimately one of those ones that’s kinda forgettable. Diana Muldaur carries this one rather nicely, but she still doesn’t quite feel like she meshes with the main cast. Fun Fact: This is the first time the Miranda Class Starship model (USS Lantree” is used since “The Voyage Home”!
The Game Show Reviewer
2024-02-06 03:46:42 +0000 UTCIt's an episode that exists. You can watch it or skip it, and afterwards feel no better or worse for having done so.
Tim b
2024-02-06 01:55:42 +0000 UTCShe's portrayed as a dedicated, competent, and renowned doctor of medicine who has never had to spend one iota thinking about or treating a computer, let alone an artificial life form like Data. It's called character growth, and they portrayed her character exactly as they intended. (And she, the actress, sold it!)
Jovet
2024-02-06 01:45:42 +0000 UTCVague technological solutions are Star Trek's deus ex machina.
Regan
2024-02-06 01:45:09 +0000 UTCI'm pretty sure that irony, at least, delighted the writer(s) enough to give Pulaski that line at the end.
Jovet
2024-02-06 01:43:03 +0000 UTCI couldn't pause that part as a kid.
Jovet
2024-02-06 01:41:37 +0000 UTCI aim to invent the Transporter too.
Jovet
2024-02-06 01:41:03 +0000 UTCNo. It's a spoiler.
Regan
2024-02-06 01:39:01 +0000 UTCWho said they have a zero tolerance? Don’t recall seeing that. Was it in season 1?
Smear Campaign
2024-02-06 01:19:49 +0000 UTCTotally awkward. The Federation has a zero tolerance policy towards human genetic enhancement (KHAAAAAAN!) and not a single eyebrow raised on the news of Darwin station producing superhumans in their perverted test tubes. Also we got conformation of Dr. Pulaski being a complete sociopath smiling off the transporter, feeling no crushing guilt for her zealous yapping trying to bring the Terminator kids onto the Enterprise, killing everyone onboard. Let's move on.
Jonas A. Lind
2024-02-05 22:52:46 +0000 UTCYour puns are Chief among my favorites...
StonyD
2024-02-05 22:49:26 +0000 UTCGotta go with Andy on this one. I think it's a great episode.
Dale Williams
2024-02-05 22:20:57 +0000 UTCWell I think they needed Data to speed up the analysis for them, but yeah, true. She does show some insight on the planet, I was just surprised they went in the "magic transporter" direction. Maybe to highlight the irony of the piece of tech she is so against is what saved her life? I just would have rather had the people on the planet (Pulaski, Kingsley, etc.) have a more active role in their own salvation, that's all. I didn't think about it when I was a kid, but now it seems a little off.
Ryan Caulfield
2024-02-05 19:44:28 +0000 UTCIt's why I think such solutions should be avoided as much as possible -- you'll really screw up your universe if you try to apply the solution in the future.
Ian Westcott
2024-02-05 19:39:02 +0000 UTCStar Trek does this sort of thing a lot. They have this incredible discovery (in this case, the fountain of youth transporter) and gloss over it to easily resolve the episode, then completely ignore the larger implications. In Plato's Stepchildren, I can understand keeping the telekinesis power very hush-hush, but the medical applications of age reversal should be far more important than they treat it.
Evan Guthrie
2024-02-05 19:29:07 +0000 UTCIts funny you mention that, and you are correct. I actually watched an interview with Rick Berman where he said, and I quote, “She didn’t get on with the cast that well”. So it is true right from the horse’s mouth. I love the behind-the-scenes tidbits. I’ve become somewhat of an “expert” (use loosely), and Ive watched and read everything I can about TOS and TNG fun facts in every aspect of production. Ever wanna talk tidbits, I’m your guy! Love to talk more!
Chris S.
2024-02-05 18:40:03 +0000 UTCGood question. Perhaps the virus hung around in the air for a while and when the scientists came into contact with the children they breathed in the contaminated air?
DataDroid
2024-02-05 18:03:52 +0000 UTCWhat this episode shows is that it's not difficult to tweak anyone's genetic code at will. It is another example of technologically revolutionary, societal-changing applications going nowhere.
Jovet
2024-02-05 18:03:08 +0000 UTCThis isn't the first episode to show (or imply) she doesn't like transporters. Review her first episode again!
Jovet
2024-02-05 17:59:53 +0000 UTCNo.
Jovet
2024-02-05 17:59:06 +0000 UTCYet another (prominent!) example of new or existing technology being used in a "new" way that should dramatically alter things forevermore but which is cast aside ...
Jovet
2024-02-05 17:58:34 +0000 UTCWell, Dr. Pulaski does identify the problem, which for some reason the scientists were totally incompetent to do themselves...
Jovet
2024-02-05 17:51:36 +0000 UTCYou won't go many Miles with that attitude...
Jovet
2024-02-05 17:46:45 +0000 UTCWhat I want to know is how the "children" were exposed to that flu in the first place? They look sealed off and isolated as it is, and the scientists had supposedly done their best to keep the "aging infection" from reaching the children.
Jovet
2024-02-05 17:45:37 +0000 UTCI like the premise, I like the middle, but I'm not a fan of "wave the magic technology wand" solutions. The biggest issue with that is you can think of previous problems that could have been solved in the transporter this way, and clearly the writers wanted to ignore this episode, since there are problems in the future that this magic tech could probably solve. It falls under the category of "technobabble that is too powerful, such that it limits your ability to write interesting problems to be solved in the future." That sort of thing is a prime candidate for general writer amnesia. Also, couldn't this basically make you immortal? She remembered everything, but old age was basically scrubbed out of her tissues. Why is this not done all the time? There are plenty of people who wouldn't care about the moral implications.
Ian Westcott
2024-02-05 17:33:57 +0000 UTCThe first episode to really focus on Pulaski. The reveal that she doesn’t like transporters is an homage to Bones. Obviously the plot is similar to TOS “The Deadly Years” as well. Some different ideas here but everything goes back to status quo by the end of the episode.
Eric Bundy
2024-02-05 17:27:43 +0000 UTCThe problem is that Diana Muldaur also rubbed the actors the wrong way. The rest had jelled into a group, and she was, unfortunately, on the outside looking in. She just didn't get along with them, and maybe some of that tension eases into the episode; not sure. I have a soft soft for this particular episode.
Ian Westcott
2024-02-05 17:26:32 +0000 UTCSeems like a mixed bag, but Alex and Josh are unpredictable, which I love by the way, so its possible my perpective might change. But as of right now, I feel its a weaker episode.
Chris S.
2024-02-05 15:30:56 +0000 UTCInteresting take. Characters have to develop, so you may have a point. I didn’t say this episode was terrible. But I’d describe it as on the weaker side. But its been a while. Alex and Josh have changed my mind a time or two because of their perspective. Let me watch along again. Maybe I’ll enjoy it.
Chris S.
2024-02-05 15:27:22 +0000 UTCFun Fact: They actually aged DOWN Pulaski for this episode... I'm sorry that was rude, I just don't like that she was racist against Data by disrespecting the pronunciation of his name in that first episode and have been bitterly holding onto that for 30 years.
Burrito Vampire
2024-02-05 15:11:36 +0000 UTCI love the design and the fact that creators thought about the "boring" part of being in Starfleet - making supply runs, supporting colonies etc.
snthd
2024-02-05 15:02:37 +0000 UTCCheap transporter solution episode. I can't find the quote somewhere, but I was fairly certain a writer or producer later admitted they kind of cheated using the transporter to fix things and decided they should avoid that in the future.
Joe Concepts
2024-02-05 15:01:24 +0000 UTCThat's hilarious! xD
DataDroid
2024-02-05 14:53:31 +0000 UTCThe first episode to reveal that Colm Meaney’s recurring transporter operator is “O’Brien.” When Meaney received the script for the episode, he had to ask the producers who “O’Brien” was before learning it was his character.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-02-05 14:20:50 +0000 UTCChristina Pickles from "St. Elsewhere" was the first runner-up.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-02-05 14:19:13 +0000 UTCCouldn't disagree more on this take. That Pulaski rubs the crew up the wrong way is perfect, and just what the show needs. A bit of conflict among the principle characters creates good character, drama and dynamic that was sorely missing in season one. As for your assertion that most fans don't like this one, based on the sampling in this comments, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you're incorrect. This is a great season two episode.
Andy Frankham-Allen
2024-02-05 14:18:46 +0000 UTCMe, too.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-02-05 14:16:35 +0000 UTCEspecially Diana Muldaur.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-02-05 14:15:26 +0000 UTCHmm. I'm not sure I agree there. Protection wouldn't have had an effect on proving whether the kid was a carrier or not, right? She just needed to do more tests on him in a fail-safe environment which was the shuttle. There was no need for her to expose herself to the virus like that, even if she was so convinced that the kid was not a carrier, she had to at least consider the possibility.
DataDroid
2024-02-05 13:47:04 +0000 UTCIt seems like the only ones who “forgot” about Khan and moved on from that storyline is TOS. Every other series brings it up, makes it an issue AGAIN, when this is supposed to be outlawed and not a mainstream topic anymore. The other shows water it down and ruin the Khan “legend” by bringing up these stories. Oh well.
Chris S.
2024-02-05 13:46:30 +0000 UTCHey, nice. I like your analysis. A “get shit done” lean and mean ship. I like it.
Chris S.
2024-02-05 13:41:45 +0000 UTCThere’s mixed feelings among fandom, but most fans dont seem to like this one, and I’m in that camp. This is a very “TOS” feeling episode. TNG’s “The Deadly Years. Sort of. While Diana Muldar is a great actress, as demonstrated in TOS. But I never liked the character much. She rubbed the crew the wrong way a couple of times, and honestly, I think she was miscast. I’m not sure who would have been a better choice, but a more charming “likeable” actress might have helped?
Chris S.
2024-02-05 13:36:22 +0000 UTCAnother favorite of mine. A good Pulaski episode with a sad ending. Transporter chief O’Brien finally gets a name here. The Lantree is a reuse of the Reliant model from Star Trek 2, without the rollbar on top.
tyranusfan
2024-02-05 13:34:56 +0000 UTCI guess the show writers & producers wanted to introduce a character that was more representative of pre-TNG. More pronounced personality, more opinionated, more distinct from the established crew dynamic. Muldaur is a capable actress, but the writing of the character isn't as skilled as it needed to be to make this work. McFadden's warmth and likeabilty didn't help either by throwing Pulaski into greater contrast to Crusher.
Numinous2019
2024-02-05 11:55:57 +0000 UTCThis is a great exploration of Pulaski, and despite the obvious similarities to McCoy, this is the one where she steps out of that shadow and becomes her own person. The way she relates differently to each of the crew is great. That she rates Picard so highly, and yet hides it so well, is great. Her relationship with Data is softened even more. All in all a lovely episode - a kind of mix of Khan and The Deadly Years from TOS, but with enough spin to stand on its own.
Andy Frankham-Allen
2024-02-05 09:52:24 +0000 UTCI can't really reply to this fully because a cheeky allusion would have to go into full-blown discussion of future events and we don't want that. Just know, I do know more than what I posted, and am not being obtuse to be close-minded. Moreso being akin to Socratic irony. As to your point, the balance of scientific advancement versus possible risk, potentially catastrophic, is the basis of not only a myriad number of approaches to scientific ethics, but also a large chunk of science fiction itself, e.g, "You were so busy asking if you could, you didn't bother asking if you should." Which higlights how multi-faceted, nuanced and clearly not binary, black and white an issue the balance of ethics and advancement is. Star Trek itself is rife with this discussion both for and against. Humanity reaching peace after reaching the stars, but not before nearly annihilating itself, the M5 computer, the Talosians, Miri, the whole series is rife with examonations of the push and pull of advancement and ethics, rarely coming down on one side or the other in a broad sense.
Nolan
2024-02-05 09:14:01 +0000 UTCUSS Lantree is a Miranda-class ship, they're a true Toyota Hilux of space. The less prominent and more "go get shit done" type of vessel. USS Reliant was one of these, they design was used for over 2 centuries.
snthd
2024-02-05 08:11:05 +0000 UTCFinally we learn something about Dr. Pulaski. She's a Picard groupie!
snthd
2024-02-05 08:10:19 +0000 UTC"Also, genetic exoeriments, did we learn nothing from KHHHHAAAAANNNNN!?" Then we also shouldn't develop new medications or treatments because in the past some turned out to do more harm than good? Science having the potential to go wrong and do harm does not mean we should stop entirely.
Phillip Grischa
2024-02-05 07:53:40 +0000 UTCBecause there had to be proof they were not the cause. The entire exercise was to prove they weren't carriers. Protection would defeat the purpose.
Mike Rogers
2024-02-05 07:10:51 +0000 UTCO'brien gets a name. Pulaski gets even older. The transporters are a secret fountain of youth? Also, genetic exoeriments, did we learn nothing from KHHHHAAAAANNNNN!?
Nolan
2024-02-05 04:31:36 +0000 UTCFor the transporter to work it has to know the location, attitude and motion of every particle in the object being transported. That is why one of the components is the "Heisenberg Compensators", which overcome the law in physics that states that you cannot know both a particle's position and its motion at the same time. So it stands to reason that if the trace pattern stored in the computer has data on every particle, it can be used as a base for determining changes between the person then and the person now.
Regan
2024-02-05 03:45:43 +0000 UTCReally appreciate Pulaski's warming to Data in this episode, her initial character trait really wasn't sustainable or fair and this helps make up for a significantly poor writing choice.
JD Nevesytrof
2024-02-05 02:30:57 +0000 UTCI'm sure this episode sounded much better in the one page story proposal than it turned out. It was an interesting idea, but I remember being mostly bored watching this.
Nerd's Gold
2024-02-05 01:38:45 +0000 UTCI find it really interesting how the episode solves a medical problem with technology (the transporter), so Pulaski doesn't get to use her expertise to find a solution at all. I do appreciate the crew members all teaming up to try and save her though. Also, I think the episode kind of lets the geneticists off the hook a bit too easily.
Ryan Caulfield
2024-02-05 01:37:38 +0000 UTCPicard’s leadership continues to impress me! He doesn’t give up easily when it comes to saving a crew member. It’s no wonder why Pulaski put in a transfer to serve on the Enterprise!
TalynStarburst
2024-02-05 01:36:00 +0000 UTCI'm sure you guys will like this one a lot...maybe because your thinking Polaski might die from Old Age. However...no such luck. A great Ep. for her and Picard Knowing each other much better. 😀🖖
Duane Chancey
2024-02-05 01:33:44 +0000 UTCThat last bit made me laugh 😂
DataDroid
2024-02-05 01:19:35 +0000 UTCSo, I watched the episode twice in a row for this. I always skipped this episode because I couldn't be bothered to watch a Pulaski-centered episode, no thank you. But I wanted to go into this neutral minded and give her a chance after reading all of the comments of people who actually like her. I still don't like her. But I appreciate the development she's gone through in this episode. Her interactions with Data are much better, even making me grin a little here and there. It's still nowhere near the banter quality of Spock/Bones and will never get there but I appreciate the improvement. She clearly has a passion to help, she is persistent which is a good thing even if it means butting heads with the Captain. One thing that touched me more than anything is the level of emotion that came from Data of all people towars her. When she's left on the station to most likely die at that point and he is about to get beamed back, he apologizes that he couldn't help her and the REGRET that shows on his face just punched me in the gut. The android had more compassion than I had right now. Lol. That was when I thought I should watch this a second time right away and look at her a little bit more neutral as I already tried to be and it actually did something. So, yeah. Still not a fan of hers but I have some appreciation for her in this episode.
DataDroid
2024-02-05 01:18:01 +0000 UTCThe styrolyte containing the hot guy fascinated me as a kid. Superb make-up on Pulaski but the contrived spotlight on her medical credentials was cringeworthy. This episode was nominated for an Emmy for hair (presumably not Patrick Stewart’s).
Smear Campaign
2024-02-05 00:58:24 +0000 UTCThe episode makes me like Pulaski more, especially since she seems to gain respect for Data. But Pulaski's hatred of transporters brings the "female McCoy" criticisms back into light. I get a chuckle out of seeing a whole console of CRT tube screens at the station. And... the transporter chief gets his name and some dialog. I predict you'll be lukewarm on it.
Mike Rogers
2024-02-05 00:33:52 +0000 UTC....I only woke up during the scenes with O'Brien....
StonyD
2024-02-05 00:32:36 +0000 UTCWhat I don't understand is why Dr. Pulaski deals with the boy without any protection whatsoever although there's the possibility that he's the carrier of a deadly virus. That is so blatantly ignorant.
DataDroid
2024-02-05 00:23:31 +0000 UTCAnother scene that is also great is when Dr. Pulaski comes to Picard's ready room and asks him for permission to use a shuttle, putting herself at risk. Clearly, Picard does not like the idea and they had discussions the whole episode already up to that point, but instead of using his authority and sticking to his opinion he has another wonderful moment giving in to her wishes: "I recognize that you're trying to satisfy my conditions." Good stuff!
DataDroid
2024-02-05 00:20:23 +0000 UTCPicard has such a great scene in this episode. When they decide to beam Dr. Pulaski back to the Enterprise O'Brien at the transporter informs him that it only goes one way. If the transport doesn't work for some reason, they can't return her to the station but essentially it means the doctor will die. And Picard goes ahead and takes over for O'Brien taking the burden and responsibility away from him to himself if the beaming procedure should go wrong and the doctor gets killed. That is so considerate and selfless, I love that.
DataDroid
2024-02-05 00:15:11 +0000 UTCQuestion: Name two things that Dr. McCoy and Dr. Pulaski have in common?
Jovet
2024-02-05 00:03:04 +0000 UTCHas this episode changed your mind at all about it Dr. Pulaski?
Just another Red Shirt
2024-02-05 00:00:07 +0000 UTCHonestly I don't remember much from this one. Which means it bored me to death. I'll rewatch Wednesday just to see why.
Monty Crawford
2024-02-04 23:55:46 +0000 UTCSerious question: how much do you believe Pulaski's respect for Data has grown by the end of this episode?
Jovet
2024-02-04 23:53:26 +0000 UTCYes. Transporters can be made to do all sorts of unnatural things, as long as you have the moral guts to use it.
Jovet
2024-02-04 23:50:26 +0000 UTCThis one seems to acknowledge that Pulaski is not an audience favorite. I really like that she shows some warmth at the end by giving Picard a hug... I think that's the point where I thought well, okay, I guess I can stand her if she has to stay.
David Wayne Fox
2024-02-04 23:48:58 +0000 UTCThe supertransporter can make anyone live forever, don'ja know?
Jovet
2024-02-04 23:48:24 +0000 UTCI really enjoy this episode. The story is interesting (if a bit sci-fi cliché). Up until this point, Dr. Pulaski has demonstrated impeccable professional integrity and judgement. She blows that a bit here, which I consider a not-insignificant character point. Some of the eye candy is nice too. hahaha
Jovet
2024-02-04 23:46:56 +0000 UTCWait....is the transporter like, stupidly OP?? It just might be! I may not like her character that much, but I do appreciate Pulaski getting a focus episode like this.
Elway Simpson
2024-02-04 23:32:28 +0000 UTCIsn't it amazing how easy it is to cancel old age in Trek? Once in TOS with that episode you don't like, once in The Lorelai Signal in TAS, and now this!
CM Waters
2024-02-04 23:12:02 +0000 UTCAgain, good use of Troi at the start of this episode, for me her characterisation and role is now better defined.
Paul Rymer
2024-02-04 23:11:05 +0000 UTCSpeaking of old age, I think its time for my nap.
Steven Johnson
2024-02-04 23:03:44 +0000 UTCMy prediction: You'll be bored out of your skull and starting to question season 2. Also Alex will hate Pulaski even more. But... thankfully there's episode 8 ;)
Andreas Schmitt
2024-02-04 23:00:41 +0000 UTCDoesn't exactly work like that. Her DNA was being changed by the children's immune system. Normal aging doesn't cause a DNA change.
Andreas Schmitt
2024-02-04 22:59:55 +0000 UTCThis is one of my favorites from this season as it is very much a CMO episode. Also loved the scene at the end, can't say why without spoiling it. I think TA will find it moving.
Darin Wagner
2024-02-04 22:55:54 +0000 UTCSO Admiral Jameson basically died for nothing in "Too Short a Season"? All you gotta do is keep a good backup of young DNA and you can keep getting rebooted as a younger person every time you transport. We just found the Fountain of Youth, boys!!! 😆
Adam Reid
2024-02-04 22:55:51 +0000 UTCSee this is why we don’t play with genetics in the Federation, you either get a Khan, or you create a virus that ages you way too fast.
Gregory
2024-02-04 22:55:42 +0000 UTCI think you will generally find this episode boring, but with some good character moments and lore for Pulaski. I think you will like seeing more of Chief O'Brien in thi episode. Also, the comparisons to The Deadly Years from TOS will likely come up, but I expect you will like this episode better.
Collin Freeman
2024-02-04 22:55:36 +0000 UTCYou’re definitely going to have an “Oh, no, it’s The Deadly Years!” moment. But did you recognize the trick from “The Lorelei Signal” (TAS) where they use the transporter to restore Pulaski’s former pattern? Fun fact: The DNA technology in this episode is already outdated, because it’s now possible to get a good sample from a hair without an attached follicle.
James H
2024-02-04 22:53:45 +0000 UTCJudging from your past feelings about “The Deadly Years” and your lukewarm feelings about Dr. Pulaski I'm guessing you won't care much for this one. For me it's...OK. I have it listed on my rankings as “Time Filler With Good Moments”.
KatWithAttitude
2024-02-04 22:53:21 +0000 UTC
