Amac Productions

Headaches are bad.

Which – you know – I thought before I watched this episode. Now I’m wondering if some Ferengi has an illegal device they’re constantly using on my mom and girlfriend who have chronic headaches.

Jerks.

Back to reality, this episode is really good.

We learn that Picard is in the history books with his maneuver to escape the battle with the Ferengi ship. Also, when we met the Ferengi a few episodes ago we were told that not much was known about them. No one had met them face to face.

While I’m not saying this episode disputes it, but we’ve got three encounters in nine episodes. That seems like a lot for a species we never really met before and doesn’t like to talk to us. Especially when they just arrive out of the blue with a ship that destroyed one of theirs.

I’d ask more questions.

I’d be worried about why they showed up now.

What I did enjoy was the consistency of the Ferengi. They’re out for themselves and to line their pockets with as much money as possible.

They don’t really give a shit about much else.

Which is hilarious because they didn’t remove the guy from power because he was using an illegal device or because he was planning to murder Picard. That he was going after Starfleet which was probably a terrible idea in and of itself. No, they imprisoned him and removed him from command because there was no profit in what he was doing.

How nice.

But at least they’re consistent. I enjoy that.

But – I would really like to go back to the part where Beverly said that headaches and common colds are things of the past. We’ve moved beyond them at this point in history.

Which leads me to wonder why this was not a more alarming situation. If we don’t get headaches anymore and Picard has one that just won’t go away. Coupled with the fact that you cannot figure out what’s going on beyond he has something he definitely should not.

Oh, and no matter what we do it gets worse.

I feel like this should have been more cause for concern. Given how much knowledge this time period has access to. It would make sense for them to completely freak out over a headache because that’s no longer normal to them.

Which – by the way – Picard, you should have been freaking out more when you told Beverly.

Also, it cracked me up that she declared she’s the only one onboard who can order him around.

Sure, according to Starfleet, I believe that. However, in practice, I’m pretty sure that Riker does also boss him around a bit by not letting him take any away missions.

Officially, only you Beverly.

Unofficially, there’s Riker too.

Ultimately, though he can ignore Riker if he wishes to.

I don’t think there’s really much of anything that would cause Picard not to listen to Beverly. Which again – speaks to not only his leadership – but why it was so apparent that he was possessed a handful of episodes ago. He relies so heavily on his crew to inform him.

Help him.

Advise him.

There’s never really any moment that he doesn’t take what they tell him and dismiss without a thought. He offers an explanation to his disagreement or that he’s taking the thought into consideration. I love that about him.

So much.

As I said before, Picard is a true leader.

It’s even further demonstrated here when Riker doesn’t really believe for a moment that the recording was real. That Picard intentionally fired on a ship that was basically waving a truce flag.

He gets that information and he’s like, Data look into this. It can’t be true.

On the same note, for whatever reason, Data wondering if there was a shred of truth to it didn’t really bother me. Because you do need to consider the possibility.

It’s all well and good to believe in the best of Picard. However, it never hurts to be sure. Otherwise, it could put the entire crew in danger or even threaten their careers. No one faults them for that. Not even Picard.

I really enjoy that no one takes things personally.

It happens far too often on TV shows. Where someone is questioned about whatever and they get defensive. Shouting that you should know them better than that. It wouldn’t be possible.

Sometimes, this is a show of loyalty for some shows. However, I often feel it can be completely ridiculous and does sometimes get characters in trouble for their blind loyalty. Currently, I’m watching Invincible and that belief is going to lead some people to their downfall. While the one questioning it, who is right mind you, is going to be treated like the villain for doubting the ‘good guy.’

It’s important.

It’s important to confirm what they believe to be true so they can go into situations fully armed and aware and able to defend Picard to anyone who asks.

This episode does enforce for me that Picard is a great leader, but it also proves to me that Riker is a great ‘Number One’ as well.

He investigates the claim that Picard might have done something he shouldn’t. He prepares himself for the worst while hoping for the best. When he loses the captain and he ends up on the other ship about to attack them. He keeps his cool and tries to find his way out of it.

Anything to not have to use their weapons to defend themselves against Picard.

Much like last episode, Riker is faced with a dilemma of protecting the entire crew and ship while trying to save one life.

He handles it masterfully. Trying to negotiate his way out of it with Picard by bringing him back to reality. When that doesn’t work and he realizes that’s he planning to use his legendary maneuver to take them out, he must pivot and defend himself and the ship. Hopefully, without destroying Picard.

I love that he asks Data to counter the move. With Data being like, I’ve got nothing.

Here is exactly where I think Riker is a perfect complement to Picard. Neither of them gives up in the face of what seems impossible. They keep searching for answers. For solutions. For another way.

And they insist and inspire those around them to do the same.

As Riker decrees for Data to find one. That there must be one. He just needs to find it before they’re toast or are forced to do something they don’t want to.

I enjoyed this episode and the glimpse into Picard’s past.

He’s been a captain for a while. He’s done some legendary things and has made Starfleet history. But you would never know any of these things by just talking to him. Picard is a humble leader, always looking forward.

Believing that he merely did what he had to. To protect his crew. To help them escape with their lives.

Which as we can see from his hallucinations was a very intense and dangerous moment. Smoke was filling the room as Picard tried to get out of the situation and get his people to safety as quickly as possible. Dispatching with the enemy who would have killed them all given the chance. He did what he must.

Picard doesn’t see it as a point of pride. Merely, his duty as the captain.

I love that.

I love that Beverly offered to get his things set to the Enterprise for him. Which turned out to be a terrible thing, but I loved how sweet and soft she was with him. Even tucking him in. Like it was just a nice moment where Picard let someone else care for him.

He wasn’t too proud to take the help.

He accepted it and the care. Out of respect for himself and for Beverly.

Pride is never an issue for Picard.

I really enjoyed this episode, and I look forward to more!

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