The First Federation-Romulan Co-Venture

Star Trek The Next Generation s03e07 The Enemy
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[@TheZetaKai]

I love that the writers had Worf stick to his guns and refuse the transfusion. They could have made him have a change of heart, but it's much more interesting when the Klingons don't share our values. When Martok proposed to toast victory on Cardassia once they had defeated the Dominion, Sisko initially agreed, but when the moment came, Sisko could not bear to drink over the bodies of those that they had slain in battle; for Martok it was normal, but it was abhorrent to a human like Sisko. Klingons are not just people with funny foreheads, and they will surprise you if you treat them as such.

[@Cailus3542]

There's a limit to that, however. With Martok, sure, that's his way, but it is possible to respect a person's culture while still finding it morally abhorrent. This was absolutely a good story decision, and it made the episode far better, but there's no getting around the fact that Worf let a man die out of spite. Is that acceptable in Klingon culture? Yes, absolutely. Is it acceptable in ours? No. Make no mistake, Worf failed here in every respect. The "but that's acceptable in my culture!" excuse is just that: an excuse, and an abhorrent one, a cowardly way of trying to excuse what he did (well, didn't do). If someone owns a slave in the Romulan Empire, that's still awful, no matter how "acceptable" it might be in their culture. Cultural tolerance is a fine thing, but only to a point. You have to draw the line, define that line very carefully by basic rules, then stick to it. In this scene, when Worf clearly states that he won't volunteer, you can see Picard deflate. You can see his disappointment, realising that Worf is not the man he thought he was.

[@TheZetaKai]

@@Cailus3542 I agree with all of your points, and Worf definitely did a Bad Thing here. I'm just saying that it was the more interesting choice from the perspective of drama and culture. The writers could have had him whinging and whining, only to eventually cave, learn a lesson, and be the Bigger Man, blah-blah-blah. But no, our Worf just let a man die out of spite, and we the audience have to square that with the character that we know and love. That's far better than him doing the right thing, in my opinion. The only thing better would be if this incident had later come back to haunt him or bite him in the ass, as part of a later moment of character growth.

[@Cailus3542]

@@TheZetaKai Yep, I absolutely agree with you there. This was a superb decision by the writers, far more impactful than the alternative. Life isn't a morality tale.

[@whong09]

I wouldn't be so quick to claim moral superiority over another culture.

[@emperornortoni2871]

I thought I saw in another clip that the Romulan hated him as much as he hated the Romulan, and would rather die than have his body polluted by "Klingon filth." Dr. House might have used subterfuge to save the Romulan anyway, but I don't think Worf was a bad guy here.

[@taopilot2669]

"The death of a Romulan officer at the hands of the Federation. Think of it." "I have, captain. It's glorious!"

[@Krystalmyth]

"I have, Captain. For the past four hours. If I continue to think of it for more I may have to seek medical intervention."

[@digitalcyclone7218]

"I won't have to captain.....the romulan has died." chilling dialog. bravo to the writers.

[@brandonfrancey5592]

Damn it Beverly, could you not have told me 5 minutes ago? I could have avoided a whole conversation with Worf!

[@DanielRoberts-dd6lh]

@@brandonfrancey5592 My room smells all Klingonny now!

[@davajita]

"That will be all." Dripping with disappointment and Worf caught every drop.

[@VastIceGaming]

Picard at the end was like a father who said, "I'm not mad... just disappointed."

[@NYCZ31]

Good blocking to have Picard rise out of his chair when he asks (begs) Worf to undergo the transfusion, but then sit back down when he dismisses him. That’s not just a chair, but his seat of authority. He sits, everyone else stands, unless invited to sit.

[@Trek001]

You know that crap is about to go down when Picard breaks the 4th wall to order the Red Alert

[@Argumemnon]

I was wondering why he was telling me to go to red alert.

[@pepe6666]

i flicked my lightswitch on & off but it wasn't working

[@SaberRiryi]

@@pepe6666 Changed the LED's on my desk to red.

[@Dowlphin]

He wasn't looking at the audience, though. Nuance, please! His eyes wearily gaze inwards, so to speak.

[@DanielRoberts-dd6lh]

I just pulled the red switch on the wall. Now there are hundreds of people stood outside in the cold.

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

One of the things I love most about TNG is the way so much of the dialogue occured without speaking. Here both men know exactly what the other is going to say: Picard knows Worf not only will refuse but _must_ refuse, he being who he is, while Worf knows Picard won't order him, Picard being who _he_ is. Even knowing the result in advance, both men must go through the motions with their obstinance and anger on their faces. People talk about Patrick Stewart's acting skills (and rightly so), but Michael Dorn being able to emote such subtlety through all that makeup and facial prosthetics is pretty impressive.

[@stars9084]

I don't know if they were inevitable. I honestly think Worf wasn't sure, I think he may have even been surprised.

[@ShanaReviews]

there's a reason michael dorn is one of my favorite actors, while he might not have gotten a lot of roles after TNG he DID get a number of voice roles and each character he plays, he gives a lot of energy to vocing

[@bjsimon802]

well said

[@PeytonOver]

I agree that Michael Dorn did an excellent job at silently emoting. I thought I caught surprise on Warf's face after Picard dismissed him instead of ordering the transfusion(I believe that is what a Klingon commander would have done). You can see what seems to be shock, and grief stricken realization cross Warf's face as he feels the weight of his choice and the choice of Picard settle onto his shoulders for a moment before he sticks to his guns, turns, and walks out.

[@mst-pierrem5729]

Michel Dorn is a severely underatted actor. I think he was phenomenal as an actor and in his character from the beginning! To play such a role is a tough one and he does it amazingly!!

[@Rekaert]

I'm glad they stuck with Worf's refusal, as it sets up an interesting moral conundrum from multiple directions. The hatred was mutual between Klingon and Romulan, and Worf of course has every right to refuse what he perceives as a violation of him personally, and his beliefs. His moral judgement may result in the death of the Romulan. Picard could of course order it, and Worf has already stated that he would obey such an order, but here we see Picard also make a moral judgement. Ordering a member of his crew to submit to a medical procedure that they find abhorrent is a step too far for Picard, and it's a step he refuses to take. That decision also may result in the death of the Romulan. Both men there have an option to do something to help save a life, but neither take it because for them personally it requires too much. To complicate things, the Romulan explicitly refuses the medical procedure, so it wouldn't just be Worf's wishes being violated, but the Romulan's as well. Then of course there is the cynical knowledge that saving the Romulan's life is a secondary concern seemingly to anyone except Dr Crusher. For Picard, it's a political incident he wishes to avoid. The Romulan's life or death is just the fulcrum upon which considerably more important concerns rest. Sometimes I forget how compelling Star Trek used to be.

[@ShanaReviews]

it really peaked during DS9 and while I enjoyed Voyager it did leave a lot to be desired, the closest I think it ever got to a compelling story was when Bellana Torres was grappling with her own identity, especially when it came to her child. Perhaps one day Star Trek will be able to return to the kind of writing it use to have when the new writers grow and mature their craft, even if their skills are leaving a bit of a sour spot.

[@11jerans]

Seasons 3, 4, 5, and 6 of TNG were some of the best written television ever. Consistently hitting highs and very minimal lows. Season 1 and 2 were less consistent, but the highs were way freaking up there, along with unfortunately quite a few dull episodes. And season 7 struck me as a bunch of people who knew they were on the last gasp and were happy to just cross the finish line. Still good, just not inspired

[@tomk3732]

Now you have imposter STD with good effects and no moral lessons. Feast for the eyes as the brain died of starvation long time ago.

[@chriscoleman5238]

Well said.

[@angmordagnithil7127]

Woah, woah. Not nearly enough explosions and fistfights in there. I lost interest halfway through.

[@matthewlibanio8227]

When Geordi laughs... Just imagine that laugh in total darkness now... Hahahaha!

[@alvideos2145]

With him grabbing your shoulders from behind.

[@rafsolo]

It actually scared me a bit 😂

[@TheZetaKai]

Boy, Crusher's instruments are going to be extra-cold at your next physical, Worf.

[@ScorpiusZA.]

That should not have made me laugh, but it did.

[@dogkungfu8510]

Weekly prostate exams 😁

[@JnEricsonx]

The man withstood pain sticks. A chilly butt probe is probably easier to deal with.

[@Intrafacial86]

Such a great moment of inter-cultural moral conundrum. Both Worf and Picard know how critical this is, but Worf can’t bear to choose willingly, and Picard can’t bear to order him.

[@victorconway444]

You can really see why Worf has so much respect for Picard personally in this scene. And clearly how much Picard respect Worf and his decisions too.

[@sharkytool]

it is unjust to force someone to give of their self unwillingly.

[@rafsolo]

​@@sharkytoolI agree. Even when it causes conflict, you can't force someone to learn something that is against their individual and cultural identity. Like forcing a non-Christian to celebrate Christian holidays. Or making vegans eat meat

[@laker4life36]

How Lavar Burton never blinked in this scene baffles me! I had a hard time not blinking just watching this!!! Kudos to him!

[@RandomAmerican3000]

It is a learnable technique. The kid from "A.I." did it through the whole movie.

[@ricksimon9867]

Also, there are so many cuts that he only has to keep his eyes open for a minute at a time. That is not difficult.

[@AlyssMa7rin]

To be fair, those prosthetics probably make it so that his eyes don't sting as much after being open that long. Less air getting to the eyeball

[@CertifiedDoc]

@@AlyssMa7rin They're only colored contact lenses. Do contacts make you blink less often?

[@MrErizid]

In the late 80's and early 90's, contacts were made of hard plastic and were very uncomfortable compared to what we have now.@@CertifiedDoc

[@JLWarren]

If there was ever an example that STEM fields can unite us all, Geordi and Bochra proved it right here.

[@Locktwiste72]

Ambassador LaForge, the first Federation officer to broker peace with the Romulans.

[@TechnoMageB5]

Worf's evolution of character shows here in retrospect. Years later, he would do things "for the Empire," even if it meant giving up a personal conviction, for the greater good. "Winning a battle that destroys the Empire is no victory, and losing a battle to save the Empire is no defeat." Whether that battle be with swords or honor or both, the principle is the same. He sacrifices his family honor to save the Empire just a scant 2 seasons later from this episode. At this point, although it's the Federation at stake and not the Empire, he does not yet see the greater good. His battle is personal in scope. Picard tries to appeal to him to view the greater picture, but Worf does not hear him in this context.

[@pepe6666]

fascinating

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

His ability to see shades of grey grew as his confidence in himself increased, I think. In the beginning, his human upbringing made him feel like he wasn't Klingon enough, forcing him to overcompensate. That was the purpose of his character after all, to show the difficulty of a child adopted into another culture working through his feelings about his ethnicity. When Worf grew to accept who he was, a true Klingon comfortably of both worlds, he no longer had to work so hard to portray himself as the ultimate Klingon hard-ass. And thus he was able to forget about appearances and focus on more subtle issues of morality and the greater good.

[@cernstormrunner7263]

I wonder if they had suggested to Worf how dishonored the Romulan would be to owe his life to a Klingon if that would have changed his mind.

[@mycrowsoffed]

Nice idea but wouldn't work because 'Romulans are without honor' kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKKbq4ewoZqGb5I

[@Spender2569]

Exactly. Letting him die makes him a hero. Save his life, let him get back to his ship, let him gloat, and then tell him with his commanding officer standing there that he owes his life to Klingon blood. That won't look good on his resume.

[@josephsheranda]

@@Spender2569 Which is precisely why he chose death. He couldn't stand the thought of Klingon blood going into his body.

[@augustday9483]

Worf doesn't spark me as a spiteful person.

[@stars9084]

The most incredible thing about this scene is that if there is any one person anywhere who'd be least likely to refuse Picard when he says he's begging for something, it's Worf

[@LordyT34]

Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the man who would risk a war rather then violate a beings right to choose

[@sa-amirel-hayeed699]

Unlike every single world leader in the time frame in which you wrote this comment. Tell me, friend - did you participate in the mandated transfusions? Did you.... Violate your friends and families rights to choose?

[@Mike-jl2kp]

I remember this one, it's is a great episode.

[@ratwalsh8794]

I feel like you could say that about literally any episode, just my opinion

[@fixitdad1955]

@@ratwalsh8794 Was gonna say the same thing.... Every episode EXCEPT the 1 they gave 2 the Doctor Gates McFadden 🤢🤮 Sub Rosa

[@Mike-jl2kp]

@@ratwalsh8794 Yeeha I probably should have explained a bit more! It's just when watching this clip it reminded me not only of the relationship between Georgi and the Romulan on the planet (and the unforgettable line "and you parents let you live! - the irony being that Geordie saves him"), but with Worf being the only person who could do save the other Romulan and he was fighting his morale dilemma and hatred for the Romulans. Plus there was threat of all out war and the tension between Picard and the Romulan captain. Looking back its one of those episodes which delivered on what Star Trek is all about. There was a lot of "average - poor" episodes, especially in Season 1

[@ratwalsh8794]

@@Mike-jl2kp okay fair enough, you are correct. Some episodes were asking deeper questions than others. One of my personal favorites, the one where Riker served aboard the Klingon ship

[@SuperJhon360]

People have right to their body's period if you dont want to donate blood you don t have to. In life we got two things that we truly own. Things that cannot be taken from us our body and our thoughts. To force someone to give their body just to suit someone else is a moral crime. As such everyone on the enterprise gave him the choice they never ordered him to save the romulan. Him deciding he didnt want to is a decision that should be respected and left alone because trying to guilt or convince someone into giving their body up is also a moral crime. You cannot give someone the choice and also be angry and dismissive of them because they didnt choose what you wanted them to choose.

[@whatk2]

By not ordering the transfusion, Picard demonstrated his loyalty to Worf. After their stand-off, Picard said: "Lieutenant, that will be all." That was a fine moment in Dorn's acting, the subtlety of him conveying how stunned he must have been that the order never came, and the consequent increase in his respect for Picard.

[@philipbunney9445]

‘The good of the many against the good of the few…or the one’. Bet that was the original line of dialogue.

[@ShanaReviews]

"the needs of the many, outweigh the needs of the few...or the one"

[@Dowlphin]

People are constantly being tested about this when the needs of the one are they themselves.

[@MrHarris73]

Greatest 'Red Alert" in the history of the series - maybe even the entire franchise.

[@shiindaisuke3159]

You can hear the vehement disappointment in Picard's voice.

[@MikeLavin]

Dumping it all on Worf wasn't fair, the Romulan didn't want to "contaminate" himself with anything from a Klingon on anyway. Didn't he have a say in all of this as well? Picard and Crusher really laid the guilt trip on heavy, even though their patient didn't want to take part in their treatment. I really appreciated how Worf stuck to his guns here despite the pressure

[@tormuse2916]

It's entirely possible that the Romulan's unwillingness to participate is the reason that Worf is sticking to his guns here. When Worf went to visit him, it looked like Worf was considering it. Funnily enough, Worf's choice to not do the transfusion may be due to Worf's respect for the Romulan's right to choose as much as his honour, or whatever.

[@Dowlphin]

@@tormuse2916 I don't remember how skillful/realistic the dialogue was after this, but surely it would have been sellable to explain the whole situation and that Picard was even considering a klingon blood transfusion but the romulan refused. Might not have been of crucial difference, but taken into account. ... Then again... maybe not, haha. Depends just how boneheaded the Romulans are in that matter.

[@tormuse2916]

@@Dowlphin Eh... well... boneheaded or not, I seriously doubt that Tomalok would buy that. It would just sound like a bunch of "Federation excuses" or something, and the Romulan patient is too dead to vouch for them, at this point.

[@Dowlphin]

@@tormuse2916 I am sure they have a recording of it in the computer. (But of course that can be faked, if they want to go that far with the fake outrage.)

[@robjackson5245]

I disagree with Picard when it comes to guilt trip. As much as Picard can be a "Seinfeld"-hating liberal shitstain asshole (this show being black is what saved it). Beverly is the only one who was being a self-righteous guilt tripper. Asshole Riker (the bigger of the assholes between Picard and Riker), another "Seinfeld"-hating liberal, was just trying to get Worf to see the error of his ways. So was Picard. EVEN Deanna when she said the Cardassians were their allies and Worf had to give them a chance, wasn't doing it in a self-righteous way, even though in retrospect that was stupid but that's more the writers than the character, cause the Cardassians were enemies in an armistace not allies. Beverly is the only one who's self-righteous on the show. And I can't stand Gates cause she's a "Friends"-watcher who hates broish gals, tomboys (the first two being one of the bros) and autistics. She bashed an autistic person at a Comic Con meeting. I'm surpsied she was on a The WB show. You know the less popular between them and UPN.

[@cranberriesdoodle1450]

Shaka, when the walls fell.

[@THEC.O.VISIT.]

This was one of the best thought out, deep piece of writing ever. When I think of the abhorrant ahows like Picard it makes me so sad. TNG had so many brilliantly written programs and moral lessons....gone forever.

[@izzyraimi]

I wouldn't say it's gone. After all, it's still here, and it still resonates.

[@rickmaurer8726]

Corporations don't want you to think or feel, they just want you consume mindlessly, obey orders, follow the herd, and NEVER question anything.

[@ShadowSonic2]

Please, Picard was fine

[@fryfry377]

One of those moments when Picard is most vulnerable to criticism as a captain. It is very much up to each viewer and character of Star Trek whether his actions here were right. But it's so very Picard to refuse to compromise the self-determination of one of his officers because of higher stakes. Also very Worf to refuse to bend on such an issue as this.

[@davidlewis5312]

well I think that criticism is blunted by the fact the Romulan patient was already a corpse.

[@fryfry377]

@@davidlewis5312 I'm not sure what you mean, since that fact was not known to either officer before the end of their dialogue. Picard resolved not to force Worf to undergo the procedure before Crusher reported the Romulan's death.

[@williamboler8709]

Worf practically told Picard to order him to do it. He just couldn't volunteer, it would betray his Klingon values. Picard should have known that, and treated him like a Klingon not a human.

[@gladiater56]

Ah but wouldn't that be Picard acting as a Klingon instead of a human?

[@lucasbachmann]

You are right. If it was that important Picard should have ordered it. Thank you for pointing that out. (Though I've always been more focused on the medical technobabble - if this guy needs a transfusion of ribosomes he's messed up beyond repair more so than writers intended.)

[@illam9500]

Worf is a man of conviction and I like it

[@ennabennab8061]

Thank you for these clips! Your clip selection is impeccable! Good to know others share my passion for QUALITY TREK!

[@jamesburridge49]

Man I love when picard stares Into the camera! To my recollection he's the only star trek actor to do so

[@Captain_Razor_88]

I too must applaud the writers decision of allowing Worf to stick with his beliefs. We as humans may feel his decision is morally reprehensible but Worf is not Human, he comes from a different culture and we must remind ourselves that not every culture sees certain matters the same. Even among us humans, different cultures demand different things. In real life the U.S. Military is obligated to adhere and respect a multitude of cultural differences within its ranks and make concessions (within reason) accordingly to accommodate them. There are two forms of obligation, dutiful and personal. The matter of donating a part of himself to save the life of an enemy, perceived or otherwise, falls under personal obligation of which Worfs culture states he is obligated not to do. This is why even doctor Crusher could not order him to donate, a person cannot be ordered to violate their own personal obligation, it would be a violation of their rights as free individuals. Worf did give Picard an out by allowing the captain to make it a dutiful obligation by making it an order which he would abide by as his culture would recognize it as adhering to his duty to obey his commanding officer. Picard, however, understood that this too would be a violation of Worfs' rights and that the peer pressure they were subjecting him to was merely a means of achieving the same violation but with the illusion of keeping their hands clean, hence why he ordered the doctor to cease harassing Worf (and it is a form of harassment even putting him in the same room as the patient to guilt trip him is a means of harassment) to comply. Personal obligation must be respected, in so long as it does not interfere with dutiful obligation, hence why concessions to accommodate personal obligation are "within reason".

[@epiendless1128]

"The Romulan has died." "And you couldn't have told me that 2 minutes ago?!?"

[@Barbutt]

Comments are spot on in this situation. Worf made a decision and it should go un forced and unpunished. Although we wish otherwise on some level. I’m pretty sure Dr. Crusher, Data, Riker and others made personal decisions we booed from our couches.

[@actioncom2748]

3:45 - The Picard is not pleased

[@MrKpsuk84]

2:51 put simply 'The needs of the many out way the needs of the few'

[@jesusmalena3741]

hmm, so I wonder, would Captain Piccard choose to kill one human versus five if the trolly problem was presented to him? The needs of the many out way the needs of a few. Should we destroy the individual for the need of the collective? Is sacrificing one life to save 10 million worth it? Difficult questions for some, not so difficult for others. Would the ones who say they would sacrifice one life to save many, kill their own sibling if their sibling was the one been sacrificed?

[@lisasimmons5362]

Excellent scene. Bravo to Worf for standing his ground. He could not have violated his very essence, his absolute core, without dissolving his own self-respect. His life from that point on would have been a self-destructive sham had he proceeded with the transfusion. Besides, I cannot believe that Picard would have authority to order Worf to participate in a transfusion.

[@kmarasin]

Given that starship captains can, given the circumstances, order the people under their command to their deaths, I'm betting ordering someone to undergo a simple no-risk procedure would be pretty routine. It is Picard's personal relationship with his fellow officer that he weighs in the balance of things here.

[@softy8088]

It doesn't matter if Picard had the authority, legally speaking. Worf would have obeyed because he would PERSONALLY consider the order to be ethically compelling, in his own view. Both men were operating under strong, personal codes of ethics and behavior. While the law influenced them, it came down to each having their own sense of what is right based on the values each held.

[@SnowblindOtter]

It's a Zero-Sum, or a No-Win, situation. Picard had the authority, but had he done so he would have destroyed his relationship with a friend and trusted officer. By not doing so, he respected his friend's personal feelings, but now is in the tough situation of explaining this to the Romulans.

[@_Tree]

The way they look into the camera before their next dialogue is great!! This show was well made!!

[@Sage2000]

Picard begging was such a huge gesture 😢

[@jebclang9403]

That is the most dramatic "red alert" order i've seen on tng

[@rexduis467]

I'd forgotten how intense this was sometimes. Especially between these two. Worf was the first Klingon to enlist in Star Fleet - so the crew had a challenge in finding their way with a valuable but sometimes contradictory and difficult crew member. Worf ended up being the longest running Federation character ironically, spanning 3 separate Trek series as well as all the films. It was arguably that complexity and his conflicting values that made him compelling enough for a lot of other characters to bounce off of.

[@tek512]

I would like to think Geordi hit up his Romulan bro after the Dominion War finally opened them up to talking. Y'know, before "Picard" completely missed the point in Trek and fucked it all up.

[@brendandax]

Another incredible scene. I love this show so much

[@maliciousfry]

And thus the Enterprise was destroyed by the Romulan ship seconds after the fade to black.

[@ireallyreallyhategoogle]

That's the kind of moral questioning that was so great about Star Trek.

[@Dowlphin]

Talk about bad timing, hah. But I am glad we saw this interaction. Picard could have ordered Worf and that would have put the 'shame' on Picard's shoulders, and yet Picard decided he respects Worf and his contributions to the crew too much to introduce that bad blood forever after. Also, the thematic contrast between Worf and Geordi is beautiful and likely intended.

[@Android_Warrior]

THIS IS TRULLY RESPECT OF PERSONAL CHOISE AND RESPECT OF FREE WILL. RESPECT THE INDIVIDUAL ABOVE ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@alexhorton7845]

One of Worf's best scenes.

[@macbuff81]

When I see Patrick Stewart from the early 90s here and the one from the 2021 ST Picard series, it really makes hope that we can "cure" aging in the future

[@teenspirit1]

Picard had the power to save the officer. It is phenomenal the way he took Worf's moral burden into his own hands by pleading instead of simply ordering him. And Worf wouldn't even be bitter if he did. He finds honor in following orders that require sacrifice.

[@blockmasterscott]

I will always think of Michael Dorn as a highway patrol officer in ChiPs!

[@somebuddyX]

That thumbnail is some demented looking stuff

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

Is it just me, or does Worf crack a little bit when Picard says "That will be all"? It's as if he's actually shaken to the core that Picard is that deeply disappointed in him. Maybe this is one of the first times Worf really feels the collision of the Klingon and the Starfleet values. This could easily be the moment that triggered his transformation into the Worf we'll see later in the series. I believe Worf wouldn't have refused to help later in the series. This is brave by Worf albeit a little short-sighted. It's not easy to stick to these particular guns in front of Picard. However, I get the idea that even Worf doesn't count this as one of his most honorable moments.

[@Solkre82]

Once the Romulan said he'd rather die than be tainted with Klingon filth the entire discussion was over. The Federation would respect his body autonomy. It should have just been recorded for the Romulan commander.

[@paulpolpiboon9535]

Too bad we don't have Star Trek anymore, this was bad ass.

[@vsync]

Picard tried emotional blackmail to put the moral responsibility on Worf, who threw his cowardice back in his face.

[@jaredhamon3411]

I always thought it might have been better to leave the Saucer section to pick up the survivors and have the star drive meet the war-bird.

[@NoJusticeNoPeace]

If they're expecting a fight, then losing the saucer section reduces battle effectiveness by losing access to the phaser strips above and below. By itself the saucer section is almost helpless, but it contributes substantially to the ship's versatility in combat.

[@jaredhamon3411]

@@NoJusticeNoPeace Wasn't the whole point of it so they could leave families in a "safe" location while the officers go fight? Also had he met them he could have forced a stand off away from the event allowing him to secure leverage.

[@user-tp7gy4dj4l]

At the top of the hierarchy, like security chief or admiral on board a ship, compassion and cooperation are impossible. At the bottom of the hierarchy, like an engineer or a cadet stranded in a storm, those things are necessary.

[@cranberriesdoodle1450]

He died 10 minutes ago, I should've told you but I had to change Wesley's diaper.

[@ikweetvannixx]

One of the most dramatic rec alert commands ever… they throw around red alert like Oprah, but this one is serious…

[@moboutmen]

"Screw you guys, I'm keeping my blood."

[@ktefccre]

Wow kudos to Worf I would have given in if people ask me nicely 😂

[@MrJgonzo76]

I would've done the same. Way to stand your ground !

[@adamwilson2904]

As a kid I genuinely believed he was going to order warf to aggre

[@Lucretiel]

3:58 literally cannot remember someone was able to leave the captain's ready room after being dismissed without being held back for some final words as the door was opening.

[@stratfordbaby]

2:58 GOD KNOWS!!!! The God?!?!

[@Aethgeir]

I bet Janeway would've given that order.

[@titanhades4331]

Geordi is the greatest character in this franchise.

[@charliezobel8026]

Janeway would have ordered him to do it without hesitation and that would be it. I appreciate that Janeway wasn't Picard and vica versa... that said she became an Admiral before he did which says something ...

[@norrinzelkarr8572]

It is so weird here when picard breaks the fourth wall and looks at us

[@dthejc]

Janeway would have ordered Worf to do it.

[@anthonyherrera5838]

"God knows" how quaint...😮😅

[@tricky1992000]

everyone loves magical trevor.......

[@corssecurity]

Does the captain go against his person moral code and order an officer to provide aid to a mortal enemy? Does a Captain ask an officer to ease thier moral burden and volunteer to violate his morality? Do nothing and risk all out war? Billions dead, world's burning... Remember what Sisko told Worf later. If you think command is difficult now, wait till you have four pips on your collar. If I believe fervently that any price is worth peace my own soul be dammed? How does the concerns of those under my command effect me? Do I get to sacrifice thier morality for my duty, for peace, to save billions of lives? Worf is dead standing at the gates of Stov'vo'Kor and says open and let me in. I died with honour! Did you not give aid and succour, your very blood to a Romulan? They who took your families honour? I was following orders? Or will Worf awake on the Barge headed to Gre'thor amoung the dammed? And what of the fate of one Klingon soul in exchange for the billions of lives saved and the children's children of those who would have died during a war? Not bad for a tv show. Unfortunately we have not seen this level of writing out of Hollywood in some time

[@rockhaze]

0:24 Patrick Stewart breaks the fourth wall again.

[@ABCMeEFG]

Picard saying "Red Alert" is the closest I've ever felt to him giving me a direct order. Any else suddenly feel like they should be doing something? 😂

[@misterlau5246]

Another thing I love about TNG is they showed me more of the Klingons, specially in later seasons. Worf became my favourite character. I insist Geordi is too slow thinking for a engineer. Remember Montgomery Scott? He was fast as heck! The fourth movie, when typing the transparent aluminum formulas?

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

I don't know Scotty too well as I never got into TOS. Does Geordi have anything over Scotty in your opinion, though?

[@misterlau5246]

@@Jayteaseepiirturi well happy holidays, and it's just Montgomery Scott was, you know, the super engineer, doing things like sabotaging the Excelsior... Maximum WARP! 😳 Wwwwooooos.....put put ssssss.. Crreeeaaak puuuf🤣 Geordi was more like.. 🤔 I dunno.. Human? Not near perfect, but.. 🤔 First episodes, he seemed like the next captain, he took a big risk with the stardrive YEAH! BUT he was put more in the Trek babble and a holodeck spanker, 🤔 He is a real friend of Data, the "machine" ALWAYS... I like commodore laforge, don't believe otherwise

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

@@misterlau5246 OK, I would venture a guess that it's a change in the culture of making TV. There wasn't so much fleshing out earlier. Then again... Geordi's gimmick was being a blind guy that can see. Jadzia Dax comes to mind. I always felt that her purpose was just to be there, sort of. But that's just me.

[@misterlau5246]

@@Jayteaseepiirturi man, when I watched TNG I was a teen, and one thinks about other things, you kbiw, more "spiritual" 🤣 I I'm going for my half a century of being here, and I see it's all about business and how did they "represented" back then. What I can say, is tng did taught me a few very human lessons. Jadzia was cool. Period. 😅😅😅😁🖖

[@Jayteaseepiirturi]

@@misterlau5246 Shall not argue. Jadzia had her perks. I was just left scratching my head. :D

[@cernstormrunner7263]

just noticed Whorf's combadge is slightly askew. A representation of how even if he is Starfleet, he still does things his own way in some cases?

[@Qsie]

Patrick Stewart: _looks down camera lens_ me: oh. oh no.

[@Grimlock794]

There isn't any Vulcans on the ship that would be a match for the transfusion?

[@danieldb631]

I don't know how Worf would have had compatible blood with a Romulan. Like Vulcans, they bleed green, which is a copper based vessel. Klingons (supposedly) bleed Pepto bismal which, I have no idea what mineral that is, but I don't see how that would come anywhere close to a match with the Romulan. Worf may have been right to refuse a transfusion without knowing it. But, I get it. They needed drama an' such, so it works.

[@brinrin7029]

I was wondering about the two different bloods too.

[@askjeevescosby2928]

1:47 take it back now yall

[@jaywilson4520]

Oh for god's sake, Picard should have just said "The needs of the many sometimes outweigh the needs of the few... or the one." Just say it, Picard - you know you want to.

[@coopers1716]

Why wouldn't they have scanned the blood of every type of crewmember for use in the synthesizers if people need transfusions?

[@cincinatus90]

That a boy worf!!!!

[@Spender2569]

I see where people approved of Worf denying the Romulan the transfusion. It's okay, but we know that Worf wants to do the right thing by the Federation, by his Captain, and by the Doctor, so maybe it's not the best idea. Try this instead: A scene in the Ready Room where Picard offers another choice. We cut away until the end, where the Romulan is back on the bridge of his own ship, and he and the Romulan commander are gloating over Federation weakness at returning him alive. Then Picard lets Worf spill the secret: he saved the Romulan's life, and now that Romulan carries Klingon filth in his veins. It's win-win-win: Picard and the Doctor do their duty; Worf does his to them and to the ship; and Worf gets the satisfaction of knowing that said Romulan's life is seriously screwed and perhaps over; but what happens on the Romulan ship isn't the Federation's problem. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Worf denied the soldier his hero's death and made his future very bad, so he just fed the Romulan a jumbo portion, extra cold.

[@robbramos2047]

The only flaw in this episode was that none of the Vulcans aboard the Enterprise were compatible with the Romulan.

[@TheGamersRace]

"Red Uh-lert"

[@mikeshriver4282]

The romulan star empire and the Federation needed to start working together anyway because eventually Captain Sisko would bring the romulans into the war against the Dominion

[@curiousgeorge5992]

They've already done this before, The best thing would be to do would be to donate. Help the enemy and do the same as in the other episode. That would p*** off the enemy that they were helped by their enemy.😅😊😮

[@aerisgainsborough2141]

that thumbnail...

[@SantomPh]

Hopefully the centurion gave a blood sample

[@victorsalisbury3554]

Alive

[@videogames9972]

in reality he would have immediately ordered him to

[@CenobiteBeldar]

*Beans.....earl gray, hot!!!!*

[@williamwaha3193]

Lt. Worf is a Klingon , because of the massacre that left him an orphan his father Moag is considered a traitor to the Klingon Empire . If Lt. Worf allows the the use of his D.N.A., to save the Romulan it would confirm Moags complicity and Worf would never be able to regain his families honor in the Empire .

[@redpillfreedom6692]

The was before the blame for Khitomer was placed on his father.

[@natenathan2654]

Would have been kind of embarasing if worf had agreed. The romulan was already dead

[@josephsheranda]

What's up with that thumbnail? It looks like Picard is laughing like The Joker.