STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION | S5 KEY EPISODES PT 1 | FIRST TIME WATCHING

[@PopcornInBed]

Three more episodes from season 5 coming next week! Cause and Effect, I, Borg, and The Inner Light❤ (Plus the two-part season finale the following week!

[@GuardianKnightoftheRealm]

So happy to see I, Borg made the cut!

[@neutrino78x]

if you're watching these on Paramount Plus, in the first few seconds of the episode, something pops up that says "skip intro", if you click it, it skips the intro. lol 🙂 Great video and you're beautiful 🙂

[@TeenTyrant]

Well, that’s better. You’re definitely going to need to go back and watch more episodes from each season, so many are getting missed. There are plenty that can be skipped, but this first run can’t be the final one if you’re to check all the quality episodes.

[@flashgordon6238]

Cassie, thank you for including The Inner Light!

[@sidbomby]

I love your reactions to these. You have the kindest soul. It really feels like watching these for the first time again.

[@LordVolkov]

"I may watch some episodes on my own..." Cassie, her eyes uncovered!

[@this.is.a.username]

Love, she will feel it for us all.

[@BravoDox]

PiB, watching TNG Dean Pelton, watching a dalmation cosplay video Jordan Belfort, chanting gooble gobble Tobias Funke, attending nevernude meeting (It occurs to me that these sound a lot sketchier if you don't know the reference)

[@mateo_sid]

@@BravoDoxthis better not awaken anything in me...

[@fakecubed]

I was concerned and annoyed when she said she was only going to watch four episodes per season. That's nowhere near enough to get a good feel for the series. I honestly didn't care if she chose not to show every episode or even most of the episodes on her channel with reactions, but I hoped she at least would watch them on her own so she'd know what was going on with references and the like.

[@ericruiz1036]

Ha!!! 😂

[@martinbraun1211]

I'll never understand why Patrick Stewart never won an Emmy for his role as Picard.

[@travisboyle285]

Because they looked down on sci fi/genre television at the time.

[@taylemgames2652]

@@travisboyle285 TBH they still do unless its dressed up as something over the top woke.

[@etherealtb6021]

Prejudice against performances in sci-fi/fantasy shows. Like, how was Robert Carlyle never nominated for Once Upon a Time? If Stewart and Carlyle had given the same performances in a "normal" drama, they'd be Emmy winners.

[@gregquinn7817]

Syndication was looked down on back then as was Sci fi. So a double negative working against Stewart.

[@etherealtb6021]

​@@travisboyle285They still do. Isn't Peter Dinklage still the only actor/actress from a sci-fi/fantasy show who's won an Emmy?

[@korkofilaki]

In "Darmok", they basically spoke with memes. *Pikachu, his mouth agape*

[@cyberingcatgirls7069]

Jeremiah Johnson, smiling in the snow.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

😲 I never thought of it that way, but you're right! 🤣🤣🤣

[@CDNChaoZ]

Leonardo DiCaprio, pointing at the screen.

[@professorbugbear]

I came to this same realization... memeology is exactly what it is lol

[@3Rayfire]

Inigo and The Dread Pirate, at the Cliffs. Inigo, his sword drawn his chest red. Andy, at Shawshank. Andy in the Creek. Andy and Red, at Zihuatanejo.

[@TomtheWonderDog]

One of the most beautiful things about the Epic of Gilgamesh is that we consider it humanity's oldest story, but even that poem begins with "in those ancient times..." We've been telling each other stories and passing them down for far longer than we know.

[@JMUDoc]

_Darmok_ deserved an Emmy - such a simple concept, but written, acted, and directed with total perfection. One of very few episodes that I would consider completely devoid of weaknesses.

[@Llanchlo]

Agreed. If there is a flaw it is that the fundamental McGuffin probably would not work in prcatice without an underlying grammar and syntax (+ vocabulary) which could then be used with strangers. You know English but if I said to you "Odysseus at the gates of Troy with a horse" it is implicit that you understand the words and the context and it is difficult to see how that understanding could arise without a language which did not need metaphor / meme. You would need an endless regression of metaphors to explain and understand the metaphors in the first place. However it remains a cool concept, and given the premise is well written and acted. Shakespeare at the Globe with a quill !

[@FloridaMugwump]

One of the dumbest concepts in star trek. A society that only speaks in metaphors is impossible. "People who speak in metaphors should shampoo my crotch" Jack Nicholson

[@Llanchlo]

@@FloridaMugwump So are transporter beams but we don't let that stand in the way of a good story ...

[@tru3sk1ll]

I just found out recently that Darmok was one of the cops in "The Terminator", obviously since they have painted skin I had no idea it was an African American actor, and of course he was in Wrath of Khan

[@JMUDoc]

@@tru3sk1ll Paul Winfield was a top character actor. (Fun fact: _The Terminator_ psychiatrist, Dr Silberman/Earl Boen, was the voice of Nagilum in the TNG episode _Where Silence Has Lease_ )

[@Amonaug]

It would be a crime of missing a major character development of Picard if you miss "Inner Light"

[@TheFalconerNZ]

It is coming

[@ChuckingDice]

Yeah, is highly recommend the episode. You'll get a real kick out of it. It's a beautiful story.

[@TheFalconerNZ]

@@ChuckingDice It is the highest rated episode of the whole show so it would be a crime to miss it.

[@cyberingcatgirls7069]

@@TheFalconerNZ Makes me cry every time.

[@peterlustich1341]

It’s mandatory

[@susanalexander6721]

I am 64 years old, have been a total Trekie since I was a child. You have no idea how much I am enjoying watching you react!

[@brt5273]

Same. My uncle was the first to purchase a color television set, specifically to watch Star Trek. We had many family gatherings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, friends involving a cookout or potluck and to enjoy the weekly broadcast of Star Trek❤

[@susanalexander6721]

@@brt5273 I so envy you! My family was very conservative, I had to beg and whine every week to be able to watch it. Alone!!!

[@SilentBob731]

Are you familiar with Jen Murray? She's another great Reactor who's doing the whole series. She's also done the original movies and some of the series.

[@jcat30]

@@SilentBob731 Jen Murray is doing it the way I wish Cassie would do it. Or even the Target Audience channel.

[@paulmolloy7206]

Yup, watch her too

[@gaz-l621]

Mark Lenard is so good even in just one scene as Sarek, completely nailing the tragedy of a condition like Alzheimer's

[@TheRealReTox]

Paul Winfield giving an amazing performance as Dathon. RIP

[@ronmaximilian6953]

Winfield also played a detective in The Terminator and a general in in Babylon 5

[@swmark78]

@@ronmaximilian6953 And Captain Terrell.

[@AndrewKendall71]

Mark Lenard... what another unbelievably fantastic actor

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Dementia spares no one, and he nailed it.

[@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism]

Yes indeed he was. I remember seeing him in tv shows from the 70's. He was also a stand out actor on those shows. I think most Star Trek fans remember Mark Leonard with affection. The Star Trek novelists also paid homage to him after his passing by writing a special hardback novel named after his character. Actually it was a love letter to the actor and character. Great story. He is just as missed as the other cast members we've lost.

[@this.is.a.username]

@@StoptheInsanityofRegressivism I'm glad you mentioned the book, because "Sarek" is my favorite ST novel and I haven't read it in forever. For anyone interested, the A plot involves Sarek, Spock, and Amanda and the B plot involves Kirk's nephew Peter and his Kobiyashi Maru exam... the plots tie together beautifully. For reference Kirk's brother (Who we see now as science officer on the Enterprise in SNW seasons 1 and 2) dies in a tragic accident off camera in TOS s1e20 Operation Annihilate. For Sarek/Spock fans watch The Naked Time, Tower of Babel, ST 2-6, then read Sarek, then watch TNG Sarek, and finally Unification 1&2. To me, that is the perfect way to appreciate the dynamic of Sarek and his family.

[@brt5273]

He was great and memorable in every role I saw him in.

[@vrenak]

And what a great farewell scene for his character. Well written, and superbly acted, filmed well, and an amazing score.

[@Armageddon2077]

Please make sure to watch 'Relics' when you start Season 6, but don't check the synopsis before you do!

[@paintedjaguar]

Yes, definitely. S6-Ep04 "Relics". Won't say why but Cassie is guaranteed to be interested in that one. No spoilers please.

[@hullbarrett]

I second the motion.

[@charlesmaurer6214]

If she misses it it would serve her right for skipping over half the show. She would totally fail to understand Babylon 5 this way, The scifi TV show that beat Independence Day, a Trek movie and a couple other scifi blockbusters for the Asimov.

[@samirsinha1135]

I'm pretty sure it'll be one of the winners in the poll.

[@adamcollazo8228]

I concur! Cassie, PLEASE watch "Relics".

[@ericstarkey551]

In darmok, the alien captain also played captain Terrell in star trek 2 the wrath of khan, and played a cop in the first terminator.

[@kerry-j4m]

The actor's name is Paul Winfield.I remember first seeing the episode DARMOK back when it aired,what a grand episode,indeed.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Paul Winfield. Watching "Darmok" as a wee boy and hearing an abbreviated version of the Epic of Gilgamesh got me interested in ancient mythology.

[@kerry-j4m]

@@michaelfinlay6341 His eyes open wide.

[@RabbitShirak]

I think he was also a general in Babylon 5.

[@this.is.a.username]

@@RabbitShirak he played Dr Franklin's father. RIP to both of them. "A man who won't stand up for his own principles is not really a man at all."

[@4thofEleven]

Picard telling the story of Gilgamesh is one of my favorite moments in Star Trek.

[@julioverne579]

100% I remember reading the Gilgamesh Epic at 20. There are no words that can express how I felt back then. Connected maybe. I felt connected to our past. Seeing it cited on Star Trek in the way they did it was so amazing

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

I started tearing up when she talked about the Tamarians reaching out across the ocean. Darmok IS Star Trek, man! It's the episode that I would show someone first to show them what the series is about.

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has on-standard syntax.

[@christopherferrarelli2262]

The “Unification” two-part episode is memorable for many reasons: - Leonard Nimoy’s appearance as Spock is the 3rd time that a character from The Original Series has appeared on The Next Generation. - In 1991, this was the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek. The episode was written to serve as a tie-in to Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, and there are references to that film mentioned here; but the film wasn’t released until several weeks after this two-parter aired. - Sadly, these episodes aired only a few short weeks after the passing of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry; he was 70 years old.

[@bigdream_dreambig]

Ultra-geriatric McCoy had a cameo, and here we have an aging Spock. Who was the third?

[@kennethlee494]

@@bigdream_dreambig Sarek!

[@117Najae]

​@@bigdream_dreambig Season 6 Episode 4 "Relics"

[@gerstelb]

Of course, the reference Spock makes to the consequences of him dragging Kirk into the peace negotiations between the Klingons and the Federation was specifically designed to get people watching the TV series to go see Star Trek VI - the two-parter came out in November and the movie in December.

[@elessartelcontar9415]

Roddenberry was a Wildman, far beyond d just bein a playa!

[@jacobpatton7587]

"Why is this intro such a comfort to me now?" -me as a kid watching the show

[@kdub3871]

Being a 20 year old in college in 91 when this episode dropped and had just studied and wrote papers on the Homeric tales...my friends and I spoke metaphorically the rest of the semester because of the Darmok episode emphasizing the importance of the oral storytelling tradition. Starfleet Academy for real. Not my university's only connection to the Star Trek Universe. Part of our campus (C.S.U.N.)was filmed and used as a location of Starfleet headquarters in multiple movies.

[@davidperkins6752]

ngl, kinda jealous but also genuinely happy for you!🙂

[@tonyb7615]

It would have been a feather in my cap in those days

[@tonyb7615]

You nerds

[@MrTbk1701]

This episode is brilliant you literally learn a language in 45 minutes. 🖖

[@Johnny_Socko]

I believe CSUN was also used for certain scenes in "The Orville", which now makes total sense.

[@ad61video]

"Perhaps you would be happier in another job." Data really means it well when he says that to Sela. He is such a good soul.

[@cypher515]

The fun fact is that he's referring to The Undiscovered Country before it was released. That's why Spock didn't give any specifics.

[@PixelatedH2O]

Yup... Star Trek VI was released about a month after this episode first aired.

[@lohanwanoeight]

Darmok was my favorite episode from the entire series. I love the lesson that we are willing to fight and die when we fail to communicate. What if we were willing to do the same to learn to understand. Fantastic episode choice.

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has on-standard syntax.

[@calebwilliams7659]

I totally forgot Ashley Judd was in the Darmok episode too.

[@Emilysbrother1]

It's a nice little touch to set her up before The Game.

[@KublaVeruca]

Yeah, I noticed her too... I forgot she was in ST:TNG... Famke Jensen too... Hell, a bunch of people... Seth MacFarlane... Too many to mention really...

[@karter95]

This episode was Ashley Judds first ever film role

[@calebwilliams7659]

@@KublaVeruca I always wondered if Famke got her role in X--Mem because Patrick Stewart had recommended her after working w/her on TNG, or if it was just coincidence they both ended up in the film together.

[@joshr8666]

​@@karter95no, she was in Commando.

[@erictaylor5462]

19:10 Understand, this woman is not Spock's mother. She is the woman Sarak married after Spock's mother passed away. Volcans live much longer than humans.

[@MrDeathpilot]

Sarek seemed to have a fetish for round ears. 🤔

[@moldy13]

everyone on this show is great. the combination and chemistry of the cast is perfect... but, Patrick Stewart really, really elevates this show. such a perfect casting.

[@ithinkihadeight]

Darmok is a classic. That knife stays in Picards quarters for the rest of the series, and there is a Tamarian officer in starfleet on the animated series Star Trek Lower Decks.

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has non-standard syntax.

[@Ron-d2s]

@@Mark-in8ju The first time I heard about Cockney Rhyming slang was from the movie Mr. Lucky, another one she needs to watch.

[@kilroy987]

I liked Cause and Effect from this season. That one stuck out to me the most.

[@wratched]

Love me some Frasier.

[@Grandmasterpapy]

@@wratched That should've been Niles standing behind him on the bridge too

[@mynineridesshotgun]

Directed by Jonathan Frakes too! With all of the repeating of the timeline, it has some really interesting camera angles for TNG.

[@kathyastrom1315]

When the show was first available on home video, they sold the episodes individually for $19.99 each. The only episode of TNG I bought on my very limited budget was Cause and Effect.

[@falcychead8198]

One of my favorites. I love how they actually incorporate the commercial breaks into the story arc; each time you come back from break the storyline starts over.

[@HistoryGuy1791]

What to know about Picard’s story of Gilgamesh: “The oldest surviving literary work is The Epic of Gilgamesh. It was composed nearly 4,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia.” -Yale University Press

[@STNeish]

One of my favourite moments is, "I will not look in your direction," followed by a slow turn, all the while looking RIGHT at him. Man, sometimes this show was so good.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

_"Cowboy_ diplomacy?"

[@troy34bronze]

I really hope “inner light” is on your schedule

[@CaptainVideoBlaster]

Major episode for Picard as a character...

[@j9lorna]

I love Darmok because it starts off completely incomprehensible but by the end, youve learned a new language!

[@davidokinsky114]

Darmok and jalad at tanagra. I watched this show as a kid, but when I here that, all I can think of is "The Picard Song"

[@Emilysbrother1]

And if you go back and restart the episode, you can understand everything they're saying!

[@charlesmaurer6214]

Girl that fills dress with expanded grain. (Popcorn in PJ's)

[@raterus]

Temba, his thumbs up!

[@LordVolkov]

PiB and Trek, at KZbin

[@Cozfx]

THIS is what Star Trek is about. Darmak is one of my favorite episodes. Trivia...the painting on the wall of the Enterprise D was done by production designer Andrew Probert. Gene Roddenberry seen it in Probert's office and loved it and proclaimed it to be the design for the next generation Enterprise.

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has on-standard syntax.

[@brianstacey2679]

I remember this well. I was 13 years old at the time and the week between episodes was one of the longest in my life.

[@this.is.a.username]

on the one hand, it should've been the season finale... on the other hand, they knew we'd fucking riot if we had to wait 6 months after seeing Spock step out of the shadows at the end of part 1. The actual season final was pretty good anyways.

[@patrickcromwell7554]

Darmok really is a great episode. The fact that a species evolved to use historical references to convey intention and meaning is very creative by the writing teams of the show. Its something that the Universal Translator CAN'T decipher because it doesn't have the context. Unless I'm wrong i think Data even makes this point to Riker. They could learn the words, but without the context in which they're given, they can mean anything.

[@Ambaryerno]

The problem is if Tamarian language is entirely built around metaphorical references to their cultural traditions, how do young Tamarians even learn what those references mean?

[@hypercube8735]

@@Ambaryerno Yeah, I've never known how they're able to tell the stories in the first place if they can only speak in references to other stories. How does a young Tamarian learn who Temba was and when he spread his arms wide to give a gift, if their phrase for giving a gift *is* 'Temba, his arms wide'? You have the infinite regress problem when everything is a reference to something else.

[@brandyraccoon1473]

@@hypercube8735 My 3 year old son speaks Chinese and he now forms new advanced sentences that are correct, but I'm pretty sure were never taught to him. He would simply learn "Temba, his arms wide" as the wooden block that occupies the linguistic conceptual space where "gift-giving" goes. Just as "sone lee wu" currently occupies the space for Chinese. However, he could deconstruct the phrase into "sone" (send) and "lee wu" (gift). This wouldn't be possible for "Temba, his arms wide". But there's quirky exceptions in every language. The brain just marks the exceptions, and remembers to do additional special processing when encountered again. Like how the words for our numbers follow a pattern, except when they don't (i.e. "eleven" and "twelve").

[@JusBidniss]

@@hypercube8735 I imagine it's rather like how our own young learn their parents' language without any historical context of the etymological origins of the words they are learning. We typically learn to use certain structured, organized sounds without fully knowing why they are structured or organized that way. Later in life, through more advanced study, we do learn those origins, using other words to describe them. One learns to build on what one knows, to achieve what one does not.

[@cleekmaker00]

It was also a Plot Point in Star Trek IV; they could replicate the sounds Humpback Whales made, but not the Language. "We would be replying in Gibberish", Spock said.

[@rocom]

I forgot about that awesome jacket. He would wear that only a few other times I think.

[@KyOty1]

Fun Fact: The leather jacket was Patrick Stewart’s, not a piece of studio owned wardrobe. He actually had a clause added to his contract stating that no one else could wear it. Fellow cast members were quite jealous of that gorgeous jacket.

[@Hoeech]

It was made by the costumers on the show at his request. They spent over $5000 to make that custom jacket and the very first time it was used in an episode, Stewart was rolling around in the dirt with it on. So many facepalms by the costumers that day. So many facepalms..... 😆

[@DP-hy4vh]

Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra. Still burned into my brain decades after originally watching the episode.

[@susanalexander6721]

I have the tee shirt.

[@mjbull5156]

Or "Shaka, when the walls fell."

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has non-standard syntax.

[@pepperVenge]

The Epic of Gilgamesh is one that I think is very good. I studied the story in college. It's a very old story and Picard told it pretty well, but he stopped before the moral of the story was explained. After Enkidu died, Gilgamesh was so heartbroken that he decided that he would do anything to get his friend back. So he took a ship and a large crew and he traveled a very, very long distance. So long that the world around them didn't even look the same anymore. He eventually found the land where the gods live and where all go after death, effectively the afterlife. Gilgamesh found one of the Gods and explain to the God that he traveled a very long way to get his friend Enkidu back and asked to see him. The God said "yes I understand that you travel the long way but I'm sorry you can't have him back." Gilgamesh was frustrated by this answer, he paces back and forth raising his voice saying "you don't understand, I traveled so far I have to get Enkidu back, you have to give him to me please." The god simply reiterated "I'm very sorry but the answer is no." After this Gilgamesh finally realized that he would never see his friend again and all he could do was return home. The moral of the story is that no matter how powerful you are, no matter if you're a king, no matter how rich you are, you cannot always get everything you want.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Not to get picky, but Gil found Utnapishtam, and his wife, the only two people that the Gods, Inanna and her long suffering father, Enlil, made immortal. Utnapishtam told told our boy to give up the search. Gilgamesh, being Gilgamesh, said "F' that," and was defeated by forces he could not control. He goes back to Uruk as an infinitely better man.

[@bones10145]

Darmok is such a great episode! Picard and Dathon, at El Adrell

[@daniellanctot6548]

*_Knowing how big of a fan of TOS you are, I am sure I speak for everyone watching that we have been itching for you to get to “Unification” (Glad no one spoiled the surprise for you!) and it was a pleasure to see your reaction! It is one of those MUST SEE episodes that all Star Trek fans gravitate to._* *_”Darmok” is also a great episode that has its own cult following among linguists: Professors in linguistics have held classes in which they either suspect or use the episode to teach their class. It is truly a testament to humans voyaging the glob many centuries ago and coming upon new cultures with completely different languages and the efforts that must have been put into learning their language and understanding it enough to properly communicate (Though human first contact between such cultures have not been as pure as the meeting between Picard and Dathon, unfortunately!)_*

[@kobayashimaru8114]

It was a decent episode and the cross-over with Spock was fun. But it doesn't even make it onto my top 10 list. Still a good one for Cassie though.

[@jonathaneverson3673]

One of my favorite things about the Darmok episode, is after Picard figures out the nature of their language, he can't help but smile even when he's about to be attacked. He's just SO HAPPY to have learned something about another culture. 08:51 for reference.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

"Darmok" is actually shown in some colleges as an example of linguistics and language study. It is surprisingly touching. I always get a little lump in my throat when Picard touches the blade and then his forehead at the very end in remembrance of his lost friend.

[@JMFBizzle]

I love the episode but it's completely non-sensical. You can't have metaphors or stories without an underlying vocabulary.

[@lennyvalentin6485]

@@JMFBizzle The language could have developed toward metaphors over a prolonged period of time, perhaps aided by a culture which highly treasured ancient tales, myths and legends.

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has non-standard syntax.

[@JMFBizzle]

@lennyvalentin6485 Shaka when the walls fell. You have to know what a wall is, what falling is, etc. Darmok & Gilad on the ocean. You have to know what an ocean is. If you can't identify the meaning of the individual words you won't know what you're saying, further the universal translator wouldn't be able to translate it, because the words by themselves wouldn't have meaning. If the phrases are explaining concepts, then the phrase would be essentially a word. So what we're identifying as words would be synonymous with us having syllables. Language over time does not evolve to be longer & more poetical. You have more words that get more specific to shorten sentences & how to relay concepts quickly. Ancient Hebrew had 7,000 words. Modern English has 500,000 words. Imagine trying to explain what a computer is to a person from a 1000 yrs ago, or 5000 years ago. It would take awhile. Anyway, I love the episode, but no civilization could get into space commination that way. How does a Tamarian ask for a spanner? Or say raise shields? Or say check the transporter buffer?

[@JMFBizzle]

@@Mark-in8ju see above

[@RedmoonIndustries]

What's awesome about Darmok is that if you watch it again knowing the outcome, you understand so much more... "Tamok, the river Tamok... in winter" = stop what you are doing, or cease your actions "Mirath with sails unfold" = lets get going, or in the case used in the episode..... "Engage" "Picard and Dathan at El Adrel" = tried to communicate, Dathan died in his attempt, but was successful.

[@Widdershins.]

*sails unfurled

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy?

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

"Tamok, the river Tamok... in winter" = CHILL OUT!

[@mjbull5156]

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest known story in human history from the ancient Sumerian culture.

[@amehak1922]

Definitely worth reading

[@Ambaryerno]

There's a few known stories that are older, but it's certainly the earliest known Heroic Epic.

[@JanJansen985]

Gilgamesh got a new chapter this year

[@4u57inc0v3110]

5:00 Willow? In "Darmok," the actor who played the Captain was Paul Winfield, who played Captain Terrell in Star Trek II, BTW. I wonder if this episode was pitched as the TOS Gorn episode, only the Gorn have peaceful intentions. It also reminds me of "Enemy Mine" a bit.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Paul Winfield, the Tamarian captain, was one of the greatest actors of his generation, and a true master of the craft. Also, look up the Epic of Gilgamesh, the story Picard was telling, it is the oldest story ever discovered.

[@jnitty]

Thank you for watching Darmok. It has been one of my favorites since I first saw it in my 6th grade history class way WAY back.

[@tkay4401]

Please add "The Inner Light" to your list of episodes from this season. It is supreme science fiction. Must watch!!!

[@JMO_1976]

YES!!! Probably one of the best episodes of the series. IIRC it was one of the few to win awards.

[@PlasteredDragon]

@Popcorn in Bed - I have to second this, I know you love seeing Picard's character, how sweet and kind he can be. "Inner Light" is an incredibly formative episode which has a huge impact on Picard's character and you will see him in ways you have never seen him before. It's a must see. Please check it out.

[@porkins74]

It’s coming next week

[@tehdesp]

I'm pleasantly surprised that "Darmok" made the list.

[@visionaryventures12]

The story that Picard tells in Darmok is one of the oldest in human history. He goes back nearly to the beginning.

[@Dej24601]

The expertise that Stewart brings as a Shakespearean-trained actor showcases his ability to convey a wide range of emotions and drama simply in his powerful and beautiful recitation of words and phrases.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

@@Dej24601 My late mother called in every favor she could to score us tickets to his one-man "A Christmas Carol." Genius does not begin to describe the man.

[@Dej12328]

@@michaelfinlay6341 that must have been thrilling!

[@ulissesdamottacosta]

Yes, the Epic of Gilgamesh. ❤❤❤

[@mattsnow9273]

Darmok is one of my favorite episodes. I am glad Cassie enjoyed it. Fun note: In Unification, the nosy Klingon captain is played by Stephen Root, who was in Dodgeball, Office Space, Oh Brother Where Art Thou, the TV show News Radio, HBO's Barry, etc, etc... Ooh! Ooh! Malachi Throne, playing Pardek, was also in the TOS episode(s) The Cage/The Menagerie. 😄

[@philiponeill6903]

“Darmok” is one of my single favourite episodes of all time. It epitomises Star Trek and what it’s all about. Dathon was the Tamarian Picard; a man of honour, of curiosity, willing to sacrifice his life for the pursuit of knowledge and communication with others. The scene where he dies, while Picard is reciting the lament of Gilgamesh, chokes me up every time. Absolutely peak Trek.

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has non-standard syntax.

[@christopherwanamaker828]

That first episode with the Darmock and Jalad communication difference, I believe is based off a 1985 Dennis Quaid movie called "Enemy Mine".

[@cyberingcatgirls7069]

"Mickey Mouse is a big stupid dope!"

[@frizzlethecat2084]

Yes! I always thought that. That is a good movie. She should watch it!

[@Mark-in8ju]

Have you heard of Eastern Street Slang from the Mistborn Trilogy? That language also has non-standard syntax.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

"It sounds kinda thin." "It IS thin!"

[@Sure0Foot]

17:30 "Is that SPOCK?? Why do I have goosebumps?!?!" because YOU GET IT

[@patrickcromwell7554]

Oh and Fun Fact: The actor playing the Tanagran Captain who gets sranded with Picard also played the Captain of thr Reliant in Star Trek 2: The Wrath of Kahn. He's the one that Kahn captured along with Chekov, who later shoots himself, when Kahn orders him to kill Kirk.

[@zatoichi1]

The late great Paul Williams. One of the true heroes of that movie.

[@cvonbarron]

@@zatoichi1 Paul Winfield, not Paul Williams.

[@geoffwilliams4478]

It's *Khan* , not Kahn.

[@patrickcromwell7554]

@@geoffwilliams4478 Yeah auto-correct is a bitch.

[@0biwan7]

@@geoffwilliams4478 i think you meant to say khaaaaaaaan

[@garmisra7841]

God, your face, when Spock's expression changed as he melded with Picard. Your husband is a lucky, lucky man. 🙂

[@ammaleslie509]

There are too many good episodes in season 5: Darmok Ensign Ro Cause and Effect Perfect Mate I, Borg Inner Light

[@MrBoyYankee]

Rascals Conundrum Times Arrow (Seen) Next Phase Violations (Special Episode) The Game (First Ashley Judd role)

[@Armageddon2077]

Ensign Ro will be vital if she ever wants to watch Season 3 of 'Star Trek: Picard'

[@KariLepola]

Hopefully you'll watch all the TNG movies eventually.

[@markharris1125]

@@MrBoyYankee Disaster ("The laughing Vulcan and his dog") Power Play (Marina shows her acting chops) A Matter of Time ("Everyone dies, Captain. It's just a question of when.")

[@moviewatcher1127]

Yeah, I warned her ages ago that it would be impossible to fit this season into this format; she is heeding some of that feedback in extending the number which is appreciated, because there are so many good episodes in season 5.

[@Brendissimo1]

Basically NOBODY reacts to Star Trek shows on YT, it's awesome to see you enjoy TNG!

[@zarkruzam3090]

RELICS! Season 6. Sometimes, wishes come true...

[@donaldfleming5049]

Cassie's reaction at seeing Spock on the display was priceless. It's obvious why 'Unification' was the clear winner of the poll.

[@garyhall2770]

When did you first notice when Geordi says "I need to reset the primary power coupling" means he is just turning said device off and then turning it back on???

[@alfonsobiggers2452]

Standard Troubleshooting. Seems logical.

[@slimmccoy8863]

Pilot: "The radio does not when set to 'Official'." Maintainer: "Sir, OFF on the switch does not mean Official." True story, happened to me more than once in my maintenance career.

[@Hoeech]

His way sounds cooler

[@jemimus]

I can't ever watch the scene of Spock and Picard melding, without tearing up. This was peak Trek.

[@stormingelysium1996]

Worf's expressions when he listens to Klingon music always crack me up :p

[@Hoeech]

Pity poor Nog when he had to tune the acoustics in Worf's quarters in "In the Cards"

[@jaymac7203]

The only time that captain Kirk is with the Next Generation crew is in the movie Startrek Generations. 😊

[@camulusmagnus]

Darmok is one of my favourite episodes, partially because it first exposed me to the Epic of Gilgamesh, but also because of a fantastic performance by Patrick Stewart. Unification was also the last appearance of Mark Lenard as Sarek before his death.

[@LostButMakingGoodTime]

A Vulcan ship named after an UK pop band. (T’Pau, Heart and Soul, 1987) 😁

[@Icureditwithmybrain]

Data watching Picard attempt to sleep is my favorite moment from this season.

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

"No, doctor! ... They are fully integrated components." Data was actually apprehensive!

[@dorkandproudofit]

15:34 Johnny Nash when the rain is gone, The cornered hunter to the velociraptor. Star Trek after Season One--Drake, his finger pointing as he smiles.

[@haymande]

The guest actor captain in Darmok is the same guy who got the bugs in his ear with Chekhov in star trek II

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

That's _Captain_ Clark Terrell to you, Lieutenant. ... Oh, and that's now _Junior_ Lieutenant.

[@Necro616]

Can we just stop and appreciate how in Darmok, he was basically invited Picard to go camping with him as a bonding experience? Not a bunch of hoity-toity, aristocratic crap around a table, but going out and exploring nature together to build trust. So simple, and yet more effective than anything else The Enterprise had at their disposal.

[@Emilysbrother1]

The captain of the Klingon ship is Stephen Root, you've seen him in a bunch of things but from this channel, he's the mumbly "excuse me you have my stapler" guy from Office Space. I'd seen this episode so many times before making that connection.

[@kathyastrom1315]

Seriously?! I had no idea he had been in Star Trek. I’ve loved him ever since I first saw From the Earth to the Moon in the late 1990s.

[@IsoscelesKramer]

But I was told that I could listen to the radio at a reasonable volume.

[@this.is.a.username]

you took my stapler, today is a good day to burn down your vessel. qapla

[@Tuning3434]

Oh god, it does explain for his violent outburst in the ending of Office Space. There be Klingon blood in him afterall.

[@Emilysbrother1]

@@IsoscelesKramer "The Klingon Opera."

[@paulfromt.o.7384]

I was 19 when TNG came out. Great seeing people react to these excellent episodes.

[@5ilver42]

The Epic of Gilgamesh is a very powerful story. I tear up a little thinking about it still.

[@susanalexander6721]

I read it last year. Hadn't since High School.

[@jamespfp]

^^ Ditto. The Enkidu sacrifice is a deep loss to a human psyche, and the catharsis it gets is apparently universal. I like how Picard explains it, "Send him a companion," meaning a Mate, but in the British sense of the term, a close friend, confident, partner. Humans have a strong "Pack" instinct, that's probably why we learned to live with (and like) dogs when we domesticated wolves...

[@5ilver42]

@@jamespfp Gilgamesh's lament and the repeated phrases, coming to a head with Utnapishtim. "Why are your cheeks emaciated, your expression desolate! Why is your heart so wretched, your features so haggard? Why is there such sadness deep within you! Why do you look like one who has been traveling a long distance so that ice and heat have seared your face! Why ... you roam the wilderness!!" "Should not my cheeks be emaciated, my expression desolate! Should my heart not be wretched, my features not haggard, Should there not be sadness deep within me? Should I not look like one who has been traveling a long distance, and should ice and heat not have seared my face! ... should I not roam the wilderness? My friend who chased wild asses in the mountain, the panther of the wilderness, Enkidu, my friend, who chased wild asses in the mountain, the panther of the wilderness, we joined together, and went up into the mountain. We grappled with and killed the Bull of Heaven, we destroyed Humbaba who dwelled in the Cedar Forest, we slew lions in the mountain passes! My friend, whom I love deeply, who went through every hardship with me, Enkidu, my friend, whom I love deeply, who went through every hardship with me, the fate of mankind has overtaken him. Six days and seven nights I mourned over him and would not allow him to be buried until a maggot fell out of his nose. I was terrified by his appearance, I began to fear death, and so roam the wilderness. The issue of my friend oppresses me, so I have been roaming long trails through the wilderness. The issue of Enkidu, my friend, oppresses me, so I have been roaming long roads through the wilderness. How can I stay silent, how can I be still! My friend whom I love has turned to clay; Enkidu, my friend whom I love, has turned to clay! Am I not like him! Will I lie down, never to get up again!"

[@sablewharton1854]

It was nice to see Ashley Judd as Ensign Robin Lefler in the Darmok episode. She was only ever in two. There are so many wonderful cameos by various actors throughout the series.

[@edpublic]

..."she's bad news bears",,,luv'it!!!🥰Cassies Great!!!

[@cvkline]

"Darmok" was one of my favorite TNG episodes, and I very much enjoyed following along with Cassie making all the same discoveries of the plot and the Tamarian language. It's really great storytelling when we all are able to follow along and learn together, even though we are strangers.

[@TheMKCrab]

Darmok!!! and Jalad!!! on the Ocean!!

[@wienhub]

The Perfect Mate and Time's Arrow are a must of S5

[@matthewgraham2619]

Popcorn. In bed, on youtube.

[@kerry-j4m]

His eyes open,wide.

[@paulpolpiboon9535]

Cassie and Carlie on the Bed of KZbin!

[@mythdusterds]

Unification Part 1 & 2 came out in celebration for Star Trek VI The Undiscovered Country. The episode aired around the same time the film came out in theaters and was part of the 25th Anniversary of Star Trek The Original Series.

[@rocketeer3667]

👍 Cassie, don't miss the ST:NG episode "Relics" nor the movie "Star Trek: Generations"! 🙂

[@thestartreker.official]

Well she's planning to watch the TNG movies and I think she should watch the series Star Trek: Picard (especially the third season is so good, giving the TNG crew a proper sendoff) after Star Trek: Nemesis, TNG's last movie. Even though I think she also should watch the series Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager since Star Trek: Picard is a continuation to all three of them (TNG, DS9 and Voyager) and technically the two animated series, Star Trek: Lower Decks and Star Trek: Prodigy are connected to them too. I don't know if she has time to watch all of them or even Star Trek: Enterprise. Lol. I've seen all Star Trek. I can't wait for Season 2 of Star Trek: Prodigy to drop on Netflix soon, July 1st and the fifth/final season of Star Trek: Lower Decks this fall on Paramount+ and other future Star Trek in 2025 and 2026 like the TV movie Star Trek: Section 31, Season 3 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds and the new series Star Trek: Starfleet Academy! 😊

[@rocketeer3667]

@@thestartreker.official Are you kidding me? She doesn't even have time to watch all of ST:NG, let alone cartoons!

[@thestartreker.official]

​@@rocketeer3667 she has been watching 4 key episodes of the each 7 seasons of TNG. I'm sure she could do that with DS9 and Voyager too which are made up 7 seasons as well and are referenced in the TNG movies. And Star Trek: Enterprise only have 4 seasons and the new shows on Paramount+ have shorter seasons only mostly made up of 10 episodes. I honestly don't know she is going to watch every Star Trek series. There are 12 of them now and before Star Trek: Discovery came out in 2017 there were only 6 of them. Lol. I have a feeling Jen Murray might watch all Star Trek because she has been watching all the TOS and TNG episodes plus the movies on her channel while I'm not sure about Cassie will but I'm totally fine if she only watches TOS and TNG along with their movies. I've been enjoying both of their channels. I don't know if you seen Jen's channel. Well Cassie has seen a few of animated movies on her channel like the Spider-verse movies, Batman: Mask of the Phantasm and the Lion King and another one I believe.

[@-GeordieDan-]

You’re gonna love Relics next season.

[@leslieride5813]

Hello again Cassie Spock is making reference in this scene to the events of"Star Trek 6 The Undiscovered Country " 75 Years previously and to a certain former Enterprise Captain he served under a long time ago the legendary Capt James T Kirk.

[@Peaceforall20111]

Thank you for not faking your reactions. You and Jenny are awesome and I appreciate the authenticity

[@GuardianKnightoftheRealm]

I highly recommend that you watch I, Borg. If not for the channel, then on your own. It is very compelling, pulls on the heartstrings, harkens back to some previous episodes that you have enjoyed, and sets up some that are still to come. You won't be disappointed if you do.

[@michaelfinlay6341]

Also deals with Picards and Guinan's enduring PTSD.

[@syntaxusdogmata3333]

19:57 - I love how Perrin poofs right after Sarek demands she leave him. 😆

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

The actor who played Pardak played Commodore Jose Mendez is the TOS episode "The Menagerie."

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

'Biggs' from _The Fugitive_ turns up here as well.

[@TMichael66]

"The Inner Light", S05 E25. This is the BEST episode of the series IMO. I can't wait for your reaction!! Have a tissue at the ready.

[@jacqueslafleche2069]

I would recommend "Disaster" From S5, definitely a great S5 episode that shows the crew dealing with various serious situations out of their usual comfort zone.

[@axelfirestorm2080]

Seconded. And it gets a hilarious callback in DS9. I won't spoil it for you, Cassie, but it's great, trust me. :D

[@RideAcrossTheRiver]

No, it has to be "Ensign Ro".

[@karter95]

Season 6. Relics. Is a must

[@SteveMND]

If they didn't choose that one for Season 6, the Patreon folks are cruel and heartless!

[@paintedjaguar]

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

[@Ambaryerno]

@@paintedjaguar Seriously!

[@bjgentry]

The Tamarian Captain was played by Paul Winfield who also played Captain Terrell in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

[@Polymathically]

I was lucky enough to watch this show when it originally aired. Seeing Spock on TNG - interacting with Picard and _especially_ Data - was mindblowing. It's interesting to look back when you know how certain things play out, but I don't want to spoil anything.

[@concernedcitizen6313]

What's truly amazing is that Mark Lenard, who played Sarek, was truly suffering when he portrayed Sarek at the end of his life (and near the end of Lenard's). It's sad to watch, but awe-inspiring as well.

[@nickmullen2830]

I would love Picard to do the heart emoji sign to Darmok. This made me laugh.

[@jimmiegiboney2473]

36:17 Mark! Cassie, that's ironic since George Lucas was inspired by the "Star Trek" episode "Journey to Babel" in the first place! 😉🖖

[@lordmortarius538]

Data can perform the Vulcan Nerve Pinch because like a Vulcan, he possesses the knowledge of exactly where to apply pressure, as well as the required strength to do so effectively. Humans generally can't do it as they can't exert enough force, and most don't know precisely where to strike.

[@TaxmanTV]

Great reactions! Looks like you are slowly transforming into a trekkie :) If you have the time, a couple other great episodes from S5 are "Cause and Effect" and "Ensign Ro" (great introduction to a new Starfleet character played masterfully by Michelle Forbes).

[@LoganBluth]

*(Rocks back and forth)* "It's okay, it's okay, it's okay, you read the comments, she's not gonna miss *'The Inner Light',* it's coming, you're okay, you're okay..."

[@leslieride5813]

Hello Cassie Perrin is Sareks second wife he was Married to Amanda Spocks Human Mother a very long time ago.

[@stevendobek4055]

When Spock says he has "no regrets", to which Data notes, "that is a human expression," I misinterpreted that for years. I long thought it was Spock's way of showing he does have regrets. But now, I'm more certain it is a rebuke of Data's entire premise. Data assumed Spock gave up all of his humanity, and in one sentence, Spock reveals that his humanity is still with him, still integrated into his very being. I love how the later stories of Spock could emphasize his humanity, and even more so, show he is not ashamed of his humanity either.

[@gallendugall8913]

ah yes, the episode where people speak in memes. "Willy Wonka being sarcastic. Kermit drinking tea. A cat fits so it sits."