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|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Star Trek Generations
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Star Trek Generations
 
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{{Disambiguate|the relationship between organisms|symbiosis}}
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{{disambiguation|the relationship between organisms|symbiosis}}
 
After the ''Enterprise'' rescues a freighter crew and the ship's important cargo, Captain Picard faces a difficult dilemma: uphold the Prime Directive, or save an entire civilization from exploitation?
 
After the ''Enterprise'' rescues a freighter crew and the ship's important cargo, Captain Picard faces a difficult dilemma: uphold the Prime Directive, or save an entire civilization from exploitation?
   
 
==Summary==
 
==Summary==
 
[[File:Sanction tractored by Enterprise-D, remastered.jpg|thumb|left|The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} attempts to [[tractor beam|tractor]] the ''Sanction'']]
 
[[File:Sanction tractored by Enterprise-D, remastered.jpg|thumb|left|The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} attempts to [[tractor beam|tractor]] the ''Sanction'']]
The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is investigating unusual solar flares and magnetic activity in the [[Delos system]] when they receive a [[distress signal]] from the [[Ornaran freighter]] ''[[Sanction (starship)|Sanction]]'' orbiting the fourth [[moon]] of the system. The [[bridge]] crew is perplexed by the apparent incompetence of the freighter's crew.
+
The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is investigating unusual solar flares and magnetic activity in the [[Delos system]] when they receive a [[distress signal]] from the [[Ornaran freighter]] ''{{dis|Sanction|starship}}'' orbiting the fourth planet of the system. The [[bridge]] crew, [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] and [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] in particular, are perplexed by the apparent incompetence of the freighter's crew.
   
When they try to rescue the freighter and beam the occupants over, the cargo of the freighter is beamed over instead. [[Natasha Yar|Yar]] and [[William T. Riker|Riker]] are able to [[beam]] four onto the ''Enterprise'' in the nick of time.
+
When they try to rescue the freighter and beam the occupants over, the cargo of the freighter is beamed over instead. [[Natasha Yar|Yar]] and Riker are able to [[beam]] four onto the ''Enterprise'' in the nick of time.
   
 
[[File:Naturally electric.jpg|thumb|Fighting with electricity]]
 
[[File:Naturally electric.jpg|thumb|Fighting with electricity]]
When the crewmembers, two [[Ornaran]]s and two [[Brekkian]]s, arrive, they are very anxious to see the cargo. Even though two of those aboard the freighter have been lost, the primary concern of all four is the cargo. The Ornarans claim that they have paid for the cargo, therefore it belongs to them. The Brekkians argue that since the payment was lost on the destroyed freighter, the cargo still belongs to them. They begin to fight, using their natural electric charges, until Yar breaks it up.
+
When the crewmembers, two [[Ornaran]]s and two [[Brekkian]]s, arrive, they are very anxious to see the cargo. Even though two of those aboard the freighter have been lost, the primary concern of all four is the cargo. The Ornarans, named [[T'Jon]] and [[Romas]], claim that they have paid for the cargo, therefore it belongs to them. The Brekkians, [[Sobi]] and [[Langor]], argue that since the payment was lost on the destroyed freighter, the cargo still belongs to them. Sobi and T'Jon begin to fight, using their natural electric charges, until Yar breaks it up by shooting at them with a [[phaser]] set on stun.
 
 
Later, the Ornarans reveal that the cargo is [[felicium]], medicine that their planet needs. [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] realizes that the "plague" they have may infect the entire ship. He puts the ship on medical alert.
+
Later, in the [[observation lounge]], T'Jon and Romas reveal that the cargo is [[felicium]], medicine that their planet needs. Captain Picard realizes that the "plague" they have may infect the entire ship. He puts the ship on medical alert.
   
 
As the Ornarans suffer from their lack of medicine, the Brekkians continue to refuse them the cargo. [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]] reveals that she cannot find a cause of the signs of [[infection]]. The Ornarans entreat Picard to give them the felicium, and Picard offers to talk to the Brekkians, asking them to give enough for the Ornarans' needs. The Brekkians agree to "two doses for immediate use."
 
As the Ornarans suffer from their lack of medicine, the Brekkians continue to refuse them the cargo. [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]] reveals that she cannot find a cause of the signs of [[infection]]. The Ornarans entreat Picard to give them the felicium, and Picard offers to talk to the Brekkians, asking them to give enough for the Ornarans' needs. The Brekkians agree to "two doses for immediate use."
Line 50: Line 50:
 
It is revealed that Brekkian society is entirely dependent on the trade of felicium with the Ornarans. When they use the free medicine, the Ornarans act as if they are experiencing a drug high. Crusher deduces that the "[[medicine]]" is really an addictive [[drug]]. [[Data]] and Riker research the history of the drug. Though it had cured a plague on Ornara two hundred years before, it is now just being sold as an addictive [[narcotic]].
 
It is revealed that Brekkian society is entirely dependent on the trade of felicium with the Ornarans. When they use the free medicine, the Ornarans act as if they are experiencing a drug high. Crusher deduces that the "[[medicine]]" is really an addictive [[drug]]. [[Data]] and Riker research the history of the drug. Though it had cured a plague on Ornara two hundred years before, it is now just being sold as an addictive [[narcotic]].
   
When [[Wesley Crusher]] wonders about how people become addicted to drugs, Yar explains the draw of drugs for people in desperate circumstances. She alludes to her possible use of drugs on her home planet. She says that, though drugs may seem to solve problems, they do not in reality make anything better.
+
When [[Wesley Crusher]] wonders about how people become addicted to drugs, Yar explains the draw of drugs for people in desperate circumstances. She alludes to her possible use of drugs on her home planet. She says that, though drugs may seem to solve problems, they do not in reality make anything better. Wesley fails to understand, however.
   
 
[[File:Paralyzed by electrocution.jpg|thumb|Riker held hostage]]
 
[[File:Paralyzed by electrocution.jpg|thumb|Riker held hostage]]
The ''Enterprise'' receives a signal from [[Ornara]]. [[Margan]] demands that the Ornarans on the ''Enterprise'' must get the felicium to Ornara. One Ornaran then attacks Riker and demands that the ''Enterprise'' send the felicium to the planet.
+
The ''Enterprise'' receives a signal from [[Ornara]]. [[Margan]] desperately demands that the Ornarans on the ''Enterprise'' must get the felicium to Ornara. T'Jon then attacks Riker and demands that the ''Enterprise'' send the felicium to the planet.
   
The Brekkians then decide to "give" the drug to the Onarans, rather than risk the Onarans losing their addiction. Picard realizes that they have been purposely exploiting the Ornarans. Picard cannot tell the Ornarans without violating the [[Prime Directive]]. To correct the situation, Picard refuses to repair the Ornarans' freighters. Without a method of transport, the Ornarans will begin to withdraw from the drug.
+
Sobi and Langor then decide to "give" the drug to the Onarans, rather than risk the Onarans losing their addiction. Picard realizes that they have been purposely exploiting the Ornarans. Picard cannot tell the Ornarans without violating the [[Prime Directive]]. To correct the situation, while letting the Onarans have the shipment of felicium the Brekkians had already promised to give, Picard refuses to repair the Ornarans' freighters, citing the Prime Directive of non-interference for both decisions. Without a method of transport, the Ornarans will begin to painfully withdraw from the drug. After beaming Sobi, Langor, T'Jon and Romas down to Ornara with their cargo, Picard orders [[helmsman]] [[Geordi La Forge|La Forge]] to put some distance from the Ornaran system and the ''Enterprise'' heads for the [[Opperline system]], a place never before explored.
   
 
==Memorable Quotes==
 
==Memorable Quotes==
Line 68: Line 68:
 
"''And we may never know.''"<br />
 
"''And we may never know.''"<br />
 
: - '''Captain Picard''' and '''Doctor Crusher'''
 
: - '''Captain Picard''' and '''Doctor Crusher'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Freighter, we're going to lock on the tractor beam and pull you out of orbit.''"<br />
  +
"''Hey, that... that's great.''"
  +
: - '''Picard''' and '''T'Jon''', as the ''Sanction'' begins to burn up in the atmosphere
   
   
Line 80: Line 85:
 
"''Behave yourselves, gentlemen.''"
 
"''Behave yourselves, gentlemen.''"
 
: - '''Tasha Yar''', to T'Jon and Sobi after they attack each other
 
: - '''Tasha Yar''', to T'Jon and Sobi after they attack each other
  +
  +
  +
"''You're feeling better?''"<br />
  +
"''Yes, thank you. I'm ''fine'' now.''"
  +
: - '''Crusher''', when '''T'Jon''' and Romas inject themselves with felicium after which their "symptoms" disappear
   
   
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"''Curiosity. We've never been there.''"
 
"''Curiosity. We've never been there.''"
 
: - '''La Forge''', '''Picard''', and '''Riker'''
 
: - '''La Forge''', '''Picard''', and '''Riker'''
  +
  +
  +
"''Wesley, on my home world, there was so much poverty and violence that for some people, the only escape was through drugs.''"<br />
  +
"''How can a chemical substance provide an escape?''"<br />
  +
"''It doesn't. But it makes you think it does.''"
  +
: - '''Tasha Yar''' and '''Wesley Crusher''', discussing drug addiction
   
   
Line 100: Line 116:
 
''"Great... and that'll fix us up?''"<br />
 
''"Great... and that'll fix us up?''"<br />
 
''"Yes, once it's installed.''"<br />
 
''"Yes, once it's installed.''"<br />
(pause) "''And how do we do that?''"
+
"''Right.''" (pause) "''And how do we do that?''"
 
: - '''Picard''' and '''T'Jon'''
 
: - '''Picard''' and '''T'Jon'''
   
Line 117: Line 133:
 
[[File:Denise Crosby waves goodbye.jpg|thumb|Crosby seen waving "goodbye"]]
 
[[File:Denise Crosby waves goodbye.jpg|thumb|Crosby seen waving "goodbye"]]
 
=== Cast and characters ===
 
=== Cast and characters ===
* This marks [[Denise Crosby]]'s last appearance as a full cast member. Although [[Natasha Yar]] appears (and dies) in the following episode, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, this episode was filmed following that. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', p. 56) In the scene with Crusher and Picard leaving the [[cargo bay]] at the end of the episode, Denise Crosby can be seen waving goodbye in the extreme background. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', p. 56)
+
* This marks [[Denise Crosby]]'s last appearance as a full cast member. Although [[Natasha Yar]] appears in the following episode, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, this episode was filmed following that. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', p. 56) In the scene with Crusher and Picard leaving the [[cargo bay]] at the end of the episode, Denise Crosby can be seen waving goodbye in the extreme background. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', p. 56)
* [[Merritt Butrick]] and [[Judson Scott]], who had appeared in {{film|2}} (as David Marcus and Joachim respectively), are in this episode as well. However, this is Butrick's final ''Star Trek'' role before his death from AIDS in 1989. Judson Scott later appeared in {{VOY|Message in a Bottle}} as the Romulan Commander [[Rekar]].
+
* [[Merritt Butrick]] and [[Judson Scott]], who had appeared in {{film|2}} (as [[David Marcus]] and [[Joachim]] respectively), are in this episode as well. However, this is Butrick's final ''Star Trek'' role before his death from AIDS in 1989. Judson Scott later appeared in {{VOY|Message in a Bottle}} as the Romulan Commander [[Rekar]].
   
 
=== Special and visual effects ===
 
=== Special and visual effects ===
Line 125: Line 141:
 
=== Continuity ===
 
=== Continuity ===
 
* This is the first time that we see a [[system interlock]] used with an alien transporter system showing that it is possible to interlock two different types of transporter beams. The only previous time that we see a Federation transporter working in ''conjunction'' with an alien beam is when the ''Enterprise'' intercepted an alien transporter beam and redirected it to their transporter pad in {{e|Assignment: Earth}}.
 
* This is the first time that we see a [[system interlock]] used with an alien transporter system showing that it is possible to interlock two different types of transporter beams. The only previous time that we see a Federation transporter working in ''conjunction'' with an alien beam is when the ''Enterprise'' intercepted an alien transporter beam and redirected it to their transporter pad in {{e|Assignment: Earth}}.
* At the very beginning of the episode, when Picard makes a shipwide announcement, it is preceded by an old-style TOS hailing whistle. This does not usually occur in TNG.
 
 
* This is one of only five [[TNG]] episodes (and the only season one episode) that doesn't have a stardate. The others are {{TNG|First Contact|Tapestry|Liaisons|Sub Rosa}}.
 
* This is one of only five [[TNG]] episodes (and the only season one episode) that doesn't have a stardate. The others are {{TNG|First Contact|Tapestry|Liaisons|Sub Rosa}}.
   
Line 131: Line 146:
 
* Behind-the-scenes footage and bloopers from this episode appeared on a 1988 episode of the [[LeVar Burton]]-hosted show ''[[Reading Rainbow]]''.
 
* Behind-the-scenes footage and bloopers from this episode appeared on a 1988 episode of the [[LeVar Burton]]-hosted show ''[[Reading Rainbow]]''.
 
* A mission report for this episode by Patrick Daniel O'Neill was published in ''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 6, pp. 58-60.
 
* A mission report for this episode by Patrick Daniel O'Neill was published in ''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 6, pp. 58-60.
* Director [[Win Phelps]] remembers, "''There were many continuity problems. Down on the set, we began to notice discrepancies. Some sequences just didn't really work. The actors would say "My motivation is totally wrong here", because a previous scene would be contradictory. They were trying to act scenes that they had never read before, or where substantially different from what they ''had'' read. That didn't happyn every scene, but it did happen.''" About Denise Crosby's final scene he recalls, "''As Patrick and Gates leave the hold where the drugs were kept, we had Denise wave goodbye to the camera. She was about 40 yards in the background, where nobody would notice. It was Denise's last scene on her last day.''" (''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 19, pp. 28-29)
+
* Director [[Win Phelps]] remembers, "''There were many continuity problems. Down on the set, we began to notice discrepancies. Some sequences just didn't really work. The actors would say "My motivation is totally wrong here", because a previous scene would be contradictory. They were trying to act scenes that they had never read before, or where substantially different from what they ''had'' read. That didn't happen every scene, but it did happen.''" About Denise Crosby's final scene he recalls, "''As Patrick and Gates leave the hold where the drugs were kept, we had Denise wave goodbye to the camera. She was about 40 yards in the background, where nobody would notice. It was Denise's last scene on her last day.''" (''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 19, pp. 28-29)
   
 
=== Video and DVD releases ===
 
=== Video and DVD releases ===
Line 165: Line 180:
 
* [[Darrell Burris]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security officer/engineer|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Darrell Burris]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security officer/engineer|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Susan Duchow]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female operations officer (2364)|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Susan Duchow]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female operations officer (2364)|operations division officer]]
* [[David Eum]] as [[Wright (Ensign)|Wright]]
+
* [[David Eum]] as {{dis|Wright|Ensign}}
* [[Tim McCormack]] as [[Bennett (Ensign)|Bennett]]
+
* [[Tim McCormack]] as {{dis|Bennett|Ensign}}
 
* [[Lorine Mendell]] as [[Diana Giddings]]
 
* [[Lorine Mendell]] as [[Diana Giddings]]
 
* [[Kenneth Tigar]] as [[Margan]]
 
* [[Kenneth Tigar]] as [[Margan]]
Line 174: Line 189:
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female transporter officer (2364)|Female operations division officer]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female transporter officer (2364)|Female operations division officer]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Father (2364)|Male operations division officer]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Father (2364)|Male operations division officer]]
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Transporter operator/security officer (2364)|Operations division officer]]
+
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Transporter operator/security officer (2364)|Operations division officer]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Cargo transporter ensign|Transporter ensign]]
 
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Cargo transporter ensign|Transporter ensign]]
   
Line 189: Line 204:
   
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
[[2164]]; [[2357]]; [[biofilter]]; [[Brekka]]; [[Brekkian]]s; [[cargo hold|Cargo Bay 11]]; [[Deimos]]; [[Delos]]; [[Earth]]; [[electromagnetic coil]]; [[Unnamed Federation starships#Early Scout Mission|Federation scout]]; [[felicium]]; [[Long range shuttle]]; [[Mars]]; [[med alert]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[murder]]; [[narcotic]]; [[Opperline system]]; [[Ornara]]; [[Ornaran]]s; [[photosphere]]; [[plague]]; [[Prime Directive]]; ''[[Sanction (starship)|Sanction]]''; [[ship's store]]s; [[solar flare activity]]; [[system interlock]]; [[three-dimensional chess]]; [[Turkana IV]]; [[x-ray burst]]s
+
[[2164]]; [[2357]]; [[biofilter]]; [[Brekka]]; [[Brekkian]]s; [[cargo hold|Cargo Bay 11]]; [[Deimos]]; [[Delos system]]; [[Earth]]; [[electromagnetic coil]]; [[Unnamed Federation starships#Early Scout Mission|Federation scout]]; [[felicium]]; [[Long range shuttle]]; [[Mars]]; [[med alert]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[murder]]; [[narcotic]]; [[number one]]; [[Opperline system]]; [[Ornara]]; [[Ornaran]]s; [[photosphere]]; [[plague]]; [[Prime Directive]]; ''[[Sanction (starship)|Sanction]]''; [[ship's store]]s; [[solar flare activity]]; [[system interlock]]; [[three-dimensional chess]]; [[Turkana IV]]; [[x-ray burst]]s
   
 
=== External links ===
 
=== External links ===
Line 197: Line 212:
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=1|last={{e|The Arsenal of Freedom}}|next={{e|Skin of Evil}}}}
 
{{TNG nav|season=1|last={{e|The Arsenal of Freedom}}|next={{e|Skin of Evil}}}}
  +
 
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
   
 
[[cs:Symbiosis]]
 
[[cs:Symbiosis]]
 
[[de:Die Seuche]]
 
[[de:Die Seuche]]
 
[[es:Symbiosis]]
 
[[es:Symbiosis]]
[[fr:Symbiosis]]
+
[[fr:Symbiosis (épisode)]]
 
[[it:Simbiosi (episodio)]]
 
[[it:Simbiosi (episodio)]]
[[ja:TNG:禁断の秘薬]]
+
[[ja:禁断の秘薬(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:Symbiosis]]
 
[[nl:Symbiosis]]
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
 

Revision as of 09:37, 22 December 2014

Template:Realworld

For the relationship between organisms, please see symbiosis.

After the Enterprise rescues a freighter crew and the ship's important cargo, Captain Picard faces a difficult dilemma: uphold the Prime Directive, or save an entire civilization from exploitation?

Summary

Sanction tractored by Enterprise-D, remastered

The USS Enterprise-D attempts to tractor the Sanction

The USS Enterprise-D is investigating unusual solar flares and magnetic activity in the Delos system when they receive a distress signal from the Ornaran freighter Sanction orbiting the fourth planet of the system. The bridge crew, Captain Picard and Commander Riker in particular, are perplexed by the apparent incompetence of the freighter's crew.

When they try to rescue the freighter and beam the occupants over, the cargo of the freighter is beamed over instead. Yar and Riker are able to beam four onto the Enterprise in the nick of time.

Naturally electric

Fighting with electricity

When the crewmembers, two Ornarans and two Brekkians, arrive, they are very anxious to see the cargo. Even though two of those aboard the freighter have been lost, the primary concern of all four is the cargo. The Ornarans, named T'Jon and Romas, claim that they have paid for the cargo, therefore it belongs to them. The Brekkians, Sobi and Langor, argue that since the payment was lost on the destroyed freighter, the cargo still belongs to them. Sobi and T'Jon begin to fight, using their natural electric charges, until Yar breaks it up by shooting at them with a phaser set on stun.

Later, in the observation lounge, T'Jon and Romas reveal that the cargo is felicium, medicine that their planet needs. Captain Picard realizes that the "plague" they have may infect the entire ship. He puts the ship on medical alert.

As the Ornarans suffer from their lack of medicine, the Brekkians continue to refuse them the cargo. Crusher reveals that she cannot find a cause of the signs of infection. The Ornarans entreat Picard to give them the felicium, and Picard offers to talk to the Brekkians, asking them to give enough for the Ornarans' needs. The Brekkians agree to "two doses for immediate use."

Felicium

Drugs, but not medicine

It is revealed that Brekkian society is entirely dependent on the trade of felicium with the Ornarans. When they use the free medicine, the Ornarans act as if they are experiencing a drug high. Crusher deduces that the "medicine" is really an addictive drug. Data and Riker research the history of the drug. Though it had cured a plague on Ornara two hundred years before, it is now just being sold as an addictive narcotic.

When Wesley Crusher wonders about how people become addicted to drugs, Yar explains the draw of drugs for people in desperate circumstances. She alludes to her possible use of drugs on her home planet. She says that, though drugs may seem to solve problems, they do not in reality make anything better. Wesley fails to understand, however.

Paralyzed by electrocution

Riker held hostage

The Enterprise receives a signal from Ornara. Margan desperately demands that the Ornarans on the Enterprise must get the felicium to Ornara. T'Jon then attacks Riker and demands that the Enterprise send the felicium to the planet.

Sobi and Langor then decide to "give" the drug to the Onarans, rather than risk the Onarans losing their addiction. Picard realizes that they have been purposely exploiting the Ornarans. Picard cannot tell the Ornarans without violating the Prime Directive. To correct the situation, while letting the Onarans have the shipment of felicium the Brekkians had already promised to give, Picard refuses to repair the Ornarans' freighters, citing the Prime Directive of non-interference for both decisions. Without a method of transport, the Ornarans will begin to painfully withdraw from the drug. After beaming Sobi, Langor, T'Jon and Romas down to Ornara with their cargo, Picard orders helmsman La Forge to put some distance from the Ornaran system and the Enterprise heads for the Opperline system, a place never before explored.

Memorable Quotes

"Are we losing our professional detachment, Doctor?"

- Captain Picard to Doctor Crusher


"... Beverly, the Prime Directive is not just a set of rules; it is a philosophy... and a very correct one. 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."
"It's hard to be philosophical when faced with suffering."
"Believe me Beverly, there was only one decision."
"I just hope it was the right one."
"And we may never know."

- Captain Picard and Doctor Crusher


"Freighter, we're going to lock on the tractor beam and pull you out of orbit."
"Hey, that... that's great."

- Picard and T'Jon, as the Sanction begins to burn up in the atmosphere


"Captain, my console seems to be overloading."

- Wesley Crusher


"Drugs... make you feel good."

- Tasha Yar, to Wesley Crusher


"Behave yourselves, gentlemen."

- Tasha Yar, to T'Jon and Sobi after they attack each other


"You're feeling better?"
"Yes, thank you. I'm fine now."

- Crusher, when T'Jon and Romas inject themselves with felicium after which their "symptoms" disappear


"I guess I don't understand."
"Wesley, I hope you never do."

- Tasha Yar and Wesley Crusher, discussing drug dependency


"Destination, sir?"
"I don't care. Let's just get some distance between us and this system."
"Course 970, Mark 318, Speed: Warp Three."
"Where will that take us, Mr. La Forge?"
"The Opperline system."
"An interesting choice. Why?"
"Curiosity. We've never been there."

- La Forge, Picard, and Riker


"Wesley, on my home world, there was so much poverty and violence that for some people, the only escape was through drugs."
"How can a chemical substance provide an escape?"
"It doesn't. But it makes you think it does."

- Tasha Yar and Wesley Crusher, discussing drug addiction


"Captain, we are beaming over a replacement coil."
"Great... and that'll fix us up?"
"Yes, once it's installed."
"Right." (pause) "And how do we do that?"

- Picard and T'Jon


"What is the matter with these people?"

- Picard


"Captain, how long have you been in command of this freighter?"
"Seven years, with 26 trips to Brekka."
"And you don't know how to align a controller coil?"
"It's never come up."

- Picard, to T'Jon

Background information

Denise Crosby waves goodbye

Crosby seen waving "goodbye"

Cast and characters

Special and visual effects

  • The visual effect of the fluctuating force field around the Enterprise-D while near the star Delos was created by using a bowling ball which was trickled with salt. The salt bumping off the bowling ball was used and squeezed during the digital compostion and turned upside down to give this effect. ("The Making of a Legend", TNG Season 1 DVD special feature)

Continuity

  • This is the first time that we see a system interlock used with an alien transporter system showing that it is possible to interlock two different types of transporter beams. The only previous time that we see a Federation transporter working in conjunction with an alien beam is when the Enterprise intercepted an alien transporter beam and redirected it to their transporter pad in "Assignment: Earth".
  • This is one of only five TNG episodes (and the only season one episode) that doesn't have a stardate. The others are TNG: "First Contact", "Tapestry", "Liaisons", "Sub Rosa".

Reception

  • Behind-the-scenes footage and bloopers from this episode appeared on a 1988 episode of the LeVar Burton-hosted show Reading Rainbow.
  • A mission report for this episode by Patrick Daniel O'Neill was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 6, pp. 58-60.
  • Director Win Phelps remembers, "There were many continuity problems. Down on the set, we began to notice discrepancies. Some sequences just didn't really work. The actors would say "My motivation is totally wrong here", because a previous scene would be contradictory. They were trying to act scenes that they had never read before, or where substantially different from what they had read. That didn't happen every scene, but it did happen." About Denise Crosby's final scene he recalls, "As Patrick and Gates leave the hold where the drugs were kept, we had Denise wave goodbye to the camera. She was about 40 yards in the background, where nobody would notice. It was Denise's last scene on her last day." (The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 19, pp. 28-29)

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Co-star

Uncredited co-stars

Stand-ins

References

2164; 2357; biofilter; Brekka; Brekkians; Cargo Bay 11; Deimos; Delos system; Earth; electromagnetic coil; Federation scout; felicium; Long range shuttle; Mars; med alert; Milky Way Galaxy; murder; narcotic; number one; Opperline system; Ornara; Ornarans; photosphere; plague; Prime Directive; Sanction; ship's stores; solar flare activity; system interlock; three-dimensional chess; Turkana IV; x-ray bursts

External links

Previous episode:
"The Arsenal of Freedom"
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 1
Next episode:
"Skin of Evil"