

(written from a Production point of view Real World article

Encounter at Farpoint redirects here; for the novelization of this episode, please see Encounter at Farpoint (novel).

Captain Jean-Luc Picard leads the crew of the USS Enterprise-D on its maiden voyage, to examine a new planetary station for trade with the Federation. On the way, they encounter Q, an omnipotent extra-dimensional being, who challenges Humanity as a barbaric, inferior species. Picard and his new crew must hold off Q's challenge and solve the puzzle of Farpoint station on Deneb IV, a base that is far more than it seems to be. (Series premiere)

Contents show]

Summary

Act One

"Captain's log, Stardate 41153.7. Our destination is Planet Deneb IV, beyond which lies the great unexplored mass of the galaxy. My orders are to examine Farpoint, a starbase built there by the inhabitants of that world. Meanwhile I'm becoming better acquainted with my new command – this Galaxy-class USS Enterprise. I'm still somewhat in awe of its size and complexity. As for my crew, we are short in several key positions, most notably a first officer, but I'm informed that a highly experienced man, one Commander William Riker, will be waiting to join the ship at our Deneb IV destination."

The year is 2364. Captain Jean-Luc Picard is in command of the new starship, the Galaxy-class USS Enterprise-D, the fifth Federation ship to bear the name Enterprise. The vessel is about to embark on its first mission to Deneb IV, beyond which lies the great unexplored mass of the galaxy. Picard, in his log, notes that he is impressed with the size and complexity of the ship as he walks through the Enterprise, surveying engineering, then finally enters the bridge, manned by tactical officer Lieutenant Natasha Yar, Lieutenant Worf, Counselor Deanna Troi and Lieutenant Commander Data. Picard continues with his log, in which he reports that the ship is en route to Farpoint Station and that the ship is short in several key positions, most notably a first officer, but Picard is informed that a very experienced officer, William T. Riker, will fill the position.

Picard sits at his command chair and makes an off-hand comment on how Starfleet wants the crew of the Enterprise to "snoop" around Farpoint station, to which Data makes an inquiry into the definition of the word snoop. Picard wonders how Data, a complex android with encyclopedic knowledge does not know the meaning of a basic word like "snoop". Data responds that he possibly was not designed to emulate this type of Human behavior. Picard says that it means "to spy, to sneak." Data responds, "Ah, to seek covertly, to go stealthily, to slink, slither, creep, skulk, pussyfoot, gum…" "Yes" Picard interjects, to which Data finishes, "…shoe." Suddenly, Counselor Troi senses a powerful mind. The ship then goes to red alert, with the familiar alert sound blaring through the bridge.

Then, conn officer Lieutenant Torres reports that there is something strange on his detector circuit. A large field begins to appear in front of the Enterprise, which reads as solid. Picard calls for Yar to turn off "that damned noise!" and go to yellow alert. Picard orders helm to make the ship come to a full stop. Soon after controls read full stop, a white light shines on the bridge and a humanoid emerges, dressed from 16th century Europe. Picard asks the being to identify itself. The being notes that he is called "Q" and walks around the bridge, while Torres discreetly takes a small phaser out from the bottom of his console. Q, however senses this and freezes Torres before he can fire. Q, after showing his ability, warns the crew of the Enterprise to go back to Earth or they shall most certainly die.

Act Two

"Captain's Log, supplementary. The frozen form of Lieutenant Torres has been rushed to sickbay. The question now is the incredible power of the Q being. Do we dare oppose it?"

Later, Q changes into many costumes of Earth's eras, including the late 20th century in the guise of a United States Marine Corps captain: "Actually, the issue at stake is patriotism. We must go back to your world and put an end to the commies. All it takes are a few good men." Picard tells Q that that kind of nonsense is centuries behind them. Q brings up that Picard cannot deny that Humans are a dangerous, savage child race, which Picard denies, saying that Humans have made rapid progress in only a few centuries.

Q then changes again, thinking Picard and his crew will be able to identify with the period that he next embodies, that of a soldier in the late 21st century, where Q notes that Humans learned to control their militaries through drugs. The other officers, not amused with Q's behavior, attempt to make him leave, but Q keeps on heaping disapproval on Humans, noting that when they finally reached deep space, they found enemies to fight out there as well, which Q says is "the same old story all over again." Picard says that Q is the same old story they have been seeing, self-righteous beings who prosecute and judge for things they can't understand nor tolerate. Q notes that "prosecute and judge" is an interesting concept, and asks, "Suppose it turns out we understand you humans all too well?" Picard says he does not fear the facts, and Q seems to take this as a suggestion. He then says that there are preparations to make, but notes that he will be back and will proceed the way Picard suggests.

Picard, who gets many suggestions from his senior staff, orders that no stations on the ship will make audio transmissions, only printout, in an attempt to catch Q off guard, with Picard noting, "Let's see what this Galaxy-class starship can do." Picard orders Worf to head down to engineering and have them prepare for maximum acceleration. Picard also asks Data if it is possible to perform a saucer separation at a high warp velocity. Data notes that the separation is inadvisable at any warp speed; it is theoretically possible, but there can be no margin for error. Worf returns from engineering, with the report that the engine room is ready, and takes his position at the helm. Picard orders "Engage", and the ship turns away from Q's force field and warps away.

The entire force field collapses into a ball and heads towards the Enterprise. The object is at high warp speed, at warp 9.6, and the Enterprise increases speed accordingly. However, the object is increasing speed. Data notes that the Enterprise may be able to match the object's 9.8 warp, but at extreme risk. However, the object reaches warp 9.9 while the Enterprise is only at warp 9.5. Picard, seeing no other alternative, calls out to the entire ship, "Now hear this, printout message, urgent, all stations, all decks, prepare for emergency saucer sep." The bridge officers are shocked at this new order. Picard orders Worf to command the saucer section, while Picard commands the battle section. Worf stands up from his conn station and tells Picard, "I am a Klingon, sir. For me to seek escape when my captain goes into battle…", to which Picard bluntly overrules him and reminds him that he is a Starfleet officer. Worf grudgingly agrees. Picard, Yar, Troi, and Data take the bridge's emergency turbolift to the battle bridge.

Act Three

"Captain's Log, Stardate 41153.7. Preparing to detach saucer section so that families and the majority of the ship's company can seek relative safety while the vessel's stardrive containing the battle bridge and main armaments will turn back and confront the mystery that is threatening us."

The Enterprise's corridors are filled with crewmembers and families leaving the stardrive section to the saucer section. Picard, Data, Yar and Troi enter the battle bridge, with Chief Miles O'Brien manning the conn. First, Picard orders that Yar fire photon torpedoes towards the object. Yar complies and the torpedoes are away. Shortly after, Picard orders that the countdown to saucer separation begin. Data counts down, and the ship separates while at warp. The stardrive section turns around and heads towards a confrontation with Q. The stardrive section arrives to see the torpedoes hit the object, however, it has no effect, the point being that the detonation of the torpedoes masked the getaway of the saucer section. Picard asks Troi to send out a message in all languages that they surrender.

Then, the stardrive section is soon encompassed by a sphere-shaped force field and bright white light surrounds the battle bridge. Picard, Troi, Data and Yar are taken to a World War III-style courtroom, which Troi reveals that everything that is happening is real, even the soldiers with lethal weapons. The magistrate orders everyone in the courtroom to stand as the judge enters. The judge is revealed to be Q, who charges Humanity of being a grievously savage race, to which Yar is unable to control her anger and starts to berate Q, saying that she comes from a world where a similar "court" was commonplace, and that it took people like her Starfleet comrades to save her from such atrocities. Q then freezes Yar, the same way he did to Torres. Outraged, Picard demands that Q uphold his promise that "the prisoners would not be harmed" and thaw out Yar, which he does, much to the crowd's displeasure. Picard pleads not guilty to Q's charges. Q does not take kindly to this and has two soldiers aim their weapons at Data and Troi, ordering them to push the triggers if Picard says anything other than guilty.

Act Four

Picard, forced into a tight spot, admits that there is indeed evidence to support the court's contention that Humans have been savage. Therefore, he asks Q to test the crew of the Enterprise to see if this is presently true of Humans. Q is fascinated by this idea and tells Picard that the Farpoint station will be an excellent site for this test. Picard, with his crew are transported back to the battle bridge, where O'Brien has been the entire time. O'Brien claims that he has heard that Farpoint is a rather dull place but Picard hears that it might be rather interesting.

"Personal Log, Commander William Riker, Stardate 41153.7. The USS Hood has dropped me off at Farpoint Station where I await the arrival of the new USS Enterprise to which I have been assigned as first officer. Meanwhile, I've been asked to visit the Farpoint administrator's office in the old city."

On Deneb IV, Commander William T. Riker walks to Groppler Zorn's office. Riker has just been dropped off by the USS Hood for his new assignment. He talks with Zorn for a while, and Zorn asks him if he would like a piece of fruit off of his desk. Riker looks for an apple, but cannot find one. Then, a bowl of apples suddenly shows up on Zorn's desk, which Riker swears could not have been there two seconds ago. Zorn assures him that it has been there the whole time. Riker then leaves eating the apple, while Zorn, alone in his office, says "You have been told not to do that. It will arouse their suspicion, and if that happens, we will have to punish you. We will! I promise you!"

Meanwhile, at Farpoint Station, Riker meets up at Farpoint's mall with the beautiful Dr. Beverly Crusher and her son, Wesley, who is eagerly anticipating joining the Enterprise. Riker asks Dr. Crusher if there is something useful they can do while they wait for the ship to arrive. For example, Riker tells Crusher about the apple incident at Zorn's office, which Dr. Crusher dismisses as Riker attempting to pull favor with the captain, as she is shopping. She sees a purple bolt and says that gold would look great on it, then five seconds later, a gold pattern appears on the fabric.

Dr. Crusher later apologizes to Riker and that she looks forward to meeting Picard, which Riker wonders if she knows the captain. Wesley solemnly tells Riker that when he was a child, Picard brought his father's body back to them. Dr. Crusher notes that it was a long time ago and ends the conversation. Riker tells Wesley that he'll see him on board.

Riker then meets up with blind Starfleet officer Lieutenant Geordi La Forge, who makes an official report that the Enterprise has arrived, but with the stardrive section only and that Captain Picard has requested his presence. Riker taps his combadge and is beamed up to the Enterprise.

Act Five

Once aboard, the commander is greeted by Lieutenant Yar, who escorts him to the battle bridge. Riker arrives and is not greeted warmly by Picard, who tells him to watch the video recording of Q, so he'll know what the ship is facing. Picard leaves the bridge for the ready room and asks Riker to enter once he is done watching the recording. Riker enters and Picard asks him to perform a manual docking of the stardrive section and the saucer section, a difficult task. The saucer section enters orbit of Deneb IV, ready for reconnection. Riker asks O'Brien to adjust the pitch angle, then assures, with the stardrive's velocity being zero, that its inertia should finish the job. Riker orders the lock up of the stardrive and saucer, and thus the Enterprise is successfully reconnected.

In the ship's conference lounge, Picard discusses with Riker during an incident on the planet Altair III, when he refused to let Captain Robert DeSoto of the USS Hood beam down to the planet, seeing that a captain's life could be in danger. Picard tests him by suggesting that Riker doesn't respect a captain's authority, which Riker denies, only to state that preserving a captain's life takes priority over obeying his orders. Picard asks him if he intends to back down from that policy. Riker confidently says "No, sir." Confident in Riker's loyalty, Picard proceeds to express his discomfort with the substantial number of families and particularly children aboard the Enterprise and orders Riker's assistance in ensuring Picard project the image of geniality expected of a starship Captain, to which Riker agrees. Then, Captain Picard formally welcomes Riker on board the Enterprise and shakes his hand.

Riker enters the bridge of the Enterprise for the first time, when he inquires to Lt. Worf as to the location of Lieutenant Commander Data. Worf reports that Data is on special assignment, having escorted an admiral around the ship for the whole day, who arrived on the Enterprise to inspect the new vessel's medical layout. Data is now in the process of transferring the admiral to the Hood, via shuttlecraft. When asked why the admiral couldn't have just beamed over instead, Worf responds, "Well, I suppose he could, sir, but the admiral is a rather… remarkable man."

In a corridor, Admiral Leonard McCoy claims that Data wanted his atoms scattered all over space. However, Data claims that with his age, he should not have to bother with the time and trouble of a shuttlecraft. McCoy stops walking and asks Data "What about my age?" Data apologizes, if the subject of his age bothers McCoy. "Troubles me? What's so damn troublesome about not having died?!", McCoy exclaims. The admiral then asks Data just how old he thinks he is. Data reports quickly that he is 137 years old, according to Starfleet records. McCoy wonders how he can remember that so exactly. Data replies that he remembers everything he is exposed to. McCoy sarcastically says that Data may not have pointed ears, but that he sounds like a Vulcan, only to claim that the actual fact that he is an android is "almost as bad," much to Data's puzzlement over his own perception of Vulcans as an advanced and respected race. McCoy replies, "They are, they are – and damn annoying at times." While continuing to walk down the corridor, McCoy tells Data to treat the Enterprise like a lady and that she will respond by always bringing him and the crew home.

Act Six

Later, on the bridge, Q appears on the Enterprise's main viewscreen and tells Picard that his time is running out. Worf reacts by pointing a phaser at him, but Picard restrains him, pointing out that he would be shooting the viewscreen instead of Q himself. Picard states that they will proceed the same regardless of Q's involvement, stating that, "If we're going to be damned, let's be damned for what we really are."

"Personal Log, Stardate 41153.8. Of the 24 hours Q allotted us to prove ourselves 11 have now passed without incident and yet I cannot forget Q's prediction that we will face some critical test."

In Picard's ready room, Riker then tells the captain about objects appearing when thought of on the planet. Picard is a bit skeptical about Riker's observations and orders Counselor Troi to join him and Riker on an away mission, which results in an awkward reunion on the bridge between Troi and Riker, her Imzadi.

Picard meets Zorn, but Zorn immediately becomes fearful since there is a Betazoid at the meeting. Troi assures Zorn that she is only half-Betazoid and that she can only sense strong emotions in people. She then feels a strong flood of emotions coming from somewhere, namely pain and loneliness. Picard begins to leave, and tells Zorn that the Federation may not protect Farpoint anymore, to which Zorn says that the station may become vulnerable to species like the Ferengi, to which Picard replies, "Fine, let's hope they find you as tasty as they did their past associates."

Later, on the Enterprise-D, Riker finally meets Data in the ship's holodeck, where the android is in a forest program trying to whistle "Pop Goes the Weasel". He requests Data's participation in the away mission, to which Data agrees. They then proceed to discuss Data's background and his studies at the Academy, with Data admitting that, while superior to Humans in many ways, he would rather be Human.

Act Seven

As Riker and Data discuss the intricacies of the holodeck technology, Wesley enters the holodeck, excited about the potential of the technology, but accidentally falls into a pond, only to be rescued singlehandedly by Data. They exit as Picard is walking down a corridor, Riker stating that he is leading an away mission down to Deneb IV, and Wesley apologetically dripping water on the corridor carpet.

Riker then leads a team to explore more of Farpoint Station, with Yar, La Forge, Data and Troi. They go underground into tunnels, where Troi again senses great despair and pain.

Wesley asks his mother to let him see the bridge. Crusher hadn't met Picard since her husband died, and goes with Wesley to see him on the bridge. Taken aback, Picard lets Wesley in the bridge, though suddenly an unexpected ship appears.

Act Eight

Zorn insists he does not know the ship or expect one. The ship scans the Enterprise and begins attacking the surface of Deneb IV, though only the Old Bandi City rather than the station. On the surface, the away team loses communication and exits the base into the city on hearing the attack.

The conspicuous targeted attack leads Picard to suggest that Zorn may have more information about the aliens than he is letting on and orders Riker to seize him (admittedly illegally) so that they may interrogate him further. After he confirms with Troi that attacking the ship will not violate the Prime Directive and orders phasers prepared, Q appears.

Act Nine

Q says he expected force from Picard, when the motives of the ship should be clear. Picard orders the Enterprise in between the ship and the planet, but Worf says his control has been lost.

In the Bandi city, Riker and Data find Zorn, who is now willing to explain, however, he is transported out of his office while he screams in horror. Riker reports in to Picard about Zorn's abduction, speculating that Q might be responsible. Q mocks the crew for not knowing who abducted Zorn, but then Troi reports a feeling of satisfaction emanating from the alien vessel. Riker and Data return to the Enterprise. Q goads Picard into ordering an away team onto the vessel, which Picard resists, but Riker volunteers, independent of Q's mocking.

Act Ten

Riker and the away team beam over to the entity and see that its corridors are exactly the same as the underground tunnels on Deneb IV. They find Zorn suspended in mid-air, being tortured. Riker and Data fire their phasers and free him. Suddenly, the ship pulses.

Picard attempts to beam the away team back from the entity, but is unsuccessful. Q returns, now wearing the uniform of a Starfleet captain, and informs him that the time of the test has expired. Picard begs Q to let him rescue his people, even to the point of promising to do whatever he says if he does so. At that exact moment, the away team is transported back to the Enterprise, and Q and Picard appear ready to honor that hastily made bargain. However, Troi points out that it was the entity, not Q, that returned the away team to the Enterprise.

Soon, the captain realizes the truth: the Bandi have captured an alien lifeform, a space vessel lifeform, and have constructed Farpoint Station and its goods by feeding off its power; feeding it the energy it needs just enough to keep it alive so it can morph into any shape Farpoint wants. The ship in space is not actually a ship, but rather the alien life-form's mate. Picard assists the captured alien by using the Enterprise's phasers to deliver an energy beam to the entity allowing it to break free of its bonds, thus solving the mystery much to Q's dismay. Q then retreats, though he hints that it won't be the last time the crew sees him.

"Captain's Log, Stardate 41174.2. The agreement for the rebuilding of Farpoint Station has been completed per my instructions."

With the Farpoint mission over, the crew settles in. Picard asks Riker if he has a problem. Riker replies that he wonders if all their missions will be like their first. Picard assures him that he doesn't think so – they should be much more interesting. Picard orders Lt. La Forge to set a course, "Let's see what's out there. Engage."

Log entries

Memorable quotes

"Would you agree, Mr. Data, that Starfleet's orders are difficult?"

"Difficult? Simply solve the mystery of Farpoint Station."

"Simple as that."

- Picard and Data, first spoken lines of the series (outside of the preceding captain's log entry)



"Farpoint Station. Even the name sounds mysterious."

- Troi



"Captain, I'm sensing a… a powerful mind!"

- Troi, sensing Q for the first time



"Shut off that damn noise! Go to yellow alert."

- Picard, after the red alert sounds for the first time



"Thou art notified that thy kind hath infiltrated the galaxy too far already. Thou art directed to return to thine own solar system immediately."

"That's quite a directive. Would you mind identifying what you are?"

"We call ourselves the Q. Or thou mayest call me that. It's all much the same thing. I present myself to thee as a fellow ship captain so that thou mayest understand me. Go back whence thou camest."

- Q and Picard



'Knowing Humans as thou dost, captain, wouldst thou be captured helpless by them?"

- Q



"Actually, the issue at stake is patriotism. You must go back to your world and put an end to the Commies. All it takes is a few good men!"

- Q, in a 20th century United States Marine Corps uniform



"He's frozen!"

- Troi, on Lieutenant Torres



"That nonsense is centuries behind us!"

"But you can't deny, captain, that you are still a dangerous, savage child race."

"Most certainly, I deny it. I agree we still were, when Humans wore costumes like that four hundred years ago."

"At which time you slaughtered millions in silly arguments about how to divide the resources of your little world. And four hundred years before that, you were murdering each other in quarrels over tribal god images. Since then, there has been no indication that Humans will ever change."

- Picard and Q



"But even when we wore costumes like that, we were still making rapid progress!"

"Oh yeah? You want to review your 'rapid progress?'"

- Picard and Q



"Sir, sickbay reports Lieutenant Torres' condition is better."

"Oh, concern for one's fellow comrade! How touching."



- Worf and Q



"And now a personal request, sir; permission to clean up the bridge!"

"Lieutenant Worf is right. As security chief, I can't just stand here and let – "

"Yes you can, Lieutenant Yar!"

- Worf, Yar, and Picard



"And later, on finally reaching deep space, Humans found enemies to fight out there, too. And to broaden those struggles, you again found allies for still more murdering! The same old story all over again!"

"No, the same old story is the one we're meeting now. Self-righteous lifeforms who are eager, not to learn but to prosecute, to judge anything they don't understand or can't tolerate."

"What an interesting idea! Prosecute and judge! But suppose it turns out that we understand you Humans only too well."

"We have no fear what the true facts about us will reveal."

"Facts about you? Splendid, splendid, Captain! You're a veritable fountain of ideas. There are preparations to make, but when we next meet, Captain, we'll proceed exactly as you suggest."

- Q and Picard



"Let's see what this Galaxy-class starship can do!"

- Picard



"The prisoners will not be harmed… until they're found guilty."

- Q



"Because I grew up in a world that allowed things like this court! And it was people like these that saved me from it! This so-called court should get down on its knees to what Starfleet is! What it represents!"

- Yar



"I recognize this court as the one that agreed with that line from Shakespeare: 'Kill all the lawyers!' "

"Which was done."

"Leading to the rule: Guilty until proven innocent."

"Of course, bringing the innocent to trial would be unfair. You will now answer to the charge of being a grievously savage race!!"

"Grievously savage could mean anything. I will answer only specific charges."

"Are you certain you want a full disclosure of Human ugliness? So be it, fool."

- Picard and Q



"Criminal! You will read the charges to the court!"

(reads the charges silently) "I see no charges against us, Your Honor."

- Bailiff and Picard



"You have been told not to do that! Why can't you understand? It will arouse their suspicions, and if that happens, we will have to punish you! We will!! I promise you!!"

- Groppler Zorn



"Captain, the Ferengi would be very interested in a base like this!"

"Fine. Let's hope they find you as tasty as they did their past associates."

- Zorn and Picard



"Do you know anything about Farpoint Station, sir? Sounds like a fairly dull place."

"We've heard that we may find it rather interesting."

- Battle bridge conn and Jean-Luc Picard, after Q's trial



"He calls that a little adventure?"

- Riker, on Picard's description of the Enterprise-D's journey to Deneb IV



"Now hear this! Maximum, you're entitled to know, means we'll be pushing our engines well beyond safety limits. Our hope is to surprise whatever that is out there, to try and outrun it. Our only other option is to tuck tail between our legs and return to Earth as they demand."

- Picard



"Commander, signal the following in all languages and in all frequencies: we surrender."

- Picard



"What the hell? Children are not allowed on the bridge!"

- Picard, after seeing Wesley Crusher standing in a turbolift on the bridge



"Get off the bridge, both of you!"

- Jean-Luc Picard, to Beverly Crusher and Wesley



"You will command the saucer section, Lieutenant."

"I am a Klingon, sir. For me to seek escape when my captain goes into battle…"

"You are a Starfleet officer, Lieutenant!"

- Picard and Worf



"A captain's rank means nothing to you."

"Rather the reverse, sir. But a captain's life means a great deal more to me."



- Picard and Riker



"A personal favor, I'd appreciate it if you could prevent me from making an ass of myself with children."

"Sir?"

"I'm not a family man, Riker, and yet Starfleet has seen fit to give me a ship with children aboard."

"Yes, sir."

"And I'm… not comfortable with children. But since a captain is supposed to project an image of geniality, you're to see that's what I project."

"Yes, sir."

- Picard and Riker, discussing the former's discomfort with the ship's population of children



"Welcome to the Enterprise, Commander Riker."

- Picard, finally giving Riker a proper welcome



"Where will I find Commander Data?"

"Commander Data is on special assignment, sir – he is using our shuttlecraft to transfer an admiral over to the Hood."

"An admiral?"

"He's been aboard all day, sir, checking over medical layouts…"

"Why a shuttlecraft? Why wouldn't he just beam over?"

"I suppose he could, sir, but the admiral is a rather… remarkable man."

- Riker and Worf



"Have you got some reason why you want my atoms scattered all over space, boy?!"

- McCoy, to Data



"I don't see no points on your ears, boy, but you sound like a Vulcan!"

"No, sir. I am an android."

"Hmph. Almost as bad."

- McCoy and Data



"Well this is a new ship. But she's got the right name. Now you remember that, you hear?"

"I will, sir."

"You treat her like a lady… and she'll always bring you home."

- McCoy and Data



"Something's happening, sir!"

- Worf



"If we're going to be damned, let's be damned for what we really are."

- Picard



"Do you consider yourself superior to Humans?"

"I am superior, sir, in many ways. But I would gladly give it up, to be Human."

"Nice to meet you, Pinocchio!"

(Data looks perplexed)

"A joke."

"Hmm. Intriguing.

"You're going to be an interesting companion, Mr. Data."

- Riker and Data



"Sir, maybe I should get something to wipe this water up."

"Good idea."

- Wesley and Picard



"Either leave or finish us!"

"Temper, temper mon capitaine, I'm merely trying to assist a pitiful species."

- Picard and Q



"I'll attend to my duty."

"To the bitter end?"

"I see nothing so bitter about that."



- Picard and Riker



"Perhaps you and I?"

"Tasha, you and the counselor. And Geordi, I want your eyes down there."



- Troi and Riker



"Would you object to your captain ordering a clearly illegal kidnapping?"

- Picard, trying to learn more about the space vessel lifeform from Groppler Zorn



"Lucky guess. I see now that it was too simple a puzzle. Generosity has always been my… weakness."

- Q



"Send it to our starship when it arrives. Charge to Dr. Crusher."

- Beverly Crusher, speaking about a bolt of fabric



"Captain? Wonderful! A feeling of great joy and gratitude! Great joy and gratitude from both of them."

- Troi



"Get off my ship!"

"I do so because it suits me to leave. But I do not promise never to appear again"

-Picard ordering Q to leave and Q's response.



"Some problem, Riker?"

"Just hoping this isn't the usual way our missions will go, sir."

"Oh no, Number One. I'm sure most will be much more interesting."

- Picard and Riker



"Let's see what's out there. Engage."

- Picard

Background information

Production history

↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 [1] This date is according to the revised preproduction schedule which was issued on 30 December 1986. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 2.14 [2] This information is according to the tentative post-production schedule which was issued on 16 March 1987. ↑ This information is according to the episode's daily production reports.

Introduction

Story and script

Also, in the final draft script, Q froze both Tasha and Troi during the mock trial. Yet, in the episode, only Tasha gets frozen and eventually revived. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 3rd ed., p. 24; [21]

, 3rd ed., p. 24; Another change was that the final draft script didn't have Picard's line, " Lets see what's out there. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion , 3rd ed., p. 24)

" ( , 3rd ed., p. 24) Because the pacing of many of the filmed scenes turned out to be insufficiently long (due to Corey Allen's very fast-paced filming style), Robert Justman wrote to Gene Roddenberry and Rick Berman (on 10 June 1987) about the need for some additional scenes to be written to "pad out" the episode, in order to make the episode fill the two-hour airtime. Such scenes, the contents of which were suggested by Berman, were actually devised at essentially the last minute. They included the conversation between Crusher and La Forge in sickbay as well as Picard's more cordial reintroduction to Crusher shortly thereafter.

Due to Gene Roddenberry's rewrite work on this installment, the episode went to the Writers' Guild of America for credits arbitration. (William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge) As described by D.C. Fontana, this was an automatic and fairly usual process for any episodes whose development involved heavy revision or rewrite. [23] Needless to say, you never saw this. I'm in touch with the Guild on it." The Guild's conclusion was that the episode would have a split writers' credit between Roddenberry and Fontana. In hindsight, Gerrold remarked, "What he had done was jump her credit. He was now getting half the residuals for that episode, and that's in perpetuity." In Richard Arnold's opinion, though, the split credit was a fair summation of how Roddenberry and Fontana had devised the script. (William Shatner Presents: Chaos on the Bridge)

Cast and characters

Proceeding with pre-production

Sets and props

Production

Visual effects and editing

Soundtrack

Credits sequences

This episode is the only one with the credits scrolling up instead of the text fading, as was done in the other 177 episodes.

In its original airing, the main cast members were credited only with their names and not alongside their character's credits as they were during the run of the series (as in "Starring Patrick Stewart" instead of "Starring Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard", etc.) This was done because, on its original airing, it was billed as a television movie. The syndicated version features the regular first season opening.

Unlike other episodes, this episode does not have the "Executive Producer Gene Roddenberry" credit at the end. However, in the edited two-part version, it does. In the original version, Roddenberry is credited as "Executive Producer" instead of "Created by" in the opening credits.

Reception

Aftermath

Continuity

This episode marks the only time that the title of groppler has been established in the Star Trek franchise.

franchise. This episode is the first mention of the Ferengi Alliance on Star Trek . It is hinted at being a non-benevolent enemy of the Federation, and the Ferengi were intended to be the new villains for the TNG crew, because peace had been made with the Klingons. This idea was eventually abandoned, however, after the Ferengi made their first appearance and were not taken seriously by the actors and later writers. ( Quark's Story , DS9 Season 2 DVD special feature) [45]

. It is hinted at being a non-benevolent enemy of the Federation, and the Ferengi were intended to be the new villains for the TNG crew, because peace had been made with the Klingons. This idea was eventually abandoned, however, after the Ferengi made their first appearance and were not taken seriously by the actors and later writers. ( , DS9 Season 2 DVD special feature) [45] Picard can be heard using the phrase, " Now hear this, " repeatedly in the first part of the episode, preceding his orders to the entire ship's company. This is a fairly standard military protocol that is audible again in " Yesterday's Enterprise " and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country .

" repeatedly in the first part of the episode, preceding his orders to the entire ship's company. This is a fairly standard military protocol that is audible again in " " and . While the wording of Picard's initial captain's log could imply that Starfleet had selected Riker for the position of first officer, " The Pegasus " later clarified that Picard had personally chosen Riker for the position.

" later clarified that Picard had personally chosen Riker for the position. During Picard and Riker's formal first meeting on board the Enterprise -D, Riker mentions that Picard previously served as a first officer himself. However, no mention of Picard serving in this position is ever made again; it is indicated in " Tapestry " that Picard taking command of the USS Stargazer after its captain was killed was considered a risky move, while this would be the natural course of action for a starship's first officer. It is possible that the incident cited led to Picard's promotion to first officer, with him being given command at some later time.

-D, Riker mentions that Picard previously served as a first officer himself. However, no mention of Picard serving in this position is ever made again; it is indicated in " " that Picard taking command of the USS after its captain was killed was considered a risky move, while this would be the natural course of action for a starship's first officer. It is possible that the incident cited led to Picard's promotion to first officer, with him being given command at some later time. In this episode, Data states that he graduated from Starfleet Academy in the "Class of '78", which, given TNG's establishment in the 24th century, could be either "2278" (meaning Data would have been in Starfleet for twenty-three years at the beginning of the 24th century) or "2378". However, this contradicts the dating that has since been established for TNG – Data himself specifically states in " The Neutral Zone " that the Earth year at that time was 2364. In addition, other episodes established that Data was not built until 2336 and that he graduated from the Academy in 2345.

" that the Earth year at that time was 2364. In addition, other episodes established that Data was not built until 2336 and that he graduated from the Academy in 2345. Also, Data uses a couple of verbal contractions in this episode (" We're right next to it, " in reference to the holodeck wall, and, " I can't see as well as Geordi, sir… "), something which is established later in the series as being beyond his abilities.

" in reference to the holodeck wall, and, " "), something which is established later in the series as being beyond his abilities. This is the only time in TNG and subsequent series that an additional captain's log entry is referred to as "supplementary", rather than the usual "supplemental".

Apocrypha

When Groppler Zorn threatens to give access to Farpoint Station to the Ferengi Alliance, Picard remarks that he hopes the Ferengi find Zorn as tasty as they did their past associates. The novel The Buried Age establishes that the Ferengi's early reputation as a dangerous race was merely propaganda established by Grand Nagus Zek because the Ferengi, after hearing early reports about the Federation and their moneyless economy, decided that the Federation might well be insane if they truly did not seek profit. Zek also threw funding into a large military buildup in order to preserve their appearance as a dangerous race and in order to defend themselves against the Federation, should it prove necessary.

establishes that the Ferengi's early reputation as a dangerous race was merely propaganda established by Grand Nagus Zek because the Ferengi, after hearing early reports about the Federation and their moneyless economy, decided that the Federation might well be insane if they truly did not seek profit. Zek also threw funding into a large military buildup in order to preserve their appearance as a dangerous race and in order to defend themselves against the Federation, should it prove necessary. The novel Provenance of Shadows establishes that, immediately after telling Data, " You treat her like a lady and she'll always bring you home, " McCoy thought to himself, " Except that wasn't so true for Jim, was it? " referring to Kirk's presumed death aboard the USS Enterprise -B.

establishes that, immediately after telling Data, " " McCoy thought to himself, " " referring to Kirk's presumed death aboard the USS -B. Provenance of Shadows also establishes that McCoy's tour of the Enterprise was a birthday present arranged for him by his wife, Tonia Barrows.

also establishes that McCoy's tour of the was a birthday present arranged for him by his wife, Tonia Barrows. The episode's novelization indicates that the manual docking performed by Riker and the battle bridge crew isn't a true manual docking, as there is still significant computer control involved. According to the novel, a real manual docking would have taken all day and half the night to accomplish. The novel also indicates that Riker had performed manual dockings as such, on the Hood and, before that, on the Lexington .

and, before that, on the . The novelization also indicates that Picard, if Riker had given any indication that he might actually back off from his position of not compromising Picard's safety, would have booted Riker immediately off the Enterprise and right back to the Hood but that he was very impressed with what Riker had to say.

Remastered version

The remastered version of this episode greatly increased the quality of the shots, though one shot used in the composite "recap" sequence seems to have not been upgraded. The increase in quality incidentally corrected colors that had "smudged" together at the lower resolution. The most notable differences because of this are in shots of Farpoint Station and the Old Bandi City, where the "brown smudges" have become green trees and individual buildings, respectively. The windows on the Enterprise-D are also now clearly distinguishable from each other, and the planet has also benefited from the upgrade, as an atmosphere can now be seen between the planet and open space. Also, the location of the phaser energy beam was corrected to come from the phaser array instead of the captain's yacht. The shot also included a CGI version of the Enterprise-D, based on the original six foot model. The attacking [[space vessel lifeform] encountered by the Enterprise-D is also now clearly a shade of pink when compared to the blue one that was Farpoint Station.

Related merchandise

Releases

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Special guest appearance by

Featuring

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt doubles

Unknown stunt performers as Stunt double for Michael Bell Stunt double for Denise Crosby Stunt double for Brent Spiner Stunt double for Wil Wheaton



Stand-ins

References

16th century; 2036; 2079; 20th century; 21st century; 2227; 2364; "a little"; "a lot"; ability; accusation; adjournment; adventure; administrator; admiral; adult; advice; aft; age; agreement; alertness; alien; alliance; "all over again": ally; "alright"; Altair III; amusement; android; anger; annoyance; answer; apology; applause; apple; aquarium; architect; argument; armament control; armory control; army; arrival; Asian; assault; assignment; associate; "at ease"; "at least"; "at stake"; "at the moment"; "at the same time"; "at this moment": "at this point": "at times"; atom; attention; automation; automatic weapon; away team; back-up conn panel; back-up ops panel; bailiff; baldric; banana; Bandi; barbarian; bargain; barrel; battle; battle bridge; battle section; beard; behavior; belief; bell; bench; bench (law); Betazoid; bio-electronic engineering; bird; blindness; body; bolt; booth; bowl; brain; bridge; bridge crew; Calypso; captain; captain's chair; captain's log; captain's yacht; "carry out"; case; casualty; century; chair (seat); chance; charge; charge; cheering; chief medical officer (CMO); children; choice; cigarette; circuitry; citizen; Class of '78; cloud layer; collision; combadge; command chair; command console; command division; command structure; commander; commanding officer; commie (Communism); communicator (communication device); companion; company; compliments; computer; computer record; comrade; conduct; conn station; Constellation-class; console; construction; construction record; contact; cooperation; coordinates; countdown; coral; corridor; costume; couch; counselor; countdown; court; courtroom; court system; creature; crime; criminal; Crusher, Jack; culture; curiosity; damage; "damn it"; death; deck; degree; delicacy; demonstration; Deneb IV; departure; desensitization; desire; desk; despair; destination; desk; DeSoto, Robert; detector circuit; directive; discussion; docking latch; doctor; door; dream; dullard; ear; Earth; elevator; Emergency Manual Override station; emergency turbolift; emotion; empathy; "empty threat"; EM spectrum; encyclopedia; enemy; energy; energy beam; engineer; engineering (engine room); ensign; Enterprise (CVN-65), USS; Enterprise, USS; Enterprise-A, USS; Enterprise-B, USS; Enterprise-C, USS; Enterprise-D, USS; Enterprise dedication plaque; environment station; et cetera; event (incident); evidence; Excelsior-class; exobiology; exploratory surgery; explorer; eye; fabric; face; facility; fact; failure; fair trial; family; family man; Farpoint Station; fear; feedback; feeling; feet; Ferengi; Ferengi Alliance; file; fire; first officer; fish; flags and banners; flower; floor; flower; forebear; force field; force field grid (grid); fountain; French language; frequency; friend; fruit; galaxy; Galaxy-class; Galaxy-class decks; garrison cap; generosity; geosynchronous orbit; geothermal energy; gesture; "get to your feet"; Globe Illustrated Shakespeare: The Complete Works, The; "go ahead"; gold; god; "good morning"; grape; gratitude; green; greeting; grief; Groppler; guilt; gymnasium; hand; handshake; "hang on"; harm; hatchway; hate; head; headband; heading; heart; heat; hello; Henry VI, Part II; Henry VI, Part III; high resolution; high warp velocity; hole; Holodeck area 4J; hologram; holoprogram; homeworld; Hood, USS; hope; hostile; Human; Humanity; Human history; "I don't know"; "I see"; ice; idea; illusion; image; impulse drive; imzadi; "in awe of"; identification; identification signal (ID signal); inertia; impulse power; information; infrared; inhabitant; "in my opinion": innocent; "in our favor"; "in our own way": inquiry; "in return for": "in sight"; instruction; intercom; "in trouble"; "I see": joke; joy; judge; judgment: jury; kidnapping; Klingon; knee; land mass; language; Latin language; lawyer; Library Computer Access and Retrieval System (LCARS); lieutenant; lieutenant commander; lieutenant junior grade; "likewise"; lifeform; line; lion; lionfish; Livingston; location; log entry; loneliness; lounge deck; low-gravity gymnasium; machine; machine gun; main armament; main engineering; main phaser bank; main viewer; mall; Mandarin; maneuvering jet; manual docking; margin for error; master systems display; mate; matter; matter-energy conversion; maturity; maximum acceleration; McCoy's shuttle; meaning; mechanism; medic; medical scanning device; medical team; medical tricorder; meeting; merchant; message; meter per second; military; military decorations; Milky Way Galaxy; million; mind; minute; mission; mission status; model; mother (mom); mountain; MSD; multi-spectral imaging sensor system; murder; "my God": name; narcotic; NCC-7100; necklace; necktie; need; Neptune; neural input; New United Nations; noise; nose; number one; objection; observation lounge; "of course"; office; officer of the line; official report; Old Bandi City; operations division; ops station; "on your feet"; orbit; orbital trajectory; order; "out of order"; PADD; pain; painkiller; painting; panel; passage (passageway); patriotism; pattern; perimeter alert; permission; phaser; phaser blast; photon torpedo; physician; Pinocchio; pitch angle; place; planet (world); "Pop Goes the Weasel"; portable communicator grid; post-atomic horror; power; practice; prediction; prejudice; primary hull; primate; Prime Directive; printout; prisoner; prisoner's dock; probability mechanics; probation; progress; projection; promise; proof; Propulsion Systems station; prosecutor; puzzle; Q (species); Q Continuum; quarrel; quarters; question; quote; race; radio wave; rank; readout; ready room; reason; record; recreation; red line; reply; resource; result; reverse power; risk; roll angle; room; rule; "run-of-the-mill"; safety; safety limit; safety precaution; "same difference"; saucer section; saucer separation; savage; sciences division; sculpture; secondary hull; secret; security chief; security team; "see you"; self-righteous; senor; sensor scan; sensor signal; sentence; service record; Shakespeare, William; shields; shield control; ship's log; shop; shopkeeper; shopping; sickbay; sign; signal; silence; simulation; size; skant; smile; snoop; "so be it"; soldier; soil; Sol system; son; sound; space; space station; space vessel lifeform; spaceship; spectator; species; spoon; SS 433; stairs; "stand by"; standard parking orbit; standing order; stairs; starbase; stardate; stardrive section; Starfleet; Starfleet Academy; Starfleet Central Medical; Starfleet record; Starfleet uniform; starship; starship operations; star system; startime; starving; station keeping; statue; stone; surrender; strawberry; stream; stun setting; suggestion; summary judgment; surface; surprise; suspicion; sword; table; tactical station; "tail between our legs"; team leader; tear; temper; tendril; testimony; "thank you"; "the same old story": thing; thought (thinking); thousand; throne; thruster; "to the bitter end"; Tom; torpedo launcher; torpedo pattern; torpedo tube; torture; trade; transfer; transporter; transporter beam; transporter chief; transporter console; transporter room; transporter platform; tree; trial; tribe; tricorder; trigger; tritanium; Triton; Troi, Ian Andrew; tunnel; turbolift; turbolift door; Turkana IV; type 1 phaser; type 2 phaser; ugliness; umbrella; United Earth; United Federation of Planets; United States of America; universal greetings; unnamed plants; "up to date"; USMC; vegetation; velocity; "very good"; view screen; viewer; viewport; viewscreen; viewscreen control; VISOR; voice; volume; Vulcan; walkway; wall; warp; warp core; warp speed; water; "what in the hell": weapon; weight; "welcome aboard"; whistling; window; woodland pattern; word; World War III; year; yellow alert

Dedication plaque references

USS Enterprise dedication plaque: Chief of Staff; Design Engineer; Federation Space Systems; Mars; A.G. Probert; Roddenberry, Gene; Utopia Planitia Fleet Yards

Other references (script, deleted)

2324; 2348; Altair IV; "Beat to Quarters"; belt; bugle call; Bill; burrhog; capitalism; coffee; Cygnus IV; design tremor; dictatorial government; distance; docking crew; docking speed; Dreyer; duraglass; emerald green; evaporation; exit door; foyer; glass; Graham; horizon; intelligence; knowledge; memory; microphone; mouth; personality; pill; Markham, Sawyer; Security and Weapons Officer; skill; spaceport; spider web; steel; stretcher; vapor; visitor; Weapons Station



