TNG Picard's second chance (Tapestry)

Picard and Q in the afterlife.

[@ursomrano542]

“I would rather die as the man I was, than live the life I just saw”. What a great line.

[@chrisconnors7327]

Nausiccans are awsome pirates!

[@kwith]

That's someone who understands the value of his life. Regrets perhaps, but he knows it was a life worth living.

[@translucentorb]

I love how when Picard was stabbed originally as a young man he laughed because he was probably in shock. But when Picard was stabbed during his "second chance" He laughed because he realized he earned his old life back, he was actually happy and relieved.

[@Karls_Clips]

Did you not think that young jean luc laughed because he got his old life back.

[@77wolf89]

How intimidating. You impale a guy with a small sword and he just laughs

[@topdamagewizard]

Why not a temporal loop? There was never a young picard. Only old. Turtles all the way down.

[@erubin100]

@@Karls_Clips probably. time travel is weird.

[@dickJohnsonpeter]

I think partly why he originally laughed was to not give satisfaction to the guy though.

[@daborshy4089]

Q's description of Picard's "safe" life... really makes you think about what you're doing with yourself

[@Dane_Youssef]

That's the idea... Everyone needs that "IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE" epiphany...

[@HeartBDoctor]

Quite true. It's the philosophy of Teddy Roosevelt. It's better to dare mighty things, than to live in the twilight of neither victory nor defeat.

[@oldrocker74]

"When I think of all the things you've done, and all the things I haven't done, I could just die" Agnes Gooch "Auntie Mame"

[@davecrupel2817]

John Lee ive watxhed this episode 10 times....yet Q's message never.....touched me....and i fail to understand it...

[@Aeroldoth3]

"Why, when I listen to all the things she’s done, and think of all the things I haven’t done, I just want to go out and start trying everything and seeing everything and being everything - just like she has!"

[@xoxoxoxo5224]

"Dreary man in a tedious job";"I can't live out my days as that person; that person is bereft of passion and imagination!". I feel like this is a direct analysis of my life.

[@Tigerman1138]

xoxo xoxo and with that acceptance and acknowledgment you can now move forward.

[@makasete30]

Can we have an update a few years later- did you turn your life around?

[@lothean2099]

Dude, it's sad that a lot of us can relate. In my youth I was wild and reckless, now nearing half a century, I look back and realize, I could have done more.

[@nb2008nc]

And yet jlp commanded a ship with 1000 people aboard, the majority of which were tedious people doing menial jobs. How ironic...

[@PhillipLemmon]

Mine too

[@Smeginator]

I hope, if I ever get stabbed, I react like Picard did. Side note: I hope I never get stabbed.

[@dylanjones268]

Good stuff

[@numerical25]

The significance of the scene was him not giving up on life. Q was trying to convince him he was dead so he would die. When he was stabbed fatally, he realized it was all in his head, that he really wasnt stabbed. Which is why his vitals immediately became stable again.

[@Smeginator]

While that has nothing to do with the original comment, that's actually not quite true. Talking to Riker at the end, Picard specifically mentions that he's not sure if it really was Q or all in his head. Personally, I like to think it WAS Q giving him a heads-up

[@dennistheconstitutionalpea6174]

I would probably be screaming at the top of my lungs, before I pass out from blood loss, but, hey, to each their own.

[@Twilord_]

+Anthonyg Gordon Are you suggesting that isn't Q but rather the same parasite Janeway encountered?

[@hydrogenated1]

This episode helped direct my life..."Never seizing the opportunities that presented themselves...He learned to play it safe. And he never, ever, got noticed by anyone." Scared me into taking a risk that's working out so far...

[@XX-sp3tt]

Hope it still is.

[@cwinowich]

What kind of risk? The only real risk in life is to never attempt anything.

[@jonathanpusar5931]

Risk has a way of actually never being a risk. If you fail....well at least you can live with yourself in giving your all. Success can only come with failure after all. The only way to really fail is to never take risk.

[@HotboxGaming420]

@@jonathanpusar5931 They used to say if man could fly, he'd have wings. But he did -- fly. He discovered he had to. Do you wish that the first Apollo mission hadn't reached the moon, or that we hadn't gone on to Mars, and then to the nearest star? That's like saying that you wished you still operated with scalpels and sewed your patients up with catgut like your great great great great grandfather used to. I'm in command. I could order this. But I'm not because Doctor McCoy is right in pointing out the enormous danger potential in any contact with life and intelligence as fantastically advanced as this. But I must point out that the possibilities, the potential for knowledge and advancement is equally great.  Risk: Risk is our business. That's what this starship is all about. That's why we're aboard her -James T. Kirk

[@XTRABIG]

@@XX-sp3tt if it worked out even a little.... It was worth it.

[@jetuber]

In my opinion, this is John de Lancie's best acting in the entire series; in fact, I consider it altogether the most powerful ST:TNG scene overall, and the best episode of the show.

[@000distructzero]

Agreed on the acting performance of John de Lancie. His speech to Picard a firm teaching moment.. Like a A master professor correcting an intern who he realizes is gifted but made a poor decision. I like how when Q turns and grants Picards wish to go back again there is a look of satisfaction on Qs face knowing he got his message across.

[@andrewtyler881]

1:22

[@mind-less]

Agree.

[@nimaybolar]

I hope he gets like recognised at the emmys or something for his performances. truly outstanding. Im suprised he didnt (or couldnt?) transition to movies.

[@sirrobin4394]

This one's in my top 5 for sure.

[@Deadpool_64]

"You are a coward" *stabs Picard in the back*

[@XX-sp3tt]

You expected less from a bully?

[@jamierose9095]

He talks and he talks but he has no gromba.

[@TheBlarggle]

Oh shit. It's almost like intentional storytelling or something.

[@DiRF]

Textbook projection. Those who accuse others of something the loudest many times are more guilty of it themselves.

[@leonsantana3646]

well he was cheating anyways

[@SuperflyGaming]

I love how Picard laughs at the irony. That knife that was supposed to bring death, brings life.

[@jokhard8137]

Imagine stabbing a guy and he just starts laughing 💀💀

[@jimhuffman9434]

It's probably actually Q laughing through Picard

[@smcneal057]

This is Q at his best.

[@NickMichalak]

Absolutely! He was always best when he had something poignant to teach Picard and his crew like in "Q Who," or even the other way around like "Deja Q." The great thing is that Q allows Picard to ponder it all instead of gloating at the end. Q allows him to own his life and his choices, both good and bad, because it's all made Picard the man that he is today. That's why this is my favorite TNG episode.

[@buckaroobanzai7063]

If it was Q. Picard expresses some doubt at the end. "Q" did begin by saying he as God until Picard laughed at him. Perhaps God exists in the Star Trek universe and was just pretending to be Q.

[@silverpslm]

Agreed. If it wasn't for the Picard Q knew, the Q we know would still be lost in episode 1, and never had learned anything important.

[@AFrickingOrange]

Or not.

[@paimanish]

And at his most frightening.. No smirk, no sly condescending smile, almost no 'human' expression at all.. just a pure Force

[@tekbarrier]

Meanwhile, just moments earlier... "The Nausicaan you wanted to be, the one who did not fight Jean-Luc Picard, had quite a different career from the one you remember. That Nausicaan never had a brush with death, never came face to face with his own mortality, never realized how fragile life is or how important each game of Dom-jot must be."

[@SPFray-ss5pu]

Hahaha genius comment. Truly learned the lesson of “all good things” from Q

[@magnusdiridian]

was that essoq?

[@tekbarrier]

@@SPFray-ss5puthank you :)

[@andrewtodaro2874]

😂

[@gregoriofeitosa1064]

Actually... that's rather fascinating, tbh. Imagine seeing the Nausciaan's POV too

[@brendissimo1306]

When I was a little younger, this used to inspire me. But more and more these days, it gives me a hearty dose of existential fear.

[@petrus4]

Me too. Except that I am trying to remember that I am going to die either way.

[@Brando501st]

Sieze the day

[@FelixG]

How old were you then and now? How come existential fear has replaced the sense of inspiration?

[@Tigerman1138]

Why? Sometimes there is a peace in accepting what we cannot have and at the same time knowing some things are inevitable. Paradoxically sometimes walls and borders, restrictions and limits, and more can give us greater freedom.

[@supermal112233]

@@Tigerman1138 If I was younger I'd call you out or insult you, but from personal experience you are correct. The only day in my entire life I ever felt free was when I completely embraced the Idea of my death. I desired to live a truly great life that I could be proud of. Then I gave into weakness....now I'm more terrified than ever. (Am I going to die? Is it that it? Will I become nothing forever. Trillions upon trillions of years of nothing. Feeding into my baseless fears as I squander over my life.) If only I held onto that conviction, where would I be today.

[@bluedotdinosaur]

Even if it was accidental, this episode worked well into Q's final appearance in the series finale. This conversation makes it clear that Q is not just taunting Picard but trying to see what he is made of, and by proxy, gauge the character of humanity. It flows into Q's last conversation (on screen) in All Good Things - when Q tells Picard that the secret to the universe is not found in a boring collection of data and information, but in taking leaps of faith, using creativity, and taking a risk on doing something you wouldn't ordinarily do. Since the Q Continuum is interested in whether humanity has the potential to become beings like themselves one day, one might infer that as a species the Q had to make a massive decision at one point to leap into the utter unknown whenever they chose to transcend space and time. Perhaps it's something that most civilizations can never bring themselves to do; maybe it seems too crazy, impossible, or risky. Over the course of the series, the overall picture that emerges is one of the Q trying to determine if humanity has both the capacity for imagination and adventure, but also rationality and evolving past base instincts and behaviors.

[@obical9069]

This is why I think Q "messes with" the enterprise crew because he is trying to unlock their potential. He never had any aim to harm humanity or Picard, it was always because he saw something in them and took it upon himself to guide them. Because he's basically a god, he's quite whimsical about everything, so whilst Picard sees people dying because of Q (Q Who for example) to Q it just serves the higher purpose of showing the Federation what they must be prepared for. And perhaps here, he thought Picard needed a kick up the arse for whatever reason

[@ryannarcisse]

Makes sense. Same with Janeway. I don’t think he saw much potential in Sisko though.

[@ulphil08]

@@ryannarcisse Maybe Q was racist

[@niremetal]

Killed quite a few random crew members offscreen in the process, though.

[@beastinthesky6774]

Those 18 crew members who were assimilated by the Borg the first time they encountered them probably don't have such a rosy view of Q's actions!

[@erubin100]

@@beastinthesky6774 he probably saw it as a necessary sacrifice. otherwise, the borg would've just shown up out of nowhere one day and killed/assimilated everyone.

[@tripleflip7]

I don't know about you guys but I always get a little choked up at the end where Picard runs full speed towards his redemption, knowing the possibility of dying in sick bay. That is the kind of courage needed in life that I hope and pray for everyday.

[@jasonbean7296]

a coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man dies but once.

[@sergeantassassin3425]

Julius Caesar. If I recall correctly, he was then lured to the Senate building where he was then brutally assassinated by a host of conspirators, most of whom he considered good friends and brothers.

[@scottmatheson3346]

In that case, klingons should be cowards. After all, today is always a good day to die.

[@bodieofci5418]

Unless you're James Bond. YOLT :)

[@intelligentignorance]

@@scottmatheson3346 Hey, just because they don't die that day doesn't make them a coward. The quote simply means there is no reason to fear the final death.

[@eddiekalista3222]

“Heroes die many deaths. Cowards taste but one.”- -Hyperion

[@therealsWa]

An episode worthy of an Oscar, Tony, Grammy, Emmy, Telly, and every award flaunts. Even the nobel. Even 13 years later I cannot watch this episode without being moved strongly. Tears flowed before it even got to the end.

[@AlexandrePorto]

3 minutes with more meaning than the whole Picard + Discovery

[@henne2k]

Only tng Clips give the comment section air to breath and discuss, think about life and what it means to be human. This is a great moment for everybody. Engage

[@KH4444444444N]

Nailed it. Quite flawlessly, I might add.

[@tekbarrier]

I'm not a huge Star Trek fan but I do love watching episodes of TNG. I saw this episode last night, and Q's little speech at the end really struck a chord with me. I'm going to write down what he said and save it, because I'm at a point in my life where I'm about to begin something I'm very passionate about, something I thought about starting 10 years ago but never did, until now. His words are incredibly motivational and help me to realize that if I want to achieve my dreams, I have to be willing to take risks and give it all of my effort, and not be content with just playing it safe.

[@stevencoardvenice]

You should watch the show. Epic

[@marcushendriksen8415]

It's a nice touch how Picard struggled to think of another flaw before settling on a lack of imagination, lol

[@DarthRushy]

1:00 - 1:48 Best Q moment ever. Also, best Picard moment ever. And in fact, best Star Trek moment ever.

[@davecrupel2817]

I agree. one of the most important moments in the series. It is Q's shining moment and It is Picard's moment of truth.

[@bunnygrill]

Daniel Cannata I think this is definitely Q's shining moment, but at the same time I think his best moment is his lowest moment. When he says to Data that Data is a more competent human being than he could ever be, admitting that he never thought it was a positive trait until then.

[@davecrupel2817]

bunnygrill His lowest moment was the best for him because it gave him a totally different outlook on the universe when he was condemned to being a comparatively nothing level of a being. Like a rich billionaire losing everything he owns and being condemned to the streets. Nothing is more eye opening than falling all the way down the ladder and climbing back up again. :)

[@unematrix]

I disagree. But I think I can live with it. I CAN live with it. And if I'd have to do it all over again... I would.

[@chaywarburton3488]

I love when he said "Q, you're not God... I refuse to believe it." Q: "Why not?" Picard: ..."because the universe was no so poorly designed." Lol xD

[@markequinox]

He wasn’t a god but he sure as hell was a good friend. Pity the crew could never see that.

[@kronoscamron7412]

roasted

[@chaywarburton3488]

@@markequinox Agreed, I loved Q's influence on the crew.

[@welestgw]

@@chaywarburton3488 I really hope it dives deep into how their relationship has evolved in Picard season 2.

[@Anth230]

I love how Q has to dress himself up like an "Angel" in white....lol....always taunting Picard even when he's trying to help him....😂😂

[@radix4400]

Pretty sure he was referencing "It's a Wonderful Life" with that.

[@HRHMANSOUR]

@@radix4400 “it’s a wonderful life” would not be relevant to Picard centuries in the future and would be even less so to Q.

[@Christopher-o_O]

Picard always complained about Q's antics but few people ever get to have a personal relationship with an almost omnipotent being.

[@Tigerman1138]

I had a brush with death 14 years ago, an auto accident. It was a bad T-bone. I awoke to the sound of a group of EMTs taking me out the rear windshield, telling me I'd be okay, and drove me to the hospital. The paramedic, keeping me mentally active, asked me my name, address, the date, where I lived, and then where do I work. I couldn't remember. I said, scared, I couldn't remember. He said a little amnesia is normal, it'll come back. I got scared for a moment, and then said this, "I'm a salesman of some kind. Great, now I'll have to wait until Monday when my boss calls and tells me I'm late. I'll apologize and then say,'Where is I work again'?" That paramedic burst out laughing, the driver did also, and a moment later my employer came to me and I rattled off my position and company's motto. The gurney was rushed into the ER and a medic came running in with an X-ray. The doctor asked, "Which [bones]?" "None sir." "That's *impossible*, check again!" "Negative doctor, there are *no broken bones*." "No one survives that amount of trauma without so much as a broken bone to show for it!" He turned to me on the gurney, "Son what the hell were driving?" I told him and he asked if there was an airbag (side), I said no and then,"But I was wearing my seat belt (joking about the whole lifelong PSA campaign)." The doctor laughed, the nurse did, and the medics did. I had a partially collapsed lung, severe bruising to the chest, and legs were banged up. I was breathing normally in two hours, walking in six hours, and out of the hospital in two days. The doctor told me he was very proud, gave me the breathing meter for progress and exercise, some Rx, and said he'd see me for a follow up. I made a great recovery. I REALIZED life was fragile. I focused on life more. I would later in life suffer an epileptic seizure....while I was driving. I awoke at Lincoln Hospital to doctors and felt again was being given another chance. To say I live every day to the fullest is a cliche, to say I found God would be a cliche, but what I did learn is that life is fragile, a gift, and can end quickly. Make the day count, never curse life as you have it, and make sure you die happy. Many aren't lucky enough to survive one car accident, fewer two. I don't mean a fender bender, I mean concussion-level. If I could I'd go out like Picard, a boss, literally laughing at death. 3:15 Not so much, "Is this the best you can do?" But almost, "Well old friend I'd knew I'd see you again. Let's head off together on one last voyage."

[@davecrupel2817]

Tigerman1138 ONLY for reasons like yours would i wish something like an auto accident to happen....an NDE would prove most valuble.

[@Tigerman1138]

+Daniel Cannata Thank you. I'd not wish trauma on anyone, but I really appreciate your comment.I take Rx for epilepsy, my doctor is always happy with my turnaround, and no seizures and continues to keep the DMV informed as they request, and have been seizure free for over three years. My NDE---which I didn't tell anyone except you and my father: While unconscious the second time at Lincoln hospital I remember almost "floating in darkness"---I have a memory of just a feeling of floating with no other thought. It was when I was likely regaining consciousness. A doctor called out my name, said it was okay, and to to wake up. It was not scary, I felt no unease, almost comfort. I awoke to two doctors holding me down on either side---the reason being they *know* the moment someone hears they've been in an accident their reflex is to RISE and *check yourself* for injuries and they didn't want me to get up just yet. They released me in a few minutes after explaining I had another seizure (they had obviously reviewed medical history via my license on car plate/cross medically referencing). I'll never forget this moment: I started to cry and told them I was so embarrassed. The nurse, smiled at me, said I was okay, and that is *all* that mattered. She asked why I would say such a thing and I said I worried I put someone in danger (the truth is I hadn't been cleared to drive just yet---but the first Rx was seeming to work---the dose just needed to be raised a little more). She told me there was damage to the side of my car, not much (I had hit a cement wall near the GW Bridge on the Henry Hudson Parkway). She assured me NO ONE ELSE was involved. I calmed and the doctors told me I was not injured in any way. I'd later learn from the NYFD (who were first to arrive on the scene) that an eye-whiteness said he saw me get out of the car, kneel down to inspect the damage, and then slump over asleep. A lot to take away, but I will say this---when my time comes I hope to be looking into the eyes of my loved ones and say I have no regrets, no fears, and that I love them all.

[@danmarsh7985]

I had a very similar accident not three months but i did end up with broken bones so I completely understand that you mean. I played it safe with everything, not putting my body or my pride in harms way but as soon as im able to I'll take risks and live out my life to the full

[@qtipg1]

You had me cracking up!

[@Tigerman1138]

Tony Holmes Humor can be healing.

[@majestyk3337]

This is the man Picard became in the show Picard. Bereft of passion and imagination. (That goes for Alex Kurtzman too)

[@aredjayc2858]

Yup

[@MrImastinker]

Thankfully, Season 3 rectified that.

[@jamesmonaghan2689]

I always liked Q's relationship with Picard. I think the reason he was always messing with him was because he admired him. His last words in "All Good Things" were in part that he knew he would figure it out.

[@jdlech]

Anyone else noticed Picard's whole demeanor towards Q changed after that moment? Throughout the rest of the series, his attitude toward Q was different.

[@digitalconsciousness]

With a character like Q, you always hope he has some hidden, greater purpose that he's building up to. He was always so annoying and random and that's how Picard viewed up. Picard probably appreciated Q finally showing his hand, just as viewers of the show did. If Q had continued on without a greater purpose, it would have been the most ridiculous character addition to the series.

[@toddsmitts]

Technically, he only encounters Q one more time, in "All Good Things..."

[@NotDuncan]

jdlech nope, you’re the only one that noticed. Nobody else in the entire world noticed it congrats

[@jdlech]

@@NotDuncan Sarcasm doesn't translate well over the internet. People might take you as being serious.

[@AntithesisDCLXVI]

@@jdlech if someone can't tell that's sarcasm they are assuming the person who said it is a total moron because the statement was utterly absurd. Better to give the benefit of the doubt and assume sarcasm.

[@Jeremytorgersonofficial]

“One who was less like me.” May we all find our inner Q.

[@TheJediSlayer7]

I look back on this episode with a teary eye sometimes. I realize this could have easily been me, but I pushed forward and now I'm much more in line with where I want to be in my life than ever before. Star Trek taught me a lot of valuable lessons, it was and is a friend to me, and without its moral center, its steadfastness towards the betterment of everyone and ourselves, I might still be lost.

[@bluebull399]

Star Trek completely changed my life for the better. It's important to re watch important episodes such as tapestry to keep the values fresh in your mind.

[@billontario9659]

This scene changed my life

[@georgegabriel7766]

how exactly?

[@tuttt99]

For me, this episode came as I was about to leave for college, move halfway across the country and essentially start over with nothing. It was frightening, but I knew the consequences of playing it safe. While things may not be perfect now, I do have a PhD, considerable skills, and financial assets; none of which I would likely have now if I had played it safe. I would certainly not have as many choices as I do now. This episode helped to bolster my confidence to go forward. I still refer back to it when I need to find courage to make difficult, but necessary, life changes. Thank you Q

[@davidz4189]

It changed mine too. The line " failing to take advantage of the opportunities that presented themselves" was what helped me. Thank you Q

[@DJ_Force]

@Valami Izé People in the West forget just how lucky they are to live in a place and time when they can change their life's path. My heart goes out to you. May you one day find a path to be what you feel you are capable of.

[@86hj49gt]

And by golly, I had that second piece of pie!!

[@AndieBlack13]

" When I tugged on one of those threads, it unraveled the tapestry of my life"

[@leastlikedcritic7529]

Picard was quite a badass in his Academy days

[@kolelokaram8541]

And outside of them too.

[@KneelB4Bacon]

TNG Picard after watching season 1 of "Star Trek Picard:" _"I would rather die as the man I was . . . than live the life I just saw."_

[@Napoleonic_S]

Q : meh, that's an alternate universe Picard caused by Darth jar jar Abrams.

[@judeisurufernando674]

Wow, it's that bad? I'm about to watch the season now. Let's see how it turns out.

[@Dane_Youssef]

THAT'S the real reason he laughed when he took a knife through the heart...

[@CRFlixs]

Such a beautiful closing the loop of his explanation in "Samaritan Snare". His explanation there comes off as a bad ass boast, inline with his past not giving a F. I imagined that laugh as one of incredulity that he lost the fight. This episode was such a great retcon and gave Picard even more depth.

[@tek512]

@@CRFlixs If you think about it, he really didn't lose. His two companions got destroyed, but Picard managed to fight off two Nausicans on his own. The fight only ended once one of them broke the sacred rule of bar fights and pulled a knife.

[@NASAjunkie]

I first saw this episode when I was 10, and ever since then I've always asked myself, "Are you going to be 'Red Picard' or 'Blue Picard'?" Also, I wonder if this is where The Matrix got the "Red Pill/Blue Pill" idea from.

[@acerimmer7557]

Great insight.

[@kelvincasing5265]

More likely from Total Recall: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIjJmWOFqrl-gac&ab_channel=MaxGnosis

[@1heKing]

might have been this or Total Recall

[@OpenMawProductions]

I used to be a space explorer, and then I took a knife to the heart.

[@SantaNMS]

Love the Skyrim reference!!

[@DouglasZwick]

"I used to be a space explorer, and then I never took a knife to the heart."

[@OpenMawProductions]

Piss off, Kane.

[@marcushendriksen8415]

Pussy, walk that shit off

[@JohnBrown-pq9tj]

"Have you seen those warriors from Nausicaa? They have curved swords. Curved. Swords."

[@GBart]

Fuck me, I've been doing this with my life. I need to take more risks.

[@Saintnix69]

Get out there and DO IT! There's an old saying... Don't be afraid to go out on a limb sometimes.....THAT'S WHERE THE FRUIT IS.

[@GBart]

Saintnix69 JUST DO IT!! DONT LET YOUR DREAMS BE DREAMS!

[@Howyaduing]

AndroidDoctorr sometimes I wished that I got "stabbed" when I was younger metaphorically speaking of course otherwise it probably wouldn't be drifting as I am now

[@CONTRA449]

Darmok and Jalad, at Tanagra!

[@gregorymagarshak7953]

Next time someone calls you a coward, you know what to do. Especially if you have a couple friends with you and you're going up against some chain gang with knives. They will thank you later :)

[@leopold7562]

Cat: "There's an old cat saying: It's better to live one hour as a tiger than a lifetime as a worm." Rimmer: "There's an old human saying: Whoever heard of a wormskin rug?" But, Red Dwarf quotes aside, this is a very important scene for Picard and Q. For Picard, he learns that he is where he is because of the path he chose, and to take a different direction would lead to a very different place, and Q gave him the chance to see first hand just where regret can take you. I've often found Q to be a very intriguing character: A lot of life-forms he teases because he can be a bit of a dick, but where humans are concerned, a lot of it seems to be out of some genuine desire to help humans grow beyond their limitations (in this case, regret) and here he comes across not so much malevolent, but genuinely wishing to teach Picard something valuable.

[@goodorusty]

When I was a kid, I found his character annoying and I generally avoided watching episodes he was in. But now I'm older and I can understand and appreciate the character better.

[@philipfernando2249]

Q was charged by the continuum for the welfare of the earth and it's inhabitants... As a penalty for his recklessness that resulted in the extinction of the dinosaurs...

[@leopold7562]

@@philipfernando2249 Ah, so that's what happened to them!

[@halwakka504]

I guess laughter IS the best medicine.

[@cwinowich]

Hal Wakka LOL

[@theslashpotato2321]

AAAAAAAAARRRGGGHHHH!!! (good one)

[@LeeHutchingsdrumsUK]

Proper Star Trek. Remember those days?

[@TheTattorack]

Yup. I often look back and wonder why its all now so... shooty.

[@edward_lee]

I member!!

[@ninjabearpress2574]

Mr. Gorlitsky that's bold talk from someone hiding behind a computer---"but what the Klingon said is not important, and we do not hear his words." (Sometimes I believe I could speak in nothing but Star Trek quotes.)

[@rkmugen]

Thought-provoking Trek.... yes, I remember those days. Today's Trek doesn't provoke thought, let alone encourage it. (shots fired!)

[@mikecimerian6913]

Yes before I saw Mars Attack plagiarized in the last Star Trek movie. The first one was hilarious, the wannabe was pathetic. The Axanar project was renewing and we know what happened to Axanar. Axanar, what Star Trek fans wished for. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4iUkGt_i52onqM

[@generalnonsense1243]

That subtle shift in Q's expression when Picard admits he was wrong is brilliant acting. DeLancie didn't oversell it - just this extremely subtle "I got him now, got him to see" moment of satisfaction.

[@chrisvinci5417]

This episode helped me revive my career.

[@Ares99999]

Its interesting when you realize that Young Picard's laugh at the beginning was probably Old Picard laughing at the timeline being restored. I mean, given that he had a real near-death experience, the big gaps in his memory for those few days) could easily be rationalized by Young Picard as, well, nearly dying. It makes one wonder if Q, for whom time was malleable, knew that if he steered that man just right, he'd end up with a rather interesting individual he could banter, argue and verbally spar with to quell his boredom for a while. I wouldn't put it past Q.

[@davidsecord6412]

What a wonderful piece of writing. A wonderful episode.

[@Maniac742]

"One who was less arrogant and undisciplined in his youth? One who was LESS LIKE ME?" God, I love Q. I think that's one thing that sets Jean Luc off so much about Q during their encounters. Q is a reflection of Jean Luc's more arrogant, agenda driven, and deviant side. A reminder of what unrestrained pride and power looks like. Picard hates that part of himself, but it's also the part of him that earned him that captain's chair. He's just forgotten that.

[@MedalionDS9]

This was the warning for ST:Picard

[@SilenceInd]

Q really laid it all out, that Picard's one regret was what made him. That Picard will always make mistakes and have regrets, but he can learn from them, be better than he was tomorrow than he was today. That playing it safe to never make a single mistake damned him far further.

[@roygo10]

One of the most powerful moments in Star Trek.

[@Glitterology]

God, there is SO much damned subtext in this. 'He never got noticed by *anyone*", "one who was less like ME..." We all need that aspect of Q to excel ourselves; that reckless, hedonistic, slightly crazy, morally skewed part that says "fuck it, seize the day" - the internal drive to not follow the norm. It's another Q life lesson - this is what will, according to the Continuum, make humans one day surpass the Q: the drive, and this perfectly shows that we don't have it yet, but are beginning to acquire it. Very cleverly written, very cleverly acted; these two are fucking GENIUS. ♥

[@starcrafter13terran]

then trump got elected and the most popular person on youtube became logan paul, and in that instant our future was altered and doomed. The show makes you hopeful. The reality of our world makes us depressed.

[@aggroknight4259]

starcrafter13terran Well Trump has been POTUS for seemingly over a year without WWIII happening, and Antarctica is slowly turning green with vegetation due to accelerated climate change. Given those circumstances, I'd say there's still some hope. There's also still that huge asteroid of death (Apophis) that NASA has apparently chosen to COMPLETELY IGNORE because they decided it was too unlikely to be a threat. Also, automation and self-driving vehicles. They have a lot of potential to ruin what's left of the so-called "pursuit of happiness". After all: Why bother pursuing a career, goal, or passion of any kind if paid Jobs are obsolete, and most popular works are created by machines?

[@LighterBen]

Today tommorow will be hell for most because you are all lambs for slaughter house So many excuses with no will for fight

[@duckduckgoismuchbetter]

@@starcrafter13terran Now you know how Americans felt when you Anti-Americans (Demoncrats) elected your illegal alien Kenyan Usurper, and usurped the Presidency away from America. Your traitorous piece of shit from Kenya doubled the historic national debt in a mere eight miserable years! Doubled it! You Demoncrats owe that money, and most of the rest of the debt as well, back to America! You are going to get six more years of President Trump. Enjoy it. Your children, the ones who survive being murdered in your abortion murder "clinics", will consider the President Trump years, to be their personal "good old days", a Golden Era to which they will hark back to when they tell stories to their children. Just like Lie-berals are starting to finally realize that President Ronald Reagan was an awesome President, and the 80s were a great time compared to the Obama fiasco. P.S. The Reaganomics Recovery in the 90s, that Clinton walked in and inherited, along with the brief balanced budget, imposed on Clinton, that was a product of 80s Reaganomics, combined with the fiscal responsibility of the Gingrich Congress, was a great time too. Cheers! And MAGA!! Enjoy the next 6 years of President Trump!

[@KalOrtPor]

2022 here to say we had no idea what we were in store for just around the corner.....I keep wondering when Q is going to appear and tell me I've learned my lesson and can get back to my old reality.

[@DT-hp8de]

Wow, I had totally forgotten about this gem of an episode. I love when the episode really only centers around Picard (Stewart). He's such a legend when he is given such an introspective story to tell.I also love Q's character because he can be so diverse. So many times, he comes off as goofy or campy. But, there are those moments when he portrays such intensity. LOVE IT!

[@cugamer8862]

"There are many parts of my youth that I'm not proud of. There were... loose threads - untidy parts of me that I would like to remove. But when I... pulled on one of those threads - it'd unravel the tapestry of my life."

[@ACETYGRA]

So basically if Picard took the safe route he would have become Barclay. LOL

[@891delta]

The best scene of TNG for me; I'll watch this everyday for the rest of my life.

[@johncinepoetry2587]

An observation. Those Nausicans are pretty big, bigger than the humans. That means they're picking on smaller beings, one a woman. Ultimately one had to use a huge weapon, and from behind no less. In my book that makes them the cowards.

[@AllknowingUnknown]

I would love to see the Nausicans go to war against the Klingon Empire. A TRUE warrior race.

[@ppsarrakis]

For klingons stabbing an unarmed person in the back in a fist fight is probably caus of war.

[@smartalec2001]

These three yahoos spend their days bullying people around a futuristic pool table. These probably aren't the best examples of Nausicaan culture and spirit, for sure.

[@festethephule7553]

I mean, I don't see why it's relevent that one human is female, but yeah I see what you mean.

[@festethephule7553]

@Valami Izé By how much are they physically weaker? On average of course, because obviously not every given man is stronger than any given woman.

[@lothean2099]

What's so sad, this is my life, took the safe route. Passed up opportunities, never took that chance. Gonna die as that lieutenant Picard. I will always remember this moment.

[@vivianchetty7477]

lothean Never to late.

[@Seussenshmirtz]

Q was no villain. He was chaotic good

[@In-N-Out333]

How come the people in Star Trek always fought in such a weird way? I never understood that whole technique where you put your arms together and swing them like a baseball bat.

[@absolutez3r019]

i always found that funny too. or how klingons can lose to a human in a fist fight.

[@DeathBringer769]

Judging from TNG and the original series, I'd say fighting in the future is beyond our comprehension.

[@aardvark280]

Gaud It's a great way to hit someone with little chance of injury to either fighter because the impact is distributed over the length of the arms (for the hitter) or over the entire torso (for the hittee). Remember that these are actors and that the fight is not real.

[@DelcoRanz93]

+BillyBob In the Original Series Star Trek was patterned after the westerns that were shown at the time, right down to the fighting styles.

[@oinari12345]

these actors are just very poor at unarmed combat and dont really control their strikes ) so they are trying to reduce the risk of injury by doing stuff where the surface of your hit is possibly large, so the force is distributed to reduce pressure. it's different if you watch movies with actors who are pro level at combat sports with contact, such as e.g. Wesley Snipes (Blade, Demolition Man), Dolph Lundgren (many movies), Jet Li (many movies), etc. I particularly like Wesley Snipes, his movement is extremely crisp and his technique is very solid.

[@francoisona]

This is the most educational episode of the entire Star Trek Series. It really shaped me. ❤

[@Mirandorl]

The ultimate fear of every nerd: Not achieving at the very highest academic and career levels. I swear ST:TNG absolutely understood that and played on it.

[@TyPhenirW0LF]

That Picard never violated all the established lore with a really bad spin off....

[@aries4378]

Let’s just say that was an alternate timeline.

[@emmasnow29]

Nah it was a good series and you don't decide on the "Lore" that would be the writers of the series who did a really god job. Thankfully most agree and we can look forward to more seasons and even more of Discovery which is well received although vehemently disliked by the usual toxic "fans".

[@TyPhenirW0LF]

@@emmasnow29 Star Trek used to be inclusive, hopeful, and inspiring. It's got none of that now. It's a free country, so you are allowed to be completely tasteless... But don't be shocked that most people don't agree with you. Star Trek is now being supported by a tiny minority of people. I will give you this: that minority is actually supporting this current dreck, unlike the supposed fans of Kathleen Kennedy's Star Wars or any number of countless Netflix pitching comic books that are being puked onto the market. However, there is a reason they went to streaming it exclusively. The general public has no interest in these limping Star Trek projects. They are basically recouping the costs of keeping the IP rights in perpetuity at this point. If you want to highlight something positive about Picard and Disco.... They have redeemed the once questionable value of Voyager and Enterprise. I just wish they could come out with something new that everyone could enjoy. At this point, I just have to hope nobody ruins Babylon 5, Lexx, or Andromeda with a new reboot. I don't have trust for the hacks writing this current sci-fi. They are damaging the careers of countless actors.

[@Teadrinker-zy1yp]

@@emmasnow29 Discovery is horrible, there is no saving it. Picard is passable.

[@TrilosonicResolutions]

@@TyPhenirW0LF She can eat her slop and be thankful for it. The only problem with that is Star Trek will never be good again as long as people like her are paying for CBS garbage.

[@rikosaikawa9024]

Picard literally laughed when stabbed through the heart.

[@Tigerman1138]

Riko Saikawa That is a brave way to go, laughing at death.

[@TheCancerkilla]

John de Lancie and Patrick Stewart had amazing chemistry.

[@ct0760]

God I wish there was more of Q, especially with these types of moments

[@Clenched.Cheeks]

This episode stuck with me from my childhood onwards. Embedded itself in such a way into my personality that I even at a young age I cherished every single decision and moment in life. I've traveled dozens of countries from Argentina to Jorda, I am a free thinker. I've studied at universities, and albeit my career may not be that illustrious as Picard's - I feel my life has been.

[@davecrupel2817]

Starry G If you are enjoying your life, then that...is LITERALY....all that matters. ^~^

[@Dwarfmanvash]

The is one of the best TNG episodes.

[@jamesoloughlin]

One of the best scenes in all of Trek.

[@cda133]

There will never be another show as good as Star Trek the next Generation.

[@mariogeraci8186]

Kirk-fu appears to have been practiced in the 24th century too

[@bigwig2881]

I really loved this episode. John de Lancie was absolutely brillant. My only complaint was they should have showed Picard in his quarters, perhaps seeing unfinished projects or just no memento's of his life. He could've looked around his home and saw that he had done nothing. This would have added meaning to his statement of having no passion. But they could only do so much in one hour. Maybe a two-parter would have been better. Still great episode.

[@atysays]

This part of TNG has made me change the way I live my life.

[@Justin-Hill-1987]

Jean-Luc Picard learns that the life of a boring old junior lieutenant in a blue science officer's uniform was no substitute for the previous life he had as an adventurous, imaginative starship captain in a red command officer's uniform going from each mission each and every stardate, discovering new lifeforms and sipping on some warm Earl Grey Tea in his ready room alongside his pet lionfish.

[@acerimmer7557]

The Piacrd who didn't fight the Norsican is the one we are seeing in the current series. "Bereft of all passion and imagination"

[@yogiseeker8215]

Hahaha! Good one!

[@danielmcgillis270]

I love this episode because this was Q in his own way, paying Picard back for helping him when he was cast out of the Continuum. But he could not just bring him back to life, no no no, he also wanted to teach him a lesson about who he was and also was completely enjoying watching it play out. Q is truly my very favorite character in SFBNG.

[@DoubleWhammy]

Picard had his "Today *is* a good day to die" moment. Any ridge head ought to respect him even more for this.

[@sbrazenor2]

I've lived both lives, as a follower and a leader. While I appreciate the excitement of being the boss, heavy is the head that wears the crown. You have to make decisions and sacrifices that would keep people awake at night, without skipping a beat. Knowing that you're firing a person with no financial safety net and kids to feed is always fun. Being back in the 'blue shirt' mode, I find myself happier and I feel less encumbered by my career. I invest my time wisely on my own goals, rather than toiling in obscurity for a thankless bureacracy that will never recognize my deeds. I can build a business if I want to manage something. For the moment, I'm content.

[@brennonguilbeau569]

A thousand likes for this post. I feel the exact same way.

[@DWLifeAblaze]

One could easily infer the symbolism of Picard's wanting to be in command less literally, more in a sense of being true to one's own nature, being who you were meant to be, despite the risks. Or by playing it safe, living out a dreary life that is far less than what you know you are capable of. That is how I have always interpreted this - my favorite - episode of the whole series.

[@curtisholsinger6023]

That last sentence you just said, "for the moment, I'm content." I want to feel that way again. I remember a period of 2 weeks where I was like that. It wasn't bliss. It wasn't dissatisfaction. It wasn't bereft of stress. It was just... being okay with being. If that makes sense. Haven't felt that way since. As one human to another, I am glad you have found at least temporary contentment.

[@DJ_Force]

@Valami Izé That's life in a capitalist society. The sky's the limit, but if you can't cut it no one will prop you up. Having worked in many small business's, I know how hard it is to cut the dead weight, at the same time knowing you can't prop people up at the expense of the business.

[@thefunkygibbon1881]

@Főfasírozó He/She forgot the word "not",

[@benforukraine3264]

I’ve been working as a humanitarian volunteer in Ukraine for eight months now, and to tell you the truth, this video has kept me going more than anything else

[@ilttpvvm]

God bless you, friend.

[@Mysticmegster1]

Many times this has inspired me and reminded me how important it is to make the most of your life

[@patluvsvettes]

One of my favorite episodes of TNG.

[@FortoFight]

I haven't had a near-death experience in my teens, I guess I'm doomed to having no passion now.

[@blockmasterscott]

When I saw this episode, something clicked inside of me, and I went and accomplished my childhood dream. I started martial arts, became a black belt, fought bare knuckle fighting for 10 years, and became an instructor. All because of a TV episode.

[@IN_THIS_DAY_AND_AGE]

Q, well played by John deLancie, as always.

[@K-11609]

Everything about this scene is so impactful, but for some reason the line that sticks with me the most is 2:14 “I would rather die as the man I was, than live the life I just saw” Makes me wonder if I’m on the right path as Picard was. One that I am willing to die for simply cause the experience and memories were ones that made me complete

[@chinchy5545]

Scenes like this make me truly, truly wish I'd had access to Star Trek when I was a kid.

[@LTDANMAN44]

always loved this episode. Q teaches the wise picard a lesson

[@robjackson5245]

That trumpet bit as Picard is laughing. It makes me cry

[@donald3130]

Absolutely brilliant scene; Q rips Pickard apart because Picard was always playing it safe. This is why Star Trek has sooooo many followers; undoubtely one of THE best scenes

[@terrybradford418]

This was one of the best episodes!!

[@dmed312]

0:41 - 1:49 That's actually some deep life shit right there.

[@Playboyyrocky]

Captain Picard is a real Gangsta laughing with a knife in the heart damn he is a real warrior!!!!

[@larrygill2223]

Damn ...Q just summed up the majority of everyone’s lives right now. Life lessons 1 O 1

[@laurensnieuwland4657]

This episode really freaked me out. Just like the one where Dr. Crusher was stuck in the warp bubble universe where everyone slowly disappeared...

[@rossarmstrong6731]

I miss philosophical Star Trek. Not a fan of Star Wars Star Trek. No one needs an STD.

[@toddsmitts]

"No one needs an STD." Was that supposed to be a double meaning? ;)

[@HariSeldon913]

There's a cure for that. It's called The Orville.

[@DanLekin]

@@HariSeldon913 I'll try.

[@Cjnw]

…and STP is better for cars than for starships !

[@Cjnw]

@@toddsmitts STD = Star Trek: Discovery. Also, STP can either _Star Trek: Picard,_ or Scientifically Treated Petroleum ( to add to motor oil. )

[@RetroAmateur1989]

0:38 my poor man, if you only knew what was in store for you in 2020.

[@FlizzyDuck]

I always wondered about the line of Q "I gave you something most mortals never experience..". Since Q didn't say "I gave you something no mortal ever experienced..", it sounds to me, like there were a few mortals before, who got a second chance of their life, which I find interesting. Even further, if Q only refers "mortals" to humans, I would like to know, who got a second chance at all.

[@GBart]

+Flizzy Duck My friend woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed having just technically died of a heroin overdose. Now he's doing great and has a wife and kids. He totally got a second chance. Maybe a third or a fourth, actually...

[@OpenMawProductions]

+AndroidDoctorr He got lucky.

[@Xenoforge78]

+OpenMawProductions Lucky, second chance, what's the difference?

[@brennonguilbeau569]

Spock...Scotty...McCoy...Worf...to name a few.

[@MarkLewis...]

George Bailey

[@marcwisti338]

I've tended to play it safe throughout my life, and at 54 now, I can say I don't regret it. I'm content with my job, my family, and where I'm at.

[@Pomi3001]

The point they make is absolutely valid for future leaders, but as for myself, I would love a quiet analytical job on a starship and would thoroughly enjoy it.

[@chaosconspectus]

Q could have just sent him back to the table but instead he let him relive one of his most defining moments.

[@azraelangelofred]

Takes a special kind of BADASS to make a Nausicaan stand there and stare like "...What the FUCK...?". They don't get weirded out easy.