2.15 — “Pen Pals”
Plot: Wesley gets assigned to lead a research team investigating geological anomalies that have caused the destruction of several planets in the Selcundi Drema sector. Data makes contact with a little girl by space radio, despite the prime directive’s ban on interference with primitive cultures, and ends up in a quandary when he discovers that her planet is due for destruction that could be prevented by intervention from the Enterprise. Also, Picard gets repeatedly interrupted while trying to ride a holographic horse.
Thoughts: I was very tired when I watched this and I feel like I want to see it again. “Pen Pals” is the first teleplay assignment given to story editor Melissa Snodgrass, after she was hired on staff based on her freelance script for “The Measure of a Man.” The story concept came from Hannah Louise Shearer, but it was Snodgrass who decided to place Data at the center of the story.
There are some issues with this episode, but I really like it for having scope and emotion and a moral dilemma. Here are three quick things that were joyous. First, Wesley using a tablet computer like a tablet computer. I think this prop has appeared before, but in this episode Wil Wheaton looks like he’s holding an iPad and knows how it works. In 1989. Second, Earl Grey Hot. Third, the alien makeup on Sarjenka, especially her hands. Great call to make her small and very alien. We’ve seen so many lazy aliens so far in the series that just look like bland Caucasians wearing funny pastels.
I also liked the productions value in Sarjenka’s bedroom set and the location shooting for the horse scenes. It’s rare that you get to see the characters under natural light. Also “What would Picard do?” is pretty funny. Making Picard seem a little messianic is probably good for future story developments.
There have been so many flaky prime directive episodes in TNG so far, I braced myself when the term was first mentioned. And indeed, they start with some goofy concepts. Is Picard saying he thinks the prime directive bans interference with the natural development of geologic systems? Riker’s talk about worrying about interference with a “cosmic plan” or “fate” is silly. But then Pulaski slaps him down and a profound discussion develops, more thoughtful than any treatment of the issue we received in TOS.
I like the idea that the PD may be as much about protecting the crew as protecting others. Also that discussing morals issues can be just as exciting as any action scene. Thanks, Melissa.
Some of the dialogue is like a bad Hallmark card, however. Troi: “You can’t guide someone into adulthood. The experiences are unique to each person. Whether Wes succeeds or fails, he will learn from the experience.” Eh, what? Sure. Picard: “She has to be the person she was born to be.” Really? I hope not. Do you?
Like Snodgrass’ last episode, this feels like an important episode for Data. We get to see him wrestle with emotions and grow in a way that is much more profound than struggling to understand how to use idioms correctly. When Picard praises Data at the end, Brent Spiner proves he has a better (and smaller) smirk than Jonathan Frakes.
Warp 4 out of 6. What did you think?
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