From The TV IV

Encounter at Farpoint (2) is the second episode of the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and the second episode overall. The Entperise must find the secret of Farpoint Station's almost magical properties, before time runs out and Q passes judgement on humanity.

Guest Stars: John de Lancie (Q), Michael Bell (Zorn)

Special Guest Appearance: DeForest Kelley (Admiral Leonard McCoy)

Co-Stars: Colm Meaney (Battle Bridge Conn), Cary-Hiroyuki (Mandarin Bailiff), Timothy Dang (Main Bridge Security), David Erskine (Bandi Shopkeeper), Evelyn Guerrero (Young Female Ensign), Chuck Hicks (Military Officer), Jimmy Ortega (Torres)

Contents 1 Plot Overview 2 Notes 2.1 Alien of the Week 3 Arc Advancement 3.1 Happenings 3.2 Characters 3.3 Referbacks 4 Trivia 4.1 The Show 4.2 Behind the Scenes 4.3 Allusions and References 4.4 Memorable Moments 5 Quotes 6 Reviews

[edit] Plot Overview

Picard, Riker and Troi beam down to Farpoint to meet with Zorn. While there, Troi senses terrible pain on the planet. Zorn denies any knowledge of what she is sensing, and becomes agitated and evasive towards Picard's questions. They adjourn the meeting, and an away team of Riker, Data, Tasha, Geordi and Troi continue investigating the station. In tunnels beneath the station, they discover that the construction is radically different from the rest of the station, and even Geordi cannot identify what it's made of with his visor.

Above the planet, a ship of unknown design and origin enters into orbit with the Enterprise, and begins firing on the Bandi city, avoiding Farpoint Station itself. Riker and Data head for the city to attempt to see what's happening, while the others beam back to the Enterprise. Picard requests that Riker brings Zorn on board, however when they reach him he appears to be transported away by an unknown force.

On board the Enterprise, Q appears and begins taunting Picard about his inability to figure out the puzzle. Q suggests that an away team investigates the alien ship, so Riker beams over with a team. They discover the interior is the exact same as the tunnels beneath Farpoint, with no sounds of power or anything they'd expect on a ship. Troi senses powerful anger and hate directed toward the Bandi city. They find Zorn, apparently being tortured within a forcefield, and release him. They are all transported back to the Enterprise bridge, and Zorn admits that they captured a sick creature, and kept it fed but only enough so that they could control it. Picard orders an energy beam to be directed to Farpoint, which gives the alien enough energy to free itself. It is reunited with its mate, and they depart. Picard then negotiates an agreement with Zorn for the Bandi to rebuild Farpoint, and the Enterprise departs to begin its mission.

[edit] Notes

• Stardate: 41153.7

[edit] Alien of the Week

• Q: Picard and his crew surprise Q by solving the mystery of Farpoint. Having passed Q's test, Picard orders him off the ship. However, as he leaves, Q remarks that he is leaving because it suits him, and that he doesn't promise never to appear again.
• Farpoint Station: Farpoint is revealed to be an alien lifeform, and the Enterprise crew help to free it from its captivity at the hands of the Bandi.

[edit] Arc Advancement

[edit] Happenings

• Ferengi Dealings: Zorn mentions the Ferengi during his dealings with Picard. While this was an empty thread to force co-operation, the Enterprise encounters the Ferengi not too long after in 1x05 - The Last Outpost.

[edit] Characters

• Riker and Troi: It's revealed that Riker and Troi have a history, however they keep the extent of that history from Picard.
• Picard and Beverly: Picard and Crusher are also re-united, and Picard suggests that the doctor request a transfer. However, she informs him that she requested this assignment, and that her husband's death will have no effect on the way that she serves Picard, the crew or the mission. The two resolve to being friends.
• Wesley: Wesley convinces his mother, Dr. Crusher to let him go to the bridge with her so he can see it from the turbolift. Seeing him again after so many years, Picard allows the boy on, however he becomes agitated when Wesley displays intimate knowledge of the ship's systems. When an intruder alert is sounded, Wesley instinctively checks on it after being told not to touch anything, and Picard shouts at him, ordering both he and his mother off the bridge. This is the first indication of Wesley's intelligence, which later episodes will build upon.
• Data: While he claims he is superior to humans, Data expresses a wish to actually be human. This plot is dealt with and expanded upon throughout the run of the show.

[edit] Referbacks

[edit] Trivia

[edit] The Show

[edit] Behind the Scenes

• Halved: Encounter at Farpoint was originally aired as a 2-hour episode, however for subsequent airings it was separated into two parts. Both parts have the same production number.

[edit] Allusions and References

• Pop Goes the Weasel: When Riker finds him, Data is attempting to whistle Pop Goes the Weasel, but has difficulty. Riker finishes it for him, and Data marvels at how easily he does it.
• Pinocchio: Riker calls Data "Pinocchio" on the Holodeck, referring to Data's wish to be human. Pinocchio is a story, by Carlo Collodi, of an animated puppet who wishes to be a real boy.

[edit] Memorable Moments

• After showing Riker how he can locate Data, a female ensign checks out the Commander's backside as he walks away.

[edit] Quotes

• Picard: Have the two of you met before?
  Riker: We have, sir.
  Picard: Excellent. I consider it important for my key officers to know each others' abilities.
  Troi: We do, sir. We do.
• Zorn: Captain! The Ferengi would be very interested in a base like this.
  Picard: Fine. I hope they find you as tasty as they did their past associates.
• Picard: Let's see what's out there...Engage!

[edit] Reviews

• Overall Grade: no reviews yet
• Review Breakdown: A+: 0 A: 0 A-: 0 B+: 0 B: 0 B-: 0 C+: 0 C: 0 C-: 0 D: 0 F: 0