Picard Warns Against Witch Hunts & Mob Rule

[@blacrow7]

Picard also said this- No being is so important that they can usurp the rights of another.

[@TheScionServe]

Why did you quote that?

[@dash4800]

@@TheScionServe You really cant see how thats relevant?

[@TheScionServe]

@@dash4800 If you think it was meant to support abortion... TNG had a pro-life episode.

[@ssssssssssssssssss50]

@@TheScionServe which one?

[@TheScionServe]

@@ssssssssssssssssss50 The child. But the right to life of a child doesn't ussurp the rights of the mother, jst as child support laws don't usurp the rights of the father.

[@loki8284]

That was what made The Next Generation a great series. Good writing makes the show and the message timeless.

[@aurorauplinks4703]

Gene Roddenberry was always a helpful influence for good stories, except a few, he kept them focused on moral quandaries over easy battles

[@BadficReadings]

Totally, TNG, DS9 and Voyager all contain such timeless messages, as does Enterprise. I cannot speak for the original series having never actually sat and watched it, nor for Discovery, which I haven't gotten around to yet, but I am sure similar will be present there too, Starfleet principals are Starfleet principals. Star Trek is so much more than just a regular sci-fi show, because it gives us such nuggets of moral wisdom and truth.

[@desertfoxcartoon]

@@BadficReadings After Gene Roddenberry left and Rick Berman took over those messages weren't explored as much but still happened, followed by JJ Abrams who's like Michael Bay and just likes explosions. Enterprise went back to the Star Trek roots as was very good, Discovery is another generic Sci-Fi action flick with the Star Trek label.

[@BadficReadings]

@@desertfoxcartoon That sounds really disappointing :( If that's the case why not make a whole new franchise rather than ruin an existing one.

[@desertfoxcartoon]

@@BadficReadings I agree, keep watching the Original, Next Gen, DS9, and Enterprise (and Voyager if you feel like it), but the Reboot movies and Discovery aren't good as Star Trek titles. Gene Roddenberry had a great vision, Rick Berman did his best to continue it, JJ Abrams abandoned it completely. They label it Star Trek to cash in on the existing franchise, it's for money.

[@maxbootstrap7397]

It is interesting to find such relevant warnings in old StarTrek series. This is a good example why we watch these series many times over the years.

[@thepayne7862]

Exactly and the same thing can be said about a lot of episodes of the Twilight Zone.

[@remo687]

max bootstrap That's what makes something a true classic, a timeless element about it that can be appreciated for all time.

[@maxbootstrap7397]

+Carlos : Yes indeed. Add your observation to a great many other defects in the intellectual disease called STD.

[@mitchellalexander9162]

Eh. The Orville is better.

[@VGamingJunkieVT]

History keeps repeating itself, this Social Justice crap is just Witch Trials with a new name. Then again, so is McCarthyism.

[@septonyte]

What this video points out is why Picard is one of my top fictional heroes. He doesn't hand out ass-kickings to the villain of the week, even if he totally could do that. He throws their ideals into their own faces in such a way that he teaches some of the best lessons one could learn in life to those on both side of the screen.

[@freibier]

Exactly. That, and Patrick Stewart is a wonderful Shakespeare actor, which gives an automatic 100% bonus to all his speeches.

[@joshuafogg6600]

freibier If only he would follow the ideals of his character.

[@madscientistshusta]

Septonyte this.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

Zeithri That's quite the ignorant summarization of Jean Luc. Picard *is* morally superior to almost everyone he encounters- and as far as _gladly_ watching people die? Please. That's just absurd. I don't know what reality you're from, but I've seen him do everything in his power to avoid the loss of life time and time again, sometimes directly against orders. His judgment and discernment, along with his stellar command of officers, made for the finest research and diplomatic vessel human kind has ever known.

[@ariesmight4141]

Picard is nothing but a coward. He uses words in a way, that they become a blanket. For him to hide under.

[@Dabs19840607]

This is Star Trek, stories about the human condition, and the ability to overcome. Class act.

[@Rhamsody]

Holy crap. I've forgotten when good writing sounded like. Not a single gunshot. No pandering. No identity politics. JUST GOOD WRITING. I miss thirty years ago...

[@tuseroni6085]

i think its because it has such memorable conversations but no "mic drop" moment which seems to be what writing aspires to these days, mic drop moments do well on social media, but are really very shallow and tribal, but a generation who grew up on social media thinks thats how discussions should be, that the point is to own the other side.

[@TriniKnight01]

No 'identity politics' in an episode where not one but two characters' ethnic backgrounds or heritage are a factor in presuming guilt. Right. Really, the comment says more about the bias of the OP than it does about the actual episode.

[@Paul-ly5ht]

You realize this episode was written to critique not only racism/bigotry but also McCarthyism, right?

[@tperfect7241]

​@@TriniKnight01 you obviously missed the point of the episode.

[@tracksuitcheems]

​@@TriniKnight01 disingenuous much?

[@a.thompson5518]

"Mister Worf, villains who twirl their moustaches are easy to spot. Those who clothe themselves in good deeds are well camouflaged." A more detailed quote to the other saying, "Ignorance is bliss" Truest words ever spoken.

[@CornerTalker]

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

[@simonmasbaum8399]

Honestly, the only part of this episode that I've remembered over the years. I've always done my best to incorporate it into my life, as we all should, but of course, who can be sure that their best is enough...

[@uomodonore245]

At the time that episode aired, Western Civilization still understood such concepts as those discussed in the episode. How things have changed in the last 30 years.

[@cashgamma]

Pshh, mid gulf war., ooooh k

[@mononononononoke]

No they didn’t.

[@hardwirecars]

we still understand it. mr gammon and ryan up there don't seem to understand that to error is human we all make mistakes.

[@dubya85]

you're triggering me

[@Wolfen443]

WITCH HUNTS ARE THE RULE NOW, I AGREE.

[@kdemetter]

So I'm not the only one who gets my morals from Star Trek TNG ?

[@MiaogisTeas]

Hell no, I totally did. Picard on TV, Aragorn in writing, Obi Wan in film. Not saying I'm even close, but they're decent ideals to live up to.

[@neelpatel3844]

I got mine from there too.

[@Fermion.]

I got my morals from TOS. I'm now a convicted sex offender. Thanks Kirk!

[@TheTuubster]

Why not going to the source and getting your morals from the human rights declaration?

[@cunningsmile4166]

This is the only Star Trek to me

[@saquist]

Thank you for making this video Some believe this episode was only about McCarthism but that's a surface level interpretation. This is in every way a broad warning against all types of witch hunts and the dangers of abusing due process.

[@JAGtheTrekkieGEMINI1701]

Slapping people harder in the face than anyone ever could with his bare fist just through EPIC speeches!? Picard at his BEST

[@marionmorrison2854]

Worf's father wasn't a traitor. He was framed by Durass and Worf let it happen to stop civil war. He and Picard both knew but it was a secret. Till Worf buried a blade in Durass' chest like he was chopping wood. It was Durass' father that was the traitor. Durass' sisters would cause the civil war later on anyway. Man, I've seen this one more times than I can count. It's one of my favorites. But I hadn't connected it to all this garbage over recent years until your video. Thank you.

[@MoriMemento117]

That scene between the ethical Picard and the honourable Worf has always been etched in my memory ever since I was a kid. To see such giants of tradition and morality basically express their own frailty and ignorance - to see them admit what kind of creature they each could become if they let themselves be consumed by their lust for justice and order. It made me think very long and hard about myself. I mean, Picard is a god of reason and ethics... and even he was afraid of himself. "Vigilance is the price we pay."

[@piotrd.4850]

This is best observaton on the episode - I must admit, that even as ardent fan, I haven't noticed how well Worf character was used here!

[@simonmasbaum8399]

This exchange was really the only part of this episode that really stuck with me over the years and as much as I have tried to internalize it I still remember that I am human and can still be fooled, probably much more easily than I realize. That's why, even when hearing someone I strongly agree with, like Sargon or even Dave himself, I try to stay vigilant for points and arguments that, deep down, I disagree with, as part of my mechanism for keeping my worldview honest. But I must always remember that even this mechanism is fallible.

[@cavetrollvillageidiot3095]

I have granted this comment the 69th like.

[@goryguy5106]

It's a warning to people on all sides of the political spectrum; from the far-right to the far-left. And more so. As a recovering addict, I was asked if I would like to speak to a graduating class of young medical students who were entering into the field of treating people like myself. I pulled a classic James Randi magic trick on them: I first began speaking with a pen near my mouth, as if it were a mic. When I set it down, they had a bit of a laugh. I'd fooled them. A little while later, I removed my glasses. Lensless ones, and replaced them with my actual glasses. Fooled them twice. No matter how intelligent, educated, intuitive, or bright you are, a simple drug addict can fool you. You can always be fooled. Do you trust me now?

[@SpiderEternal]

Having rewatched all of TNG last year, I regret not writing down all the episodes that slaughter the arguments of the authoritarians of today. There are many, and they are fabulous. Great video! I encourage you to do more. :)

[@cleverwitticismhere6922]

The Next Generation is full of fantastic quotes and wisdom. Even with its age, it's one of the best series I've ever seen. It blends education and entertainment flawlessly.

[@Olorin-gc8zo]

I had just watched this episode again last week and was struck by how STILL incredibly relevant this episode is to today's events. Excellent episode and thanks for this one, Dave.

[@bustervoodoo8125]

This really accentuates how awful Discovery is. Not even an attempt at examining morality or anything though-provoking, just aimless "sci-fi" nonsense.

[@nashf5925]

oh look lazers....

[@cashgamma]

go tell it on the mountain then... the mountain answers "......" I rest my case.

[@madmandanschannel]

Watch out for the mycelial bark. It’s a doozy.

[@scottmantooth8785]

an over reliance on techno-babble and SJW acceptance...yeah, that makes any script or narrative memorable and classic

[@Bonez0r]

I never watched Discovery. But I saw this short clip and wept. It's a comparison between Discovery and TNG. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ_PqaidoJiEmJI By the way, shout out to that channel's owner, Grin, who makes hilarious TNG edits. He uses different channels because they keep getting deleted, but here's a playlist that still works: kzbin.info/aero/PLlufnbwO60O6LqAcCeu0UaTZJ2FXJsBn5 . The first few are a bit clumsy, but it gets better.

[@garomcfbgdd3211]

Remember when Star Trek was about liberal ethics and morals Pepperidge farm remembers

[@cashgamma]

FOR THE WIN!

[@flyingpaladin617]

Where is Pepperidge farm?

[@keddievanhalen]

To the point where even todays non liberals like myself still found hope in it...yes

[@scottmantooth8785]

brilliant

[@AlexanderCheff]

Remember when liberalism was about liberal morals?

[@Zeakthecat]

Internal vilgiance is the price we all pay for freedom - picard Couldn't have said it better myself

[@archstanton9073]

Eternal vigilance.

[@patrickfrost9405]

Well said, video game goddess.

[@doxenking3899]

I don't want to be that guy, but it's spelled eternal not internal. mistakes happen so no big deal.

[@JakkFrost1]

But as RPGStylee said earlier in the thread, _internal_ vigilance is a good thing too.

[@Xantheus07]

Yeah but RACIST shouldnt have the right to free speech. Oh also SHUT UP YOU RACIST NAZI HOMOPHOBE FUCK TRUMP REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!

[@JLOFlix]

This was one of THE BEST POLITICAL COMMENTARIES AND PARALLELS that I have EVER witnessed!! Thank you Dave you're BRILLIANT!!

[@Rich_Man101]

Excellent review of an excellent episode of TNG! Thank you!

[@gondorknight83]

"It is a capital mistake to theorize before one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit theories, instead of theories to suit facts". -Sherlock Holmes

[@robinj.9329]

One of my favorite episodes! "Eternal vigilance is the price we must pay".

[@1chaoticgood]

I see Picard in the thumbnail, I click. Awesome, as always Dave. Muah!!

[@waveman0]

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety." Ben Franklin

[@TankdozerCavalry]

4:50 Something that's overlooked by this video are the nuances of just HOW FAR admiral Sati goes. When Captain Picard was assimilated by the borg in an earlier episode, he was physically damaged and psychologically traumatised and required "several weeks of intense therapy" (as per Memory Alpha). The borg/damage issue is explored further in a separate episode and shows just the trauma Jean-Luc had to put up with. Admiral Sati's blatant disregard for the sensitive issues surrounding Picard's character and lack of decency or care for the medical wellbeing of another human being is a bone-chilling window into how far people are willing to go to uphold even the IMAGE of justice. Truly, the complexity of Picard's character is one of the greatest accomplishments of Star Trek writing. (For the love of god, I can't remember which episode, leave a note if you do!)

[@BioGoji-zm5ph]

And then all of that trauma he endured finally came back to him when the Borg began assimilating his crew on the Enterprise-E in First Contact, and he finally snapped. I know some people think that Picard was out of character in that movie, but I view his OOC moments as kind of the point, since he never truly got over the whole Locutus thing.

[@karenhall4645]

When Sati mentions his experience with the Borg, I've always thought nobody could stoop any lower than that.

[@JonatasAdoM]

"The Only Thing Necessary for the Triumph of Evil is that Good Men Do Nothing" Also "As soon as men decide that all means are permitted to fight an evil, then their good becomes indistinguishable from the evil that they set out to destroy."

[@saewonyi]

How disappointing that Discovery and Picard makes a complete mockery of the optimistic and hopeful world of Roddenberry

[@peskylisa]

This deserves a standing ovation. People need to remember this.

[@theimp67]

This was an excellent episode to review, and I remember it well. The parallels with today are disturbing. We have many villains but few of them are twirling moustaches.

[@Okiedog1]

"I've brought down bigger men than you Picard!" One of the greatest quotes from the series.

[@the_narthex]

One of the many Picard face palms in that episode.

[@whos-the-stiff]

My absolute favourite TNG episode, that speech by Picard is so powerful and the words contained within it are so relevant. It's a pity that this is one of the episodes that flew under the radar, not having the whizz bang that most people prefer. Some of my fellow Trekkers don't even remember this episode, which is sad.

[@davidmccarron2903]

I agree! These are the type of episodes that makes TV shows worth watching over and over again!

[@MrStoptheEU]

I like the fact you have picard as your image :)

[@NetherlandsFirst]

I don't think it flew under the radar, at least not among Trek fans. Even Vinesauce Joel (Vargskelethor) names this as his favorite episode, I believe. And he's not some kind of scholar.

[@bigbone1369]

Star Trek The Next Generation is one of my favorite TV shows of all time.

[@rightofcenter1977]

christopher bonner - it’s gotten better with age, imho.

[@19buseye71]

This was one of the best of many episodes in the Star Trek : TNG series. I'm glad that I have them all on DVD.

[@jamesschultz5865]

I've looked through the comments, and something no one has seemed to pick up on. Her words and his thoughts. "I question your actions, Captain." 'Yes,just like every Star Fleet Review Board I have been through since I was a Cadet.' 'I question your choices!" 'I question my own choices every day I wake up and every night when I lay in bed trying to go to sleep. That's what it is to be in Command of a Ship.' "I question your loyalty!" "Now you wait just one damn minute!'

[@maxis2k]

"Starfleet assigns Retired Admiral..." Found the problem. Also, it is amazing how Star Trek, a show so progressive it was seen as a threat in its time, actually showed the dangers of being too progressive. This particular episode is brilliant, but is actually a compilation of many ideas that have been repeated in classic literature and other TV Series/Movies. What's so scary is that the modern media won't write a story like this, because it doesn't fit their narrative. They will write endless puff pieces about equality and misogyny, but always in the context of showing someone being racist or sexist towards someone else. They won't show the social and cultural ramifications that follow. Or what leads up to it. Because they can't write those things. If they tried to explore those themes, their narrative would fall apart. Also, you should talk about how Star Trek predicted sanctuary cities in Deep Space Nine.

[@maxis2k]

@Xenovista I don't really remember the episode singling out conservatives. The theme of the episode seemed to be that Sanctuary cities stared off with good intentions of helping poor/homeless people get government assistance and then allow them to move out when they are financially stable. But the system got so swamped that the government couldn't handle it. And the people they intended to help got stuck in the system. It seemed like a commentary on how social idealism doesn't always lead to ideal solutions. And the ones pushing social idealism/government projects for decades has definitely been the left. Of course, the sanctuary cities we have today are nothing like what we saw in Star Trek. But the point is, they could turn into that very easily.

[@keitht24]

maxis2k Jesus you're stupid. Those weren't sanctuaries, they were makeshift prisons.

[@maxis2k]

@tyro apache memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Sanctuary_District The Sanctuary districts were created initially to be areas for people without access to a job or home to go and get government support. They were created with good intentions and as a temporary solution. But they became so overcrowded and violent that they built walls around them and started treating them like ghettos. Then things escalated as mob rule took over the sanctuaries from within. In our current society, various cities are rushing to declare themselves "sanctuary cities". With all the best intentions. But overlooking how a lot of these cities have the highest crime and unemployment in America. It wouldn't take much for them to start walling up the so called "bad" parts of town and then escalate to what we saw in the Sanctuary Districts.

[@keitht24]

maxis2k The whole point is they weren't what they were presented as. This video can't be used as an attack against SJWs. The admiral is literally racially profiling the man because of his racial ancestry. Worf & others quickly join in on the with hunt. The admiral is displaying pure racism & xenophobia.

[@piotrd.4850]

And I remember Sisko dressing down Jadzia Dax and Worf for too deep involvement in Klingon rituals.

[@mintydog06]

This is one of the best episodes ever! You simply won't get a story this good on Discovery. The best thing about old Star Trek is so many of its episodes are relevant for all time. I love Picard's speech at the end of this episode, he simply won't take any nonsense from people trying to destroy his officers, just like in The Offspring, "Order a man to hand his child over to the state? Not while I'm his captain,"

[@Zontar82]

none of this is present in that Discovery travesty.. on a side note; here there is a reason on why Picard is believed to be "traiterous" when he was under the borg's control..but from now on the matter became a little too overused..Like sisko in the first ds9 episode, when he holds a grudge against picard for the loss of his family. IT WASN'T HIM. he was under control of the borg so it wasn't his fault! why people kept on accusing him of something that was beyond his control?

[@SciFiFan2012]

Zontar82 Sisko was bitter, angry that his wife died, and the Borg caused it and Picard just so happened to be assimilated. He could have been just as mad if Wesley Crusher had been Locutus.

[@Starvino]

Unless one has been assimilated, it’s unlikely that they’d fully understand the fact that you have no part in it. Or, you angrily look at him as a symbol of the destruction, since it was Picard’s knowledge that aided the Borg. People didn’t trust Seven at first, and the only reason they didn’t treat her worse is because it wasn’t her face literally on the view screen as the crew members were almost killed in battle, as Sisko was

[@nobrains6107]

Compare the way Picard was forgiven for that with the reaction to Ash in Discovery - and in the comments about that incident in various youtube videos - and it seems that society has become a lot less forgiving towards men in just a few years.

[@Starvino]

Is there backlash to Tyler? I don't have anything against him, though I'd understand if Stamets does. He'd be in a similar place to Sisko. "Yeah I doubt we'll be citing episodes of STD 20 years from now when discussing topics of the moment." Yes we will: Drama Teacher: ok, we have just watched ST:TNG and how it masterfully portrayed *Insert social issue*. Now, can you provide an example of a show that shit the bed in regards to social commentary? *kid who grew up watching std*: I've been preparing my who life for this!

[@Starvino]

Josef Nagy I meant public backlash to Ash. But then, I don’t really care about the doctor, so maybe I’m just biased in whether Ash should get fan hate for his actions, though I haven’t seen anything. The crew has every right to be suspicious, Saru made a good choice in at least restricting Ash, although it didn’t go far enough. And if people want to forgive him, that’s good I suppose. But to expect a smart decision from the crew that let Mudd go is like expecting a dead horse to respond to your kicks.

[@DTSephiroth]

One of my favorite episodes of all time. Thanks for giving it the attention it deserves.

[@therockreviews9007]

Picard has always been the man. Lovr star trek

[@kamand05]

This is a perfect example of truly timeless writing/storytelling. This is the reason shows like TNG and Twilight Zone will last generations: like all mythology before, they touch on timeless parts of the human condition that we will always struggle with. Thanks for the video

[@mikestanmore2614]

All good science fiction refects the strengths and vulnerabilities of humanity. Well chosen, Dave.

[@IRQ1Conflict]

This must be where the term "drummed out of the military" came from.

[@nuclearrabbit1]

This show and Picard became my moral compass in life.

[@sasquatch2753]

And ST Discovery will be all about the witch hunts being moral and virtuous

[@sirbattlecat]

Discovery is about cliches and shooting stuff. Nothing else.

[@Tokmurok]

Aaaand it was.

[@Bonez0r]

I never watched Discovery. But I saw this short clip and wept. It's a comparison between Discovery and TNG. kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJ_PqaidoJiEmJI

[@UltimateBargains]

*"The welfare of humanity is always the alibi of tyrants." -- Albert Camus*

[@ThePurpleman21]

I find it extremely apt that this was the first episode of Star Trek that I ever watched as an adult!

[@ephemispriest8069]

It feels like every year that goes by there is more meaning to be found in the futurism of the past.

[@Poglavnit_Pferdefuhrer]

Uh, that is like, the *entire* point of futurism, haha. "Umberto Boccioni, Giacomo Balla, Gino Severini, Carlo Carrà, Giorgio Morandi, Emilio Pettoruti, Aleksandra Ekster, Vsevolod Meyerhold, Valentine de Saint-Point, Joseph Stella, Marcel Janco, Marisa Mori, Amadeo de Souza Cardoso, Isaac Asimov" Don't just look at the art and sculpture, read their writings! the reason modern sci-fi sucks is they keep discarding all "the old masters"

[@giugiu3447]

You wouldn't believe how many men are falsely accused of sexual accusations and go through PTSD, even suicide.

[@blackenedchrome]

This episode is one where Picard really had some of his most shining moments; not because of his decisions as a captain but because of his gift of understanding the human condition only too well. He had a gift of catching himself and others when they started to part ways from their higher reasoning and give into their primal intuition too much. The funny thing is that Star Trek has always been one of the very few sci fi genres that showed the evolution of people and not just people remaining the same in nature and adapting to more advanced technologies. Yet even with humanitiy's ability to evolve society to utopian standards and ideals not everyone shared those values at heart. There will always be people out there such as the democrat extremists and Hilary supporters who want to create false problems where there are none simply out of jealousy of Trump's accomplishments and a digust of their own failures.

[@blackenedchrome]

Zeithri Care to elaborate, or were you just giving your own vague bullshit response?

[@damianlee5438]

The same could be said of what you just wrote in your statement here. "And here's an example of a Republican lunatic who thinks Trump is a skilled diplomat and wartime strategist. There's always one of them lurking around here somewhere." Also it totally nullifys all of the perfectly worded sentences before. The sad part is you probably don't even realize that you're the type of person Picard was warning us about. Just like any other zealot. Can't even see your own reflection.

[@Miyamoto_crypto]

I had never seen this episode before, and stumbled across it a few days ago, it is so relevant now so many years later. Excellent video review.

[@observantwatcher6511]

Re the suspicions against Worf: you forgot to mention that Worf (and Picard) both know that Worf's father was NOT a traitor.

[@thedreadpiratewesley2301]

"With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured...the first thought forbidden...the first freedom denied - chains us all, irrevocably."

[@andysimmons2648]

An outstanding review of an outstanding episode of Star Trek TNG. Thank you.

[@delvinstickyfingers3103]

Dude!, that was one of the best videos I've seen you do. Now I have to go watch the episode. Thanks.

[@jasonbrown4526]

Star Trek The Next Generation is a legend of television.

[@jayfigg7981]

THANK YOU so much for this reminder! I am going to watch the whole episode right now!

[@chiclone-tests71]

Patrick Steward and Michael Dorn have fantastic voices!

[@55Quirll]

I agree with your choice, this is one of my favorite episodes because what it portrays here is happening in America right now by our own Government. I will copy the quote made and carry it with me every where so that I will be prepared. Though what must be done should be done at the lowest level first and worked upwards. Thank you again.

[@ryanm7263]

On my channel I posted a clip from this same episode with a title making the same assertions Dave has just made, and it attracted thousands of angry SJWs claiming that Picard is on their side, and that Satie is like Trump. Their understanding of reality is completely inverted.

[@pogo1140]

@@danielw.6922 Extinct not "instinct".

[@cristianrusu2529]

Ah, projection. The more serious version of "i'm not crying, you're crying". Drumhead is specifically a warning message against politicians using "bloodlines" as a pretext. And how persuasive such tactics can be, without constant vigilance.

[@Poglavnit_Pferdefuhrer]

It was the Bolshevik plan all along...We stared in the wrong direction, just as they wanted. And now they have our schools, our media, our children, and even a whole party! We needed to follow the Romanian example on the same day they did. Ironically "the squad" may be their only salvation, in the possibility attacks from both sides lead them to realise it's a shell game

[@ThatSoddingGamer]

Looking at the comments, I just want to say it's not a 'left' or a 'right' thing. People like that exist in all places, championing all sorts of opinions and causes. They are the hypocrites, the grandstanders, the false champions. They say what *some* people want to hear, and it gives them power. What they say *sounds* good in a way, but their actions can betray them, as it did in this case, where an 'arbiter of truth' (so to speak) presumed naught but villainy in everyone that didn't agree with her. They are the 'nice guys' who are misogynists, they are the 'freedom and truth' champions that are suspicious of anyone different than their own narrow definition of 'us'. They are those that think themselves above decency because they have 'right' on their side. Sadly, a lot of commenters are rather missing the point.

[@sheenydonut]

this aged very well

[@oldstrawhat4193]

Excellent video. Excellent reasoning. What a gem you are!

[@Nexus9_KD6-4.8]

This is what I miss about classic Star Trek. It was very intelligently written, often with powerful messages and morals. We see this less and less these days, though there is no shortage of political messaging of another nature now.

[@JuanArandaAlvarez]

Dude, awesome work. I forgotten this episode, great work sir. Awesome work!

[@georgemargaris]

Eternal vigilance ...

[@bodox001]

Just finished watching the show in it’s entirety. What an amazing show. Such compelling writing. I’m really sorry I was just a bit to young to get right into it at the time, but I’m older now and I can appreciate the absolute love that people and my dad, had for this show. Very very good writing.

[@TheAutistWhisperer]

Ah drum head, a classic episode.

[@unclelink]

TheAutistWhisperer Himiko! A villain you can't hate!

[@oldworldobserver]

Awesome video essay

[@bradyvelvet9432]

5:59 uh, Twitter (social media in general) needs to listen to this.

[@kobayashimaru8114]

This is one of those episodes that feels more relevant every time I watch it.

[@bubyCZ]

You know what is the most ironic? I got banned in ST group because of posting this scene, ST TNG SCENE IN ST GROUP... the "Something that some people here do not realize how relevant today this is..." triggered one admin that banned anyone that had actual arguments against his blunt virtue signaling...

[@horrorfan117]

Funny. I had the same thing happen to me when I posted a quote from this episode, “The road from legitimate suspicion to rampant paranoia is far shorter than we believe.” when an admin started posting a ton of QAnon conspiracies. It’s almost like this episode’s point was to be wary of fanatics regardless of political affiliation.

[@Argonnosi]

@@horrorfan117 QAnon works as a wonderful canary in the coal mine. There are more people on the left who think people on the right take it seriously than there actually are. As a general rule, whoever starts up by taking a QAnon speaking point seriously has outed themselves as a bit of nut.

[@b_g_c3281]

YESS YESS YESS!!! Excellent post!! "The Drumhead" is one of my ALLL-TIME favorites

[@Maddog3060]

And yet if you mention this episode to an SJW they'll scream about how Trump is the real villain we should be wary of. Hypocrites.

[@Zontar82]

Isn't Trump the real villain? XD

[@boredfangerrude]

The real villains are those in the shadows pulling the strings, trying to control things and reverse our progress.

[@Hiraghm]

Maddog3060 you mean SJWs like Patrick Stewart?

[@boredfangerrude]

No, SJW's are just minions working for a mastermind they will never meet and may not even know exists.

[@andrewwebb7584]

Boredfan Gertrude, wow... Your hat making is probably what's keeping the tin foil manufacturers in business!

[@kellymartin8090]

Amen, brother. I remember that episode, and wrote down many of those great Picard quotes! I’ve remembered them often...even more so these days.

[@BSE1320]

It always reminded me of the Red Scare of the 50's, with McCarthy leading the way. This idea is nothing new. Communism, Social Justice, Nazi Germany blaming the Jews. I doubt it ever ends. There is always someone to stir paranoia for power. And...we do must always stay vigilant.

[@huh3721]

Mexicans

[@Leon_der_Luftige]

Huh? Blaming Mexicans is the new black.

[@SlippyMcDervish]

Literally just watched this one. Excellent episode. I love how Picard is never worried, and essentially turns the tables on her with ease. I love that man.

[@myeclecticself]

Definitely my all time favorite Star Trek episode.

[@petefaders]

The greatest TV show of all time..and great analysis here. Timeless lessons.

[@hualni]

This reminds me of the Brett Kavanaugh hearings.

[@blvp2145]

Yeah, right when the hearings were about to end, Senator Dianne (ageing dinosaur )Feinstein dropped the H-bomb on everyone and made the hearings a complete sh!t show.

[@alanhembra2565]

I've referenced this over the years. To me it's the most important message the show ever put out.

[@darkguardian1314]

Also, there’s “The Galaxy Child” where La Forge was accused of virtual rape and by today’s standards would have been guilty by social media.

[@maximumhate666]

This is why this show was fantastic. Transporting such important messages to all audiences so strongly.

[@shinjiku01]

Back when star trek was my favorite show.

[@MasterMindWC]

This is why Picard is my scify Dad. Wisdom, truth, justice and loyalty are all things I learned from that character. This is the kind of shows current generations missed out on, if only they grew up as I did with this show, perhaps things could of been different.

[@farkasabel]

Long live the Terran Empire!!!

[@AvaByNight]

Long live empress Sato

[@brettcooper3893]

LMAO. Star Trek troll of the decade award right here.

[@AvaByNight]

I honestly liked mirror-sato :(

[@farkasabel]

AgarwaenCran t'pol was hotter.

[@AvaByNight]

yes, she is. so what? I didn't say she isn't and that I didn't like her. but as a character I liked mirror-sato more

[@dirdib69]

Great episode, and I'm glad you called out the fine performance of Jean Simmons. She was an excellent actress and really brings the villain to life here.

[@raybarry4307]

Perhaps those in the White House should get some popcorn and watch

[@RevanJJ]

This will resonate with every generation of writers. This episode should be required watching in all schools.

[@jackau08]

This shows what was once Good high concept sci fi tv was like.

[@jamesburke3413]

Great (and very relevant) analysis of one of my favorite Next Generation episodes. Thank you.

[@nedimsisic2370]

The Dave Cullen Show I hope this video isnt demonetized, because I saw an ad before it, that I couldnt skip. BTW will you do a follow up on your review of Discovery, since the season just finished? Anyway, keep up the good work and have a nice day.

[@dilkry]

This is one of top five episodes in TNG. The others being Tapestry, Chain of Command, Yesterday's Enterprise and Best of Both Worlds.

[@DrPhibes10]

The road to hell is paved with good intentions

[@fathermischief8025]

Outstanding post Dave. Well done sir.

[@americandesi5703]

Nora Satee wasn't claiming to speak on behalf of any minority. She was attacking a minority, the person of Simon Tarsus who bore the blood of a hated enemy.

[@Unholyrocha]

That´s right sad that he failed to understand the message.

[@bobstott8922]

Thank you! This was clearly echoing McCarthyism (attacking social outliers/minority figures) rather than making any sort of SJW comparison. Amazing to see that this continues to be misunderstood.

[@Skyfighter64]

@@bobstott8922 Or more likely, by focusing on one aspect of the message, you ignore the larger portion, which is most definitely still applicable, perhaps even so much more relevant today, right now, than it was 25+ years ago. Some people really can't see the forest for the trees.

[@deadlee0b1]

@@Unholyrocha Satee being the bad guy by attacking a minority was not the messsage. That was just the bottle the message was served in. The message was that we can't give in to paranoia, nor in to the notion of guility by association or until proven innocent.

[@C-rations2394]

Great video, Man. One of your best so far. And that's saying a lot. Thank you.

[@realhumanbean7945]

Indeed

[@Shattered-Realm]

This one speech is more epic than the last 2 seasons of discovery. It really is timeless sends shivers down your spine and Patrick Stewart gives a perfect delivery.