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| nAirdateYear = 1993
  
| nAirdateYear = 1993
 
| sAirdateMonth = October
  
| sAirdateMonth = October
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| nAirdateDay = 9
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| nAirdateDay = 11
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| sImage = Arctus baran.jpg
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| sImage = Arctus Baran.jpg
 
| wsWrittenBy =
 
| wsWrittenBy =
 
| wsTeleplayBy = [[Naren Shankar]]
  
| wsTeleplayBy = [[Naren Shankar]]
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| nNthProducedInSeries = 155
  
| nNthProducedInSeries = 155
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 155
  
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 155
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| nNthReleasedInAll = 284
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| nNthReleasedInAll = 285
 
| bFeatureLength = 0
  
| bFeatureLength = 0
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| nSerialAirdate = 19931009
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| nSerialAirdate = 19931011
 
| wsDate = 47135.2 ([[2370]])
  
| wsDate = 47135.2 ([[2370]])
−
| aNextReleasedInAll = The Siege (episode)
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| aNextReleasedInAll = Invasive Procedures (episode)
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| aPrevReleasedInAll = Interface (episode)
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| aPrevReleasedInAll = The Siege (episode)
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries = Gambit, Part II (episode)
  
| aNextReleasedInSeries = Gambit, Part II (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries = Interface (episode)
  
| aPrevReleasedInSeries = Interface (episode)
 
| aNextProducedInSeries = Gambit, Part II (episode)
  
| aNextProducedInSeries = Gambit, Part II (episode)
 
| aPrevProducedInSeries = Interface (episode)
  
| aPrevProducedInSeries = Interface (episode)
−
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = Gambit, Part II (episode)
 +
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = Invasive Procedures (episode)
−
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Descent, Part II (episode)
 +
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = The Siege (episode)
 
| wsArc0Desc = Gambit
  
| wsArc0Desc = Gambit
 
| aArc0PrevPart =
 
| aArc0PrevPart =
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== Summary ==
  
== Summary ==
 
=== Teaser ===
  
=== Teaser ===
−
[[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]], [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]], [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] and [[Lt.]] [[Worf]] investigate [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]]'s whereabouts in a musty [[bar]] on [[Dessica II]], describing him as a "smooth-headed" [[Human]]. They find [[Yranac]], a [[Yridian]] criminal who knows something – after the group promises him safe passage on their [[starship]], he admits to seeing Picard the day before, asking a group of [[alien]]s about [[archaeology|archaeological]] artifacts. Beverly's [[tricorder]] scans confirm [[Starfleet]] fiber traces and [[Human]] [[cell]]ular debris exposed to some kind of high [[energy field]], and faint traces of micro-[[crystal]]line damage in the floor material. Yranac continues his story, and explains that a fight broke out and Picard was vaporized by a weapon, killed instantly. Troi [[telepathy|telepathically]] confirms that Yranac is telling the truth.
 +
[[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]], [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]], [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] and [[Lt.]] [[Worf]] investigate [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]]'s whereabouts in a musty [[bar]] on [[Dessica II]], describing him as a "smooth-headed" [[Human]]. They find [[Yranac]], a [[Yridian]] criminal who knows something – after the group promises him safe passage on their [[starship]], he admits to seeing Picard the day before, asking a group of [[alien]]s about [[archaeology|archaeological]] artifacts. Beverly's [[tricorder]] scans confirm [[Starfleet]] fiber traces and [[Human]] [[cell]]ular debris exposed to some kind of high [[energy field]], and faint traces of micro-[[crystal]]line damage in the floor material. Yranac continues his story, and explains that a fight broke out and Picard was vaporized by a weapon. Troi [[empathy|empathically]] confirms that Yranac is telling the truth.
   
 
=== Act One ===
  
=== Act One ===
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=== Act Four ===
  
=== Act Four ===
−
Riker discovers that Picard is posing as a thief named [[Galen (alias)|Galen]]. Picard tells the crew that he is familiar with Riker – he is a Starfleet officer with a history of [[insubordination]] who was once even relieved of duty due to a "[[Cardassian]] incident at [[Minos Korva]]." Riker plays along, acting the part that Picard is describing. Picard then secretly manufactures an [[intermix chamber]] malfunction, giving Riker a chance to fix the malfunction and prove himself to Baran.
 +
Riker discovers that Picard is posing as a smuggler named [[Galen (alias)|Galen]]. Picard tells the crew that he is familiar with Riker – he is a Starfleet officer with a history of [[insubordination]] who was once even relieved of duty due to a "[[Cardassian]] [[Chain of Command, Part II|incident]] at [[Minos Korva]]." Riker plays along, acting the part that Picard is describing. Picard then secretly manufactures an [[intermix chamber]] malfunction, giving Riker a chance to fix the malfunction and prove himself to Baran.
   
 
Later, Picard visits Riker in his quarters and reveals that he went to study an archeological site only to find that it had been ransacked. Tracing those responsible to a bar, Picard confronted them, but was captured and taken prisoner. Picard explains that the criminals have configured some of their weapons so that if they shot someone or something, it activates the [[transporter]] and beams them away - which is why the people in the bar thought he'd been vaporized when shot. Picard reveals that they are looking for specific ancient artifacts of [[Romulan]] origin, and that Baran is having Picard search through the relics they've stolen for these specific artifacts.
  
Later, Picard visits Riker in his quarters and reveals that he went to study an archeological site only to find that it had been ransacked. Tracing those responsible to a bar, Picard confronted them, but was captured and taken prisoner. Picard explains that the criminals have configured some of their weapons so that if they shot someone or something, it activates the [[transporter]] and beams them away - which is why the people in the bar thought he'd been vaporized when shot. Picard reveals that they are looking for specific ancient artifacts of [[Romulan]] origin, and that Baran is having Picard search through the relics they've stolen for these specific artifacts.
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=== Act Five ===
  
=== Act Five ===
−
The mercenaries travel to [[Calder II]] in order to obtain more artifacts from a [[Sakethan burial mound]], despite the fact that the planet is also home to a Federation [[science station]]. Picard convinces Baran to use Riker to gain access to the planet in order to avoid a battle. However, Riker is unable to convince the outpost's [[Lt.]] [[Sanders (Lieutenant)|Sanders]] to drop their [[deflector shield]] without proper authorization from the [[Federation Science Council]]. Before Baran can order the outpost destroyed, Picard configures the [[disruptor]]s to fire a [[phase-resonance|phase-resonant]] [[pulse]] at the precise frequency to disable the outpost's shields with one shot. With the shields down, the mercenaries begin beaming the artifacts from the planet, getting all but two before the outpost re-raises their shields. Just as Baran orders the outpost destroyed, their ship is hit by [[phaser]] fire from the just-arrived ''Enterprise''.
 +
The mercenaries travel to [[Calder II]] in order to obtain more artifacts from a [[Sakethan burial mound]], despite the fact that the planet is also home to a Federation [[science station]]. Picard convinces Baran to use Riker to gain access to the planet in order to avoid a battle. However, Riker is unable to convince the outpost's [[Lt.]] {{dis|Sanders|Lieutenant}} to drop their [[deflector shield]] without proper authorization from the [[Federation Science Council]]. Before Baran can order the outpost destroyed, Picard configures the [[disruptor]]s to fire a [[phase-resonance|phase-resonant]] pulse at the precise frequency to disable the outpost's shields with one shot. With the shields down, the mercenaries begin beaming the artifacts from the planet, getting all but two before the outpost re-raises their shields. Just as Baran orders the outpost destroyed, their ship is hit by [[phaser]] fire from the just-arrived ''Enterprise''.
   
 
Baran threatens to kill Riker unless he orders the ''Enterprise'' to retreat. Riker [[hail]]s the ship and orders [[Acting Captain]] [[Data]] to disengage. Then, Riker attempts to use his [[access code]]s to bring down the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s shields, knowing that his codes would have been changed upon his capture. Data understands the ruse, and drops the shields. As soon as the shields drop, Picard opens fire, and a disrupter blast strikes the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s starboard [[warp nacelle]].
  
Baran threatens to kill Riker unless he orders the ''Enterprise'' to retreat. Riker [[hail]]s the ship and orders [[Acting Captain]] [[Data]] to disengage. Then, Riker attempts to use his [[access code]]s to bring down the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s shields, knowing that his codes would have been changed upon his capture. Data understands the ruse, and drops the shields. As soon as the shields drop, Picard opens fire, and a disrupter blast strikes the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s starboard [[warp nacelle]].
   
−
[[Gambit, Part II (episode)|'''TO BE CONTINUED...''']]''' '''
 +
'''[[Gambit, Part II (episode)|TO BE CONTINUED...]]'''
   
 
== Memorable Quotes ==
  
== Memorable Quotes ==
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''"That's my sister. She's angry. She's got a vicious temper. I wouldn't cross her.''"<br />
  
''"That's my sister. She's angry. She's got a vicious temper. I wouldn't cross her.''"<br />
 
: - The '''alien bartender''', '''Crusher''' and '''Riker'''
 
: - The '''alien bartender''', '''Crusher''' and '''Riker'''
  +
  +
  +
"''You'll like this. The man got what was coming to him. When they knocked him down, one of them took out a weapon and fired. He was vaporized!''"<br />
  +
"''He's telling the truth.''"
  +
: - '''Yranac''' talking about Picard's "fate" while '''Troi''' confirms his story
   
   
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''"You're damned right! And I intend to stay angry until I find whoever's responsible for the captain's death.''"<br />
  
''"You're damned right! And I intend to stay angry until I find whoever's responsible for the captain's death.''"<br />
 
''"Well that's pretty selfish of you! Do you think you're the only one in pain?! Do you think you have the monopoly on loss?! Well let me tell you something: we're all hurting! And we're all angry, and whether you like it or not, you have a responsibility to this crew! And you can't just indulge your personal desire for revenge!''"<br />
  
''"Well that's pretty selfish of you! Do you think you're the only one in pain?! Do you think you have the monopoly on loss?! Well let me tell you something: we're all hurting! And we're all angry, and whether you like it or not, you have a responsibility to this crew! And you can't just indulge your personal desire for revenge!''"<br />
−
''"That is enough, councelor!''"<br />
 +
''"That is enough, counselor!''"<br />
 
: - '''Riker''' and '''Troi''' mourn the captain
  
: - '''Riker''' and '''Troi''' mourn the captain
   
  +
  +
"''The captain died in a bar fight for ''nothing''. Somebody has to answer for that. Then, I can mourn.''"
  +
: - '''Riker''', to Troi
  +
  +
  +
"''I read your report, commander. My condolences to you and to your crew. Captain Picard's death is a loss to the entire Federation.''"
  +
: - '''Chekote''', to Riker
  +
  +
  +
"''If Captain Picard were here...''"<br />
  +
"''He's not.''"<br />
  +
"''I realize that, sir. But if he were and he wanted to lead an away team, you would tell him that the captain's place...''"<br />
  +
"''...is on the bridge. Not this time.''"
  +
: - '''Data''' questions '''Riker'''{{'}}s decision to accompany the away team to Barradas III
   
 
== Background Information ==
  
== Background Information ==
 
=== Story and script ===
  
=== Story and script ===
  +
[[File:Filming Gambit I.jpg|thumb|[[Jonathan Frakes]] films a scene from the episode]]
 
* "Gambit" grew out of a spec script submitted by [[Christopher Hatton]] back in the [[TNG Season 6|sixth season]]. The story broke one of [[Gene Roddenberry]]'s long-standing ''Star Trek'' taboos &ndash; specifically, that there would be no such thing as space pirates. Although initially skeptical, [[Michael Piller]] and [[Jeri Taylor]] later returned to Hatton's story as it provided an opportunity for a "less talky romp". [[Rick Berman]], aware of the taboo but willing to consider the proposal, tied a red bandanna around the bust of Gene Roddenberry on his desk while discussing the story. He explained, "''I just blindfolded it as a joke one day. Whenever they come up with a story I don't think Gene would like I blindfold him when we discuss the story...I take it on and off, depending on who's in here.''" (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
  
* "Gambit" grew out of a spec script submitted by [[Christopher Hatton]] back in the [[TNG Season 6|sixth season]]. The story broke one of [[Gene Roddenberry]]'s long-standing ''Star Trek'' taboos &ndash; specifically, that there would be no such thing as space pirates. Although initially skeptical, [[Michael Piller]] and [[Jeri Taylor]] later returned to Hatton's story as it provided an opportunity for a "less talky romp". [[Rick Berman]], aware of the taboo but willing to consider the proposal, tied a red bandanna around the bust of Gene Roddenberry on his desk while discussing the story. He explained, "''I just blindfolded it as a joke one day. Whenever they come up with a story I don't think Gene would like I blindfold him when we discuss the story...I take it on and off, depending on who's in here.''" (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
* Hatton's original script followed Picard's point of view and did not involve Riker. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'') Hatton would provide the story to another episode this season, {{e|Thine Own Self}}.
  
* Hatton's original script followed Picard's point of view and did not involve Riker. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'') Hatton would provide the story to another episode this season, {{e|Thine Own Self}}.
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=== Production ===
  
=== Production ===
 
* The bridge of [[Arctus Baran]]'s ship is a massive redress of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D's}} [[battle bridge]], with the most notable elements remaining from the original set being the viewscreen and the ceiling. Also, the chairs on the command center were taken from the bridge of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-A|-A}} from {{film|5}} and {{film|6}}.
  
* The bridge of [[Arctus Baran]]'s ship is a massive redress of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D's}} [[battle bridge]], with the most notable elements remaining from the original set being the viewscreen and the ceiling. Also, the chairs on the command center were taken from the bridge of the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-A|-A}} from {{film|5}} and {{film|6}}.
−
* This episode contains the longest phaser fight shown on screen, with over seventy shots. According to the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', all explosions were done in post-production due to a fire season ban on live explosives on location at Griffith Park's Cedar Grove. Likewise, all damage stains on rocks were done digitally.
 +
* This episode contains the longest phaser fight shown on screen, with over seventy shots. According to the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', all explosions were done in post-production due to a fire season ban on live explosives on location at [[Griffith Park]]'s [[Cedar Grove]]. Likewise, all damage stains on rocks were done digitally.
 
* The large "vest" worn by the alien bartender on [[Dessica II]] was later reused as [[Maquis]] fatigues worn by [[Ayala]] in the ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' episodes {{e|Caretaker}} and {{e|Repression}}.
  
* The large "vest" worn by the alien bartender on [[Dessica II]] was later reused as [[Maquis]] fatigues worn by [[Ayala]] in the ''[[Star Trek: Voyager]]'' episodes {{e|Caretaker}} and {{e|Repression}}.
  +
* First UK airdate: 31 January 1996
   
 
=== Cast ===
  
=== Cast ===
  +
[[File:Robin Curtis and Michael Key.jpg|thumb|Curtis with makeup artist [[Michael Key]]]]
 
* On casting [[Richard Lynch]] as [[Arctus Baran]], Jeri Taylor commented, "''Richard was simply the best person who read for the part. [[Peter Lauritson]] who directed the first episode, knew his work, liked him, and really wanted him. It's always a problem to find worthy adversaries for Picard. You need an actor who has the power, stature, and presence to go toe to toe with him and if you don't have that, you don't have an episode. Richard brought all of this and for his campiness and the sort of stereotypical things he has done, he has that undeniable power and I thought it was a good trade.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
  
* On casting [[Richard Lynch]] as [[Arctus Baran]], Jeri Taylor commented, "''Richard was simply the best person who read for the part. [[Peter Lauritson]] who directed the first episode, knew his work, liked him, and really wanted him. It's always a problem to find worthy adversaries for Picard. You need an actor who has the power, stature, and presence to go toe to toe with him and if you don't have that, you don't have an episode. Richard brought all of this and for his campiness and the sort of stereotypical things he has done, he has that undeniable power and I thought it was a good trade.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
* [[Robin Curtis]] ([[Tallera]]) previously played [[Lieutenant]] [[Saavik]] in {{film|3}} and {{film|4}}.
  
* [[Robin Curtis]] ([[Tallera]]) previously played [[Lieutenant]] [[Saavik]] in {{film|3}} and {{film|4}}.
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*In feature-length form, as part of the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete TV Movies]]'' collection.
  
*In feature-length form, as part of the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete TV Movies]]'' collection.
   
−
==Links and References==
 +
== Links and references ==
−
===Main Cast===
 +
=== Starring ===
−
*[[Patrick Stewart]] as [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]]
 +
* [[Patrick Stewart]] as [[Captain|Capt.]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]]
−
*[[Jonathan Frakes]] as [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker]]
 +
* [[Jonathan Frakes]] as [[Commander|Cmdr.]] [[William T. Riker]]
⚫
*[[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Geordi La Forge]]
  
⚫
*[[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]]
  
−
*[[Gates McFadden]] as [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher]]
  
−
*[[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]]
  
−
*[[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Data]]
  
   
−
===Guest Stars===
 +
=== Also starring ===
  ⚫
* [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Cmdr.]] [[Geordi La Forge]]
−
*[[Richard Lynch]] as [[Arctus Baran]]
  
−
*[[Robin Curtis]] as [[Tallera]]/[[T'Paal (isolationist)|T'Paal]]
 +
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]]
−
*[[Caitlin Brown]] as [[Vekor]]
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* [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher]]
−
*[[Cameron Thor]] as [[Narik]]
 +
* [[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]]
  ⚫
* [[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Commander]] [[Data]]
⚫
*[[Alan Altshuld]] as [[Yranac]]
  
⚫
*[[Bruce Gray]] as [[Chekote]]
  
   
−
===Co-Stars===
 +
=== Guest stars ===
−
*[[Sabrina LeBeauf]] as [[Giusti]]
 +
* [[Richard Lynch]] as [[Arctus Baran]]
  +
* [[Robin Curtis]] as [[Tallera]]
⚫
*[[Stephen Lee]] as [[Unnamed humanoids (24th century)#Alien Bartender's species|alien bartender]]
  
−
*[[Derek Webster]] as [[Sanders (Lieutenant)|Sanders]]
 +
* [[Caitlin Brown]] as [[Vekor]]
  ⚫
* [[Cameron Thor]] as [[Narik]]
  ⚫
* [[Alan Altshuld]] as [[Yranac]]
  ⚫
* [[Bruce Gray]] as [[Chekote]]
   
−
=== Uncredited Co-Stars ===
 +
=== Co-stars ===
  +
* [[Sabrina LeBeauf]] as [[Ensign]] [[Giusti]]
⚫
*[[Lena Banks]] as an [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
  
  ⚫
* [[Stephen Lee]] as [[Unnamed humanoids (24th century)#Alien bartender's species|Bartender]]
⚫
*[[Majel Barrett]] as [[Baran's mercenary vessel]] [[computer voice]]
  
  +
* [[Derek Webster]] as [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Sanders (Lieutenant)|Sanders]]
⚫
*[[Cameron]] as [[Kellogg]]
  
⚫
*[[Eugenie Bondurant]] as [[Baran's mercenary vessel personnel#Female alien marauder|female marauder]]
  
⚫
*[[Kerry Hoyt]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Relief tactical ensign (2369-2371)|security ensign]]
  
⚫
*[[Michael Moorhead]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Bridge science ensign|science division ensign]]
  
⚫
*[[Keith Rayve]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel|command division officer]]
  
⚫
*[[Lincoln Simonds]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security officer (2365-2368)|security officer]]
  
⚫
*[[M. Smith]] as a [[Baran's mercenary vessel personnel#Human marauder 1|Human marauder]]
  
⚫
*[[Unknown performers]] as
 
⚫
**[[Unnamed Boslics#Woman on Dessica II|Boslic woman]]
  
−
**[[List of Kolos' species#Bar patron|Member of Kolos' species]]
  
⚫
**[[Unnamed Nausicaans#Nausicaan on Dessica II|Nausicaan]]
  
   
−
===Stunt doubles and stand-ins===
 +
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
  ⚫
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
⚫
*[[Carl David Burks]] as stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]]
  
−
*[[Nora Leonhardt]] as stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]]
 +
* [[Cameron]] as [[Kellogg]]
  ⚫
* [[Eugenie Bondurant]] as [[Baran's mercenary vessel personnel#Female alien marauder|female marauder]]
⚫
*[[Lorine Mendell]] as stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]]
  
  +
* [[Goldie Ann Gareza]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Frame of Mind attendant|command division officer]]
⚫
*[[Mark Riccardi]] as stunt double for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
  
  ⚫
* [[Kerry Hoyt]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Relief tactical ensign (2369-2371)|operations division ensign]]
⚫
*[[Richard Sarstedt]] as stand-in for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
  
  ⚫
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Bridge science ensign|science division ensign]]
⚫
*[[Dennis Tracy]] as stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
  
  ⚫
* [[Keith Rayve]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command / Operations division ensign|command division ensign]]
  ⚫
* [[Lincoln Simonds]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Security officer (2365-2368)|operations division officer]]
  ⚫
* [[M. Smith]] as [[Baran's mercenary vessel personnel#Human marauder 1|Human marauder]]
  ⚫
* [[Unknown performers]] as
  ⚫
** [[Baran's mercenary vessel]] [[computer voice]]
  ⚫
** [[Unnamed Boslics#Woman on Dessica II|Boslic woman]]
  +
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command / Operations division ensign|Command division ensign (voice)]]
  +
** [[Andorans#Bar patron|Andorans]]
  ⚫
** [[Unnamed Nausicaans#Nausicaan on Dessica II|Nausicaan]]
  +
** [[Unnamed humanoids (24th century)#Dessica II bar patrons|Three bar patrons]]
  +
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Transporter chief (2370)|Transporter chief (voice)]]
  +
** [[Unnamed Tygarians#Bar patron on Dessica II|Tygarian]]
  +
** [[Unnamed humanoids (24th century)#Alien with wrinkly faces|Wrinkled alien]]
  +
  +
=== Stunt double ===
  ⚫
* [[Mark Riccardi]] as [[stunt double]] for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
  +
  +
=== Stand-ins ===
  +
* [[David Keith Anderson]] - [[stand-in]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
  ⚫
* [[Carl David Burks]] - stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]] and [[Richard Lynch]]
  +
* [[Michael Echols]] - stand-in for [[Michael Dorn]]
  +
* [[Nora Leonhardt]] - stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]] and [[Robin Curtis]]
  ⚫
* [[Lorine Mendell]] - stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]] and [[Caitlin Brown]]
  ⚫
* [[Richard Sarstedt]] - stand-in for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
  ⚫
* [[Dennis Tracy]] - stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
   
 
=== References ===
  
=== References ===
−
[[Argus sector]], [[Barradas III]]; [[Calder II]]; [[Debrune]]; [[Dessica II]]; [[disruptor array]]; [[Draken IV]]; [[Galen (alias)|Galen]]; [[latinum]]; [[Minos Korva]]; [[Neural servo]]; [[phase-resonant pulse]]; [[Romulan]]; [[Sakethan]]; [[Sakethan burial mounds]]; [[Sakethan glyph stone]]; [[shield generator]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Yadalla Prime]]; [[Yridian]]
 +
[[Argus sector]], [[Barradas III]]; [[Barradas system]]; [[Calder II]]; [[Calder system]]; [[Class M]]; [[Debrune]]; [[Dessica II]]; [[disruptor array]]; [[Draken IV]]; [[Federation]]; [[Federation Science Council]]; [[Galen (alias)|Galen]]; [[latinum]]; [[Minos Korva]]; [[Nafir]]; [[neural servo]]; [[phase-resonant pulse]]; [[red alert]]; [[Romulan]]; [[Sakethan]]; [[Sakethan burial mounds]]; [[Sakethan glyph stone]]; [[Sector 2158]]; [[Starbase 227]]; [[shield generator]]; [[type 4 deflector shield]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Yadalla Prime]]; [[Yridian]]
  +
  +
=== External links ===
  +
* {{NCwiki|Gambit}}
  +
* {{Wikipedia|Gambit (Star Trek: The Next Generation)}}
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=7|last={{e|Interface}}|next={{e|Gambit, Part II}}}}
  
{{TNG nav|season=7|last={{e|Interface}}|next={{e|Gambit, Part II}}}}
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[[de:Der Schachzug, Teil I]]
  
[[de:Der Schachzug, Teil I]]
 
[[es:Gambit, Part I]]
  
[[es:Gambit, Part I]]
−
[[fr:Gambit, Part I]]
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[[fr:Gambit, Part I (épisode)]]
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[[ja:TNG:謎のエイリアン部隊・前編]]
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[[ja:謎のエイリアン部隊・前編（エピソード）]]
 
[[nl:Gambit, Deel I]]
  
[[nl:Gambit, Deel I]]

Revision as of 20:07, 15 October 2014

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While investigating Picard's apparent death, Riker is captured by pirates pillaging Romulan archaeological sites.

Summary

Teaser

Commander Riker, Dr. Crusher, Counselor Troi and Lt. Worf investigate Captain Picard's whereabouts in a musty bar on Dessica II, describing him as a "smooth-headed" Human. They find Yranac, a Yridian criminal who knows something – after the group promises him safe passage on their starship, he admits to seeing Picard the day before, asking a group of aliens about archaeological artifacts. Beverly's tricorder scans confirm Starfleet fiber traces and Human cellular debris exposed to some kind of high energy field, and faint traces of micro-crystalline damage in the floor material. Yranac continues his story, and explains that a fight broke out and Picard was vaporized by a weapon. Troi empathically confirms that Yranac is telling the truth.

Act One

Most of the USS Enterprise-D crew accept Picard's death, and plan on attending a memorial service arranged by Troi. However, Riker refuses to attend the service, and is instead focused on finding out who murdered Captain Picard. Admiral Chekote allows Riker to delay a mission to the Argus sector in order to investigate Picard's death, placing the Enterprise on detached duty.

Riker interrogates Yranac, and after threatening to turn him over to the Klingon Empire due to his outstanding warrants, learns that those who killed Picard mentioned the Barradas system. Riker sets course for the system.

Act Two

The crew arrives at the system's only Class M planet, Barradas III, which happens to also be home to a two thousand year-old Debrune archaeological site. Despite the planet being unpopulated, sensors detect energy signals from the surface. After beaming down, the crew discovers that most of the artifacts have been stolen, and the ground has the same micro-crystalline damage that was found on Dessica II. While Riker, Worf, Geordi, and a few ensigns are exploring, a variety of humanoids attack the away team, killing one ensign and beaming off planet with a captured Commander Riker.

Act Three

Riker is taken aboard the mercenary ship, which is commanded by Arctus Baran. Riker finds that a neural servo has been implanted within his body which allows Baran to inflict pain on him. Everyone on the ship has similar devices implanted in their bodies, which is how Baran controls his crew. As the crew argues over the ramifications of having a Starfleet officer onboard, a "smooth-headed" crew member demands that Riker be killed immediately. As he turns, Riker sees that it is Picard.

Act Four

Riker discovers that Picard is posing as a smuggler named Galen. Picard tells the crew that he is familiar with Riker – he is a Starfleet officer with a history of insubordination who was once even relieved of duty due to a "Cardassian incident at Minos Korva." Riker plays along, acting the part that Picard is describing. Picard then secretly manufactures an intermix chamber malfunction, giving Riker a chance to fix the malfunction and prove himself to Baran.

Later, Picard visits Riker in his quarters and reveals that he went to study an archeological site only to find that it had been ransacked. Tracing those responsible to a bar, Picard confronted them, but was captured and taken prisoner. Picard explains that the criminals have configured some of their weapons so that if they shot someone or something, it activates the transporter and beams them away - which is why the people in the bar thought he'd been vaporized when shot. Picard reveals that they are looking for specific ancient artifacts of Romulan origin, and that Baran is having Picard search through the relics they've stolen for these specific artifacts.

Picard asks Riker to help him infiltrate the crew of the mercenary ship. As Picard and Baran had never gotten along very well, Picard asks Riker to befriend Baran to help learn more about his plans. Picard also asks Riker to play into the role of a less than perfect, insubordinate Starfleet officer who is ready to betray the Federation.

Act Five

The mercenaries travel to Calder II in order to obtain more artifacts from a Sakethan burial mound, despite the fact that the planet is also home to a Federation science station. Picard convinces Baran to use Riker to gain access to the planet in order to avoid a battle. However, Riker is unable to convince the outpost's Lt. Sanders to drop their deflector shield without proper authorization from the Federation Science Council. Before Baran can order the outpost destroyed, Picard configures the disruptors to fire a phase-resonant pulse at the precise frequency to disable the outpost's shields with one shot. With the shields down, the mercenaries begin beaming the artifacts from the planet, getting all but two before the outpost re-raises their shields. Just as Baran orders the outpost destroyed, their ship is hit by phaser fire from the just-arrived Enterprise.

Baran threatens to kill Riker unless he orders the Enterprise to retreat. Riker hails the ship and orders Acting Captain Data to disengage. Then, Riker attempts to use his access codes to bring down the Enterprise's shields, knowing that his codes would have been changed upon his capture. Data understands the ruse, and drops the shields. As soon as the shields drop, Picard opens fire, and a disrupter blast strikes the Enterprise's starboard warp nacelle.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Memorable Quotes

"My friend tells me you know something about the man we're looking for."
"The only reason I'm talking to you is that I have a sister too."
[Riker looks questioningly at Worf]
"I explained to him that we are looking for a man who impregnated your sister."
[Riker nods]
"So you can imagine how much this means to me."

- Riker, Yranac and Worf


"I think you've had a little too much to drink. You better leave. On your way, Yranac."
[Crusher pulls a phaser on the bartender]
"I'm sorry, but I think he wants to stay. Sit down.'"
 "That's my sister. She's angry. She's got a vicious temper. I wouldn't cross her."

- The alien bartender, Crusher and Riker


"You'll like this. The man got what was coming to him. When they knocked him down, one of them took out a weapon and fired. He was vaporized!"
"He's telling the truth."

- Yranac talking about Picard's "fate" while Troi confirms his story


"I have an open wound. Right here, it hurts like hell. I don't want it to get better, and I don't want to pretend that everything's alright."
"I know you're angry..."
"You're damned right! And I intend to stay angry until I find whoever's responsible for the captain's death."
"Well that's pretty selfish of you! Do you think you're the only one in pain?! Do you think you have the monopoly on loss?! Well let me tell you something: we're all hurting! And we're all angry, and whether you like it or not, you have a responsibility to this crew! And you can't just indulge your personal desire for revenge!"
"That is enough, counselor!"

- Riker and Troi mourn the captain


"The captain died in a bar fight for nothing. Somebody has to answer for that. Then, I can mourn."

- Riker, to Troi


"I read your report, commander. My condolences to you and to your crew. Captain Picard's death is a loss to the entire Federation."

- Chekote, to Riker


"If Captain Picard were here..."
"He's not."
"I realize that, sir. But if he were and he wanted to lead an away team, you would tell him that the captain's place..."
"...is on the bridge. Not this time."

- Data questions Riker's decision to accompany the away team to Barradas III

Background Information

Story and script

Filming Gambit I

Jonathan Frakes films a scene from the episode

  • "Gambit" grew out of a spec script submitted by Christopher Hatton back in the sixth season. The story broke one of Gene Roddenberry's long-standing Star Trek taboos – specifically, that there would be no such thing as space pirates. Although initially skeptical, Michael Piller and Jeri Taylor later returned to Hatton's story as it provided an opportunity for a "less talky romp". Rick Berman, aware of the taboo but willing to consider the proposal, tied a red bandanna around the bust of Gene Roddenberry on his desk while discussing the story. He explained, "I just blindfolded it as a joke one day. Whenever they come up with a story I don't think Gene would like I blindfold him when we discuss the story...I take it on and off, depending on who's in here." (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • Hatton's original script followed Picard's point of view and did not involve Riker. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion) Hatton would provide the story to another episode this season, "Thine Own Self".
  • Naren Shankar observed, "We say we'll never do the 'rodeo' show and "A Fistful of Datas" comes along." Shankar was unsure whether the story would work expanded into two parts. "To me, it's one of the classic television problems: if you start off the show by saying the captain's dead, no one's buying it...and you're just marking time until the captain's revealed." (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • Shankar's original idea for the Vulcan Isolationist Movement involved them planning to literally phase Vulcan out of the universe to avoid cultural contamination from other species. "Everyone was afraid it was going to be like a Space: 1999 episode. The notion was to dimensionally shift the planet so you couldn't get to them. In that sense, it would be pure isolation. I still think that's a cool idea. Nobody else does, however." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Brannon Braga was one of the story's opponents. "When the story was purchased, I was not attracted to the campy, swashbuckling elements and was afraid it would just look very corny. I don't think we do campiness very well – especially in the way we tried to do it with 'Gambit.' It came off like Buck Rogers: The Series and why do that? Is that good? We try many different mediums. I was curious as to why we were involving ourselves in a medium that is not usually a respected one." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)

Production

Cast

Robin Curtis and Michael Key

Curtis with makeup artist Michael Key

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Co-stars

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt double

Stand-ins

References

Argus sector, Barradas III; Barradas system; Calder II; Calder system; Class M; Debrune; Dessica II; disruptor array; Draken IV; Federation; Federation Science Council; Galen; latinum; Minos Korva; Nafir; neural servo; phase-resonant pulse; red alert; Romulan; Sakethan; Sakethan burial mounds; Sakethan glyph stone; Sector 2158; Starbase 227; shield generator; type 4 deflector shield; Vulcan; Yadalla Prime; Yridian

External links

Previous episode:
"Interface" 		Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 7 		Next episode:
"Gambit, Part II"
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