Captain Picard's Persian flaw.

S02E13

[@onlythequestion]

I can't tell you how much it meant to me as a young man to watch a show where people didn't constantly needle each other with endless rancor, petty jealousies and snide insults. These were individuals who could distribute and absorb criticism, all in an effort to better themselves and those around them. What an oasis in the TV landscape.

[@thecianinator]

People like Star Trek because everyone's nice to each other

[@onlythequestion]

@@thecianinator Also everyone's fit and healthy lol. The trade-off is that no one is really funny in Starfleet. But that may owe more to it's naval/military structure and etiquette.

[@nijdis4959]

I do miss seeing characters act like adults.

[@tanman729]

"the sheer fucking hubris"

[@silentdrew7636]

@@tanman729 a fine example of proper and necessary criticism of a character.

[@tnerbtnerb5136]

Be honest, how many of you just Googled "Persian Flaw"? I know I did. :P In case you're interested: The Persians had a common thread belief that only the divine was perfect, and to attempt to mirror perfection was hubris, so they'd intentionally place one small flaw in most of their arts and crafts to illustrate the idea that nothing in the mortal world is perfect. Everything and everyone has at LEAST one inherrent flaw, Its implied here that Picard's need to find a problem to solve is the one mandatory flaw in an otherwise basically perfect captain. His "Persian Flaw".

[@VulcanOnWheels]

If it wasn't for your explanation - thank you - I would have searched for it on Duck Duck Go; not Google search.

[@Pirosbor]

I was going to Ask Jeeves, but thank you nonetheless :]

[@drewbryk]

Thanks!

[@leopold7562]

I didn't, but I was going to until I got to your comment. I doubt I'd find anything else that would put it any more succinctly than you did. Thanks!

[@calviincalifornia4048]

hmm, i thought persian flaw is that their women are always the most sexiest, hottest, sexual women alive, yet, they dont shave their hairy forarms or pitts.. _persian flaw_

[@strawberrycatastrofy257]

"you're saying I should just sit down, shut up, and wait?" - everyone in 2020

[@Nihil0s]

More like "Stand up, scream at your leaders, and vote."

[@deydraniadiancecht8298]

@@Nihil0s yes!

[@finaladvance5085]

Well, I wouldn’t of put it like that

[@DGOTheResistance]

@@Nihil0s Except that in this nation, we have no leaders. What I mean is, in this nation we have representatives, and even the President is a representative. We do not have leaders.

[@ramblincapuchin9075]

@@DGOTheResistance That cant be inherently true. Most of the things that get done, at least on a consistent basis, are done by people who believe in leadership. (In a world where doing the right thing is the hard path) I take it that when you say 'leader' it is a position of office, not necessarily a responsibility. The role of leadership would then be something that is assumed and not an identity

[@azraelknightquest5754]

That, is what you call, a damn fine first officer. He knows his captain very well and helps him identify what his own problems are.

[@Crade1]

That's not just a good officer, that's a good friend.

[@Kalenz1234]

He still should get his shit together and accept his own command already so Data can be first officer.

[@tek512]

@@Kalenz1234 That time has come and gone.

[@jmwild1]

More than that, he has a damn fine captain who will listen and *encourage* this exchange. Now you'd think Troi would be the one to talk to Picard about this but sometimes your first officer is the right person to interact with.

[@dsandoval9396]

Actually, I think he was just following Rule of Acquisition #33: It never hurts to suck up to the boss. This was after the Ferangi episode, right? He might've heard it from a female Ferangi he bedded. I know what you're going to say, "Eww, a Ferengi! Not that attractive..." etc, etc. Come on, this is Riker we're talking about here! I wouldn't be surprised if he was _one of_ Kirk's illegitimate sons. Commander Riker's nickname is "The Plumber" because he lays so much pipe down.

[@PhantomSavage]

You can tell Picard is stumped when his eyebrows raise and his response is "... oh really?" Another excellent credit to both the writers and Patrick's legendary performance. That line is so opposite of the Picard we know, it doesn't sound or feel like a Picard line.. its blunt, lacking in vocabulary, and almost obtuse... but it completely humanizes the character in this moment, making the otherwise perfect captain feel even more authentic and real.

[@shieldmaidenarreh4265]

What makes me a even more of a great captain is that he takes advice and hes open to the opinions of his subordinates. A good leader is of that!

[@WeyounSix]

@@shieldmaidenarreh4265 him and riker are also friends

[@Solkre82]

Humanized Picard is the best one. In TNG anyway, didn't like him much in the Picard series.

[@walkerx1813]

That bastard just called Picard a work of art by pointing out his flaw

[@joshuacalkins]

And whereas he knows to project certainty in front of the crew, his demeanor here respects Riker’s role as confidante and right arm. (If you love Picard, I strongly recommend avoiding the series STP. That show...does not love Picard. And it is awful). 🖖

[@koriko88]

That looks like a really comfortable couch.

[@kxmode]

Captain's Couch is rich Corinthian leather. Only the best.

[@alexander1055]

perhaps it is

[@pdogcentra8648]

Lmao my drunk ass literally thought the exact same thing when I saw it

[@VincentGonzalezVeg]

yeah picard looks REELY cozi boi

[@Pokemc0831]

@matrix49A why, why were you like this?

[@martyg8137]

Frakes was magnificent here, an underrated actor

[@sirmount2636]

And director!

[@Eaglemna]

My favorite character in TNG. I always thought of him as Proto-Kirk

[@kofola9145]

Yes, you are right. It is a fact.

[@Smithburg01]

I always liked parts in the show like this, because even though it's on tv, it seems like a real conversation between the two people, their mannerisms, the way you can see them thinking about what to do next, and so on.

[@MidnightSt]

that's just good theatre actors for you ;) an art that's been lost in contemporary TV and movies, ain't nobody got time to do or even learn that, in-between all the CGI, jumping, fighting, shooting, bleeding and shouting... ;) (OMG I sound so old in this comment :-D)

[@JanetStarChild]

Nothing wrong with "sounding old". Age brings experience, which in turn brings wisdom.

[@chrismaverick9828]

Behind action, behind duty, there is relationship. Without that, the other two can be hellish struggles when you're stuck with someone daily.

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

@@JanetStarChild but youth also brings innovation and creativity so idk the wheel turns round and round. But I agree, even as a young person, about the comment about TV. I wish modern Trek would look to the past more instead of ignoring it. Its strange because every Trek series of course suffers a bit from the era they were made, and tendencies/stereotypes the writers were more prone to doing. The obligation to force romance into something that didn't require it, the stereotype qualities/personalities of some of the female characters (funnily enough i found this more noticeable in the 80s trek than 60s, but it gets pretty annoying with some of the episodes centred around Beverly and Troi. Luckily Ro and Guinan were antidotes to this). But overall the vision was far more hopeful and optimistic. Its weird that for the new series being criticised for political correctness, they are actually far more negative and pessimistic, let alone not even being so progressive. The original shows were more progressive in their handling of issues in a sober, intelligent way. People didn't get annoyed about their progressive ideas because they were done intelligently.

[@michelvanderlinden8363]

I love the line "You not only can't see the solution, you can't even define the problem". I feel that is something people often need to remind themselves of when they have a problem. You need to understand what the problem is exactly before you can solve it.

[@randomdude8202]

underrated comment

[@MirrorMonolith]

I too remember when good writing and character depth existed in scifi.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

This is all what CBS's and Paramounts "30% differen Star Trek" parodies are lightyears away from.

[@patrickfrost9405]

Look up Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda on Amazon Prime. It's a weird precursor to Firefly and yet feels a lot like Trek. I'm suprised that it hasn't been rebooted before.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

@@patrickfrost9405 I remember these shows like Andromeda or Farscape (which i think too was based on an idea by Roddenberry).

[@MarkoLomovic]

@@KRAFTWERK2K6 Farscape is most definitely not based on his idea.

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

@@MarkoLomovic maybe. Well.. I kinda always mix it up with Andromeda and never was really sure if it was part of his ideas

[@dazedream2392]

Ffffuucckkk the acting, dialog and substance of these deep scenes excites my spleen so much. All star trek should be like that.

[@oralboytoy]

My spleen too.

[@craytoncaswell4558]

I, too, have an excitable spleen

[@leyrua]

Your... _spleen?_

[@silentdrew7636]

Deep? As memory serves, this scene doesn't really go anywhere. Picard doesn't learn or grow as a person, he doesn't question his own ability, or anything like that. It's a well made scene, but it doesn't add depth.

[@augurseer]

All trek was like that. For a time.

[@AJGreen-cn8kk]

You can always tell the episodes run by Gene Roddenberry. Always human, thoughtful, sincere people working together to solve a problem.

[@Charmolution]

And all the actresses have big tits and tight shirts!

[@nonzensy1554]

That is his strength, i do agree. there are people though that criticize Genes oversight as (praraphrasing) "leaving no room for internal conflict in the crew". i think the main part of his science fiction is that people learned methods of engaging with one another in a manner that personal conflics don't result in fighting and squabbles. That is the strength about his vision and i think this way of thinking, how can we resolve conflict without tantrum, was a challenge for the writers they rather grew on. Because right now, our interpersonal culture is much filled with strife with personal insults and lacking diplomacy and tact, on top of it we silence people violenty and use censorship and shouting over people. if we get to the sensibilities that needed to be taught to empathically have difference in opinion and work them out peacefully, only then we can achieve some similar state comparative to Genes vision of a united mankind.

[@Ambarenya13]

I love the way Riker imitates Picard's voice when he says "your Persian flaw". Really sells the scene.

[@phantomcreamer]

Ambarenya13 Ha, didn't notice that until you mentioned it.

[@GenericInternetter]

that was a Picard imitation?

[@sasukesarutobi3862]

I'm beginning to wonder if imitating Patrick Stewart is a cast pastime, since we now know that Jonathan Frakes and Brent Spiner are both good at impersonating him.

[@Varrik159]

Not really sure where you're getting that from if I'm honest! Still sounds like Riker to me.

[@Statalyzer]

Yeah, I tabbed into another browser for a second and then just kept listening to the last bits of dialogue and thought it was Picard speaking that line.

[@loganthekrogan2182]

Riker is a wonderful second in command. Respectful of your authority, but will point out things that the superior officer will not recognize in a constructive manner.

[@cullysloy2705]

I think he is SO much like Kirk that it is fan service :D We get the best of both worlds ;)

[@evertonporter7887]

Even the best leaders need to be challenged sometimes...

[@kakarotlifted7302]

TNG is so thought provoking. I will always love this show.

[@Leisurelee53]

0:46 Active listening tip. So many active personalities insist on maintaining control of a conversation. Keeping their perspective at the fore. It takes a good amount of trust in others and self awareness to see the line of someone's thinking, and encourage them to continue, rather than offering your opinion.

[@solomonreal1977]

You speak the lies of a taaaaaaaarKEK

[@O1OO1O1]

In today's time, Picard would call him a libtard Trump supporter and proceed to kill-phaser him for being on his property.

[@guyshafor1320]

You know someone's been naughty when Riker busts out the smirk.

[@cullysloy2705]

I used to hate Riker... now I realize he IS KIRK! They gave us Kirk as a 1st officer... how dope!

[@kefka3]

I mean, it's no coincidence that his name is William T. Riker.

Weirdly, I can't stand him now, but he was my favourite character growing up watching TNG. On my current rewatch that I just wrapped up, I realized for the first time that he's arrogant, cocky, hates people, and spends literally all of his time screaming at people whenever he has control of the ship. He's a raging asshole.

[@darkridge]

Of course Riker was Kirk. The people running the show had serious doubts that the kind of actor they wanted for Picard (a serious actor with some name recognition and a lot of experience) would stick around for the whole run of the show. Riker was created to be able to step in and be captain should the original captain decide to leave the show. It's the same reason that they'd planned to split up the science officer and first officer roles in Star Trek Phase II. They didn't expect William Shatner would stick around much past the original 13 episodes -- they assumed he would ask for too large a raise in pay -- so they created the Decker character to be able to step in and be captain once they wrote out Kirk.

[@kellenknight1421]

They fuckn tried! I love Kirk, but Riker's a cunt

[@charleslarson5983]

Paul Little its a tv show from 40 years ago. grow up

[@davidswarner5804]

Somewhere, and I believe it was Tom Peters, addressed the issue of not surrounding leaders with just "yes men." You need someone to counter you, and the guts to talk to you and not just rubber stamp your decisions. Kirk had Spock. Sisko had Dax. Etc.

[@Statalyzer]

Japanese companies have "The turbulent American" job post for that :)

[@blockmasterscott]

I always loved this scene, showed how good friends Picard and Riker were.

[@KornBullsLFC]

How is it possible that 1 min clip is better than 3 Abrams Treks combined?

[@StarboyXL9]

I liked Abram's Trek because of the special effects and super-hot alien chicks. I never expected it to be a philosophical equal to the shows from the beginning and thus wasn't disappointed. Learn to lower your expectations when dealing with modern media.

[@DrZaius3141]

To be fair, even 1min of naked Trump scractching a chalk board with his finger nails would be better than 3 Abrams movies combined, because at least it's shorter.

[@BFCrusader]

@Dongs I think we can be accepting of the new stuff as they are, as long as we make it absolutely clear that we want more of this kind of quality writing to the new movies and TV-show to appear eventually.

[@jacobwallace4967]

Honestly, Jar Jar Abrams hasn't had an original thought yet. He just borrows tropes from Star Wars for the 2009 film and remade the Wrath of Khan in 2013. Granted the ship looks good and the visuals are not too bad.

[@KaiserAfini]

Because this relies on philosophical and mature writing, no amount of special effects can copy that.

[@coralroper6876]

Patrick Stewart is one of those actors who could read aloud from the phone book and I would listen just so I could hear his voice

[@yvesnyfelerph.d.8297]

He's a legend in the business and he's one of the best to ever do it. I have no idea what he's doing next. I'm sure he will be on the phone book. And I would not know how to get him a new phone book. So, he's my role model, he's my best friend and he's not going to leave me now.

[@conncooney5997]

His daily sonnets through this Covid are great!

[@O1OO1O1]

@@yvesnyfelerph.d.8297 Well, he picked up Picard next.

[@thomasfrazer8934]

What's a phone book?

[@coralroper6876]

@@thomasfrazer8934 A device used back in the days when people still watched black and white tv and hunted dinosaurs

[@terrycwy]

"My dear Captain, it is possible to commit no mistake but still lose. That is not a weakness. That is life." ~ Commander Data.

[@travcollier]

IIRC, Data is quoting what Picard said to him. The episode involved some sort of game where Data could not beat some smug jerk. So, once Picard taught Data that sometimes winning wasn't possible, Data played to tie and annoy the jerk.

[@terrycwy]

@@travcollier Yeah, exactly. That's a scene from "Peak Performance" (s02e21), or you can search it by "Data sulking like Achilles in his tent" in KZbin. That is one of my favorite quote from Picard in TNG. I just wonder what if Data use the same quote to reply Picard in this situation. XD

[@AfrewSpines]

My god, Riker is *oozing* with charisma in this scene.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

I love how much respect and admiration Riker (and the rest of the crew) have for Cpt.Picard. He really was a model officer

[@GuineaPigEveryday]

I had never heard of the term 'Persian flaw' before and honestly when i looked it up it didn't seem so commonly used either, with the best definition i found being in reference directly to this show, but I think its such a beautiful concept, especially because it can be so useful to describing issues and obstacles we struggle to solve ourselves. By looking at the way we behave and how we naturally react to obstacles, we can ultimately see how that behaviour might be a bigger problem than the obstacle itself.

[@develynseether4426]

He may not have known how to sit in a chair properly and he may have put his feet on the furniture but Riker had his moments of wisdom.

[@kinggimped]

I always really loved the scenes like this in TNG. No laser beams, no performing level 1 diagnostics on the warp cores... just brilliant writing, expertly executed. Powerful, thought-provoking television. I know it's popular to hate on the new Star Trek series, but I think we tend to judge anything that follows TNG quite harshly because of just how good it was. Besides Star Trek Discovery, that show would be an absolute travesty whether TNG existed or not.

[@THEGRUMPTRUCK]

I know Riker gets a lot of hate, and he has moments where I absolutely despise him. but I think the reason why Picard chose him as his second is moments like this. Picard, as captain, knows that every person has areas where they fall behind, their flaws. Picard possibly saw that Riker was almost an opposite of his own personality, and picked him because Riker has the balls to stand up and tell him these things when he needs it most. tl;dr, Picard knew he needed someone with the guts to tell him when he is overstepping his bounds, chose Riker for such an occasion.

[@rockandstroll]

Why does Riker get a lot of hate?

[@allnamesaretakenful]

He gets a lot of hate because of glorious beard.

[@starcrafter13terran]

Beards are lame as hell and so trendy now. Who wants to go for the "bird nest on my face" look?

[@WilfredIvanhoe]

"Picard possibly saw that Riker was almost an opposite of his own personality, and picked him because Riker has the balls to stand up and tell him these things when he needs it most." That's exactly what Picard himself said in one episode (can't remember which one); he picked Riker because he didn't want a yes-man, but a man who wouldn't be afraid to tell him when he's wrong.

[@Kibogu]

+WilfredIvanhoe That was the very first episode, #1. Picard wanted someone who wouldn't blindly follow orders, and who would place other people's well being above his own, even at the risk of his own career. (basically)

[@forgotaboutbre]

I like how pleased with himself that Riker is that he knows his captain so well =P

[@kellenknight1421]

I hate it

[@elyreelay774]

I miss these long conversations between Picard and riker, the later seasons just didn’t have it as much.

[@Narrenspiel6]

That dialogue was some damn good writing.

[@angrydachshund]

That couch looks like came straight out of the Ikea catalog.

[@MisterWin]

I know, it's great.

[@jss1121]

0:56 _"Yes, as in close your mouth and stop talking."_

[@DecoyJayc]

Ah, here it is : D

[@Utilitarian101]

A good leader can evaluate a situation, see a solution, and take charge. A great leader however can listen to those under his command and heed insightful advice.

[@Stolpskott100]

I don't know if the writers mapped things out tothat level of detail, but the evolution of the relationship between Picard and Riker is one of my favourite parts of TNG. From the pilot and early episodes of season 1, where Riker was a new First Officer for Picard, when they were bumping heads and testing each other, to this stage, where there is mutual trust and respect, and Picard trust Riker to be his alternative viewpoint, and Riker knows how Picard thinks and can show him different perspectives, and highlight his blind spots.

[@jack1701e]

I do like that they referenced the events of two previous episodes with this; Where No Man Has Gone Before and We'll Always Have A Paris, just a little touch but makes it feel less like a monster of the week episode!

[@lazerbeam134]

Exchanges like this made me love this show.

[@mattiasmartens9972]

“You're wrong.” “Not this time.” “It never happened.” “I don't think that's the case here.”

[@blackjacktrial]

Riker: What the hell is going on here? Frakes: Have you ever gone mountain biking?

[@SbsGrinth]

That's why these two characters worked so well, Ricker was never afraid to point out Picards's BS. Respectfully of course, and Picard expected Will to do so. That was obvious in the episode where Picard was abducted and replaced with a look alike.

[@olympicnut]

Riker=Great XO. Chakotay: A yes man. A rubber stamp for Janeway. Dax: Excellent sounding board for Sisko.

[@attiepollard7847]

@@olympicnut on hold Commander chakotay was never a Yes Man for Janeway. He did criticize her when it was necessary. As for dax she always gave Cisco advice

[@stephendennis5969]

Excellent dialogue. I miss this show.

[@emissaryofcharybdis105]

God damn you Jonathan Frakes and your charming smile. Not even Picard could block out the charm.

[@WatchdogGoon]

I am not a fan of Riker, but Picard picked his second in command well. Will is really bad at taking his own advice. He's proud, easily offended and frequently dense but he observes Jean-Luc very carefully because he admires him. That makes him just the right person to point out times when Picard might be in need of advice. Their dynamic is very well-written.

[@forgotaboutbre]

Not to mention that Riker is so cocky and proud because he is a badass in his own rite. (To add to what you stated)

[@WatchdogGoon]

Eh, he's alright. ;)

[@forgotaboutbre]

Fair enough.

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

Will is the best XO in all of the Star Trek shows, IMO.

00:47 Best second. Such Picard.

[@Jmans247massathon]

One of my fav episodes! Love the spooky soundtrack and Picard's vulnerability.

[@jm3267]

Riker has never looked more like a mischievous little cat than while saying "Your Persian flaw :3"

[@umairusman]

These tidbits of star trek just show how well this was written. Lovely

[@Blazieth]

I just love how Picard realizes what Riker is suggesting, doesn't really like it (but realizes he's probably right), and sums it up as bluntly as he can. And Riker can only laugh because, while that IS what he was getting at, he was trying to be a little gentler with the phrasing.

[@Drachenhannes]

"Not something i do easily." Not until there's a woman in the room berating you. As we learned this past year.

[@logicplague2077]

That show makes my soul hurt. 😔

[@itchyisvegeta]

The first 2 seasons are so under rated.

[@quitequiet5281]

Waiting is a difficult important activity. Much like how baking is both a science and a art that requires craftsmanship... not everything requires the full complement of investment but the difference is more than the sum of the parts and more powerful results are rarely as easily measured and recognized.

[@mradnanchowdhury]

Yeah the intimacy in this scene is PALPABLE

[@hyperhektor7733]

Paltastic ;d

[@literallyanangrymoose7717]

How did we go from legendary material like this... to Lower Decks and Discovery?

[@lesigh1749]

Millennials took over the writing.

[@Shiirow]

hire people who hate life and completely misunderstand the source material if they even have any knowledge of it in the first place.

[@TheNightWatcher1385]

The character dynamics in this show are so mature and amicable. Not like the writing of today where everyone is trying to one up each other in a snide, sarcastic, or political sense.

[@Cheebzsta]

It's moments like this that make the warmth and fondness each have for the other in Picard so believable.

[@raymondweaver8526]

A good second officer has the ability to respectfully present a weakness AND offer a solution

[@Dowlphin]

Knowing when to act but also when not to act. Non-doing can accomplish a lot when you rediscover it after a phase of neglect.

[@EdsLorraine]

This is why we love Will Riker!

[@wyldelf2685]

Epic dialogue in early TNG great actor chemistry ,😸👍👍

[@literallyanangrymoose7717]

Yes, Captain. Exactly that. Sometimes that is the best course of action.

[@jwilliams703]

I love Riker, he and Picard worked so damn well together. Like two bad ass peas on a big ass pod.

[@Turboy65]

The Enterprise-D always looked to me like it's a freaking luxury cruise ship that was outfitted by an interior designer who had a fixation on the styles of the mid 1980s . That it is well armed felt only like a plot device. It never felt like a warship.

[@Dotanalyst]

Galaxy class ships are easy to modify and repurpose. The Enterprise-D is a science, exploration and diplomatic vessel. In the Dominion War, other Galaxy ships were quickly refitted for military and space warfare purposesm with little to no luxuries on board and no civilians.

[@calviincalifornia4048]

thats how you become the best. you never settle for anything as good enough because you always feel you can do better :) dang, i just went full oblivion level up screen

[@KRAFTWERK2K6]

THIS is the premise of the Star Trek future. Mankind can become better because we constantly strife for evolving and becoming better than we are.

[@Zorpike]

This is how you respectfully point out that someone is approaching a problem the wrong way, people

[@stephenlackey5852]

This demonstrates quite clearly why he is Picard‘s Number One and also why they are such good friends.

[@greenoval404]

with how bad season 1 and 2 get, this scene sticks out as a gem. It's really one of the first moments we see some real chemistry between the main cast.

[@-pancakes7205]

season 2 is one of my favorite seasons of TNG

@@-pancakes7205 lol

[@sirisaac2000]

@@-pancakes7205 lol

[@sharpen193]

@@-pancakes7205 lol

[@timryan4265]

@-Pancakes lol

[@r.i.p.4485]

I miss this show so much

[@derricklafrance9440]

Watching Patrick Stewart act is worth more than all the special effects in the series.

[@MichaelJordan-uo1qm]

There was an ad for fungal toenail medication before this video. It was the most disgusting thing I have ever seen.

[@Ambarenya13]

YER PEHRSHAN FLAGH

[@poisonhemlock]

+Ambarenya13 My Persian floor?

[@AngelaRyanXX]

YER PEHRSHAN FLAGH is always best when served live.

[@scott1506]

lmao

[@r0bw00d]

When did Riker become Hagrid?

[@captaincoffeecake3595]

That couch looks stupidly comfortable

[@Pfromm007]

Shows how much Riker is an integral part of the entire show.

[@claytonl5820]

Long live the Captain

[@starwarsroo2448]

A perfect example of how to reproach someone by Riker, addressed his strengths first then tactfully his flaws. Good writing

[@HypnosisASMR]

Good screen writing, I thought Persian flaw is something that's placed with design and intention to represent imperfection. Simply being imperfect may not be the intention of the phrase? Or maybe the wrong use of the phrase "Persian's flaw" is the Persian flaw intended by the screen writer?

[@manchesterfellow]

+Cara Institute of Advanced Hypnosis Yes, he is asking Picard to intentionally break his own logical philosophy. To intentionally drop his defences and let it happen.

[@SergeiFragov]

A Persian Flaw refers to the Persian carpets. The Persian masters is said to make flawless, very intricate carpets, with many complex patterns and motives. According to Islam, only god can create perfect things, so it is considered Haram (sin) to believe yourself equal to god (by making perfect things). So the Persians include a single stitch out of place, so as to acknowledge that only god is perfect, and only he can create perfect things. And so it is said that men too are as Persian carpets - perfect, but a stitch out of place. A Persian Flaw.

[@manchesterfellow]

***** No, there is no lie. They intentionally sew a flaw into their rugs - flaw simply means imperfection - it can still be intentional.

[@MidnightSt]

that's taking it too literally. the term simply refers to a flaw that makes the thing unique, individual, and thus "perfect in its own way". if you had two carpets with the same pattern, they are just two perfectly made carpets, but there's nothing unique about them except that they are perfect. if you had two carpets with the same pattern, but each with a single "persian flaw", it's that one stitch out of place, which makes each of the carpets into its own, individual, unique thing. (because it would be pretty unlikely that even the flaw would be at precisely the same place). (Edit 17 minutes after commenting: Sorry, yes, another, the primary, even, meaning of the phrase is exactly what confuses you: a property that is generally considered neutral or even good ( = intentional), but in a specific situation acts as a flaw, therefore within that situation it's refered to as "persian flaw")

[@KedarOthort]

Someone just had to bring religious crap into this...

[@3RST-GAMING]

I almost always forget that the necks on their old uniforms used to look like that, also, baby riker

[@MrAaronjt1981]

Such a great show

[@Soldier4USA2005]

This, THIS is great writing. Through dialog and mannerisms, we see what type of relationship they have. They have become comfortable and knowledgeable of each other over the years and, as a result, Picard has come to trust Riker and his advice and know that he isn't trying to take his job....but to help Picard do his better through guidance and validating Picard's habits and problem solving skills. There's is no action. There's hardly any movement. Just Picard sittign on couch, trying to figure out what to do. Meanwhile, Riker is siting in a chair very unprofessionally (even though we know it's because of Jonathan's back problems), which tells us it's a moment of relaxation of protocols so they can discuss the problem more openly. And even though all that is happening, Riker still shows respect by not repeating Picard's self-deprecating comment about shutting up and waiting. I miss this type of Star Trek, where a 70 second scene can give so much for the audience to take in and enjoy and it's not a bunch of flashy lights and explosions. Just 2 officers talking about the problem and how to go about solving it, or at least letting go of trying to force the solution.

[@EnvisionerWill]

Curious to have not one but two splashes of continuity in an early TNG episode.

[@UmeastudentTV]

I love almost everything in Star Trek but this show is leaps and bounds above the rest in terms of writing and acting in so many episodes.

[@jorobear6775]

Ryker "You should suppress your natural tendencies." Picard "Oh really?" Seems a bit rich coming from #1. Skepticism noted! haha

[@Jamie_Pritchard]

I miss those days

[@JonnyInfinite]

Touch of the cheeky old Riker here...so stolid after the beard..

[@RafaleC77th]

Somehow this Picard is written just WAY differently than in later seasons. This was a more believable character than what came later on, still the story telling and delievery was better later but this Picard reminded me of active duty folks. The interactions with other officers, it just screamed CO.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Man, what a contrast to the Picard seen in the Picard series.

[@QuantumShock1]

When Riker gives better council than Dianna ever does

[@waldoman7]

when ricker does that creepy smile with the twinkling eyes it creeps me out. what does he have to be that excited about right now?

[@Thedoctor19000]

+waldoman7 He cannot compose himself, as he is in anticipation of the fan shipping of him and Picard.

[@CosmicUndeadElf]

He has eyes like John Barrowman

[@cullysloy2705]

Riker IS Kirk... its amazing!

[@darkcoeficient]

waldoman7 he is about to stick it to Picard in his Persian Flaw duh.

[@kellenknight1421]

Jain Tech Stfu.

[@jmwild1]

Season 2 does have its issues, but there was some damn fine writing to be found. Writing that sadly felt less common in the late seasons.

[@FranciscoRodriguez-be6ik]

Thanks for teaching me what a Persian Flaw is.

[@davfree9732]

“It’s not a Persian floor Commander! It’s a rug.”

[@tomf3150]

Badum Tisss !

[@avidian888]

A really great scene. ☺️

[@tortinwall]

What he needs to hide that Persian flaw is a Persian carpet.

[@pyrotechnick420]

0:28 HOW IS THIS NOT THE O RLY MEME

[@ratius1979]

Riker is terrific here 🥰

[@Phoenixesper1]

This is one of the ONLY times where a character in trek sits down and directly references specific past events because it works within the context of the moment of problem solving as opposed to fan service. Versus say generic call backs to say battles, events or characters in passing conversation they always do. It would be like if kirk referenced the doomsday machine when dealing with vyger. it just almost never happens outside of this, and yet its a critical realism that should be.

[@minervadev6094]

should've been titled, "Picard should just sit down, shut up and wait."

[@larurentius]

That eyebrow raise must have spawned so many fanfics

[@SmokeyBCN]

In discovery this would be condensed down to a 5 second 2 line scene with a high five at the end.

[@erikseidler793]

In Star Trek Picard Troi would have launched a 5 minute, profanity laced tirade calling Picard a mansplaining patriarch.

[@MarkLewis...]

For those of you wondering Riker's use of "Persian flaw"... Picard is a Parisian, not a Persian... The title of this episode is "Tapestry" and it's a quiet nod or reference to a tapestry (or rug). In ancient Persia weavers and rug makers would intentionally cause a flaw or mistake in the patterns of their rugs, tapestries, weavings, etc... Because only (their) god is perfect, so a mistake was intentionally placed in each working... Hence, Picard's one imperfection and Riker's use of 'Persian Flaw".

[@MarkLewis...]

CORRECTION... The title of this episode is actually 'Time Squared" Tapestry is a later episode... But the rest is all correct about "Persian Flaw". Sorry, my bad.

[@MarkLewis...]

@Harry Sampson IV it was by accident. I'm a huge ST fan, but mixed up the titles. I know it was because I was thinking of a tapestry in the description, but a "senior moment" took over. Lol Thanks for the input!

[@LetoZeth]

If this was made in 2021, they'd kiss and become a couple after this scene too.