The Ensigns of Command
| "The Ensigns of Command" | |
|---|---|
| Star Trek: The Next Generation episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 3 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Cliff Bole |
| Written by | Melinda M. Snodgrass |
| Featured music | Dennis McCarthy |
| Cinematography by | Marvin Rush |
| Production code | 149 |
| Original air date | October 2, 1989 |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Ensigns of Command" is the second episode of the third season of the syndicated American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 50th episode overall, first broadcast on October 2, 1989.
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet crew of the Federation starship Enterprise-D. In this episode, Lieutenant Commander Data (Brent Spiner) must convince a reluctant colony of more than 15,000 to prepare for immediate evacuation while Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) attempts to negotiate a three-week reprieve from aliens intent on colonizing the planet themselves in four days and wiping out any humans found there.
Plot[edit]
The Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), receives a message from the Sheliak: Remove the humans on their planet Tau Cygni V within three days, or the Sheliak will exterminate them. The urgent message forces Captain Picard to walk out on android Second Officer, Lt. Cmdr. Data's (Brent Spiner) concert in Ten Forward.
The Enterprise sends Data to the planet to coordinate the evacuation (partly due to the fact that he is able to withstand the harsh atmosphere of Tau Cygni V), but the colony's leader Gosheven (Grainger Hines) refuses. He argues the colonists have worked too hard to establish the colony and would rather fight the Sheliak than leave, using the colony's aqueduct as proof of the colonists' ability to overcome adversity. The only colonist who openly supports Data is a young, science-minded woman named Ard'rian Mackenzie, who takes a liking to the logical Data. With Ard'rian's help, Data tries several tactics involving reverse psychology, though Gosheven sees through the attempts and manages to persuade the colonists to stay. When Ard'rian gathers some of the colonists who are secretly supportive of Starfleet's order of evacuation, Gosheven crashes the meeting and electrocutes Data in a forceful attempt to stop him. Gosheven leaves with the group, while Ard'rian stays behind successfully repairs Data. Inspired by Gosheven's act of defiance, Data decides to demonstrate in kind. As a show of force, Data destroys the aqueduct with a modified phaser and informs the colonists the Sheliak are even more powerful. Data's final point is, "You will die, without ever seeing the faces of your killers... The choice is yours." Finally convinced, Gosheven reluctantly agrees to the evacuation. As he sadly looks upon the ruined aquaduct, Gosheven confesses to Data that he was ready to die for the colony. Data sympathetically acknowledges him but explains that the aquaduct (which is a significant symbol of the colony's survival) is "just a thing, and things can be replaced... lives cannot".
Due to hyperonic radiation rendering the transporters useless, the evacuation would require three weeks, but the Sheliak insist the treaty only allows for three days. In response, Picard exploits a loophole in the treaty and offers the Sheliak a choice: either wait six months for third-party arbitrators, or give Picard three weeks to evacuate the colony. Outmaneuvered, the Sheliak agree to the three weeks.
As Data leaves for the Enterprise, he is seen off by Ard'rian who congratulates him for successfully convincing the colonists to evacuate. It becomes apparent that Ard'rian has developed feelings for Data and is sad to see him leave. Noticing this, Data kisses her. When she asks why he kissed her, Data replied, "You appeared to need it." - recalling Ard'rian earier statement after giving Data a kiss of support. Flattered, Ard'rian declares that Data is "rational to the last" as they say their final farewells.
Aboard the Enterprise, Picard listens to a recording of Data's concert, and compliments on Data's fusion of two very different music styles in a musical performance, as well as his creative approach to convincing the colonists. Data concedes that he has become more creative.
Reception[edit]
The A.V. Club gave it B+.[1] Tor.com gave it 7 out of 10.[2]
Releases[edit]
The episode was released with Star Trek: The Next Generation season three DVD box set, released in the United States on July 2, 2002.[3] This had 26 episodes of Season 3 on seven discs, with a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track.[3] It was released in high-definition Blu-ray in the United States on April 30, 2013.[4]
This was released in Japan on LaserDisc on July 5, 1996, in the half season set Log. 5: Third Season Part.1 by CIC Video.[5] This included episodes from "Ensign of Command" (also "Evolution") to "A Matter of Perspective" on 12-inch double sided optical discs.[5] The video was in NTSC format with both English and Japanese audio tracks.[5]
References[edit]
- ^ Zack Handlen (July 29, 2010). "Star Trek: The Next Generation: "Evolution"/"The Ensigns Of Command"". The A.V. Club. Retrieved February 13, 2022.
- ^ DeCandido, Keith R. A. (November 7, 2011). "Star Trek: The Next Generation Rewatch: "The Ensigns of Command"". Tor.com.
- ^ a b Beierle, Aaron (July 2, 2002). "Star Trek the Next Generation – Season 3". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on August 19, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ^ Miller III, Randy (April 30, 2013). "Star Trek: The Next Generation – Season Three (Blu-ray)". DVD Talk. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 7, 2016.
- ^ a b c "Star Trek Next Generation: Log. 5: Third Season Part.1 [PILF-2009]". LaserDisc Database. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
- Star Trek The Next Generation DVD set, volume 3, disc 1, selection 2
External links[edit]
