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| sImage = Reginald Barclay devolved.jpg |
| sImage = Reginald Barclay devolved.jpg |
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| wsWrittenBy = [[Brannon Braga]] |
| wsWrittenBy = [[Brannon Braga]] |
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| − | | wsTeleplayBy = |
+ | | wsTeleplayBy = |
| − | | wsStoryBy = |
+ | | wsStoryBy = |
| wsDirectedBy = [[Gates McFadden]] |
| wsDirectedBy = [[Gates McFadden]] |
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| nNthProducedInSeries = 170 |
| nNthProducedInSeries = 170 |
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|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Profit and Loss (episode) |
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Profit and Loss (episode) |
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}} |
}} |
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| − | ''Enterprise'' crew members de-evolve into prehistoric creatures after a medical treatment by Dr. Crusher goes wrong. |
+ | ''Enterprise'' crew members de-evolve into prehistoric creatures after a medical treatment by Dr. Crusher goes wrong. |
== Summary == |
== Summary == |
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=== Teaser === |
=== Teaser === |
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| − | In [[sickbay]], [[Nurse]] [[Alyssa Ogawa]] removes spines from [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]]'s back; an accident in the [[arboretum]] had resulted in a close encounter with a [[Cyprion cactus]]. Meanwhile, [[Lieutenant]] [[Reginald Barclay|Barclay]], having diagnosed himself with a lethal illness, goes to see [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]] |
+ | In [[sickbay]], [[Nurse]] [[Alyssa Ogawa]] removes spines from [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]]'s back; an accident in the [[arboretum]] had resulted in a close encounter with a [[Cyprion cactus]]. Meanwhile, [[Lieutenant]] [[Reginald Barclay|Barclay]], having diagnosed himself with a [[Terellian Death Syndrome|lethal illness]], goes to see [[Doctor]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]] – who assures him that he in fact is not suffering from any lethal illness at all, but instead has a mild case of [[Urodelan flu]]. [[Human]]s typically exhibit a natural immunity to the flu, but since the [[T-cell]]s that would normally fight off the [[infection]] are dormant, she activates that particular [[gene]] with a synthetic T-cell to let his body fight the infection naturally. [[Data]] soon arrives carrying his [[cat]], [[Spot]]. The cat is here for a routine check on the progress of her pregnancy; she is expected to deliver before the end of the week. The talk of babies prompts Ogawa to reveal that she is herself pregnant with [[Andrew Powell|her husband]]'s child, prompting congratulations from Crusher. |
=== Act One === |
=== Act One === |
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| − | "''Captain's Log, Stardate 47653.2. We're performing field tests of our new tactical systems and weapon upgrades. Mr. [[Worf]] is supervising the exercises.''" |
+ | :"''Captain's Log, Stardate 47653.2. We're performing field tests of our new tactical systems and weapon upgrades. Mr. [[Worf]] is supervising the exercises.''" |
| − | On the bridge, Lieutenant [[Worf]]'s new weapons guidance system is being put to the test. However, out of three [[photon torpedo|torpedoes]] launched, only two hit their targets, while the third swerves off course. With the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} unable to follow and disable the other torpedo due to a dense [[asteroid]] field ahead, [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] and Data leave the ship to disarm the torpedo via a [[shuttlecraft]]. Before they leave, however, Data asks Barclay to watch over Spot. The cat might deliver before his return, and Barclay is one of the few people that Spot tolerates. |
+ | On the [[bridge]], Lieutenant [[Worf]]'s new weapons guidance system is being put to the test. However, out of three [[photon torpedo|torpedoes]] launched, only two hit their targets, while the third swerves off course. With the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} unable to follow and disable the other torpedo due to a dense [[asteroid]] field ahead, [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] and Data leave the ship to disarm the torpedo via a [[type 6 shuttlecraft|shuttlecraft]]. Before they leave, however, Data asks Barclay to watch over Spot. The cat might deliver before his return, and Barclay is one of the few people that Spot tolerates. |
As time passes on the ''Enterprise'', several crewmembers start displaying strange behavior. After being ordered to take a break from checking the problems with the guidance system, Worf shows signs of becoming increasingly irritable and very hungry. Meanwhile, [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] finds the [[atmosphere]] too dry and cold, constantly changing around the ambient [[temperature]] and [[humidity]] levels and consuming large amounts of [[salt]]y foods and [[water]]. That night, Worf's behavior degenerates further and becomes more primal: he rips up his bed and sleeps tensely on the floor. |
As time passes on the ''Enterprise'', several crewmembers start displaying strange behavior. After being ordered to take a break from checking the problems with the guidance system, Worf shows signs of becoming increasingly irritable and very hungry. Meanwhile, [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] finds the [[atmosphere]] too dry and cold, constantly changing around the ambient [[temperature]] and [[humidity]] levels and consuming large amounts of [[salt]]y foods and [[water]]. That night, Worf's behavior degenerates further and becomes more primal: he rips up his bed and sleeps tensely on the floor. |
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In [[engineering]], Lieutenant Barclay shows his own strange behavior. He seems unusually energetic, speaking so rapidly that [[Geordi La Forge|La Forge]] and Riker are having difficulty keeping up with him. Riker's inability to keep up with Barclay is compounded by his own problems; he is having trouble with his memory and higher thinking. |
In [[engineering]], Lieutenant Barclay shows his own strange behavior. He seems unusually energetic, speaking so rapidly that [[Geordi La Forge|La Forge]] and Riker are having difficulty keeping up with him. Riker's inability to keep up with Barclay is compounded by his own problems; he is having trouble with his memory and higher thinking. |
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| − | On the |
+ | On the bridge, Troi (currently on watch) keeps trying to raise the temperature, and Worf keeps turning it back down: complaining it is too hot. Troi finally leaves the bridge to take a bath in her [[quarters]]. |
| − | A problem detected in engineering has Barclay and La Forge in the [[Jefferies tube]]s. Barclay finds and bypasses a ruptured [[plasma conduit]]. As he does, La Forge detects [[ |
+ | A problem detected in engineering has Barclay and La Forge in the [[Jefferies tube]]s. Barclay finds and bypasses a ruptured [[plasma conduit]]. As he does, La Forge detects [[cholic acid]] around the hole in the [[bulkhead]] where the ruptured line was located. The bulkhead and [[conduit]] seems to have been dissolved by an [[organic]] solvent. But in contrast to Barclay's increasing hyperactivity, La Forge seems increasingly lethargic. Barclay suggests a [[biospectral analysis]]; La Forge agrees before deciding to take a break. |
| − | The changes being experienced by the crew continue to progress. Riker finds himself unable to either remember the recent weapons testing or respond to a [[Starfleet]] request for a report on the matter. Troi sits in her |
+ | The changes being experienced by the crew continue to progress. Riker finds himself unable to either remember the recent weapons testing or respond to a [[Starfleet]] request for a report on the matter. Troi sits in her bath tub, wearing her [[Starfleet uniform (2350s-2370s)|Starfleet uniform]], trying to stay wet when Worf suddenly enters her quarters, approaches Troi, and bites her cheek. |
| − | Both Troi and Worf are taken to sickbay, and Crusher quickly notices the changes. When Ogawa adds that more of the crew are experiencing |
+ | Both Troi and Worf are taken to sickbay, and Crusher quickly notices the changes. When Ogawa adds that more of the crew are experiencing symptoms, but while some are also finding the temperature too cold there are others who have developed fevers, leading Crusher to conclude that something is spreading around the ship. She then turns her attention to Worf who is completely unresponsive, and notices something else: he has swellings under his jaw that appear to be venom sacs. They prove to be just that as Worf suddenly sprays venom in Crusher's face, then flees sickbay before he can be captured. |
| − | In the [[observation lounge]], Ogawa reports that she got Crusher into [[stasis]] before she became paralyzed by the venom. However, there is still the problem of the mysterious illness affecting the crew. Barclay reports that the venom that affected Crusher has been found in other parts of the ship, including at the ruptured plasma conduit seen earlier. Riker admits to his inability to think straight; he can't think properly when La Forge reports on having trouble locating Worf on [[sensor]]s |
+ | In the [[observation lounge]], Ogawa reports that she got Crusher into [[stasis]] before she became paralyzed by the venom. She will require reconstructive surgery, but Ogawa believes she will be all right. However, there is still the problem of the mysterious illness affecting the crew. Barclay reports that the venom that affected Crusher has been found in other parts of the ship, including at the ruptured plasma conduit seen earlier. Riker admits to his inability to think straight; he can't think properly when La Forge reports on having trouble locating Worf on [[sensor]]s. He dismisses the senior staff and tries to send a [[subspace message]] to Starfleet concerning their problem, but finds himself unable to recall the codes required. |
=== Act Three === |
=== Act Three === |
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[[File:USS Enterprise-D adrift with shuttle approach.jpg|left|thumb|The ''Enterprise'' adrift]] |
[[File:USS Enterprise-D adrift with shuttle approach.jpg|left|thumb|The ''Enterprise'' adrift]] |
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| − | "''Captain's Log, supplemental. Commander Data and I have recovered the stray torpedo after a three-day search. We are ''en route'' back to the ''Enterprise''.''" |
+ | :"''Captain's Log, supplemental. Commander Data and I have recovered the stray torpedo after a three-day search. We are ''en route'' back to the ''Enterprise''.''" |
| + | [[File:Picard and amphibian Troi.jpg|thumb|"''Deanna?''"]] |
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| − | Picard and Data are a little puzzled to not be able to locate the ''Enterprise''. A quick search locates the ship, visibly |
+ | Picard and Data are a little puzzled to not be able to locate the ''Enterprise''. A quick search locates the ship, visibly adrift. Upon docking, they ascertain that the ship's power systems are down, environmental systems are configured strangely, and where there should be over a thousand humanoid lifeforms there seems to be a near-equal number of myriad creatures. Some of the characteristics are inconsistent with those of the known crew, such as casting off skin like a [[reptile]]. They come upon Troi's quarters and discover her in her bath tub, having somehow developed into an [[amphibian]]-like creature. It is their first clue that the crew is undergoing unusual changes. |
[[File:Dern corpse.jpg|thumb|[[Data]] and [[Jean-Luc Picard]] discover Ensign Dern's body]] |
[[File:Dern corpse.jpg|thumb|[[Data]] and [[Jean-Luc Picard]] discover Ensign Dern's body]] |
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| − | Seeking to stabilize the ship, they then go to the bridge, finding it in shambles, with a dead [[ |
+ | Seeking to stabilize the ship, they then go to the bridge, finding it in shambles, with a dead [[Ensign]] {{dis|Dern|flight controller}} at the conn (from what appears to be an animal attack), his spine fractured in three places; he had also been affected, but was killed before undergoing any significant changes. From the bridge, Data is able to note that the crew is still on board the ship but in a similar state to that of Troi. Many of them have been gravitating towards water (the aquatic lab) and plants (the arboretum). Picard is unable to restore power to the ship due to the entire power-transfer grid being damaged. Suddenly, they hear a noise coming from the [[ready room]]. There they discover Riker, now a brutish proto-Human, attacking the captain's [[aquarium]] (in which [[Livingston]], the captain's [[lionfish]], has also devolved into a [[jellyfish]]). When he charges them, Data stuns Riker with his phaser. Based on what they've encountered so far, Data announces his hypothesis that the crew is de-evolving. |
=== Act Four === |
=== Act Four === |
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| − | Troi and Riker are taken to sickbay for further analysis. Data, after analyzing Riker's [[DNA]], discovers that a synthetic T-cell has invaded his [[gene|genetic code]]s and has begun to activate his latent [[intron]]s, a result of Crusher's treatment of Barclay. He explains that introns are genetic codes which are normally dormant; they are sequences of DNA which provided key physical and behavioral characteristics millions of years ago, but are no longer necessary. Counselor Troi's gill-slits and other amphibious characteristics, for example, are derived from introns which contain amphibious codes. Because introns can include genetic material from many different species over millions of years of [[evolution]], it is possible that a wide variety of transformations is occurring among the crew. Since all humanoid life has a similar genetic pattern, the [[virus]] will work similarly on all non-Human lifeforms as well, and they will each be de-evolving to earlier forms of life in their homeworlds. He informs Picard that he has also been infected by the intron virus, and is now slowly de-evolving into an earlier form of [[primate]]. |
+ | Troi and Riker are taken to sickbay for further analysis. Data, after analyzing Riker's [[DNA]], discovers that a synthetic T-cell has invaded his [[gene|genetic code]]s and has begun to activate his latent [[intron]]s, a result of Crusher's treatment of Barclay. He explains that introns are genetic codes which are normally dormant; they are sequences of DNA which provided key physical and behavioral characteristics millions of years ago, but are no longer necessary. Counselor Troi's gill-slits and other amphibious characteristics, for example, are derived from introns which contain amphibious codes. Because introns can include genetic material from many different species over millions of years of [[evolution]], it is possible that a wide variety of transformations is occurring among the crew. Since all humanoid life has a similar genetic pattern, the [[virus]] will work similarly on all non-Human lifeforms as well, and they will each be de-evolving to earlier forms of life in their homeworlds. He informs Picard that he has also been infected by the intron virus, and is now slowly de-evolving into an earlier form of [[primate]]. |
| − | Realizing that they do not have much time, they decide to act quickly. Since Data's [[computer]] in his quarters operates independently from the ship's computer and is probably still intact, they decide to go there in order to examine the situation further. Arriving at his quarters, Data notices that Spot, who has been expecting a litter of [[kitten]]s, has finally given birth. A further search finds a [[reptile]] wearing her collar; they soon realize that the reptile is Spot and that the intron virus is capable of affecting non-humanoids. Her kittens, however, do not seem to have been affected by the virus that has been plaguing the rest of the crew. Given that Spot's kittens are unaffected, Data and Picard conclude that the [[placenta]]l barriers and [[amniotic fluid]] that serve as a filtration system to protect the [[fetus]] in the placenta have probably prevented the intron virus from being passed on from Spot to her kittens. They decide that they probably can inhibit the intron virus by using the natural [[antibody|antibodies]] in Spot's amniotic fluid. However, in order for it to be effective on humanoid crewmembers, humanoid antibodies would be necessary. Recalling that Nurse Ogawa is expecting, they track her down to the arboretum. But before they can begin tracking her down, a failure in a [[warp plasma]] vent forces them to detour to [[main engineering]] so Data can program repairs. |
+ | Realizing that they do not have much time, they decide to act quickly. Since Data's [[computer]] in his quarters operates independently from the ship's computer and is probably still intact, they decide to go there in order to examine the situation further. Arriving at his quarters, Data notices that Spot, who has been expecting a litter of [[kitten]]s, has finally given birth. A further search finds a [[reptile]] wearing her collar; they soon realize that the reptile is Spot and that the intron virus is capable of also affecting non-humanoids. Her kittens, however, do not seem to have been affected by the virus that has been plaguing the rest of the crew. Given that Spot's kittens are unaffected, Data and Picard conclude that the [[placenta]]l barriers and [[amniotic fluid]] that serve as a filtration system to protect the [[fetus]] in the placenta have probably prevented the intron virus from being passed on from Spot to her kittens. They decide that they probably can inhibit the intron virus by using the natural [[antibody|antibodies]] in Spot's amniotic fluid. However, in order for it to be effective on humanoid crewmembers, humanoid antibodies would be necessary. Recalling that Nurse Ogawa is expecting, they track her down to the arboretum. But before they can begin tracking her down, a failure in a [[warp plasma]] vent forces them to detour to [[main engineering]] so Data can program repairs. While checking on the [[warp core]], Picard is frightened by the sudden appearance of Barclay, partially transformed into a [[spider]]. Data surmises that his terror at the sight (a result of the heightened sense of awareness found in small primates) is an initial symptom of Picard's de-evolution; they need to hurry. |
| − | They locate Ogawa (who is apparently partially de-evolved into a proto-Human) begins to analyze Ogawa's fetus, confirming that it is not affected by the virus. He says that he can use her amniotic fluid as a template for a retrovirus which in turn would neutralize the synthetic T-cell and re-establish the genetic patterns of each host. While working on finding a way to most quickly address the situation, something pounds on the sickbay door. [[Life sign]] scans show something big, armored, and [[Klingon]]; it is Worf. |
+ | They locate Ogawa (who is apparently partially de-evolved into a proto-Human) and Data begins to analyze Ogawa's fetus, confirming that it is not affected by the virus. He says that he can use her amniotic fluid as a template for a retrovirus which in turn would neutralize the synthetic T-cell and re-establish the genetic patterns of each host. While working on finding a way to most quickly address the situation, something pounds on the sickbay door. [[Life sign]] scans show something big, armored, and [[Klingon]]; it is Worf. |
=== Act Five === |
=== Act Five === |
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| − | A transformed Worf tries to force his way into sickbay. He appears to be seeking something or someone particular. Picard notices that the bite Worf gave Troi was not to hurt her but rather seemed part of a mating process, and that it appears as if Worf had come back for her. The situation becomes increasingly dangerous as an ever angrier and aggressive Worf almost breaks through the door. Data and Picard cannot just abandon Troi and the others in sickbay, but at the same time, Data needs to continue with his analysis of the amniotic fluid. Picard, who is beginning to experience the effects of the virus himself, suggests distracting Worf and luring him away from sickbay. He suggests extracting [[pheromone]]s from Troi's sebaceous glands to lure Worf away from sickbay so Data can continue his work and the others are safe. |
+ | A transformed Worf tries to force his way into sickbay. He appears to be seeking something or someone particular. Picard notices that the bite Worf gave Troi was not to hurt her but rather seemed part of a mating process, and that it appears as if Worf had come back for her. The situation becomes increasingly dangerous as an ever angrier and aggressive Worf almost breaks through the door. Data and Picard cannot just abandon Troi and the others in sickbay, but at the same time, Data needs to continue with his analysis of the amniotic fluid. Picard, who is beginning to experience the effects of the virus himself, suggests distracting Worf and luring him away from sickbay. He suggests extracting [[pheromone]]s from Troi's sebaceous glands to lure Worf away from sickbay so Data can continue his work and the others are safe. |
| − | While Data continues work on the retrovirus, Picard leads Worf on a chase through the ''Enterprise'' until becoming cornered at the ruptured warp plasma conduit La Forge and Barclay had been repairing earlier. Picard improvises, sitting upon the insulated access panel and using the bypassed conduit to send [[electricity]] through the Jefferies tube, knocking out Worf. At that moment, Data reports that he has completed the retrovirus. It will make the introns in the crew dormant again; at Picard's consent, he floods the ship with a [[gas]]eous form of the new virus, turning the crew back to normal. |
+ | While Data continues work on the retrovirus, Picard leads Worf on a chase through the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s [[corridor]]s until becoming cornered at the ruptured warp plasma conduit La Forge and Barclay had been repairing earlier. Picard improvises, sitting upon the insulated access panel and using the bypassed conduit to send [[electricity]] through the Jefferies tube, knocking out Worf. At that moment, Data reports that he has completed the retrovirus. It will make the introns in the crew dormant again; at Picard's consent, he floods the ship with a [[gas]]eous form of the new virus, turning the crew back to normal. |
| − | In sickbay, Barclay nervously asks Dr. Crusher if all this was his fault. She states that actually it was ''her'' fault for having activated a dormant T-cell which, in turn, activated ''all'' dormant T-cells (including the introns). She suggests naming the virus after Barclay, calling it the [[Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome]]. Jokingly, she tells Troi that Barclay not only devolved into a spider |
+ | In sickbay, Barclay nervously asks Dr. Crusher if all this was his fault. She states that actually it was ''her'' fault for having activated a dormant T-cell which, in turn, activated ''all'' dormant T-cells (including the introns). She suggests naming the virus after Barclay, calling it the [[Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome]]. Jokingly, she tells Troi that Barclay not only devolved into a spider, but also had a new disease named after him. Troi sighs, realizing that she better clear her calendar for the next few weeks. |
== Memorable Quotes == |
== Memorable Quotes == |
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| + | "''Reg, you don't have [[Terellian Death Syndrome]]!''"<br /> |
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| + | "''Are you... you're sure?''"<br /> |
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| + | "''I'm sure.''" |
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| + | : - '''Crusher''' and '''Barclay''' |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | "''I have spent the past nine weeks as an expectant parent. I would be happy to share my insights with [[Andrew Powell|your husband]]. If my experience is any indication, he will need all the help he can get.''" |
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| + | : - '''Data''' referring to Spot after Ogawa announces she is pregnant |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | "''The torpedo is out of range.''"<br /> |
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| + | "''Even for your newly improved phasers?''" |
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| + | : - '''Worf''' and '''Riker''' |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | "''Mr. Worf... I think that you should consider analyzing your new guidance system.''" |
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| + | : - '''Picard''' after Worf's enhanced photon torpedoes malfunction |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
"''Doctor! My capillaries are shrinking!"'' |
"''Doctor! My capillaries are shrinking!"'' |
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:- '''Reginald Barclay''' to Beverly Crusher |
:- '''Reginald Barclay''' to Beverly Crusher |
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"''Worf!''" |
"''Worf!''" |
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:- '''Data''', responding to a terrified '''Picard''', upon discovering the de-evolved Worf |
:- '''Data''', responding to a terrified '''Picard''', upon discovering the de-evolved Worf |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | "''Do you think he sees us as prey?''"<br/> |
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| + | "''There are crewmembers in the corridors and other sections of the ship. It would be easier for him to capture and consume one of them than attempt to break through a door.''"<br /> |
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| + | :- '''Picard''' and '''Data''' theorizing on Worf's motives |
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| + | |||
| + | |||
| + | "''Well, Mr. Worf... let's hope when you wake up you're a new man.''"<br/> |
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| + | :- '''Picard''', after subduing Worf in the Jefferies tube. |
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| Line 118: | Line 147: | ||
:- '''Beverly Crusher''' and '''Deanna Troi''', after Crusher finishes talking to Reginald Barclay |
:- '''Beverly Crusher''' and '''Deanna Troi''', after Crusher finishes talking to Reginald Barclay |
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| − | == Background |
+ | == Background information == |
| + | [[File:Gates McFadden and Jonathan West.jpg|thumb|McFadden and director of photography [[Jonathan West]]]] |
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| + | [[File:Mike Smithson and Dwight Schultz.jpg|thumb|[[Dwight Schultz]] and his makeup artist [[Mike Smithson]]]] |
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| + | [[File:McFadden directs Genesis.jpg|thumb|McFadden sets up a shot]] |
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| + | [[File:McFadden and Schultz, Genesis.jpg|thumb|McFadden and Schultz between takes]] |
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| + | [[File:Genesis creatures.jpg|thumb|Detailed makeup design]] |
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=== Production === |
=== Production === |
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| − | * This is the only episode of the series [[Directors|directed]] by [[Gates McFadden]] ([[Beverly Crusher]]), and the first episode of ''Star Trek'' [[Cast members who directed|directed]] by a female cast member. |
+ | * This is the only episode of the series [[Directors|directed]] by [[Gates McFadden]] ([[Beverly Crusher]]), and the first episode of ''Star Trek'' [[Cast members who directed|directed]] by a female cast member. The next episode directed by a female cast member would be [[Roxann Dawson]] when she directed ''Voyager's ''"[[Riddles |Riddles]]" six years later. |
* It was written into the script that Gates McFadden's character, Beverly Crusher, would be severely disfigured by Worf. She was promptly put into [[stasis]] to prevent the injuries from worsening. The absence of Dr. Crusher from much of the episode gave McFadden more time to spend directing the episode. (''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' 2nd ed., p . 92) |
* It was written into the script that Gates McFadden's character, Beverly Crusher, would be severely disfigured by Worf. She was promptly put into [[stasis]] to prevent the injuries from worsening. The absence of Dr. Crusher from much of the episode gave McFadden more time to spend directing the episode. (''[[Star Trek Encyclopedia]]'' 2nd ed., p . 92) |
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* [[Michael Westmore]] described his work in this episode as proving to be his greatest challenge. "''Everybody mutated – Riker became an Australopithecine, Troi an aquatic animal, Barclay a spider,''" he recalls. "''We never would have been ready if the episode hadn't miraculously fallen right after Christmas. We worked through the holiday.''" (''[[Star Trek 30 Years]]'', pg. 47) |
* [[Michael Westmore]] described his work in this episode as proving to be his greatest challenge. "''Everybody mutated – Riker became an Australopithecine, Troi an aquatic animal, Barclay a spider,''" he recalls. "''We never would have been ready if the episode hadn't miraculously fallen right after Christmas. We worked through the holiday.''" (''[[Star Trek 30 Years]]'', pg. 47) |
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| Line 127: | Line 161: | ||
=== Cast === |
=== Cast === |
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* This episode marks the fifth and final appearance of [[Dwight Schultz]] ([[Reginald Barclay]]) on the series. He was seen again with the crew in {{film|8}}, and also appeared in six episodes of ''[[Star Trek: Voyager|Voyager]]''. |
* This episode marks the fifth and final appearance of [[Dwight Schultz]] ([[Reginald Barclay]]) on the series. He was seen again with the crew in {{film|8}}, and also appeared in six episodes of ''[[Star Trek: Voyager|Voyager]]''. |
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| + | |||
| + | === Sets and props === |
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| + | * 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|Birthright, Part I}}, {{e|Parallels}}, 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] |
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| + | * Worf's quarters also feature the [[statue]] of [[Kahless]] and [[Morath]] which can also be seen in {{e|Peak Performance}}, {{e|Reunion}}, {{e|New Ground}}, {{e|Cost of Living}}, and {{e|Firstborn}}. |
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=== Continuity === |
=== Continuity === |
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* This is the first episode since her promotion that Counselor Troi is seen in command of a duty shift on the bridge. |
* This is the first episode since her promotion that Counselor Troi is seen in command of a duty shift on the bridge. |
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| + | * This episode follows {{e|Lower Decks}} in which Dr. Crusher told [[Alyssa Ogawa]] that she'll support her promotion. Ogawa is seen as a [[lieutenant]] for the first time. |
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| − | |||
* Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Crusher comments to Barclay that it is traditional to name new diseases after the first patient. This tradition, evidently, appeared after our own time period. Eponymous diseases have almost always been named for the first person to describe them in medical literature (Parkinson's disease; Down's syndrome; Marfan's syndrome; Kartagener's syndrome). Rare exceptions from our time include Legionnaires' disease (named for a group of people) and Lou Gehrig's disease (unofficially named for a famous – though not the first – sufferer). |
* Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Crusher comments to Barclay that it is traditional to name new diseases after the first patient. This tradition, evidently, appeared after our own time period. Eponymous diseases have almost always been named for the first person to describe them in medical literature (Parkinson's disease; Down's syndrome; Marfan's syndrome; Kartagener's syndrome). Rare exceptions from our time include Legionnaires' disease (named for a group of people) and Lou Gehrig's disease (unofficially named for a famous – though not the first – sufferer). |
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| − | |||
* The list of visible transformations include: |
* The list of visible transformations include: |
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| − | ** A crewmember, who has de-evolved into a [[snake]] |
+ | ** A crewmember, who has de-evolved into a humanoid who shed his/her skin like a [[snake]] |
** [[Dern (flight controller)|Dern]], who had begun to de-evolve before being killed by either Riker or Worf |
** [[Dern (flight controller)|Dern]], who had begun to de-evolve before being killed by either Riker or Worf |
||
** [[Deanna Troi]], who has de-evolved into an [[amphibian]] |
** [[Deanna Troi]], who has de-evolved into an [[amphibian]] |
||
| Line 144: | Line 181: | ||
** [[Alyssa Ogawa]], who had de-evolved into an [[ape]]-like humanoid |
** [[Alyssa Ogawa]], who had de-evolved into an [[ape]]-like humanoid |
||
** [[Worf]], who had de-evolved into a prehistoric proto-Klingon |
** [[Worf]], who had de-evolved into a prehistoric proto-Klingon |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | |||
| ⚫ | |||
=== Awards === |
=== Awards === |
||
| Line 151: | Line 187: | ||
=== Video and DVD releases === |
=== Video and DVD releases === |
||
| − | *UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 86, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|22|August|1994}} |
+ | * UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 86, <!--catalog number x, -->{{d|22|August|1994}} |
| − | *As part of the [[TNG Season 7 DVD]] collection |
+ | * As part of the [[TNG Season 7 DVD]] collection |
== Links and references == |
== Links and references == |
||
=== Starring === |
=== Starring === |
||
| − | * [[Patrick Stewart]] as [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]] |
+ | * [[Patrick Stewart]] as [[Captain|Capt.]] [[Jean-Luc Picard]] |
| − | * [[Jonathan Frakes]] as [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker]] |
+ | * [[Jonathan Frakes]] as [[Commander|Cmdr.]] [[William T. Riker]] |
=== Also starring === |
=== Also starring === |
||
| − | * [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant |
+ | * [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Cmdr.]] [[Geordi La Forge]] |
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]] |
* [[Michael Dorn]] as [[Lieutenant]] [[Worf]] |
||
| − | * [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher]] |
+ | * [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher]] |
* [[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]] |
* [[Marina Sirtis]] as [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]] |
||
| − | * [[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant |
+ | * [[Brent Spiner]] as [[Lieutenant Commander|Lt. Commander]] [[Data]] |
=== Guest stars === |
=== Guest stars === |
||
| − | *[[ |
+ | * [[Patti Yasutake]] as [[Alyssa Ogawa]] |
| + | ;And |
||
| − | *[[Patti Yasutake]] as [[Alyssa Ogawa]] |
||
| − | *[[ |
+ | * [[Dwight Schultz]] as [[Reginald Barclay|Barclay]] |
| − | === |
+ | === Co-stars === |
| + | * [[Carlos Ferro]] as [[Ensign]] [[Dern (flight controller)|Dern]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | *[[ |
+ | * [[Majel Barrett]] as [[Computer Voice]] |
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| − | === |
+ | === Uncredited co-stars === |
| + | * [[Shawn Belschner]] as [[Ten Forward personnel#Ten Forward staff (2370)|Ten Forward waiter]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | * [[Brandy (cat)|Brandy]] as [[Spot]] |
||
| + | * [[Bud (cat)|Bud]] as [[Spot]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | * [[Cameron]] as [[Kellogg]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | * [[Gary Hunter]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Male science division officer|science division officer]] |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | * [[Rad Milo]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command / Operations division ensign (2367-2370)|operations division ensign]] |
||
| + | * [[Monster (cat)|Monster]] as [[Spot]] |
||
| + | * [[Keith Rayve]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Command / Operations division ensign|civilian]] |
||
| + | * [[John Tampoya]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Operations/ Command Ensign|operations division ensign]] |
||
| + | * [[Tyler (cat)|Tyler]] as [[Spot]] |
||
| + | * [[Unknown performers]] as |
||
| + | ** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Command division officer in Ten Forward (2370)|Command division officer]] |
||
| + | ** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Female command division officer (2370)|Female command division officer]] |
||
| + | ** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Science division officer (2367-2369)|Female science division officer]] |
||
| + | ** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Frozen security officer|Operations division officer]] |
||
| + | ** [[Ten Forward personnel#Ten Forward staff (2370)|Ten Forward waitress]] |
||
| + | |||
| + | === Stunt doubles === |
||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | * [[Unknown stunt performer]]s as |
||
| + | ** Stunt double for [[Jonathan Frakes]] |
||
| + | ** Stunt double for [[Marina Sirtis]] |
||
| + | |||
| + | === Stand-ins === |
||
| + | * [[David Keith Anderson]] - [[stand-in]] for [[LeVar Burton]] |
||
| + | * [[Carl David Burks]] - stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]] |
||
| + | * [[Michael Echols]] - stand-in for [[Michael Dorn]] |
||
| + | * [[Nora Leonhardt]] - stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]] |
||
| + | * [[Lorine Mendell]] - stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]] |
||
| + | * [[Richard Sarstedt]] - stand-in for [[Jonathan Frakes]] |
||
| + | * [[Dennis Tracy]] - stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]] |
||
=== References === |
=== References === |
||
| − | [[amniotic scan]]; [[aquatics lab]]; [[arachnid]]; [[arboretum]]; [[australopithecine]]; [[Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome]]; [[bath tub]]; [[Betazoid]]; [[biobed]]; [[biology]]; [[bioscan]]; [[biospectral scan]]; [[caviar]]; [[cholic acid]]; [[Cyprion cactus]]; [[dizziness]]; [[Earth]]; [[Hacopian]]; [[hypochondria]]; [[hypothalamic series]]; [[intron]]; [[Jefferies tube]]; [[K-3 cell]]; [[Klingon]]; [[litter]]; [[Livingston]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[mutation]]; [[Ongilin caviar]]; [[pheromone]]s; [[photon torpedo]]; [[Andrew Powell|Powell, Andrew]]; [[pygmy marmoset]]; [[reconstructive surgery]]; [[sebaceous gland]]; [[Selar]]; [[sickbay]]; [[Rebecca Smith|Smith, Rebecca |
+ | [[amniotic scan]]; [[aquatics lab]]; [[arachnid]]; [[arboretum]]; [[australopithecine]]; [[Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome]]; [[bath tub]]; [[Betazoid]]; [[biobed]]; [[biology]]; [[bioscan]]; [[biospectral scan]]; [[capillary]]; [[caviar]]; [[cholic acid]]; [[Cyprion cactus]]; [[dizziness]]; [[Earth]]; [[Hacopian]]; ''[[Hypatia]]''; [[hyper-evolution]]; [[hypochondria]]; [[hypothalamic series]]; [[intron]]; [[Jefferies tube]]; [[K-3 cell]]; [[Klingon]]; [[litter]]; [[Livingston]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[mutation]]; [[Number one]]; [[Ongilin caviar]]; [[palpitation]]s; [[pheromone]]s; [[photon torpedo]]; [[placenta]]; [[Andrew Powell|Powell, Andrew]]; [[pygmy marmoset]]; [[reconstructive surgery]]; [[sebaceous gland]]; [[Selar]]; [[sickbay]]; [[Rebecca Smith|Smith, Rebecca]]; [[spread pattern]]; [[Starfleet Medical Database]]; [[stasis]]; [[Symbalene blood burn]]; [[type 6 shuttlecraft]]; [[Urodelan flu]] |
{{TNG nav|season=7|last={{e|Eye of the Beholder}}|next={{e|Journey's End}}}} |
{{TNG nav|season=7|last={{e|Eye of the Beholder}}|next={{e|Journey's End}}}} |
||
| + | |||
[[de:Genesis (Episode)]] |
[[de:Genesis (Episode)]] |
||
[[es:Genesis]] |
[[es:Genesis]] |
||
[[fr:Genesis (épisode)]] |
[[fr:Genesis (épisode)]] |
||
| − | [[ja |
+ | [[ja:恐怖のイントロン・ウィルス（エピソード）]] |
[[nl:Genesis]] |
[[nl:Genesis]] |
||
[[Category:TNG episodes]] |
[[Category:TNG episodes]] |
||
Revision as of 18:20, 22 June 2015
Template:Realworld Enterprise crew members de-evolve into prehistoric creatures after a medical treatment by Dr. Crusher goes wrong.
Summary
In sickbay, Nurse Alyssa Ogawa removes spines from Commander Riker's back; an accident in the arboretum had resulted in a close encounter with a Cyprion cactus. Meanwhile, Lieutenant Barclay, having diagnosed himself with a lethal illness, goes to see Doctor Crusher – who assures him that he in fact is not suffering from any lethal illness at all, but instead has a mild case of Urodelan flu. Humans typically exhibit a natural immunity to the flu, but since the T-cells that would normally fight off the infection are dormant, she activates that particular gene with a synthetic T-cell to let his body fight the infection naturally. Data soon arrives carrying his cat, Spot. The cat is here for a routine check on the progress of her pregnancy; she is expected to deliver before the end of the week. The talk of babies prompts Ogawa to reveal that she is herself pregnant with her husband's child, prompting congratulations from Crusher.
Act One
- "Captain's Log, Stardate 47653.2. We're performing field tests of our new tactical systems and weapon upgrades. Mr. Worf is supervising the exercises."
On the bridge, Lieutenant Worf's new weapons guidance system is being put to the test. However, out of three torpedoes launched, only two hit their targets, while the third swerves off course. With the USS Enterprise-D unable to follow and disable the other torpedo due to a dense asteroid field ahead, Captain Picard and Data leave the ship to disarm the torpedo via a shuttlecraft. Before they leave, however, Data asks Barclay to watch over Spot. The cat might deliver before his return, and Barclay is one of the few people that Spot tolerates.
As time passes on the Enterprise, several crewmembers start displaying strange behavior. After being ordered to take a break from checking the problems with the guidance system, Worf shows signs of becoming increasingly irritable and very hungry. Meanwhile, Counselor Troi finds the atmosphere too dry and cold, constantly changing around the ambient temperature and humidity levels and consuming large amounts of salty foods and water. That night, Worf's behavior degenerates further and becomes more primal: he rips up his bed and sleeps tensely on the floor.
Act Two
In engineering, Lieutenant Barclay shows his own strange behavior. He seems unusually energetic, speaking so rapidly that La Forge and Riker are having difficulty keeping up with him. Riker's inability to keep up with Barclay is compounded by his own problems; he is having trouble with his memory and higher thinking.
On the bridge, Troi (currently on watch) keeps trying to raise the temperature, and Worf keeps turning it back down: complaining it is too hot. Troi finally leaves the bridge to take a bath in her quarters.
A problem detected in engineering has Barclay and La Forge in the Jefferies tubes. Barclay finds and bypasses a ruptured plasma conduit. As he does, La Forge detects cholic acid around the hole in the bulkhead where the ruptured line was located. The bulkhead and conduit seems to have been dissolved by an organic solvent. But in contrast to Barclay's increasing hyperactivity, La Forge seems increasingly lethargic. Barclay suggests a biospectral analysis; La Forge agrees before deciding to take a break.
The changes being experienced by the crew continue to progress. Riker finds himself unable to either remember the recent weapons testing or respond to a Starfleet request for a report on the matter. Troi sits in her bath tub, wearing her Starfleet uniform, trying to stay wet when Worf suddenly enters her quarters, approaches Troi, and bites her cheek.
Both Troi and Worf are taken to sickbay, and Crusher quickly notices the changes. When Ogawa adds that more of the crew are experiencing symptoms, but while some are also finding the temperature too cold there are others who have developed fevers, leading Crusher to conclude that something is spreading around the ship. She then turns her attention to Worf who is completely unresponsive, and notices something else: he has swellings under his jaw that appear to be venom sacs. They prove to be just that as Worf suddenly sprays venom in Crusher's face, then flees sickbay before he can be captured.
In the observation lounge, Ogawa reports that she got Crusher into stasis before she became paralyzed by the venom. She will require reconstructive surgery, but Ogawa believes she will be all right. However, there is still the problem of the mysterious illness affecting the crew. Barclay reports that the venom that affected Crusher has been found in other parts of the ship, including at the ruptured plasma conduit seen earlier. Riker admits to his inability to think straight; he can't think properly when La Forge reports on having trouble locating Worf on sensors. He dismisses the senior staff and tries to send a subspace message to Starfleet concerning their problem, but finds himself unable to recall the codes required.
Act Three
The Enterprise adrift
- "Captain's Log, supplemental. Commander Data and I have recovered the stray torpedo after a three-day search. We are en route back to the Enterprise."
"Deanna?"
Picard and Data are a little puzzled to not be able to locate the Enterprise. A quick search locates the ship, visibly adrift. Upon docking, they ascertain that the ship's power systems are down, environmental systems are configured strangely, and where there should be over a thousand humanoid lifeforms there seems to be a near-equal number of myriad creatures. Some of the characteristics are inconsistent with those of the known crew, such as casting off skin like a reptile. They come upon Troi's quarters and discover her in her bath tub, having somehow developed into an amphibian-like creature. It is their first clue that the crew is undergoing unusual changes.
Data and Jean-Luc Picard discover Ensign Dern's body
Seeking to stabilize the ship, they then go to the bridge, finding it in shambles, with a dead Ensign Dern at the conn (from what appears to be an animal attack), his spine fractured in three places; he had also been affected, but was killed before undergoing any significant changes. From the bridge, Data is able to note that the crew is still on board the ship but in a similar state to that of Troi. Many of them have been gravitating towards water (the aquatic lab) and plants (the arboretum). Picard is unable to restore power to the ship due to the entire power-transfer grid being damaged. Suddenly, they hear a noise coming from the ready room. There they discover Riker, now a brutish proto-Human, attacking the captain's aquarium (in which Livingston, the captain's lionfish, has also devolved into a jellyfish). When he charges them, Data stuns Riker with his phaser. Based on what they've encountered so far, Data announces his hypothesis that the crew is de-evolving.
Act Four
Troi and Riker are taken to sickbay for further analysis. Data, after analyzing Riker's DNA, discovers that a synthetic T-cell has invaded his genetic codes and has begun to activate his latent introns, a result of Crusher's treatment of Barclay. He explains that introns are genetic codes which are normally dormant; they are sequences of DNA which provided key physical and behavioral characteristics millions of years ago, but are no longer necessary. Counselor Troi's gill-slits and other amphibious characteristics, for example, are derived from introns which contain amphibious codes. Because introns can include genetic material from many different species over millions of years of evolution, it is possible that a wide variety of transformations is occurring among the crew. Since all humanoid life has a similar genetic pattern, the virus will work similarly on all non-Human lifeforms as well, and they will each be de-evolving to earlier forms of life in their homeworlds. He informs Picard that he has also been infected by the intron virus, and is now slowly de-evolving into an earlier form of primate.
Realizing that they do not have much time, they decide to act quickly. Since Data's computer in his quarters operates independently from the ship's computer and is probably still intact, they decide to go there in order to examine the situation further. Arriving at his quarters, Data notices that Spot, who has been expecting a litter of kittens, has finally given birth. A further search finds a reptile wearing her collar; they soon realize that the reptile is Spot and that the intron virus is capable of also affecting non-humanoids. Her kittens, however, do not seem to have been affected by the virus that has been plaguing the rest of the crew. Given that Spot's kittens are unaffected, Data and Picard conclude that the placental barriers and amniotic fluid that serve as a filtration system to protect the fetus in the placenta have probably prevented the intron virus from being passed on from Spot to her kittens. They decide that they probably can inhibit the intron virus by using the natural antibodies in Spot's amniotic fluid. However, in order for it to be effective on humanoid crewmembers, humanoid antibodies would be necessary. Recalling that Nurse Ogawa is expecting, they track her down to the arboretum. But before they can begin tracking her down, a failure in a warp plasma vent forces them to detour to main engineering so Data can program repairs. While checking on the warp core, Picard is frightened by the sudden appearance of Barclay, partially transformed into a spider. Data surmises that his terror at the sight (a result of the heightened sense of awareness found in small primates) is an initial symptom of Picard's de-evolution; they need to hurry.
They locate Ogawa (who is apparently partially de-evolved into a proto-Human) and Data begins to analyze Ogawa's fetus, confirming that it is not affected by the virus. He says that he can use her amniotic fluid as a template for a retrovirus which in turn would neutralize the synthetic T-cell and re-establish the genetic patterns of each host. While working on finding a way to most quickly address the situation, something pounds on the sickbay door. Life sign scans show something big, armored, and Klingon; it is Worf.
Act Five
A transformed Worf tries to force his way into sickbay. He appears to be seeking something or someone particular. Picard notices that the bite Worf gave Troi was not to hurt her but rather seemed part of a mating process, and that it appears as if Worf had come back for her. The situation becomes increasingly dangerous as an ever angrier and aggressive Worf almost breaks through the door. Data and Picard cannot just abandon Troi and the others in sickbay, but at the same time, Data needs to continue with his analysis of the amniotic fluid. Picard, who is beginning to experience the effects of the virus himself, suggests distracting Worf and luring him away from sickbay. He suggests extracting pheromones from Troi's sebaceous glands to lure Worf away from sickbay so Data can continue his work and the others are safe.
While Data continues work on the retrovirus, Picard leads Worf on a chase through the Enterprise's corridors until becoming cornered at the ruptured warp plasma conduit La Forge and Barclay had been repairing earlier. Picard improvises, sitting upon the insulated access panel and using the bypassed conduit to send electricity through the Jefferies tube, knocking out Worf. At that moment, Data reports that he has completed the retrovirus. It will make the introns in the crew dormant again; at Picard's consent, he floods the ship with a gaseous form of the new virus, turning the crew back to normal.
In sickbay, Barclay nervously asks Dr. Crusher if all this was his fault. She states that actually it was her fault for having activated a dormant T-cell which, in turn, activated all dormant T-cells (including the introns). She suggests naming the virus after Barclay, calling it the Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome. Jokingly, she tells Troi that Barclay not only devolved into a spider, but also had a new disease named after him. Troi sighs, realizing that she better clear her calendar for the next few weeks.
Memorable Quotes
"Reg, you don't have Terellian Death Syndrome!"
"Are you... you're sure?"
"I'm sure."
- - Crusher and Barclay
"I have spent the past nine weeks as an expectant parent. I would be happy to share my insights with your husband. If my experience is any indication, he will need all the help he can get."
- - Data referring to Spot after Ogawa announces she is pregnant
"The torpedo is out of range."
"Even for your newly improved phasers?"
- - Worf and Riker
"Mr. Worf... I think that you should consider analyzing your new guidance system."
- - Picard after Worf's enhanced photon torpedoes malfunction
"Doctor! My capillaries are shrinking!"
- - Reginald Barclay to Beverly Crusher
"She's such a sweet little kitty."
"She is to you."
- - Reginald Barclay and Data
"Do not approach me unannounced – especially while I am eating."
- - Worf
"Worf... open your mouth."
- - Beverly Crusher, shortly before being hit in the face by Worf's venom
"Are you saying that Worf is spraying this..."
"VENOM!"
"...this venom... all over the ship?"
"I'd say so!"
- - William Riker attempting to comprehend and Reginald Barclay assisting
"Well... before I begin swinging through the ship, looking for breakfast, we need to find some answers."
- - Picard
"What – what's that?"
"It is large, approximately two hundred kilograms. It is heavily armored with an exoskeleton. Life signs appear to be... Klingon."
"Worf!"
- - Data, responding to a terrified Picard, upon discovering the de-evolved Worf
"Do you think he sees us as prey?"
"There are crewmembers in the corridors and other sections of the ship. It would be easier for him to capture and consume one of them than attempt to break through a door."
- - Picard and Data theorizing on Worf's motives
"Well, Mr. Worf... let's hope when you wake up you're a new man."
- - Picard, after subduing Worf in the Jefferies tube.
"He transformed into a spider... and now he's had a disease named after him."
"I think I'd better clear my calendar for the next few weeks."
- - Beverly Crusher and Deanna Troi, after Crusher finishes talking to Reginald Barclay
Background information
McFadden and director of photography Jonathan West
Dwight Schultz and his makeup artist Mike Smithson
McFadden sets up a shot
McFadden and Schultz between takes
Detailed makeup design
Production
- This is the only episode of the series directed by Gates McFadden (Beverly Crusher), and the first episode of Star Trek directed by a female cast member. The next episode directed by a female cast member would be Roxann Dawson when she directed Voyager's "Riddles" six years later.
- It was written into the script that Gates McFadden's character, Beverly Crusher, would be severely disfigured by Worf. She was promptly put into stasis to prevent the injuries from worsening. The absence of Dr. Crusher from much of the episode gave McFadden more time to spend directing the episode. (Star Trek Encyclopedia 2nd ed., p . 92)
- Michael Westmore described his work in this episode as proving to be his greatest challenge. "Everybody mutated – Riker became an Australopithecine, Troi an aquatic animal, Barclay a spider," he recalls. "We never would have been ready if the episode hadn't miraculously fallen right after Christmas. We worked through the holiday." (Star Trek 30 Years, pg. 47)
- First UK airdate: 15 May 1996
Cast
- This episode marks the fifth and final appearance of Dwight Schultz (Reginald Barclay) on the series. He was seen again with the crew in Star Trek: First Contact, and also appeared in six episodes of Voyager.
Sets and props
- The chair in Worf's quarters was also seen in the episodes "Peak Performance", "Family", "Reunion", "Redemption", "New Ground", "Cost of Living", "A Fistful of Datas", "Birthright, Part I", "Parallels", and "Firstborn" and was used as the command chair aboard the Tarellian starship in the first season episode "Haven". It was designed by Peter Opsvik. [1]
- Worf's quarters also feature the statue of Kahless and Morath which can also be seen in "Peak Performance", "Reunion", "New Ground", "Cost of Living", and "Firstborn".
Continuity
- This is the first episode since her promotion that Counselor Troi is seen in command of a duty shift on the bridge.
- This episode follows "Lower Decks" in which Dr. Crusher told Alyssa Ogawa that she'll support her promotion. Ogawa is seen as a lieutenant for the first time.
- Toward the end of the episode, Dr. Crusher comments to Barclay that it is traditional to name new diseases after the first patient. This tradition, evidently, appeared after our own time period. Eponymous diseases have almost always been named for the first person to describe them in medical literature (Parkinson's disease; Down's syndrome; Marfan's syndrome; Kartagener's syndrome). Rare exceptions from our time include Legionnaires' disease (named for a group of people) and Lou Gehrig's disease (unofficially named for a famous – though not the first – sufferer).
- The list of visible transformations include:
- A crewmember, who has de-evolved into a humanoid who shed his/her skin like a snake
- Dern, who had begun to de-evolve before being killed by either Riker or Worf
- Deanna Troi, who has de-evolved into an amphibian
- William T. Riker, who had de-evolved into an Australopithecine
- Livingston, Picard's lionfish, de-evolved into a jellyfish
- Jean-Luc Picard, who had begun to de-evolve (according to Cmdr. Data) into a lemur or pygmy marmoset
- Spot, who had de-evolved into a lizard
- Reginald Barclay, who had de-evolved into a spider-like creature
- Alyssa Ogawa, who had de-evolved into an ape-like humanoid
- Worf, who had de-evolved into a prehistoric proto-Klingon
- Coincidentally, Barclay mentioned that spiders never bothered him in TNG: "Realm of Fear" (also written by Brannon Braga).
Awards
- This episode won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Mixing for a Drama Series; it was also nominated for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Series and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Makeup for a Series.
Video and DVD releases
- UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 86, 22 August 1994
- As part of the TNG Season 7 DVD collection
Links and references
Starring
Also starring
- LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
- Michael Dorn as Lieutenant Worf
- Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
- Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
- Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data
Guest stars
- And
Co-stars
- Carlos Ferro as Ensign Dern
- Majel Barrett as Computer Voice
Uncredited co-stars
- Shawn Belschner as Ten Forward waiter
- Brandy as Spot
- Bud as Spot
- Carl David Burks as Russell
- Cameron as Kellogg
- Tracee Lee Cocco as Jae
- Gary Hunter as science division officer
- Lorine Mendell as Diana Giddings
- Rad Milo as operations division ensign
- Monster as Spot
- Keith Rayve as civilian
- John Tampoya as operations division ensign
- Tyler as Spot
- Unknown performers as
Stunt doubles
- Rusty McClennon as stunt double for Michael Dorn
- Unknown stunt performers as
- Stunt double for Jonathan Frakes
- Stunt double for Marina Sirtis
Stand-ins
- David Keith Anderson - stand-in for LeVar Burton
- Carl David Burks - stand-in for Brent Spiner
- Michael Echols - stand-in for Michael Dorn
- Nora Leonhardt - stand-in for Marina Sirtis
- Lorine Mendell - stand-in for Gates McFadden
- Richard Sarstedt - stand-in for Jonathan Frakes
- Dennis Tracy - stand-in for Patrick Stewart
References
amniotic scan; aquatics lab; arachnid; arboretum; australopithecine; Barclay's Protomorphosis Syndrome; bath tub; Betazoid; biobed; biology; bioscan; biospectral scan; capillary; caviar; cholic acid; Cyprion cactus; dizziness; Earth; Hacopian; Hypatia; hyper-evolution; hypochondria; hypothalamic series; intron; Jefferies tube; K-3 cell; Klingon; litter; Livingston; medical tricorder; mutation; Number one; Ongilin caviar; palpitations; pheromones; photon torpedo; placenta; Powell, Andrew; pygmy marmoset; reconstructive surgery; sebaceous gland; Selar; sickbay; Smith, Rebecca; spread pattern; Starfleet Medical Database; stasis; Symbalene blood burn; type 6 shuttlecraft; Urodelan flu
| Previous episode: "Eye of the Beholder" |
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7 |
Next episode: "Journey's End" |