UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E7 - The Enemy
Added 2024-05-09 11:06:08 +0000 UTC
Comments
@Tony Bain It isn't something I'd noticed until this viewing.
Jovet
2024-05-12 15:26:44 +0000 UTCIt didn't bother me but yes given the issues it was causing it would take either time or time and treatment for his vision to come back.
Tony Bain
2024-05-12 01:35:26 +0000 UTCThe Enemy is a really solid episode of the show, but my absolute favourite TNG episode is coming up next week and introduces one of my favourite guest stars in Trek. My read on the story on the surface between Bochra and Geordi is that both these guys come from a place of not really knowing much about the other side, but the differing ideologies of the Romulan Empire and the UFP are on display. Geordi just wants to get home, and even though this was obviously a romulan spy mission, the Federation would rather return the 2 officers than start a war. Geordi like most starfleet officers is an explorer at heart, so even after being attacked, he keeps trying for diplomacy until he gets through. Bochra was raised in a highly militaristic culture, and Geordi is no doubt the first human he's interacted with. Add to that he's behind enemy lines, and I'd bet there's a fair degree of practiced chauvinism in his initial attitude. It doesn't make sense for him to doubt Geordi's claim that there's a federation ship in orbit. After all, he IS in federation space, and most importantly, where else would Geordi have come from? He's on the defensive and acting tough essentially. Do romulans actually kill/abort children with birth defects, do they actually plan to wipe out humanity, or is that all an act? Hard to say. However considering the romulans have had like 10x as long to build their empire as the federation has existed, the math isn't mathing on his certainty of romulan conquest of the federation. As to a condition like Geordi's, the fact that Crusher couldn't treat a romulan as she would a vulcan suggests they might employ some form of genetic engineering, as the split from the vulcans wasn't nearly long enough ago to account for those changes via natural evolution. Ultimately though, both men learning to overcome their preconceptions about the other and work together to escape is very in line with Trek ideals. The B plot between Worf and Patahk was virtually a mirror image of the story on the planet. Neither willing to let go of their hate, or disprove what the other thinks of them. This is also another great display of Picard's leadership style. He knows when to be firm, when to be aggressive, when to be diplomatic, and when to be trusting. I especially like that he wasn't willing to cross the line of ordering Worf to violate his own bodily autonomy just to make his job easier. He's wise enough to understand that it's a dangerous precedent to set. On the practical side of the issue, while it would have defused most of the tension, Picard really should have separated the Enterprise as another comment suggested. Data could have been left behind in command of the saucer section to continue the search for Geordi(it has all the sensors and transporters needed), while the stardrive went to meet Tomalak. If they got him back into their hands before he died(perhaps in time for them to save him), it not only removed their excuse for crossing the border(they likely assumed Bochra was dead), but averts blame for his dying in their custody. This is a classic example of the saucer separation ability going underused.
Timothy Nikiforovs
2024-05-11 05:14:48 +0000 UTCI had the exact same thought about separating the ship. It's a perfect example of how the Galaxy class separation ability is often underused.
Timothy Nikiforovs
2024-05-11 02:15:22 +0000 UTCWorf "Good tea, nice........" Ok I'm not gonna finish that one🤣
Timothy Nikiforovs
2024-05-11 02:11:13 +0000 UTCIt's interesting to see background crew with S1/2 uniforms, the costume department was definitely working on creating new ones.
Syl
2024-05-10 22:38:11 +0000 UTCThe magnetic fields were "degenerating his synapses." I wouldn't expect such degeneration to magically disappear, especially not without medical ministrations.
Jovet
2024-05-10 13:18:35 +0000 UTCThe magnetic fields aren't affecting him anymore.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-05-10 13:13:01 +0000 UTC@Jovet Sorry, I forgot about "Shades of Gray."
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-05-10 13:11:58 +0000 UTCNot only has Dr Crusher got longer hair, but her coat is now longer, too, and without the collar (the shorter coat was, apparently, designed for Pulaski before they knew Gates McFadden was coming back). Also, the new uniforms have been tweaked a bit and have now been finalised; better collars, no chest seam, and a 'belt' at the bottom of the top. The initial new designs weren't as comfortable or as well fitted as expected. Now they are. And that lads, explains why everybody looks a bit different.
Andy Frankham-Allen
2024-05-10 08:04:45 +0000 UTCThe ships leaving in different directions isn't an error. Since both are facing different directions it means one ship is going to need to turn around to then follow the other. We don't which ship is facing roman space (since they have been orbiting that planet). And Trek rarely shows turning on your axis immediately (Booby Trap might be the only time for TNG), so one ship just needs to turn, and let's be very clear, space is incredibly vast. Even just system or planetary scale is vast for what little we see on screen. Either ship has a massive amount of space that they could make that turn in before even bring out of visual range let out of sensor range. It would only be an error if we hear the order for change of direction and no direction is changed.
Mark Wood
2024-05-10 04:25:22 +0000 UTCYeah, exactly. The other problem there is not just that you may be viewed as weak, but that the enemy may choose to exploit that perceived weakness. Both sides are ready to fight, if one side backs down a little the other has the advantage and may well see that as there moment to strike. Just to add as well, from a real world perspective, the Cuban missile crisis is probably the best known example of brinksmanship. It took the NATO and the Soviet block to what is generally regarded as the closest we've ever been to nuclear war.
FPG
2024-05-10 02:47:16 +0000 UTCI see that you're catching on to Beverly's ever-changing hairdos. Medium one episode...Long the next. She wears wigs. I think it's fun to see what's next at the start of each new episode.
T’Pynyn of Vulcan
2024-05-10 02:19:30 +0000 UTCThe result would have been the Romulan committing suicide at the first opportunity.
Jovet
2024-05-10 01:18:23 +0000 UTC“...This is the first TNG episode to open on a planetary surface...” Does "Shades of Grey" just not exist to you??? 😏
Jovet
2024-05-10 01:09:34 +0000 UTCNice comment. The biggest plot hole is what ribosomes actually are. And how it's preposterous that they would need to be administered to overcome fatal injuries. And the Federation IS weak.
Jovet
2024-05-10 01:08:16 +0000 UTCAlex is changing his name to Yukon in a few weeks. He's ready.
Jovet
2024-05-10 01:05:25 +0000 UTC@Derek Orr Yes. *insert_famous_Picard_sitting_facepalm_meme_here*
Jovet
2024-05-10 01:03:57 +0000 UTC@Joe Concepts The brink of a cliff. Who can stand the closest to the edge without falling off? That's brinkmanship.
Jovet
2024-05-10 01:01:45 +0000 UTC43:52 Geordi can suddenly see once he's back on the Enterprise.
Jovet
2024-05-10 00:51:46 +0000 UTCThe actor who played the first Romulan was really good!!
Jovet
2024-05-10 00:39:38 +0000 UTC16:50 Relax guys. Salem 1 would be in our future, fictional future.
Jovet
2024-05-10 00:24:42 +0000 UTC12:22 Awesome upper body strength from Geordi there. He must be ripped under that uniform!
Jovet
2024-05-10 00:20:03 +0000 UTCRiker was the burdens of command
Scarpad’s Domain
2024-05-10 00:16:02 +0000 UTC6:30 Josh realizes he just said "The D" LOL!!!
Jovet
2024-05-10 00:14:15 +0000 UTCTomolok the great Andreas Katsulas you want to seem more of his great performance Babylon 5 as g’kar. You haven’t seen a tenth of his acting performance
Scarpad’s Domain
2024-05-10 00:07:11 +0000 UTCAlex and Josh…For the 3rd season, Edward R Brown, who was cinematographer for seasons 1 & 2 retired, and they hired Marvin Rush to do the photography. As you can see, the lighting is more even, and as far as it looking “crisper”, they acquired better film stock, which enabled them to make it look less “grainy”.
Chris S.
2024-05-09 22:19:53 +0000 UTCI think that ⛔️spoiler ⛔️ told⛔️spoiler⛔️ about ⛔️spoilers⛔️ ⛔️spoiler ⛔️that’s why they later used ⛔️spoiler ⛔️ as a ⛔️spoiler. ⛔️
Philbot
2024-05-09 21:41:36 +0000 UTCThen they’d drink tea 🍵 and fuck! 😂 🤷♂️
Philbot
2024-05-09 21:37:05 +0000 UTCThey could cosplayer as Picard and Riker. Alex can go clean shaven and get a buzz cut. And Josh already has a Rikery beard.
Philbot
2024-05-09 21:36:29 +0000 UTCI like to think that it involved the earth Romulan war. Idk what other major future war event it could be.
Philbot
2024-05-09 21:30:14 +0000 UTCSince you were sitting together on the couch, I wanted to thank you burring out you guys holding hands, at least I am guessing that is why. It does make it so much easier for me to synch up and especially coming out of commercial breaks with the burry image of you not holding hands sweetly. My full copy has commercials during the breaks and the blur works for me well. AND I do not have to see you holding hands....lol
Prof Moff
2024-05-09 21:12:52 +0000 UTCGuys, unless YOU TWO have asked a question of us, ignore chat nagging.
harrypothead42024
2024-05-09 20:30:36 +0000 UTCGetting the WHAT NOW??
Evan Guthrie
2024-05-09 19:58:36 +0000 UTCMy initial reaction to the Romulan not wanting to be “polluted” was the same. I would have told him, “thanks for helping to make up my mind, you’ll be getting that ribosome transplant.” It would have been the worst thing to do to him. He would have lived, but it would be with the knowledge of being infiltrated with foreign molecules. If the Romulans found out, he would have been shamed and ostracized, and, possibly encouraged to commit suicide. Dying on the Enterprise was the best option for him, well, with the exception of allowing Dr. Crusher to collect a bunch of data about Romulan physiology.
Leo Greenwood
2024-05-09 19:57:51 +0000 UTCLove it. Also liked your reference to The Defiant Ones; a great film and an inspiration to other films, including Enemy Mine.
Collin Freeman
2024-05-09 19:18:22 +0000 UTCThat is an interesting point. I tend to agree.
Collin Freeman
2024-05-09 19:17:17 +0000 UTC“…and I feel like it’s – unfortunately – I could be wrong, but probably will be quite a while before we get another Geordi-focused one…” – Josh, Patreon discussion of “Booby Trap.” I had to pause the video to roar with laughter when Josh said that. Working title: “The Mettle of Man,” which would surely have been far too much like an episode title from the previous season. In his "Nitpicker’s Guide for Next Generation Trekkers," author Phil Farrand stated that this was the only episode of TNG’s first five seasons in which he could identify no plot holes, continuity errors, equipment oddities or other mistakes of any kind. This caused the episode to receive an unusual amount of attention from Farrand’s readers, who wrote him with mistakes in the episode to include in the sequel to his book, starting with the visibility of power cords leading to the Away Team’s palm beacons in the cold open. Surprisingly, this is the first Star Trek episode or film to confirm that Romulans have green blood. In earlier drafts of the script, Troi was stranded on Galorndon Core with Geordi and took part in major action sequences; Marina Sirtis was extremely disappointed by the minimization of her role. Fans often compare this story to "Enemy Mine," but LeVar Burton has likened it instead to "The Defiant Ones," a 1958 film with Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier as escaped prisoners who are shackled together. You may have recognized Andreas Katsulas (Commander Tomalak) from his role as G’Kar in "Babylon 5: The Gathering." He also played the One-Armed Man in the 1993 Harrison Ford movie "The Fugitive." Katsulas passed away from lung cancer in 2006, at the age of 59. John Snyder (Bochra) later appeared in “The Golden Cue,” a 2000 segment of "Beyond Belief: Fact or Fiction." Fans have complained that Tomalak’s ship is too far from the Enterprise when Picard and Tomalak first speak for Troi’s empathic analysis of Tomalak’s emotions (“There is great hostility behind his smile”) to be possible. However, Troi may simply be responding to Tomalak’s facial expressions and body language. Fans have also complained that Picard, as a Frenchman, should not have given Pearl Harbor as an example of “a bloody preamble to war,” since World War II had been going on in Europe for over two years before the Pearl Harbor attack, but Pearl Harbor was still a specific flashpoint incident that makes a useful comparison. (Station Salem-One is indeed a fictional incident sometime in the future.) The current version of this episode’s IMDb page claims that it contains a major plot hole, of which viewers may now be more likely to be aware than they were in 1989 due to the controversy surrounding COVID-19 vaccinations. Once Patahk declares his unwillingness to receive Worf’s blood, the debate should theoretically be over. As Worf helpfully points out, Picard has the right to order him to give blood if Picard so chooses, but no one on the Enterprise has legal or paramilitary authority over Patahk: his right to bodily autonomy should take precedence over all other considerations. However, this is not a plot hole: no one overhears Patahk telling Worf he would rather die than receive the transfusion. For whatever reason, Worf keeps his exchange with Patahk confidential and does not use it to get himself off the hook with Picard. When Geordi and Bochra first discuss connecting Geordi’s VISOR to the tricorder to detect the neutrino pulse, LeVar Burton’s pupils are visible through his white contact lenses. This may not have been noticeable in the pre-high-definition era. Like the quiet, character-based storyline of “The Bonding,” the long sequences without dialogue in this episode allow viewers to appreciate Dennis McCarthy’s score more than usual. Also, McCarthy makes an excellent choice by not having the score react to Dr. Crusher’s announcement of Patahk’s death. There is an obvious error in the episode’s final shot. Picard says the Enterprise will escort Tomalak’s ship back to the Neutral Zone, but the two ships then depart Galorndon Core in opposite directions. This is due to the reuse of stock footage from “Contagion.” This shot may have been a late addition since the Final Draft script (available on the Star Trek Minutiae website) does not include it. Instead, the Final Draft ends with a tag scene which would have made the ending significantly less abrupt but may have made the episode too long. Geordi, Worf and Bochra enter the transporter room to find Dr. Crusher and two other crew members there with Patahk’s coffin. Dr. Crusher tells Bochra, “It was not in my power to save him,” giving Worf “a scathing look” before she exits. Geordi and Bochra say goodbye, with Bochra telling Geordi, “You’re not what I expected of a Federation officer,” and Geordi replying, “That’s okay; you’re not what I expected of a Romulan, either. That’s a compliment.” After O’Brien beams Bochra and the coffin away, Geordi tells O’Brien, “That’s the way to fight all the wars from now on. Two guys on a planet with no one else to talk to and nowhere to go. Things get settled in a hurry.” Geordi and O’Brien exit, leaving Worf alone, silent, with the audience left to wonder what he is thinking (and since there is no final model shot in the script, the Executive Producer credit would have appeared over the shot of Worf, as in “The Emissary”). Since Alex and Josh have already seen the next episode, it is not a spoiler to acknowledge that Dr. Crusher’s hair is indeed short again in it. Also in the next episode: Kevin Peter Hall, the actor who originated the role of the Predator! Finally, although this episode focuses on Geordi and Worf, and LeVar Burton and Michael Dorn are excellent as usual, neither of them gives the episode’s best performance. That comes from Gates McFadden, and once again it is a performance subtle enough that audiences could not have fully appreciated it in the standard-definition era.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-05-09 18:53:33 +0000 UTCAlso, remember Janice's elaborate hairstyles in TOS. The implication is that Starfleet has advanced hairstyling technology aboard its ships by the 23rd century, which allows crew members in-universe to make radical, abrupt changes in hairstyle without using wigs.
Anthony Bernacchi
2024-05-09 18:50:25 +0000 UTCI think Data's lack of emotional reactions is probably what gives him a better ability to focus on the problem and find a solution. In this episode, Geordie isn't confirmed dead, and assumed alive. So Data just continues his role in the operation of the ship and its mission, which includes recovering Geordie. It is a human trait to fear the worst or to feel guilt for not being able to find Geordie, which is why the episode focuses on Riker in this aspect. I think if Data were to have a scene it would be him reassuring Riker that there are options and possibilities. I think Worf not agreeing to be a donor and the Romulan dying is an interesting twist for sure. There are a lot of plot holes though: Dr. Crusher could have given Picard the specifics of what they needed, and he could have agreed to allow the Romulan ship to send a high speed probe carrying it. That could have eased tensions quite a bit. They also could have separated the saucer to remain in orbit, with Riker in command, to retrieve Geordie and Picard could take the stardrive section to deliver the wounded Romulan to the warbird. From there, when the 2nd Romulan is discovered, Picard would have the leverage to take him into custody for violating Federation space. Even just to hold him long enough for Starfleet and the Federation to do their business through diplomatic channels before releasing him. This would have given the Federation an upper hand in future diplomatic endeavors as well.
Sherpa Jones
2024-05-09 17:55:07 +0000 UTCIt's not uncommon, especially for women's hair. It's one way to ensure consistency of appearance when people are working 10, 12, 14, sometimes 16 hour days under hot lights.
Avaria
2024-05-09 17:03:40 +0000 UTCI have our audio increased to the max level on FCP (+12dbs) then a gain filter added to increase it even more. On all of my devices our videos are now extremely loud. Not sure how people are experiencing this.
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-09 17:03:29 +0000 UTCHey, just wanted to mention something about your video's audio. The overall audio levels seem quite low to me and I have to turn the audio from the DVD to about 15% to be able to hear your commentary along side of it. Then I have to bring my system audio up quite a bit, to where when I open a youtube video later it is quite loud. I have noticed this for quite some time but this video seems especially quiet.
Sherpa Jones
2024-05-09 16:53:36 +0000 UTCConstantly improving and smoothing out the process. Way to go.
Steve Boshear
2024-05-09 16:50:28 +0000 UTCGreat reaction as always guys, remember don’t let the negative comments get you down, lots of us have obsessed over Star Trek for years, and I think the tone of playful banter gets lost in translation.
Just another Red Shirt
2024-05-09 16:49:26 +0000 UTCHe always eats the crusts of his bread, that's why.
JD Nevesytrof
2024-05-09 16:48:20 +0000 UTChttps://images.app.goo.gl/tiA541ZrsSRymKHk8
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-09 16:25:55 +0000 UTCPolaski would understand Worf’s point.
Just another Red Shirt
2024-05-09 16:15:39 +0000 UTCEither I've been watching you guys for a long time now and haven't realized how long OR Alex's beard has some sort of fast growing superpowers
valen
2024-05-09 16:13:42 +0000 UTCPure luck that we discovered it back in the day, but glad we did
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-09 16:07:44 +0000 UTCWow… I need a minute to think about this
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-09 16:03:59 +0000 UTCDidn't realize this was David Carson's first episode. Should have known from the great direction at the start of the show! Good things to come from him soon enough..
Stephen Wright
2024-05-09 15:51:16 +0000 UTCYes but its even more weird that they thought she was a designer from the original enterprise and that her 80 years out of date knowledge would be helpful in getting the D unstuck
Derek Orr
2024-05-09 15:48:02 +0000 UTCGreat reaction gentlemen! Every time I look at season 3's episode list I am genuinely amazed and jealous of what you have coming. There might be 4 of the all-time top 10 episodes in this season and we haven't even seen one of those yet. It's times like these were I wish I'd come across you later so I didn't have to wait! Utterly refreshing to see a person your age with an Enemy Mine reference by the way - well done lol. Always loved that movie. "Earth Man, your Mickey Mouse is one big, stupid DOPE!"
Matt Newmark
2024-05-09 15:42:04 +0000 UTCGet out.
Captain Proton
2024-05-09 15:40:07 +0000 UTCAlso once you're committed to this tactic if you back down the enemy but also your own side might see you as weak. I think it takes bravery to be the one to say you know what I'll back down a bit in the interest of the common good.
Captain Proton
2024-05-09 15:39:42 +0000 UTCCan confirm that while Gates McFadden's hair is her own in many of the films, throughout the show it was a wig. She is, I believe, naturally blonde. I think Marina Sirtis has at least partial hairpieces as well.
Avaria
2024-05-09 15:38:35 +0000 UTCOne of my favorite episodes! Seeing Geordi and Bochra cooperate gives you a hopeful feeling. In the end despite cultural and even ideological différences when you boil it down we're all just trying to survive. A big fan of Katsulas as Tomalak as well.
Captain Proton
2024-05-09 15:37:10 +0000 UTCThe writers really struggled with the question of how they would convince Worf to do the right thing and save the Romulan's life. Eventually, they realised that maybe the right thing for a Klingon, was not to.
Regan
2024-05-09 15:25:25 +0000 UTCIt is a little weird that Brahms is supposedly alive, or at least from the same time period.
Evan Guthrie
2024-05-09 14:43:35 +0000 UTCGeordi Double Trouble!
Evan Guthrie
2024-05-09 14:36:36 +0000 UTCWell, to quote Picard: "Children are not allowed on the bridge"
Potatonano
2024-05-09 14:20:38 +0000 UTCThanks. For clarification on the background, it was our choice, not a copyright thing. This allows us to bounce from reaction to discussion and not have to watch both episodes then change our set for the discussion and discuss both.
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-09 14:16:44 +0000 UTCGlad you liked the episode. I think you'll find most of the TA, including I, agree with you. Very solid, good episode. We are on the uphill climb to reaching the summit that is the season 3 last episode.
Collin Freeman
2024-05-09 14:07:03 +0000 UTCHa! Very punny.
Collin Freeman
2024-05-09 14:05:21 +0000 UTCRight. Comes from "pushed to the brink" or "at the brink" of something.
Joe Concepts
2024-05-09 14:00:48 +0000 UTCYes, if you're watching a reaction video, you have to know the reacters can't be silent and they also don't KNOW that the next line is a important one. I imagine it's hard to balance that. Can't just stay silent too much because they'd have no content, and probably get in trouble with the copyright holders.
Joe Concepts
2024-05-09 13:59:29 +0000 UTCI love how he LaFORGED himself some metal stakes to climb with.
Sequiro
2024-05-09 13:56:14 +0000 UTCI believe, though I could be wrong, that Gates is often wearing a wig, so that might explain some sudden hair differences...
Brendon Waldron
2024-05-09 13:25:02 +0000 UTCNice stuff. Brinksmanship is effectively the idea of pushing a confrontational position during an interaction with the intention of gaining an advantage in negotiation. As seen in this episode, neither Picard nor Tomalak want fighting to breakout between them, but both of them are taking the aggressive, confrontational position, as opposed to backing down, in the hopes of forcing that the other will back down to avoid conflict. Picard comments that it's dangerous, because both sides get trapped in a position where they have to either back down and give in, or increase the tension further, and if neither side backs down, that will eventually lead to conflict. It is effectively like playing chicken. Neither side knows how far the other is willing to push things, both sides are hoping the other will flinch first, and if no-one flinches bad things happen.
FPG
2024-05-09 13:23:59 +0000 UTCI can't FREAKING believe you don't know about "Station Salem One!" (Just kidding, it was a throwaway line that never got followed up on.)
Darin Wagner
2024-05-09 13:05:44 +0000 UTCGlad you enjoyed! Wanted to say a couple things quickly: One is sorry about the backdrop situation. What ever happened to "fair use" sheesh! Maybe a generic space backdrop or just some ring lights with your current setup. Anyway still just as fun as before! Second thing, if I could sum it up in a nutshell - if you guys are having fun then we're having fun. I made a comment last video about how you missed some important lines and it sounds like others did too. At the end of the day it's your journey and you're letting us tag along for the fun! You could easily pause the show and discuss things in real time but you let it play for our benefit so we can follow along which is very cool of you. Speaking for myself, I really enjoy your analysis after the episode and all the little things you notice after just one watch. I think we want you to have the best experience and that's the reason for the concern over missing context or lines. I know you won't let it spoil your vibe, just wanted to say keep doing your thing!
Trouty McTroutTrout
2024-05-09 13:00:20 +0000 UTCIsn’t season 3 supposed to be good? 🤨
Josh (Target Audience)
2024-05-09 12:50:18 +0000 UTCI can't believe how much you hated this one.
Steven Johnson
2024-05-09 12:40:02 +0000 UTCAn amazing episode! Well written!
Andrew Bassey
2024-05-09 11:58:08 +0000 UTCAs Picard would say make it so 😁
Jason Mitchell
2024-05-09 11:33:25 +0000 UTCHappy Thursday!
SinocTheHodgeheg
2024-05-09 11:08:36 +0000 UTCA surprise to be sure but a welcome one.
Ramen Nudels
2024-05-09 11:08:06 +0000 UTC
