PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG S1E22 - Symbiosis
Added 2023-12-11 04:02:59 +0000 UTCComment on this post your ‘takes’ on this episode and we will read a few in our discussion!
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Comments
Denise Crosby spelling out addiction to Wesley seemed dull when I was a kid. Later in life that line actually helped me realize and find my way out of a dark time in my life. Not my favorite episode, but it turned out to be very important to me personally.
Marqushio
2023-12-14 10:51:31 +0000 UTCI feel like some of the comments get a little “spoiler-ish” occasionally. like when I first saw The Sixth Sense with a friend who already saw it, and he didn’t exactly spoil it, but he did keep whispering “notice how nobody talks to Bruce Willis except the boy?” Lol
Glenn Johnson Barnes
2023-12-13 06:40:34 +0000 UTCThis one was decent, when I saw this on the first run I remember how much I didn't like that Female Brekkan and wanted to slap her! Did I see a Vulcan in engineering at the start of this one? I never noticed Tasha waving as Picard & Crusher leave the cargo bay. I think you will like this one and I believe you will recognize David, also you should figure the Drug angle about the same time as Crusher does. That's it! 😀🖖
Duane Chancey
2023-12-13 05:20:39 +0000 UTCMiddling episode, but I always find it difficult to watch Merritt Butrick's character suffering from an (apparent) illness, knowing that Butrick was ill in real life. I always wonder how much of what we see is the actor's real illness versus acting/makeup.
KMScudder
2023-12-13 03:43:19 +0000 UTCI love the fact that Picard uses the Prime Directive to circumvent the Prime Directive. We can’t stop you from supplying drugs but we also can’t fix your ship you use to supply the drugs!
Eric Bundy
2023-12-12 17:03:48 +0000 UTCOh yes, the anti-drug episode and I always found Wesley to be a complete moron for him to not understand, even when it was explained to him by Tasha. By the way, a little fun fact, the drug addicted planets leader, who appears on the view screen is played by the actor who played the old man who stood up to Loki in the first avengers film. Also at the end of the episode, when Picard and Crusher are walking out of the cargo bay, you see Denise Crosby, waving to the camera the reason why will become clear I think in the next episode.
Leighton Cressman
2023-12-12 17:01:04 +0000 UTCThe problem with Picard saying that history has shown that every time a more advanced civilization interferes with the less advanced one that it is always disastrous, is simply not true. Yes, we have situations in history in which one group interferes with another, but there are plenty of examples where things do go well or it’s a mix. The thing is we tend to pay much more attention to the times were things went badly, and also forget that all of those interactions are a lot more complex than what a lot of people tend to think as opposed to a situation like this, where the Federation would simply be helping people. Unfortunately, this is only the start of Star Trek very awful interpretations of the prime directive which will go so far as to let an entire species die, simply because they’re pre-warp.
Leighton Cressman
2023-12-12 16:49:53 +0000 UTC"If it's still not clear, Picards's point was that they may mean well but cannot predict the future or all variables and contingencies." Exatly, we cannot predict the future which is why we should help people in need and not worry about consequences. Could it have negative ones down the road? Yes but that's still not a reason not to help. This is not comparable to what Jameson did, he armed both sides in a conflict, what I'm suggesting would fall under humanitarian aid and if the prime directive doesn't differentiate between those things I have to question the morality of starfleet. This is literally the difference between giving two guys in a fight guns and throwing a drowning family buoys and a rope. BTW, I really appreciate that while we are clearly on completely opposite sides we can still discuss this without resorting to name calling. Seems to be a lost art on the internet sometimes. And I want to reiterate that I think the episode is pretty good for the most part, it's just the ending that I don't like.
Phillip Grischa
2023-12-12 08:16:32 +0000 UTCThey were SO good at being smug snakes! They know the Enterprise crew can't do a single thing about their little profitable scheme...
Ian Westcott
2023-12-12 06:51:30 +0000 UTCThey also liked "Home Soil."
Ian Westcott
2023-12-12 06:50:23 +0000 UTCMerritt Butrick had contracted AIDS by the late 1980s, and you can tell his health is suffering here, having lost a lot of weight since we'd last seen him 5 years earlier in Star Trek III. It made his performance as an ailing junkie even more credible. He passed away less than a year after filming this episode, the first TNG guest actor to die. He has two panels on the AIDS Memorial Quilt which read "The Needs of the One, The Needs of the Many." After he died, someone claimed Butrick had been homosexual, his Wrath of Khan co-star Kirstie Alley said in her autobiography "oh no, he was definitely bisexual." I don't know why the aliens had bioelectric powers here. It added pretty much nothing to the plot, but I guess Gene needed a sci-fi element...
Ian Westcott
2023-12-12 06:47:48 +0000 UTC“turbolift scene is not well written and offers no explanation” I thought the captain was pretty clear on it. Picard says: “History has proved again and again that whenever mankind interferes with a less developed civilization, no matter how well intentioned that interference may be, the results are invariably disastrous.” This isn't just writer's block... our world history shows that he's right. Unintended consequences are the bane of thinkers and doers worldwide. (There's even a fantastic series on YouTube about them!) You can't compare raising children to playing god with civilizations—it's hardly comparable. If it's still not clear, Picards's point was that they may mean well but cannot predict the future or all variables and contingencies. Something IS going to go wrong which makes everything worse in the long run (worse than them detoxing naturally), and the helpers don't have the imagination or ingenuity to prevent it. And none of this is on Picard, it's on the civilization that got them addicted and learned to profit from it. We can even highlight troubled Admiral Jameson in "Too Short A Season." He violated the Prime Directive and gave arms to both sides expecting hostilities to flame out. Well, they didn't, and it took 40 years and many lives in consequence.
Jovet
2023-12-12 06:13:14 +0000 UTCYes, that's a point.
Jovet
2023-12-12 05:56:34 +0000 UTCI only vaguely recall this episode. I guess it didn't make much of an impression.
Nerd's Gold
2023-12-12 04:03:51 +0000 UTCI thought this was a little too preachy what can you say? Just say no. It is good trek Just a generally slow ep. Just felt like an episode that lost a step somewhere
Thicketdweller
2023-12-12 02:49:45 +0000 UTCIS TASHA WAVING AT FLIES?
Thicketdweller
2023-12-12 02:39:41 +0000 UTCI disagree, the turbolift scene is not well written and offers no explanation, it sidesteps an explanation by calling the prime directive a philosophy and having Picard give the "we don't know the consequences ..." speech the writers always resort to when trying to justify the Enterprise not helping people it could easily help. But that is a very cruel way of thinking because it is exactly what could stop you from saving children in danger, "Well, I don't know the consequences, what does it mean for the future? Will one of them grow up to be a mass murderer? Am I forcing my morality on them if I tell them not to play on the frozen lake because I think the ice is not thick enough tu support their weight, shouldn't they be allowed to learn that themselves?" The prime directive as presented on TNG is often just a bunch of pseudo philosophical rambling to justify inaction that they know will lead to suffering and death and that's immoral. Picard knows the "medicine" is actually a drug and he knows the people will go through a painful withdrawal that they think is their slow and painful death. How many will kill themselves because better a quick death now than a more painful one later, how many will kill their children when the symptoms start to pare them their fate? If Picard wants to talk about consequences he should talk about this because it is way more likely than whatever he was contemplating I the turbolift when he stared into the distance and thought about the beauty of the prime directive.
Phillip Grischa
2023-12-12 02:28:07 +0000 UTCIronic, considering Gene's extracurricular activities in the 70s and 80s!
tyranusfan
2023-12-12 00:15:44 +0000 UTCThe “Don’t Do Drugs” episode. It gets a lot of flak for the overly naïve and earnest scene of Wesley asking about drug addiction, but overall the story isn’t so bad. Picard gets to use the Prime Directive to screw over the villains, which is fun to watch.
tyranusfan
2023-12-12 00:15:03 +0000 UTCIt’s kind of hard to believe that someone over the centuries didn’t get locked in a closet or just go “off their meds” so to speak and realize “hey, I’m not dead 😵”
Glenn Johnson Barnes
2023-12-11 21:34:10 +0000 UTCNo, it's not a bad thing. This scene works. (The only way it in which it may not fit in continuity is the Enterprise isn't often shown just going where its crew wants. It's ordered or summoned to places.)
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:53:53 +0000 UTCNailed it
James Bottas
2023-12-11 20:51:25 +0000 UTCIf you mean it's a bad thing, I disagree. I do agree that it's a very 'Star Trek' ending tho, and I'm all for that
James Bottas
2023-12-11 20:48:43 +0000 UTCThat's the show's (Roddenberry's?) way of stating very clearly that pleasurable pursuit and abuse of drugs is not part of the 24th century human utopia.
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:44:36 +0000 UTCWell stated!
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:43:05 +0000 UTCI did not know that the US pulled a sci-fi reverse Dr Who!
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:42:05 +0000 UTCI thought the Yar/WCrusher scene was well done. Drug abuse IS bad, and the main reason they're bad is they mask reality by making you feel not bad. I'll urge you to revisit the turbolift scene between Picard and Crusher as to why Picard's decision is the right one. And the Prime Directive definitely applies! This story was well written!
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:40:48 +0000 UTCThe final scene of the episode is almost sooo "star trek" that it's a parody of itself.
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:37:19 +0000 UTCWhat are the plot holes?
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:35:45 +0000 UTCWrong episode, sir! (You're obviously referring to the episode before this one.)
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:35:08 +0000 UTCi'd never thought of that! But Federation membership takes years, as does full detox.
Jovet
2023-12-11 20:33:17 +0000 UTCThe broadcasting rights in Europe for TNG involved a 2 year delay before TV screenings could start. This was very deliberate and allowed more profit from the VHS sales/rentals. In Ireland, once the initial delay expired, TNG ran almost continuously, with only Christmas and Easter schedules interrupting it for two weeks each.
Numinous2019
2023-12-11 19:52:29 +0000 UTC"I guess I don't understand." That's because you're a nerd, Wesley, but that's okay.
Joe Concepts
2023-12-11 17:45:36 +0000 UTCI really like this episode. The Non Interference policy hits both ways. To me this is what Non interference is really all about. Development must happen naturally even if it not pretty. I am certainly glad no alien came down when Humans were destroying (and hunting maybe) Neanderthals and said "that does not seem fair let's help those poor lower species". We might not exist at all.
Prof Moff
2023-12-11 17:27:04 +0000 UTCOkay Alex and Josh…how did you like to see your favorite actor from ST2 return for TNG? Lol. Actually, I know this might not be a popular opinion, but I LOVE this episode. The commentary of addiction is an important message. And its again the aliens that we encounter that have our issues. The twist is excellent, where they actually aren’t taking medicine. Its freaking Heroin basically! Crusher is great, and Picard not giving them what they want at the end is awesome. You can’t have your cake and eat it too, looking for a handout from the Federation with arrogance. Upholding the Prime Directive is perfect, and the discussion in the turbolift between Beverly and Picard is a great convo. To me, this episode is one of the best of the season.
Chris S.
2023-12-11 16:54:03 +0000 UTCI think the moment when Beverly realizes the true nature of the illness, and we see the plot twist written on her face before she reveals it in dialogue, is Gates McFadden's best acting in Season 1 (and she's had many other fantastic moments).
Anthony Bernacchi
2023-12-11 14:13:36 +0000 UTCReally? I thought almost everyone preferred "Farpoint," "Where No One," "The Big Goodbye" and "Coming of Age" to this one.
Anthony Bernacchi
2023-12-11 14:09:40 +0000 UTCIn the UK no broadcaster had the rights to show TNG, so Paramount released them on VHS from rental shops from 87 to 89, before the BBC started broadcasting the show. As a result we saw episodes out of order and they even dropped some entirely. You had UK fan groups gathering to watch US episodes on VHS tapes sent over in the mail. I found a group in a local newspaper ad. Trek fans were and are the best when it comes to sharing.
Paul Rymer
2023-12-11 11:11:15 +0000 UTCThe Star Trek II rematch no one saw coming as David and Joachim battle it out again in the 24th century, but seriously kids don’t do drugs.
Gregory
2023-12-11 10:09:38 +0000 UTCThe scene where they stop the plot and have Wil Wheaton and Denise Crosby act out a "Say no to drugs!" after school special is probably the most 80s the show has ever been. I generally like it but the ending is bad, while it is satisfying to see the smiles wiped off the drug dealers faces, the crew leaves an entire planet to go through a painful withdrawal thinking they'll die and citing the prime directive doesn't make sense, you can't even tell an abused and manipulated population that their "medicine" is unnecessary? I call bullshit on that one.
Phillip Grischa
2023-12-11 08:09:27 +0000 UTCI bet you guys notice the parallel between this ending and the end of City on the Edge of Forever. Picard being like, "just get us out of here, I don't care where", is reminiscent of Kirk's "let's get the hell out of here".. and shows just how disturbed he is by this encounter. Then Geordi picks everyone up, refocuses everyone on their mission of exploration. Possibly the best ending of the season
James Bottas
2023-12-11 07:42:58 +0000 UTCIt's so satisfying seeing Picard wipe that smug smile off the brekkian lady's face. Crusher is great in this episode, figuring out what's really going on with the drug and once again completely lacking calluses on her feelings. Yar's lecture on drugs is pretty "after school special" but that's the 80s for you. Rest in peace Merritt Butrick
James Bottas
2023-12-11 07:30:47 +0000 UTCThe episode with two actors from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan -- for some reason. This episode was filmed out of order as one might discover later.
Chtphr Rrr
2023-12-11 06:32:25 +0000 UTCI love Tasha’s “Drugs make you feel..GOOD” but like, don’t do them, speech..so very 80’s. There are some plot holes big enough to fit the Enterprise, but I’ve still always liked this one. And getting to see Merritt Butrick one last time is bittersweet.
Glenn Johnson Barnes
2023-12-11 05:53:44 +0000 UTCLove this one (minus the 'just say no to drugs' scene). Cool story. Feels like a later seasons episode to me.
Martin S
2023-12-11 05:47:30 +0000 UTCAre you both surprised just how tough Data can be? For some reason I always loved his jumping scene, or maybe he just drops.
Joe Concepts
2023-12-11 05:35:06 +0000 UTCJust for fun… there’s some trivia about a scene in this episode that we CANNOT point out to you yet. 😁
Joe Concepts
2023-12-11 05:31:47 +0000 UTCThis is one of only five TNG episodes (and the only season one episode) that doesn't have a stardate
Badger
2023-12-11 05:16:22 +0000 UTC37:50 The smug and defiant look on the woman's face while Picard and Velma unravel the entire plot out loud could make me angry!
Jovet
2023-12-11 05:12:43 +0000 UTCI like this episode and the moral implications it explored. I find it a lot better than some of the "moral issues of the day" episodes that come later. Thinking back on my initial viewing of the series, I was never perplexed or intrigued by the Prime Directive and what, exactly, it means. I intuitively understood its crux, meaning don't pollute other cultures, especially lesser-developed ones. (If you can help it.)
Jovet
2023-12-11 05:08:22 +0000 UTCThe fact Riker's look is so un-nuanced and kind-of ridiculous makes it look more authentic to me! An electric shock like that is just gonna cause all the affected muscles to contract and freeze. RIP Merritt Butrick. He definitely had the chrisma and looks to be a plausible Kirk's son!
Jovet
2023-12-11 05:04:34 +0000 UTCPicard could have had a big brain moment and seen if the planet of junkies with useful lightning hands might want to join the Federation instead and sidestep all that Prime Directive business.
JD Nevesytrof
2023-12-11 05:03:17 +0000 UTCI wish I had known drugs are bad before I just popped a couple of Advil.
KatWithAttitude
2023-12-11 04:59:38 +0000 UTCInteresting episode.. Picard played the only card he could that could go around the Prime Directive without breaking its rules. A smart play in the hopes that it will eventually help these people, but it’s a shame that they couldn’t do more to help them through the withdrawals as Crusher wanted to
TalynStarburst
2023-12-11 04:58:27 +0000 UTCHey, Alex, it's your favorite character from Star Trek II and III, only not! This is actually a quality episode, dealing with a, granted, simplified relationship between two parties. This is also RedLettermedia's/Mike and Rich's "only good episode" from Season one.
Steven Johnson
2023-12-11 04:57:55 +0000 UTCThe "drugs are bad!" episode. A bit after school specialish. Also the return of Kirk's Son!?! Well, not really, the producers gave him the role so he could get medical benefits to help with his Aids diagnosis. As you know it sadly didn't help in the long run. Also the return of Khan's maybe son Joachim, but also not quite. Gotta get used to Star Trek reusing actors. 😆
Nolan
2023-12-11 04:28:46 +0000 UTCWe interrupt this episode of TNG for a special anti-drug PSA. Not the best, some definite good stuff, and I thought Picard's solution to the issue of the episode was a really good and creative solution to adhere to the Prime Directive. Fun Fact: From that same Reading Rainbow episode featuring TNG I mentioned before, they were filming this episode at the time, so we get to see some extremely rare (at the time) TNG bloopers on it!
The Game Show Reviewer
2023-12-11 04:16:06 +0000 UTCA prime directive and anti-drug episode all wrapped up into one. It will be interesting to see if you guys catch on to the drug pusher, junkie angle before Crusher figures it out. Jonathan Frakes hated the look he gave when he was being shocked by one of the aliens, he said it was straight from the Jack Palance school of acting (this was before Jack won his oscar). And yes, who knows if it was stunt casting to have the guy that played Kirk's son and the guy that played Khan's right hand guy (believed to be Khan's son) in Star Trek 2 be the ones opposing each other. Merritt Butrick would die about a year after this episode.
Mike Rogers
2023-12-11 04:15:41 +0000 UTCBeam up for a double take! It's a Starfleet family reunion with Kirk's mini-me, David, warping in. And what's this? Joachim, Khan's potential offspring, joining the cosmic carousel too? Star Trek's casting is like a Genesis Device, constantly reanimating familiar faces in new roles. You never know when a familiar face will pop up in future shows!
Bret Kay
2023-12-11 04:06:54 +0000 UTCI actually really like this one from S1 because we get more insight into the Prime Directive. Also, there's a special guest star!
Michael Mannisto
2023-12-11 04:05:23 +0000 UTCDid you recognize "David" in this one? ;-) This is one of my favorite episodes of Season 1. I love the conversation between Picard and Crusher in the turbo lift.
Andreas Schmitt
2023-12-11 04:04:21 +0000 UTCDrugs are Bad, McKay
Justin DiBari
2023-12-11 04:04:05 +0000 UTC
