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== Summary ==
 
== Summary ==
  +
=== Teaser ===
 
[[File:BashirData.jpg|thumb|Data and Julian Bashir]]
 
[[File:BashirData.jpg|thumb|Data and Julian Bashir]]
:"''[[Captain]]'s [[Log]], [[Stardate]] 46578.4. The [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|Enterprise]] has arrived at [[space station|Station]] [[Deep Space 9]], where we will assist in the reconstruction of the [[Bajoran]] [[aqueduct]] systems damaged during the [[Cardassian]] [[Occupation of Bajor|Occupation]].''"
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:"''[[Captain]]'s [[Log]], [[Stardate]] 46578.4. The ''[[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)|Enterprise]]'' has arrived at [[space station|Station]] [[Deep Space 9]], to assist in the reconstruction of the [[Bajoran]] [[aqueduct]] systems damaged during the [[Cardassian]] [[Occupation of Bajor|Occupation]].''"
   
As [[Jean-Luc Picard]] and [[Beverly Crusher]] walk down [[Deep Space 9]]'s [[Promenade]], [[Beverly Crusher|Beverly]] tells him that she is eager to visit [[Quark]]'s [[holosuite]]s, especially a relaxation program from [[Alture VII]]. Picard has no time for relaxation, since he is due to meet ten Bajoran [[bureaucrat]]s to discuss the repair of the Bajoran aqueducts. Meanwhile, [[Worf]] and [[Geordi La Forge| Geordi]] are in the [[Replimat]], eating ''[[pasta al fiorella]]''. La Forge wants to visit the station's [[Ktarian]] antique shop, as he hears they have a [[21st century]] [[plasma coil]]. As they eat, a [[Yridian]] is watching Worf from across the Promenade.
+
As [[Jean-Luc Picard]] and [[Beverly Crusher]] walk down [[Deep Space 9]]'s [[Promenade]], Crusher tells Picard that she is eager to visit [[Quark]]'s [[holosuite]]s, especially a relaxation program from [[Alture VII]]. Picard has no time for relaxation, since he is due to meet with ten Bajoran [[bureaucrat]]s to discuss the repair of the Bajoran aqueducts. Meanwhile, [[Worf]] and [[Geordi La Forge]] are in the [[Replimat]], eating ''[[pasta al fiorella]]''. La Forge wants to visit the station's [[Ktarian]] antique shop, as he hears they have a [[21st century]] [[plasma coil]]. As they eat, a [[Yridian]] is watching Worf from across the Promenade. This Yridian introduces himself to Worf as [[Jaglom Shrek]] and reveals that his late father, [[Mogh]], is in fact alive.
   
  +
=== Act One ===
On the ''Enterprise'' [[bridge]], [[Data]] detects a power drain in the [[starboard]] [[EPS]] conduits in [[sickbay]]. Someone has made an unauthorized access into the computer's bio-imaging systems. In the sickbay, [[Physician|Dr.]] [[Julian Bashir]] is studying a strange device. When Data arrives to assess the situation, Bashir explains that the device was discovered in the [[Gamma Quadrant]], that he believes it to be some sort of medical imaging scanner, and that the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s sickbay systems can analyze it far better and faster than his limited resources on Deep Space 9 can. Data suggests that they take the device to [[Engineering]], and have La Forge help them with the analysis.
+
On the ''Enterprise'' [[bridge]], [[Data]] detects a power drain in the [[starboard]] [[EPS]] conduits in [[sickbay]]. Someone has made an unauthorized access into the computer's bio-imaging systems from [[operations station|his console]]. In sickbay, [[Physician|Dr.]] [[Julian Bashir]] is studying a strange device. When Data arrives to assess the situation, Bashir explains that the device was discovered in the [[Gamma Quadrant]], that he believes it to be some sort of medical imaging scanner, and that the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s sickbay systems can analyze it far better and faster than his limited resources on Deep Space 9 can. Data suggests that they take the device to [[engineering]] and have La Forge help them with the analysis.
   
The Yridian approaches Worf, and introduces himself as [[Jaglom Shrek]], a [[information dealer|broker of information]]. He tells Worf that his father, [[Mogh]], is still alive and is being held prisoner in a [[Romulan]] prison camp. Enraged, Worf brands Shrek a liar, unwilling to believe that Mogh could have allowed himself to be captured. He returns to the ''Enterprise''.
+
After the Yridian Jaglom Shrek approaches Worf, and he introduces himself as a [[information dealer|broker of information]], he tells Worf that Mogh, is still alive and is being held prisoner in a [[Romulan]] prison camp. Enraged, Worf brands Shrek a liar, unwilling to believe that Mogh could have allowed himself to be captured at [[Khitomer]]. He returns to the ''Enterprise''.
   
Worf finds that he cannot stop thinking about what Shrek told him. He retires to his quarters, and begins some [[martial arts]] training, breaking a glass table in a fit of rage. [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] tries to talk to him about his problem, and Worf explains that if Mogh had been captured, it would dishonor his whole family line for three generations.
+
Worf finds that he cannot stop thinking about what Shrek told him. He retires to his quarters, and begins some ''[[mok'bara]]'' training, breaking a glass table in a fit of rage. [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] enters just after and tries to talk to him about his problem, and Worf explains that if Mogh had indeed been captured, it would dishonor his whole family line for three generations, meaning his son [[Alexander Rozhenko|Alexander]] would also bear the dishonor.
   
  +
=== Act Two ===
In Engineering, Bashir finds his curiosity piqued by the [[android]], asking him questions about how Data's miscellaneous functions allow him to seem more [[Human]] – such as how he can control the rate of his hair growth, and his [[circulatory system|circulatory]] and [[respiratory system]]s. Powering up the Gamma Quadrant device, Bashir detects an [[overload]] in its power systems, and Data is struck by an [[energy discharge]].
+
In engineering, Bashir finds his curiosity piqued by the [[android]], asking him questions about how Data's miscellaneous functions allow him to seem more [[Human]] – such as how he can control the rate of his hair growth, and his [[circulatory system|circulatory]] and [[respiratory system]]s. Powering up the Gamma Quadrant device, Bashir detects an [[overload]] in its power systems, and Data is struck by an [[energy discharge]].
   
Data finds himself walking down a corridor on board the ''Enterprise'', drawn to the far-off sound of metal on metal. Exploring further, he finds a blacksmith, hammering a piece of metal. The blacksmith turns to Data and smiles – it is [[Scientist|Dr.]] [[Noonian Soong]], Data's creator and "father". Data awakens from his "vision", and cannot understand what he has just experienced.
+
Data suddenly finds himself walking down a corridor on board the ''Enterprise'', drawn to the far-off sound of metal on metal. Exploring further, he finds a [[blacksmith]], hammering a piece of metal. The blacksmith turns to Data and smiles – it is [[Scientist|Dr.]] [[Noonian Soong]], Data's creator and "father". Data awakens from his "vision", and cannot understand what he has just experienced.
   
Data struggles to find meaning in his vision, asking Worf – who had had a similar experience as a boy – for advice. Worf tells him that nothing is more important than receiving a vision of his father, and that no matter what he has done, he must find him. Through talking to Data, Worf realizes what he must do.
+
Data struggles to find meaning in his vision, asking Worf – who had had a similar experience as a boy – for advice in [[Ten Forward]]. Worf tells him that nothing is more important than receiving a vision of his father, and that no matter what he has done, he must find him. Through talking to Data, Worf ultimately realizes what he must do.
   
  +
=== Act Three ===
Worf finds Shrek and "persuades" him to take him to the prison camp. Meanwhile, Data talks to Captain Picard about his vision; Picard suggests that rather than analyzing it from the point of view of another culture, Data should try interpreting what it means to him as an individual. Data goes to his [[quarters]] and starts to paint pictures of his vision.
+
Worf finds Shrek on the second level Promenade and "persuades" him to take him to the prison camp by holding Shrek over the railing. Meanwhile, Data talks to Captain Picard in his [[captain's ready room|ready room]] about his vision; Picard suggests that rather than analyzing it from the point of view of another culture, Data should try interpreting what it means to ''him'' as an individual. Data goes to his [[quarters]] and starts to paint pictures of his vision.
   
Worf arrives on the [[planet]] where the prison camp is. He stalks through the jungle, and encounters a [[Klingon]] girl bathing in a small pool. The girl is frightened by his intrusion, but Worf asks her not to reveal him to the Romulan guards.
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Worf arrives on the [[Carraya IV|planet]] where the prison camp is. Shrek tells him the location of the camp and he tells Worf will be back in fifty hours and gives him a homing device to help find his ship. After this, he stalks through the jungle, and encounters a [[Klingon]] [[Ba'el|girl]] bathing in a small pool. The girl is frightened by his intrusion, but Worf asks her not to reveal him to the Romulan guards.
   
  +
=== Act Four ===
Data's paintings are as incomprehensible as the vision, but certain paintings – those of a bird, and a bird's wing – were not present in the vision. Unable to understand how he could be painting something he has never seen, Data decides to replicate the experiment with the Gamma Quadrant device. Monitored by La Forge and Bashir, Data is again struck by an energy beam and experiences another vision.
 
  +
[[File:Soong and Data in Data's dream.jpg|thumb|Noonien Soong is proud of Data in his dream]]
 
Data's paintings are as incomprehensible as the vision, but certain paintings – those of a bird, and a bird's wing – were not present in the vision. Unable to understand how he could be painting something he has never seen, Data decides to replicate the accident with the experiment with the Gamma Quadrant device. Monitored by La Forge and Bashir, Data is again struck by an energy beam and experiences another vision.
   
He finds Soong once more, hammering a bird's wing on his anvil. Soong tells him that he has developed the capacity to dream; no man should understand his dreams, hence why they are incomprehensible. He then tells Data that he is the bird; Data "flies" through the corridors and out of the ship, before waking up in Engineering. Finally understanding, he tells Bashir that he intends to deactivate himself every night and dream more. Bashir wishes him "sweet dreams."
+
He finds Soong once more, hammering a bird's wing on his anvil. Soong tells him that he has developed the capacity to dream; no man should understand his dreams, hence why they are incomprehensible. Soong tells Data he is proud of of him, assuming Data has developed enough cognitive ability while in fact the dream was caused by the energy beam. He then tells Data that he is the bird; Data "flies" through the corridors and out of the ship, before waking up in engineering. Finally understanding, he tells Bashir that he intends to deactivate himself every night and dream more. Bashir wishes to write a paper on Data's experience and he wishes Data "sweet dreams" before departing the ''Enterprise'' for Deep Space 9.
   
  +
=== Act Five ===
Worf finds the Romulan prison camp and discovers a group of Klingons performing a ceremony. Taking one of them hostage, he is told that his father did indeed die at [[Khitomer]]. He quickly learns that these Klingons are not treated as prisoners, but rather are living there together as a community and now that he knows of the camp's existence, he cannot be permitted to leave...
+
Worf finds the Romulan prison camp and discovers a group of Klingons performing a ceremony. Taking [[L'Kor|one of them]] hostage, he is told that his father did indeed die at [[Khitomer]]. He quickly learns that these Klingons are not treated as prisoners, but rather are living there together as a community and now that he knows of the camp's existence, he cannot be permitted to leave...
   
 
'''[[Birthright, Part II (episode)|TO BE CONTINUED...]]'''
 
'''[[Birthright, Part II (episode)|TO BE CONTINUED...]]'''
   
== Memorable Quotes ==
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== Memorable quotes ==
 
"''Worf, I don't see how you can eat that stuff. It tastes like [[liquid polymer]].''"<br />
 
"''Worf, I don't see how you can eat that stuff. It tastes like [[liquid polymer]].''"<br />
 
"''Delicious.''"
 
"''Delicious.''"
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"''I must admit, commander, I didn't think you'd be so... personable''"
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"''I must admit, commander, I didn't think you'd be so... personable.''"
: - '''Julian Bashir''' to '''Data''', about the android's friendly and polite ways
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: - '''Julian Bashir''' to Data, about the android's friendly and polite ways
   
   
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"''Would you like to talk about what's bothering you, or would you like to break some more furniture?''"
 
"''Would you like to talk about what's bothering you, or would you like to break some more furniture?''"
 
:- Counselor '''Troi''', about '''Worf'''{{'}}s rather aggressive behavior
 
:- Counselor '''Troi''', about '''Worf'''{{'}}s rather aggressive behavior
  +
  +
  +
"''A Klingon would never allow himself to be captured. A warrior fights to the death!''"
  +
: - '''Worf''' after discovering his father may be alive in a Romulan prison camp
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  +
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"''My father is dead! That Yridian is selling lies!''"
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: - '''Worf'''
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  +
  +
"''Well, your creator went to a lot of trouble to make you seem Human. I find that fascinating.''"
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: - '''Bashir''' to Data
   
   
 
"''Your father is a part of you... always. Learning about him teaches you about yourself. That is why, no matter where he is or what he has done... you must find him.''"
 
"''Your father is a part of you... always. Learning about him teaches you about yourself. That is why, no matter where he is or what he has done... you must find him.''"
:- '''Worf''' giving '''Data''' (and himself) advice
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:- '''Worf''' giving Data (and himself) advice
  +
  +
  +
"''This is not an empty jungle. There are many predators.''"<br />
  +
"''I am prepared.''"
  +
: - '''Jaglom Shrek''' tells '''Worf''' about the jungle on Carraya IV
   
   
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: - '''Data''' and '''Picard''', after Data entered Picard's [[Captain's ready room|ready room]]
 
: - '''Data''' and '''Picard''', after Data entered Picard's [[Captain's ready room|ready room]]
   
  +
"''I am curious Mr Data, why are you looking at all these other cultures?''" <br />
+
"''I am curious Mr. Data, why are you looking at all these other cultures?''" <br />
 
"''The interpretation of visions and other metaphysical experiences are almost always culturally derived, and I have no culture of my own.''"<br />
 
"''The interpretation of visions and other metaphysical experiences are almost always culturally derived, and I have no culture of my own.''"<br />
 
"''Yes you do. You're a culture of one, which is no less valid than a culture of one billion.''"
 
"''Yes you do. You're a culture of one, which is no less valid than a culture of one billion.''"
: - '''Data''' and '''Picard''' discussing '''Data''' interpreting his dream.
+
: - '''Data''' and '''Picard''' discussing Data interpreting his dream
  +
  +
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"''Explore this image, Data. Let it... excite your imagination. Focus on it, see where it leads you. Let it inspire you.''"
  +
: - '''Picard''' after Data's "vision" of Noonian Soong
  +
  +
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"''We are not leaving here... and neither are you.''"
  +
: - '''L'Kor''', to Worf in the Romulan prison camp (last lines)
   
== Background Information ==
+
== Background information ==
=== Story and Script ===
+
=== Story and script ===
 
* The A-plot in this story derived from two separate premises. One, pitched by [[George Brozak]], concerned captured Klingons too proud to go home. The other, from [[Daryl F. Mallett]], [[Arthur Loy Holcomb]] and [[Barbara Wallace]], concerned the news that Worf's father Mogh might still be alive after Khitomer. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
* The A-plot in this story derived from two separate premises. One, pitched by [[George Brozak]], concerned captured Klingons too proud to go home. The other, from [[Daryl F. Mallett]], [[Arthur Loy Holcomb]] and [[Barbara Wallace]], concerned the news that Worf's father Mogh might still be alive after Khitomer. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
* [[Michael Piller]] suggested to break the story into two parts, believing that there was too much story to tell in one episode. He commented, "''Because this was season six, the season of taking risks, of not being afraid of doing things ''Star Trek'' hadn't done before, I said 'Why not do another two-parter? Why wait until the end of the season or wait for a Spock? If a story justifies being bigger than an hour, let's do it.' I had been very happy with the results of "[[Chain of Command, Part I (episode)|Chain of Command]]" and I said to Rick we should do it and he said fine. I also felt, much mistakenly as it turned out to be, that we would be able to save money if we expanded it into two hours by using the sets twice.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
* [[Michael Piller]] suggested to break the story into two parts, believing that there was too much story to tell in one episode. He commented, "''Because this was season six, the season of taking risks, of not being afraid of doing things ''Star Trek'' hadn't done before, I said 'Why not do another two-parter? Why wait until the end of the season or wait for a Spock? If a story justifies being bigger than an hour, let's do it.' I had been very happy with the results of "[[Chain of Command, Part I (episode)|Chain of Command]]" and I said to Rick we should do it and he said fine. I also felt, much mistakenly as it turned out to be, that we would be able to save money if we expanded it into two hours by using the sets twice.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
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* Brannon Braga coined the name "Jaglom Shrek" from Henry Jaglom, an independent film director, and the old Yiddish word for "shriek". (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
* Brannon Braga coined the name "Jaglom Shrek" from Henry Jaglom, an independent film director, and the old Yiddish word for "shriek". (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
* First UK airdate: 25 October 1995
 
* First UK airdate: 25 October 1995
  +
 
=== Production ===
 
=== Production ===
  +
[[File:Filming Birthright.jpg|thumb|Filming the episode]]
 
* [[Terry Farrell]] ([[Jadzia Dax]]) was to appear in this episode, but she was busy filming the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|Deep Space Nine]]'' episode {{e|Move Along Home}}. [[Alexander Siddig|Siddig El Fadil]] ([[Julian Bashir]]) appeared instead. Farrell commented "''I cried. I thought I should have fallen off the rock so I could have gone over there instead of Sid disappearing, because when we were filming "Move Along Home" his character disappeared, and I was acting throughout the rest of it with [[Nana Visitor|Nana]] and [[Avery Brooks|Avery]], and we got caught up together''". (''[[Captains' Logs Supplemental - The Unauthorized Guide to the New Trek Voyages]]'', p 48)
 
* [[Terry Farrell]] ([[Jadzia Dax]]) was to appear in this episode, but she was busy filming the ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine|Deep Space Nine]]'' episode {{e|Move Along Home}}. [[Alexander Siddig|Siddig El Fadil]] ([[Julian Bashir]]) appeared instead. Farrell commented "''I cried. I thought I should have fallen off the rock so I could have gone over there instead of Sid disappearing, because when we were filming "Move Along Home" his character disappeared, and I was acting throughout the rest of it with [[Nana Visitor|Nana]] and [[Avery Brooks|Avery]], and we got caught up together''". (''[[Captains' Logs Supplemental - The Unauthorized Guide to the New Trek Voyages]]'', p 48)
 
* The part of [[Jaglom Shrek]] had to be trimmed when actor [[James Cromwell]] broke his leg in the break between filming the two parts of the episode. A sympathetic scene in which Shrek confesses he was once a prison inmate himself was lost, as was a scene in which he would have been assassinated by one of the Klingons' grown sons who was determined not to hear the truth about his father. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
 
* The part of [[Jaglom Shrek]] had to be trimmed when actor [[James Cromwell]] broke his leg in the break between filming the two parts of the episode. A sympathetic scene in which Shrek confesses he was once a prison inmate himself was lost, as was a scene in which he would have been assassinated by one of the Klingons' grown sons who was determined not to hear the truth about his father. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
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=== Reception ===
 
=== Reception ===
* [[Rick Berman]] stated, "''It was one of my favorite shows. I loved every element of it and so did my son, Tommy...The B story and the A story were of equal importance to me, and it all clicked.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
+
* [[Rick Berman]] stated, "''It was one of my favorite shows. I loved every element of it and so did my son, Tommy... The B story and the A story were of equal importance to me, and it all clicked.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
* René Echevarria commented, "''It was an unusual episode in that the two stories were very unconnected, but thematically they were...The scene where Worf tells Data about finding out the truth about the vision of his father is very powerful. It was one of the finest scenes in the history of ''Star Trek''. I thought it was lovely when Worf realized he was talking about himself and it tied the two stories together and sent Worf on his journey.''" He concludes, "''It was a very wonderful episode all the way around. Very well directed, the dream was spectacular. I'm only afraid {{e|Birthright, Part II}} was a disappointment.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
+
* René Echevarria commented, "''It was an unusual episode in that the two stories were very unconnected, but thematically they were... The scene where Worf tells Data about finding out the truth about the vision of his father is very powerful. It was one of the finest scenes in the history of ''Star Trek''. I thought it was lovely when Worf realized he was talking about himself and it tied the two stories together and sent Worf on his journey.''" He concludes, "''It was a very wonderful episode all the way around. Very well directed, the dream was spectacular. I'm only afraid {{e|Birthright, Part II}} was a disappointment.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
* Brannon Braga noted, "''The bird [in Data's vision] gave a great performance. It's one of our best guest stars ever. Kolbe executed the dream sequences with finesse. I was very happy that everything came together for me on that episode. The two stories resonated thematically with one another and I don't have a single complaint.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
* Brannon Braga noted, "''The bird [in Data's vision] gave a great performance. It's one of our best guest stars ever. Kolbe executed the dream sequences with finesse. I was very happy that everything came together for me on that episode. The two stories resonated thematically with one another and I don't have a single complaint.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
   
 
=== Continuity ===
 
=== Continuity ===
 
* This episode is the second of only a handful of episodes throughout ''Star Trek'' to feature [[main character crossover appearances|crossover]] appearances by characters from a spin-off series &ndash; in this case, characters from [[DS9]] appear in [[TNG]]. A further such crossover was made near the end of TNG's run, with an appearance by [[Quark]] in {{e|Firstborn}}.
 
* This episode is the second of only a handful of episodes throughout ''Star Trek'' to feature [[main character crossover appearances|crossover]] appearances by characters from a spin-off series &ndash; in this case, characters from [[DS9]] appear in [[TNG]]. A further such crossover was made near the end of TNG's run, with an appearance by [[Quark]] in {{e|Firstborn}}.
* This is the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s second visit to Deep Space 9. The first was in the [[DS9]] pilot {{e|Emissary}}.
+
* This is the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s third on-screen visit to Deep Space 9. The first and the second were featured in the [[DS9]] pilot {{e|Emissary}}.
* This is the first time Worf is seen aboard Deep Space 9. Worf would agree to be assigned to the station in {{DS9|The Way of the Warrior}}.
+
* This is the first time Worf is seen aboard Deep Space 9. Worf agrees to be assigned to the station in {{DS9|The Way of the Warrior}}.
 
* The ''Deep Space Nine'' theme is heard at the beginning of the episode.
 
* The ''Deep Space Nine'' theme is heard at the beginning of the episode.
* According to the stardate given for this episode, the events of this episode take place between {{DS9|Q-Less}} and {{DS9|The Storyteller}}. The next 5 DS9 episodes after {{DS9|Q-Less}} have no stardate and the stardate of the next episode {{DS9|Dax}} places it near the end of the season.
+
* According to the stardate given for this episode, the events of this episode take place between {{DS9|Q-Less}} and {{DS9|The Storyteller}}. The next five DS9 episodes after {{DS9|Q-Less}} have no stardate and the stardate of the next episode {{DS9|Dax}} places it near the end of the season.
 
* [[Morn]] makes a brief appearances in this episode.
 
* [[Morn]] makes a brief appearances in this episode.
* This is the first time that the DS9-style uniform is seen on TNG. It would be seen once again in {{TNG|Firstborn}}. The ''Enterprise'' crew would don the uniforms in {{film|7}}.
+
* This is the first time that the [[Starfleet uniform (late 2360s-early 2370s)|"DS9-style" uniform]] is seen on TNG. It was seen once again in {{TNG|Firstborn}}. The ''Enterprise'' crew donned the uniforms in {{film|7}}.
* [[James Cromwell]], who portrays [[Jaglom Shrek]], has made several apprearances in Star Trek, including the inventor of the first [[warp drive]], [[Zefram Cochrane]], a [[Karemma]] official in {{DS9|Starship Down}}, and Prime Minister [[Nayrok]] of [[Angosia III]], in {{TNG|The Hunted}}.
+
* [[James Cromwell]], who portrays [[Jaglom Shrek]], has made several appearances in ''Star Trek'', including the inventor of the first [[warp drive]], [[Zefram Cochrane]], a [[Karemma]] official in {{DS9|Starship Down}}, and Prime Minister [[Nayrok]] of [[Angosia III]] in {{TNG|The Hunted}}.
* This is the second episode in TNG in which a table is destroyed by a Klingon (in this case, [[Worf]]). The first occurrence was when [[K'Ehleyr]] broke a table in {{e|The Emissary}}. In both occurrences, [[Deanna Troi]] walked in shortly after.
+
* This is the second episode in TNG in which a table is destroyed by a Klingon (in this case, Worf). The first occurrence was when [[K'Ehleyr]] broke a table in {{e|The Emissary}}. In both occurrences, [[Deanna Troi]] walked in shortly after.
* The Replimat scene with Geordi and Worf's food is a reuse of the same joke used in {{e|Time Squared}}: Geordi hates the food, while Worf loves it.
+
* The Replimat scene with La Forge and Worf's food is a reuse of the same joke used in {{e|Time Squared}}: La Forge hates the food, while Worf loves it.
 
* The chair in Worf's quarters was also seen in the episodes {{e|Peak Performance}}, {{e|Family}}, {{e|Reunion}}, {{e|Redemption}}, {{e|New Ground}}, {{e|Cost of Living}}, {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}, {{e|Parallels}}, {{e|Genesis}}, and {{e|Firstborn}} and was used as the command chair aboard the [[Tarellian starship]] in the [[TNG Season 1|first season]] episode {{e|Haven}}. It was designed by Peter Opsvik. [http://opsvik.no/index.asp]
 
* The chair in Worf's quarters was also seen in the episodes {{e|Peak Performance}}, {{e|Family}}, {{e|Reunion}}, {{e|Redemption}}, {{e|New Ground}}, {{e|Cost of Living}}, {{e|A Fistful of Datas}}, {{e|Parallels}}, {{e|Genesis}}, and {{e|Firstborn}} and was used as the command chair aboard the [[Tarellian starship]] in the [[TNG Season 1|first season]] episode {{e|Haven}}. It was designed by Peter Opsvik. [http://opsvik.no/index.asp]
 
* This is the first of two appearances of Deep Space 9 outside of ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. The second was in {{VOY|Caretaker}}.
 
* This is the first of two appearances of Deep Space 9 outside of ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. The second was in {{VOY|Caretaker}}.
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[[File:Illusory woman in corridor.jpg|thumb|June Abston Haymore sitting in a corridor]]
 
[[File:Illusory woman in corridor.jpg|thumb|June Abston Haymore sitting in a corridor]]
 
* Among the costumes and props from this episode which were sold off on the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]] on eBay, was the costume of [[Jennifer Gatti]]. {{stala|9600}}
 
* Among the costumes and props from this episode which were sold off on the [[It's A Wrap! sale and auction]] on eBay, was the costume of [[Jennifer Gatti]]. {{stala|9600}}
* During Data's second vision, after he turns into a bird and flies past Noonian Soong, makeup artist [[June Abston Haymore]] can be briefly seen sitting in the side corridor behind Dr. Soong. This is the second time of three where a [[production staff]] member was accidentally filmed. The first was boom operator [[Bill Gocke]] in the episode {{e|Unification II}} and the third an unknown sound guy in the episode {{e|Journey's End}}.
+
* During Data's second vision, after he turns into a bird and flies past Noonian Soong, makeup artist [[June Abston Haymore]] can be briefly seen sitting in the side corridor behind Dr. Soong. This is the fifth time in TNG where a [[production staff]] member was accidentally filmed. The first was a camera operator in {{e|The Naked Now}}, the second were two boom operators in {{e|Angel One}}, the third was boom operator [[Bill Gocke]] in the episode {{e|Unification II}}, the fourth an unnamed production staff member in {{e|Time's Arrow}}, and the sixth an unknown boom operator in the episode {{e|Journey's End}}.
* This is the first of only three occurrences of one series' credit style appearing over the sets of another, specifically the blue TNG style over DS9. The second and third are in the {{ENT|In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II}} and {{e|These Are the Voyages...}}. The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} appears during the credit sequence of DS9: {{e|Trials and Tribble-ations}}, without a credit overlay.
+
* This is the first of only three occurrences of one series' credit style appearing over the sets of another, specifically the blue TNG style over DS9. The second and third are in the {{ENT|In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II}} and {{e|These Are the Voyages...}}. The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} appears during the credit sequence of {{DS9|Trials and Tribble-ations}}, without a credit overlay.
  +
* During Data's second dream sequence, and later on in the episode, a short "lobby" or lounge area can be seen in one of the cross corridors. It appears to be a redressed section of the engineering cross-through corridor.
   
=== Video and DVD Releases ===
+
=== Video and DVD releases ===
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 71, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|18|October|1993}}.
+
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 71, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|18|October|1993}}
 
*In feature-length form, as part of the UK VHS release ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Full Length TV Movies]]'': Volume 7, catalogue number VHR 4107, {{d|10|April|1995}}
 
*In feature-length form, as part of the UK VHS release ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Full Length TV Movies]]'': Volume 7, catalogue number VHR 4107, {{d|10|April|1995}}
*As part of the [[TNG Season 6 DVD]] collection.
+
*As part of the [[TNG Season 6 DVD]] collection
*In feature-length form, as part of the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete TV Movies]]'' collection.
+
*In feature-length form, as part of the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Complete TV Movies]]'' collection
   
 
== Links and references ==
 
== Links and references ==
Line 166: Line 202:
 
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
* [[June Abston Haymore]] as [[Unnamed illusory people#Woman in corridor|woman in corridor]]
 
* [[June Abston Haymore]] as [[Unnamed illusory people#Woman in corridor|woman in corridor]]
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Chris Blackwood (actor)|Chris Blackwood]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Chris Blackwood (actor)|Chris Blackwood]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
* [[Steven Boz]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Security ensign (2369)|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Steven Boz]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Security ensign (2369)|operations division ensign]]
  +
* [[Brandy (cat)|Brandy]] as [[Spot]]
 
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
 
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
  +
* [[Bud (cat)|Bud]] as [[Spot]]
 
* [[Carl David Burks]] as [[Russell]]
 
* [[Carl David Burks]] as [[Russell]]
 
* [[Tony Cruz]] as [[Lopez (Ensign)|Lopez]]
 
* [[Tony Cruz]] as [[Lopez (Ensign)|Lopez]]
 
* [[Brian Demonbreun]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Science officer|civilian]]
 
* [[Brian Demonbreun]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Science officer|civilian]]
 
* [[Steve Diamond]] as [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran Militia Man|Bajoran officer]]
 
* [[Steve Diamond]] as [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran Militia Man|Bajoran officer]]
 
* [[Debra Dilley]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Transporter chief / conn ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Jeannie Dreams]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Female operations division ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Jeannie Dreams]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Female operations division ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Inez Edwards]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Inez Edwards]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Kevin Grevioux]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Security Officer|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Kevin Grevioux]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Security Officer|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Gary Hunter]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Romulans|Romulan]]
 
* [[Gary Hunter]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Romulans|Romulan]]
  +
* [[Arvo Katajisto]] as [[Torigan]]
* [[Ron Large]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command division officer in Ten Forward (2368)|command division officer]]
 
  +
* [[Ron Large]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Command division officer in Ten Forward (2368)|command division officer]]
 
* [[Charles McIntosh]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Charles McIntosh]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Mary Meinel-Newport]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 residents#Bolian woman|Bolian]]
 
* [[Mary Meinel-Newport]] as [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 residents#Bolian woman|Bolian]]
 
* [[Lorine Mendell]] as [[Diana Giddings]]
 
* [[Lorine Mendell]] as [[Diana Giddings]]
* [[Rad Milo]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Relief ops ensign (2369)|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Rad Milo]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command / Operations division ensign (2367-2370)|operations division ensign]]
  +
* [[Monster (cat)|Monster]] as [[Spot]]
 
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
* [[Robin Morselli]] as [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran OPS Officer|Bajoran]]
 
* [[Robin Morselli]] as [[Unnamed Bajoran Militia personnel#Bajoran OPS Officer|Bajoran]]
Line 195: Line 236:
 
** [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Operations Ensign|Deep Space 9 operations division ensign]]
 
** [[Unnamed Deep Space 9 personnel#Operations Ensign|Deep Space 9 operations division ensign]]
 
** [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
 
** [[Carraya IV inhabitants#Klingons|Klingon]]
  +
** [[Ten Forward personnel#Ten Forward staff (2369)|Ten Forward waitress]]
   
 
=== Stunt doubles ===
 
=== Stunt doubles ===
Line 211: Line 253:
   
 
===References===
 
===References===
[[21st century]]; [[anvil]]; [[arboreal needle snake]]; [[Alture VII]]; ''[[bat'leth]]''; [[Bajor]]; [[blacksmith]]; [[bureaucrat]]; [[Carraya sector]]; ''[[David (statue)|David]]''; [[Deep Space 9]]; [[Ferengi]]; [[Gamma Quadrant]]; [[hair follicle]]; [[holosuite]]s; [[Kahless]]; [[Khitomer]]; [[Khitomer Massacre]]; [[Ktarian]]; [[Caves of No'Mat]]; [[liquid polymer]]; [[megajoule]]; [[USS Merrimac (NCC-61827)|''Merrimack'', USS]]; [[metaphysics]]; [[Michelangelo]]; [[Nagor]]; [[Miles O'Brien|O'Brien, Miles]]; [[painting]]; ''[[pasta al fiorella]]''; [[plasma coil]]; [[promenade]]; [[raven]]; [[Rite of MajQa]]; [[replicator]]; [[replimat]]; [[Alexander Rozhenko|Rozhenko, Alexander]]; [[Helena Rozhenko|Rozhenko, Helena]]; [[Sergey Rozhenko|Rozhenko, Sergey]]; [[Rudman]]; [[Noonian Soong|Soong, Noonian]]; [[Spot]]; [[Starfleet Cybernetics Journal]]; [[Symnay's Tomb]]; [[Taqua Tribe]]; [[tricorder]]; [[vision]]; [[YLT-3609]]; [[Yridian]]; [[Yridian shuttle (24th century)|Yridian shuttle]]
+
[[21st century]]; [[anvil]]; [[arboreal needle snake]]; [[Alture VII]]; ''[[bat'leth]]''; [[Bajor]]; [[blacksmith]]; [[bureaucrat]]; [[Carraya sector]]; ''[[David (statue)|David]]''; [[Deep Space 9]]; [[Ferengi]]; [[Gamma Quadrant]]; [[hair follicle]]; [[holosuite]]s; [[Kahless]]; [[Khitomer]]; [[Khitomer Massacre]]; [[Ktarian]]; [[Caves of No'Mat]]; [[liquid polymer]]; [[megajoule]]; [[USS Merrimac (NCC-61827)|''Merrimack'', USS]]; [[metaphysics]]; [[Michelangelo]]; [[Nagor]]; [[Miles O'Brien|O'Brien, Miles]]; [[painting]]; ''[[pasta al fiorella]]''; [[plasma coil]]; [[Promenade]]; [[raven]]; [[Rite of MajQa]]; [[replicator]]; [[Replimat]]; [[Alexander Rozhenko|Rozhenko, Alexander]]; [[Helena Rozhenko|Rozhenko, Helena]]; [[Sergey Rozhenko|Rozhenko, Sergey]]; [[Rudman]]; [[Noonian Soong|Soong, Noonian]]; [[Spot]]; ''[[Starfleet Cybernetics Journal]]''; [[Symnay's Tomb]]; [[Taqua Tribe]]; [[tricorder]]; [[vision]]; [[YLT-3609]]; [[Yridian]]; {{dis|Yridian shuttle|24th century}}
   
 
===External link===
 
===External link===
Line 217: Line 259:
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=6|last={{e|Tapestry}}|next={{e|Birthright, Part II}}}}
 
{{TNG nav|season=6|last={{e|Tapestry}}|next={{e|Birthright, Part II}}}}
  +
  +
 
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
   
 
[[de:Der Moment der Erkenntnis, Teil I]]
 
[[de:Der Moment der Erkenntnis, Teil I]]
 
[[es:Birthright, Part I]]
 
[[es:Birthright, Part I]]
[[fr:Birthright, Part I]]
+
[[fr:Birthright, Part I (épisode)]]
 
[[it:La voce del sangue - prima parte (episodio)]]
 
[[it:La voce del sangue - prima parte (episodio)]]
[[ja:TNG:バースライト・前編]]
+
[[ja:バースライト・前編(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:Birthright, Deel I]]
 
[[nl:Birthright, Deel I]]
 
[[pl:Birthright, część I]]
 
[[pl:Birthright, część I]]
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
 

Revision as of 23:39, 21 March 2015

Template:Realworld

At Deep Space 9, Worf investigates reports that his father is still alive; an engineering accident causes Data to experience a vision of Dr. Soong.

Summary

Teaser

File:BashirData.jpg

Data and Julian Bashir

"Captain's Log, Stardate 46578.4. The Enterprise has arrived at Station Deep Space 9, to assist in the reconstruction of the Bajoran aqueduct systems damaged during the Cardassian Occupation."

As Jean-Luc Picard and Beverly Crusher walk down Deep Space 9's Promenade, Crusher tells Picard that she is eager to visit Quark's holosuites, especially a relaxation program from Alture VII. Picard has no time for relaxation, since he is due to meet with ten Bajoran bureaucrats to discuss the repair of the Bajoran aqueducts. Meanwhile, Worf and Geordi La Forge are in the Replimat, eating pasta al fiorella. La Forge wants to visit the station's Ktarian antique shop, as he hears they have a 21st century plasma coil. As they eat, a Yridian is watching Worf from across the Promenade. This Yridian introduces himself to Worf as Jaglom Shrek and reveals that his late father, Mogh, is in fact alive.

Act One

On the Enterprise bridge, Data detects a power drain in the starboard EPS conduits in sickbay. Someone has made an unauthorized access into the computer's bio-imaging systems from his console. In sickbay, Dr. Julian Bashir is studying a strange device. When Data arrives to assess the situation, Bashir explains that the device was discovered in the Gamma Quadrant, that he believes it to be some sort of medical imaging scanner, and that the Enterprise's sickbay systems can analyze it far better and faster than his limited resources on Deep Space 9 can. Data suggests that they take the device to engineering and have La Forge help them with the analysis.

After the Yridian Jaglom Shrek approaches Worf, and he introduces himself as a broker of information, he tells Worf that Mogh, is still alive and is being held prisoner in a Romulan prison camp. Enraged, Worf brands Shrek a liar, unwilling to believe that Mogh could have allowed himself to be captured at Khitomer. He returns to the Enterprise.

Worf finds that he cannot stop thinking about what Shrek told him. He retires to his quarters, and begins some mok'bara training, breaking a glass table in a fit of rage. Counselor Troi enters just after and tries to talk to him about his problem, and Worf explains that if Mogh had indeed been captured, it would dishonor his whole family line for three generations, meaning his son Alexander would also bear the dishonor.

Act Two

In engineering, Bashir finds his curiosity piqued by the android, asking him questions about how Data's miscellaneous functions allow him to seem more Human – such as how he can control the rate of his hair growth, and his circulatory and respiratory systems. Powering up the Gamma Quadrant device, Bashir detects an overload in its power systems, and Data is struck by an energy discharge.

Data suddenly finds himself walking down a corridor on board the Enterprise, drawn to the far-off sound of metal on metal. Exploring further, he finds a blacksmith, hammering a piece of metal. The blacksmith turns to Data and smiles – it is Dr. Noonian Soong, Data's creator and "father". Data awakens from his "vision", and cannot understand what he has just experienced.

Data struggles to find meaning in his vision, asking Worf – who had had a similar experience as a boy – for advice in Ten Forward. Worf tells him that nothing is more important than receiving a vision of his father, and that no matter what he has done, he must find him. Through talking to Data, Worf ultimately realizes what he must do.

Act Three

Worf finds Shrek on the second level Promenade and "persuades" him to take him to the prison camp by holding Shrek over the railing. Meanwhile, Data talks to Captain Picard in his ready room about his vision; Picard suggests that rather than analyzing it from the point of view of another culture, Data should try interpreting what it means to him as an individual. Data goes to his quarters and starts to paint pictures of his vision.

Worf arrives on the planet where the prison camp is. Shrek tells him the location of the camp and he tells Worf will be back in fifty hours and gives him a homing device to help find his ship. After this, he stalks through the jungle, and encounters a Klingon girl bathing in a small pool. The girl is frightened by his intrusion, but Worf asks her not to reveal him to the Romulan guards.

Act Four

File:Soong and Data in Data's dream.jpg

Noonien Soong is proud of Data in his dream

Data's paintings are as incomprehensible as the vision, but certain paintings – those of a bird, and a bird's wing – were not present in the vision. Unable to understand how he could be painting something he has never seen, Data decides to replicate the accident with the experiment with the Gamma Quadrant device. Monitored by La Forge and Bashir, Data is again struck by an energy beam and experiences another vision.

He finds Soong once more, hammering a bird's wing on his anvil. Soong tells him that he has developed the capacity to dream; no man should understand his dreams, hence why they are incomprehensible. Soong tells Data he is proud of of him, assuming Data has developed enough cognitive ability while in fact the dream was caused by the energy beam. He then tells Data that he is the bird; Data "flies" through the corridors and out of the ship, before waking up in engineering. Finally understanding, he tells Bashir that he intends to deactivate himself every night and dream more. Bashir wishes to write a paper on Data's experience and he wishes Data "sweet dreams" before departing the Enterprise for Deep Space 9.

Act Five

Worf finds the Romulan prison camp and discovers a group of Klingons performing a ceremony. Taking one of them hostage, he is told that his father did indeed die at Khitomer. He quickly learns that these Klingons are not treated as prisoners, but rather are living there together as a community and now that he knows of the camp's existence, he cannot be permitted to leave...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Memorable quotes

"Worf, I don't see how you can eat that stuff. It tastes like liquid polymer."
"Delicious."

- La Forge and Worf, while eating pasta al fiorella, which has been spoiled in its taste by the DS9 replicators


"I must admit, commander, I didn't think you'd be so... personable."

- Julian Bashir to Data, about the android's friendly and polite ways


"Did the table do something wrong?"
"No."
"I'm glad you weren't that hard on Ensign Lopez."
"He made a mistake. The duty roster was inaccurate."
"Would you like to talk about what's bothering you, or would you like to break some more furniture?"

- Counselor Troi, about Worf's rather aggressive behavior


"A Klingon would never allow himself to be captured. A warrior fights to the death!"

- Worf after discovering his father may be alive in a Romulan prison camp


"My father is dead! That Yridian is selling lies!"

- Worf


"Well, your creator went to a lot of trouble to make you seem Human. I find that fascinating."

- Bashir to Data


"Your father is a part of you... always. Learning about him teaches you about yourself. That is why, no matter where he is or what he has done... you must find him."

- Worf giving Data (and himself) advice


"This is not an empty jungle. There are many predators."
"I am prepared."

- Jaglom Shrek tells Worf about the jungle on Carraya IV


"I am sorry to disturb you, sir."
"Oh, not at all. I'm here studying the intricacies of Bajoran aqueduct management. I would welcome a little interruption."

- Data and Picard, after Data entered Picard's ready room


"I am curious Mr. Data, why are you looking at all these other cultures?"
"The interpretation of visions and other metaphysical experiences are almost always culturally derived, and I have no culture of my own."
"Yes you do. You're a culture of one, which is no less valid than a culture of one billion."

- Data and Picard discussing Data interpreting his dream


"Explore this image, Data. Let it... excite your imagination. Focus on it, see where it leads you. Let it inspire you."

- Picard after Data's "vision" of Noonian Soong


"We are not leaving here... and neither are you."

- L'Kor, to Worf in the Romulan prison camp (last lines)

Background information

Story and script

  • The A-plot in this story derived from two separate premises. One, pitched by George Brozak, concerned captured Klingons too proud to go home. The other, from Daryl F. Mallett, Arthur Loy Holcomb and Barbara Wallace, concerned the news that Worf's father Mogh might still be alive after Khitomer. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • Michael Piller suggested to break the story into two parts, believing that there was too much story to tell in one episode. He commented, "Because this was season six, the season of taking risks, of not being afraid of doing things Star Trek hadn't done before, I said 'Why not do another two-parter? Why wait until the end of the season or wait for a Spock? If a story justifies being bigger than an hour, let's do it.' I had been very happy with the results of "Chain of Command" and I said to Rick we should do it and he said fine. I also felt, much mistakenly as it turned out to be, that we would be able to save money if we expanded it into two hours by using the sets twice." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • When it was decided to expand the episode into two parts, the writing staff faced the challenge of finding a suitable B-plot, focusing on the character of Data. Ronald D. Moore suggested Data having some kind of religious experience. Brannon Braga, building on this, considered the idea of Data having a near-death experience. However, as René Echevarria explained, the idea was considered too similar to "Tapestry". As such the writing staff came up with the idea of Data dreaming. (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • This is the only two-part episode with a separate plot (B-plot) that ends within one part (Data's Dream Program). As noted in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, many were disappointed by the lack of a follow-up in the next episode.
  • Brannon Braga coined the name "Jaglom Shrek" from Henry Jaglom, an independent film director, and the old Yiddish word for "shriek". (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • First UK airdate: 25 October 1995

Production

Filming Birthright

Filming the episode

  • Terry Farrell (Jadzia Dax) was to appear in this episode, but she was busy filming the Deep Space Nine episode "Move Along Home". Siddig El Fadil (Julian Bashir) appeared instead. Farrell commented "I cried. I thought I should have fallen off the rock so I could have gone over there instead of Sid disappearing, because when we were filming "Move Along Home" his character disappeared, and I was acting throughout the rest of it with Nana and Avery, and we got caught up together". (Captains' Logs Supplemental - The Unauthorized Guide to the New Trek Voyages, p 48)
  • The part of Jaglom Shrek had to be trimmed when actor James Cromwell broke his leg in the break between filming the two parts of the episode. A sympathetic scene in which Shrek confesses he was once a prison inmate himself was lost, as was a scene in which he would have been assassinated by one of the Klingons' grown sons who was determined not to hear the truth about his father. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • Director Winrich Kolbe was challenged by the task of providing appropriately surreal imagery for the scenes of Data's visions. "I wanted to go all the way. I saw nothing but shades of 2001. But it was decided by the powers that be, that we would not overexpose or underexpose. If we do anything, I was told we underexpose, but this is not what I had in mind. I wanted to actually flare it out to give it that different look, but some people felt that it had been done too often and would not look good. So then I decided I'm not going to talk about my creative input anymore, I'm just going to do what I want to do." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • According to composer Jay Chattaway, the dream sequence of Data was the first time an Electronic Wind Instrument was used during the production. ("Select Historical Data Year Six - Musical Directions", TNG Season 6 DVD special feature)

Reception

  • Rick Berman stated, "It was one of my favorite shows. I loved every element of it and so did my son, Tommy... The B story and the A story were of equal importance to me, and it all clicked." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • René Echevarria commented, "It was an unusual episode in that the two stories were very unconnected, but thematically they were... The scene where Worf tells Data about finding out the truth about the vision of his father is very powerful. It was one of the finest scenes in the history of Star Trek. I thought it was lovely when Worf realized he was talking about himself and it tied the two stories together and sent Worf on his journey." He concludes, "It was a very wonderful episode all the way around. Very well directed, the dream was spectacular. I'm only afraid "Birthright, Part II" was a disappointment." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Brannon Braga noted, "The bird [in Data's vision] gave a great performance. It's one of our best guest stars ever. Kolbe executed the dream sequences with finesse. I was very happy that everything came together for me on that episode. The two stories resonated thematically with one another and I don't have a single complaint." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)

Continuity

Notes

Illusory woman in corridor

June Abston Haymore sitting in a corridor

  • Among the costumes and props from this episode which were sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay, was the costume of Jennifer Gatti. [2]
  • During Data's second vision, after he turns into a bird and flies past Noonian Soong, makeup artist June Abston Haymore can be briefly seen sitting in the side corridor behind Dr. Soong. This is the fifth time in TNG where a production staff member was accidentally filmed. The first was a camera operator in "The Naked Now", the second were two boom operators in "Angel One", the third was boom operator Bill Gocke in the episode "Unification II", the fourth an unnamed production staff member in "Time's Arrow", and the sixth an unknown boom operator in the episode "Journey's End".
  • This is the first of only three occurrences of one series' credit style appearing over the sets of another, specifically the blue TNG style over DS9. The second and third are in the ENT: "In a Mirror, Darkly, Part II" and "These Are the Voyages...". The USS Enterprise appears during the credit sequence of DS9: "Trials and Tribble-ations", without a credit overlay.
  • During Data's second dream sequence, and later on in the episode, a short "lobby" or lounge area can be seen in one of the cross corridors. It appears to be a redressed section of the engineering cross-through corridor.

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

And

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt doubles

Stand-ins

References

21st century; anvil; arboreal needle snake; Alture VII; bat'leth; Bajor; blacksmith; bureaucrat; Carraya sector; David; Deep Space 9; Ferengi; Gamma Quadrant; hair follicle; holosuites; Kahless; Khitomer; Khitomer Massacre; Ktarian; Caves of No'Mat; liquid polymer; megajoule; Merrimack, USS; metaphysics; Michelangelo; Nagor; O'Brien, Miles; painting; pasta al fiorella; plasma coil; Promenade; raven; Rite of MajQa; replicator; Replimat; Rozhenko, Alexander; Rozhenko, Helena; Rozhenko, Sergey; Rudman; Soong, Noonian; Spot; Starfleet Cybernetics Journal; Symnay's Tomb; Taqua Tribe; tricorder; vision; YLT-3609; Yridian; Yridian shuttle

External link

Previous episode:
"Tapestry"
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 6
Next episode:
"Birthright, Part II"