Memory Alpha
Register
Memory Alpha
Tag: sourceedit
(22 intermediate revisions by 11 users not shown)
Line 36: Line 36:
 
:"''[[Captain's log]], [[Stardate]] 45470.1. The ''Enterprise'' has been diverted to the [[Moab sector]] to track a [[stellar core fragment]] from a disintegrated [[neutron star]]. Our science teams have been asked to monitor the planetary disruptions it may cause.''"
 
:"''[[Captain's log]], [[Stardate]] 45470.1. The ''Enterprise'' has been diverted to the [[Moab sector]] to track a [[stellar core fragment]] from a disintegrated [[neutron star]]. Our science teams have been asked to monitor the planetary disruptions it may cause.''"
   
While the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} crew is observing the fragment, they find that [[Moab IV]], one of the [[planet]]s it would affect as it passes by, is inhabited by [[Human]]s and that an artificial environment has been created there. When they contact the inhabitants, after a reluctant response by [[Aaron Conor]], they arrange to beam down.
+
While the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} crew is observing the fragment, they find that [[Moab IV]], one of the [[planet]]s it would affect as it passes by, is inhabited by [[Human]]s and that an artificial environment [[artificial biosphere|biosphere]] has been created there. When they contact the inhabitants, after a reluctant response by [[Aaron Conor]], Picard arranges for [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] and an [[away team]] to beam down.
   
The [[away team]] explains to Conor and the inhabitants that given the nature of the stellar core fragment evacuation may be inevitable. However, the colonists explain that it is in fact imperative that they remain on the planet and preserve the [[colony]]. It is explained to [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker]] and [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]] that this is a [[genetic engineering|genetically-engineered]] society; their ancestors came from [[Earth]] to create a perfect society, believing that through controlled procreation they could create people without flaws and those people would build a paradise. They have evolved beyond Humanity. They also explain that they have achieved a fully integrated existence with their environment, thanks also to their master design. They cannot separate themselves from it without irreparably altering who and what they are.
+
The away team explains to Conor and [[Martin Benbeck]] that given the nature of the stellar core fragment evacuation may be inevitable. However, Conor and Benbeck explain that it is in fact imperative that they remain on the planet and preserve the [[colony]]. It is explained to Commander Riker, [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi|Troi]] and [[Lieutenant Commander]] [[Geordi La Forge|La Forge]] that this is a [[genetic engineering|genetically-engineered]] society; their ancestors came from [[Earth]] to create a perfect society, believing that through controlled procreation they could create people without flaws and those people would build a paradise. They have evolved beyond Humanity. They also explain that they have achieved a fully integrated existence with their environment, thanks also to their master design. They cannot separate themselves from it without irreparably altering who and what they are.
   
[[Martin Benbeck]], the interpreter of the colony founders' wishes, is the one who continually emphasizes the importance of preserving the balance of their society. He dislikes the away team's presence. Conor, on the other hand, is more receptive: he understands the necessity of them being here, and being the diplomat he is, welcomes them, and allows [[Geordi La Forge]] to work with [[Hannah Bates]] – their top [[astrophysicist]] – to find a solution. He even begins to find a liking in counselor Troi. However, he reiterates that this is a perfect existence for them which they will not give up easily.
+
Benbeck, who is the interpreter of the colony founders' wishes, is the one who continually emphasizes the importance of preserving the balance of their society. He dislikes the away team's presence. Conor, on the other hand, is more receptive: he understands the necessity of them being here, and being the diplomat he is, welcomes them, and allows La Forge to work with [[Hannah Bates]] – their top [[astrophysicist]] – to find a solution. He even begins to find a liking in counselor Troi. However, he reiterates that this is a perfect existence for them which they will not give up easily.
   
 
When Bates shows La Forge a design for a multiphasic tractor beam, he believes the ''Enterprise'' could use it to move the fragment just enough to reduce the effects below dangerous levels. However, he would need her assistance in setting it up, which means she would have to leave the colony and beam up to the ''Enterprise''.
 
When Bates shows La Forge a design for a multiphasic tractor beam, he believes the ''Enterprise'' could use it to move the fragment just enough to reduce the effects below dangerous levels. However, he would need her assistance in setting it up, which means she would have to leave the colony and beam up to the ''Enterprise''.
Line 48: Line 48:
 
:"''Captain's log, supplemental. Commander La Forge and Hannah Bates have spent three days trying to find a way to adjust the path of the core fragment. If they do not succeed in the next 48 hours, we will need to begin evacuation.''"
 
:"''Captain's log, supplemental. Commander La Forge and Hannah Bates have spent three days trying to find a way to adjust the path of the core fragment. If they do not succeed in the next 48 hours, we will need to begin evacuation.''"
   
While discussing the matter with [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]], Troi notes that some of the colonists would chose to risk death rather than leave. Picard, who is opposed to the very ''idea'' of genetic engineering, has a hard time buying that. He thinks it is a bad idea whose time has long passed. He advises Troi to use Conor's openness to suggestions and reasonable attitude, as well as her personal admiration for him, to help him see the reality of the situation and convince others to do the same.
+
While discussing the matter with [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]], Troi notes that some of the colonists would chose to risk [[death]] rather than leave. Picard, who is opposed to the very ''idea'' of genetic engineering, has a hard time buying that. He thinks it is a bad idea whose time has long passed. In his opinion, the genetic engineering practiced by the founders of the colony eliminates much of the qualities that make life worth living. He advises Troi to use Conor's openness to suggestions and reasonable attitude, as well as her personal admiration for him, to help him see the reality of the situation and convince others to do the same.
   
Meanwhile, as Bates and La Forge work on their multiphasic tractor beam, they find that it would overload some of the [[power conduit]]s. As they try to come up with a solution, La Forge takes his [[VISOR]] off, and she sees his non-functioning eyes. He bitterly observes that he probably wouldn't be here, were he born on their world. When she asks about how it works, he explains it to her and suddenly has an idea as how to solve the problem: he suggests using the same technology that his VISOR utilizes. He chuckles, saying that it would be an irony if the answer to all of this is in a device created for a blind man who never would have existed in their society.
+
Meanwhile, as Bates and La Forge work on their multiphasic tractor beam, they find that it would overload some of the [[power conduit]]s. As they try to come up with a solution, a tired La Forge takes his [[VISOR]] off, and she sees his non-functioning eyes. He bitterly observes that he probably wouldn't be here, were he born on their world, likely terminated as a fertilized cell. When she asks about how it works, he explains it to her and suddenly has an idea as how to solve the problem: he suggests using the same technology that his VISOR utilizes. He chuckles, saying that it would be an irony if the answer to all of this is in a device created for a blind man who never would have existed in their society.
   
Down on the planet, during a [[piano]] recital, there is an [[earthquake]]. It is the first tremor of what would become many. Counselor Troi is strongly attracted to Conor, almost falling in love. That's when she realizes that this is all wrong. Conor is obviously changed, ever since the ''Enterprise'' has been in touch with the colony, and she is concerned that this is affecting his decision making. He seems willing to throw everything away for her, not just for the survival of the colony. While they are discussing the situation, La Forge and Bates beam down on the planet stating that a team of fifty engineers from the ''Enterprise'' is needed to reinforce the structure and solve their problem. Conor agrees.
+
Down on the planet, during a [[piano]] recital by {{dis|Matthew|Moab IV}}, there is an [[earthquake]]. It is the first tremor of what would become many. Counselor Troi is strongly attracted to Conor, almost falling in love. That's when she realizes that this is all wrong. Conor is obviously changed, ever since the ''Enterprise'' has been in touch with the colony, and she is concerned that this is affecting his decision making. He seems willing to throw everything away for her, not just for the survival of the colony. While they are discussing the situation, La Forge and Bates beam down on the planet stating that a team of fifty engineers from the ''Enterprise'' is needed to reinforce the structure and solve their problem. Conor agrees.
   
 
:"''Captain's log, supplemental. The ''Enterprise'' has moved to a parallel course with core fragment. We must adjust its trajectory by a minimum of 1.2 degrees to ensure the colony's safety.''"
 
:"''Captain's log, supplemental. The ''Enterprise'' has moved to a parallel course with core fragment. We must adjust its trajectory by a minimum of 1.2 degrees to ensure the colony's safety.''"
   
Slowly, the ''Enterprise'' pushes the fragment away, almost losing life support in the process. Conor is pleased, as is everyone on the colony.
+
Bates and La Forge activate the tractor beam in engineering and begin to use it on the fragment. Slowly but surely, the ''Enterprise'' pushes the fragment away, almost losing life support in the process. Conor is pleased, as is everyone on the colony. He is patched through to Bates and tells her the entire colony will celebrate her return. After the channel is closed, Bates walks away, looking reluctant to returning.
   
 
:"''Captain's log, supplemental. The stellar core fragment has passed safely out of the Moab system. The colony was shaken by powerful tremors, but fortunately there were no injuries, and only minor damage was reported.''"
 
:"''Captain's log, supplemental. The stellar core fragment has passed safely out of the Moab system. The colony was shaken by powerful tremors, but fortunately there were no injuries, and only minor damage was reported.''"
   
It is only now, after most of the engineering crews have left, that the damage has been done. When Bates indicates a breach in the [[artificial biosphere]], and goes to the lab to analyze it, La Forge points out that there is no such breach for his VISOR's positronic scan would have detected it. He concludes she faked the incidence. Bates admits she did that because of her encounters outside her world: if she's so brilliant, she wonders, why didn't she invent [[starship]]s or [[deflector shield]]ing. As a result, she requests asylum, and Riker indicates she may not be the only one wishing to leave.
+
It is only now, after most of the engineering crews have left, that the damage has been done. When Bates indicates a breach in the artificial biosphere and goes to the lab to analyze it, La Forge points out that there is no such breach for his VISOR's positronic scan would have detected even the smallest crack. He concludes she faked the incidence. Bates admits she did that because of her encounters outside her world: if she's so brilliant, she wonders, why didn't she invent [[starship]]s or [[deflector shield]]ing. As a result, she requests asylum, and Riker indicates she may not be the only one wishing to leave.
   
 
Captain Picard himself finally takes this opportunity to meet Aaron Conor. Benbeck immediately starts attacking Picard, saying all of these people wanting to leave is his fault. Conor decides to talk to Captain Picard alone, and explains he didn't want to listen to Martin from the first moment they were hailed. He understands the desire to leave, with a curiosity about the outside world, and feels responsible for it happening. He asks that Picard refuse them passage, since his leaving will solve the problem he created with his arrival. Picard points out that this is simplistic. He cannot deny their human rights, whatever other consequences it may have. However, he is willing to try to dissuade them from leaving. Unfortunately, they fail to persuade the people to stay.
 
Captain Picard himself finally takes this opportunity to meet Aaron Conor. Benbeck immediately starts attacking Picard, saying all of these people wanting to leave is his fault. Conor decides to talk to Captain Picard alone, and explains he didn't want to listen to Martin from the first moment they were hailed. He understands the desire to leave, with a curiosity about the outside world, and feels responsible for it happening. He asks that Picard refuse them passage, since his leaving will solve the problem he created with his arrival. Picard points out that this is simplistic. He cannot deny their human rights, whatever other consequences it may have. However, he is willing to try to dissuade them from leaving. Unfortunately, they fail to persuade the people to stay.
   
The ''Enterprise'' takes them, 23 in all, as Conor wonders about what his mistake was. And Picard points out this is the best reminder of the [[Prime Directive]], but Riker reminds Picard that because they're Human, the Prime Directive does not apply. Despite that technicality, Picard realizes they were as destructive as any core fragment.
+
The ''Enterprise'' takes them, 23 in all, as Conor wonders about what his mistake was. And Picard points out this is the best reminder of the [[Prime Directive]], but Riker reminds Picard that because they're Human, the Prime Directive does not apply. Despite that technicality, Picard realizes they may have been just as destructive as any core fragment could ever have been.
   
 
==Memorable Quotes==
 
==Memorable Quotes==
Line 75: Line 75:
 
"Terribly ''wrong.''"
 
"Terribly ''wrong.''"
 
: - '''Deanna Troi''' and '''Aaron Conor''', as they kiss
 
: - '''Deanna Troi''' and '''Aaron Conor''', as they kiss
  +
  +
  +
"''Picard, I was born to govern this colony, not to dismantle it.''"<br />
  +
"''If you force them to stay, you will be suppressing their Human rights.''"
  +
: - '''Conor''' and '''Picard''', as members of the Genome colony on Moab IV consider leaving
  +
  +
  +
"''Your arrival created this problem; your departure solves it.''"<br />
  +
"''That is simplistic.''"
  +
: - '''Conor''' and '''Picard'''
  +
  +
  +
"''We were innocent. It will never be that way again.''"
  +
: - '''Hannah Bates'''
   
   
 
"''It was the wish of our founders that no one have to suffer a life of disabilities.''"<br />
 
"''It was the wish of our founders that no one have to suffer a life of disabilities.''"<br />
 
"''Who gave them the right to decide whether or not I might have something to contribute?"
 
"''Who gave them the right to decide whether or not I might have something to contribute?"
: - '''La Forge''' and '''Hannah Bates''', on [[eugenics]]
+
: - '''Hannah Bates''' and '''La Forge''', on [[eugenics]]
   
   
Line 103: Line 117:
 
"''Genetic manipulation or not, nobody's perfect.''"
 
"''Genetic manipulation or not, nobody's perfect.''"
 
: - '''Picard'''
 
: - '''Picard'''
  +
  +
  +
"''We are responsible.''"<br />
  +
"''We had to respond to the threat of the core fragment, didn't we?''"<br />
  +
"''Of course we did. But, in the end... we may have proved just as dangerous to that colony as any core fragment could ''ever'' have been.''"
  +
: - '''Picard''' and '''Riker''' discussing the fate of the now crippled Genome colony (last lines)
   
 
== Background Information ==
 
== Background Information ==
Line 116: Line 136:
 
* The piano piece played by the young pianist [[Matthew (Moab IV)|Matthew]] at the colony is Chopin's ''Prelude in E minor'' (Op. 28 No. 4).
 
* The piano piece played by the young pianist [[Matthew (Moab IV)|Matthew]] at the colony is Chopin's ''Prelude in E minor'' (Op. 28 No. 4).
 
* This is [[John Snyder]]'s second appearance on [[TNG]]. His first appearance was as [[Romulan]] [[Centurion]] [[Bochra]] in {{e|The Enemy}}.
 
* This is [[John Snyder]]'s second appearance on [[TNG]]. His first appearance was as [[Romulan]] [[Centurion]] [[Bochra]] in {{e|The Enemy}}.
* Regarding this episode's clear focus upon themes of eugenics and genetic engineering, Picard refers to them as a "dubious scientific endeavor" whose "time has passed", which perhaps mirror humanity's experience through the [[Eugenics Wars]] or [[Khan Noonien Singh|Khan]], although no direct mention is done. Earlier in the season, he explicitly refers to Khan as a tyrant, comparing him to Adolf Hitler in {{e|A Matter of Time}}. Eugenics have also been featured in {{e|Unnatural Selection}} although there was no criticism from Picard.
+
* Regarding this episode's clear focus upon themes of eugenics and genetic engineering, Picard refers to them as a "dubious scientific endeavor" whose "time has passed", which perhaps mirror humanity's experience through the [[Eugenics Wars]] or [[Khan Noonien Singh|Khan]], although no direct mention is done. Earlier in the season, he explicitly refers to Khan as a tyrant, comparing him to Adolf Hitler in {{e|A Matter of Time}}. Eugenics have also been featured in {{e|Unnatural Selection}} although there was no overt criticism from Picard. His disapproval was, however, implied when he responds to the genetically-engineered humans being referred to as the future of humanity with "At least [[Sara Kingsley|Doctor Kingsley's]] vision of it."
   
 
=== Reception ===
 
=== Reception ===
Line 157: Line 177:
 
* [[Copeland]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Copeland]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Carreo]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Carreo]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Tony Cruz]] as [[Lopez (Ensign)|Lopez]]
+
* [[Tony Cruz]] as {{dis|Lopez|Ensign}}
 
* [[Cushman]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Cushman]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Davis (background actress)|Davis]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
+
* {{dis|Davis|background actress}} as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Larry DeRussy]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Larry DeRussy]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Echeverria]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Children|Genome colony child]]
 
* [[Echeverria]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Children|Genome colony child]]
 
* [[Gunnel Eriksson]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Gunnel Eriksson]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Daniel Fawcett]] as [[Matthew (Moab IV)|Matthew]]
+
* [[Daniel Fawcett]] as {{dis|Matthew|Moab IV}}
 
* [[Franco]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Franco]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[S. Halm]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[S. Halm]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Grace Harrell]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female operations officer|operations division officer]]
+
* [[Grace Harrell]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female operations officer|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Hazelbarth]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Hazelbarth]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Hightower]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Hightower]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Jackson (actor)|Jackson]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
+
* {{dis|Jackson|actor}} as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[James (actor)|James]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
+
* {{dis|James|actor}} as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Johnson (actor)|Johnson]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
+
* {{dis|Johnson|actor}} as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Mark Lentry]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Candlelight lieutenant|science division lieutenant]]
+
* [[Mark Lentry]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Candlelight lieutenant|science division lieutenant]]
 
* [[Marianne Lewis]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Lab technicians|Moab IV lab technician]]
 
* [[Marianne Lewis]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Lab technicians|Moab IV lab technician]]
 
* [[Michaels]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Michaels]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Bridge science ensign|science division ensign]]
+
* [[Michael Moorehead]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Bridge science ensign|science division ensign]]
* [[Morrow (actor)|Morrow]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
+
* {{dis|Morrow|actor}} as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Portnoy]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Portnoy]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Ramkisson]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Children|Genome colony child]]
 
* [[Ramkisson]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Children|Genome colony child]]
Line 182: Line 202:
 
* [[Joyce Robinson]] as [[Gates]]
 
* [[Joyce Robinson]] as [[Gates]]
 
* [[Seo]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Seo]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Sissy Sessions]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Transporter Ensign (2369)|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Sissy Sessions]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Transporter Ensign (2369)|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Sprague]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Sprague]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Warren Tabata]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Warren Tabata]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Takemoto]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
 
* [[Takemoto]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Colonists|Moab IV colonist]]
* [[Théyard]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Away team science officer|science division officer]]
+
* [[Théyard]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Away team science officer|science division officer]]
 
* [[John Thibodeau]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Lab technicians|Moab IV lab technician]]
 
* [[John Thibodeau]] as [[Moab IV inhabitants#Lab technicians|Moab IV lab technician]]
 
* [[Guy Vardaman]] as [[Darien Wallace]]
 
* [[Guy Vardaman]] as [[Darien Wallace]]
 
* [[Christina Wegler Miles]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Flight controller (2368)|command division ensign]]
 
* [[Christina Wegler Miles]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) command division personnel#Flight controller (2368)|command division ensign]]
* [[Young (actor)|Young]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Science division officer (2367)|science division officer]]
+
* [[Harry Young]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Science division officer (2367)|science division officer]]
 
* [[Unknown actor]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Transporter officer (2368)|Transporter officer (voice)]]
 
* [[Unknown actor]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Transporter officer (2368)|Transporter officer (voice)]]
   
Line 206: Line 226:
   
 
===References===
 
===References===
[[abortion]]; [[administrator]]; [[artificial biosphere]]; [[asteroid]]; [[astrophysicist]]; [[asylum]]; [[Betazoid]]; [[blindness]]; [[Chopin]]; [[colony]]; [[conception]]; [[DNA]]; [[defensive shield]]; [[dogma]]; [[Earth]]; [[earthquake]]; [[egg]]; [[emitter array]]; [[engineering team]]; [[eugenics]]; [[Federation]]; [[genetic engineering]]; [[geneticist]]; [[Genome colony]]; [[governor]]; [[graviton generator]]; [[hertz]]; ''[[Humpty Dumpty]]''; [[laborer]]; [[matter-antimatter warp reaction system]]; [[matter-energy transport]]; [[microscopic lifeform]]; [[Moab IV]]; [[Moab sector]]; [[Moab system]]; [[molecular pattern enhancer]]; [[moon]]; [[multiphase tractor beam]]; [[neutron star]]; [[nursery rhyme]]; [[plant]]; [[plasma]]; [[poet]]; [[poetry]]; [[positronic scan]]; [[Prime Directive]]; [[procreation]]; [[Richter magnitude scale]]; [[scientist]]; [[shield generator]]; [[stellar core fragment]]; [[subspace relay]]; [[suicide]]; [[terahertz]]; [[terawatt]]; [[theoretical physics]]; [[toxicity]]; [[tractor beam]]; [[tractor beam generator]]; [[turbolift]]; [[VISOR]]; [[visual cortex]]
+
[[abortion]]; [[administrator]]; [[Alpha Moab]]; [[artificial biosphere]]; [[asteroid]]; [[astrophysicist]]; [[asylum]]; [[Betazoid]]; [[blindness]]; [[Chopin]]; [[colony]]; [[conception]]; [[disability]]; [[DNA]]; [[defensive shield]]; [[dogma]]; [[Earth]]; [[earthquake]]; [[egg]]; [[emitter array]]; [[engineering team]]; [[eugenics]]; [[Federation]]; [[genetic engineering]]; [[geneticist]]; [[Genome colony]]; [[governor]]; [[graviton generator]]; [[hertz]]; [[Human rights]]; ''[[Humpty Dumpty]]''; [[laborer]]; [[matter-antimatter warp reaction system]]; [[matter-energy transport]]; [[microscopic lifeform]]; [[Moab I]]; [[Moab II]]; [[Moab III]]; [[Moab IV]]; [[Moab V]]; [[Moab VI]]; [[Moab sector]]; [[Moab system]]; [[molecular pattern enhancer]]; [[moon]]; [[multiphase tractor beam]]; [[neutron star]]; [[Number one]]; [[nursery rhyme]]; [[plant]]; [[plasma]]; [[poet]]; [[poetry]]; [[positronic scan]]; [[Prime Directive]]; [[procreation]]; [[Richter magnitude scale]]; [[scientist]]; [[shield generator]]; [[stellar core fragment]]; [[subspace relay]]; [[suicide]]; [[terahertz]]; [[terawatt]]; [[theoretical physics]]; [[toxicity]]; [[tractor beam]]; [[tractor beam generator]]; [[tractor beam systems]]; [[turbolift]]; [[VISOR]]; [[visual cortex]]
   
 
===External link===
 
===External link===
Line 212: Line 232:
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=5|last={{e|Violations}}|next={{e|Conundrum}}}}
 
{{TNG nav|season=5|last={{e|Violations}}|next={{e|Conundrum}}}}
  +
 
[[Category:TNG episodes|Masterpiece Society, The]]
   
 
[[de:Das künstliche Paradies]]
 
[[de:Das künstliche Paradies]]
 
[[es:The Masterpiece Society]]
 
[[es:The Masterpiece Society]]
[[fr:The Masterpiece Society]]
+
[[fr:The Masterpiece Society (épisode)]]
[[ja:TNG:遺伝子操作惑星]]
+
[[ja:遺伝子操作惑星(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:The Masterpiece Society]]
 
[[nl:The Masterpiece Society]]
 
[[pl:The Masterpiece Society]]
 
[[pl:The Masterpiece Society]]
[[Category:TNG episodes|Masterpiece Society, The]]
 

Revision as of 15:47, 14 August 2015

Template:Realworld

The Enterprise tries to save a "perfect" colony from destruction, but the assistance causes damage of its own.

Summary

"Captain's log, Stardate 45470.1. The Enterprise has been diverted to the Moab sector to track a stellar core fragment from a disintegrated neutron star. Our science teams have been asked to monitor the planetary disruptions it may cause."

While the USS Enterprise-D crew is observing the fragment, they find that Moab IV, one of the planets it would affect as it passes by, is inhabited by Humans and that an artificial environment biosphere has been created there. When they contact the inhabitants, after a reluctant response by Aaron Conor, Picard arranges for Commander Riker and an away team to beam down.

The away team explains to Conor and Martin Benbeck that given the nature of the stellar core fragment evacuation may be inevitable. However, Conor and Benbeck explain that it is in fact imperative that they remain on the planet and preserve the colony. It is explained to Commander Riker, Counselor Troi and Lieutenant Commander La Forge that this is a genetically-engineered society; their ancestors came from Earth to create a perfect society, believing that through controlled procreation they could create people without flaws and those people would build a paradise. They have evolved beyond Humanity. They also explain that they have achieved a fully integrated existence with their environment, thanks also to their master design. They cannot separate themselves from it without irreparably altering who and what they are.

Benbeck, who is the interpreter of the colony founders' wishes, is the one who continually emphasizes the importance of preserving the balance of their society. He dislikes the away team's presence. Conor, on the other hand, is more receptive: he understands the necessity of them being here, and being the diplomat he is, welcomes them, and allows La Forge to work with Hannah Bates – their top astrophysicist – to find a solution. He even begins to find a liking in counselor Troi. However, he reiterates that this is a perfect existence for them which they will not give up easily.

When Bates shows La Forge a design for a multiphasic tractor beam, he believes the Enterprise could use it to move the fragment just enough to reduce the effects below dangerous levels. However, he would need her assistance in setting it up, which means she would have to leave the colony and beam up to the Enterprise.

Benbeck strongly objects, arguing that her absence would create a dangerous imbalance. Insistent though he is, Conor overrules him, and she is beamed aboard.

"Captain's log, supplemental. Commander La Forge and Hannah Bates have spent three days trying to find a way to adjust the path of the core fragment. If they do not succeed in the next 48 hours, we will need to begin evacuation."

While discussing the matter with Captain Picard, Troi notes that some of the colonists would chose to risk death rather than leave. Picard, who is opposed to the very idea of genetic engineering, has a hard time buying that. He thinks it is a bad idea whose time has long passed. In his opinion, the genetic engineering practiced by the founders of the colony eliminates much of the qualities that make life worth living. He advises Troi to use Conor's openness to suggestions and reasonable attitude, as well as her personal admiration for him, to help him see the reality of the situation and convince others to do the same.

Meanwhile, as Bates and La Forge work on their multiphasic tractor beam, they find that it would overload some of the power conduits. As they try to come up with a solution, a tired La Forge takes his VISOR off, and she sees his non-functioning eyes. He bitterly observes that he probably wouldn't be here, were he born on their world, likely terminated as a fertilized cell. When she asks about how it works, he explains it to her and suddenly has an idea as how to solve the problem: he suggests using the same technology that his VISOR utilizes. He chuckles, saying that it would be an irony if the answer to all of this is in a device created for a blind man who never would have existed in their society.

Down on the planet, during a piano recital by Matthew, there is an earthquake. It is the first tremor of what would become many. Counselor Troi is strongly attracted to Conor, almost falling in love. That's when she realizes that this is all wrong. Conor is obviously changed, ever since the Enterprise has been in touch with the colony, and she is concerned that this is affecting his decision making. He seems willing to throw everything away for her, not just for the survival of the colony. While they are discussing the situation, La Forge and Bates beam down on the planet stating that a team of fifty engineers from the Enterprise is needed to reinforce the structure and solve their problem. Conor agrees.

"Captain's log, supplemental. The Enterprise has moved to a parallel course with core fragment. We must adjust its trajectory by a minimum of 1.2 degrees to ensure the colony's safety."

Bates and La Forge activate the tractor beam in engineering and begin to use it on the fragment. Slowly but surely, the Enterprise pushes the fragment away, almost losing life support in the process. Conor is pleased, as is everyone on the colony. He is patched through to Bates and tells her the entire colony will celebrate her return. After the channel is closed, Bates walks away, looking reluctant to returning.

"Captain's log, supplemental. The stellar core fragment has passed safely out of the Moab system. The colony was shaken by powerful tremors, but fortunately there were no injuries, and only minor damage was reported."

It is only now, after most of the engineering crews have left, that the damage has been done. When Bates indicates a breach in the artificial biosphere and goes to the lab to analyze it, La Forge points out that there is no such breach for his VISOR's positronic scan would have detected even the smallest crack. He concludes she faked the incidence. Bates admits she did that because of her encounters outside her world: if she's so brilliant, she wonders, why didn't she invent starships or deflector shielding. As a result, she requests asylum, and Riker indicates she may not be the only one wishing to leave.

Captain Picard himself finally takes this opportunity to meet Aaron Conor. Benbeck immediately starts attacking Picard, saying all of these people wanting to leave is his fault. Conor decides to talk to Captain Picard alone, and explains he didn't want to listen to Martin from the first moment they were hailed. He understands the desire to leave, with a curiosity about the outside world, and feels responsible for it happening. He asks that Picard refuse them passage, since his leaving will solve the problem he created with his arrival. Picard points out that this is simplistic. He cannot deny their human rights, whatever other consequences it may have. However, he is willing to try to dissuade them from leaving. Unfortunately, they fail to persuade the people to stay.

The Enterprise takes them, 23 in all, as Conor wonders about what his mistake was. And Picard points out this is the best reminder of the Prime Directive, but Riker reminds Picard that because they're Human, the Prime Directive does not apply. Despite that technicality, Picard realizes they may have been just as destructive as any core fragment could ever have been.

Memorable Quotes

"Perhaps it is your imperfections that make you so unique?"

- Aaron Conor trying to smooth talk Deanna Troi


"This is wrong."
"Terribly wrong."

- Deanna Troi and Aaron Conor, as they kiss


"Picard, I was born to govern this colony, not to dismantle it."
"If you force them to stay, you will be suppressing their Human rights."

- Conor and Picard, as members of the Genome colony on Moab IV consider leaving


"Your arrival created this problem; your departure solves it."
"That is simplistic."

- Conor and Picard


"We were innocent. It will never be that way again."

- Hannah Bates


"It was the wish of our founders that no one have to suffer a life of disabilities."
"Who gave them the right to decide whether or not I might have something to contribute?"

- Hannah Bates and La Forge, on eugenics


"Oh, that's perfect."
"What?"
"If the answer to all of this is in a VISOR created for a blind man who never would have existed in your society."

- La Forge and Hannah Bates


"My VISOR's positronic scan would have detected the leak. Its molecular-pattern enhancer would pick up even the smallest crack."
"The damn thing doesn't miss much, does it?"

- La Forge and Hannah Bates


"They've managed to turn a dubious scientific endeavor into dogma."

- Picard


"They've given away their Humanity with this genetic manipulation. Many of the qualities that they breed out – the uncertainty, self-discovery, the unknown – these are many of the qualities that make life worth living. Well, at least to me. I wouldn't want to live my life knowing that my future was written, that my boundaries had been already set."

- Picard, on genetic engineering


"Genetic manipulation or not, nobody's perfect."

- Picard


"We are responsible."
"We had to respond to the threat of the core fragment, didn't we?"
"Of course we did. But, in the end... we may have proved just as dangerous to that colony as any core fragment could ever have been."

- Picard and Riker discussing the fate of the now crippled Genome colony (last lines)

Background Information

Story and production

Continuity

  • Both Ron Canada and Dey Young's next Star Trek appearances are in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Canada plays Advocate Ch'Pok in "Rules of Engagement" and Young plays Arissa in "A Simple Investigation".
  • The piano piece played by the young pianist Matthew at the colony is Chopin's Prelude in E minor (Op. 28 No. 4).
  • This is John Snyder's second appearance on TNG. His first appearance was as Romulan Centurion Bochra in "The Enemy".
  • Regarding this episode's clear focus upon themes of eugenics and genetic engineering, Picard refers to them as a "dubious scientific endeavor" whose "time has passed", which perhaps mirror humanity's experience through the Eugenics Wars or Khan, although no direct mention is done. Earlier in the season, he explicitly refers to Khan as a tyrant, comparing him to Adolf Hitler in "A Matter of Time". Eugenics have also been featured in "Unnatural Selection" although there was no overt criticism from Picard. His disapproval was, however, implied when he responds to the genetically-engineered humans being referred to as the future of humanity with "At least Doctor Kingsley's vision of it."

Reception

  • Piller remarked, "This was the beginning of me feeling better about the season. It was another one of these shows that had been around for awhile and a lot of writers had taken a shot at. It dealt with genetic engineering and abortions and interesting things for Geordi to do, and the relationship between Troi and the leader of the society. I think it's a real classic tragedy, because everybody was trying to do the right thing in that episode and it ended up in destruction. Aside from some disappointment in casting, I was rather pleased with that. I think a lot of people were rather pleased they liked it as much as they did." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Other members of the production staff were not as enthused by the final episode. Rick Berman stated, "It's a very philosophical issue that we felt seriously about, and a show that I thought was disappointing and didn't turn out as well as I had hoped. It was slow and talky and we had casting problems. As for the abortion issue, that's nonsense. It was totally unintended. I think that there are very few people on our writing staff who would be involved with something that would be a non-choice outlook." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Likewise, Jeri Taylor commented, "Michael and I are at odds about it. It was an idea I didn't like from the beginning. I didn't like the concept. I wasn't wild about the script. I thought it was one of our weakest episodes of the season." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Director Winrich Kolbe observed, "The people were too damn perfect, and I don't think perfection makes for good drama. I wasn't too intrigued with the lead actor either and that turned out to be kind of a flat episode for me." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Ronald D. Moore remarked, "This is another example of a show that doesn't really work too well. We sort of show up at a genetically perfect colony – which in and of itself is starting to bore me – and when we get there, it's 'Gee, Troi falls in love with one of the people.' You can't wait to get up and get a beer." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 20, pp. 38-41.
  • Director Kolbe also remarks, "I liked that idea, but I'm not satisfied with the casting. I don't think the episode had enough energy. Maybe it's unfair to blame the casting. Maybe I just didn't give it the energy. I liked the concept and the script. I just didn't like the show." (The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 21, p. 31)

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Co-star

Uncredited co-stars

Stand-ins

References

abortion; administrator; Alpha Moab; artificial biosphere; asteroid; astrophysicist; asylum; Betazoid; blindness; Chopin; colony; conception; disability; DNA; defensive shield; dogma; Earth; earthquake; egg; emitter array; engineering team; eugenics; Federation; genetic engineering; geneticist; Genome colony; governor; graviton generator; hertz; Human rights; Humpty Dumpty; laborer; matter-antimatter warp reaction system; matter-energy transport; microscopic lifeform; Moab I; Moab II; Moab III; Moab IV; Moab V; Moab VI; Moab sector; Moab system; molecular pattern enhancer; moon; multiphase tractor beam; neutron star; Number one; nursery rhyme; plant; plasma; poet; poetry; positronic scan; Prime Directive; procreation; Richter magnitude scale; scientist; shield generator; stellar core fragment; subspace relay; suicide; terahertz; terawatt; theoretical physics; toxicity; tractor beam; tractor beam generator; tractor beam systems; turbolift; VISOR; visual cortex

External link

Previous episode:
"Violations"
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 5
Next episode:
"Conundrum"