🖖STAR TREK TNG 2x9 | The Measure of a Man

[@jenmurrayxo]

Cross your fingers this episode stays up!! Please be cool Paramount!! 🤞🖖 If this gets removed, all my eps are still available on Patreon! 🖖 TNG Playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLQHhQlj8i5dqskzLNqeSNyMGa1rBWe3h1 Original Series & Movies: kzbin.info/aero/PLQHhQlj8i5drsrCtQd-FDuZZ99vKlPTyZ

[@ivaneames4354]

Popcorn in Bed is also suffering from problems with her TNG reactions. The Gallifrey Gals have had their TNG reactions to the entire 7 seasons up for ages now so they may be able to offer some advice.

[@tjtreks7134]

Happy to see you're getting to the really amazing episodes of this series. There are plenty more to come!

[@rubensalvador9422]

Didn't know that you were having problems with keeping STTNG up. I hope they are not blocked because I am loving your heartfelt reactions to the show. Keep up the great work.

[@e.d.2096]

Jen, perhaps you can try putting a watermark on the screen for copyright purposes. Something small but noticeable 😊

[@toyota420xp]

This episode was a lot better when I watched it with you

[@Emily-tb1cp]

This episode shows why I love Star Trek so much: it doesn't need big special effects and action to tell a great sci-fi story.

[@nealsterling8151]

Absolutely!

[@Paul-br]

Another example of this is the TNG episode: "The Drumhead". No action, no special effects (a little), but one of the best episodes

[@nealsterling8151]

@@Paul-br Absolutely! Altough it is not my go to episode, "The Drumhead" is an excellent moral lesson, without demonizing any side of an argument (except, if you like pointless prosecutions and fearmongering. But if so, one has bigger issues, lol.)

[@paul1979uk2000]

@@nealsterling8151 Yeah I've got to admit that as a kid, Measure of a Man and The Drumhead didn't capture me, but as I got older, these are the episodes I remember fondly because there's a lesson in there and they make us think, it also resonants a lot with real life and things that are going on in society, which with how things are going in the world, we could do with more of these life lessons.

[@brandonbullington]

I never shut up about Star Trek at all!

[@Jedicake]

Star Trek is at it's very best when it's literally just people sitting in a room conversing about extenstensial/philosophical topics and this episode is the pinnacle of that.

[@idea2go]

We finally get a great payoff for them casting such strong actors for the series. Patrick Stewart, Brent Spiner, Whoopi Goldberg and Jonathan Frakes really hit it out of the park here.

[@SilentBob731]

True, but it's pretty cool when they blow stuff up too. 😁

[@sharkdentures3247]

While giant space battles, explosions & even technobabble ARE enjoyable from time to time, I agree. Star Trek IS at its "best" when the 'Sci Fi' is the background/ setting/ ambiance, instead of the main focus of the episode. When the Core is something "deeper" and more intellectual.

[@Surberus1066]

Correction: when it's literally people just sitting in a room IN SPACE...

[@Dillpicks95]

“The measure of a Man” is one of the best episodes ever, so glad to finally see your reaction to it Jen🖖.

[@koristrange9655]

The episodes that deal with the court system... the two that I can think of... so good.

[@JimKlus-jc4dw]

This and "The Inner Light" are the two best episode of all time from Star Trek TNG.

[@xzonia1]

@@JimKlus-jc4dwThe Inner Light is a wonderful episode.

[@steffenjachnow8176]

I couldn't agree more!

[@silikon2]

This is the one that put TNG on the map as not just a pale copy of TOS but a proper show in its own right. This didn't launch its reputation into orbit, that was still to come, but it established a rock solid foundation.

[@5ilver42]

_"That action injured you, and saved me. I will not forget it."_

[@3Rayfire]

_"That action injured _*_you,_*_ and saved _*_me._*_ I will not forget it."_ That one hits hard. Data is rich with the best of us.

[@noneya3635]

Still causes a bit of teariness on my part when he says that.

[@silikon2]

I always loved that Data went to get Riker to bring him to the party. I also found it very touching when Picard said he didn't think Tasha would mind Data revealing his and Tasha's confidence under the circumstances. She absolutely would not mind.

[@countgeekula9143]

One of the best episodes of Star Trek. Guinan helping Picard realise they are talking about slavery is powerful stuff. Beautifully written and performed by all involved. Top tier Trek.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

Well said, I really liked Guinan's contribution also.

[@paul1979uk2000]

It's what I like about Picard, he's not stubborn in sticking to a point, he's quick to realise if he is wrong when someone makes a good case against his view, Guinan made Picard realise the bigger implications of what is at stake, Picard at first worried about one of his officers and wanting to protect him, Guinan made him see the bigger picture that this is more about slavery than just protecting one officer.

[@David-l6c3w]

The scene between Picard and Guinan and the realization that it was a question of slavery was probably my favorite STNG scene.

[@cleekmaker00]

"Measure Of A Man" is not only one of the best TNG Episodes, but one of the most influential ST episodes ever. Its tendrils intertwine throughout the run of the Series and beyond.

[@taylemgames2652]

Beyond part is the evil we do not speak of ... LOL

[@deathtoraiden2080]

@@taylemgames2652this

[@TheBestPill-no2xp]

@@taylemgames2652 I _know_ that's right! Jesus.

[@pauld6967]

​@@taylemgames2652 It was a good day until you brought up the specter of Fake Trek. Thanks a lot Taylem.

[@peterz395]

I'm glad they picked up on that again in Voyager with the Doctor and how starfleet uses holograms as slaves.

[@JTim-wg4lr]

Brent Spiner was interviewed about his role as Data and asked if the character had feelings. His reply was, "Data has always had feelings. Data is innocent."

[@silikon2]

Oddly, I'm pretty sure Pulaski was the first one to actually say that he had emotions, though she may have been snarking. (When she suggested he was butt hurt about how she pronounced his name.) Still, from the very beginning, he exhibited mild emotions.

[@treetopjones737]

They made it clear that his tryst with Tasha was special to him, he would always miss her.

[@pokes404]

"Starfleet was founded to seek out new life ... well there it sits!" One of my favorite lines in the whole franchise.

[@christopherconard2831]

Can we admire Engineer O'Brien's poker skills. (Without spoilers) They return to the poker game throughout the series. At various times he's playing against an android who can instantly run the potential of any hand. A command officer. A cyborg who can read his cards. An empath. A Klingon who doesn't like to lose. And the captain of his ship. He looks at all of them and decides "Finally, a challenge."

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

hahahaha

[@flaircraft]

Reminds me of the incredible skills of another Star Trek engineer... Scotty's special skill was godlike toughness. He was the only guy on the whole crew who wore a red shirt and didn't die.

[@masere]

And someone who can see through the cards.

[@btrenninger1]

Episode written by Melinda Snodgrass. She wrote many of the best TNG episodes. One of the best writers of the show.

[@btrenninger1]

Also wrote the SF Circuit novel series -- also SF legal scenarios. Lot of fun.

[@julioverne579]

Thats what I love about us-americans. Over here in Germany writers usually dont get any credit by the audience, critiques and awards aside.

[@AustinBeeman]

This is Star Trek at its best. This is science-fiction at its best. This is what has been lost in the modern era of Star Trek.

[@allenporter6586]

The Measure of a Man is Star Trek at it's best, when it actually looks at the deeper issues that honestly can't be answered by science. When the JAG officer answers "Does he have a soul? Heck I don't know if I have one.", sums up one of the existential problems that philosophers have been arguing over for millenia.

[@NimpanZ]

Guinan is such a great character. A library of wisdom and a counsellor in an unofficial capacity. As she is used so sparingly, it makes her input all the more potent and I love that we know almost nothing about her.

[@Charles_Bro-son]

She rarely draws conclusions herself, but says exactly the right things so that the others find out for themselves.

[@NimpanZ]

@@Charles_Bro-son definitely a counsellor trait, a gentle nudge in the right direction.

[@Flamebeard0815]

Still blows my mind how Whoopi Goldberg was so ahead of the curve, agreeing to play a supporting character in a niche genre series whilst still having a well-regarded movie career going. Took other actors another 10-20 years to get the memo.

[@treetopjones737]

She was a big ST fan, and sought out having some role in it.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

Yeah, Whoopi was an excellent actress. It's just unfortunate she's one of them that went the bad island...

[@martinbraun1211]

I love Data. He is my favorite Star Trek character.

[@dallinorr6929]

First time I watched TNG all the way through, I was fully enamored by Patrick Stewart as Picard. A year or two later when I watched it again, I thought, "Holy sh!t, Data is awesome." Would love to know the number of times everyone would be dead if Data wasn't there. It would be a LOT.

[@LargeFry1]

He is pretty fly, For an AI

[@witcheshour9718]

Look at her in star trek outfit. Lol. Fits right in 💜.

[@jkhoover]

The blanket isn't standard issue, I don't believe.

[@crpgdungeonsdragonsnight]

This was the episode outside the norm, there was no murder, there was no mystery, and there was no intergalactic threat to overcome. This was a moment that would define a single character's existence for the rest of the series. We learn more about Data himself, that he has 'feelings' for his fellow crewmates, he experienced love and intimacy along with a broken heart, and he was in fear of losing his life and everything that made him who he was. Data-sentric episodes were some of the best episodes as far as I was concerned.

[@grandotaku2501]

This is what Star Trek is, it is why it has endured in the hearts of fans for so long. When TNG gets good it's really good - you have some amazing stuff ahead of you. thank you for sharing your experience

[@apou121]

One of the BEST episodes not just of TNG but the whole series.

[@matthewtarpley7613]

Brent Spiner himself said this is his most favorite episode. He really enjoyed what he got to do in this one.

[@miguelvelez7221]

I think that as much as Stewart and the creators had locked in who and what Picard was all about in this episode I think Spiner also has gotten to refine his Data here into what we think of the character today. You can see him truly considering Data's "inner life" through his performance. A must watch episode for anyone who is interested in getting into TNG or Trek in general.

[@inkwolf77]

Not just one of the best Next Generation episodes, not just one of the best Star Trek episodes, not just one of the best sci-fi stories, but also one of the best television stories ever.

[@I.am.Iain-81]

Picard is the best Captain to ever sit on the bridge of a federation ship and this episode is yet another example of that. This is one of my favourite episodes of TNG

[@kevinlewallen4778]

"There it sits!!!" Terrific episode, hope we get to see it all.

[@fernandomendez2709]

One of the great episodes of any star trek series. The help from Guinan that makes Picard to believe that the treatment of Data is like Slavery.

[@TheAbstruseOne]

"She loves to disagree. That's part of her charm." That is the first time in the history of the universe that anyone has described Dr. Pulaski as having charm.

[@harryballsak1123]

Diana Muldaur's character on LA Law was even more disliked.

[@Lost_n_Found_1]

It's one of the best episodes, imo. All these years later, I still tear up watching it through. I just wish the a.i. we had today was anywhere near as hopeful...

[@Billinois78]

To me, this was the first GREAT episode of the series and really shows where things can and will go. Fun bit: Amanda McBroom, the actress who played the Admiral, was in National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. She played Clark's boss' wife. Also, I recently saw an old episode of M*A*S*H and she played a member of a USO group (people entertaining the troops). She played an accordion and backing vocals. She's a singer/songwriter in addition to acting.

[@CanuckGod]

I think you meant to say Captain Louvois (same 4 pips as Picard)... the only admiral in this episode was Vice-Admiral Nakamura (who served as a lieutenant on the Reliant while Ensign Picard served there). Having said that, she sounds like a very interesting performer, cool to hear that fun fact.

[@Billinois78]

@@CanuckGod Thanks. I had a feeling I might have been wrong about the rank.

[@pudgebl67]

When Riker was looking at the schematics on Data... The look on his face sums up the situation in 5 seconds.

[@andyastrand]

This for me I think has always the point where ST:TNG went from being an enjoyable series to being a genuinely brilliant one, not to say there weren't clunky or poor episodes along the way but this is for me where all the great writing starts. You've got so many episodes of this quality or better to look forward too.

[@karlwest437]

For me this episode is where TNG really came together and found its own voice, it's a true classic 😀

[@JohnComeOnMan]

Wanna know who else loved Picard? My mom. She had a full-size standing cardboard figure of him back in the day. Top that if you can!

[@Paul-br]

Absolutely one of the best episodes of all of trek!

[@0lyge0]

Patrick Stewart's performance in this episode is great and I think wildly underapprieciated. All the subtle changes in tone like when data asks why human officers aren't required to get VISORs and Picard realizes what he's saying. The best to me is the way he uses an almost whimsical tone to ask some of the questions "seems reasonably sentient to me" with the little pauses. It's my favorite part of this episode and a big, big reason Picard became MY captain after being a TOS fanatic as a kid.

[@lennyvalentin6485]

Stewart's voice and the skillful camera work as he cross-examines Maddox about Data being a race gives me chills. Even the soundtrack plays into it, it's all so damn well done. What a fabulous episode.

[@noneya3635]

Underappreciated by whom? I defy you to find anyone in the fandom that talks down in his acting in this episode.

[@bigneon_glitter]

Here we go! "Measure Of A Man" - an important _TNG_ episode, when the show stopped trying to be _TOS 2.0_ & briefly evolved fully into the thoughtful, challenging, mature drama it would eventually become in Seasons 4-7. Also an early taste of _Trek_ at it's philosophical best in _DS9,_ _Voyager_ & beyond. Ep written by real life attorney & author Melinda Snodgrass.

[@kalofkrypton]

Think that's a bit unfair. While perhaps a bit hokey, TOS took strides in presenting some great dramatic and thoughtful episodes.

[@DeathToTheDictators]

Whoopie says Guinan is her favorite thing she ever did in her career....and understandably so.

[@TheMadAfrican1]

Picard has always been an idol of mine. A hero. A staunch defender of the rights of others. An honourable man in every sense of the word. He would die for each and every member of his crew.

[@moonlitegram]

This episode actually gets me a little teary eyed every time I watch it.

[@HSR107]

one of the best hours of not just Trek, but television as a whole in history and it's not even the best episode of this show.

[@VenomMTG]

Measure of a Man is in my opinion one of the best episodes of any show on television. The problems explored in it will definitely be tackled in the future, maybe near future. I'm glad you are enjoying the series, I think I am with tons of others when I say, TNG is the best Star Trek show ever made.

[@ChrisReise]

I love Guinan's way of wording things in this episode...and of course, NOTHING beats Data's line when he says "We were...intimate." when referring to Tasha.

[@leah_loves_ladies]

Yes, they danced around the wording a bit, but the meaning behind that to me was that Data loved her.

[@matthewdinslage7179]

You've finally arrived at TNG's first truly masterpiece episode.

[@CrimsonRevenant666]

One of the best episodes of Star Trek in general.

[@wiredtardis]

The first all-time great episode from TNG. There will be more, but this is where you start seeing its true greatness emerge.

[@MatthewBrown-bf5lz]

Been depressed lately. Glad today is Sunday Star Trek with Jen.

[@ammaleslie509]

Ditto. Grateful to have this reaction to a classic episode.

[@silikon2]

A court martial is a standard investigation when a ship is lost and doesn't inherently imply any sort of guilt.

[@mannyromero4511]

I've broken wind in a courtroom more than the average cat. (Rookie police year 1982 Texas, retired 2016 Nottingham England)...the one-two punch Pickard missed was: If Data is property, it means Star Fleet needs to show its "title," how much latinum did they pay? None? Oh...ok...where did you find him? You didn't find him did you...Dr. Soong didn't will him to you either did he. Data walked into a recruiters office and JOINED Star Fleet of his own free will didn't he. The Enterprise didn't join Star Fleet, Star Fleet payed good latinum (sorry Ferengie comes out in me when money is involved) to have her build, show all the billions of citizens in the federation that Star Fleet legally holds title to commander Data and has a right to determine his fate. That's the slap, followed up with, the he's a life form argument/ backhand.

[@TechyMantis]

This is one of the best star trek episodes of any series where you don't need special effects and space battles to draw audiences. Just well written characters and stories that show both sides, not just the one you think is right.

[@Nikephorus]

This is one of the best episodes of TNG. It will always be relevant.

[@CCJJ160Channels]

14:39 - “Does Data have a soul? I don’t know that I have.” ‘Correct, you don’t!’ 🤣 (savage)

[@eskreskao]

Well, she IS a lawyer.

[@ElectricKnight.]

Some of the things you said in your reaction to this amazing episode are exactly why you're a great fit for reacting to this series. My partner and I are re-watching the series on our own (for the upteenth time, but first time in a few years) and greatly enjoying watching your reactions. Picard's final statements, so to speak, in that hearing are just marvelous, both in word and in performance. As are her final words during her ruling of the case. This is just the start of that extraordinary relationship between Picard and Data.

[@noneya3635]

This is a fabulous episode of TNG. However, a lot of people don’t give Asimov credit for doing this first in his novel Adam Link. It was also reimagined in Oiter limits with Leonard Nimoy as the attorney defending Adam, and was the one of the novels that was the basis for I Robot with Will Smith. That being said, I’ve rewatched and adore this episode more than the others by far.

[@willmendoza8498]

Ooh, one of the truly great episodes of the show.

[@RavenRose91]

This is by far one of my favorite episodes of the entire series. I was late diagnosed with ADHD & Autism so, although I didn’t know why growing up, I always connected to Data & getting to see people look after their wellbeing was something I always wanted growing up

[@Rikitikisiki]

I like how it was established early that Data is strong. After that it's never on the nose, the real strength of Data is in his character.

[@cyberingcatgirls7069]

RE: Unwrapping the gift: Data and my mom, man. Two peas in a pod.

[@Icypenguigo]

This is one of the best episodes in the entire history of Star Trek.

[@seanmcmurphy4744]

This episode is so well written! It was the first TV screenplay by newly hired writer Melinda Snodgrass, who had previously been an attorney. Online I read a shooting script for the episode labeled "final draft". Some of the most crucial hard-hitting dialog, like Guinan's conversation about "disposable people", isn't in it. It must have been revised at the last minute.

[@kj6446]

Who doesn't love Jen in her starfleet uniform!

[@joshspencer1]

The first truly great episode of the series! ❤

[@AXSLA3]

Even with, perhaps, a couple of flaws, one thing you can say about Picard: He's a man of integrity.

[@tackysum]

This episode is an example of rare television. The question of Data's sentience also serves as a broader question about human rights and what we, as humans owe to one another in our society. I just realized that Data's quest to be more human is really incorrect. He aspires to be more like Spock. He wants to feel the emotions but have the ability to control them. BTW, can anyone envision any other actor as Data? I sure can't. Brent Spiner is perfect. Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Loved your reaction Jen. Always makes me smile.

[@markharris1125]

There is no fire in the vacuum of space. But there are plenty of old flames.

[@davepoul8483]

Hi Jen... this is one of the best episodes of Start Trek.. not just TNG but the whole franchise... Lessions to be learned.. Eyes open...

[@ar47yrr4p]

THIS is really good writing...and writing about issues. They discuss the issue in detail and at the end they don't really tell us what we should believe but instead leave us to decide for ourselves. If only modern day TV and movies would take note!

[@chrisjenkins144]

This is one of those Trek episodes that really make Star Trek what it is. It doesn't need flashy space battles or convoluted plots, it's dealing with questions that we can all relate to and is still as relevant today as it was when it was broadcast. I don't know if you watch DS9 but 'In the pale moonlight' has a similar feel when it comes to morality, albeit from a different direction. Love the reaction.

[@Lenkic13]

I do hope she starts watching DS9. The nerd in me wants her to stagger watching the TNG episodes and the DS9 episodes as they were transmitted at the time, then do the same with DS9 and Voyager. 😁

[@ammaleslie509]

I am not a fan of DS9 or Sisko (I know, unpopular opinion). At the same time, In The Pale Moonlight is one of the very best episodes in all of trek history.

[@eddiebaby1982]

This episode brings tears to my eyes. Also hands up everyone who has been salivating for Jen to reach this one 🤚 . Every time she wanted to know more about data 🤤 😝

[@Charles_Bro-son]

"Fiercely loyal to Data", well said!

[@dirufanboy1971]

Not only one of my absolute favourite Star Trek episodes ever, but one of my favourite episodes of any show I have ever watched. An extraordinarily important episode that highlights how powerful and thought provoking well written entertainment can be.

[@apulrang]

Strong candidate for best episode in all of Star Trek. I really appreciated Jen's question -- whether it makes a difference if Data makes US, (or rather his cremates), feel things. I'd never looked at this question that way before.

[@danielmayer6956]

I love how you, in your star fleet uniform, looked almost like you were THERE... part of the trial sceen lol. Ds9 starts slow but you are gonna love it when you see the show evolve

[@InedibleMattman]

This is one of the greatest episodes of Star Trek of all time, and by far and wide one of the best episodes of television of all time. It deals with the fundamental questions of "what is human" and "what is alive" and we are ALL going to be struggling with them in the real world as technology goes forward. I love this episode! Thank you for the amazing reaction!

[@cashflowhustles]

One of the GOAT episodes of the entire franchise from the 60s till modern times.

[@Sough]

The dramatic commercial break proclamations just kill me😂❤

[@benn454]

THIS is what Star Trek is. A study of the human condition and what it means to be human. Not spaceship battles and lens flares and action sequences.

[@josephwhite838]

This is my absolute favorite episode of all of Star Trek. I've been getting a kick out of you asking so many questions in previous episodes that are answered by this one. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@Roommate625]

Tin Man has a nice evolution of Data with his understanding of his place

[@ArtisticMysticSoul]

I love that episode! It doesn't get enough praise.

[@LordVolkov]

Any time they delve into who/what Data is always makes for an interesting watch. Brent Spiner does such a great job making us care for Data. He's such an innocent character and yet still so complex.

[@CarolinaCharles777]

Jen looking official with the hair up and uniform! 🖖

[@sixstanger00]

It's hilarious seeing Jen's slow metamorphosis into full blown Trekkie lol

[@davemcbroom695]

Jen, I can't tell you how much I luv Sundays.

[@jamesaugust7498]

oh I forgot. If you liked the computer reading off Data's service record, you can see McCoy's, Spock's, and THE James T. Kirk's in the 5-year mission episode "Court Martial". :)

[@cypher515]

I said it last week: this season and Riker himself gave us the term "Growing the Beard" -- essentially the reverse of "Jumping the Shark" -- but this episode is really when it _happened._

[@mando8469]

Hands down one of the best episodes of Star trek ever

[@bmatt2626]

Best Picard speech.

[@GoofballAndi]

Arguably the greatest episode of the entire franchise, truly a masterpiece.

[@ReelMeurik]

Picard and Guinan's talk about "slavery" still gives me chills to this day.

[@Augoeides32]

Hands down one of the best episodes in the series. Always love it when Data gets the spotlight. Brent Spiner never disappoints!

[@MusicalBox]

I was looking forward to see you react on that episode. One of my favorites. I knew you'd LOVE it and give us a great reaction video.

[@Atlas_Redux]

Scared the crap out of me there for a second, didn't notice you split the videos up into two separate ones for once. How would I ever survive without double Jen TNG?! The HORROR!

[@hjermsted22]

'Measure of a Man' was the first GREAT episode of ST: TNG. It's amazing to me that this episode was generated during a writer's strike shortened season with picket line crossers. There is one more season two ep that will knock your socks off.

[@David-l6c3w]

The comment that Guinan made "in the history of many worlds there has always been disposable creatures, they do the dirty work" jarred me when first viewing the episode in the 80's and still today.

[@e.d.2096]

This is the episode that conveys the true vision of Gene Roddenberry. Star Trek fans can understand what I am stating. Your dedication is impressive Jen! Diligent and thorough, just like the main character of this episode, Data. Thanks again Jen, here for the journey...Eric 🖖

[@JosephDavies]

Not just Roddenberry, but Gene Coon and DC Fontana's vision of it as well. They all contributed so much to the shape of the Federation and its values, and this episode really shows what those values are.

[@BlameThande]

Watching this while it's still up, given the recent experience of Target Audience...somewhat ironic that the copyright detection works by A.I., considering the plot of this episode.

[@kevinlewallen4778]

Clever observation!

[@billiam2631]

It's episodes like this that makes star trek such an awesome show .. the fact that we will in real life somewhere in the future be proposed with questions like the one data was faced with is both scary and amazing !!

[@UncleCharlie111x2]

They should cast you for a part in that outfit!

[@LuminairPrime]

FINALLY WE'RE HERE!!! I think the Measure of a Murray is in her candor, confidence, and grace. As you were, Commander!!! 🫡❤

[@mastervodo6840]

This is an iconic Star Trek episode, and one of the best episodes of ST:TNG of all time.

[@RevMan001]

We are on the cusp of robots being everywhere, with the ability to talk like a person and at least appear to the uninitiated as having intelligence. It's amazing how far forward the writers of TNG and the original show were able to see, while staying grounded in what might actually be a future issue.

[@MFSeaMen]

I cry at like 10 different points every time I watch this damn episode. It's brilliantly written, amazingly acted, and so insightful, even as an episode that is more than 30 years old. Probably in my personal top 5 TV episodes of all time.