3.26 — “The Best of Both Worlds”
Plot: The Borg are back. Evidence from a ruined colony reveals their invasion of Federation space. With insufficient preparation, the Enterprise is rushed to the front line of defense. A Borg cube demands the surrender of Jean Luc Picard. Meanwhile, Riker is offered a new Captaincy, and must decide whether to leave the Enterprise (if it survives…).
Thoughts: That spate of weak episodes recently? This is where the effort was going. Says Michael Piller, teleplay author and head writer/co-executive producer for Season Three, “Boom! How do you like dem apples?”
This is my first time watching this episode. The main events were, of course, spoiled by the flashback footage in Star Trek: First Contact (1996), not to mention many other trailers, etc. I can only imagine what it would have been like to watch this live during its first airing, and endure the cliffhanger over the 14-week season hiatus. Reportedly there were rumors in the summer of 1990 that Patrick Stewart might refuse to renew his contract, and that Riker was being set up to take over the ship with Lt. Cmdr. Shelby as his first officer.
Although eminently watchable, I struggle to find the words to pick apart the plotty action/drama. Quelle suprise, it turns out Torie has the perfect words at The Viewscreen (http://www.theviewscreen.com/the-best-of-both-worlds-part-i/):
[Torie:] I am worrying about humanity. I am worrying about Picard. And the writers sucker you in, because for three seasons you’ve expected the happy ending that Gene Roddenberry promised humanity. After all these years, I still feel the gut-punch when Picard appears onscreen as Locutus and tells us that life as we know it is over. He’s right. “The Best of Both Worlds” changes everything. It makes you doubt. It makes you fear.
For three years with Captain Picard, and the three years before that with Captain Kirk, we have seen a vision of the future where no problem is insurmountable. Where humanity can outsmart, outmercy, and outgun any villain. More importantly, this vision of humanity has a credo: live free or die. We have seen in the past our heroes choosing a third option (so clever!), or when all else seems lost, indeed choosing to die (so brave!). But what if there is no choice? What if subjugation and slavery don’t beget heroes, or strength, or self-determination? What if they just destroy? What if who we are at our core, our sense of individuality and self-worth and positive thinking, is meaningless in the face of an advanced enemy? [/end Torie.]
The Borg is a fascinating villain, and the design of the cube and its interior remain terrific. The episode earned well-deserved Emmys for art direction and sound editing. I do think the composition of the away team that infiltrates the cube is ridiculous.
It’s interesting that Riker has to be reminded that the Captain’s place is on the bridge, considering what a pill he was on the subject during first season.
Riker’s scene with Troi in Ten Forward where he questions his ambition and whether he’s lost his edge is one of his best.
When we first meet the Borg in 2.16, “Q Who,” we don’t see them assimilate anyone, and we don’t hear their catch phrase, “Resistance is futile.” This is a great evolution. (The Borg Queen: not so great.) The collective is a great science fiction concept, not least because it knocks the complacent Federation back on its ass. I like the voices all speaking together. There is so much more to explore. It makes me look forward to the future of TNG and VOY.
Hey, we finished Season Three!
5 of 5 deuces of spades in the hole. What do y’all think?
http://en.memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Best_of_Both_Worlds_(episode)
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