Target Audience - UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E21

Learning how to make that choice doesn't come easy for some people, and children especially can struggle with that. A lot of adults who struggle with anxiety have had upbringings that where chaotic or disordered, and their parents were unable to teach them to regulate their own responses. So while your words sound nice, they can be dismissive of other people's genuine struggles. Being kind to others who struggle doesn't hurt anyone.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-27 21:41:34 +0000 UTC

It took me so long to comment on your reaction to this episode because I kept putting off rewatching it. I remembered it as not particularly enjoyable due to the emotionally awkward nature of the story. I also remembered few details from the episode other than the overall concept, the Goddess of Empathy, the Blue Boy (Holo-Wesley’s costume was a direct copy from Thomas Gainsborough’s famous painting of that name), and the ending. “Hollow Pursuits” is, in fact, a much better episode than I remembered. Although I still find the other characters’ initial hostility to Barclay out of keeping with TNG’s usual utopian depiction of crew interactions, I realize that these scenes are necessary to set up Barclay and Geordi’s character arcs for the episode. With the deletion of Troi’s therapy session with O’Brien from the beginning of “The Price” (presumably due to time constraints), Barclay’s session with the real Troi in this episode is the first time we have seen her conduct such a session, even though this is presumably a major component of her duties – rather as if we had never seen Scotty in Engineering until near the end of TOS Season 3. “Hollow Pursuits” is also, I believe, the first episode to reference Riker’s (i.e., Jonathan Frakes’) height in dialogue, although David Gerrold’s novelization of “Encounter at Farpoint” had emphasized in passages told from Riker’s viewpoint that both Picard and Troi were shorter than he was. One of the many things I had forgotten about this episode is Guinan mentioning her mother in the present tense, implying that she is still alive. As Josh (I believe) pointed out and the Memory Alpha wiki confirms, Dr. Crusher appears in this episode only as a hologram, not in reality. Michael Piller identified strongly with the Barclay character. While performing a rewrite on Sally Caves’ script, Ira Steven Behr added Barclay’s comment about being “in the corner, trying to look comfortable examining a potted plant,” a near-direct quote of something Piller had said to Behr about himself when Behr first joined the TNG staff. In an example of how elaborately the original novels expand on the Star Trek universe, the character of Duffy from this episode becomes a major character in several of them, turns out to have had a romantic relationship with Sonya Gomez (whom Alex and Josh have probably forgotten by now) when they were both aboard the Enterprise, and ultimately dies heroically in the line of duty.

Anthony Bernacchi

2024-07-25 08:44:40 +0000 UTC

I am really glad you liked this episode. Barclay is one of my favorites

Atieh B

2024-07-18 02:58:23 +0000 UTC

One thing this episode always makes me think of is "The Practical Joker" (TAS). The connection? Leaky drinking glasses/dribble glasses. And in the coincidence department, "The Practical Joker" was the earliest appearance of what would become the holodeck.

James H

2024-07-18 01:15:58 +0000 UTC

Thanks for giving us a shout out. 💜 The minute I heard you announce the uncut TOS videos, I was all in! It helped me get through a few stressful months that summer. Let’s have a shot of Scotty’s green whiskey to celebrate!

T’Pynyn of Vulcan

2024-07-15 01:24:18 +0000 UTC

Reginald Broccoli is the GOAT, you have no idea!!

Randy Benton

2024-07-13 21:41:03 +0000 UTC

Exactly!

Jovet

2024-07-13 16:29:01 +0000 UTC

Heard of something before their parents were born!

JGoss

2024-07-13 16:28:44 +0000 UTC

Thank you for pointing out the cue of The Minstrel Boy right at the end. I can never remember the name of that song.

Jovet

2024-07-13 16:28:19 +0000 UTC

If they hated every episode, they wouldn't have an audience. But an episode here and there to spice things up is fun.

JGoss

2024-07-13 16:25:33 +0000 UTC

@James Goss If they hated most episodes like they did Captain's Holiday, I would not be able to withstand the negativity. There are only two TNG episodes I feel that way about, and we're a long ways from them.

Jovet

2024-07-13 16:17:03 +0000 UTC

As far as what program 9 was that Barclay saved at the end... it was never stated. I think that was thrown in as a bit of a joke, and an invitation for the audience to come up with their own theorys

FPG

2024-07-12 20:00:06 +0000 UTC

This is one of those episodes that, for whatever reason, I saw a number of times more than a lot of the others. Maybe I just caught it in reruns for some reason more. I will say that it got better with multiple viewings for me each time. As a kid when I first saw it, I don't know if I could appreciate the little things as much as I could when I was older. Especially when it came to the idea of having to try to cope and assimilate stress at work and being an introvert at the same time.

Boggle

2024-07-12 19:28:17 +0000 UTC

@tyranusfan Yeah, they finished it once the actor's strike was finished. Apparently they couldn't post during that because they are members of the union.

KatWithAttitude

2024-07-12 13:59:03 +0000 UTC

I loved this episode as a kid largely for the humor of the holodeck sequences, the whole three musketeers and mini-Riker, etc... The humor has worn off somewhat in adulthood(and with many rewatches over the years), but the story of this socially awkward guy hits harder now. I'm fairly introverted myself. Not to the point of stuttering or being unable to do my job or anything, but I've definitely met a few Barclays in my life. I've seen over and over how people like that end up being isolated because nobody wants to deal with them, which makes them more awkward, and you get this feedback loop that's impossible for them to break. Especially when people aren't just individually avoiding them, but collectively talking shit about them behind their back. Essentially exactly what happened here. Humans are social creatures. Deprive someone of that and often they'll end up a lot like Barclay. Telling them to take a hypospray or talk to a counselor won't fix it, they need community. I get that Riker has a job to do and he HAS to discipline crew members that are screwing up, but especially making fun of the guy's name was very unprofessional. Wesley is 17(should be 18) here so you give him a bit of a pass. Also why is Troi talking about her counseling session with Geordi? Isn't there a doctor/patient confidentiality thing there? Picard at least shows some real leadership trying to bring Barclay into the crew, which is why it feels even worse when he blurts out "broccoli". Geordi was a good choice to reach out to Reg given he's in some way like a version of Barclay that's at a functional level. Obviously, while there were no regulations against what Barclay was doing, presumably because there are a ton of legitimate reasons to simulate members of the crew(training for instance), there obviously need to be some limits, and clearly it was pretty inappropriate what he was doing with Beverly and especially Troi's likeness. Fortunately he overcame the addiction and deleted the programs at the end. Don't know which "program 9" was, but just to have a little faith in Barclay, I'm going to assume it wasn't something too untoward. I get that the B plot with the invidium was a bit of a nothing burger, but it did it's job as a way to break Barclay out of his holo-addiction and give him some confidence to operate in the real world. Also cool little tidbit at the end there that they worked a bit of "The Minstrel Boy" into the soundtrack after Barclay deleted his programs. That song was also used in Black Hawk Down. Good episode.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-12 09:10:06 +0000 UTC

It's called paraphrasing bud. Every example you gave was either go talk to a shrink or shoot up pharmaceuticals to fix your problems, I just stated it succinctly. In the case of someone like Barclay, yeah he pretty introverted, and socially inept, and so people avoid him, and he becomes more withdrawn, and they avoid him more. It's a vicious cycle. Maybe sometimes people just need a little help and empathy to turn things around. Maybe they're lacking basic human connections that most people take for granted, and meds and therapy won't fix the underlying issue. Saying go take this drug or do this therapy is basically saying "go be alone with your problem". Sure you're not obligated to help, but that's pretty callous.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-12 07:47:51 +0000 UTC

Barclay's for the modern (then) audience. He's an every-person with current day social problems. It's interesting to see how people in the 24th century handle that. Ethnics aside, it makes you feel hopeful.

J-Ro

2024-07-12 06:43:24 +0000 UTC

Such a well crafted episode on all angles. Even the technobabble felt necessary and curious.

J-Ro

2024-07-12 06:41:16 +0000 UTC

Yeah. Love this episode. Barclay is such a great character. This episode also handles interpersonal conflict in a way Gene probably loved, with humans supporting humans, despite the odds. A product of its time--today we'd have to address the ethics right away, as you both suggest.

J-Ro

2024-07-12 06:27:38 +0000 UTC

It was a good, solid episode. It's not going to be one of my favorites, but it wasn't bad at all. And more broccoli isn't a bad thing

John

2024-07-12 04:52:52 +0000 UTC

Nobody actually said the words you put in quotation marks. Not everyone can be represented everywhere all the time… those are Marxist ideas about equity instead of equality. The term ‘cure’ isn’t used much now. ‘Treatable’ or ‘manageable’ are where the bar is currently lowered. I don’t believe anyone will ever give someone with acute mental health problems direct responsibility for an inestimable destructive force, just as there are no commercial pilots with epilepsy today and we concede that some people not feeling included is a fair trade off for planes being a safe form of transport.

Smear Campaign

2024-07-12 03:56:57 +0000 UTC

Howling Mad Murdock was my favourite A Team character, so Reg Barclay became a quick favorite TNG character for me.

Geordie Joe

2024-07-12 03:26:26 +0000 UTC

One of my favorite episodes. I love Barcley. ❤️

Andrea R

2024-07-12 03:09:21 +0000 UTC

Well when your Patreon channel turns 5 or 10 years old, you should do a real life roast like the Roasts of old!

Jovet

2024-07-12 02:23:20 +0000 UTC

So what did you think?

Jovet

2024-07-12 02:20:00 +0000 UTC

Everybody's faces there are great. I wonder how many takes that took? As hilarious as that scene with Picard is, Troi finding herself on the holodeck and her, Riker's, and Geordi's reactions are still one of my favorite scenes ever in television.

Jovet

2024-07-12 02:19:26 +0000 UTC

@Chris S. Blame NewWho for that kind of "woke garbage" mentality. (For those that do not know, Gallifrey is a planet in the Doctor Who universe.)

Jovet

2024-07-12 02:16:26 +0000 UTC

@Timothy Nikiforovs I'll comment about it when we get there. 😀

Jovet

2024-07-12 02:14:25 +0000 UTC

When I get lonely I come take a look on here. You all roast us almost as much as our real life friends ♥️

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-12 02:06:46 +0000 UTC

You don't need to know every thought your fellow colleagues have. Inputting multiple programs into the holodeck computer system about said colleagues that anyone can access (which were insulting and mocking) is jarring to say the least. What's more you've made your issues public for everyone to know about.

William McRae

2024-07-12 02:04:59 +0000 UTC

The nickname is mean and should have been addressed. But in the scheme of things, Barclay's behaviour and his way of releasing tension is WAY more problematic than an unfortunate nickname.

William McRae

2024-07-12 02:02:19 +0000 UTC

The Prime description for this episode reads "The crew struggles to help a young engineer whose obsession with the fantasy world Holodeck is endangering the ship". Not only inaccurate given the holodeck wasn't the source of the problem, but Dwight Schultz was 42 or 43 at this point(I assume Barclay is about the same). That's not old, but it's not really young either.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-12 01:38:26 +0000 UTC

Thanks for pointing that out Andreas. I hate this approach of "we can solve mental illness by throwing enough drugs at it". It's easy to write a prescription or tell someone to see a therapist, and there's a time and a place for both, but it's a lot harder to reach out to someone like Barclay and make them feel included and important in society so they can grow as people.

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-12 01:32:56 +0000 UTC

"GOSS!!!!"

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-12 01:11:22 +0000 UTC

Episode 24 or 25?

Timothy Nikiforovs

2024-07-12 01:09:48 +0000 UTC

When someone writes that "Barclay wouldn't pass starfleet academy" he shows that he doesn't get that Barclay is a portrait of himself: A fan who takes Star Trek way too seriously.

Sam Langanke

2024-07-12 00:31:30 +0000 UTC

Did they ever finish the show? I stopped getting notifications somewhere in season 7

tyranusfan

2024-07-12 00:17:48 +0000 UTC

Dwight Schultz is an interesting actor from the A team, to all the other tv. He’s done

Scarpad’s Domain

2024-07-12 00:07:21 +0000 UTC

My guess would be the boys are really gonna love modern trek where it’s all about character emotions and d how everyone feels. Classic trek was an action adventure sci-fi program it had character moments s but it was’nt all melodrama . Crying will commence in 2017

Scarpad’s Domain

2024-07-12 00:00:02 +0000 UTC

I loved this episode as well. It always reminded me of the time my mom caught me....ah....never mind.

Monty Crawford

2024-07-11 23:58:45 +0000 UTC

Oh damn, I'm still subscribed to this? I must have done it accidentally and never noticed.... Just kidding. I grew up on the TOS. When TNG came along, I savored it. It is fun to watch it again with newbies. It is almost like I have friends...

Edweirdo

2024-07-11 23:54:53 +0000 UTC

Considering that our technological advancements over the last 50 years have not improved mental health issues but made them far WORSE, I highly doubt it'd be that simple.

Andreas Schmitt

2024-07-11 23:44:03 +0000 UTC

"You'd better hope no-one finds that saved program and says 'What the hell is this'..." Looking forward to next season... 😆

The Ninth Doctor

2024-07-11 22:13:42 +0000 UTC

Dwight Schultz (and the director) were fantastic in this. All of Barclay's little mannerisms and stammers looked super natural and fitting. (Josh is wrong in his observations to the contrary.)

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:45:33 +0000 UTC

In light of all the two year original patrons, would you think this channel could be something of a nice addiction? Ha ha ha

Geoffrey Linehan

2024-07-11 21:45:24 +0000 UTC

Picard's face should be in the dictionary under "mortified" LOL!

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:43:49 +0000 UTC

I'll bet Barclay banged Beverly and the Betazoid

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:42:55 +0000 UTC

“You cannot choose others' reactions to things, but you can choose your own reactions to others.” – Me

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:41:59 +0000 UTC

“Unlimited AI therapy”: That’s what he was doing during all those Holodeck Troi sessions! “Forms of brain stimulation”: Breath in through the nose, out through the mouth! “Therapeutic behaviour changing communities”: The three musketeers holo-Picard/holo-Data/holo-Geordi, gentle lap Beverly, blueberry Wesley and munchkin Riker

Paul Hess

2024-07-11 21:39:39 +0000 UTC

My least-favorite S3 episode is still coming...

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:38:59 +0000 UTC

@Paul Hess Hollow pursuits of a different type...

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:37:59 +0000 UTC

@Target Audience The line was a flub on the actor's part, and the production team didn't catch it or didn't care. It was supposed to be "flow capacitor." The technobabble in TNG is, generally speaking, consistent and sensible.

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:36:11 +0000 UTC

Great episode, and Dwight Schultz is such a great actor. As I say on most of my posts (!!!) the best TNG episodes for me are the ones where there is a great guest portrayal, and that person interacts with multiple of our ensemble cast. TNG is a great ensemble production but at its best it becomes a playground where the new toy is the guest actor to reflect against.

Paul Hess

2024-07-11 21:36:09 +0000 UTC

People are going to get cross with me I think, but in the 24th century, they would have cured Barclay before he got near starfleet. Unlimited AI psychotherapy, unimaginable drugs, effective psychosurgery, therapeutic behaviour changing communities, gene therapies, forms of brain stimulation… plus having active officer roles on a starship would be similar to pilots and astronauts now - extremely high standard of physical and mental wellness given that errors could destroy thousands of people on the ship, destroy the flagship, start a war, crash into a planet or space station etc… But luckily these are the types of disbelief I can easily suspend or else I’d never be able to enjoy anything on TV.

Smear Campaign

2024-07-11 21:22:28 +0000 UTC

41:40 They did it at high warp in the first episode.

Jovet

2024-07-11 21:22:23 +0000 UTC

I, unlike most, like Barclay. I, also unlike most, have never seen this episode. This is the last unseen episode of Next Generation for me. As of this episode, I will have seen all of them. I deliberately refrained for 20 years from watching this episode the same way my Dad refrained from watching the last episode of Babylon 5, because "then it would be over." But I decided, I'm watching this with friends, As this is the last unwatchd episode of TNG, my reaction will be in no way similar to that of the Target Audience.

John

2024-07-11 21:21:48 +0000 UTC

I’m glad you found your tribe but I don’t recognise myself in that description

Smear Campaign

2024-07-11 21:14:56 +0000 UTC

Nice standalone episode with a decent plot and some great humour. Rikers face when Picard said broccoli was so good.

AzoriusMage

2024-07-11 21:04:21 +0000 UTC

Couldn’t agree more! The guys have made me think twice about a couple of episodes actually. Like “The Bonding” which I found skippable until now! I actually realized its a pretty good episode. A matter if perspective. Pun intended.

Chris S.

2024-07-11 20:54:56 +0000 UTC

I also enjoyed Galifery girls(sp?) until they started making comments that showed…lets just say… they didn’t like men very much. The “toxic masculinity” vibe got me the heck outta there.

Chris S.

2024-07-11 20:49:33 +0000 UTC

Congrats on two years, guys!!

Jovet

2024-07-11 20:39:53 +0000 UTC

I did say "incel like". Fantasising about a woman (a senior officer no less) with whom his real life relationship bares no resemble to his made up romantic version on the holodeck is unhealthy to put it midly

William McRae

2024-07-11 20:38:22 +0000 UTC

See, as a kid I became slightly biased once I saw who was playing Barclay because I was huge into A-Team at the time, so I immediately recognized Howling Mad Murdoch. I love his character and enjoyed him in this one and there's one more that I love where Dwight really got to show off his acting skills. It really was fun to see that not all crew members are super in control of every emotion once they board a ship. It showed a vulnerability that I thoroughly appreciate more and more as I grew older.

Firekrys FWO

2024-07-11 20:36:50 +0000 UTC

Agreed 100%

Derek Orr

2024-07-11 20:27:05 +0000 UTC

They run down the halls successfully a few times. Season 1 finale comes to mind

Derek Orr

2024-07-11 20:25:16 +0000 UTC

Unfortunately the actor went nuts after that

Derek Orr

2024-07-11 20:23:39 +0000 UTC

How is that normal though?

Derek Orr

2024-07-11 20:20:29 +0000 UTC

I know, it being 2 years already is wild!!! Thanks for sticking with us Elizabeth 😁

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 19:15:09 +0000 UTC

Keep the awesome consistent Trek content up and I'll be here! The Galifry Girls were my Trek reaction channel before, but they stopped after TNG. I love that you guys are covering it ALL! Busy times ahead when at least 2 shows are on at once! But gonna be good. You fellows have entered the Star Trek golden age now.

Karl Dutton

2024-07-11 19:13:24 +0000 UTC

I've been a Patron for 2 years?? Wow, time flies! I've loved rewatching all these episodes with you guys. I especially love it when you disagree with the 'general consensus'. Always hate it when some people think their opinion is the only one that matters just because they've been fans for longer. The fandom needs a diversity of opinion. Glad you enjoyed the episode!

Elizabeth N

2024-07-11 19:08:47 +0000 UTC

I've said it before elsewhere and I'm gonna say it again: Reg Barclay, a massive introvert with nigh-crippling social anxiety and a wealth of neuroses; also - the most normal & relatable character in Star Trek history.

Passinthyme

2024-07-11 18:29:25 +0000 UTC

God, the look on Picard's face when he realized he called him Broccoli, he looked like he stepped on a puppy

Justin DiBari

2024-07-11 18:22:39 +0000 UTC

Josh: "It's like, what's left in the season?" Everyone: VIBRATES

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-11 18:09:29 +0000 UTC

Glad you guys liked the episode, it's one of my low-key faves. As someone with social anxiety myself, I really related to Barclay as a kid, and probably even more now all these years later. Yes, it's perhaps presented a little too comedically at points, but it is nice that everyone (except Riker) is trying to help or understand Barclay in their own way. When Geordie says to Barclay that he is "just shy" and Barclay responds "you can't know" that still hits me even now. The fact that Barclay actually uses his creativity to solve the problem is the icing on the cake. Guest characters can often make or break the episode and this one totally works for me.

Ryan Caulfield

2024-07-11 18:00:45 +0000 UTC

As they said at the time of this episode, it was a "wake up" call for "Trekkies"/"Trekkers" to enjoy ST, but not get far so deep your entire life rolved around it whereby you have forgotten the "real" world. A Great episode, Dwight is a fantastic Actor! Perhaps everything is an illusion.. ;)

Andrew Bassey

2024-07-11 17:50:20 +0000 UTC

yeah that true, best place to see it the pilot episode ending with data and McCoy, trying to walk slowly enough to not walk into the set end

Dark Kronis

2024-07-11 17:45:02 +0000 UTC

The double b, Barclay Banger.

Christopher Dorn

2024-07-11 17:44:20 +0000 UTC

I also wanted to add that it reflects poorly on Riker (and Geordie) that he perpetuated the use of "broccoli" after hearing it started by a 17 year old acting ensign. Riker set a bad example for the crew here and I am surprised that Picard didn't have words with him in private about this.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-11 17:39:53 +0000 UTC

TO THE MOON ALEX

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-11 17:37:19 +0000 UTC

I think this episode is a great lesson that a person's character, identity and personality do not stand on their own, but are also a reflection of how we treat them. Guinan's words to Geordie make this painfully obvious. If you act like you don't want someone around you, they will likely become nervous and feel adverse to being around you. It is unfair to then make them fully responsible for their behaviours when you are having a powerful influence on them with your prejudice towards them. Picard, although not heavily featured in this episode, makes the hard choice as a leader not to push this problem onto another ship captain, but to actually do some self reflection and command that self reflection on to his crew, to recognize unacceptable behaviour that was contributing to Barclay's impulses to isolate himself. He immediately shuts down his senior officers use of "broccoli" to slur Barclay's family name in jest. He then makes it clear in no uncertain terms that Geordie has to do better to make him feel welcome and part of the team. In the end Barclay is instrumental in saving the ship, proving his value as a diagnostic engineer to everyone onboard. Don't let someone's social awkwardness, shyness, introvertedness, or reclusiveness convince you they are of little value to society. They could hold a treasure trove of wisdom, inventiveness, or various other qualities that the world desperately needs.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-11 17:35:31 +0000 UTC

Maybe you should take Guinan's advice to Geordie then. Chances are you will and already have encountered lots of people like Barclay... like ME out in the real world. If you can't learn to tolerate a well meaning character on a show who struggles to fit in, what does that say about you? Any person you meet is only half the equation of how you perceive them. The other half is you and how your presence influences them.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-11 17:25:01 +0000 UTC

Absolutely one of my favorite episodes and I'm sure many ST fans can relate to Barclay in one way or another

Doug

2024-07-11 17:22:29 +0000 UTC

I recall reading somewhere that they could never run through the halls due to the limitations of the set sizes. They would run out of set faster than they would run out of scene.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-11 17:22:15 +0000 UTC

Same for me, save a few differences. I'm self employed, so I can govern how much I need to interact with others. I've had one relationship but it is still hard for me to approach woman, especially post #metoo. Barclay reminds me of myself a lot. Also, my own "holideck" escape in my mind is often to place myself on the Enterprise D, as if I was out of time like the people Data rescues from the Cryonics ship. Somehow I imagine I'd find belonging on the Enterprise, because if Barclay could, anyone can.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-11 17:20:44 +0000 UTC

I think liking his actions to incel behaviour is quite harsh. Incel is an entirely different and extreme breed that blames other people for their problems. Barclay is aware that he has a problem and doesn't blame others for it. He never states that there is a conspiracy against him or that women unfairly reject him. I think you should investigate the nuance of introverted behavior and the differences between that and extreme behaviours like incel before you misjudge people around you in your life.

Sherpa Jones

2024-07-11 17:16:51 +0000 UTC

One of these days JD… pow! Right in the kisser!

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 17:15:33 +0000 UTC

Love me some Reg! Low key good episode about social anxiety / holodeck addiction.

Ca$hWednesday

2024-07-11 17:06:20 +0000 UTC

"Jackie Gleason?" Audience: THEY'VE HEARD OF SOMETHING BEFORE THEY WERE BORN WHAAAAAT

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-11 17:00:13 +0000 UTC

This is the best theme song sequence since Yesterday's Enterprise, maybe even better. I love when the cold open gives you guys something to talk about the whole time

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-11 16:57:30 +0000 UTC

Let's face it, this place is more fun when you hate episodes people like.

JGoss

2024-07-11 16:57:07 +0000 UTC

So glad you guys liked this one! I too am a big fan of this episode, and of Barclay as a character. Brilliantly acted by Dwight Schultz. Getting to see a problem from the perspective of Geordi and the engineering team was really fun; I really enjoy "problem solving" stories. As a Software Engineer, I appreciate the way a lot of the engineering writing in TNG is rooted in real software concepts -- not always, of course, but often. I can actually understand some of the so-called "technobabble." Great reaction; really enjoyed it!

Lovok

2024-07-11 16:57:00 +0000 UTC

If you don’t want us at our Captain’s Holiday, you don’t deserve us at our The Defector

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 16:47:55 +0000 UTC

OK you liked this episode, good. I was about to call this place an airport as I about to ANNOUNCE MY DEPARTURE!!!!!

JGoss

2024-07-11 16:45:03 +0000 UTC

Too busy doing porn VR on my Google Goggles

Paul Hess

2024-07-11 16:34:09 +0000 UTC

That's a valid point, but there's also senior officers engaging in bullying behaviour, using an unwelcome nickname, engaging in gossip, Riker saying he reviewed Barclay's psych profile but apparently making no referral to the ship's qualified psychologist about him. Accusing a captain of lying to get Barclay on the Enterprise when had he been a problem he could have just transferred him to a less prestigious post or ship. Plus there no clear explanation of the timeline so no way to tell if the ostracism pre-dated the holodeck usage. Not exactly stellar personnel management. And it's clear Troi is on his case by the end of the episode. It's not getting swept under the rug, he's cooperating with therapy and his card is marked.

Lincynity

2024-07-11 16:29:44 +0000 UTC

Damn Paul, can’t believe you missed that

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 16:25:15 +0000 UTC

That was such a great movie! I love it so much!

wildhunt1973

2024-07-11 16:17:06 +0000 UTC

You missed where Geordi said he "fell in love there once"

John Rose

2024-07-11 16:13:42 +0000 UTC

It’s actually pretty simple, if the episode is good.. we like it 😏

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 16:12:35 +0000 UTC

There also were post credit scenes with Dwight Schultz and Dirk Benedict

Lincynity

2024-07-11 16:05:04 +0000 UTC

It's a good ecample that you don't really know who you're working with, if you only interact with them in the workplace and do not socialise outside of work. A woman I worked with seemed intelligent and a decent person, but one day she just disappeared with no notice. A few weeks/ couple of months later we found out that she had taken hardcore drugs, had a paranoid meltdown, and killed her partner by stabbing him 30+ times. It's probably best we do not know the inner most thoughts of our colleagues.

James Knight

2024-07-11 16:01:36 +0000 UTC

Fun Fact: in the A-Team movie (2010), the movie shown in the psychiatric hospital stars one "Reginald Barclay". It even has the original A-Team theme tune playing.

Ee'char

2024-07-11 15:49:50 +0000 UTC

Oh we're so back, baby

JD Nevesytrof

2024-07-11 15:45:06 +0000 UTC

Okay, I can no longer guess what episodes you're going to like, so I'm no longer going to even try. I'm really surprised you liked this episode, but i"m glad you did. Then again, it is a character episode.

wildhunt1973

2024-07-11 15:42:09 +0000 UTC

We live for the one, we die for the one.

valen

2024-07-11 15:31:34 +0000 UTC

In Valen's Name.

Steven Johnson

2024-07-11 15:31:07 +0000 UTC

Always have loved this one. Like I said in my PT, Barclay is my spirit animal.

Steven Johnson

2024-07-11 15:23:57 +0000 UTC

This episode and Tin Man were my two least favorite TNG episodes. As a kid, I didn’t like that a character like Barclays could get into Starfleet or be given something important to do. Also this was an episode where nothing really happens till the end. Rewatching it now 30 years later. It was fun seeing the cast getting to goof off. You know they had to love filming this, but I still don’t care for Barclay so it’s still near the bottom of my list.

Jonathan

2024-07-11 15:20:06 +0000 UTC

5 minutes to the ship destruction, let causally walk to the cargo bay to stop it

Dark Kronis

2024-07-11 15:13:46 +0000 UTC

Please do. A junior officer who has just arrived on board and has already created multiple holodeck programs that openly disrespects senior commanding officers is a gigantic red flag in unbefitting conduct and behaviour. And it's never really addressed.

William McRae

2024-07-11 15:13:00 +0000 UTC

Yay! I was about to go to the holodeck

valen

2024-07-11 15:02:48 +0000 UTC

Next Thursday’s reaction I’ll mention your name, be on the lookout

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 14:54:31 +0000 UTC

Yeah, that’s fair. The lack of accountability or consequences for Reg is something we talk about in the discussion.

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 14:53:13 +0000 UTC

Thanks, I'm gonna cry in the corner now.

valen

2024-07-11 14:51:54 +0000 UTC

I'm 4 minutes in and it's already stirring great out of the box discussion that other episodes never did. Great sign!

Paul Hess

2024-07-11 14:49:34 +0000 UTC

I figured the writer was a BTTF fan and snuck it in since none of the technobabble makes sense anyway

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 14:49:17 +0000 UTC

See my take on Barclay holodeck adventures was that of a petty guy who had MAJOR jealousy issues and no respect for his senior officers and fellow crewmates. It just came of as immature and spiteful. If a mental health assessment has been done on Barclay based on his recreational activities, I doubt he'd been serving in Starfleet much less the Enterprise .....

William McRae

2024-07-11 14:48:58 +0000 UTC

You’re the best Gary! Thanks for the support! 👑

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 14:47:19 +0000 UTC

Hi Guys! Thanks so much for the shout out! I can't believe it's been two years but I've never regretted it. I love you guys like we're old friends, sometimes we have differing opinions but that's what makes it interesting. I joined for the Star Trek re-watch (it's been years for some of these) and I've enjoyed every minute of it. You're the best and I'm looking forward to many years to come. Side note, I was surprised how long it took you to figure out that the opening was a Holodeck scene...that was fun!!!

Gary Leyh

2024-07-11 14:45:49 +0000 UTC

https://youtu.be/GiSFWDBqDn8?feature=shared

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 14:42:37 +0000 UTC

Just copying my post from Jen's channel for this episode lol. Barclay is my favorite TNG character. I relate to him so much I suffer from pretty severe social anxiety, to the point that its always been a thorn in my side, it cost me grades in school because I couldn't give presentations in front of people it has affected work in much the same manner, I've refused promotions because it meant having more interaction directly with others, its made it very very very hard for me to approach women, to the point that I've never in my life had a relationship and I'm middle aged now. I also retreated to books, shows, movies, video games, todays equivalent to the holodeck. Barclay is kinda like me projected into this star trek universe and I'm so happy he is there.

Sequiro

2024-07-11 14:42:23 +0000 UTC

I agree if we found the guest horrible it would dampen the episode, but all the stuff in the holodeck with our main crew is incredibly enjoyable regardless of him imo

Josh (Target Audience)

2024-07-11 14:40:51 +0000 UTC

Shame you didn't notice Barclay's 2nd holodeck simulation, as soon as he said "flux capacitor" 😂

Ee'char

2024-07-11 14:38:50 +0000 UTC

Hey, don't feel bad. While there are aspects of this episode I like, I agree that there's no way Reg would have made it into Starfleet. If he did, he wouldn't be a lieutenant - he'd be working the lower decks somewhere, cleaning toilets.

wildhunt1973

2024-07-11 14:37:11 +0000 UTC

I've been an audience member since Nov 23 and I've never seen you call out my name ever. I'm starting to feel left out.

valen

2024-07-11 14:36:24 +0000 UTC

Liking this episode is based largely on whether you find the guest character of Reg Barclay enjoyable..... I don't so I never cared for it as a result. Dwight Schulz is a talented actor but Barclay rubbed me up the wrong way. I found him way more annoying than amusing as a character. His holodeck fantasies (not to mention his socially awkward/incel like behaviour) not to mention his VERY unhealthy views of his crewmates creeped me out and how this guy ever made it into Starfleet, much less graduating with his myriad of personal issues is beyond me. The man is smart, but he also struck me as someone who was 10 seconds away from having a complete breakdown and never recovering from it. I'm aware this episode is popular and well liked but I'm in the minority and never cared for it at all. Hard pass from me

William McRae

2024-07-11 14:27:24 +0000 UTC

I've been waiting for this moment, I grew up loving A-Team & recognized Murdock immediately, I think he makes a great guest star. Shout out to the OG Target Audience/ Demographic tier Patrons for keeping TA alive, "Live long & prosper."

Billy T. Riker

2024-07-11 14:21:54 +0000 UTC

UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E21 - Hollow Pursuits

Comments

I am really glad you liked this episode. Barclay is one of my favorites

One thing this episode always makes me think of is "The Practical Joker" (TAS). The connection? Leaky drinking glasses/dribble glasses. And in the coincidence department, "The Practical Joker" was the earliest appearance of what would become the holodeck.

Thanks for giving us a shout out. 💜 The minute I heard you announce the uncut TOS videos, I was all in! It helped me get through a few stressful months that summer. Let’s have a shot of Scotty’s green whiskey to celebrate!

Reginald Broccoli is the GOAT, you have no idea!!

Exactly!

Heard of something before their parents were born!

Thank you for pointing out the cue of The Minstrel Boy right at the end. I can never remember the name of that song.

If they hated every episode, they wouldn't have an audience. But an episode here and there to spice things up is fun.

@James Goss If they hated most episodes like they did Captain's Holiday, I would not be able to withstand the negativity. There are only two TNG episodes *I* feel that way about, and we're a long ways from them.

As far as what program 9 was that Barclay saved at the end... it was never stated. I think that was thrown in as a bit of a joke, and an invitation for the audience to come up with their own theorys

@tyranusfan Yeah, they finished it once the actor's strike was finished. Apparently they couldn't post during that because they are members of the union.

Barclay's for the modern (then) audience. He's an every-person with current day social problems. It's interesting to see how people in the 24th century handle that. Ethnics aside, it makes you feel hopeful.

Such a well crafted episode on all angles. Even the technobabble felt necessary and curious.

Yeah. Love this episode. Barclay is such a great character. This episode also handles interpersonal conflict in a way Gene probably loved, with humans supporting humans, despite the odds. A product of its time--today we'd have to address the ethics right away, as you both suggest.

It was a good, solid episode. It's not going to be one of my favorites, but it wasn't bad at all. And more broccoli isn't a bad thing

Howling Mad Murdock was my favourite A Team character, so Reg Barclay became a quick favorite TNG character for me.

One of my favorite episodes. I love Barcley. ❤️

Well when your Patreon channel turns 5 or 10 years old, you should do a real life roast like the Roasts of old!

So what did you think?

Everybody's faces there are great. I wonder how many takes that took? As hilarious as that scene with Picard is, Troi finding herself on the holodeck and her, Riker's, and Geordi's reactions are still one of my favorite scenes ever in television.

@Chris S. Blame NewWho for that kind of "woke garbage" mentality. (For those that do not know, Gallifrey is a planet in the Doctor Who universe.)

@Timothy Nikiforovs I'll comment about it when we get there. 😀

When I get lonely I come take a look on here. You all roast us almost as much as our real life friends ♥️

The nickname is mean and should have been addressed. But in the scheme of things, Barclay's behaviour and his way of releasing tension is WAY more problematic than an unfortunate nickname.

"GOSS!!!!"

Episode 24 or 25?

When someone writes that "Barclay wouldn't pass starfleet academy" he shows that he doesn't get that Barclay is a portrait of himself: A fan who takes Star Trek way too seriously.

Did they ever finish the show? I stopped getting notifications somewhere in season 7

Dwight Schultz is an interesting actor from the A team, to all the other tv. He’s done

My guess would be the boys are really gonna love modern trek where it’s all about character emotions and d how everyone feels. Classic trek was an action adventure sci-fi program it had character moments s but it was’nt all melodrama . Crying will commence in 2017

I loved this episode as well. It always reminded me of the time my mom caught me....ah....never mind.

Oh damn, I'm still subscribed to this? I must have done it accidentally and never noticed.... Just kidding. I grew up on the TOS. When TNG came along, I savored it. It is fun to watch it again with newbies. It is almost like I have friends...

Considering that our technological advancements over the last 50 years have not improved mental health issues but made them far WORSE, I highly doubt it'd be that simple.

"You'd better hope no-one finds that saved program and says 'What the hell is this'..." Looking forward to next season... 😆

Dwight Schultz (and the director) were fantastic in this. All of Barclay's little mannerisms and stammers looked super natural and fitting. (Josh is wrong in his observations to the contrary.)

In light of all the two year original patrons, would you think this channel could be something of a nice addiction? Ha ha ha

Picard's face should be in the dictionary under "mortified" LOL!

I'll bet Barclay banged Beverly and the Betazoid

“You cannot choose others' reactions to things, but you can choose your own reactions to others.” – Me

My least-favorite S3 episode is still coming...

@Paul Hess Hollow pursuits of a different type...

@Target Audience The line was a flub on the actor's part, and the production team didn't catch it or didn't care. It was supposed to be "flow capacitor." The technobabble in TNG is, generally speaking, consistent and sensible.

41:40 They did it at high warp in the first episode.

I’m glad you found your tribe but I don’t recognise myself in that description

Nice standalone episode with a decent plot and some great humour. Rikers face when Picard said broccoli was so good.

Couldn’t agree more! The guys have made me think twice about a couple of episodes actually. Like “The Bonding” which I found skippable until now! I actually realized its a pretty good episode. A matter if perspective. Pun intended.

I also enjoyed Galifery girls(sp?) until they started making comments that showed…lets just say… they didn’t like men very much. The “toxic masculinity” vibe got me the heck outta there.

Congrats on two years, guys!!

I did say "incel like". Fantasising about a woman (a senior officer no less) with whom his real life relationship bares no resemble to his made up romantic version on the holodeck is unhealthy to put it midly

Agreed 100%

They run down the halls successfully a few times. Season 1 finale comes to mind

Unfortunately the actor went nuts after that

How is that normal though?

I know, it being 2 years already is wild!!! Thanks for sticking with us Elizabeth 😁

I've said it before elsewhere and I'm gonna say it again: Reg Barclay, a massive introvert with nigh-crippling social anxiety and a wealth of neuroses; also - the most normal & relatable character in Star Trek history.

God, the look on Picard's face when he realized he called him Broccoli, he looked like he stepped on a puppy

Josh: "It's like, what's left in the season?" Everyone: *VIBRATES*

As they said at the time of this episode, it was a "wake up" call for "Trekkies"/"Trekkers" to enjoy ST, but not get far so deep your entire life rolved around it whereby you have forgotten the "real" world. A Great episode, Dwight is a fantastic Actor! Perhaps everything is an illusion.. ;)

yeah that true, best place to see it the pilot episode ending with data and McCoy, trying to walk slowly enough to not walk into the set end

The double b, Barclay Banger.

I also wanted to add that it reflects poorly on Riker (and Geordie) that he perpetuated the use of "broccoli" after hearing it started by a 17 year old acting ensign. Riker set a bad example for the crew here and I am surprised that Picard didn't have words with him in private about this.

TO THE MOON ALEX

Absolutely one of my favorite episodes and I'm sure many ST fans can relate to Barclay in one way or another

I recall reading somewhere that they could never run through the halls due to the limitations of the set sizes. They would run out of set faster than they would run out of scene.

One of these days JD… pow! Right in the kisser!

Love me some Reg! Low key good episode about social anxiety / holodeck addiction.

"Jackie Gleason?" Audience: THEY'VE HEARD OF SOMETHING BEFORE THEY WERE BORN WHAAAAAT

This is the best theme song sequence since Yesterday's Enterprise, maybe even better. I love when the cold open gives you guys something to talk about the whole time

Let's face it, this place is more fun when you hate episodes people like.

If you don’t want us at our Captain’s Holiday, you don’t deserve us at our The Defector

OK you liked this episode, good. I was about to call this place an airport as I about to ANNOUNCE MY DEPARTURE!!!!!

Too busy doing porn VR on my Google Goggles

Damn Paul, can’t believe you missed that

That was such a great movie! I love it so much!

You missed where Geordi said he "fell in love there once"

It’s actually pretty simple, if the episode is good.. we like it 😏

There also were post credit scenes with Dwight Schultz and Dirk Benedict

Fun Fact: in the A-Team movie (2010), the movie shown in the psychiatric hospital stars one "Reginald Barclay". It even has the original A-Team theme tune playing.

@James Goss If they hated most episodes like they did Captain's Holiday, I would not be able to withstand the negativity. There are only two TNG episodes I feel that way about, and we're a long ways from them.

Josh: "It's like, what's left in the season?" Everyone: VIBRATES