First Contact (TNG S4E15) | Star Trek Journey 196

[@targetaudience]

80% OFF your first month on Patreon - www.patreon.com/targetaudience

[@toyota420xp]

Where do the commercials for the episodes come from

[@Laurie473]

@@toyota420xp I don’t know, but they are Gold !! I wonder if they’re on the Blu-Ray season extras /features or something….

[@JAYWALKER1000]

Beverly: I'm a physician. Don't be frightened. Worf: I am a Klingon. Be very, very afraid.

[@charlottegerken4477]

Right?!! I just picture Mark Twain's "Werewolf!!" kind of response 🤣

[@DocMicrowave]

Good one!

[@Warp10x]

"It's a good day to die"

[@MKDumas1981]

Wereworf

[@damienkakoschke3099]

Beverly: I'm a physician. Don't be frightened. He's Worf, he might eat your head. (Worf looking both smug & intimidating). LOLs

[@TheElderBlotch]

I adore this episode, it was genius to show how a first contact worked from the Malchorians' perspective, this time the _humans_ are the aliens! I find this one of the best that shows what Star Trek is all about with an abundance of flawless dialogue and profound moments. The ending with Mirasta gives me the biggest smile.

[@ShamrockParticle]

^^this. This episode is an easy "S" for me, this episode.

[@rexmundi2986]

Agree. This one and "Who Watches the Watchers" are two of my faves.

[@greenbrown7776]

@@rexmundi2986 / "First Contact" is very much a spiritual sister to "WWTW."

[@greenbrown7776]

@TheElderBlotch | Agreed!

[@kerry-j4m]

I LOVE this episode also,wish Strange New Worlds would have some episodes like this,I didn't really like their 2nd season tho. I'll continue to it tho,see where they go for the 3rd season. TNG set the standards for tv sci-fi.

[@CowabungaWo101]

I maintain that if you had to chose a single episode to get somebody into Trek, it's this one. Because it's from an outsider perspective you're introduced to pretty much every important element of the franchise (the federation, the characters, etc) while also encapsulating the morals, diplomacy, themes, and ideas of the show. Wonderful episode.

[@VulcanDeathGrip44]

What’s great about this episode is that we’ve always heard about seeking out new civilizations but rarely seen it. This is an episode to show someone who’s never seen Trek.

[@rlickers1946]

Just like the 60s Batman, by this point in TNG, everyone wanted to be on the show, which is how we got Bebe Neuwirth from Cheers as the horny nurse.

[@TheElderBlotch]

If Target Audience ever reacted to 1960s Batman, that would honestly make my year.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

And they were all actors on the same Paramount lot. Tons of shows were being shot there at the same time and many guest stars cross pollinated on all the different shows.

[@mjbull5156]

​@MichaelJShaffer As I recall the story, Cheers was filmed on an adjacent soundstage to TNG. The casts and crews knew each other fairly well.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

@mjbull5156 same with seinfeld. That's how the double dip chip kid and the marine biologist girlfriend where in the episode The Outrageous Okona.

[@kenjisparks]

@@mjbull5156wasn’t Ted Danson on an episode of TNG in makeup?

[@TopGunZero]

A lot of people see Dr Crusher as just a medical doctor, but we're constantly being shown that she's a forensic specialist, and a scientist. Her deductive skills are top tier, which is what helps her be an effective doctor. She's not underrated as a character, but I do think she is underrated as a critical thinker.

[@andmicbro1]

I've always been impressed that many doctors are excellent scientists in their own right. And it makes sense a Federation doctor would also be a top tier scientist. Stuff like this is why I love Star Trek. It shows the very best of humanity. Engineers, scientists, leaders, people who make technical and ethical decisions, but makes them smartly. I really wish NuTrek were that competent. I've heard good things about Strange New Worlds, but some of the other NuTrek shows...eh not so much. Though I have really enjoyed Lower Decks. It's a shame the series is ending.

[@pauld6967]

Agreed. Many people overlook that one doesn't become the Chief Medical Officer by being a run-of-the-mill doctor.

[@qam2024]

She's no Polaski

[@greenbrown7776]

@TopGunZero. Agreed. Bev and Geordi are the best critical thinkers / problem solvers (outside of Data and maybe Barclay when he's confident).

[@DjRenect]

Agreed. At least she got more to do in Picard S3.

[@rayhume1971]

I love the "29 hours a day" line. I feel like this was to make the planet appear to have a longer day than ours, of course we can only come to that conclusion if we assume they have the same length of hour. But what really cracks me up is the idea that they divide their day up into a prime number of increments.

[@noquarterracing3637]

I agree with nod to a longer day. I like to think of "29" being a universal translator function for the audience lol. Similarly, a light-year would be a different measurement for them. Think Metric v Imperial.

[@DopeGhoti]

I always thought that excellent tiny detail was underappreciated.

[@andmicbro1]

Agreed! That was a fantastic small detail. I love when Sci-fi has little details like that that make me think.

[@andmicbro1]

@@noquarterracing3637 At least the speed of light would be a constant. It should make translating light years across interstellar civilizations pretty trivial.

[@BogeyTheBear]

27 hours would have been more sensible, as it is divisible by threes. Nine is three of three, and twenty seven is three of nine.

[@TheChuckPDX]

Ah yes, the episode when Riker Boned Lilith Crane from Cheers. This is not the last time Riker the horn-dog will get into it with some aliens.

[@RedmoonIndustries]

Hey, Spoilers!! lol

[@tessera5029]

A whole alien species defined by strikingly recognizeable speaking voices. 😂

[@mjbull5156]

Riker happens to land in a hospital with a female with an alien kink.

[@Vincornelis]

The episode in which Riker was raped by an alien. She only agreed to let him out on the condition he had sex with her. That's coercion. He didn't and couldn't consent freely.

[@daerdevvyl4314]

Vincornelis I think he'll be okay.

[@stevenhuntington109]

“I have been prepared for the realities of space travel since I was 9 years old and sitting in a planetarium!” - Yale is truly every Trek fan.

[@jamesalexander5623]

That line hit me hard! .... I am Mirasta Yale!

[@TimelyAbyss]

“I wanna see who the 1% was that gave this episode a ‘D’” It was Riker

[@russellharrell2747]

He was giving the D…to Lilith

[@MattAlgren]

To be fair, Riker gives everyone the D

[@atrus3823]

To me, this isn’t necessarily my favourite episode, but I think it’s a pretty much perfect TNG episode. It’s got everything: interesting concept, interesting new alien species, mystery, action, ethical quandaries, Riker rizz…

[@RetroRobotRadio]

I completely missed that that was the wine bottle his brother gave him. I knew it was from the Picard orchard, but the exact bottle from a previous episode!

[@christopherlundgren1700]

He was keeping it for a special occasion, and what’s more special than First Contact?

[@thomasgrimm1664]

Don't worry guys. Even after the series is over, you'll still want to rewatch it now and then. Just like we do with you right now.

[@RetroRobotRadio]

On the topic of crediting multiple writers remember that there was a writer strike between season 1 and 2 of TNG exactly for this reason. They wanted more credit if they helped write an episode.

[@mikecase2372]

Not only is this an S-tier episode, it's actually got an S-tier promo that doesn't really give anything away.

[@arsbadmojo]

THIS is what "S-Tier" looks like. Nearly flawless episode.

[@rmccombs66]

I thought they easily give this an S, but I should have known better.

[@patsk8872]

@@rmccombs66 I actually totally agree with one S and one A. The idea and much of the execution may be S-tier, but not all of it is. This may not be proof, but if you look at best-of lists of TNG this episode somehow gets forgotten by a lot of people. So I feel like an A+ average is more fair than S.

[@Daviddaze]

It has 3+ guest stars from other TV, reminisce factor.

[@ShamrockParticle]

100g agreed! It's not just innovative, it succeeds at every twist and turn and so engaging for this new take on the ideas.

[@JoeMama410]

Phasers are only used for defense, like when a small woman with a very specifically targeted virus lurches towards someone at a dining table.

[@jamesalexander5623]

Ha! Good Call Back!

[@richardb6260]

I love this episode. Particularly how it begins completely from the alien POV. It's especially effective when Picard and Troi beam in. It's almost as much a shock as it would be for the alien.

[@philly83]

The return of Carolyn Seymour who played the Romulan Commander in season 2

[@flnthrn2]

OMG , yes

[@shadowsaturn]

I wish they wouldn't reuse actors for different roles on the same show. You would think there are more actors out there to use.

[@artboymoy]

​@@shadowsaturn I don't mind it. If the actor a solid actor and is in make up and willing to do different make up for a role, then why not use the? James Cromwell, Jeffrey Combs, Marc Alaimo are great character actors. Great to see Carolyn Seymour again.

[@royroblox]

I definitely remember her being a voice actor in a couple Star Wars computer games too (and seeing her listed in the paper manual)! Good times.

[@wolfofthewest8019]

My dad was a Green Beret in the 60s. He was very badly injured during fighting in Operation Dragon Rouge, which was the evacuation of Belgian citizens from the Congo -- he took a machete to the neck. After a stay in the hospital, he was given light duty for six months. That duty was being posted to a guard station at "Area 51," the Groom Lake USAF facility. This was 1965. My dad was never told what was going on at the facility. He did not have security clearance to enter the facility. He was assigned to a guard post with another soldier, both had orders to shoot the other if he attempted to enter the facility. Flashforward to 1989. My dad and I are watching the MacNeil-Lehner News Hour and they're talking about how President Bush has declassifies the SR-1 Blackbird, the original stealth bomber. They show the first ever photos of the Blackbird to be made available to the public. My dad nearly jumps out of his seat when they show it and starts shouting "I knew it! I knew it!" The Blackbird was developed by Lockheed in the 60s, with its first test flight in 1964 and its official introduction in 1966. The Lockheed facility was in Los Angeles. The test flights for the Blackbird were conducted between the LA Skunk Works and the Groom Lake facility. My dad had spent six months watching the prototype Blackbird flying in and out of the facility while it was being tested. That's why I believe the whole Area 51 ufo story is CIA disinformation intended to confuse the Soviets and hide the development of the stealth bomber.

[@russellharrell2747]

I don’t doubt your dad’s service, but the SR-71 blackbird (and the A-12 variant) were high altitude reconnaissance planes, and fairly well known before 1989. I had plastic testor models of the blackbird in the 80s. The SR-71 was officially retired in 1989. The B-2 stealth bomber was first announced to the public around that time, so maybe there’s some overlap in the events. The Blackbird was operational in the mid 60s, so I don’t doubt your dad saw it when he was stationed out there. Theres also the F117 stealth fighter that was secret until around the bush administration as well. And that’s just the stuff they tell us about.

[@artboymoy]

Love this episode. S Tier and Top 10 for me. The great Carolyn Seymour, who portrayed the Romulan Commander earlier is great her and embodies all our hope and dreams. As well as George Coe! And Michael Ensign, as the Minister of Security. Wonderful performances by all. I like how they made the alien world pretty much Earth so we know exactly what they're feeling. And Bebe Newworth as the hook up! So great!

[@davidbourhenne8540]

Yes, Josh. The Bolians are named after Cliff Bole.

[@russellharrell2747]

Shhh, let him figure it out.

[@rmccombs66]

This is an S tier.

[@tessera5029]

"This is as close as we can get to seeing what it would be like if the Federation humans came to Earth for first contact." Hahahahaha.

[@jamesalexander5623]

Our Conservatives would F*CK it up as it happened here!

[@headrockbeats]

This is easily one of my favorite episodes of TNG. Where you both saw no emotional attachment, I actually did. I can put myself in the shoes of Chancellor Derkin and Captain Picard in this episode - and think about how I would've acted in their shoes - and I find it very stimulating and exciting; but more so I can imagine what it would be like to be Mirasta Yale, and to receive this amazing opportunity not only to facilitate relations with a benevolent alien culture, but to then be invited to join them. Perfectly executed. But the other reason I love this episode so much relates to what you discussed after the episode: what Science Fiction actually is. Science Fiction is sometimes defined as an attempt to discuss philosophical ideas that are difficult to entertain in a real-life setting. Where Fantasy uses magic and mythical beings to facilitate that discussion, Science Fiction uses technology. However, that is a tool, not the point. As such, technobabble is simply a trope that _can_ be used in Science Fiction to various degrees (sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse) but is not integral to the genre. Compare 2001: A Space Odyssey, which relies heavily on the realism of its technology, to something like Blade Runner, which actively avoids it. Both are Science Fiction, taking completely different paths in their approach to technology, but both relying on technology to tell a philosophical story. With that point in mind, the exploration of the concept of First Contact is absolutely fascinating to me, and makes me THINK, which is what I want from every single Star Trek episode I watch, and is what I love the most about every single Star Trek episode that I love. TL;DR: You were right; the technobabble is just dressing. The meat is the concept. *(AND AS USUAL, A MINOR SPOILER BELOW)* There are other TNG episodes coming that view things from the perspective of people who aren't the main cast - be it recurring characters, or (in more than one case) not even that. They are generally all fantastic, and one is even the best episode of TNG, in my opinion. But for now, Season 4 returns to the comfort of what it's been doing almost consistently so far: back to the *character episodes.* In fact, there's a banger coming rather soon that will, perhaps, blow your mind.

[@J4ME5_]

To be fair the writers and advisors do their very best to make the technobabble make sense on this show. It's not just random

[@mb2000]

I believe the actor playing Krola was the hotel guy in Ghostbusters.

[@pinsentweebly]

Yup Manager of the Sedgewick hotel. Love him in this.

[@Drakoni23]

What I love about this episode, is how much more "realistic" they go about how a situation like this could play out. Similar to Arrival, which is such a fantastic movie, highly recommend. We don't have them instantly rolling up the whole military to shoot anything on sight but there is the tension of it possibly escalating, if there's miscommunication or hostility. The people of that planet also aren't all the same, they are all individual people with their opinions and thoughts and will react to the aliens arriving differently. But all of them influenced by their society's core beliefs.

[@williampilling2168]

One of the many Cheers-Star Trek crossovers!

[@J4ME5_]

Cheers Universe even with the inclusion of Frasier

[@wyrmshadow4374]

Cheers was a holonovel

[@gregoryfloriolli9031]

“Here is our environmental support and over there is our science station.” “What’s that station with the really mean looking guy with the forehead.” “That’s Mr. Worf at tactical. Don’t touch anything! We wouldn’t want to accidentally launch a photon torpedo and reduce your capital city to a radioactive crater.” “Wait! What?” “Anyway, we come in peace…”

[@ChemicalCrash]

Off-topic, but Alex’s new cut and tidied up beard looks great 👍

[@williamozier918]

Definitely one of the top ten "What Star Trek is all about episodes."

[@daraghgraham]

I would SWEAR that you can see Frakes smirking at 12:09 as he goes out of shot, after telling her he'd call the next time he's in the star system 🤣🤣

[@JAF729]

Carolyn Seymour has been a great reoccurring actress appearing in various Star Trek shows, Space 1999, Babylon 5 plus she stared in the great BBC Sci-Fi show Survivors back in the 70s!

[@ryannelson1297]

Who was she in B5?

[@kenawyn]

​@@ryannelson1297 I think she was playing senator Crosby in the episode Endgame. After president Clark committed sudoku she was the one contacting Sheridan about the defensive satellites being turned against Earth.

[@carlosvergara4132]

- Are they all science fiction? - Of course!? - Even the ones with no treknobabble? - Especially the ones with treknobabble :3

[@j.chappel1160]

This is a very guest cast driven episode and for that, I think it’s a pretty good one.

[@doombringer888]

The Alien who Riker sleeps with (Lanel) is actually Bebe Neuwirth who has appeared in numerous films and TV shows. At the time of the airing she was a fairly big name, so this was a huge "get" for the show. This won't be the last time Riker's Rizz helps save the day :)

[@ks4isu]

She also played the school principal in "The Faculty."

[@rockmanrespect]

This is definitely one of my favorite TNG episodes. As Alex and Josh would say "it ticks all my boxes." When I showed my girlfriend around 50 episodes of TNG that I picked, this was one of the first.

[@zEropoint68]

i have no idea why my pure mind decided to come up with this, but i always figured riker just kept lying to her about "compatibility." people don't realize it because guys who are good with ladies don't advertise it as a skill, but being good with ladies also means being good enough at shooting them down that they don't feel shot down.

[@bradbarter8314]

When Riker "makes love" with (the actress who played Lilith from Cheers and Frasier) and her obsession with his hands plus not knowing anything about alien sexual acts as well as not wanting to make her pregnant; I believe as he didn't seem to be getting dressed himself that he performed Ponn Faar. Using his hands which she was excited about and would make it the quickest way to get it over with and out the door and safest way too makes the most sense.

[@MusikCassette]

you seam to not have picked up, that we don't actually know if Riker had sex with that nurse. She clearly things they did. But Riker could have selled her anything as having sex. It gets hinted at. But I love that they did leave that open.

[@ninjabluefyre3815]

He's in no condition to have actual sex, they probably compromised.

[@Raja1938]

He may have simply given her some "manual" relief, which would make sense as that was the most obvious physical difference they noticed.

[@ShamrockParticle]

Great way to get around censorship too!

[@Reepicheep-1]

Yeah, Ivonova, show them how to do it human style!

[@momokomiyafuji396]

🙄

[@noquarterracing3637]

I call this the Twilight Zone episode. But really, Picard's diplomacy is on point here.

[@MrSheckstr]

Even though they are different it reminds me of the TZ B&W episode with the three armed martian and three eyed Venutian

[@bri55118]

Was nice to see the reverse of aliens meeting alien. Having the natives meeting a human from another world was interesting at the time of airing.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

A great TNG episode and unique being told from the point of view of the aliens. Loved seeing the return of the actress that played the Romulan Commander.

[@teggie6853]

Guys. This by far is one of my favorite episodes. Enjoy your reactions/reviews.

[@ProfMoff]

once again Riker is called into HR for inappropriate behavior.

[@mjbull5156]

"Kirk never got reprimanded for using his masculine magnetism to get out of a jam."

[@christopherlundgren1700]

When you’re working undercover, sometimes you have to bend the rules to survive. Maybe you have to take some drugs to get in with the gang you’re embedded with. Maybe you have to bone a thirsty alien nurse to escape from the hospital in which you’re imprisoned. 🤷

[@Vincornelis]

Erm... she raped him. He was only getting out by sleeping with her. That's not consent which has to be given freely he had no choice.

[@The_Real_Mr_Al]

@@Vincornelis Coercion definetely, but rape? Trying to dillute the definition of words like that only does real rape victims and society in general a disservice. I'm sorry, but your black-and-white "take" is quite twitter-worthy D:

[@JimFeig]

One of my favorite episodes, its fun to think about humans would react and what are the consequences of introducing yourself to a new people.

[@Taj_Rahine]

The “center of the universe” line was a metaphor.

[@johnpozniak8897]

Just hear me out. In the 10-Forward scene, Troi and Picard tell the minister that they monitor the broadcasts, entertainment, music, and humor of a society prior to making first contact. When engaging Captain Bateson's second wife's assistance to break out of the hospital, Riker knows that there's differences in the ways the species make love. What if Riker's pre-first contact mission was to study the pr0n enjoyed by the Malchorians? My headcanon is now that Riker was sitting in a seedy theatre in a run-down part of the capital enjoying some adult entertainment when the riot overtook him.

[@headrockbeats]

I don't think he needed to do any of that. She was so enamored with the idea of "alien" things and - presumably - alien sex, that she would probably have derived sufficient satisfaction from something that Riker wouldn't even consider particularly sexual. She was very open to buy literally whatever he was willing to sell.

[@radwolf76]

Chancellor Durkin's actor was one of the 236 people who worked on both TNG the NBC courtroom drama L.A. Law. Both L.A. Law and TNG just chewed through large volumes of guest stars, and there are only so many character actors in Hollywood. However I always remember him for his role on the ABC cyberpunk action/drama/comedy Max Headroom, the same show that Ira Graves' actor W. Morgan Sheppard had a prominent role on. Speaking about stars who are known for other shows, Lanel's actor, Bebe Neuwirth, played Fraiser's wife/ex Lilith on Cheers, Fraiser, and even an episode of the sitcom Wings. Saavik's Kristie Alley is another prominent Cheers alum.

[@TheBigTamale]

I hope in later episodes there is a Malcorian RIker Jr.

[@Laurie473]

Oh..... you've seen Carolyn Seymour before guys, she played commanding officer Taris of the Romulan warbird Haakona in 'Contagion' Season 2, where In 2365, her ship discovered the 'USS Yamato' inside the Neutral Zone when it rendezvous with the USS Enterprise-D. :) & you'll definitely see her again. She's really great ! not 'Jeffrey Combs great' that's another story..., but great nonetheless !

[@headrockbeats]

Who, really, is 'Jeffrey Combs great' except Jeffrey Combs? A: Andrew Robinson.

[@vohbovohborian28]

This is one of the best episodes in season 4. An EASY 9/10 for me.

[@dunringill1747]

Riker made S Tier First Contact.

[@wrorchestra1]

"Congratulations Riker, you've done it again!"

[@greenbrown7776]

Shoutout to Patron "The Lore" for spoiling that Mirasta Yale won't be returning. Way to go, dude!

[@ThomasReeves-s7u]

Yeah that was a big oopsie. On the character it does feel like a missed opportunity. That actress is elderly, but still does voice work it seems. It would be neat if she pops in to Lower Decks last season. They do "second contacts" maybe Mirasta could be there when the Malcorians (sp?) are finally ready.

[@greenbrown7776]

@@ThomasReeves-s7u I've always had a "Star Trek" show in my head that absolutely respects canon, but does one-offs, two-parters and even arcs of three to six episodes that sometimes does deeper dives on things and characters already established or other times comes up with brand new stories. Most would be Federation/Starfleet/Earth focused, but some would be from the POV of other species. And these could be set in any time or quadrant. One I'd definitely put in my show would be "Mirasta Yale Goes to Starfleet." The main problem with the show would be expense (no permanent sets) and the constant casting demands. That's why I think some would need to be longer arcs.

[@shirokuro73]

I'm so glad you guys loved this episode! It's one of my absolute favourites. It really stuck with me, and through the years I'd often wonder, did they ever go back to Malcor III? How did Mirasta Yale get on living in the Federation? If Gillian from Star Trek IV was still around, they'd have a lot in common, did they become besties? I just love this episode, I'll rewatch it anytime. Ooh I forgot to mention Carolyn Seymour. Fantastic actor with such a great presence and very striking voice! I first remember her as the character Zoey in Quantum Leap, and it made me watch out for her. I was so stoked to see her pop up in Star Trek a good few times!

[@hagbardceline7118]

"Cliff Bole, bottom of the 9th pitcher, knocking it out of the park." The baseball understander is here!

[@TopGunZero]

And since it is spoiled that Mirasta doesn't stay with the crew, I'd add that it wouldn't really make sense for her to. Yes, she's a scientist and she's quite clever, but she's not anywhere near where Starfleet is. She doesn't have anything to add to the crew's mission and her best bet is to go to a starbase and learn about the universe and the advancements of the federation. Great character, but not sure what she adds as a permanent cast member. We already have civilian characters in Keiko and Guinan. I think finding consistent screen time for this character would have been difficult.

[@headrockbeats]

Perfectly agreed. Same reason why it wouldn't make sense to add Gillian. These are characters who have to start learning from scratch - and that's what they want to do. They have their own lifetime of excitement ahead of them, their own stories. In fact, I'm pretty sure there's a whole book revolving around Mirasta Yale's exploits (don't quote me on that).

[@TopGunZero]

@@headrockbeats I think sometimes we forget what a privilege it would be to be assigned to a galaxy class starship. Wesley Crusher was an interesting character because he was only there his mother was chief medical officer, but individually proved that he merited inclusion and even that was temporary and he was off to Starfleet Academy. It's one thing to claim asylum, it's another to get assigned to the flagship vessel.

[@sodapop1850]

Ummmm....Marine Biologists are scientists just FYI 😂

[@X-RPBishop]

This is one of the most significant episodes of Star Trek. This episode was based on the rumors of what happened here during Pres. Eisenhower (USA) term and rumors of why we have shows like Star Trek and Star Wars (To prep us for the future). Grolar said, 'Surender,' and you guys call him 'dumbass.' Imagine if 'Grays' have sent hundreds of clones to be part of our societies. Just imagine how we would act. A US President lost an election, and people decided to storm the House of Representatives. Also, an advance society would most likely have some type of HIPAA compliance rules, hence no cameras in the room to protect patients' privacy.

[@alexandretorres5087]

They remembered every enemy species, including Q, except for the Ferengi...

[@mrbear1302]

I'm kind of amazed at how these two are able to prophesize things? So many times, through analyzing the episodes, they will say something and I will be thinking, " Yes that's coming!"

[@frankb3347]

To culturally prepare our people for alien contact we'll create a television program. We'll call it..... Space Trek.

[@mikeclemens795]

Galaxy Quest 😉

[@Pinkielover]

One of my top 5 episodes because of Bebe Neuwirth.😂 Man, I still have a thing for her. hot hot... Was lucky to get a chance to see her on Broadway. A few times outstanding singer and actress

[@borodinring2]

One of the best for me. How would we react? Difference is: there are a lot of different leaders on earth. Not that easy.

[@martinfehringer6408]

Yeah those were the times of the 3 big ST shows I grew up with in the 90s

[@scrapperlock9437]

This is one of my top 4 episodes of the season. I love the reversal of us being the "aliens." And I like how Picard handles it. But probably my best part is the planet's leader, who is very thoughtful and does a nice job of weighing the pros and cons of things.

[@martinfehringer6408]

TNG and DS9 are the most iconic and most complex shows of Star Trek

[@alexandretorres5087]

Also, social sciences are sciences too, so first contact is totally on topic

[@mjbull5156]

Those are not really sciences. Jerry Pournelle had a very good essay on the distinctions between the hard and soft sciences, in that the latter lack rigor.

[@jacobconley8207]

Thank you for the shout out

[@theartsig]

I'm waiting for these kids to recognize Lilith Sternin.

[@J4ME5_]

I am pretty sure these guys are in their thirties not their fifties

[@Raja1938]

@@J4ME5_ Well they came into TNG already familiar with Jonathan Frakes from his series "Beyond Belief", whose run ended years before Frasier did.

[@LukeWarm05]

First Contact: aka Riker goes full Kirk with Space Lilith.

[@deathbysnoosnoo8640]

I love how you switched positions for the review

[@Bjy001]

I call this one "the Bebe Neuwirth episode". lol.

[@rafetizer]

The chancellor's voice is superb

[@thebigboo5]

Yet another great one and I agree, the perspective of doing this type of episode from the "aliens" POV rather than our crews is genius. And by far the best prime directive thing so far, it actually makes sense here. And you have to love the curve ball of the guy willing to be a martyr for his views, I don't think I've ever seen anyone who saw that coming, brilliant bit of writing. Looking forward to the next one, as always :)

[@ShamrockParticle]

So much better than "Who Watches the Watchers"! Great ideas, nuances, and execution, role reversal being used beautifully, topped with fantastic Incidental music, this is an all-time great for TNG. As is your reaction, so many moments stood out. ❤ Even the teaser and the mirror flip of Picard's reaction! Even the "teach some love" routine is not instigated by Kirk, I mean Riker! Granted, how did Mirasta show Picard and Troi around while in their uniforms standing out like am archerycrange painted bright pink? P.s. note tv talk shows circa 1991 and giggle...

[@artboymoy]

Michael Ensign was the hotel manager in Ghostbusters. "Five thousand dollars? I don't pay it."

[@davidmarsden192]

Mirasta Yale was played by Carolyn Seymour. She's a great actress! She played "Toreth" (the Romulan Commander) in TNG "Contagion" ... and she'll be back (as a new character, in a later episode that is one of my all-time favourites!)

[@Laurie473]

This was the very 1st episode of TNG that I ever saw in PUBLIC, with other like minded Trekkies ! I went along to a STAR TREK Club called 'WESTREK' with a mate in Perth, West. Australia. Which met once a month at a Local Hall & Watched 4 x Star Trek Eps, as 1 xTOS, 2 x TNG & 1 x DS9 per meeting, We had a 'Ten Forward' for snacks & drinks, a "Promenade" for collectables & trading cards, & a Membership Video rental library! ( Yep, all 'dubbed' VHS Tapes back then ! Copyright what was that ?!? lol). Live Long & Prosper ! James Doohan & George Takei were even honorary members of our lil West Aussie Club! & James Doohan even dropped in for a visit when he was out here on holidays once. Needless to say, I was hooked ! A great 4 years of my 20 something life in to 90's.... Ah.... those were the days !!

[@robslack5468]

Nice! Alex found a barber!

[@mjbull5156]

@@robslack5468 Is he a Bolian? They are the best.

[@ldifalco2010]

Excellent point made about not warning the Malchorians about hostile alien races. Regarding security cameras, while they are very common today, they weren't used as much in 1991 when this show was produced. While STTNG is set in the 24th century, remember it was produced at the end of the 20th century. Bebe Neuwirth, who played Lane, the seductive nurse, played the long time character Dr. Lilith Sternin-Crane in the NBC series "Cheers" and "Frasier".

[@julianozaur444]

This whole episode feels like "GODDAMN IT GENE NOT AGAIN WHO LETS YOU IN ANYWAY?!"

[@losdef1283]

That is Sci-fi. Answering those questions of what would happen when you make contact. Sci-fi is the big ideas of how it affects all of those involved

[@alexandretorres5087]

Memorable episode, at leat an A. Many years afater the series end I still remember this one.

[@allendean9807]

You guys are too good friends to believe the animosity… silly boys… another great video review!!

[@VieVentar]

Oh speaking of sex and trek, there is a porn parody of TNG that is so well made that it has a cut with all the porn scenes cut out. And said cut is freely available here on KZbin. It's genuinely made by folks who genuinely CARED about making it work as a trek episode first and foremost. Might be worth keeping as an April Fools or Halloween episode.

[@Jacana2k6]

Love this episode. Nice seeing Carolyn Seymour not being an evil character. And Bebe Neuwirth, Cheer's Lilith, hilarious as turned on by Riker. Great story. Great casting of the guests.

[@floydlooney6837]

A series or mini-series following a member of a new species in the federation would be interesting

[@bunnygrill]

A Bolian being blown off after a greeting. I wonder if that will ever happen.

[@Eidlones]

I love this episode. All the first contact episodes are high up in my favorites list.

[@Analog_Mind47]

You know becoming capable of warp travel would be transformative to society, not just because of space travel being unlocked, but The Power generation required to do so would basically create a post scarcity society. It's the immense power generation that allows the Federation to create food & resources practically out of thin air with their replicators

[@andmicbro1]

"I would go back to September 2001 and invest in Bitcoin." Lol! The misdirection on that one got me. I nearly choked laughing.

[@IAMtheSpaceNinja]

Another great reaction to a great episode! I love you guy for sharing your Trek journey with us!

[@williampeck844]

Michael Pillar had a very collaborative style. A lot of times when you see multiple people on the teleplay it's because they were all in the writer's room contributing, breaking the story down on a whiteboard. I'm sure there are other things involved such as Union rules and what not, but I know from watching a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff the writers were very very collaborative during the Michael Pillar, Jeri Taylor years.

[@MJE-riffs]

And that's how Riker brought herpes to yet another planet.

[@My-Name-Isnt-Important]

Great writing and a great cast. Everything is top notch in this episode. I especially like Carolyn Seymour's performance, not just in this episode, but all of her other performances in other series and even video games. I always watched this episode when it came on. It's very well done and something that's fairly realistic if you place the Malcorians into a human perspective. If suddenly an Alien were found on Earth in a hospital, pretty much the same reaction would take place. Fear, paranoia, and the sudden realization that humanity is no longer alone in the universe. Plus, the possibility that it's just the first step in an invasion. Not to mention the damage that could be done to human culture and society.

[@tonyadler1319]

Although he wasn't on the show long, George Coe was billed as a cast member in the first episode of SNL. He appeared in various roles in the first season before leaving.

[@MikeytheGeek7711]

It might not seem like a big deal now, but having Bebe Neuwirth from Cheers play the woman who wanted to have sex with an alien was noteworthy at the time. They had heard that she was a fan and wrote that scene for her hoping that she would do it, and she jumped at the chance.