In the second episode of the third season of The Next Generation, both Data and Picard must learn to adapt to an extremely challenging crisis. Intrigued? Then it’s time for Mark to watch Star Trek.Â
GODDAMN! Now that was a fantastic episode of this show, one that shows us just how good The Next Generation can be. I’ve got a lot to talk about in terms of the story choices and worldbuilding that contributed to the brilliance of “The Ensigns of Command,” so I’m going to split this up to better address it.
A Tale of Two Worlds
Melinda Snodgrass, once again, creates a story that’s compelling by building up a believable world. In this case, she’s got to do that twice. In order for this conflict to feel impossible and hopeless, we need to understand why both parties are so stubborn and determined to do what’s best for them. By setting the Tau Cygna V colony on a planet where human survival is damn near pointless, Snodgrass creates an automatic sense of accomplishment and pride in the people who do figure out how to survive the hyperonic radiation. Yes, Gosheven is an asshole, but we at least get why that is. Wouldn’t anyone be proud of what they and their ancestors have accomplished? On the other end of the spectrum, the Sheliak have every legal right to this planet. I do like the idea that every agreement and negotiation with the Federation was not easy or simple. Some cultures or races despise the Federation and humanity. It wouldn’t make sense or seem credible if every treaty was created in good faith or without any sense of disagreement.
That doesn’t change throughout this episode, either. Picard doesn’t win them over through kindness, and the Sheliak remain absolutely the same from beginning to end. WHICH IS GREAT. Why is that?
Adaptation
The theme present in both of the main plots here is adaptation. Picard and Data approach the evacuation crisis in entirely different ways, and the situation requires them to act in ways that aren’t necessarily familiar to them. That’s particularly rewarding to see for Data’s character because this episode forces Data to abandon his rationality and logic. Logically, it makes perfect sense to him why the people of Tau Sygna V need to evacuate their home, so that’s all he focuses on for the first half of “The Ensigns of Command.” It’s about perspective; in his eyes, that’s the best way to persuade these people. Why wouldn’t they accept his flawless, orderly logic?
What he lacks, Ard’rian tries to provide. (I’ll talk more about her later.) I know it’s common for this show to explore Data’s lack of humanity, but I find it so interesting most of the time! That’s certainly the case here, since he has to understand why these humans would be so resistant to his logic. In Data’s eyes, the end result of this disaster are clear, and he cannot fathom why anyone would want to fight against impossible odds. But he lacks a comprehension of human resilience and pride; he doesn’t get Gosheven’s charm and charisma. Even when he adapts and attempts reverse psychology on the colonists, Gosheven still maintains the upper hand. How, though? I thought Data’s passive-aggression was pretty damn effective, but I can see now that there was a value in the idea of fighting to the death. Of course, from our perspective, this was ludicrous and absurd. We knew how stubborn the Sheliak were, so we also knew that any fight would be pointless.
Data’s ultimate adaptation involves brutal honesty, which tickles me endlessly given that line about how constant honesty can be a bad thing. In the end, Data demonstrates the violence that’s about to be inflicted on these people, and it’s undeniably emotional. To actually see their people stunned and part of their city destroyed moves these people away from their previous position. It’s what Data lacked the entire time: he told them of the Sheliak threat instead of showing them.
So it’s fascinating to me that Picard basically does the opposite. He starts off full of emotion and passion when it comes to bargaining with the Sheliak. He attempts to use his power and rage to compel them to concede, and it’s disastrous. Y’all, THEY HANG UP ON PICARD. TWICE. Which is hilarious, I cannot deny this. WHO DOES THAT. WHO HANGS UP ON CAPTAIN PICARD. The Sheliak do, THAT’S WHO. Picard’s adaptation travels in the opposite direction as Data since he ends up using a clinical, dry interpretation of the treaty in order to trick the Sheliak into accepting his demands. There’s no emotion here; there’s no appeal to morality or emotion. All that Picard has is a 500,000 word treaty that’s hopelessly complex. So he uses it against them.
Ard’rian
WHY CAN’T WE HAVE HER AS A PERMANENT CHARACTER? Holy shit, she’s so cool, and I already know she’s doomed to being a one-time character. I love her excitement and enthusiasm. I love that she’s so willing to go against what is popular in order to do what she thinks is right. And I like that this episode does not give her to Data as a reward, which is unfortunately common of Star Trek. Or… well, most genre fiction. Or… okay, all fiction. Just all of it. There’s a romance here in a sense, though it’s a one-sided one because of Data’s inability to have typical feelings. Gah, there’s just so much potential here and I WANT ALL OF IT.
Art
And I’ll end this on a lighter note because RECITALS ON THE ENTERPRISE. Oh my god, that scene at the beginning might be my favorite non-plot related inclusion in a Next Generation episode. I love the idea that there is a flourishing of the arts on this ship and that it’s encouraged and fostered. I’m so used to the idea that everything is all duty and rules that I forget that these people have to live out in space for months and years at a time. I appreciated this detail so much!
The video for “The Ensigns of Command” can be downloaded here for $0.99.
Mark Links Stuff
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