6.19 — “Lessons”
Plot: Picard develops reciprocal romantic feelings for the ship’s new stellar cartographer, Cmdr. Nella Dolan. The pair shares music together. But will they be able to share danger and still sustain their relationship?
Thoughts: The very nostalgic teleplay for this episode is written by two freelance fans of the series, Ron Wilkerson and Jean Louise Matthias, who do their best to find evocative callbacks to previous episodes. We have Picard and Crusher sharing breakfast (I’m assuming it was breakfast), Data playing chamber music, “Tea Earl Gray hot,” the night watch established in “Data’s Day,” Frère Jacques, and a set of extremely thorough musical, visual, and narrative callbacks to “The Inner Light.” There’s even a reference to Wesley Crusher. Just about the only things they don’t work in are references to Locutus, the Klingon Succession, or an appearance by Spot.
I suppose these reminisces are welcome in that TNG is generally poor at continuity, and can use the help. All the sentiment is a little much for me, however.
As for the main story–I’m afraid my dominant thought is “Stop being such babies!”
Look, either dating a subordinate is against the rules, or it isn’t. If you’re going to do it, be grown ups. Make a plan. Think about consequences in advance and give clear messages to the crew, including establishment of screening procedures if necessary. Don’t react to the prospect of facing danger together as if you couldn’t possibly have thought of it beforehand.
Why can’t Picard handle the idea of his girlfriend having a dangerous assignment? Why isn’t it equally plausible that Nella would have a problem with the dangers faced by Picard? He’s the one who has been kidnapped by the Borg and zapped by alien probes and stuff. Loving someone in the 23rd century ought to include respecting your partner’s choices and his or her professionalism.
How dangerous is the profession of stellar cartography, anyway? I would think the prospect of death in this line of duty is farfetched. Although, for an exploration/science vessel, the Enterprise does have frequent conflicts with Romulans.
I am amused that, during his meal with Crusher, Picard appears to be eating kale. It is the superfood of the future.
I enjoy all the music in this episode. Less so the laconic pace and lack of meaningful conflict. I give TNG points for trying something new. Well, not entirely new. Remember “We’ll Always Have Paris” (TNG 1.24)? We can at least agree that this episode is an improvement over that one.
3 out of 5 astonishing high-tech electric piano keyboards.
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