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:"''[[Captain's log]], supplemental. The sudden disappearance of our probe suggests that we may have found the first instance of what is called [[null space]], an anomaly which until now had been only theoretical. [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] has been working around the clock with a team of [[J'naii]] specialists to formalise this hypothesis.''"
 
:"''[[Captain's log]], supplemental. The sudden disappearance of our probe suggests that we may have found the first instance of what is called [[null space]], an anomaly which until now had been only theoretical. [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] has been working around the clock with a team of [[J'naii]] specialists to formalise this hypothesis.''"
   
When the [[J'naii]] mysteriously lose track of one of their [[J'naii shuttle|shuttlecraft]] within their own star system, they request the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel|crew]] to assist in the investigation to locate it. A pocket of [[null space]] is discovered in the system. Believing the missing shuttle to be trapped inside the pocket, [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] and [[Soren]] of the J'naii devise a rescue plan. Soren insists on being involved in the rescue mission.
+
When the [[J'naii]] mysteriously lose track of one of their [[J'naii shuttle|shuttlecraft]] within their own star system, they request the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel|crew]] to assist in the investigation to locate it. A pocket of [[null space]] is discovered in the system, which until now had been considered theoretical. Believing the missing shuttle to be trapped inside the pocket, [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] and [[Soren]] of the J'naii devise a rescue plan. Soren insists on being involved in the rescue mission, as Soren is a good pilot. Riker suggests they team up.
   
 
:"''[[Captain's log]], supplemental. [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] and the [[Soren|J'naii pilot]] have set out to chart the [[null space]] pocket. If they are successful, we can then proceed with a rescue attempt.''"
 
:"''[[Captain's log]], supplemental. [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Riker]] and the [[Soren|J'naii pilot]] have set out to chart the [[null space]] pocket. If they are successful, we can then proceed with a rescue attempt.''"
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Working closely with the ''Enterprise'' crew, and Commander Riker in particular, Soren reveals to be curious about the differences between males and females. Even though there are differences, [[Beverly Crusher]] tells Soren, men and women are considered equal. However during a poker game [[Worf]] reveals he is bothered by the [[Gender|genderless]] J'naii, because he still has stereotypical views on men and women and does not know how to relate to the J'naii.
 
Working closely with the ''Enterprise'' crew, and Commander Riker in particular, Soren reveals to be curious about the differences between males and females. Even though there are differences, [[Beverly Crusher]] tells Soren, men and women are considered equal. However during a poker game [[Worf]] reveals he is bothered by the [[Gender|genderless]] J'naii, because he still has stereotypical views on men and women and does not know how to relate to the J'naii.
   
Soren reveals to Riker that the J'naii consider it a [[Crime and punishment|criminal]] [[perversion]] for a J'naii to identify as either male or female, but Soren admits to having secretly identified as a female since childhood and having had relationships in secret with those who identify as males. Soren finds Riker attractive and is interested in starting a relationship with him. After the successful rescue of the J'naii shuttle crew, Riker and Soren secretly kiss. The kiss is witnessed by [[Krite]], a colleague of Soren, who subsequently has Soren arrested. At the same time, Riker is discussing with [[Deanna Troi]] how it would affect their relationship if he pursues the relationship with Soren. Troi puts aside Riker's fears of losing their friendship.
+
Soren reveals to Riker that the J'naii consider it a [[Crime and punishment|criminal]] [[perversion]] for a J'naii to identify as either male or female, but Soren admits to having secretly identified as a female since childhood and having had relationships in secret with those who identify as males. Soren finds Riker attractive and is interested in starting a relationship with him. After the successful rescue of the J'naii shuttle crew using the ''[[Magellan]]'', Riker and Soren secretly [[kiss]]. The kiss is witnessed by [[Krite]], a colleague of Soren, who subsequently has Soren arrested. At the same time, Riker is discussing with [[Deanna Troi]] how it would affect their relationship if he pursues the relationship with Soren. Troi puts aside Riker's fears of losing their friendship, telling him that that will never change.
   
Soren is brought before a tribunal to confirm or deny the charges of perversion. Commander Riker intrudes on the proceedings and pleads for Soren's release, saying he forced himself on Soren. Soren however is tired of living a lie and makes a diatribe for acceptance of all those with gender identities. The tribunal, incapable of open-mindedness, sentences Soren to receive treatment on the following day. Riker asks the tribunal for permission to give Soren [[Political asylum|asylum]] aboard the ''Enterprise'' in lieu of the treatment, but the request is denied, as the J'naii see Soren's condition as a simple sickness they have an obligation to cure.
+
While walking to Soren's [[quarters]], Riker is told by Krite that Soren is being brought before a tribunal to confirm or deny the charges of perversion. Commander Riker intrudes on the proceedings and pleads to [[Noor]] for Soren's release, saying he forced himself on Soren. Soren however is tired of living a lie and makes a plea for acceptance of all those with gender identities. The tribunal, incapable of open-mindedness, sentences Soren to receive treatment on the following day. Riker asks the tribunal for permission to give Soren [[Political asylum|asylum]] aboard the ''Enterprise'' in lieu of the treatment, but the request is denied, as the J'naii see Soren's condition as a simple sickness they have an obligation to cure.
   
Picard offers to negotiate with [[Noor]], the leader of the J'naii, for Soren's release. He urges Riker not to take matters into his own hands as he would be violating the [[Prime Directive]] if he does, thus putting himself at risk of losing his career in [[Starfleet]]. Riker, however, is convinced the J'naii's minds are set and any negotiations would be futile. Worf overcomes his prejudices after hearing of the events that had transpired on the planet. The same evening, Riker and Worf lead a rescue mission together to save Soren. They are able to get Soren away from the security guards, however they are too late. Soren has already undergone [[psychotectic treatment]] and has no more interest in Riker.
+
Picard offers to negotiate with Noor, the leader of the J'naii, for Soren's release. He urges Riker not to take matters into his own hands as he would be violating the [[Prime Directive]] if he does, thus putting himself at risk of losing his career in [[Starfleet]]. Riker, however, is convinced the J'naii's minds are set and any negotiations would be futile. Worf overcomes his prejudices after hearing of the events that had transpired on the planet. The same evening, Riker and Worf lead a rescue mission together to save Soren. They are able to get Soren away from the security guards, however they are too late. Soren has already undergone the [[psychotectic treatment]] and has no more interest in Riker.
   
After warning buoys have been deployed around the null space pocket, the ''Enterprise'' is prepared to leave the system. Picard asks Riker if all their business with the J'naii is finished, and he answers without emotion, "finished, sir".
+
After [[warning buoy]]s have been deployed around the null space pocket, the ''Enterprise'' is prepared to leave the system. Picard asks Riker if all their business with the J'naii is finished, and he answers without emotion, "finished, sir". Picard orders [[Ensign]] [[Gates]] to take the ''Enterprise'' to [[warp factor|warp]] six, while Riker stares ahead, distraught.
   
 
==Memorable Quotes==
 
==Memorable Quotes==
  +
"''We prefer to stay warm by sleeping with a friend.''"<br />
  +
"''...I see.''"<br />
  +
"''Not to mate.''"
  +
: - '''Soren''' and '''Riker'''
  +
  +
  +
"''It's hard to grasp the idea of no gender.''"
  +
: - '''Riker''', on the androgynous J'naii
  +
  +
 
"''Tell me... about males. What is it that makes you different from females?''"<br />
 
"''Tell me... about males. What is it that makes you different from females?''"<br />
 
"''Snips and snails and puppy dogs' tails...''"<br />
 
"''Snips and snails and puppy dogs' tails...''"<br />
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"''Uhhh...''"
 
"''Uhhh...''"
 
: - '''Soren''' and '''Riker''', while in the shuttle
 
: - '''Soren''' and '''Riker''', while in the shuttle
  +
  +
  +
"''For Humans, the sexual act brings a closeness and intimacy. It can be a very pleasurable experience.''"
  +
: - '''Riker''' discusses sex between a man and a woman to Soren
   
   
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* The Pre-Production meeting for this episode was on {{d|16|December|1991}} at 2:00 p.m. at the Cooper Building while the Production Meeting was on {{d|2|January|1992}} at 2:00 p.m.
 
* The Pre-Production meeting for this episode was on {{d|16|December|1991}} at 2:00 p.m. at the Cooper Building while the Production Meeting was on {{d|2|January|1992}} at 2:00 p.m.
 
* Like {{e|The Host}}, {{DS9|Rejoined}} and {{ENT|Stigma}}, "The Outcast" was one of the few episodes of any of the ''[[Star Trek]]'' series which brushed on the subject of [[sexuality|homosexuality]] in an allegorical manner. Of the episode, producer [[Rick Berman]] said in the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', "We thought we had made a very positive statement about sexual prejudice in a distinctively ''Star Trek'' way, but we still got letters from those who thought it was just our way of 'washing our hands' of the homosexual situation." The "situation" arose continuously through the run of ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' and still does today, with some alleged homophobia on the part of former ''Star Trek'' producers. [http://www.webpan.com/dsinclair/tng.html]
 
* Like {{e|The Host}}, {{DS9|Rejoined}} and {{ENT|Stigma}}, "The Outcast" was one of the few episodes of any of the ''[[Star Trek]]'' series which brushed on the subject of [[sexuality|homosexuality]] in an allegorical manner. Of the episode, producer [[Rick Berman]] said in the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', "We thought we had made a very positive statement about sexual prejudice in a distinctively ''Star Trek'' way, but we still got letters from those who thought it was just our way of 'washing our hands' of the homosexual situation." The "situation" arose continuously through the run of ''[[Star Trek: Enterprise]]'' and still does today, with some alleged homophobia on the part of former ''Star Trek'' producers. [http://www.webpan.com/dsinclair/tng.html]
* Rick Berman tried not to let perceptions of what the public would find acceptable "influence us too much" in the choice of Riker's opposite, adding "but having Riker engaged in passionate kisses with a male actor might have been a little unpalatable to viewers." (''San Jose Mercury News'', Grapevine, March 14, 1992) Nevertheless, [[Jonathan Frakes]] felt otherwise and would later criticize the decision to cast women in the roles of the J'naii, as a love affair apparently shared between two men would have made the statement of the episode stronger [http://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/inconsistencies/homosexuality.htm].
+
* Rick Berman tried not to let perceptions of what the public would find acceptable "influence us too much" in the choice of Riker's opposite, adding "but having Riker engaged in passionate kisses with a male actor might have been a little unpalatable to viewers." (''San Jose Mercury News'', Grapevine, March 14, 1992) Nevertheless, [[Jonathan Frakes]] felt otherwise and would later criticize the decision to cast women in the roles of the J'naii, as a love affair apparently shared between two men would have made the statement of the episode stronger {{eas|inconsistencies/homosexuality.htm}}.
* Two lines of dialogue were cut from the final release: Noor explaining to Riker that the J'naii are by all measurements an enlightened race and Riker asking "''Then how is it that Soren has no choice about her sexual orientation?''" [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/217.txt]
+
* Two lines of dialogue were cut from the final release: Noor explaining to Riker that the J'naii are by all measurements an enlightened race and Riker asking "''Then how is it that Soren has no choice about her sexual orientation?''" {{Star Trek Minutiae|academy/literature329/217.txt}}
* Sexual inequalities were also explored, though secondarily, in "The Outcast", in which [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]] apparently struggles to recall a time when women were considered to be "weak and inferior". She would assert that those sentiments hadn't been an issue in "a long time", though [[Worf]]'s statements about a weak hand contributing to a "Woman's Game" of poker might cast some doubt on that...at least from a [[Klingon]] perspective. (The dialogue in question is further complicated by statements from Worf, earlier in the series, that "Klingons appreciate strong women.")
+
* Sexual inequalities were also explored, though secondarily, in "The Outcast", in which [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]] apparently struggles to recall a time when women were considered to be "weak and inferior". She would assert that those sentiments hadn't been an issue in "a long time", though [[Worf]]'s statements about a weak hand contributing to a "Woman's Game" of poker indicates this may still be an issue within Klingon society. The dialogue in question is complicated, however, by statements from Worf, [[Angel One (episode)|earlier in the series]], that "Klingons appreciate strong women."
 
* The call sheet for Tuesday {{d|7|January|1992}} features a note with congratulations to [[L.Z. Ward|L.Z.]] and Gaylene for the birth of their daughter Kristin.
 
* The call sheet for Tuesday {{d|7|January|1992}} features a note with congratulations to [[L.Z. Ward|L.Z.]] and Gaylene for the birth of their daughter Kristin.
 
* First UK airdate: April 12 1995
 
* First UK airdate: April 12 1995
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=== Continuity ===
 
=== Continuity ===
 
* The aforementioned poker game revealed, for the first time, the specific year of the founding of the [[United Federation of Planets]], with the "Federation Day" game including wild 2s, 6s and aces for the year [[2161]].
 
* The aforementioned poker game revealed, for the first time, the specific year of the founding of the [[United Federation of Planets]], with the "Federation Day" game including wild 2s, 6s and aces for the year [[2161]].
* This episode is one of two episodes in which [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Geordi La Forge]] wears a [[beard]]. According to the ''TNG Companion'', while the actor preferred facial hair, the producers did not, though they apparently changed their minds for {{film|9}} and {{film|10}}.
+
* This is the first episode in which [[LeVar Burton]] as [[Geordi La Forge]] wears a [[beard]]. He will appear unshaven again in {{e|A Fistful of Datas}} and {{e|The Quality of Life}}. According to the ''TNG Companion'', while the actor preferred facial hair, the producers did not, though they apparently changed their minds for {{film|9}} and {{film|10}}.
 
* The ''[[Magellan]]'' was the first armed shuttlecraft to appear in ''The Next Generation''.
 
* The ''[[Magellan]]'' was the first armed shuttlecraft to appear in ''The Next Generation''.
   
 
=== Reception ===
 
=== Reception ===
* Director [[Robert Scheerer]] comments, "''The last one I did ["The Outcast", at the time of this interview] was very good. It's about a planet of androgynous people, neither male nor female....Riker and Worf try to save her [Soren], and I shouldn't tell you the ending. It's a unique show in that it's almost two-person; everbody's in it in small pieces, bit basically, it's scene after scene of just two actors, ans it's really quite touching.''" (''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 20, p. 35)
+
* Director [[Robert Scheerer]] comments, "''The last one I did ["The Outcast", at the time of this interview] was very good. It's about a planet of androgynous people, neither male nor female....Riker and Worf try to save her [Soren], and I shouldn't tell you the ending. It's a unique show in that it's almost two-person; everbody's in it in small pieces, bit basically, it's scene after scene of just two actors, and it's really quite touching.''" (''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 20, p. 35)
 
* A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in ''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 20, pp.54-56.
 
* A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in ''[[The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine]]'' Vol. 20, pp.54-56.
   
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=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
* [[K.C. Amos]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Male operations division officer (2368)|operations division officer]]
+
* [[K.C. Amos]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Male operations division officer (2368)|operations division officer]]
 
* [[Rachen Assapiomonwait]] as [[Nelson (Starfleet)|Nelson]]
 
* [[Rachen Assapiomonwait]] as [[Nelson (Starfleet)|Nelson]]
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Lena Banks]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Female Engineer Ensign|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Jane Bauer]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Civilians|J'naii]]
 
* [[Jane Bauer]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Civilians|J'naii]]
* [[Thomas J. Booth]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Male operations division officer|operations division officer]]
+
* [[Thomas J. Booth]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Male operations division officer|operations division officer]]
  +
* [[Bowman]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Nurse (2367)|science division officer]]
 
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
 
* [[Michael Braveheart]] as [[Martinez]]
 
* [[Carl David Burks]] as [[Russell]]
 
* [[Carl David Burks]] as [[Russell]]
 
* [[Tara Christie]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Pilots|J'naii pilot]]
 
* [[Tara Christie]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Pilots|J'naii pilot]]
 
* [[Michelle Cordero]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Civilians|J'naii]]
 
* [[Michelle Cordero]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Civilians|J'naii]]
* [[Gerard David, Jr.]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Male operations division ensign (2367)|operations division ensign]]
+
* [[Gerard David, Jr.]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) operations division personnel#Male operations division ensign (2367)|operations division ensign]]
 
* [[Holiday Freeman]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Civilians|J'naii civilian]]
 
* [[Holiday Freeman]] as [[Unnamed J'naii#Civilians|J'naii civilian]]
 
* [[Gina Gallante]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Nurse (2368)|civilian]]
 
* [[Gina Gallante]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) sciences division personnel#Nurse (2368)|civilian]]
Line 182: Line 197:
 
* [[David Keith Anderson]] - [[stand-in]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
 
* [[David Keith Anderson]] - [[stand-in]] for [[LeVar Burton]]
 
* [[Patty Davis]] - stand-in for [[Melinda Culea]]
 
* [[Patty Davis]] - stand-in for [[Melinda Culea]]
* [[Tim McCormack]] - stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]] & [[Callan White]]
+
* [[Tim McCormack]] - stand-in for [[Brent Spiner]] and [[Callan White]]
 
* [[Melba]] - stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]]
 
* [[Melba]] - stand-in for [[Marina Sirtis]]
* [[Lorine Mendell]] - stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]] & [[Melinda Culea]]
+
* [[Lorine Mendell]] - stand-in for [[Gates McFadden]] and [[Melinda Culea]]
 
* [[Richard Sarstedt]] - stand-in and [[photo double]] for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
 
* [[Richard Sarstedt]] - stand-in and [[photo double]] for [[Jonathan Frakes]]
 
* [[Dennis Tracy]] - stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
 
* [[Dennis Tracy]] - stand-in for [[Patrick Stewart]]
Line 190: Line 205:
   
 
=== References ===
 
=== References ===
[[2161]]; [[Alaska]]; [[androgyny]]; [[annular confinement beam]]; [[buffer field generator]]; [[civic chamber]]; [[cloak]]; [[Cochrane (unit)]]; [[dexalin]]; [[dizziness]]; [[Earth]]; [[electromagnetic energy]]; [[exobotany]]; [[falla bush]]; [[Federation]]; [[Federation Day]]; [[gender]]; [[genitals]]; [[gravitational field]]; [[graviton polarity source generator]]; [[head of government]]; [[J'naii]]; [[J'naii (planet)]]; [[Magellan|''Magellan'']]; [[magnetic field]]; [[maneuvering thruster]]; [[mating]]; [[megajoule]]; [[menellen tree]]; [[microfusion thruster]]; [[navigational deflector]]; [[neutrino emission]]; [[null space]]; [[Phelan system]]; [[plestorene]]; [[poker]]; [[political asylum]]; [[Prime Directive]]; [[psychotectic therapy]]; [[Kyle Riker|Riker, Kyle]]; [[sanctions]]; [[sexuality]]; [[sexual reproduction]]; [[snail]]; [[snips]]; [[spice]]; [[split pea soup]]; [[sugar]]; ''[[Taris Murn]]''; [[Ian Troi|Troi, Ian]]; [[Lwaxana Troi|Troi, Lwaxana]]; [[type 4 phaser]]; [[type 6 shuttlecraft]]; [[type 15 shuttlepod]]; [[warning buoy]]; "[[What Are Little Boys Made Of?]]"
+
[[2161]]; [[Alaska]]; [[androgyny]]; [[annular confinement beam]]; [[buffer field generator]]; [[cheek]]; [[civic chamber]]; [[cloak]]; [[Cochrane (unit)]]; [[concussion]]; [[dexalin]]; [[dizziness]]; [[doll]]; [[Earth]]; [[electromagnetic energy]]; [[exobotany]]; [[eyelid]]s; [[falla bush]]; [[Federation]]; [[Federation Day]]; [[fingernail]]s; [[gender]]; [[genitals]]; [[gravitational field]]; [[graviton polarity source generator]]; [[head of government]]; [[inertial damper]]; [[J'naii]]; [[J'naii (planet)]]; [[Magellan|''Magellan'']]; [[magnetic field]]; [[make-up]]; [[maneuvering thruster]]; [[mating]]; [[megajoule]]; [[menellen tree]]; [[microfusion thruster]]; ''[[A Midsummer Night's Dream]]''; [[lips|mouth]]; [[navigational deflector]]; [[neutrino emission]]; [[null space]]; [[Phelan system]]; [[plestorene]]; [[poker]]; [[political asylum]]; [[Prime Directive]]; [[psychotectic therapy]]; [[recipe]]; [[Kyle Riker|Riker, Kyle]]; [[sanction]]; [[sexuality]]; [[sexual reproduction]]; [[snail]]; [[snips]]; [[spice]]; [[split pea soup]]; [[sugar]]; ''[[Taris Murn]]''; [[Ian Troi|Troi, Ian]]; [[Lwaxana Troi|Troi, Lwaxana]]; [[type 4 phaser]]; [[type 6 shuttlecraft]]; [[type 15 shuttlepod]]; [[warning buoy]]; "[[What Are Little Boys Made Of?]]"
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=5|last={{e|Ethics}}|next={{e|Cause and Effect}}}}
 
{{TNG nav|season=5|last={{e|Ethics}}|next={{e|Cause and Effect}}}}
  +
   
 
[[de:Verbotene Liebe]]
 
[[de:Verbotene Liebe]]
 
[[es:The Outcast]]
 
[[es:The Outcast]]
[[fr:The Outcast]]
+
[[fr:The Outcast (épisode)]]
[[ja:TNG:両性具有ジェナイ星人]]
+
[[ja:両性具有ジェナイ星人(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:The Outcast]]
 
[[nl:The Outcast]]
 
[[pl:The Outcast]]
 
[[pl:The Outcast]]

Revision as of 14:58, 3 September 2015

Template:Realworld

Riker falls in love with Soren, a member of an androgynous race known as the J'naii, who dares to be female.

Summary

"Captain's log, stardate 45614.6. We have been contacted by an androgynous race called the J'naii to investigate the mysterious disappearance of one of their shuttlecraft."
"Captain's log, supplemental. The sudden disappearance of our probe suggests that we may have found the first instance of what is called null space, an anomaly which until now had been only theoretical. Commander Riker has been working around the clock with a team of J'naii specialists to formalise this hypothesis."

When the J'naii mysteriously lose track of one of their shuttlecraft within their own star system, they request the USS Enterprise-D crew to assist in the investigation to locate it. A pocket of null space is discovered in the system, which until now had been considered theoretical. Believing the missing shuttle to be trapped inside the pocket, Commander Riker and Soren of the J'naii devise a rescue plan. Soren insists on being involved in the rescue mission, as Soren is a good pilot. Riker suggests they team up.

"Captain's log, supplemental. Commander Riker and the J'naii pilot have set out to chart the null space pocket. If they are successful, we can then proceed with a rescue attempt."

Working closely with the Enterprise crew, and Commander Riker in particular, Soren reveals to be curious about the differences between males and females. Even though there are differences, Beverly Crusher tells Soren, men and women are considered equal. However during a poker game Worf reveals he is bothered by the genderless J'naii, because he still has stereotypical views on men and women and does not know how to relate to the J'naii.

Soren reveals to Riker that the J'naii consider it a criminal perversion for a J'naii to identify as either male or female, but Soren admits to having secretly identified as a female since childhood and having had relationships in secret with those who identify as males. Soren finds Riker attractive and is interested in starting a relationship with him. After the successful rescue of the J'naii shuttle crew using the Magellan, Riker and Soren secretly kiss. The kiss is witnessed by Krite, a colleague of Soren, who subsequently has Soren arrested. At the same time, Riker is discussing with Deanna Troi how it would affect their relationship if he pursues the relationship with Soren. Troi puts aside Riker's fears of losing their friendship, telling him that that will never change.

While walking to Soren's quarters, Riker is told by Krite that Soren is being brought before a tribunal to confirm or deny the charges of perversion. Commander Riker intrudes on the proceedings and pleads to Noor for Soren's release, saying he forced himself on Soren. Soren however is tired of living a lie and makes a plea for acceptance of all those with gender identities. The tribunal, incapable of open-mindedness, sentences Soren to receive treatment on the following day. Riker asks the tribunal for permission to give Soren asylum aboard the Enterprise in lieu of the treatment, but the request is denied, as the J'naii see Soren's condition as a simple sickness they have an obligation to cure.

Picard offers to negotiate with Noor, the leader of the J'naii, for Soren's release. He urges Riker not to take matters into his own hands as he would be violating the Prime Directive if he does, thus putting himself at risk of losing his career in Starfleet. Riker, however, is convinced the J'naii's minds are set and any negotiations would be futile. Worf overcomes his prejudices after hearing of the events that had transpired on the planet. The same evening, Riker and Worf lead a rescue mission together to save Soren. They are able to get Soren away from the security guards, however they are too late. Soren has already undergone the psychotectic treatment and has no more interest in Riker.

After warning buoys have been deployed around the null space pocket, the Enterprise is prepared to leave the system. Picard asks Riker if all their business with the J'naii is finished, and he answers without emotion, "finished, sir". Picard orders Ensign Gates to take the Enterprise to warp six, while Riker stares ahead, distraught.

Memorable Quotes

"We prefer to stay warm by sleeping with a friend."
"...I see."
"Not to mate."

- Soren and Riker


"It's hard to grasp the idea of no gender."

- Riker, on the androgynous J'naii


"Tell me... about males. What is it that makes you different from females?"
"Snips and snails and puppy dogs' tails..."
"You have a dog's tail?"

- Soren and Riker, discussing the sexes


"Commander, tell me about your sexual organs."
"Uhhh..."

- Soren and Riker, while in the shuttle


"For Humans, the sexual act brings a closeness and intimacy. It can be a very pleasurable experience."

- Riker discusses sex between a man and a woman to Soren


"The J'naii... they bother me."
"Why, Worf?"
"They just do!"

- Worf and Deanna Troi


"On my planet, we have been taught that gender is primitive."
"Primitive?"
"Less evolved."
"Maybe so, but sometimes, there is a lot to be said for an experience that's...primitive."

- Soren and Riker


"Then it is up to women to attract the men?"
"Oh no, men want to be attractive, too. Believe me. They just go about it differently. They like to pretend they're not doing anything to attract a woman, even when it's the most important thing on their minds."

- Soren and Dr. Crusher


"That is a woman's game...a man's game has no wild cards."

- Worf, on Troi's use of wildcards in poker


"I am female. I was born that way. I have had those feelings, those longings, all of my life. It is not unnatural. I am not sick because I feel this way. I do not need to be helped. I do not need to be cured. What I need, and what all of those who are like me need, is your understanding. And your compassion. We have not injured you in any way. And yet we are scorned and attacked. And all because we are different. What we do is no different from what you do. We talk and laugh. We complain about work. And we wonder about growing old. We talk about our families and we worry about the future. And we cry with each other when things seem hopeless. All of the loving things that you do with each other - that is what we do. And for that we are called misfits, and deviants and criminals. What right do you have to punish us? What right do you have to change us? What makes you think you can dictate how people love each other?"

- Soren, to Noor


"You see Commander, on this world, everyone wants to be normal."
"She is!"

- Noor and Riker

Background information

Story and production

  • "The Outcast" was filmed between Monday 6 January 1992 and Tuesday 14 January 1992 on Paramount Stage 8, 9, and 16. An additional day of second unit filming was Friday 21 February 1992 on Paramount Stage 9. It was the first episode filmed in 1992.
  • The Pre-Production meeting for this episode was on 16 December 1991 at 2:00 p.m. at the Cooper Building while the Production Meeting was on 2 January 1992 at 2:00 p.m.
  • Like "The Host", DS9: "Rejoined" and ENT: "Stigma", "The Outcast" was one of the few episodes of any of the Star Trek series which brushed on the subject of homosexuality in an allegorical manner. Of the episode, producer Rick Berman said in the Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion, "We thought we had made a very positive statement about sexual prejudice in a distinctively Star Trek way, but we still got letters from those who thought it was just our way of 'washing our hands' of the homosexual situation." The "situation" arose continuously through the run of Star Trek: Enterprise and still does today, with some alleged homophobia on the part of former Star Trek producers. [1]
  • Rick Berman tried not to let perceptions of what the public would find acceptable "influence us too much" in the choice of Riker's opposite, adding "but having Riker engaged in passionate kisses with a male actor might have been a little unpalatable to viewers." (San Jose Mercury News, Grapevine, March 14, 1992) Nevertheless, Jonathan Frakes felt otherwise and would later criticize the decision to cast women in the roles of the J'naii, as a love affair apparently shared between two men would have made the statement of the episode stronger [2].
  • Two lines of dialogue were cut from the final release: Noor explaining to Riker that the J'naii are by all measurements an enlightened race and Riker asking "Then how is it that Soren has no choice about her sexual orientation?" [3]
  • Sexual inequalities were also explored, though secondarily, in "The Outcast", in which Dr. Crusher apparently struggles to recall a time when women were considered to be "weak and inferior". She would assert that those sentiments hadn't been an issue in "a long time", though Worf's statements about a weak hand contributing to a "Woman's Game" of poker indicates this may still be an issue within Klingon society. The dialogue in question is complicated, however, by statements from Worf, earlier in the series, that "Klingons appreciate strong women."
  • The call sheet for Tuesday 7 January 1992 features a note with congratulations to L.Z. and Gaylene for the birth of their daughter Kristin.
  • First UK airdate: April 12 1995

Cast

Continuity

Reception

  • Director Robert Scheerer comments, "The last one I did ["The Outcast", at the time of this interview] was very good. It's about a planet of androgynous people, neither male nor female....Riker and Worf try to save her [Soren], and I shouldn't tell you the ending. It's a unique show in that it's almost two-person; everbody's in it in small pieces, bit basically, it's scene after scene of just two actors, and it's really quite touching." (The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 20, p. 35)
  • A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine Vol. 20, pp.54-56.

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Uncredited co-stars

Stunt double

Stand-ins and photo double

References

2161; Alaska; androgyny; annular confinement beam; buffer field generator; cheek; civic chamber; cloak; Cochrane (unit); concussion; dexalin; dizziness; doll; Earth; electromagnetic energy; exobotany; eyelids; falla bush; Federation; Federation Day; fingernails; gender; genitals; gravitational field; graviton polarity source generator; head of government; inertial damper; J'naii; J'naii (planet); Magellan; magnetic field; make-up; maneuvering thruster; mating; megajoule; menellen tree; microfusion thruster; A Midsummer Night's Dream; mouth; navigational deflector; neutrino emission; null space; Phelan system; plestorene; poker; political asylum; Prime Directive; psychotectic therapy; recipe; Riker, Kyle; sanction; sexuality; sexual reproduction; snail; snips; spice; split pea soup; sugar; Taris Murn; Troi, Ian; Troi, Lwaxana; type 4 phaser; type 6 shuttlecraft; type 15 shuttlepod; warning buoy; "What Are Little Boys Made Of?"

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Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 5
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