The Best of Both Worlds Part 2 (TNG S4E1) | Star Trek Journey 182

[@targetaudience]

Watch a FREE PREVIEW of our NEW Patreon benefit of EXCLUSIVE DISCUSSION TOPICS! We have made the exclusive segment for episode 1 available to FREE members - www.patreon.com/posts/111281867?

[@miller-joel]

Everyone is talking about the Borg this, the Borg that, and no one cares that Alex is leaving the channel in 3 months?

[@nathancline4000]

A comment in a later episode establishes the number of ships lost to the Borg at The Battle of Wolf 359 is 39.

[@miller-joel]

@@nathancline4000 But can you trust anything the government says?

[@alexjames6805]

The last scene with Picard looking out the window was him thinking about all of the ships he helped destroy and all the people he killed.

[@capn_toad]

dude imagine being wesley, 16, working on the bridge of a warship, and your commanding officer just straight up tells you "ram into the other ship". insane.

[@monkeyman767]

Wolf 359. One of the turning points for the entire Star Trek universe

[@MegaToronto1]

I was just thinking, for the opening credits to the S4 premiere, they should've had Jonathan Frakes do the voice-over, just to freak out fans thinking Patrick wasn't coming back. lol

[@Madison-dx9cr]

Yes! I have always thought the same thing!

[@TopGunZero]

They totally misunderstand the ending scene of the episode because they're too caught up in bad media tropes.

[@greyinvader]

R.I.P. Jimmy Darren aka Vic Fontaine. These guys aren't there yet, but their kids are gonna love him!

[@ChrissonatorOFL]

The Battle Bridge is in the stardrive section, the main bridge that they're usually on is in the saucer section.

[@joshlane3704]

I guess nobody uses saucers when drinking tea anymore

[@BrandonBlume]

The idea is to evacuate all the families to the larger saucer section where there's plenty of room so the star drive section can do battle and still have full use of the torpedoes, deflector dish, and warp core (the saucer section only has impulse engines and phasers).

[@ChrissonatorOFL]

@@BrandonBlume Precisely.

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

@@BrandonBlume Now that I think of it. There should be rather few civilians, children, non-essential personnel in the star drive section so evacuation should be pretty efficient. The bulk of the secondary hull is engine, weapons, storage, deflector dish, smaller hangar decks. probably some science labs too.

[@harryparsons2750]

The one that is the shape of a saucer lol

[@JAYWALKER1000]

"Does Worf look better?" You can tell which season you're in by the way Worf looks.

[@yami359]

It’s new shampoo because he’s worf it 😝

[@paul1979uk2000]

They are always refining the looks per series, whether it's its the uniforms, the makeup or the set, and most of the time it's small changes that are easy to miss but are more noticeable if you check series 1 and then 7.

[@nicerdycer7872]

@@paul1979uk2000 From season 7 onwards they haven't changed anything. I think the look and the hair are the best there too.

[@MiningForPies]

@@nicerdycer7872 I dunno, silver fox worf in Picard looks awesome

[@willvgo2950]

I can't disappear any more than you could win a beauty contest.

[@TheElderBlotch]

Just think, there's a parallel universe out there where Patrick Stewart didn't sign up for Season 4 and Riker became the new captain of the Enterprise with Shelby as his first officer. Much as I'm glad Stewart stayed on, it would have been incredibly interesting to see that version of the show going forward. It would've also been a baller move to have Frakes narrate the opening and credit Stewart as guest star just to raise the suspense even higher. I'll never forget the visceral thrill of watching this two-parter for the first time.

[@DM-kv9kj]

Assuming parallel universes are an actual fact and not just an invention of thought, extrapolated from vague mathematical concepts which could easily not match practical reality. A lot of mathematical concepts and supposed potentials don't actually turn out to be practical realities for all kinds of reasons.

[@fakecubed]

@@DM-kv9kj There's only one parallel universe, and in it somehow everyone still ended up banging the same people, while choosing wildly different cultural values and facial hair styles.

[@pigs18]

Maybe a universe where the weapon doesn't work and they don't recover Picard and the Borg continue on to assimilate Earth? There would be no stopping them then.

[@MusikCassette]

@@DM-kv9kj y would u need to assume that to imagine it?

[@russellharrell2747]

@@pigs18they could have somehow still blew up the cube but Locutus escapes to be a guest star villian later.

[@philly83]

There is a funny behind the scenes pic of Patrick Stewart between scenes in his Locutus costume reading the script to one of the next episodes acting like he's using the arm prosthetic to assimilate the script.

[@EveryoneWhoUsesThisTV]

The neon 'dish' on the front of the ship that shot a beam at the Borg is the deflector emitter - it's not where weapons come from, but it is a gadget they use and refer to a fair bit.. It projects a force beam forward to push space debris out of the path of the ship when going at high speeds. They also reconfigure it once in a while to shoot other kinds of beams, to drain shields etc (as required by the plot) Expect to hear a bit of deflector talk when watching Trek.... The saucer shaped half is the saucer section... :) Riker wasn't on it; he was on the 'battle bridge' - which is on the 'cobra head' shaped part of the other half (that isn't a saucer)

[@harryparsons2750]

I never knew it can be used as a snow plow like thing that pushes stuff out of the way. I know they have used it for a few different things but I can’t remember exactly what it was used for

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

I am just amazed that this got an A and a B after all the A+'s and S's that they have given since then.

[@SixshotRevan]

Best of Both Worlds Pt 1-2 are the only TNG episodes I've watched behind the scenes commentary on. Two stories stand out. One is from a props guy who was making the ship models for the destroyed Federation fleet. Patrick Stewart walked by and more or less asked "What is all this?" The prop guy then held up the shattered hull of a starship and said, "Look what you did!!!!" The second story is from the writers. They admitted they couldn't figure out how the Enterprise was going to beat the Borg. They were more than halfway through filming the episode before they came up with that ending.

[@richierich398]

Saturn has a nice ring to it

[@targetaudience]

A-ha!

[@chrissonofpear1384]

@@targetaudience Great reaction, btw. I give the episode an A minus. Starfleet casualties were fairly high - 39 ships, and 11,000 people. We later learn this was probably quite small compared to the whole fielded armada. Many of the models used were kitbashes of the Enterprise-D model, with different proportioned parts, and burned bits via blowtorch. Most are sold as Eaglemoss brand models today. The original movie Enterprise was also visible, split into two parts. Riker was filmed on the battle bridge during the episode too - which is in the neck of the ship, below the saucer. Lastly - Picard has a lot, on his mind, at the end.

[@laanyan]

I spit out my oatmeal at, "Worf doesn't believe him, so he just keeps punching him in the face."

[@BammerD]

(Worf repeatedly punching Locutus): "Assimilate this! Assimilate this! Assimilate this!"

[@rccraig7580]

That was a funny visual I wish I'd thought of it LOL!

[@AbrielMcPierce]

Battle bridge is the portion with the main warp engines. The saucer section has the main bridge that is the one that... uh... well it looks like a flying saucer.

[@harryparsons2750]

The Enterprise is Galaxy class

[@Regin314]

P. Coffey, Collin Freeman, and Jonathan.. Big Thanks .. I'm pretty sure your donations was because you really enjoy Target Audience Reaction, but the rest of us benefited from your generosity.. So much appreciation.

[@TimelyAbyss]

There’re good continuity here with “Peak Performance “ with Picard and Riker’s relative styles. Picard’s perfect “by the book” style is very well countered by Riker’s crafty “out of the box” style. If you try to go “book” vs. “book” with Picard you get what happens to the fleet at Wolf 359.

[@eidrenkeeg6487]

My take on Capt Picard looking out the back window, as he slowly lowers his tea, is him taking in/ being hit by ALL of the recent events. His realization of the close call of not only Earth's survival but, most importantly, the memories of all of the 1000s of lives lost involuntarily caused 'by his own hands' 😢

[@eidrenkeeg6487]

@@scottjo63 if u think that's a spoiler than your an idiot.

[@TopGunZero]

@@eidrenkeeg6487 think that went over your head because you didn't expand the message.

[@eidrenkeeg6487]

@@TopGunZero Expand what message? It said "Spoilers".... hit expand to 50 empty lines that ends in "it continues...."

[@TopGunZero]

@@eidrenkeeg6487 You're clueless, I'm just going to write this becuase I know they've already seen the next episode, but that was a spoiler warning and the spoiler is that the recent events continue. The person was not attacking you. It must be your first day on the internet to not know how spoiler warnings work.

[@eidrenkeeg6487]

@@Zombie-lx3sh LMMFAO, Are you an idiot too? Or are you attempting a troll? 🤣🤣

[@paulgales8211]

With no spoilers I will say the next episode elevates this one upon looking back.

[@tinkinc85]

@@paulgales8211 BoBW is best viewed as Pt 1, 2 & 3 (Family)

[@SharmClucas]

I really liked that they didn't have time to grieve Picard at all. For me that made the tragedy of war a little sharper, and added a little sense of pressure to the immediate situation. It is less dramatic, but it's the lack of drama that makes it more poignant.

[@targetaudience]

That’s a fair point

[@BEW419]

It's a bit like QWho when LaForge tells Ensign Gomez to focus. "Sonya, stop it. We'll have time to grieve later. Right now, let's just get those shields operative."

[@thor2520]

There is even a T-Shirt with: "Wolf 359 was an inside job" 😅

[@pigs18]

They're not wrong.

[@penoyer79]

lol oh jesus.

[@MicahSps]

"Dominion War never happened, Changelings aren't real!"

[@MrDeathpilot]

@@MicahSps SPOILER! 😡

[@joshlane3704]

@@pigs18😂

[@kenmcauliffe3028]

One day, in the distant future, you should look up a fanfic called "We Have Engaged the Borg: An Oral History of Wolf 359," written by a pair of real-life military historians.

[@rhaedas9085]

Picard looking out the window is basically PTSD. We have continuity in the series, so it does come up, as you'd expect it to.

[@JAYWALKER1000]

For you guys - not up on astronomy - the star system Wolf 359 (where all the destroyed Star Fleet ships were) - was on the direct route of the Borg to Earth - only 7.86 light years away - not as close as Alpha Centauri (4.4 light years away), but that wasn't on the direct route.

[@pigs18]

It's crazy that a star so close to Earth doesn't have a common name, just a numerical designation from Max Wolf. And due to this episode it probably never will.

[@JedWhitten]

@@pigs18 it's a red dwarf so it's too dim to see without a telescope, even though it is the third-nearest star system to us.

[@MiningForPies]

The episode that follows best of both worlds is my favourite Star Trek episode ever.

[@Alucia0]

Mine as well, thought I was the only one

[@FireDragons42]

I love it too. It often gets looked over on people’s lists of top episodes because it isn’t flashy but what it does with continuity and character growth is amazing. I know these two are going to love it.

[@Real_LiamOBryan]

It is one of my absolute favorites, but what about the one with Candyman in DS9?

[@charlottehammond8975]

in my top 5! so good!!!

[@ThomasReeves-s7u]

I think I actually didn't like it that much at first, but I appreciate it much more as an adult. (I was thirteen when I originally saw it.)

[@BlindPidePiper]

You two are going to LOVE the next episode...all about character development.

[@jonathanward7320]

The anti matter spread was used to confuse the Borg sensors so shuttlecraft could go in undetected

[@JB-wb5zw]

Riker is on the battle bridge which is in the lower section. Shelby is on the main bridge which is in the saucer section.

[@JB-wb5zw]

As far as I know the battle bridge is shown only one other time in the Farpoint episode.

[@FireDragons42]

I know this episode won’t hit for you as hard as it hit us when it first aired. You knew Picard was going to be continuing on, throughout the summer waiting for this episode we didn’t. The staff writing it didn’t even know. Stewart was in contract dispute at this time and was considering leaving the show at this time. Obviously that doesn’t matter to you watching now, but that will add context to why a lot of the fans will rate this episode higher than you likely will. The Battle of Wolf 359 is a pivotal moment for Starfleet. Of the 40 ships sent to fight the Borg (as mentioned in the first part) the Enterprise detected no life signs remaining. The ending to me has also always hit hard. Picard is seemingly normal talking to Riker and Shelby but the instant they leave Picard freezes. He no longer has the energy to keep up that facade and wanders over to look out into space. Where somewhere in the abyss he had his soul ripped from him. The next episode, which I know you have already watched by the time this is here, is so emotional and is in my opinion exactly what was needed after this. If you two don’t love it then I will be absolutely shocked.

[@mattstrathis4328]

Plus the more something is hyped up the more likely that it doesn't quite live up to expectations. That's what's happening here.

[@CrimsonRevenant666]

Picard's sinking feeling moment at the end was great.

[@VonPatzy]

The detail of this episode that always rises first in my old brain hole is Locutus calling Riker “Number One”. It confirms that the Borg now has all of Picard’s knowledge downloaded into their cube but it’s also just an incredibly cold and cruel smirk at Riker using the friendly pet name on purpose as a weapon. Nothing else really matters - that moment is fire.

[@donovanbradford8231]

Which also showed that Riker realized they knew everything about Starfleet and maybe they needed a new plan. Which the admiral was too thick head to believe the best man he knew could be turned.

[@rmccombs66]

@targetaudience It sounds like you think the phasers always fire from the Deflector Dish. No, that was kind of the point. They can fire a more powerful beam from the Defector Dish, but it burns it out, and they can't go anywhere until they repair it, which takes a few hours.

[@follow_the_money_trail]

Yes, just consult the Haynes manual guys.

[@MikeJF85]

Well, the dish can channel out a huge amount of generic energy, more energy than phasers can carry. Normally that wouldn't be as good as a purpose-built, focused weapon like a phaser and would just splash off shields, but for their specific use here they didn't need a weapon designed to damage, just to send as much raw power at a specific frequency as they could to overload.

[@mjbull5156]

@rmccombs66 Technically the deflector dish is not supposed to be a weapon, at least not an offensive weapon. It's purpose is to protect the ship from space debris.

[@rmccombs66]

@@mjbull5156 yes I know that. That my point they to repair it after they fired before they could go anywhere. @targetaudience reacted that they thought the phasers fired from the Deflector Dish, or at least they weren't sure.

[@Markus117d]

Lol.. I'm only a few seconds in to the reaction & just got to that part, And am here thinking Wut the? Ugh.. The show even did the usual trek explanation of why the deflector dish, Quote "it's the only component designed to handle that much power" and included a reminder of that in the last time intro.. and yet it baffles TA 🙄😵‍💫🤯 . This is going to be a rough ride 🫤

[@silviadragoness5904]

For nearly all Starfleet ships, the main bridge is in the saucer section, at the very top. Deck 1 consists of the Bridge, the Captain's ready room, something that serves as a meeting room (it's been called a few things on different ships), and theoretically a few other rooms/facilities that we almost never see on-screen. The Galaxy-class's battle bridge is somewhere in the "stardrive" section.

[@MrDeathpilot]

According to canon, 39 Federations ships were lost at Wolf 359, with a loss of life at nearly 11,000 (not counting borg). The Enterprise was the only ship out of 40 to survive, and this battle was against only one Borg cube. Wolf 359 is an actual red dwarf star, located in the constellation Leo. It is 7.86 light-years from Earth and can only be seen with a large telescope. It's the 4th nearest star to the Sun.

[@Terminator484]

The Enterprise wasn't among the 40-strong fleet that the Cube engaged at Wolf 359. They were chasing the Cube after being delayed by the damage from trying to use their deflector dish as an energy weapon, causing them to miss the battle entirely. They arrived about an hour late, and found only wreckage. Admiral Hanson's ship, the USS Auriga (NCC-71797), was a Galaxy-class stardrive section. Its saucer section was left behind at Earth. In his final transmission to the Enterprise, you can clearly see he is on the Battle Bridge of a Galaxy-class ship, identical to the Enterprise's own Battle Bridge. Hanson & his entire crew were killed seconds after that final transmission, as the Borg disrupted the ship's shields & cut into the warp core to force a catastrophic core breach. USS Melbourne (NCC-62043-A) was a Nebula-class variant with the extra pair of smaller warp nacelles, brand-new in the middle of its commissioning ceremony when the Borg crisis occurred. The USS Melbourne (NCC-62043) was an Excelsior-class that was being decommissioned at the same time, but was hastily pressed back into service as USS Roma (NCC-62451) for the emergency, but there was no time to repaint the hull markings. The Roma was the first ship destroyed by the Borg: half the saucer section was sliced off and the remainder collided with the Cube seconds later, zero survivors. It can very briefly be seen in the DS9 pilot. The newer Melbourne's burned-out wreck can briefly be seen adrift on the viewscreen in this episode. The newer Melbourne was meant to be a long-range exploration variant of the Nebula-class, but this was abandoned after the battle as Starfleet refocused their priorities on building a new anti-Borg fleet of warships, so the Melbourne's special configuration would never be seen again. All other Nebula-class vessels would have either the "pizza-slice" weapons pod, the "AWACS" sensor pod, or nothing. USS Melbourne would be repaired and will return to service within the year, as it can later be seen labeled on a computer screen in a future TNG episode if you pause at the right moment. About 25 Klingon ships joined the battle after Hanson's ship was destroyed & the surviving Starfleet ships fell back to regroup at one of the system's planets. The Cube paused to scavenge the wreckage, capture some escape pods and assimilate any survivors inside, before moving to engage the remainder of the armada. Since none of this has more than the most tangential relevance or impact on future Trek episodes, I don't think there are any spoilers here. Just some background lore TA might enjoy reading about.

[@vohbovohborian28]

As an aside, there are about 30 stars within 10 light years from earth. As another aside, almost all visible stars in the night sky are within 1000 light years (so yes, pretty much all stars you see at night are still there)

[@MrDeathpilot]

@@Terminator484 There were a total of 40 ships committed to fighting the Borg and the Enterprise was one of them.

[@Terminator484]

@@MrDeathpilot Watch the episodes again. A true Trek fan knows there was 40 starships in Hanson's fleet at Wolf 359, and 39 of them were destroyed. The Enterprise was NOT at that battle. It's shown right on the episode that they arrived late and found only the aftermath.

[@MrDeathpilot]

@@Terminator484 I know they were late to the battle. They were STILL assigned to engage the Borg. Memory Alpha agrees with me.

[@nathanielreik6617]

The bottom portion is the part that has the battle bridge and what they were on. It's called either the engineering section or the star drive. The saucer section is the top circular portion that houses the main bridge.

[@kenmcauliffe3028]

The writers actually had a hard time resolving the cliffhanger because they realized they had almost written themselves into a corner with the Borg.

[@tinkinc85]

And they were actual writers who had to write with verisimilitude, not the crap we get now.

[@JedWhitten]

4:54 they've never used the deflector as a weapon before. It was a new idea they first mentioned in part 1. It's not designed to be used as a weapon and using it that way damaged it, but it was the only way to project enough energy to possibly destroy the Borg ship. 13:50 normally they are in the main bridge, which is at the top of the saucer section. Right now they're on the battle bridge in the stardrive section.

[@JedWhitten]

@@jimj9729 well, we've had 35 years to catch all the details, I'm sure I missed some of these things the first time I watched too.

[@Markus117d]

​@@JedWhittenmiss some details fair enough, but it been unequivocally shown twice before that the battle bridge is in the drive section, As the entire purpose of separation is for the saucer section to run and hide whilst the stardrive section turns to face the enemy. The show made a MAJOR point to explain and show this in the pilot " Encounter at Farpoint" 🫣

[@beesly01]

8:50 Guinan asking permission will never not be funny.

[@SupaKen74]

Just one man's opinion but both of these are Pure s- tier episodes. I watch every episode with you guys and once upon a time i saw these when they were on TV (I'm turning 50 this month) and I've forgot the details on most of these episodes, but not Best of Both Worlds. Those 2 have stayed with my all these years. They are not my favorite episodes (those have not come yet for you) but they are clearly top tier and i can't think of ANYTHING i would have added to make them better. That, to me, is the literal definition of S-tier.

[@greenbrown7776]

Agree with your post. These two are epic in scope, and that's not hindsight talking. I do have S-tier episodes I like better than "Best of Both Worlds II," but it's total S-tier for me as well. I have a personal ranking titled "True Trek Classic" (100% essential Trek) that's pretty much the same thing as S-tier. These are mine so far: 10. A Matter of Honor S2 9. Sarek S3 8. The Defector S3 7. Best of Both Worlds Part II S4 6. The Offspring S3 5. Sins of the Father S3 4. Q Who S2 3. Measure of a Man S2 2. Best of Both Worlds Part I S3 1. Yesterday’s Enterprise S3

[@Daviddaze]

Praise God the startrek community can come together to discuss episodes After the newest generation watches for the first time without any spoilers.🎉

[@Drawkcabi]

The time period after the last TOS movie through the first 3 seasons of TNG up to this episode was equivalent to the 80's and 90's in the USA. There were skirmishes, minor wars, medium sized wars, coalition wars, etc. But all in all a peaceful time for the most part. Within the Federation's borders, it was even better. They didn’t even have the domestic issues we had, or if they did, they were buried so deep they were nearly impossible to see. The Federation enjoyed a time of peace and harmony unprecedented in its history and spent a lot it navel gazing. Thinking how great they were and how great the utopia they built was. Then Wolf 359 happened. Wolf 359 was the Federation's 9/11. And 9/11 had/has lasting repercussions. A great society isn't proven to be great when times are good. It's when its tested...tested to the point of breaking...and if it still comes out of it intact....maybe shaken badly but still intact...that's what proves if really is the great society you thought it was.

[@JAYWALKER1000]

Constitution class - TOS, Galaxy Class - TNG

[@russellharrell2747]

Constellation Class- the ship Picard captained when he let Jack Crusher die.

[@andygrams6344]

Also, TMP/movie era Constitution Refit = Enterprise class….. and when the Enterprise D flies through the debris before the commercial break, you get the ONLY appearance of the Enterprise class in TNG - with its engineering hull visible close on the left just when you break for commercial. This is actually the studio model of the destroyed Enterprise from Star Trek III

[@DiggerTheDwarf]

And the Enterprise-C from "Yesterday's Enterprise" was an Ambassador-class. While the Enterprise-B (which hasn't been shown on screen yet) was an Excelsior-class like the USS Excelsior from Star Trek III.

[@harryparsons2750]

@@russellharrell2747the Stargazer?

[@harryparsons2750]

@@DiggerTheDwarfwhat is the Enterprise-E? Sovereign class?

[@crownprincesebastianjohano7069]

39/40 ships destroyed at Wolf 359, including a Galaxy Class ship. The sole survivor is a Nebula Class.

[@jeroenadmiraal8714]

"It's been a long time... getting from there to here"

[@russellharrell2747]

Shhhh, there’s hundreds of episodes to go

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

JUSTICE FOR THE ROD STEWART VERSION

[@sebastianwittmeier1274]

And they are not gonna hold me down no more.

[@MisjonenKomi]

I always wanted it being Jonathan Frakes' voice at the opening credits of this first episode of the season. To mindfuck with people fearing that Jean-Luc won't come back. ^^

[@ForceMaximus84]

And omit Patrick Stewart’s credit as well.

[@topomusicale5580]

I disagree that Picard's quick mental switch back was done poorly. He was only mentally Locutis while connected to the Borg mind. As soon as he was successfully disconnected he was himself again, and clearly from his reaction (and his words) he was Picard in there the whole time.

[@thegrasslands4187]

The saucer section holds most of the crew quarters and the original bridge. When they split, they move to the battle bridge in the other half of the ship.

[@jdb101585]

The scene with Guinan is great. Her scenes really are always the best.

[@mjbull5156]

The battle bridge, where Riker was when the ship was separated is on the star drive section. The main bridge is in the saucer section.

[@JAYWALKER1000]

Yes, Star Fleet knows about the Borg - Shelby was a specialist on strategy to use against the Borg.

[@miller-joel]

Also, Data can't become Borg. There's nothing organic about him.

[@photonicus]

Yeah, Picard isn't looking down on the Earth thinking about destroying it, he's horrified that he ALMOST destroyed it. He's messed up right now, likely PTSD, and he keeps putting on an "I'm ok" front. Been a long time since I watched TNG, but I don't think he can deceive Troi or Guinnan. His pride and dignity won't allow him to talk about this trauma right away.

[@sonicsean34]

Also kinda haunted by his own reflection in the window I felt

[@ForceMaximus84]

I see it as him knowing there are more out there and that this conflict isn’t over yet.

[@damiadwalker8464]

I think a big part of what Picard was thinking at the end of the episode is his immense regret and guilt of the ppl he killed

[@Mobysimo]

I will say, get used to Season Cliffhanger Trek really likes them

[@thomasgrimm1664]

I've always thought Q was careless enough to move them back to federation space in a straight line and the cube just locked on and followed as fast as it could.

[@Markus117d]

The borg probably recognised they had encountered technology with similar characteristics to what they sliced out of the enterprise back from the outposts they assimilated in the region of space the Federation and Romulans call the Neutral Zone. And could easily have gotten specific information about the Federation from the bits of the Enterprise, the Outposts & the freighter they attacked.. added up it's highly likely a lot of astrographic and navigational data could be collected from all those sources..

[@victoriadeal5706]

I would have like it Riker had done the intro. It would have really sold the idea that Riker is now captain.

[@russellharrell2747]

Better yet, they omit the dialogue . Keep ‘em guessing.

[@CaminoAir]

Great idea. Possibly fans would have felt the show's producers were baiting & switching them, but it's still a great idea nonetheless

[@miller-joel]

You would have to remove Stewart from the credits or credit him as a "guest," which would be a lie.

[@victoriadeal5706]

And guest starring Patrick Stewart as Locutus

[@victoriadeal5706]

@@miller-joel if saying he’s a guest star is lying then have the credits just read and Patrick Stewart as Locutus.

[@damienkakoschke3099]

The primary Bridge is in the Saucer section (Deck 1 at the top). The Battle Bridge is on the Engineering section. :) - The Battle of Wolf 359 is a significant event, that gets referenced reasonably often. At the time of season3 to season4, I think Patrick Stewart was in contract negotiations, so there was a possibility he may not have come back for season4.

[@randallwong7196]

The Trek universe had canon that Earth had interstellar conflicts in its history, but not shown large battles or aftermath of them...until this episode.

[@BusoRockin1000]

Those ships in the debris field are really cool. Most of them are kit bashes from available commercial Star Trek model kits. But notably , the concept models built when they were designing the Excelsior in Star Trek 3 were brought out of storage to help fill the scene.

[@gershman23]

No, they never shoot phasers out of the deflector dish...that's why it was a special solution(that didn't work), and that's why they're disappointed that the Borg has learned from Picard that this option is available, and prepared for it.

[@tehScribbles]

"Pattern Riker Alpha Confirmed!" (Turns Left)

[@russellharrell2747]

Pattern Riker Beta: turns left again.

[@Sunsetjoy]

You are like Khan... thinking in 2 dimension. :)

[@dfwald4657]

Good reaction but interesting there was no talk about the ramifications on Picard of knowing he was responsible for the destruction of all those ships and crews. Maybe looking out at the Earth at the end was him thinking he almost was responsible for destroying mankind if he hadn't been stopped.

[@donovanbradford8231]

I would imagine that the full report from both Dr. Crusher, Comm. Shelby, and a few others would show that A) Picard had no way to resist the Borg control, so a not in all his faculties situation. But B) they informed the admiral in charge that the Borg know everything that Picard knows so maybe change strategy and the admiral was steadfast in his belief that Picard would help the Borg. Even though there would be some that would hold that grudge against Picard most smart people would realize Wolf 359 was truly the worst case scenario, you lose your best commander and you also had your worst commander leading it.

[@Terminator484]

It wasn't really his fault. The Borg took everything from him, controlled his body & mind like a puppet, and used his knowledge to destroy the defense armada. Picard is smart enough to blame the Borg and not himself for what happened, but the experience was still deeply traumatic and that stare out the window was definitely a wave of PTSD hitting him. If anything, Picard mainly blames himself for not being strong enough to resist the assimilation process, even though almost nothing can. Millions of voices absolutely drown out your private thoughts; that's why individuals become zombie-like drones.

[@dfwald4657]

@@Terminator484 So does it make any sense at all for Star Fleet to allow someone with that amount of PTSD to get right back into that role or insist on getting therapy for awhile first?

[@Terminator484]

@@dfwald4657 Depends entirely on the person. Some folks handle trauma well on their own & don't need therapy, others get crippling PTSD from tripping on a rock. Considering what the job implies, the Starfleet application tests presumably weed out those who don't at least have enough fortitude to handle some pretty intense stuff.

[@dfwald4657]

@@Terminator484 Really? Have you not watched all the episodes in TOS that have captains that have gone bad? LOL

[@humanvideosponge4529]

I'm pretty sure the reason why the Guinan character didn't get more screen time is because when TNG was being made, Whoopi Goldberg's career was on fire in Hollywood. I mean, everybody knows who she is now but she only got to where she is because of her early success. She was a huge star. Which is why they didn't even believe it when they were told she wanted to be on Star Trek. So it ended up working out really well. They probably used her character sparingly for all sorts of reasons but that had the end result of forcing them to use her character wisely. TV budget. You probably see every penny of what they spent on screen in an episode like this one.

[@kingleech16]

I loved her in Next Generation. Guinan is a character I can see being terrible in a hundred ways, but the writing and her performance sold me on it every time.

[@humanvideosponge4529]

@@kingleech16 I tend to kind of think that maybe she's meant to signify Picard's intuition. And maybe his conscience. Notice that almost every time they talk, they are alone.

[@mattstrathis4328]

And now Whoopie is an insufferable windbag.

[@ForceMaximus84]

I miss that era of Whoopi Goldberg. She was funny and likable back then.

[@mattstrathis4328]

@@ForceMaximus84 Ytube keeps deleting my post about Ole Whoopi. She's a total windbag and very low IQ on that trashy show she's on.

[@maestro80smusic93]

The Admiral at the beginning of the episode was "God" in Star Trek V

[@russellharrell2747]

Well, he guess we found out what god needed with a starship…to fight the Borg!

[@miller-joel]

Talk about being demoted.

[@sonicsean34]

Oh cool didn’t know that. Always good to find out new stuff on my fave things even decades later

[@lawrenceschuman5354]

When Riker orders Wesley to plot a collision course, and he questions the order. Yes, boy, that's what that uniform you are wearing means.

[@Jukrates]

I love the hype for Chief O'brien

[@mikewhite6138]

The battle bridge isn't in the saucer section

[@jackclark7066]

I’ve been loving your videos as you boldly go where a whole lot of fans have gone before and one of the aspects I really love is how you’re watching them in release order rather than by series or movies first or what have you. It’s like I’m reliving how I experienced the shows/movies and seeing them for the first time from your perspective. I’m so excited for your take on the other spin-offs and, eventually, the more recent stuff. ST is in the middle of a second renaissance and I’m so excited to be on this journey with you. Cheers. Also could you post lyrics for that Depeche Mode sounding song (which is very groovy btw) you have on some of your videos? I can’t quite make out what they are singing and it’s been on my mind.

[@rachelpsmith3129]

The one shaped like a saucer is the saucer section.

[@5thRace]

13:44 They (Riker, Wesley) are not in the saucer section right now they are on the Battle bridge at the very top of the stardrive (or Engineering) section where the two halves connect normally. Commander Shelby is on the Main Bridge located at the very top of the Saucer.

[@ChristianAnstes]

Enterprise 1701 - Constitution class Enterprise 1701 Movies 1,2 and 3 - Constitution class refit. Enterprise 1701 A - Constitution class refit. Enterprise 1701 B - Excelsior class. Enterprise 1701 C - Ambassador class. Enterprise 1701 D - Galaxy class If you want to know more about the battle of wolf 359 and the ships involved, there's a number of Sci-fi channels on you tube that does videos on it.

[@mjbull5156]

They will get to that stuff as they progress through the various series.

[@vincegamer]

You guys missed out on the suspense. Stewart's contract was up and the gos was that negotiations weren't going well. We really didnt know if wed have a Picard the next season

[@brad8549]

S4E2 is the one I really want to see your reaction to even more than E1

[@tobbiecassin]

What they have wanted since the beginning! No plot! ..(I'm sure they've seen it already so it's not a spoiler)

[@harrysarai3947]

@@tobbiecassin they are caught up to episode 4

[@jamesalexander5623]

Any bets on tears from the Guys?

[@menolikey_]

I completely forgot what's next. Lets go!

[@MiningForPies]

My favourite trek episode of all time.

[@PHDiaz-vv7yo]

Loving this and the comments so far. Esp re PTSD for Picard. And the trauma he’ll go through in S6 and “counting lights”

[@peterschairer488]

As much as I love this 2-parter I found it difficult to believe the Borg could be so easily foiled.

[@sonicsean34]

The Borg were acting uncharacteristically by creating a drone with a little bit of identity left in to have a spokesperson. Would anyone before that have thought to kidnap a single random drone before or had an android to interface with it? They didn’t go on the cube to grab any drone they went for Picard cos of emotional attachment. But it’s the Borg that tactic will be adapted against now.

[@Daniel-Strain]

The cliffhanger resolution is PERFECT. The reason is because you COULD HAVE figured it out given what was shown in part 1. It's like a well-written who-dun-it. Obviously, if they have Picard, then they would know what Enterprise had been designing with the deflector dish, and would be able to adapt to it ahead of time. In fact, if this did not happen, they would have a plot hole and need to explain how the Borg didn't have a defense in place.

[@penoyer79]

i think as you guys see in the next episode, the ending with picard and that moment is purely trauma.

[@andmicbro1]

I keep wanting to mention things that don’t have any spoilers, but I don’t even want to tell the setup so you guys can go in fresh. So I want to say something, but I’ll just look forward to the first time you guys watch it and wait for your surprise as my reward. Love the channel, love how you guys have fallen in love with Star Trek! There’s still so many great reactions ahead I can’t wait!

[@theevilascotcompany9255]

4:50 Just for SF nerd explanation reasons, the main deflector/blue eyeball of the Enterprise is not where the ship's weapons are supposed to shoot from, but they were desperate. The purpose of the main deflector is to provide the ship with a basic level of shielding to prevent small asteroids, large particles or general space debris from hitting the hull, which in a total vacuum situation could cause extensive damage over time.

[@joshlane3704]

Yeah, but which one is the “Saucer” section 😮 Guys, you really need to get into the ships, one of the coolest aspects of Star Trek. A key aspect of Sci-Fi is to explain to the rational mind how things work so you can suspend disbelief and indulge in the fantasy. Even though things like warp drive are “magic”, they explain the technology in detail that makes you think that given enough time we could develop it. Knowing how the ship works and is laid out and liking it to naval ships helps you relate to and imagine that future being real. I think it is fun to daydream how we would travel the stars using all the knowledge and theories that are currently floating around science.

[@sebastianwittmeier1274]

Especially when hitting with nearly lightspeed!

[@MrDeathpilot]

"Once they got Picard on board, he was no threat." That is incorrect. Let's just say that you still don't know enough about the Borg to make that assessment.

[@Sporkmaker5150]

Jaysus Keiko, nobody should be that excited about Colm Meaney.

[@johnpierce7551]

Can't wait for you guys to review part 3 of this episode.

[@donovanbradford8231]

I have such a great appreciation for that episode as well

[@tinkinc85]

It is one of my favorites.

[@johncrawford5225]

Yeah, Saturn represent!!

[@fakecubed]

And its crazy hexagon.

[@timothyserabian5103]

Wolf 359 becomes one of those moments in Starfleet history, and the ordeal of Picard will NEVER leave him. To say it’s, “life changing” is an understatement. I will admit, I was hoping you would like it better than you did, but I also admit I’m biased. My dad and I watched this together after our minds were blown at the season finale. It was one of those moments as a 2nd generation Trekkie that will always sit with me.

[@theworldofron2712]

The events of this 2 part episode become very important in the future of Star Trek

[@talynstarburst2l2l2l]

I finally caught back up with you guys, so hopefully I can stay a little ahead.

[@Reepicheep-1]

"Haven't seen (saucer sep.) in a while." I was at a Trek con in the early 90s with a Stewart Q&A. Got to ask him, 'why do it, why not more often?' "To get rid of those dammed civilians! We don't do it more often because (the special effects/modeling budget wouldn't allow it)." Season 3 was also (I think) when they debuted a more detailed 4-ft. Enterprise model which did NOT have separation capabilities. Pulling the original 6 ft. out and working with it was more difficult and they didn't get the same hull detail they had with the smaller model.

[@maiseyhumphrey9995]

It was 39 ships that were destroyed at that battle

[@KingKabalIII]

Yeah, but 38 of them really don't matter.

[@BiggestDawgEver]

That velcro comment is going to come around. Too bad at this rate they won't get to Enterprise for several years. No way we will remember.

[@lentrax2991]

There have been several attempts to document the fleet that was lost at Wolf 359. Some better than others. One I have helped contribute to. The Borg are not gone, and Wolf 359 was a defining moment for the Federation.

[@ice-iu3vv]

the deflector dish is not typically a weapon system. phasers are the ship's "energy" weapon so it can be at x% power(phasers at 60% sir, type thing) photon torpedos are an inventory item (500 total or whatever), but if they can fire, and havent been "modified" like the wrath of knan" torp, then they are always full power. the deflector dish is different, and besides the point to fully explain, but they were channeling ALL available power (engines, computer, everything except life support) into the dish. in the part 1 staff meeting they went over it and explained "what could handle that much power", "the main deflector dish". so one of the most powerful hits in franchise history was a dud because picard had been briefed on it, and the borg were prepared to absorb the power. it was a unique shot, hardly "i guess they've always come from there and we just didnt notice it". and the youtube edit just breezes past an important part of the reaction. did josh and alex just not get the significance of the deflector dish shot and why it failed. do they get that, heck no weapons never come from there, and it wasnt a weapon in this case, it was a surge of all of their available power?

[@KevinPSmith-fk5eb]

In TOS when they thought Kirk was dead, they had a memorial and showed some of the crew having doubts about Spock.

[@julianozaur444]

RIP Rich

[@ThatSlowTypingGuy]

So was that for real? Because it was kinda hard to tell with that skit immediately following it. Made it seem like he'd just stopped being a patreon maybe.

[@tkay4401]

After Best of Both Worlds, parts 1 and 2, I was hooked. TNG had finally found its niche, and I was a solid fan from here on out.

[@Vulcanerd]

Along with what Josh said about the comparison between Data and a/the Borg, I also think inquisitiveness or introspection is irrelevant to them even as we would consider them 'positive' traits.

[@hettfield]

Perhaps a more tense resolution (without changing the pacing or adding more scenes) would be to have Data and Word plug into Locutus while still on the Borg ship. Locked in a room, with Borg drones banging at the door closing in on them

[@MrTickleTrunk]

Love the new whiteboard rating gimmick.

[@nathanielreik6617]

1:50 So Encounter at Farpoint is actually a 2 parter.