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== Summary ==
  
== Summary ==
  +
[[File:Riva.jpg|thumb|The mediator Riva]]
−
The war-torn [[planet]] [[Solais V]], desperate for peace, calls for the famous [[mediator]] [[Riva]] to hear their dispute. This man, being [[deafness|deaf]], depends on his [[telepathic]] powers, and those of his three aides, to communicate with others. The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is dispatched to bring Riva to the planet, where [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]], through her empathic senses, becomes close to him.
 +
The war-torn [[planet]] [[Solais V]], desperate for peace, calls for the famous [[mediator]] [[Riva]] to hear their dispute. This man, being [[deafness|deaf]] and mute, depends on his [[telepathic]] powers, and those of his three aides, to communicate with others. The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is dispatched to bring Riva to the planet, where [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]], through her empathic senses, becomes close to him.
   
 
[[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]], [[Worf]], and Troi are transported down to the planet [[Ramatis III]] to pick up Riva. Prior to [[beam]]ing down, Troi senses discomfort from Worf. At first Worf denies it, but Troi insists and presses the issue. When Riker and Picard turn to inquire, Worf admits to some discomfort because of Riva. Picard understands and explains to the others that Riva had played a key role in negotiating several peace treaties between the [[Klingon Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. Worf tells the away team that before Riva, there was no Klingon word for "peacemaker."
 
[[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]], [[Worf]], and Troi are transported down to the planet [[Ramatis III]] to pick up Riva. Prior to [[beam]]ing down, Troi senses discomfort from Worf. At first Worf denies it, but Troi insists and presses the issue. When Riker and Picard turn to inquire, Worf admits to some discomfort because of Riva. Picard understands and explains to the others that Riva had played a key role in negotiating several peace treaties between the [[Klingon Empire]] and the [[Federation]]. Worf tells the away team that before Riva, there was no Klingon word for "peacemaker."
   
  +
[[File:Riva and Troi.jpg|thumb|left|An intimate meal]]
 
After beaming down, Troi becomes a vital member in the [[away team]] because of her telepathic abilities. From their first meeting, Riva is impressed and attracted by her telepathic capabilities and, foremost, by her beauty.
 
After beaming down, Troi becomes a vital member in the [[away team]] because of her telepathic abilities. From their first meeting, Riva is impressed and attracted by her telepathic capabilities and, foremost, by her beauty.
   
−
Riva and Troi continually meet to show their affection. Riva, in his persistent behavior, has let his emotions takeover the mission that he set out to do. Over dinner, they carry on conversations through hand motions. During dinner, Picard discovers that the ceasefire on Solais V has been broken and that the two factions have continued their battle. The dinner is interrupted when the two factions request his presence.
+
Riva and Troi continually meet to show their affection. Riva, in his persistent behavior, has let his emotions takeover the mission that he set out to do. Over dinner, they carry on conversations through hand motions. During dinner, Picard discovers that the ceasefire on Solais V has been broken and that the two factions have continued their battle. Riva's dinner is interrupted when the two factions request his presence.
   
−
Upon Picard's request, Riva approaches the [[bridge]] to conduct the peace agreement between the two factions. Beyond all skepticism, Riva successfully stops the battle between the two factions and decides to locate a meeting spot on Solais V to conduct a peace meeting. Riva's aides each represent a fundamental emotional component of his psyche, and their mode of communication has evolved over many generations. During the peace talks, a rogue member of one of the factions suddenly opens fire at the negotiation team, missing Riva but killing his whole [[Riva's chorus|chorus]]. The enraged leader of the faction instantly executes the rogue subordinate, and in the confusion Riva and the ''Enterprise'' crew return to the ship. Despite the subsequent pleas of both faction leaders, Riva becomes distraught and refuses to continue with the negotiations.
 +
Upon Picard's request, Riva approaches the [[bridge]] to conduct the peace agreement between the two factions. Beyond all skepticism, Riva successfully stops the battle between the two factions and decides to locate a meeting spot on Solais V to conduct a peace meeting. Riva's aides each represent a fundamental emotional component of his psyche, and their mode of communication has evolved over many generations.
  +
  +
[[File:Rivas chorus killed, remastered.jpg|thumb|Riva's chorus executed]]
  +
During the peace talks, a rogue member of one of the factions suddenly opens fire at the negotiation team, missing Riva but killing his whole [[Riva's chorus|chorus]]. The enraged leader of the faction instantly executes the rogue subordinate, and in the confusion Riva and the ''Enterprise'' crew return to the ship. Despite the subsequent pleas of both faction leaders, Riva becomes distraught and refuses to continue with the negotiations.
   
 
Data, through the [[computer]], analyzes a number of different [[sign language]]s that help him to construct an index which he later uses to decipher Riva's sign language. Riva assumes responsibility for the deaths of his translators and is not willing to continue with the peace treaty. Riva explains that he cannot use Data because Data cannot deliver emotions found in his translator's voices.
 
Data, through the [[computer]], analyzes a number of different [[sign language]]s that help him to construct an index which he later uses to decipher Riva's sign language. Riva assumes responsibility for the deaths of his translators and is not willing to continue with the peace treaty. Riva explains that he cannot use Data because Data cannot deliver emotions found in his translator's voices.
   
  +
[[File:LaForge and Pulaski.jpg|thumb|left|''"This is a lot to think about."'']]
 
Meanwhile, [[Geordi La Forge]] and [[Chief Medical Officer]] [[Katherine Pulaski|Pulaski]] discuss his medical case. Dr. Pulaski is apparently capable of repairing his eyes through two types of surgery: [[ocular implant]]s, which would give him 80% of the vision provided by his [[VISOR]], or extensive repairs done to the optical nerves and replicated eyes, which would give him normal vision but at greater risk. La Forge, overwhelmed, decides to take time to think about his decision.
  
Meanwhile, [[Geordi La Forge]] and [[Chief Medical Officer]] [[Katherine Pulaski|Pulaski]] discuss his medical case. Dr. Pulaski is apparently capable of repairing his eyes through two types of surgery: [[ocular implant]]s, which would give him 80% of the vision provided by his [[VISOR]], or extensive repairs done to the optical nerves and replicated eyes, which would give him normal vision but at greater risk. La Forge, overwhelmed, decides to take time to think about his decision.
  +
{{clear}}
−  
  +
[[File:Riva stands alone.jpg|thumb|Riva stands alone]]
 
Troi tells Riva that she will be conducting the negotiations in his place and asks for help. Riva explains several of the important aspects of negotiating peace between warring factions. One such idea, "turn a disadvantage into an advantage," inspires Riva to come up with a solution. Riva decides that the best way to resolve the confrontation is for him to teach sign language to both factions, believing that as the factions learn to talk to him, they will also learn to talk to one another. The ''Enterprise'' leaves Riva on the planet to resolve the issue and carries on.
  
Troi tells Riva that she will be conducting the negotiations in his place and asks for help. Riva explains several of the important aspects of negotiating peace between warring factions. One such idea, "turn a disadvantage into an advantage," inspires Riva to come up with a solution. Riva decides that the best way to resolve the confrontation is for him to teach sign language to both factions, believing that as the factions learn to talk to him, they will also learn to talk to one another. The ''Enterprise'' leaves Riva on the planet to resolve the issue and carries on.
   
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*[[Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2365#Mission to Solais V|Captain's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D), 2365]]
  
*[[Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2365#Mission to Solais V|Captain's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D), 2365]]
 
*[[First officer's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)#Mission to Solais V|First officer's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D)]]
  
*[[First officer's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)#Mission to Solais V|First officer's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D)]]
  +
  +
== Memorable quotes ==
  +
"''Oh, cluck, cluck, cluck, Number One.''"<br />
  +
"''Sir?''"<br />
  +
"''You're being a mother hen.''"
  +
: - '''Jean-Luc Picard''' and '''William T. Riker''', on Picard joining the away team to Ramatis III
  +
  +
  +
"''Our job is not to police the galaxy.''"<br />
  +
"''Isn't that my speech, Number One?''"
  +
: - '''Riker''' and '''Picard'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Before him, there was no Klingon word for "peacemaker".''"
  +
: - '''Worf''', on Riva
  +
  +
  +
"''Then Riva, the mediator is...''"<br />
  +
"''Deaf.''"
  +
: - '''Picard''' and '''Riva's chorus'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Confidence is faith in oneself. It can't be easily given by another.''"
  +
: - '''Deanna Troi'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Your method of communication is most elegant and quite beautiful.''"
  +
: - '''Deanna Troi''', on Riva's chorus
  +
  +
  +
"''Well, this is a lot to think about. I'll get back to you, doctor.''"
  +
: - '''La Forge''', on Pulaski's suggestion of [[ocular implant]]s which he would not get for another [[Star Trek: First Contact|eight years]]
  +
  +
  +
"''Phasers on stun.''"<br />
  +
"''You won't need them.''"<br />
  +
"''I'm sure we won't. Energize.''"
  +
: - '''Riker''' and '''Riva's chorus'''
  +
  +
  +
"''The time for killing has come to an end.''"
  +
: - '''Riva''', through his chorus
  +
  +
  +
"''Listen to me! ''You'' are not alone! We are all in this together... now.''"
  +
: - '''Picard''', trying to calm Riva down after his chorus was killed
  +
  +
  +
"''Data is a fine machine but he cannot take the place of my chorus.''"
  +
: - '''Riva''', after Data learns his sign language
  +
  +
  +
"''Why can't ''you'' do that? Why can't you turn a disadvantage into an advantage?''"<br />
  +
"''That is interesting.''"
  +
: - '''Troi''' and '''Riva'''
   
 
== Background information ==
  
== Background information ==
 
=== Story and script ===
  
=== Story and script ===
  +
[[File:Filming Howie Seago.jpg|thumb|Howie Seago during filming]]
 
* [[Howie Seago]], who played Riva, is in fact deaf and uses American Sign Language. He petitioned the producers to create a show about deaf people, in part to dispel untrue and prejudiced myths about them. In the first draft, Riva learned to speak overnight after a mechanical translator he used to communicate with his chorus failed. Seago suggested the ending used in the finished episode the day prior to shooting. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'' 2nd ed., p. 73)
  
* [[Howie Seago]], who played Riva, is in fact deaf and uses American Sign Language. He petitioned the producers to create a show about deaf people, in part to dispel untrue and prejudiced myths about them. In the first draft, Riva learned to speak overnight after a mechanical translator he used to communicate with his chorus failed. Seago suggested the ending used in the finished episode the day prior to shooting. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'' 2nd ed., p. 73)
−
* The script of this episode stated that Riva was forced to learn sign language while mediating a conflict in the Plaeties system. The beings involved in the conflict were extremely paranoid and did not allow Riva's Chorus to accompany him, so in order to communicate on his own behalf, the deaf mediator had to learn sign language. However, this information did not make it into the final cut of the episode. Nor did the fact that members of the family to which Riva belongs do not read or write (although Riva's refusal to write down what he wishes to say suggests this possibility). [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/132.txt]
 +
* The script of this episode stated that Riva was forced to learn sign language while mediating a conflict in the [[Plaeties system]]. The beings involved in the conflict were extremely paranoid and did not allow Riva's Chorus to accompany him, so in order to communicate on his own behalf, the deaf mediator had to learn sign language. However, this information did not make it into the final cut of the episode. Nor did the fact that members of the family to which Riva belongs do not read or write (although Riva's refusal to write down what he wishes to say suggests this possibility). [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/132.txt]
   
 
=== Production ===
  
=== Production ===
  +
[[File:Shooting Loud as a Whisper.jpg|thumb|Reviewing the script between takes]]
 
* The scene in Picard's ready room during the teaser for this episode is one of only two instances during the entire run of the series that the holographic interface on the desk is seen in operation. It was also seen in use in {{e|The Child}}.
  
* The scene in Picard's ready room during the teaser for this episode is one of only two instances during the entire run of the series that the holographic interface on the desk is seen in operation. It was also seen in use in {{e|The Child}}.
 
* The moment featuring Riva and his entourage selecting a beam-down site from the bridge features one of only several instances during the series' run when live video monitors were used on the bridge set of the ''Enterprise'', as opposed to backlit graphics or a post-production burn-in. In this instance, only one such monitor was used, in the Science I console. This technique would again be used in {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, in the same location; after that it would not be used again until {{e|All Good Things...}}, when all five aft stations would receive video monitors. This modification would carry over into {{film|7}}.
  
* The moment featuring Riva and his entourage selecting a beam-down site from the bridge features one of only several instances during the series' run when live video monitors were used on the bridge set of the ''Enterprise'', as opposed to backlit graphics or a post-production burn-in. In this instance, only one such monitor was used, in the Science I console. This technique would again be used in {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, in the same location; after that it would not be used again until {{e|All Good Things...}}, when all five aft stations would receive video monitors. This modification would carry over into {{film|7}}.
Line 65: Line 129:
 
===Continuity===
  
===Continuity===
 
* Dr. Pulaski raises the possibility of treating La Forge's blindness via corrective surgery. [[LeVar Burton]] had at one time campaigned for his character's sight to be restored so he could use his expressive eyes. The ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'' (2nd ed., p. 73) suggests that this scene was added to prepare for this possibility. Following this episode, the idea is dropped, and is never mentioned again during the course of the series. Later, La Forge "grew" new eyes as a result of the effects of the anti-time distortion in the series finale {{e|All Good Things...}}, and eventually had his eyes replaced with [[ocular implant]]s sometime prior to the events of {{film|8}}. His eyes indeed regenerated temporarily in {{film|9}} because of the Baku planetary effects. They manifested the same effect as Dr. Pulaski described.
  
* Dr. Pulaski raises the possibility of treating La Forge's blindness via corrective surgery. [[LeVar Burton]] had at one time campaigned for his character's sight to be restored so he could use his expressive eyes. The ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'' (2nd ed., p. 73) suggests that this scene was added to prepare for this possibility. Following this episode, the idea is dropped, and is never mentioned again during the course of the series. Later, La Forge "grew" new eyes as a result of the effects of the anti-time distortion in the series finale {{e|All Good Things...}}, and eventually had his eyes replaced with [[ocular implant]]s sometime prior to the events of {{film|8}}. His eyes indeed regenerated temporarily in {{film|9}} because of the Baku planetary effects. They manifested the same effect as Dr. Pulaski described.
  +
* The mention of Riva negotiating peace treaties between the klingons and the Federation was an early attempt to explain how those former enemies became allies. It would later be superseded in ''Yesterdays Enterprise'' which established, that peace was achieved through the sacrifice of the ''Enterprise C'', and, of course, ''Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country'' finally showed that peace was achieved even earlier. {{incite}}
   
 
=== Reception ===
  
=== Reception ===
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* [[Melinda Snodgrass]] was pleased with how this episode used Troi. She commented, "''Troi got to show her claws and she gives this guy a boost.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 175)
  
* [[Melinda Snodgrass]] was pleased with how this episode used Troi. She commented, "''Troi got to show her claws and she gives this guy a boost.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 175)
 
* [[Maurice Hurley]] opined, "''An okay episode. I had higher expectations than the way it turned out. It should have been more effective.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 175)
  
* [[Maurice Hurley]] opined, "''An okay episode. I had higher expectations than the way it turned out. It should have been more effective.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'', p. 175)
  +
* A mission report for this episode by Patrick Daniel O'Neill was published in ''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 7, pp. 8-12.
  +
* First UK airdate: 1st May 1991
   
 
=== Video and DVD releases ===
  
=== Video and DVD releases ===
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* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]]): Volume 2.2, catalog number VHR 4738, {{d|12|April|1999}}
  
* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]]): Volume 2.2, catalog number VHR 4738, {{d|12|April|1999}}
 
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 DVD]] collection
  
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 DVD]] collection
  +
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 Blu-ray]] collection.
   
 
== Links and references ==
  
== Links and references ==
 
=== Starring ===
  
=== 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|William Riker]]
   
 
=== Also starring ===
  
=== Also starring ===
−
*[[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Geordi La Forge]]
 +
* [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant|Lt.]] [[Geordi La Forge]]
−
*[[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]]
 +
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant junior grade|Lt.]] [[Worf]]
−
*[[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]]
 +
* [[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]]
−
*[[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Data]]
 +
* [[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Commander]] [[Data]]
−
*[[Wil Wheaton]] as [[Ensign]] [[Wesley Crusher]]
 +
* [[Wil Wheaton]] as [[Wesley Crusher]]
   
 
=== Special appearance by ===
  
=== Special appearance by ===
−
*[[Diana Muldaur]] as [[Katherine Pulaski|Doctor Pulaski]]
 +
* [[Diana Muldaur]] as [[Doctor]] [[Katherine Pulaski|Pulaski]]
   
 
=== Guest stars ===
  
=== Guest stars ===
−
*[[Marnie Mosiman]] as [[Riva's chorus|Harmony/Wisdom/Balance]]
 +
* [[Marnie Mosiman]] as [[Riva's chorus]]
−
*[[Randy Oglesby|Thomas Oglesby]] as [[Riva's chorus|Scholar/Artist]]
 +
* [[Thomas Oglesby]] as [[Riva's chorus]]
−
*[[Leo Damian]] as [[Riva's chorus|Passion/Warrior/Anarchy of Lust]]
 +
* [[Leo Damian]] as [[Riva's chorus]]
  +
;And
−
*[[Howie Seago]] as [[Riva]]
 +
* [[Howie Seago]] as [[Riva]]
   
 
=== Co-stars ===
  
=== Co-stars ===
−
*[[Colm Meaney]] as [[Miles O'Brien|Transporter Chief]]
 +
* [[Colm Meaney]] as [[Miles O'Brien|Transporter Chief]]
−
*[[Richard Lavin]] as [[Unnamed Solari#Warrior 1|Warrior #1]]
 +
* [[Richard Lavin]] as [[Unnamed Solari#Second Solari leader|Warrior #1]]
−
*[[Chip Heller]] as [[Unnamed Solari#Warrior 2|Warrior #2]]
 +
* [[Chip Heller]] as [[Unnamed Solari#First Solari leader|Warrior #2]]
−
*[[John Garrett]] as [[Unnamed Solari#Lieutenant 1|Lieutenant]]
 +
* [[John Garrett]] as [[Unnamed Solari#Traitor|Lieutenant]]
   
−
===Uncredited co-stars===
 +
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
  +
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
⚫
*[[Dexter Clay]] as a [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security officer (2364-2365)|security officer]]
  
  +
* [[Juliet Cesario]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Female science division officer|science division officer]]
⚫
*[[Guy Vardaman]] as [[Darien Wallace]]
  
  ⚫
* [[Dexter Clay]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Security officer (2364-2365)|operations division officer]]
⚫
*[[Unknown actor]] as a [[Unnamed Solari#Lieutenant 2|Solari lieutenant]]
  
  +
* [[Jeffrey Deacon]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Bridge Crewman (2364-2366)|command division officer]]
  ⚫
* [[Guy Vardaman]] as [[Darien Wallace]]
  +
* [[Unknown performers]] as
  +
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Female conn officer (2365)|Female conn officer]]
  ⚫
** [[Unnamed Solari#Lieutenant|Solari lieutenant]]
  +
  +
=== Stand-ins ===
  +
* [[James G. Becker]] - [[stand-in]] for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
  +
* [[Darrell Burris]] - stand-in for [[LeVar Burton]]
  +
* [[Dexter Clay]] - stand-in for [[Michael Dorn]]
  +
* [[Jeffrey Deacon]] - stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
  +
* [[Nora Leonhardt]] - stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]]
  +
* [[Tim McCormack]] - stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]]
  +
* [[Guy Vardaman]] - stand-in for [[Wil Wheaton]] & [[hand double]] for [[Howie Seago]]
   
 
=== References ===
  
=== References ===
−
[[9th century]]; [[blindness]]; [[cease fire]]; [[chicken]]; [[deaf]]; [[ear]]; [[Earth]]; [[empathic]]; [[Fendaus V]]; [[Fendaus system]]; [[gestural language]]; [[hemophilia]]; [[House of Hanover]]; [[Klingon Empire]]; [[Klingonese]]; [[laser weapon]]s; [[sensor|lateral sensor array]]; [[Leyron]]; [[Lima Sierra system]]; [[M-9]]; [[Malkus IX]]; [[Malkus system]]; [[NCC-7100]]; [[ocular implant]]; [[optic nerve]]; [[optic nerve laser welding]]; [[Ramatis III]]; [[Ramatis system]]; [[replicator]]; [[sign language]]; [[Solais V]]; [[Solais system]]; [[Solari]]; [[Solari wars]]; [[VISOR]]; [[Battle of Zambrano|Zambrano, Battle of]]
 +
[[9th century]]; [[anarchy]]; ''[[As You Like It]]''; [[blindness]]; [[cease fire]]; [[chicken]]; [[deaf]]; [[Denkir IV]]; [[ear]]; [[Earth]]; [[empathic]]; [[Federation]]; [[Fendaus V]]; [[gestural language]]; [[hemophilia]]; [[House of Hanover]]; [[kilometer]]; [[Klingon Empire]]; [[Klingonese]]; [[laser weapon]]s; [[sensor|lateral sensor array]]; [[Leyron]]; [[Lima Sierra system]]; [[M-9]]; [[magnetic field]]; [[magnetosphere]]; [[Malkus IX]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[NCC-7100]]; [[ocular implant]]; [[optic nerve]]; [[optic nerve laser welding]]; [[Plaeties system]]; [[Ramatis III]]; [[Ramatis system]]; [[Serpent's World]]; [[replicator]]; [[sign language]]; [[Solais V]]; [[Solais system]]; [[Solari]]; [[Solari wars]]; [[Transporter room#Transporter Room 5|Transporter Room Five]]; ''[[United States Declaration of Independence]]''; [[VISOR]];
   
  +
==== Library Computer References ====
⚫
==External link==
  
  +
[[fingerspelling]]; [[Robert H. Goddard|Goddard, Robert H.]]; [[Jupiter]]; [[magnetic field]]; [[magnetosphere]]; [[NASA]]; ''[[Pioneer 11]]''; [[telescope]]; [[Saturn]]; [[Sol]]; [[Sol system]]; [[solar wind]]; ''[[Sputnik]]''; ''[[United States Declaration of Independence]]''; [[Battle of Zambrano|Zambrano, Battle of]]
−
* {{NCwiki}}
  
  +
  ⚫
=== External link ===
  +
*{{Startrek.com|loud-as-a-whisper|Loud as a Whisper}}
  +
* {{NCwiki|Loud as a Whisper}}
  +
* {{wikipedia|Loud as a Whisper|Loud as a Whisper}}
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=2|last={{e|The Outrageous Okona}}|next={{e|The Schizoid Man}}}}
  
{{TNG nav|season=2|last={{e|The Outrageous Okona}}|next={{e|The Schizoid Man}}}}
  +
  ⚫
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
   
 
[[cs:Loud As A Whisper]]
  
[[cs:Loud As A Whisper]]
 
[[de:Der stumme Vermittler]]
  
[[de:Der stumme Vermittler]]
 
[[es:Loud as a Whisper]]
  
[[es:Loud as a Whisper]]
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[[fr:Loud as a Whisper]]
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[[fr:Loud as a Whisper (épisode)]]
 
[[it:Rumoroso come un sussurro (episodio)]]
  
[[it:Rumoroso come un sussurro (episodio)]]
 
[[ja:TNG:無言の調停者]]
  
[[ja:TNG:無言の調停者]]
 
[[nl:Loud as a Whisper]]
  
[[nl:Loud as a Whisper]]
⚫
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
  

Revision as of 02:31, 3 August 2014

Template:Realworld

The Enterprise brings a deaf negotiator to mediate the end of a planetary civil war.

Summary

Riva

The mediator Riva

The war-torn planet Solais V, desperate for peace, calls for the famous mediator Riva to hear their dispute. This man, being deaf and mute, depends on his telepathic powers, and those of his three aides, to communicate with others. The USS Enterprise-D is dispatched to bring Riva to the planet, where Counselor Troi, through her empathic senses, becomes close to him.

Captain Picard, Worf, and Troi are transported down to the planet Ramatis III to pick up Riva. Prior to beaming down, Troi senses discomfort from Worf. At first Worf denies it, but Troi insists and presses the issue. When Riker and Picard turn to inquire, Worf admits to some discomfort because of Riva. Picard understands and explains to the others that Riva had played a key role in negotiating several peace treaties between the Klingon Empire and the Federation. Worf tells the away team that before Riva, there was no Klingon word for "peacemaker."

Riva and Troi

An intimate meal

After beaming down, Troi becomes a vital member in the away team because of her telepathic abilities. From their first meeting, Riva is impressed and attracted by her telepathic capabilities and, foremost, by her beauty.

Riva and Troi continually meet to show their affection. Riva, in his persistent behavior, has let his emotions takeover the mission that he set out to do. Over dinner, they carry on conversations through hand motions. During dinner, Picard discovers that the ceasefire on Solais V has been broken and that the two factions have continued their battle. Riva's dinner is interrupted when the two factions request his presence.

Upon Picard's request, Riva approaches the bridge to conduct the peace agreement between the two factions. Beyond all skepticism, Riva successfully stops the battle between the two factions and decides to locate a meeting spot on Solais V to conduct a peace meeting. Riva's aides each represent a fundamental emotional component of his psyche, and their mode of communication has evolved over many generations.

Rivas chorus killed, remastered

Riva's chorus executed

During the peace talks, a rogue member of one of the factions suddenly opens fire at the negotiation team, missing Riva but killing his whole chorus. The enraged leader of the faction instantly executes the rogue subordinate, and in the confusion Riva and the Enterprise crew return to the ship. Despite the subsequent pleas of both faction leaders, Riva becomes distraught and refuses to continue with the negotiations.

Data, through the computer, analyzes a number of different sign languages that help him to construct an index which he later uses to decipher Riva's sign language. Riva assumes responsibility for the deaths of his translators and is not willing to continue with the peace treaty. Riva explains that he cannot use Data because Data cannot deliver emotions found in his translator's voices.

LaForge and Pulaski

"This is a lot to think about."

Meanwhile, Geordi La Forge and Chief Medical Officer Pulaski discuss his medical case. Dr. Pulaski is apparently capable of repairing his eyes through two types of surgery: ocular implants, which would give him 80% of the vision provided by his VISOR, or extensive repairs done to the optical nerves and replicated eyes, which would give him normal vision but at greater risk. La Forge, overwhelmed, decides to take time to think about his decision.

Riva stands alone

Riva stands alone

Troi tells Riva that she will be conducting the negotiations in his place and asks for help. Riva explains several of the important aspects of negotiating peace between warring factions. One such idea, "turn a disadvantage into an advantage," inspires Riva to come up with a solution. Riva decides that the best way to resolve the confrontation is for him to teach sign language to both factions, believing that as the factions learn to talk to him, they will also learn to talk to one another. The Enterprise leaves Riva on the planet to resolve the issue and carries on.

Log entries

Memorable quotes

"Oh, cluck, cluck, cluck, Number One."
"Sir?"
"You're being a mother hen."

- Jean-Luc Picard and William T. Riker, on Picard joining the away team to Ramatis III


"Our job is not to police the galaxy."
"Isn't that my speech, Number One?"

- Riker and Picard


"Before him, there was no Klingon word for "peacemaker"."

- Worf, on Riva


"Then Riva, the mediator is..."
"Deaf."

- Picard and Riva's chorus


"Confidence is faith in oneself. It can't be easily given by another."

- Deanna Troi


"Your method of communication is most elegant and quite beautiful."

- Deanna Troi, on Riva's chorus


"Well, this is a lot to think about. I'll get back to you, doctor."

- La Forge, on Pulaski's suggestion of ocular implants which he would not get for another eight years


"Phasers on stun."
"You won't need them."
"I'm sure we won't. Energize."

- Riker and Riva's chorus


"The time for killing has come to an end."

- Riva, through his chorus


"Listen to me! You are not alone! We are all in this together... now."

- Picard, trying to calm Riva down after his chorus was killed


"Data is a fine machine but he cannot take the place of my chorus."

- Riva, after Data learns his sign language


"Why can't you do that? Why can't you turn a disadvantage into an advantage?"
"That is interesting."

- Troi and Riva

Background information

Story and script

Filming Howie Seago

Howie Seago during filming

  • Howie Seago, who played Riva, is in fact deaf and uses American Sign Language. He petitioned the producers to create a show about deaf people, in part to dispel untrue and prejudiced myths about them. In the first draft, Riva learned to speak overnight after a mechanical translator he used to communicate with his chorus failed. Seago suggested the ending used in the finished episode the day prior to shooting. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion 2nd ed., p. 73)
  • The script of this episode stated that Riva was forced to learn sign language while mediating a conflict in the Plaeties system. The beings involved in the conflict were extremely paranoid and did not allow Riva's Chorus to accompany him, so in order to communicate on his own behalf, the deaf mediator had to learn sign language. However, this information did not make it into the final cut of the episode. Nor did the fact that members of the family to which Riva belongs do not read or write (although Riva's refusal to write down what he wishes to say suggests this possibility). [1]

Production

Shooting Loud as a Whisper

Reviewing the script between takes

  • The scene in Picard's ready room during the teaser for this episode is one of only two instances during the entire run of the series that the holographic interface on the desk is seen in operation. It was also seen in use in "The Child".
  • The moment featuring Riva and his entourage selecting a beam-down site from the bridge features one of only several instances during the series' run when live video monitors were used on the bridge set of the Enterprise, as opposed to backlit graphics or a post-production burn-in. In this instance, only one such monitor was used, in the Science I console. This technique would again be used in "A Matter Of Honor", in the same location; after that it would not be used again until "All Good Things...", when all five aft stations would receive video monitors. This modification would carry over into Star Trek Generations.

Continuity

  • Dr. Pulaski raises the possibility of treating La Forge's blindness via corrective surgery. LeVar Burton had at one time campaigned for his character's sight to be restored so he could use his expressive eyes. The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion (2nd ed., p. 73) suggests that this scene was added to prepare for this possibility. Following this episode, the idea is dropped, and is never mentioned again during the course of the series. Later, La Forge "grew" new eyes as a result of the effects of the anti-time distortion in the series finale "All Good Things...", and eventually had his eyes replaced with ocular implants sometime prior to the events of Star Trek: First Contact. His eyes indeed regenerated temporarily in Star Trek: Insurrection because of the Baku planetary effects. They manifested the same effect as Dr. Pulaski described.
  • The mention of Riva negotiating peace treaties between the klingons and the Federation was an early attempt to explain how those former enemies became allies. It would later be superseded in Yesterdays Enterprise which established, that peace was achieved through the sacrifice of the Enterprise C, and, of course, Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country finally showed that peace was achieved even earlier. (citation needed • edit)

Reception

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Special appearance by

Guest stars

And

Co-stars

Uncredited co-stars

Stand-ins

References

9th century; anarchy; As You Like It; blindness; cease fire; chicken; deaf; Denkir IV; ear; Earth; empathic; Federation; Fendaus V; gestural language; hemophilia; House of Hanover; kilometer; Klingon Empire; Klingonese; laser weapons; lateral sensor array; Leyron; Lima Sierra system; M-9; magnetic field; magnetosphere; Malkus IX; Milky Way Galaxy; NCC-7100; ocular implant; optic nerve; optic nerve laser welding; Plaeties system; Ramatis III; Ramatis system; Serpent's World; replicator; sign language; Solais V; Solais system; Solari; Solari wars; Transporter Room Five; United States Declaration of Independence; VISOR;

Library Computer References

fingerspelling; Goddard, Robert H.; Jupiter; magnetic field; magnetosphere; NASA; Pioneer 11; telescope; Saturn; Sol; Sol system; solar wind; Sputnik; United States Declaration of Independence; Zambrano, Battle of

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