First Meet

Star Trek The Next Generation Season 4 First Contact

[@takotratheratking7411]

The chancellor is killing it within the first 30 seconds. He's acting like someone being introduced to new customs and trying not to accidentally offend while attempting to infer what to do

[@syaba5336]

he genuinely seemed like he didnt know what, or appreciate what a toast it

[@lynellrobertson8423]

The first’s first is

[@mastershredder2002]

Riker killed it in this episode too if ya know what I'm sayin'

[@Talia.777]

@@mastershredder2002 🤣🤣

[@rwalper]

"And if I should ask you to leave and never return to our world?" "We will leave and never return." "...but I cannot speak for the Klingons, Romulans, Cardassians, Breen, Tholians, the Borg..."

[@christopherg2347]

The Borg generally do not care about low Tech Civilisations. Nothing worth Assimilating in them. There was only one example, and that former FTL civilisation. That kept antaognizing the borg. All the others had little need as well. If you first need to turn them into a Kradesh 1 or 2 Civilisation, there is only so much you can get from them. It is easier to Colonize a Planet where the Inhabitants do not try to murder you. Cardassia and Bajor only worked because they were technologically close. The Bajoran Miltiary at least had Impulse Ships, that indicates a techlevel way closer to Cardassias. Indeed there was a alternate Timeline (that time with 10k Enterprises) where the Bajorans had conquered the Cardassians. That speaks something about them being at least close in Technology.

[@KneelB4Bacon]

@@christopherg2347 In an episode of Star Trek Voyager, 7 of 9 says the Kazon were "unworthy of assimilation." Maybe that was the writer's way of apologizing for them. lol.

[@christopherg2347]

@@KneelB4Bacon The Kazon had no interesting "biological, technological or cultural characteristica". Technology was adressed very early. That was the reason it needed seveal ships to even be a challenge for Voyager. And hte reason they wanted both the Caretaker Array and Voyager.

[@shuboy05]

@Daniel Appleton Good thing the Think Tank cured the Phage

[@tnerbtnerb5136]

@@christopherg2347 Don't they tend to exterminate less advanced life after they've assimilated everything of value to simplify 5he aquisition of raw resources for the Collective?

[@pickeljarsforhillary102]

Would have sucked if grapes were poisonous to his species.

[@Theomite]

They've been monitoring the planet for some time so Picard probably consulted the database to find out if wine would kill this guy first.

[@RJStockton]

Lucky thing the entire Malcorian biosphere uses the same 21 left-handed amino acids to build proteins. Just imagine if they had one different -- wine would be as digestible to them as antifreeze is to us.

[@christopherg2347]

@@RJStockton Thank the Perservers for creating them mostly equal! It also really helped with the Crossbreeding. Also this whole Shindig started because Riker posing as a local was captured. So yeah, they knew what was not going to kill the Away Team! memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/First_Contact_(episode) I mean Riker was actually considering getting out by sleeping with a Local. So they knew they were more compatible then Humans and Turians :)

[@northrupthebandgeek]

@@christopherg2347 Whaddya mean "considering"? IIRC didn't he actually do so? lol

[@christopherg2347]

@@northrupthebandgeek It is Riker. He propably slept with her either way. But I only saw here sugesting it amd need to rewatch the Episode to be certain.

[@shuntguy]

This is possibly my favourite non-Borg, non-Q episode of TNG. The aliens are us. We are the Martians.

[@47imagine]

Exactly. The writers did a good job with this.

[@Mantikal]

and yet - while the chancellor (and immediate admin staff) believe that the humans (and the other beings they've seen so far on the ship ) are all that there are - and while the Enterprise crew is trying to assure this world that they come in peace, in that Universe there are indeed way more alien races that exceed that planet's worst fears - like the Borg.

[@censorshipsucks9493]

It's up there, but I'd have to go with The Inner Light.

[@Adrian2140]

I dislike it particularly for that reason. Just because some people weren't ready to accept the truth, that means everyone, including their peers must live in ignorance. Letting someone live without reveling the truth like that should be one of the highest crimes. Nobody should have the authority or power to hide or make decisions for something like this - at a species level. Thankfully they could not hide something that big even if they tried.

[@AudibleFist]

That voice in a chorus line hits me hard. I was in a choir during hs, they always said that every voice was important, no matter whose it was, and the federation of planets is so incredibly emblematic of that principle.

[@petesime]

I suspect the writer was riffing on Carl Sagan's quote about humanity being "one voice in a cosmic fugue".

[@kwith]

I've always liked this scene, its one of my favourites. Its well written and the characters play off of each other so well. The Chancellor has just the right amount of skepticism on this matter. I mean the Federation does sound too good to be true so of course he'd be a skeptic and given the world's history, I'm honestly surprised he isn't more paranoid. Fortunately, he is open minded enough that when given legitimate reasons for the Federation not sharing technology, you can see the understanding immediately on his face and he openly admits Picard is right. Its a shame that more shows today aren't written as well as they used to be. This is why I watch shows like TNG, and Babylon 5 over and over again, the quality of the show is much higher. Yea CGI and effects look dated, but that doesn't matter to me. Scenes like this do.

[@darthbloodborn]

if tng was made today captain Picard would be a black Jewish trans woman😂

[@ShadowSonic2]

​@@darthbloodbornAnd would that be wrong?

[@trowawayacc]

​@@darthbloodbornhe be an undocumented super powered alien. O wait that was superman...

[@mrizwan7566]

@darthbloodborn and he would still be played by Patrick stewart, I heard that mister stewart got woke.

[@RisingFlag100]

​@@ShadowSonic2Yeah it is silly and unnecessary

[@Stogie2112]

Some of the best dialogue ever. Flawless.

[@55Quirll]

This is what Star Trek was about, Discovery and Dialogue not fight and destroying. The Orville is Star Trek today, Star Trek Discovery is the new STD.

[@KH4444444444N]

@@55Quirll Fucking idiot The Orville couldnt touch the worst of Star Trek on its Best day. Seriously. stfu.

[@KH4444444444N]

No offense to Seth Mcfarlane, but this scene is tantamount to a decision which negated his possibility of a showrunner in Trek.

[@adamsrealm]

@@KH4444444444N I detect a butthurt STD fan x'D

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I agree. Very well written and acted. It seems realistic, like that's how it would actually go if this were real.

[@fjccommish]

"We have something very much like this on Malcor III. It's called poison." Guy falls over dead. Picard "Woops!"

[@pitthepig]

LOL

[@davecrupel2817]

pitthepig xD

[@Theoutcome0]

Would have been very interesting if it turned out to be a drink only drunken by rejects and the homeless. While on Earth it is seen as a drink of culture, Wine is made from rotten fruit after all and alcohol could have stigmas entirely based on alcoholism on other planets.

[@midnightrun5622]

That would be... unfortunate!

[@GeoStreber]

"Ah dammit, not again. That's the second time this week"

[@kleanthisxanthopoulos9670]

02:07 "to instantly transform a society with technology would be harmful and it would be destructive" people in 1980s: That is stupid people in 2010s: Our (own) technology is progressing too fast! I can't keep up!

[@baronsengir187]

Maybe our world is being transformed right now at the maximum pace to no cause harm to finally join the federation when the time is right.

[@ScorpiusZA.]

When you look at resources like the internet are being abused. We dont need alien technology to destroy us, we as a species are doing that all on our own. Just need to look at Twitter for a good example of what i mean.

[@perfectlybalancedasallthin9319]

@@ScorpiusZA. To say that mere Twitter arguments and meltdowns is destroying our species seems to be taking it too far. I'd be much more worried about things like climate change, which actually is causing harm to this planet.

[@ScorpiusZA.]

​@@perfectlybalancedasallthin9319 I totally agree that climate change is causing way more harm, but there is so much misinformation, fearmongers and outright lies from climate deniers being spread around and sites like Twitter and Facebook spread that information, not consciously (i hope not at least). but via their algorithm. The deniers will share it and through a combination of slightly increased traffic or just plain bad luck and that article from an obscure website is all of a sudden being spread affecting people who did not know and better and was not looking for it. Unfortunately for companies and governments to do anything they must be forced to do it and if the general public is being torn in two between people who want change and those who are being swayed by the falshoods that the platforms are spreading, it'll never happen. This is an example of what I mean, not some unimportant argument from some prissy celebrity who is known only for swooning in front of the camera.

[@perfectlybalancedasallthin9319]

@@ScorpiusZA. I understand your point but I just don't think these sites can offer conspiracy theorists/climate change deniers/idiots much power because in the end, it is a double-edged sword. Yes, they can use it to spread misinformation, but it can also be used against them. Information that counters/debunks climate change denial for example, can be spread around using these same sites. Their tactics can be used against them.

[@decam5329]

A ST:TNG episode that was pure Trek. Almost Perfect.

[@josuejimenez3562]

What episode was it and what season

[@decam5329]

@@josuejimenez3562 this one was 'First Contact', ep15-s4. Another was 'Who Watches the Watchers', ep4-s3. In my opinion the two best Trek episodes. The crew doing actual exploration.

[@KH4444444444N]

Agreed

[@robertmcdonald8342]

@@decam5329 I agree also. The part where the Chancellor says that when asked if he had a good day and replies that this morning he was leader of the universe as he knew it but this afternoon he is just a voice in a chorus but that it was a good day.

[@mev186]

That's Trek sometimes, Sometimes it deals with the philosophical and cultural implications of two cultures with differing technologies meeting for the first time. And sometimes the first officer bangs an alien. Sometimes in the same episode. It's just how it is.

[@SkepticalChris]

This episode, as we as Who Watches the Watchers, are arguably some of the greatest Trek episodes ever created. What I loved, was the perspective of other alien cultures on how they would view the Federation and visitors from another world.

[@lorzon]

This, despite the Riker subplot that was played for laughs, is one of the best episodes of TNG. It is thoughtful, measured and inspiring.

[@lorzon]

@R B But the "intellectual" minority and "cultural elites" cannot drag the rank and file into the future they think will be best for them. WE know that contact with the Federation will bring about what, to a less advanced people like or us in our modern day, would seem like a golden age of surplus for all and technological miracles. But what the Prime Directive exists to do is guard against both Federation and local moral busybodies forcing the local culture to bend past the point of breaking in order to get their way. The end result of which might not be a big deal through much of the Federation but would see the local culture completely erased in favor of whatever the moral busybodies see fit.

[@joda7697]

@@lorzon Exactly. The borg are an example of a species without the prime directive. I mean, immortality, no more conflict and insanely advanced technology sounds amazing on paper, but with the way the borg force it on others, it's not worth it. The federation needs to keep up their prime directive.

[@Ray_D_Tutto]

Riker is always the worst part of the show. He existed to be the Kirk type replace Patrick Stewart if the stiff bald officer didn't go over with audiences then is just used as the one to suggest wrong ideas/behavior for other characters to correct. Jonathan Frakes did the best with what he was given and brought a fair bit of charisma to the role though.

[@skyborne80]

I wouldn't say it was played entirely for laughs, only that one scene with Bebe Neuwirth was. Riker is on death's doorstep twice during the episode.

[@hobomike6935]

I actually really liked Riker, the first 2 seasons he was awful though lol

[@chance2smoke]

This is what being Humbled by an experience really means.

[@JohnVance]

This might be my favorite clip in all of Trek. It’s not exciting, action-packed, or heroic. But it’s kind, and it’s hopeful, and it’s the sort of future I hope in my core we or our descendants will one day live in.

[@MJG206]

This and showing the woman her planet in Who watches the watchers.

[@ZantherStone]

“I would like to propose a toast to our new friendship” as he drugs him with a mind altering substance.

[@KH4444444444N]

idiot.

[@ZantherStone]

@@KH4444444444N Naw. He didn’t tell him it was mind altering / alcoholic before giving it to him before talking about important things

[@KH4444444444N]

@@ZantherStone Yep...Idiot.

[@alyzu4755]

George Coe. Another theater actor. I love watching 2 Absolute pros doing their thing. 😊❤️

[@DerLamer]

"We have something very much like this on Malcor III. It's called window cleaner."

[@davidhutchinson5233]

Conquerors often arrive with the words, We are your friends. What a conversation.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

The dialog here is very well written (and acted). This is actually one of my favorite episodes in all of Star Trek.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@kingt.hawkings32 Many many great moments in Star Trek, for sure.

[@KH4444444444N]

You're correct, of course. I'm so grateful for Star Trek....So many incredible and inspiring scenes to choose from. SO mANy.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@KH4444444444N "The Inner Light" and its pseudo-sequel "Lessons" are also near the top of my favorite Star Trek episodes list. For DS9, I always loved "Whispers" too.

[@KH4444444444N]

@@JustWasted3HoursHere See what I mean? Darmok, First Contact, Tapestry, Unification, Redemption, Family, Survivors, Brothers...My God.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@KH4444444444N Yep. All great episodes. In Unification (part 1 and 2), Leonard Nimoy said that he had more dialog in that than in most of the Star Trek movies he was in. Even though he certainly didn't have to, I think it shows what a class act he is for doing it and lending some credibility to the series (same goes for DeForest Kelley in the pilot and James Doohan later on). In "Relics", when Scotty gets beamed back from the transporter buffer into the 24th century and the transporter makes that old "beaming in" sound from the original series I have to admit that put an immediate smile on my face. It's also nice to imagine that Scotty is still kicking back in his retirement on Norpin V or found a way to get stuck in a stasis chamber for a couple hundred more years...

[@davidcraig9779]

Outstanding dialog. I believe Star Trek was popular because it put all of our own challenges in a future setting so most people could identify with it.

[@brndnwilks]

One of my favorite episodes, due to dialogue like this. We didn't need over the top action or a crazy plot, just straightforward and well written dialogue. TNG sometimes gets dismissed as childhood viewing because it appealed to the entire family, but it relied on a mature premise in most of it's episodes.

[@tonray9395]

Chancellor: "I go home every night to wife and 2 lovely daughters" Picard: "Note to Self...keep Riker away from daughters"

[@davecrupel2817]

"Trust requires time and experience"

[@cpy]

Wait, why wasn't there some insane emergency, something about to blow up, end of the universe, with phasers blasting?? Oh right, this is normal star trek

[@DirigibleTomato]

"Insane emergency" and "something about to blow up" was a good two thirds of TNG episodes

[@CoolsBreeze]

Don't forget the insane camera movement to the point I don't even know what's happening.

[@sakalava47]

It's funny that he calls his own planet "Malchor 3." As if we'd call Earth, "Planet number 3"

[@echos5823]

maybe its because its whst the universal translator translated. For him, picard could have been saying he is from Sol 3 or whatever.

[@brianpadraig]

​@@echos5823 yeah it's probably the universal translator having him call it what the federation calls it. whatever word he uses for it in his language probably would translate to "earth" if the translator was doing literal translations, as every species would call their own planet something like "earth" in their language and only have distinctive names for other planets. though it's also probably lazy writing, as the translator could've just kept the native word (though there's always the possibility languages have sounds that are incomprehensible to human ears in whcih case it'd make sense for the translator to do this). perhaps they wait until a species gets a chance to really name itself in relation to the universe before a native word is selected, as earth was probably known to other races phonetically is "terra" with humans having decided to dig down to latin roots, possibly, kind of interesting to imagine what things sound like without the universal translator hahaha

[@quoniam426]

Earth is known as Sol 3 and the Moon is known as Earth 1 or Sol 3a in official astronomical terms. Malchorians seems to be a unified people so under unified science units, no wonder they can have an equivalent. BTW, the planets we see in Star Trek for many of them are real solar systems, but with the local name given and not the alpha numerical standard names our scientists gave them. Epsilon Eridani is Vulcan for example.

[@davecrupel2817]

I've noticed that too. Funny bias errors.

[@paulziolo9241]

In the 24th century we’d probably (and hopefully) call it Sol III.

[@USSCrazybat]

Given how this episode turned out, I wonder if these unaffiliated planets were affected at all during the Dominion War. Must have sucked for them to reject Federation membership and then suddenly get turned into a Dominion outpost or something.

[@carlo1831]

It would take a little more than a year (1.22 years to be precise) travel 2000 light years at warp 9.2 (the maximum safe speed of the Enterprise).

[@Locutus]

From what we gathered, there was very little mention, if any, of the Dominion taking over planets that were primitive or non-aligned. But, we did see the Dominion take control of a Bajoran spacestation, despite a non aggression pact with them. The Dominion entered a non aggression pact with Bajor and other minor species to show they are good neighbours, and good intentions. The Dominion were not overly concerned with species that were minor, like Bajoran. They were only interested in them because of the Wormhole. So to answer your question, these non-aligned, or primitive planets were ignored, unless the Dominion saw them as strategic. Once the Federation is out of the way, you can do what you like, the Ferengi, the Klingons, the Romulans would enter some kind of agreement to be Dominion Vassals.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

It's also possible Starfleet went back to this planet to get them Federation protectorate status, as indicated to what they were doing in "Insurrection". All depends where this world was in relation to other strategic interests. So, hard to say either way. If so though, it might have made for an interesting sequel with Picard sent there to meet up with the Chancellor again.

[@fingerboxes]

To be fair, unlike the Borg who just want to assimilated everyone, the Dominion picks its battles. They probably would have gone for the Federation, Romulans and Klingons, then once the major wars were done sweep up the extra unaffiliated planets. They weren't, after all, the one who involved the Breen: the Breen came to them.

[@fingerboxes]

+IdleBigots -- The episode was called "The Quickening". The reason why I don't think it is relevant to this discussion is that the Teplan homeworld was in the Gamma Quadrant where there were already no major powers that could threaten the Dominion.

[@Locktwiste72]

Picard: Starfleet's chief diplomat and negotiator. And that dialogue would make Shakespeare blush.

[@bepowerification]

I cant believe Picard didnt tell him something like: "...but there are countless other species who will discover your world one day. they will be not as friendly and diplomatic as we are, it is in your best interest to maintain relations with the federation, develop your technology to be able to handle these other species one day and have a powerful friend who is there for you if other arrivers turn out to be conquerors. we mean you no harm but we will help you anytime you need help."

[@oldtwinsna8347]

My guess is that the planet was well away from trade routes and territorial disputes, such that it would be unlikely anyone would come over and bother them. In contrast, if they were a planet near the Cardassian border, I'm sure the discussion would have went differently.

[@avae5343]

The sense I get is that this planet is near federation territory to the point that it’s within the federations sphere of influence and they wouldn’t allow another power to occupy it and set up an outpost/conquer it.

[@augustday9483]

If primitive civilizations such as this one exist within established Federation space, I'm sure they place some kind of database tag on the system saying "pre-warp civilization, do not approach or contact under any circumstances or else incur severe criminal penalties". The same listening posts which are used to study the pre-warp civ also monitor and defend the system from uninvited guests.

[@Troubleshooter125]

A good day indeed. What a shame Krola and his kind have to spoil it. Hang in there, Chancellor.

[@quoniam426]

Fear of what is new is quite common.

[@joeywall4657]

One of my favorite episodes of all time.

[@ianmcpherson2171]

You don't get this kind of writing anymore

[@KH4444444444N]

At least we can reminisce. And hope that one day, we may reaffirm.

[@zahrans]

I am singularly impressed that you appreciate this writing...

[@KH4444444444N]

@@zahrans Why? it's superlative.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I never thought of this before, but the story here is kind of the opposite of what happens in First Contact, _the movie_ in that here the more advanced society (Starfleet) is ultimately shunned and leave the less advanced society alone whereas in the movie version the more advanced society, The Vulcans, are welcomed and help guide Earth (the less advanced society in that case) into the "warp age". Interesting that both the movie and this episode have the same name.

[@toomanyaccounts]

Earth was recovering from a nuclear war that had hundreds of millions dead in the nuclear strikes and lots more suffering and dying from radiation sickness and ailments.

[@fourthhorseman4531]

I love these episodes where we get to see other cultures and learn a little bit about them.

[@crucisnh]

Some of my personal favorite episodes of TNG as well as Enterprise were first contact episodes. This one was a good one, as well as the TNG episode where the race was some sort of primitive proto-Vulcan race.

[@pcbacklash_3261]

Mine too! I believe the other episode to which you're referring was called "Who Watches The Watchers?"

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Yes, that had similar tones and concepts. When Picard brings her aboard and they discuss how she would be viewed by her ancestors, it's very well done.

[@zapzapthunder]

There was also one of the best Voyager episode with a similar premise, about a planet where time moved differently and they had to send the Doctor to investigate

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@zapzapthunder Yeah, that was a good episode too. Didn't the Doctor end up having a wife while he was down there?

[@IstasPumaNevada]

You should give "Project Hail Mary" a read.

[@OAleathaO]

The great George Coe who also starred in Max Headroom in the 80s.

[@Da40kOrks]

The Chancellor calling his planet "Malachor 3" is like Picard calling his home "Sol 3"

[@a.b.7222]

I wondered about that but rationalized it. Perhaps the universal translator took whatever name he used and inserted the name Picard would know it by. So he could have said “Zeebelfrelox” and it translated it as “Malchor 3”

[@hagamapama]

Yeah a lot of people think we're the Terrans to an alien race, but with no other society in our system, any race we meet would probably call us the Solars.

[@hardwirecars]

that voice in a chores that makes a beautiful melody.

[@onlythequestion]

"A voice in a cosmic fugue" Sagan would have called it.

[@LiamDilley]

I really liked this episode.

[@April-dv2pb]

Me too.

[@NateSean]

Picard: We're not here to interfere with the natural process of your world. If I may quote the Phloxx Protocol...

[@killajive1]

Pfft you KNOW it’s a good day when you meet captain Picard

[@Jay_Jones71602]

TNG had such great story elements like the original.

[@deemer1092]

I just love that the chancellor is played by the same guy who voice acted Woodhouse in Archer. One of his advisors was queen myrah from gears of war

[@poseidon5003]

This was a great episode.

[@lenblack1462]

To give you social media now would be too harmful to your society, Chancellor.

[@Ikaros23]

and high speed internett porn ha ha ha

[@KH4444444444N]

Correct.

[@Vhailor_Mithras]

Hopefully that chorus makes a beautiful song.

[@2150dalek]

Wow....Patrick Stewart sure had a lot of lines to rehearse and put out there.....We tend to watch TV and take for granted the conversation, but I know I would have had great difficulties pulling that off.......much less make it look convincing.

[@gene8172]

Dalek 2150 Dude’s a pro, no doubt about it.

[@KeoniPhoenix]

I like how Picard understood and connected to what the Prime Minister said at the end. "..I am but a voice in a chorus." It brings a lot of attention to the reality that the Prime Minister's understanding of the universe changed in an instant and that he now holds as an unbearably heavy burden that his world's future development is now entirely in his hands.

[@Minimeister317]

This is probably one of my favorite scenes in all of star trek

[@strangelee4400]

Here have these shiny beads. Now give us your damn dilithium crystals!

[@delavalmilker]

One of the better STNG episodes. Explores the question of: how does the Federation make first contact with a civilization that is unaware (but suspects the possibility of) of other civilizations in the galaxy? Malcor III is obviously meant to be Earth. Possibly a few decades from now.

[@jakep1979]

@Daniel Appleton Trump would demand they share their technology with himn ("Your Prime Directive is flawed!! Lets do business!!) and so would China & Russia including wanting weapons. When they won't get it through diplomacy they all will attemp to hack the Alien ship computer to hopefully extract some valuable data thus getting an edge over the other. The Aliens would figure out pretty quickly that we are a selfish species that would backstab on our own and wouldn't take us seriously.

[@Nighthawke70]

@@jakep1979 Oh, they would take is seriously, enough to quarantine the system and leave us be to rot in our own self-pity and misdirected trusts. The thing I am more concerned about his we are developing, is the potential of becoming similar to the mirror empire. Not quite, but similarities will be there.

[@jakep1979]

@@Nighthawke70 The 21st century will determine which direction we are going to go or destroy ourselves in the process.

[@Cd5ssmffan]

@Daniel Appleton more like 100% ferengi

[@vguyver2]

"To instantly transform a society with technology would be harmful and would be destructive." *Eyes the transformation of a Military based society like Japan into a imperial overseas expansionist practically overnight.*

[@DimGiant]

I can understand how that would be your thought initially. But I think it's a bit more nuanced than that. Japan purposefully self-isolated to the point where any major power could've dominated them with ease and turned them into a vassal. If their borders never re-opened, their world would've have been doomed anyway, and possibly for the worse. True, Imperial Japan was a disaster. But it wasn't technology that ruined Japan. It was the culture of dominance which had existed in their state for millenia, continually uprooting individuals, families, and governments in a vicious cycle. That cycle of violence wrote their fate as clearly as the stars in the sky the moment it became predominant.

[@vguyver2]

​@@DimGiant Forgive me if I gave the impression of over simplifying it. I know the issue is more complex, I was giving an example of an obvious one that isn't too far in the past that people wouldn't simply dismiss it. I do partially agree with you to a degree on your rebuttal, but to quote you in your response. *"But it wasn't technology that ruined Japan. It was the culture of dominance which had existed in their state for millenia, continually uprooting individuals, families, and governments in a vicious cycle. That cycle of violence wrote their fate as clearly as the stars in the sky the moment it became predominant."* That my friend, is precisely why you don't hand such a culture technology on that scale sofast. I understand the need for Japan's modernization in a hostile world at the time, but giving a culture with a warrior cast whose sole purpose has been warfare for the last 1,000 years played out exactly as Picard warned. That was the modern day example. If we had gone back in time and gave the Mongolian Hordes some modern tanks and Spitfire's, I hardly think that their society would be changed for the better, or any other culture with a desire for land. Heck I think even defensive technology can be repurposed. I think Stargate SG1 had a very good episode touching on the same topic now that I think about it.

[@Frankie2012channel]

Not that good of an analogy. Japan became militaristic internationally because they had a surplus population. Wasn't just because of technology input from the west. Japan was always a militaristic country, hardened by centuries of internal wars. Only in the last few centuries before them opening to the world, was there relative peace. But it was a warring culture. The Klingons were based in part on the Samurai AND the Vikings. :D

[@DimGiant]

@Chet Carson It's a fictional universe that made obvious comparisons to the realities of the time in order to make points. And there's nothing wrong with dialectic debate.

[@DimGiant]

@Chet Carson Since no one thinks it isn't fiction, your point is invalid. And casually telling people to shut the fuck up who are politely disagreeing isn't a reality check. It's just rude.

[@Onixstar]

I like how other species always call their home planet something like 'Malcor 3', 'Angel 1', etc. while we stick with 'Earth'.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

I wonder if that's just what the universal translator translates it as? Maybe he actually did say "Shlobble-Glop" or whatever but the StarFleet convention of taking the name of the particular solar system's sun and adding a number to signify the planet's orbit number made the name "Malcor III".

[@rwalper]

"Earth? That's a stupid name for a planet, may as well call it 'planet dirt'."

[@dirdib69]

The Chancellor is a good leader, willing to make the choices best for his people, even though he might wish otherwise.

[@fleshofdanny]

Such a great scene

[@ferdlloox7071]

Excellent! Especially to hear it for my first time in English.

[@arralartathi]

this is one of the best episodes of this series.

[@saudade2100]

No, don’t visit the planet before the warp travel. I say build hang out at the end of their planned warp trip. Put up a sign for a Malchorian Starbucks.

[@seanmurphy1946]

That was a great episode!!!

[@MrCrazyrob666]

Why would anyone refer to their own planet as "Malcor 3"?

[@iamnotanuggetblackhart5103]

Universal Translation programming.

[@johnwayne2103]

Lost in translation from the Universal Translator.

[@KH4444444444N]

Why do we call our planet 'earth'? may as well call it 'dirt'.

[@KH4444444444N]

I'd be fine with 'Aqua Carbon Reliquary 3.'

[@19580822]

LOL it's like us calling Earth "Sol 3".

[@randylaffy7679]

its like earth 1 meeting earth 2

[@glennbrymer4065]

Great acting.

[@torqtorq345]

My favorite part is how the Chancellor speaks perfect transatlantic english

[@oldtwinsna8347]

He's speaking his native language. The universal translator is at work, which includes a holographic transposition over his lips to sync with the speech.

[@oneTOU3]

I remember this episode, in his log he said they were 1000 years away.

[@Berniefthomas68]

I wish that things went down like this in the real world

[@KH4444444444N]

They do in my world. Because of Star Trek. Sadly, it's really fucking lonely.

[@VincentGonzalezVeg]

i just teared up from that

[@Sploooks]

People complaining about how “woke” Star Trek discovery is and how it’s politicising the series, but just look the other way when in TNG the villain of an episode like this is just a very run of the mill mid right conservative

[@toomanyaccounts]

you have no idea why people are complaining about discovery. the so called villain was as the chancellor noted correct in the above clip. If things moved too fast it would be destructive to the Malcor society. they would need time to adapt to the new things coming in as Picard stated.

[@kbanghart]

​@@toomanyaccountsI have a feeling that people are complaining about Discovery because they're just being whiny.

[@toomanyaccounts]

no it is garbage. why else would they hide the numbers?@@kbanghart

[@haakonstenseth]

Mirasta Yale was a female Malcorian astronomer and scientist in the 24th century on Malcor III. By 2367, she became the Administrator of the Space Bureau and Minister to Chancellor Avel Durken. Yale had the distinction of overseeing the Malcorians' warp program.

[@sn00ke]

3:10 *"I DIDN'T EVEN NEED TO USE MY AK"*

[@Anubisxian]

I got to say it was a good day!

[@KH4444444444N]

Pretty funny. I won't lie.

[@keiths81ca]

Definitely a great episode

[@samsignorelli]

The Chancellor was a wise man.

[@contrafax]

Well damn, I don't remember this one! Gonna have to watch it again.

[@Shadothecat]

My BROTHER produces a FRUIT called GRAPES that he turns into WINE.

[@lingeriedeparis7274]

Of course the act of contact changes them, the famous scientific principle

[@dirdib69]

Chancellor: This "wine" of yours is very tart, Captain.

[@accessdenied3350]

The dialogue though 👌

[@KH4444444444N]

Insane, right?

[@Mumblix]

This is what I wanted from the new Picard show. Jean Luc the diplomat and master tactician. All I got was a bunch of women insulting him and slapping him down like a senile panhandler in the street.

[@theephemeralglade1935]

They don't treat people that way in New Vertiron City!

[@hippiehillape]

brilliant script and delivery

[@KH4444444444N]

Integrity at its' apex. The maximum potential of Humankind

[@neilpuckett359]

Good episode.

[@ethanalspencer7294]

What a fuckin show.

[@daneriksson8947]

And while Picard and Chancellor Durken speak diplomacy, Riker and Label (nurse) are in full swing with practice. LOL

[@romeojr.7283]

In the words of Beavis boioioing.

[@jakep1979]

Riker would introduce the Aliens to the wonderful world of Vulcan Gonorrhea which he picked up recently on his trip to Riza III.

[@dingliedangliedoodle9261]

@@jakep1979 ♫ He took a pill in Riiiza ♫

[@jakep1979]

@@dingliedangliedoodle9261 it was a viagra and he dont need it!

[@paul1979uk2000]

Picard had some good wisdom for the Asgard in Star Gate on why they never would of given that kind of level of tech to humans when we are far from ready for that as it would likely do us far more harm then good, humans have to go through trials and errors and learn from our mistakes as we advance, that way we learn to respect it a lot more, otherwise there is a fair change it would wipe our selfs out, it would be like giving the Romans nukes and expecting them to have the wisdom to use it correctly, they likely would wipe themselfs out and so would we if given advanced tech that we are not ready for.

[@sergeantassassin3425]

+Paul Aiello If I recall correctly, the Asgard were dying. They faced total extinction, with no way to prevent it. They then had a choice: either give the Humans access to Asgardian technology that would allow them to properly defend themselves against other space-faring races, or withhold it from them, likely dooming Humanity to extinction as well, and with the death of the last Asgardian, all of that advanced tech and know-how is lost. They chose to give Humans a fighting chance in the conflicts to follow, which in my mind is the correct choice to take. Even if Humans end up misusing the tech, they're far more likely to harm themselves with it than others, and if that's the case, it's their own fault. Plus, the Asgardians were going to die anyway. Who's going to give them shit when they're dead? They can't hear your complaints due to being dead.

[@jakep1979]

I still maintain that smartphones are a piece of technology that came on the scene too quickly and we don't really understand the impact fully on our civilization.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@sergeantassassin3425 That's true they were dying, but I find it hard to believe with the level of tech the Asgard's have that they couldn't come up with a solution to keep their race going, there would have been many options open to them on that. Also, regardless of if the Asgard's think we humans are ready, giving tech to any people that's far more advanced as what you have could very well do more harm than good, and in the case of Star Gate, it's made all the worse by this power being in the hands of a few governments, considering how corrupt the human race is, and especially governments, there's no way the Asgard would give us that level of tech when we are not mature enough to have that, and to make things worse, the human race is very divided with over 200 countries, it would be reckless for the Asgard to give humans that tech when we are far from ready to have that tech. But in the end, that's why Star Gate is seen as Sci-fi fantasy, after all, humans went from 90's tech in just 15 years to tech more advanced in the 25th century in Star Trek, it's a bit far-fetched. Anyway, sorry for the long delay to replaying to this, only just saw the message now.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@jakep1979 Not really, smartphone are just a natural progression of computing tech, which is all about shrinking chips into a smaller package while getting more performance out of them. The atomic bomb is one of the few techs that happened that could be said to have happened too quickly, in that case, we were forced to adapt, but there were a lot of worries that it could be the end of us, especially when the Soviets got the tech. But yeah, the internet, smartphones are big tech that have had a big impact on us all, but I think the biggest one is about to come with A.I. which as impact go, could be far bigger then anything we've invented yet.

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@jakep1979 Not really, smartphone are just a natural progression of computing tech, which is all about shrinking chips into a smaller package while getting more performance out of them. The atomic bomb is one of the few techs that happened that could be said to have happened too quickly, in that case, we were forced to adapt, but there were a lot of worries that it could be the end of us, especially when the Soviets got the tech. But yeah, the internet, smartphones are big tech that have had a big impact on us all, but I think the biggest one is about to come with A.I. which as impact go, could be far bigger then anything we've invented yet.

[@censorshipsucks9493]

Who else wanted to see these two reunite in the last episode of Picard?

[@chrisnelmes7180]

This was an interesting, thoughtful episode. Quite different.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Their first contact with that woman scientist, and afterward when they brought her aboard the ship were also very well done. This is one of my favorite episodes in all of Star Trek. Truly.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@Jona I don't think "rape" was meant or even implied. More like sexual curiosity taken to a high level.

[@zahrans]

They should get this Picard fellow to sort out Brexit.

[@rickylanham9673]

Lol

[@NateSean]

Chancellor: And what about, should this ever come up, another species were to coexist with our own and you were to later find out that my particular species is suffering from a genetic disease that would eventually wipe us out? Picard: Well, then you're fucked.

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Captain Clancy, who is onboard for a diplomatic meeting, then adds: The Federation doesn't decide who gets to live or die! Picard: No, you're wrong. We do. We absolutely do.

[@samvimes117]

You can hand away the malkador 3. As the universal translator doing , it's best to translate the actual words they have for their Planet

[@KeesHessels]

its funny to share a toast with a new alien species, considering the history of toasting.

[@AlexMartinez-me2yc]

The conversation, at least, was good.

[@vortega472]

He didn't even have to use his AK - Today was a good day.

[@briscoejr1]

The great George Coe!!

[@ProphetChuck8471]

This is the only thing I've been asking for, a meaningful dialogue and thoughtful storytelling. All the latest trek is just shooty shooty, bang bang and swearing seems to be a thing now too. Star Wars has been completely ruined as well, so all I have left now is Warhammer, I hope.

[@RemixedVoice]

Shooty shooty bang bang and swearing can definitely be fun and has its place; but it's just laughable to compare modern Trek with classic Trek. They couldn't possibly be more different

[@Phoenix-214]

Consider the Expanse, a show which has stayed a consistently very good experience from start to finish. It's gone on for six seasons now, and while it's said to be over, that's still...rather open-ended. They could wrap up the last of the novels it's based on at some point in the future.

[@penguincommunity6218]

The alien’s forehead is so freakishly smooth. He doesn’t even have hair.

[@ces4399]

I'd like a glass too, please!

[@Jay-ln1co]

I dunno, the Japanese seem to be doing ok after going from medieval to late 19th century in a short period of time.

[@ohlawd3699]

Cool. 😊👍

[@Rensune]

He should've mentioned that each member is allowed to govern their own planet (for the most part, barring things like genocide) and that the Federation mainly provides benefits: access to great technology as well as the arts and cultures of hundreds of worlds.

[@mariooli9268]

This is the true star trek

[@maddslothii2532]

funny how the PM calls his home "Malcor III" just like we call our home Sol III...