Guinan counsels now-Captain Riker

From Star Trek: The Next Generation, "The Best of Both Worlds, Part II", season 4, episode 1

[@hyjinki4886]

No crying, no yelling, no trembling confessions, yet real emotion, real heart, and real understanding and insight. Wonderful scene

[@The.Breakfast.Burrito]

God do I miss when Star Trek had these characteristics. What a great show!

[@medigoomnis]

@@The.Breakfast.Burrito What, you don't like emotion-driven lords of impulsiveness and dramatification that definitely don't have the mental capacity to run a ship? ...yeah...me either. These were the good days...

[@birkinsmith88]

@@medigoomnis ya had ta go there

[@Angyali]

@@The.Breakfast.Burrito The line between stylish and crappy Star Trek TV-shows... ...is the millenium.

[@JDoe-gf5oz]

Needs more F bombs and science! Also sobbing.

[@adamnicotera5021]

"And that is now your chair, captain." "But it's too large to step over like a lunatic, as I do with every other chair on this ship!"

[@lucielm]

He did that because of back problems.

[@samsignorelli]

@@lucielm I think that sigh after he sat down in it normally was real...because of his back.

[@timf7413]

They should have had him attempt it for the blooper reel.

[@jeremygordon6762]

deadass +1 bravo

[@Roulden]

A foe he cannot defeat. Truly the most formidable chair on the ship.

[@mev186]

"If he had died it would be easier, but he didn't. They took it from us a piece at a time." After losing someone to Alzheimer's, this hits very hard and very true.

[@shortmikeshort]

Hello, friend. I wanted to say: I had the same reaction to that line. I lost someone to Cancer 3 years ago now, and it still hurts, and that line hit so f*&^ing hard. Just wanted to let you know you're not alone in your feelings. Grief, man. Gets you when you least expect it. Hope you're doing well today.

[@Euquila]

I lost my dad to cocaine 17 years ago. He has never been the same since. He's still alive today and see him regularly but there is a degree of toxicity I must endure. Sometimes letting go completely is not possible

[@HeidiBird]

I also like how she says "They took him from US", implying that the Enterprise is one big family at this point. This is more sentimentality than we usually get from TNG, and all the more poignant for it.

[@silverreverence6176]

@@Euquila you cant compare that to people being taken away unwillingly, your dads just a drug addict. Distance yourself

[@barnoldwhv]

Alzheimer's is exceedingly cruel. Sorry you had to experience that.

[@DarthSaleb]

"when a man is convinced he's going to die tomorrow, he'll probably find a way to make it happen" I swear i quote this show everyday..

[@ltmundy1164]

You believe you' can't win? You're correct. - Vince Lombardi

[@TomKeresey10]

It's very similar to what Master Oogway in the first Kung Fu Panda- "One often meets his destiny on the road he takes to avoid it."

[@striker8961]

shit....Needed that actually

[@eyescreamcake]

You recite that quote on a daily basis? What kind of work are you in, exactly?

[@TheDrexxus]

It is loosely based on an old quote. To paraphrase it is along the lines of "Those who believe they can and those who believe they can't are usually right."

[@doormysh]

"If the Borg know everything he knows, it's time to throw that book away. You must let him go Riker. It's the only way to beat him. The only way to save him. And that is now your chair Captain." Great writing and acting

[@jamesweekley1087]

Beautiful writing. In that paragraph she takes him from "Riker" to "Captain".

[@TheWPhilosopher]

@@jamesweekley1087 I also like how she sits in the chair first to a) break the taboo and b) so JL isnt the last one to have sat in it. Smart

[@DiRF]

Gotta give some recognition to the musical score, as well. This series just hit so many perfectly-timed notes, both musically and emotionally.

[@razor6888]

Good writing wasted on a horrible charactor.

[@GK-qc5ry]

I have to admit looking back on it the writing and acting was better than I noted at the time.

[@jamesboulger8705]

"If the borg knows what he knows, you have to throw that book away." Spoken like a fourth star general.

[@michaelmckinnon1591]

*Admiral, Star Trek uses Naval Rank System and that's why Data is a Lieutenant Commander

[@g00gleminus96]

Guinian owns the bar so she outranks everyone.

[@jamesboulger8705]

@@g00gleminus96 This is incorrect. Guinan only tends bar. And she listens.

[@MasterArchfiend]

@@jamesboulger8705 I still argue that means she outranks everyone in need of a drink and an ear.

[@ozymandias1758]

Remind me of that moment where Maverick threw the F-18 manual in the trash.

[@TheNN]

Riker: "What would you do?" Picard's Chair: "I think you should kill them all."

[@leopold7562]

Riker: "What would you do?" Picard's Chair: "I'd provide the captain with comfort while he made the decision." Riker: "Well, you're not providing me with much comfort right now." Picard's Chair: "That's because you're still standing up. I'm only comfortable when you're sat on me." Riker: "What?" Picard's Chair: "I'm a chair, you pillock! What were you expecting, a rousing monologue?"

[@MedionSinger]

He should eat Harry.... no wait, wrong captain.

[@Drpluv187]

Your resistance is hopeless number one!!!!=(

[@davecrupel2817]

leopold hahahahaha its somehow funnier with the word "pillock"! XD

[@bfg3890]

Picards Chair: Burn the ship down... burn em all.

[@Dad_Brad]

"What would you do?" followed by looking at the empty chair..always hit me hard. Like a son visiting his dad's grave when he needs him most.

[@williampaz2092]

Top Gun Maverick, Maverick: “Talk to me Goose.” Rooster: “Talk to me Dad.”

[@Dad_Brad]

@@williampaz2092 well said 👍

[@williampaz2092]

@@Dad_Brad Thank you.

[@HelloKindWorld]

I find this scene brilliant. Captian Riker is staring at Picard's chair that was unmoved from the position he left it in the final time he got up from it. Guinan walks right in and does what Riker is having a hard time doing by moving the chair from that position and sitting down. She say's at the end "That is now your chair" and she left it facing the opposite direction. She helped him out by doing the hard part for him.

[@roberthofmann8403]

It would have been funny if he'd had put his leg over the back of the chair before sitting.

[@carminemurray6624]

Only Whooi Goldberg could deliver that scene so well. Strength & Power.

[@aaronwilson4267]

She also councils him from that chair like Picard.

[@Dad_Brad]

Is that true that Riker hadn't even sat in the chair yet until this point? It was exactly like that since Picard last stood up from it? That's a level of detail I hadn't noticed. "What would you do?" followed by looking at the empty chair..always hit me hard. Like a son visiting his dad's grave when he needs him most.

[@billmilligan7272]

Wow. I never would have noticed. Great notice!

[@fireupontheearth]

This conversation is even more interesting when you realize that Guinan already knows that Picard (and likewise the Federation) will survive the Borg crisis. Guinan first meets Picard on Earth in 1893, during the events of the Time's Arrow episode. Since Picard had not gone back in time by this point, Guinan knows that he's not really gone. But she also knows Riker needs to let him go in order to make the right decisions.

[@gatedude07]

Well... ish. Time travel in Trek can get weird, and more than once events that were shown to happen in the future never come to pass. As an example, two previous versions of Picard saw the future Enterprise D, a Galaxy-x-class starship. Yet the Enterprise D is now destroyed and will never become that. So she is probably playing her cards close to her chest and doing what she can to guide events towards the future that she knew.

[@piercewilliams6284]

gatedude07 Truth. Absolute truth.

[@lava200]

Mind blown.

[@voteDC]

Late reply I know but I hated the destruction of the Enterprise D. They can modulate the shields against the Borg but not an old Klingon Bird of Prey?

[@mikahael1]

The Future they were shown though was one of Q's making.

[@ryanyarbrough1343]

Riker: What would you do? Chair: How the hell should I know? I'm just a piece of furniture.

[@FarkasAbel91]

Clint Eastwood is a good actor and a good director

[@Rensune]

Ryan Yarbrough Plot twist: it's a changeling.

[@skynetprime82]

Ryan Yarbrough 😄

[@skynetprime82]

Ad Max 😅

[@peterhirst5153]

you're a wanker, that doesn't understand nothing!!

[@janejanevicky3253]

Guinan's advice is seriously profound! I was able to relate it directly to a situation in my own life. That is good sci-fi. She really enriched this series.

[@fjccommish]

Consider the actress' advice to her own daughter. Whoopie told her daughter to have an abortion. Whoopie's mom convinced the daughter not to have the abortion. Whoopie publicly complained about her mom interfering.

[@SamaritanPrime]

Guinan was pretty much the female version of Uncle Iroh from Avatar: The Last Airbender. Both are old. Both are wise. Both know far more than they let on. And most importantly- both know how to make different kinds of drinks.

[@RopeDrink]

Whatever Whoopi did/didn't do is no reflection on Guinan. It's always sad when people allow views of an actor/actress determine their view of a completely external character they have portrayed. So many videos of Guinan have Whoopi hate on them these days - just a shame seeing so many people completely incapable of separation. Ironic, given the character is telling Riker to separate himself from Picard in order to be THE captain - not a captain trying to be Picard or do what Picard would do.

[@Nautilus1972]

You mean the writers, as Guinan isn't real. If you're nine, I apologise.

[@RopeDrink]

If you're referring to me, you should notice I called Guinan a 'character'. In general, I find it amusing how you use age as an insult which, in itself, is quite immature.

[@jasong9492]

The captain's chair was the one chair that Riker couldn't just mount like a boss, he had to be shown how to sit in it properly.

[@TerryMcQ79]

This is a critically underrated comment. You should have almost 2k in likes. (Not sarcasm)

[@Chromeberd]

The saddest thing is throughout the series he really never did. They said many times if he didn't take the captains seat he wouldn't achieve the dream of being a captain and truthfully he never did in TNG.

[@robjackson5245]

@@Chromeberd it's more plot armor than incompetence. Because Riker showed himself to be an outstanding captain. He just let the pride of the Enterprise D get to him.

[@Chromeberd]

@@robjackson5245 I think it had to do more with it being a syndicated television show and the producers were not willing to let go of a main character. So they had to keep him around to the detriment of his character in the show unfortunately. I would have really liked a spinoff of him. I could see Voyager being replaced by Captain Will Ryker and his motley crew. Shame it never happened but understandable that it went the way it did.

[@robjackson5245]

@@Chromeberd Right, plot armor. But syndicated TV shows tended to take risks, some even didn't mind profanity every now and them. Syndicated TV tends to be sneakier when it comes to evading sponsors, than what at the time, were the 4 major networks, Fox, NBC, ABC, and CBS. Hence most of the "broadcast TV" shows that had murder, sex, language were on independent stations, and were syndicated! I guarantee you the graphic violence in "Conspiracy" is something NBC, CBS, ABC or Fox would not have just let fly. On, what was then, an indie station like WWOR or (I reluctantly say as I thought it was lame and The WB was nothing like Warner Bros., which UPN was definitely like in every sense of the word) WPIX, you could get away with it more. "Voyager" which was on UPN could not have pulled off a "Conspiracy" and not expect to answer to the FCC.

[@dockecj]

Notice he starts doing the Picard Maneuver (shirt tug), after talking with Guinan.

[@LordTalax]

He's done it for years

[@sebastiandouse]

@pierusofpella Patrick Stewart said in a recent interview that it was also because Gene Roddenberry hated wrinkles so they would tug on the shirt to fix it.

[@apotheosis00]

I forget the episode, but one of the ensigns dies. The bartender suggests Worf go talk to them as she had considered him a friend. Worf, a senior officer on the ship. As he gets up form his seat and walks over, I does the Picard maneuver, right before sitting down. I hadn't recognized it until a few days ago until I saw that scene again. The little things in this series that just give it so much character....

[@tezlaactual6582]

They all did it because the shirts were super grabby when they got sweaty and so it was the only way to have them not bunch up around their stomachs when they stood up

[@abehambino]

apotheosis00 that’s actually one of the most unique episodes and an idea I wish they would’ve expanded on. I believe it’s called “Lower Decks” if you were wondering.

[@Dr.TJ_Eckleburg]

God this show had SO MANY good scenes.

[@dropkickmurphy4114]

And, unfortunately, some terrible ones, too, but the great FAR outweigh them. 👍

[@axelfoley1406]

That's why TNG gets an A+! lol DS9 gets an A VOY gets a B+

[@UzumakiNaruto_]

@@axelfoley1406 TNG will always be my favorite Star Trek series, but between Voyager and DS9 its kinda weird. DS9 to me has the better stories, but Voyager has my two favorite characters in the Doctor and Seven. No characters on DS9 quite grabs me the way they do with the exception of Dax being close.

[@razor6888]

Shame that isnt one of them.... Guinan was simply horrible ... this would have been better as a pep talk to Riker by other charactors. O' Brian comes to mind.Too bad Guinan was beamed aboard NCC-1701B.. we could be rid of her garbage as a charactor.

[@razor6888]

Shame that wasnt one of them, Guinan was a horrible charactor. A stain on a great series.

[@bcn1gh7h4wk]

Guinan: "Can we talk, captain?" Riker: "Guinan, I don't thi--..." Guinan: " *MAN UP, RIKER!* " _leaves_ Riker: " . . . "

[@highlandoutsider]

I love the way she just plonks herself down in the chair, its like she's breaking the connection between it and Picard and showing Riker that its just a chair that anyone can sit in. 🔥

[@Canada_Dominium]

She doesn't 'mother' him ... she GRANDmothers him. No shame in that.

[@jdunn813]

Except him, because of his back problems. =P

[@courtney-rw8ch]

I felt that part. Thank you for putting it in perfect words!

[@claudiamanta1943]

No. It’s called ‘the empty chair technique’ (ish).

[@HuntingTarg]

More than that: Guinan faced that chair many times, she's breaking the connection herself by displacing Lean-Luc's presence in it, and displaying visually to Riker that it's no longer Picard's chair. The blocking of this scene is very thoughtful, it says almost as much as the words do.

[@mattorama]

William Riker: The most over qualified first officer ever.

[@themonkeyhand]

That's why he's on the flagship. Honestly, that seems like a better career choice than captaining a smaller, less prestigious ship.

[@XinaNicole]

There's really no good reason - other than storytelling - that he remained first officer that long. Having Riker take his own command would've broken up the dynamic that had been developed. What would the later seasons have looked like with Riker? Or, alternately, with Riker as captain and Picard dead (or promoted to admiral)? The writers needed to keep both Picard and Riker on the Enterprise, that's the only reason he never got promoted (well, permanently - he has four pips here so he was clearly promoted to captain temporarily and not just serving as acting captain)

[@sleepinggorilla]

Riker could have been Captain before the series even started, but he chose to be where the action is. Would you be Captain of a small research vessel? Or the 1st officer on the Flag Ship of the Federation with the finest Captain Starfleet has ever known? But after the Enterprise was destroyed Data should have become 1st officer, Riker should have been made Captain, and Picard should have become an Admiral or Ambassador if he chose. On Kirk's Enterprise both Spock and Scotty held the rank of Captain.

[@Amar7605]

Spock was a captain and he was still a first officer.

[@solarisone1082]

During TOS, Spock was a Commander. It wasn't until the movies that he was promoted.

[@Shogun1982]

2:26 Did y'all catch that rhetorical, zen AF judo throw Guinan pulled on Riker a the end?!?!? Proves her point concretely when she says, "and THAT is now YOUR chair, captain" in an almost chiding tone. She walked into the room in the beginning and sits in the chair like she owns it, when we very well know Picard would have been miffed. And at that any captain should! But Riker still feels in his mind that the chair belongs to Picard, so he does not ACT like a captain should in that situation, the captain that they NEED him to be in order fight a ruthless enemy. That's why he didn't take umbrage to her action. In a subtle way, she provides to Riker what he needs in order to get that last crucial edge out of himself. He may have felt that he had stepped into the role when he tried "to kill whatever that is on the Borg ship," but he was still hampered by his feels in a way that escaped him, in a way that could have proved fatal! Guinan made him aware of this fact beautifully. Just another reason why TNG is such a treasure.

[@luv4ever101]

you clearly dont understand the relationship guinan had with picard. he would have not been "miffed" as you say. picard on a few episodes often took guinan advice during critical times where the average captain would have said no im going with what I know. he trusted her and followed what shes said like in the episode yesterdays enterprise.

[@luv4ever101]

Tejesh Patel lol you totally missed the point she was trying to make with riker. Riker was looking at that chair as though it wasn’t his... he saw it as Picard’s chair and not his. That’s why before she came in he was looking at the chair and talking as if Picard was sitting there. So guinan came in and sat in the chair that he felt “ wasn’t his”. She was like ok since this isn’t your chair then I’m gonna have a seat lol She had to make him realize that it’s not just a chair and it’s not picards chair anymore. That’s why after talking to him she let him know THAT IS YOUR chair captain. She helped him see that IS the captains chair and right now your the captain. He got her point as did most folks except you lol. And FYI: I’m sure she did a lot with picards stuff lol. One thing most folks on that ship didn’t know even Riker, that she and Picard talked regularly. She said if he needed to talk or she needed to talk. Picard was very discreet that’s why even his first officer didn’t know. It’s odd that some folks refuse to believe that Picard an guinan were close. Smh. Oh and something tells me that wasn’t the first time she sat in that chair lol

[@roberts3741]

You're a lot smarter than the dummies talking about an anthropomorphic chair.

[@raularmas1719]

I am with you on your analysis of this scene, Shogun 1982

[@LOTRFAN33]

Miss Spirituality Im confused. Other than "Picard not being pissed at Guinan" your last comment is basically whatbthe op said and what others are agreeing. Maybe im missing something.

[@Redshirt434]

"This was his crew, he wrote the book on this ship!" That line always cemented how much Picard means to Riker.

[@Tigerman1138]

Her advice is very, very good. She is speaking on a paradigm-level, really making something his own. I am going to use this advice-it is very relevant right now.

[@Endisupertramp]

Tigerman1138 In many ways, Guinan was the character that Troi failed to be. Her advice was sound, her ear seemed more ready to listen while her mind was thinking of a remedy. Troi for me was a counselor in name only.

[@caveymoley]

Fellow Traveler What you say is very true. And is often the case when you compare a bartenders "calling" to a psychologists profession, they can, quite often...not compare at all.

[@BlueBoy0]

So now it's 10 months later, what happened? Did you defeat the Borg or what?

[@Tigerman1138]

Blue Boy I was able to take control of things in a very meaningful way. I had lost my job, i was very resentful. I decided to change my approach and open myself into a career path using my strengths, but letting go and tossing an old way of thinking.

[@kamenwaticlients]

Very good.

[@germanvisitor2]

I like how she never imposes herself on anyone.

[@Rob774]

@strontiumXnitrate Not necessary though. We come here as an escape. Others choose to bring it here too, just because we don't like what the person does in another job. There's a scene in Roots, where Janeway has a rope around Sisko's neck. I guess I can't like Janeway now.

[@danmarsh7985]

@@Rob774 Roots?

[@David-fv7zg]

Like she does in real life.....uh huh.

[@AtlasBlizzard]

Well, hers is a race of listeners.

[@Dowlphin]

Noticed the irony? When she was interrupting him she was acting based on her habits with Picard.

[@amipadme3985]

A lot of people have some great takes on this scene and its dialogue, etc. and why it's so terrific, and I've gone through a lot of them, but didn't see this (apologies if it's in here somewhere)...one of the things that struck me immediately was Riker's line: "Maybe you haven't heard -- I tried to kill him yesterday!" Yes, it's partially to try to throw in Guinan's face that he believes he's already let Picard go when he hasn't, but I also always thought it spoke to some serious guilt on Riker's part, that he's *already* feeling -- not just *would* feel if he does take the chair, does things his way, and actually lets Picard go and so on...he's already got a problematic, restraining amount of guilt for firing on the cube before, even though it didn't work at all. Guinan's pep talk is also important for freeing Riker from that ("You were trying to kill whatever's on that Borg ship, not Picard") in addition to letting him be the Captain to move forward. Damn, I love this show.

[@SirCraigius]

Guinan was such an amazing character. I wish she was in more episodes.

[@IRMentat]

Good writing used sparingly. Last thing we or TNG needed is 2 permanent councillor Troi characters. Hell, one of them was arguably too many at times

[@hanshaperle6075]

@@IRMentat Lets see how they fuck her up in the next Picard season

[@gregbryant516]

@@hanshaperle6075 I haven't anything since the invite, hopefully it's still going to happen

[@Bryan-lu4du]

Picard season 2 has a few more :)

[@LordVader1094]

@@Bryan-lu4du Ew, no.

[@Jason987262]

Riker would have made a great captain. It's a shame they didn't go ahead with his series proposal, Titan.

[@moabman6803]

+Jason987262 Totally agree

[@TheXL2013]

Or let him have run of the Enterprise for a couple of seasons while Picard "recuperates" from his time spent with the Borg.

[@Spazticspaz]

@STARTREKTHEORY 10/10

[@JanetStarChild]

Star Trek Theory, considering that a new Riker series could have had a cast of characters of various ethnicities, sexual orientations and cultural backgrounds, makes your comment look ignorant, asinine and narrow-sighted. Further more, Johnathan Frakes is a supporter of LGBT equality.

[@Ragitsu]

What's funny is that your bellyaching is the exact opposite of what "The Next Generation" was all about.

[@JWalker6541]

2:30 The way he turns his head when she calls him Captain - like he's still in shock and unsettled every time someone calls him that. Brilliant. Great scene.

[@logicplague]

Also love how the lighting seems to highlight the pips on this collar, all four of them now.

[@FlorianLify]

Let me just say our relationship is beyond friendship....and beyond family.....and I WILL let him go. What a wise woman Guinan is....

[@jakethewoz]

Wow, that music at the end is so fantastic. Beautiful scene.

[@Spacechief0]

Sometimes doing the right thing is not always the easiest thing

[@Moviefan2k4]

This deserves 100 million upvotes.

[@SamaritanPrime]

Sometimes, the right thing is not the correct thing.

[@flatscan1978]

It seldomly is

[@Shogun1982]

SOMETIMES?!?!?!? Rule of Acquisition #285: "No good deed ever goes unpunished."

[@chloe_speaks2384]

We must all choose between what is right and what is easy. - Dumbledore

[@chance2smoke]

"That is now your chair." That one line like so many others in this show has multiple purposes. Just because you have the position does not mean you are ready to do what needs to ve done. It could be a reluctance to do something drastic but necessary, or it could be apprehension about what need sit do be done. Once he understood her advice he now IS Captain in his self perception. I love Guinan.

[@JorgeForge]

The first seasons, not the later ones, had general and personal stories at the same time. It was amazing, amidst a crisis there's room for the crew's personal problems. Those episodes were amazing.

[@roberts3741]

I'm going through this right now. My father just died and I feel like I'm needing to rewrite my life in a way. I never fully understood how much of an influence he has been on me. And now that he's gone.. I have to find my own way. It's a weird feeling.

[@szahmad2416]

It’s now your chair, buddy. My dad has late stage dementia. He’s been almost comatose for a year and a half now.

[@Gredddfe]

It's been a year, Robert. How are you going with finding your own way? My world ended back in 2015 and I've been building a new one ever since.

[@mwilson308]

I know what you mean, i had and still have that same feeling since i lost my father and then most recently my mother as well . .what helped was just after she died she came to me in a dream while i slept and let me know everything will be alright . . not sure if it was my sub conscious or she really came to me . . but i believe she did come to me to let me know ill be fine

[@jamesparker223]

My father passed in 2017. The way I described it was he built me an island to live on alone. The only problem was.... I didnt realize it was an island until he passed. I thought we were all connected and he was steering the ship. He could do no wrong. He was this perfect being. The more days that pass the more human I realize he was. I miss the son of a bitch. He was incredible in ways I never realized he was.... and he was a fool in all the ways I thought he wasn't. It is amazing how the truth is invisible until its no longer useful. I love you dad. Thank you. I hope you have gone through similar realizations and I wish to god I could bring your father back Robert. Even if only for 5 minutes.

[@detpackman]

this has to be one of Guinan's finest moments on the series

[@spud13x13]

My word, I'd almost forgotten how good this series became.

[@PNZSF]

While Patrick Stewart is the best actor in Star Trek history, I can't find a single fan of the franchise who wasn't at least intrigued about a series with Riker as Captain and Shelby as First Officer. If only for a few episodes...

[@victormarriott7176]

Seriously, I'm truly amazed his terrible acting keep him the job. Cannot really comment on Gunanana what ever, never really cared for Whoopi Goldberg.

[@dragblacker8621]

That's why Frakes is now a director.

[@kimberly6663]

I think it'd be more hilarious with Shelby as captain and Riker still stuck as No. 1

[@garytownsend1946]

should read teh star trek titan novels

[@Kujakuseki01]

Would've been a fascinating possibility.

[@LwNj]

"You know Picard and I used to talk now and then when one of us needed to..." Guinan isn't talking about herself being the one in need. What a masterful line and respectful way of allowing Riker dignity in accepting her advice at this crucial time.

[@knightshousegames]

I love how Guinan immediately takes control of the situation. Riker goes to brush her off, but she knows he is looking for guidance, that he just shot his best shot at The Borg and it wasn't enough, and kinda gives her qualification for the situation, presenting herself as someone who knew Picard's mind well, when not a moment before Riker was literally asking Picard what he would do. I think that was a bit of a subplot in this story, kinda showing precisely why Riker has remained an XO rather than taking his own command, when it comes down to it, he just not mature enough by this point

[@loneskankster2242]

What's even better, is that she makes it seem like he's doing her a favor. She pretends that she needs guidance, even though Riker was literally just asking for it from Picard's empty seat. You're right, Riker isn't mature enough at this point. He wouldn't seek that guidance, and he wouldn't accept it point blank. Guinan knew exactly what Riker needed, and exactly how he needed to hear it.

[@vseegobi]

Guinan had the benefit of knowing that sometime in the future Picard would time-travel back to San Francisco and save her life. She always knew he'd escape the Borg.

[@Shiirow]

they have a special relationship, it transcends time and space.

[@generalzod7959]

Did picard save her from some feces-covered junkies and bums? That's about all that's left in frisco besides Pelosi.

[@Perririri]

@@generalzod7959 ok fascist tumour!

[@Lava589]

I love how Guinan initially comes in, as if she wants help regarding a personal problem, which is why Riker brushed her off. Instead she knew he was the one who needed help.

[@hypnometal]

She has that way about her. Like in her first appearance, where she approaches Wesley, offering him drinks like a typical bartender, only she uses it as an opening to give advice on the problem he was having at the time, whether to stay on the Enterprise or go to Earth to be with his mother.

[@LeeHutchingsdrumsUK]

A Captain Riker TV series? Make it so!

[@cockatooinsunglasses7492]

YESS

[@Roper122]

I would watch the hell out of that. Get rid of the current crap and give Riker the big chair

[@Canada_Dominium]

The latter half of the '89-'90 season got into some heavy issues. THIS episode brought in horror! ... but also maturity and guile to match it. Amazing stuff and it's happened only once in TV sci-fi.

[@BoloBouncer]

"Picard is still with us, in this room." Oda Mae Brown confirmed

[@seanconnolly5968]

I love how Guinan just drops the wisdom, and then fades back into the background.

[@kefka3]

Man, Guinen was definitely the best, most interesting reoccurring character in the show.

[@nnthayer]

+kefka3 Nah, that would be Q.

[@Zeknif1]

+nn thayer I regret only that we never found out what happened between those two way back in the day.

[@MrCrystalm8]

+kefka3 Barclay was the best

[@sergeantassassin3425]

+Sokolniki Considering the ST: Stargazer Novel - Oblivion, as well as the fact that she first met Picard and Co. in the 19th Century, I'd definitely say their "relationship" goes beyond friend and family.

[@Zeknif1]

sergeantassassin3 I'm referring to Guinan and Q... there was a great deal of animosity between those two the few instances they were in the same room together.

[@PhoenixNoKiseki]

This had all the things that made TNG great. Heart and a considered approach to story telling. No bombast, no screaming or snark. Just two people having a conversation. I hope one day Star Trek can find its way back to this. But it probably wontz

[@jaydaytoday3548]

Great show, great actors, great filming, great writing. This one scene has no action, no forced plot, no mumble jumble, yet you feel the pressure Riker is under and the loss of Picard all with just plain dialogue.

[@szahmad2416]

Yeah...when people ask how I can’t like DS9 the same way, I remember subtleties like this. DS9 had a great premise...the Universe and the Federation are not as black and white as they are made out to be in the first two Star Trek series. But there was no subtlety or nuance around it. Everyone acted ridiculously cartoonish.

[@freelancenerd4804]

This show was so good, a fantastic episode.

[@James-nl6fu]

A gently moving scene by two actors at their best❤️

[@charleschuckfinley3304]

Guinan sit's down in the Cap'n's Chair - like a boss - BOOM!

[@MassiveWarfarePlayer]

Starfleet: Commander Riker, are you ready to command your own ship? Riker: Why? I've got it good on the Enterprise

[@Back-alley-technician]

2:54 the only time he sat in a chair normally

[@LordProteus]

Riker never got his answer from that chair......

[@AllknowingUnknown]

Lord Proteus LMAO NO HE DIDN'T!🤣

[@NameCallingIsWeak]

"Riker never got his answer from that chair" ... and none of us will, until we sit in it.

[@dcdrew3]

That's cause Guinan came in & sat on the chair. She was lucky Riker didn't grab that Stargazer Model & throw it against the wall beside her & say; "GET OUT!! i'M TALKING TO THE CHAIR"!! lol.

[@mushroomhead3619]

He should have totally done that. The film would have been hilarious!

[@GibsonVienna]

Were the Chair a Shapeshifter, he could.

[@KingToll]

When Guinan calls Riker "captain", the four pips on his collar are illuminated quite well. Nice detail.

[@Joseph1NJ]

And to think 20th century TV was free. We never knew how good things were.

[@Tantalus010]

Well, not free, exactly. You had to watch commercials. Personally, I prefer paying for subscriptions over having to watch commercials every 15 minutes.

[@oddish4352]

Free, but you had to keep adjusting those miserable rabbit ears or rooftop antennae.

[@koshi6505]

She does a better job than Troi.

[@ivandiablo8282]

+Brandon sack of potatoes does a better job than troi.....except she slept with riker, a potato not yet

[@Ragitsu]

That is to be expected. Guinan has *centuries* of experience.

[@drlee2]

Agreed. Troi was a terrible counselor.

[@MrLukeStump]

I would pay money to see Guinan make out with Riker. Anyone else interested?

[@fredrika27]

Nic Rellek I totally agree! The WRITERS did Troi wrong! When she was given something to do, she kicked butt! Think Face of the Enemy! Second, while Stewart was being a star, Sirtis was doing publicly for Trek for the last 30+ years! Stewart has just recently come to a Star Trek convention! Goldberg has only done ONE convention to date! That means it's okay for Sirtis to do the grunt work for Stewart and Goldberg while they get all the best publicity and if there is ever another movie, they'll get the best lines. All while people will be pointing out how stupid Sirtis and Frakes are. What a bunch of crock and an example of the worst type of double standard! Oh yes, if you have sexual desires about an individual, it's best to keep it to yourself! If you don't it's called sexual harassment, something Trek as NEVER supported!

[@joshuab3918]

At 3:09, after Riker stands up and does the "Picard Manuever": adjusting his uniform in Patrick Stewart's signature way

[@Nebagram]

Everybody talks about how Best of Both Worlds is the greatest episode of TNG if not Trek as a whole and point to the action pieces, the tension and the scenes with Locutus, but honestly, this scene is what elevates the episode for me. No raised voices, no phasers or starships screaming. One man thrust into the eye of the storm, unsure if he can not only match up to but defeat head-to-head his legendary predecessor. And one woman with wisdom even beyond the centuries she's been alive, telling him what he needs to hear precisely when he needs to hear it. Impeccably written, impeccably performed, and Ron Jones's score is the icing on the cake.

[@HarPlayer]

the key word Guinan said was " save him "

[@nnthayer]

***** I think it's more likely she meant "save him" along the lines of a mercy-killing.

[@dlkhills]

James G Remember Time Arrow----

[@luizfcavalcanti]

+dlkhills Yep, this was before Time Arrow, so Guinan knew Picard would be alive, since he haven't traveled back in time to meet her yet... Holy Moly! I never thought about that.

[@oddish4352]

@@nnthayer She didn't. She wasn't telling Riker to kill Picard. She was telling Riker to do what Picard wouldn't do.

[@ErickC]

@@luizfcavalcanti : also consider how Generations added a whole layer of non-corporeal timey-wimey stuff between Guinan and Picard, as it's implied that when you exist in the Nexus, time and space kinda really doesn't matter, and the echoes in the Nexus still have some idea of what's going on in the real world. Remember that the echo of Guinan knew what was going on in the present despite having left the Nexus in Kirk's time. So there's this connection between them that transcends the corporeal realm, and she would know that their time in the Nexus would depend on Picard being alive in the future. Either that or they were just making shit up on the fly and hadn't thought of it. Fuck if I know.

[@joecolman1968]

Guinan walking in and sitting in the captains chair was a clever move. It immediately established the power dynamic of a conversation

[@ogb1404]

I can't stand Whoopi Goldberg. But I love Guinan. Love how that show always made me see the characters and not those who portrayed them.

[@GibsonVienna]

Hope she will come back in Picard.

[@nodozhit]

What did Whoopi Goldberg do to you? Did she say something that deeply offended you? Or do she stand for something that you fundamentally oppose? I've noticed that Whoopi Goldberg has been pretty much type casted in much of her movie roles after her academy award winning performance in Ghost and Color Purple. And to her credit, she has all of the accolades, the elusive EGOT.

[@Stingra87]

Just because someone or something is famous and has a ton of awards and films under their belt doesn't mean everyone has to like them. Take me for example, I despise Dune and can't stand Tolkien's books. I acknowledge the impact that Dune and Tolkien's works had on science fiction and fantasy, but doesn't mean I have to like them.

[@joshuadesautels]

What don't you like about Whoopi Goldberg?

[@eq1373]

@@joshuadesautels my guess would be The View

[@Mr2at]

He's thinking, "this chair isn't doing my back much good".

[@joeschembrie9450]

First action after being told to let Picard go: *Conducts Picard Maneuver.*

[@Jerry74]

Loved how this put that spark Riker needed. Even though the next scene he saw the results of Wolf 359 he held it together and got it done!

[@Gredddfe]

Riker: "What would you do?" Answer: Talk to Guinan

[@Blasted2Oblivion]

Guinan: May I speak to you, captain? Riker: Actually Guinan I... Guinan: You don't get a choice.

[@tm502010]

One of the greatest speeches of ST: TNG...

[@MrArcadia2009]

I remember this episode well. It was a great show to watch. They still managed to save the captain, regardless of all the nightmares and trauma he had to go through himself.

[@catandthesixxness]

"That is now YOUR chair." - Guinan

[@AgentExeider]

I remind myself of Guinan's words every time I see or hear an ad for: Star Trek: Picard. _"If he had died it would be easier, but he didn't. They(Kurtzman) took him from us a piece at a time."_

[@Mindraker1]

The one chair Riker didn't swing his leg over.

[@CWR1701]

There are things a man will tell his Bartender, that he'll never tell his doctor.

[@williamdennis7652]

Woopy Goldberg did a great job as Guiana. I always say her as more of the ship councilor then Troy. The way she would listen and speak made her respected by even Picard was what made her special

[@IronMan-tk8uc]

Guinan. Guiana is a country in South America.

[@Mihoshika]

@@IronMan-tk8uc Probably suffering from le auto correct.

[@dflrunner74]

Guinan exists because she pounded on Rick Berman's et al doors begging for a role on TNG because of what it meant to her to see Uhura on television as a child. And she seems to be speaking to her present-day counterparts as much as to Riker in this scene: "that chair is yours. Sit in it like the boss you are."

[@Dingosean]

He felt the pain of sitting down normally just then

[@Tigerman1138]

Sits RIGHT in the captain’s chair! She’s a boss.

[@Angyali]

Morelike she's the power behind the throne.

[@jessejohnson159]

Such excellent writing for the crew of this ship and this show!

[@SapphireCrusader1988]

This was one of my favorite episodes, save for one thing: I wish that Riker had stayed on as Captain of the Enterprise while Picard took a (well-deserved) leave of absence to pursue his archeological interests and work out his issues. So for a season (maybe two), we could have Riker's command perspective and then maybe he gets another ship and Picard takes the chair back with Data as his XO or he gives up his captaincy to serve with Picard again. Just some personal thoughts.

[@RMJ1984]

That would definitely have been awesome.

[@NealX]

+Stephen Jackson Well it was considered at various stages of production development to possibly kill Picard off or have him be Borg for an extended period of time beyond just two episodes, but ultimately they decided against it.

[@heisdeadjim]

I would've done similar. Have Riker in command for a season. Remember it was Picard fighting the Borg assimilation that gave Data the idea on how to break the Borg. They could've run say a twelve episode arc where Picard remains Locutus and the Enterprise under Riker work to get him back. There wouldn't even be cause to remove Riker's fourth pip. Remember Spock and Scott both obtained the rank of Captain (ST: Generations) and were still subordinate to Kirk via date of rank. This would apply here. Riker would still be XO at Captain's rank. Still be "number one". He could gain seniority for time in grade before the events of ST: Nemesis and finally take command of the Titan as depicted. There is ample precedent. In the US Navy a Captain commands the aircraft carrier. The officer in charge of the Carrier Air Group (CAG) is by rank Captain but subordinate to the vessel commander. I believe the Russian Navy does similar.

[@vguyver2]

+Stephen Jackson certainly would have been an interesting arc. Also it would of been a nicer explanation for Star Trek First Contact. Picard's Moby Dick persona seemed out of place in the whole of Star Trek.

[@Stingra87]

Patrick Stewart was actually considering leaving the show at this point in time, so having Best of Both Worlds end as it did was going to be his exit had they not convinced Stewart to stay.

[@darrenbennett1053]

I always loved this show . TOS , TNG , DS9 and Voyager were all great shows

[@kingpin6989]

I love this. I read the other day Guinan was one of the most disliked characters. With scenes like this I have NO IDEA why. Powerful stuff.

[@SamaritanPrime]

Probably early on, she was. This is in Season 4, by which point TNG had hit its stride and was, well, this.

[@fjccommish]

Because she's played by the evil Whoopie Goldberg.

[@drlee2]

That's crazy. Guinan wasn't even close to the worst character on this show. Hell, she was probably Top 3. My Top 3 would be Worf, Guinan, and Riker. I think Picard and Data were both every overrated.

[@ecparentheses3708]

She was kind of annoying. I really can’t stand characters that know everything because they become less a character and more a plot device. There is a difference between being wise and being omniscient, and guinan just seems to have an answer for everything. Just once I wish Picard would’ve asked her something and her said “I really don’t know about that one” just to make her seem more human.

[@wileywilson]

+Darth Iarnunvosk. Not human mate, El-Aurian

[@Doggeslife]

In 2016 I started renting a bedroom at my best friend's family home, where he had lived his entire life. In the first week of 2018 he died of cancer at 55 in the hospital as I held his hand. When I returned to and walked into his now-unoccupied and disturbingly quiet house, I felt just like Riker walking into his "late" captain's ready room. Very awkward, very disturbing.....very empty. I still live in that house today, and his bedroom remains unused with a lot of his belongings and clothes untouched. I still get the Riker sensation when I go in there, 3-1/2 years later. RIP, bro.

[@RopeDrink]

To all Whoopi Golderg haters - Guinan herself is giving you some council and you don't even know it. She's explaining to Riker that he has to let Picard go in order to be THE captain, rather than be a captain simply emulating Picard - to separate the two. Now, almost all videos of Guinan have Whoopi hate on it for the actress decisions in life. Well, Guinan =/= Whoopi and vice versa. Separate your issues, people, and just enjoy the character rather than tarnish it with external moralities regarding the person who played her. They are not the same person.

[@scottythegreat1]

This is what happens when people want to play a role in a TV show or a movie, and they arent as interested in the money (for those who dont know, Whoopi WANTED to be on Star Trek, begged Gene Roddenberry to be on it, and didnt care what the role was, she just had to be on it somehow)

[@raymondweaver8526]

I like Guinan in spite of Whoopie Goldberg

[@ryanspencerlauderdale687]

This, for me, is Whoopi Goldberg's crowning achievement in her career, apart from the Sister Act movies. The best of her acting really shows.

[@brandonschubert7434]

@@scottythegreat1 But she only wanted a minor recurring role. She was offered a larger one, but she didn't want it.

[@zacharyfett2491]

This scene, never gets old. It is so impactful.

[@mikeysuzefour]

*Our relationship is beyond friendship, beyond family...*

[@beege222]

Guinan's best scene, full stop. She knows better than a lot of actual officers, that when you're in charge you don't ask what anyone else would do - you ask what *you* are going to do.

[@Angelrat666]

Oh I miss this Star Trek. Good stories, good dialogs, extraordinary acting...

[@philipwhiuk]

Guinan's twice the counsellor Troi ever was.

[@zugabdu1]

I like how after initially dismissing Guinan, he realizes that if Picard had a habit of listening to her, it was worth hearing her out. Frakes did a great job of performing that realization.

[@stevenreichertart]

Fabulous scene. So many intense conversations took place in that ready room.

[@Rekaert]

Guinan: Can we talk? Riker: Well actually ... Guinan: I'm just to assume the answer is yes and keep talking. In fact, seeing as Picard isn't here, I'll take the chair too. You may think you're alpha, but I tend bar, so shut up an listen.

[@ruassmarkt]

I love how fast riker changed his mind about throwing Guinan out. Like he knew that she would give him JUST the right advice

[@gregbryant516]

He might be smart enough to listen to her wisdom but he never seemed to like as a person

[@ruassmarkt]

@@gregbryant516 I love how that hasn't to be a big thing. Like somebody as a person or not, but when they are right you have to listen

[@jherrenor]

Riker sits down on chair: Computer. Two girls. Hot.

[@piotrd.4850]

The tone of this first "What would you do?".... that Picard manouver in the end....

[@VitoVeccia]

Guinan told Riker how to beat the Borg. Luckily he was able to read between the lines.

[@troy9477]

I always liked the scene at the battle planning briefing, where Riker says Picard would no doubt have something inspirational to say. And that he wishes Picard was there, because he would like to hear it too. It communicates to his subordinates that he is in the same boat with them- uncertain and trying to do his best.

[@caelumvaldovinos5318]

Why does it feel like Guinan was written as Star Trek's Jedi Master?

[@ChronoKatie]

The best scene of the best two-parter in all of Trek.

[@sir_john_hammond]

Guinan: That is now your chair, Captain... Riker: Swings leg over back of chair and straddles it

[@GreatBigRanz]

That's became Franks had a strange back injury that irritates him when getting in and out chairs normally.

[@JIMBO8472]

Telling you what you need to hear, not what you want.

[@Erekose2023]

The 'special relationship' is not what most people think... They both 'lived' and escaped from the Nexus

[@EarlJohn61]

They also met (I think it was in New Orleans) in the 18th century.

[@-M0LE]

Erekose2023 why would anybody me want to escape the nexus though

[@DouglasZwick]

EarlJohn61 it was San Francisco.

[@r0bw00d]

Guinan didn't fully escape; an "echo" of her remains in it.

[@joryadamson7854]

@@EarlJohn61 19th Century

[@Thejigholeman]

"that is your chair, captain" 3 minutes later a crash and a shout can be heard as fails to throw one of his legs over the chair to mount it.

[@TheBaltimoreDude]

Man... she was exactly where she needed to be, the bar man, she listens and she helps people. I want to see a mini-series "Guinan & Quark" with special guests Garak, Sloan, and many others! (and a possible visit from Q, it's not up to us really)

[@NewEnglandViews]

I may not be a fan of the actress, but the acting there was sublime