[TNG: Who watches the Watchers] S3EP.4, Picard and Nuria

Captain Picard explains to Nuria that he is mortal.

[@turn7boom108]

Why do studios think nobody wants star trek like this anymore?

[@Thejigholeman]

because this is difficult to write, its easy to make spectacles, its easy to make big boom bam zap fzzzzt. smart writing is annoyingly hard. you need to be intelligent, but not arrogent you need to get your point across, but not be preachy direct, but not bludgeoning

[@germanher7528]

This was before reality TV shows like Kardashian, so the studio got people don't deserve good stuff

[@kilroy987]

Probably because this kind of attempt at quality today would be in such poor company. Corporations happy with your attention want to keep your discernment down.

[@KH4444444444N]

Alex Kurtzman is not CAPABLE of writing TV this good. Thats why.

[@NYCamper62]

Because apparently, the studio believes it's easier to give people an STD.

[@TheGeneral1292]

Mintakans: We can make a religion out of this! Picard: No, don't.

[@randymotter51]

Bill Wurtz would be proud.

[@mikeymcmikeface5599]

Picard the facepalming god.

[@Cjnw]

@@mikeymcmikeface5599 Facepalmu Akbar!!!!!

[@JonnyInfinite]

Picard is a deadly laser

[@CaptainSovereign]

How about do anyway???

[@johnfaber100]

Fun fact: Leading a person to a conclusion by asking questions until they come to it themselves, as Picard is doing here, is called the Socratic Method and has been employed successfully for thousands of years.

[@KissedByFire16]

i think i unknowingly did this to help someone with a hard part in a game before. neat

[@Aone339]

Yes. And its also one of the best ways to educate a human person. Its also very often considered "condescending", which is why this method doesnt often work on, who I like I call, snowflakes.

[@FasterthanLight11]

@@Aone339 I mean Socrates was eventually killed for it. In fact when asked what his punishment should be since he was convicted of 280 out of 500 peers of corrupting youth, he told them he should be paid with food for life because he helped them learn and should be rewarded. This pissed them off so much that they voted overwhelmingly to execute him... More people voted to kill him then found him guilty in the first place lmao.

[@blahdelablah]

@@Aone339 The interpretation of condescension mostly depends on the tone of the questions. Also, you have to be willing to follow where the answers take you, it's a form of dialogue rather than a one-way discussion.

[@dealhunter4536]

I tried using the Socratic Method to explain evolution to a Bible-thumping conservative and, well, it didn't work. 🤕

[@wanderinghistorian]

"yet we do not fall" "actually, we are perpetually falling around the planet, it's call orbit, and it's terrifying"

[@rvog6584]

'& if u mess up calculatin it, u do enter atmosphere ... & u burn up ... unless u have proper shields' [!!]

[@kxmode]

"Many Engineers died to bring us this truth." "What's an engineer?"

[@SpaghettiToaster]

The enterprise doesn't need ro be in orbit though, it can hover anywhere it wants.

[@JohnnyShagbot]

@@SpaghettiToaster It definitely does need to be in orbit, and the series does occasionally adhere to basic orbital mechanics. If the enterprise were to simply neutralize their velocity, the planet would fuck off away from them at the speed of its own orbit.

[@kleetus92]

@@JohnnyShagbot Only needs to be in orbit from the stand point of being somewhat geosynchronous so you can see the planet below. It could very well travel around the planet backwards, or randomly change it's position in X Y Z plane direction at will.

[@fryfry377]

Only Picard could prove to someone that he shouldn't be worshipped while simultaneously being a god among men.

[@JanetStarChild]

That's the presence of a true god; The complete opposite of the Christian god Yahweh who demands to be worshiped and feared (though undeserving), and who deliberately tries to keep humanity from ever evolving into something greater and achieving enlightenment.

[@FortunaFortesJuvat]

The Picard is the god we need, not the one we deserve.

[@Grubnar]

Do you have a moment to hear about the God-Emperor of Mankind?

[@charlesf6247]

JanetFunkYeah bloody well say

[@monkeyswithshoes308]

@@Grubnar If you do not have a moment, you are clearly a heretic. And if you do have a moment, you are obviously being derelict in your duties. Either way, a local commissar has now been assigned to your area.

[@SkepticalChris]

This scene, IS the very essence of Star Trek.

[@BAAWAKnight]

The delivery of "Of that I have no doubt" is so wonderful.

[@CaptApril123]

The writing is brilliant but yes.. it's the combination of the writer and delivery by the actor that made this scene so good.. there is of course 'lighting' 'sfx' 'directing' 'sound' 'music' 'foley' 'props' .....etc

[@batgirl1415]

So heartwarming!

[@bobbarker2814]

Who is cutting the onions? I can't stop the waterworks

[@AzguardMike]

i think Piccard is thinking "ive just broke the prime directive, they'll try to fly and die. Oh god what have i done?"

[@koriko88]

Not to state the obvious, but it's probably because they're clearly related to Vulcans, but they already managed to develop logic as a foundational principle at a pre-industrial stage without having to go through war and a big social split. Now with this knowledge, they'll likely accelerate efforts towards science and math. If they also got the extended lifespan genes, then the knowledge of the visit with aliens will be preserved and motivate dramatic leaps forward. Nuria could well see the development of her society into an industrial age. They might only be 200 - 300 years away from developing warp technology.

[@kevinshort3943]

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." -- Arthur C Clarke

[@mikeymcmikeface5599]

Yes. Everyone knows that quote. Thanks for adding nothing! 😎

[@objectdefiance4027]

@@mikeymcmikeface5599 yes but were you thinking it up until reading the comment? And I'm sure some people don't know the quote.

[@mikeymcmikeface5599]

The subject matter was present. Absolutely everyone knows it. (100% of the world population)

[@GoldenGrenadier]

Any sufficiently crude magic is indistinguishable from technology.

[@objectdefiance4027]

@@mikeymcmikeface5599 I'll make sure to mention it to the next Inuit hunter gatherer I meet.

[@burnerdaughter]

One of the reasons this is one of my favorite episodes is the depictions of the Mintakans themselves: They are never shown as stupid or blindly irrational; most of them try to think critically about what they learn. Nuria was actually resistant to believing in gods again until the evidence seemed to point in that direction.

[@matasa7463]

Actually, part of the reason why Picard was able to salvage the situation at all was because the Mintakans are a proto-Vulcanoid species, meaning they have the power of reasoning and logic that the Vulcans do, and perhaps also their psionic potential as well. They also obviously possess that very potent emotion that must be held in check by said powerful mental powers of reasoning and logic. You can tell by how quickly they adapted at the end, being able understand quickly on why the Prime Directive needed to exist, and just accepting the rationale of having to take the time they need to grow as a people, and not just start demanding they be uplifted. We've seen other species grow suspicious or paranoid, and demanding power be given to them immediately, but not to better themselves, instead just wanting to continue their path of violence using that new found power of technology. It can be assumed that now enlightened, the Mintakans will push all their efforts into education, research, and development of their society, and will basically speedrun their way into the Federation.

[@dwarfie24]

Agreed even Liko started to reason and understood in the end that Picard could not interfere.

[@kg9648]

The Mintakans have rationality

[@dylanc9174]

@@matasa7463 That is seen in human civilisation today. Ukraine wanting to be in the EU for peace and prosperity seems a good fit.

[@TheStapleGunKid]

I don't know about this. Even after this scene, Nuria still wasn't convinced that Picard was not a god. It was only when she witnessed someone dying that she realized he wasn't. You'd think the Picard's explanation for how technology evolves in this scene would have been enough to convince her of that without needing to see someone die.

[@Koulnis]

"Of that, I have absolutely no doubt." The way Sir Stewart delivered that line was absolutely impeccable.

[@SamaritanPrime]

I think that, in that moment, Picard was picturing Nuria's people setting off in a starship they had built, boldly going where no one of their people had gone before.

[@Milamberinx]

Just an aside: it's not done to refer to a knighted individual with their last name, it should be "Sir Patrick". If he should ever be elevated to Lord it would be appropriate to call him "Lord Stewart" though.

[@Koulnis]

@@Milamberinx TIL

[@windwalker5765]

We've seen the far future of Trek (29th century+) a couple times now. I will not be satisfied until the day they show us the Mintakan vessel _Nuria_ proudly arrive at Earth.

[@heisdeadjim]

@@windwalker5765 this. I want the Mintaka to rendezvous with Discovery, in the future.

[@nomadnametab]

this episode is an example of why people have admired and loved star trek for over 50 years.

[@KH4444444444N]

Of that I have absolutely no doubt.

[@stevecollins5487]

And now they have subverted our expectations 😒 STD, is not Star trek I love it and will stick with the old stuff which is true to its core

[@GuukanKitsune]

I love that Picard doesn't talk down to her, but instead makes a simple analogy she would understand to explain that he isn't magical or powerful... He just has better tools, and that her people will one day figure out how to make those tools, too.

[@ArcaneAzmadi]

An absolutely beautiful scene where Picard uses his way with words and his talent for reasoning to bring an intelligent but comparatively primitive woman to the truth about the universe and their relative place in it. This kind of scene is the reason casting Patrick Stewart as the successor to William Shatner worked so well, and why TNG was such a brilliant series.

[@mdflorida1233]

I love how he didn't just tell her. He saw she was intelligent and helped her think her way to the truth. That's the most important part.

[@DHeroDarkMagicianGuy]

I always found Picard to be a human who is more Vulcan than most. Here he uses logic to connect with Nuria, to help her understand why he is just a mortal man. That is what makes this first contact with the Mintakans so special.

[@russell5078084]

There were several great episodes in TNG. This being one. But, I think the DS9 episode Duet, was the best and most well written and well acted Trek episode ever. There was just so much harsh and brutal truth in it. The actress playing Major Kira and the one playing The cardassian Gum Dar Heel/Maritsa, should have won awards for their performance in this episode.

[@JohnnyZenith]

The most English Frenchman I'm existence. Always bothered me they didn't just make him English.

[@russell5078084]

True. But, if you watch the entire episode, he didn't completely convince her of his limitations. Sadly it took her seeing someone die and picard's total inability to do anything about it, to truly convince her that he and his people are just as mortal as her and her people despite how advanced they were.

[@Nananki]

THIS is Picard, I feel Hollywood is incapable of producing anything this smart again.

[@kusada3035]

of course they can't, they're too busy being pedos

[@thomas.parnell7365]

They perfectly capable just re makes and pandering to pc non sense guaranteed money

[@thomas.parnell7365]

@RedGryyn exactly they need only open their archives watch old movies interview old director s do that and your halfway their

[@matthewjones2095]

@@kusada3035 yes everyone in holiday is a pedo way to be over dramatic

[@oderalon]

Now this, this, THIS is Star Trek!

[@possiblepilotdeviation5791]

+Sérgio Domingues Yes. And people wonder why I don't like the new movies...

[@DblOSmith]

Sérgio Domingues Exactly, not the *pewpewpew* beastie boys, motorcycle chase scenes of the new stupid movies.

[@manco828]

People wonder why I hate STD.

[@Makichanx2]

manco82 It's a good science fiction show. Just not Star Trek.

[@yellowblanka6058]

That's why, comedy aside, I feel like "The Orville" is honestly the most "Star Trek" show we've seen in years. I miss that perfect mix of diplomacy, topicality, action, humanity that is classic Star Trek. Every Sci-Fi series now has to be dark/depressing/overly dramatic with constant action.

[@robertturner9804]

"I do not fear you any longer." Isn't that Star Trek in seven words?

[@Trek001]

No - just Discovery

[@ThaiEgho]

That's : ''Beam me up, scotty'' can't you count?

[@deaconx]

It really is a beautifully written scene.

[@sweiland75]

It is a beautiful sentiment but, unfortunately, it is not the reality. Not all who watch Star Trek are socially progressive liberals.

[@douglasrowland9986]

@@sweiland75 , It will never be with uncivilized primitives that riot, attack people who are peacefully going about their business because in their delusions an "Orange man" hurt their precious feelings by defeating their rightful owner out of what she thinks is her just due!

[@tayzonday]

TNG had some very low-key early uses of CGI like this (the planet). This could have been a very campy and unnaturally-written episode but it was saved by amazing acting.

[@KilliK69]

i don't think it is CGI, rather a projector showing the image. no way they CGI-ed the planet's reflection on the table and Picard interrupting it with his shadow while walking in front if it.

[@MagicAl5F4781]

@@KilliK69 It isn't CGI but they did have a kind of electronic compositing, in fact that's the reason TNG post-production was transferred to video to be able to use that technology, to save money compared to doing it at film quality (decades later this cost millions of dollars more because it all had to be redone for Blu-ray). Although the windows usually have a simple black curtain with reflective "stars" that require no VFX, for a planet it is a bluescreen effect, and since the blue reflects in the table in camera, in post production they can replace the blue reflection in the table with a flipped image of the scene that replaces the bluescreen in the window.

[@deker0954]

Delite

[@alistairgeorge5082]

Chocolate Rain (someone has to do it)

[@SecondQuantisation]

Picard : "You must not kneel" Nuria : "You do not wish it" The next line is perfect. An exemplar of Picard, Classic Star Trek and enlightened thinking. He doesn't say "No" or "I do not wish it" or anything that implies it is about his desires or control over her. He says "I do not deserve it". It instantly shows Picard understands psychology and anthropology (as he's shown having an interest in), is humble and would rather lose face in front of someone than deceive them. Picard, as a character, might not deserve worship but he deserves utmost respect.

[@TonyToon]

"My people once lived in caves. And we then learned to make pajamas, and in time to travel above the skies in them."

[@ryanm7263]

I lol'd

[@davecrupel2817]

Tony Toon lol

[@manco828]

"My People" once wore clothes normally. Then I innovated 'The Picard Manuever'.

[@lcstark]

@manco82 Some are even more advanced and learned to use the Riker Maneuver.

[@hardwirecars]

pajamas are truly the superior clothing option.

[@Alufear]

The SCORE, my god the score. So much of TNG was elevated by the music, and it granted this scene a warmth and childlike wonder that you don't see in science fiction nearly enough these days. Beautiful.

[@MagicAl5F4781]

Score by Ron Jones, who as Gene Roddenberry was getting sicker and losing control of the show, Rick Berman fired at the end of season 4 because the music was too noticeable and Jones wouldn't make the changes demanded.

[@Locutus]

Stewart beautifully executes this scene. One of his best pieces of acting.

[@melcrose]

Half of this scene is done terribly well.

[@katherinkeegan8601]

@@melcrose Why only half?

[@honotron]

This one scene is better than all of star trek discovery

[@BioGoji-zm5ph]

From what I've heard and read in reviews, a bag of stale potato chips is considered by most people to be better than all of Star Trek Discovery so far.

[@swishfish8858]

Kurtzman should be a corpse. Fact.

[@chickenpoodle]

@@BioGoji-zm5ph there is a very small handful of discovery episodes that were nice. season 2, episode 2 for example. i didn't get around to watching discovery till recently, and i'll agree, season 1 was pretty dog shit. but season 2 was a nice turn around so far. unfortunately i guess some people would criticize it for recycling episode plots... but thats difficult to get away from after so many years of star trek

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

@@chickenpoodle Does help Season 2 had the Klingons actually go to their modern look, and the good ole D7 being created.

[@mattmcawesome1479]

This scene - amongst many others - is the reason why TNG is one of the most sophisticated and most educationel show ever made !

[@marcelcostache2504]

this show is pure education this show made me who i`m today.

[@mavoc3094]

I love the irony of you misspelling the word educational.

[@mikeymcmikeface5599]

@@mavoc3094 hahaha

[@Robert-hz9bj]

I love Picard's delivery of "it's magic." Doing all he can to impart on her the idea that he is not a superior being, merely an ordinary being with superior tools...

[@Rabijeel]

This Scene is what makes the Archer-Enterprise Theme resonate in me. "We lived in Caves, then learned to build Huts and finally Ships like theese...." Enterprise-Theme starts playing "It's been a long Road....."

[@windwalker5765]

Oh... oh hell yes

[@MrTombombodil]

I love how, despite being so exceptional, Picard despises arrogance and vanity so much and always checks it in himself. Yeah he's pretty self - assured but you have to be to be a commander in any military.

[@saquist]

He has a touch of arrogance. Same Episode he says. "By sanctioning their false beliefs" Orville got it right when they showed that advanced culture fix the problems they create in ideology without arrogance condescension and fanaticism.

[@Ares99999]

+saquist Honestly, all the Star Trek captains have shown arrogance here and there. It never was a big deal, however.

[@SicilianStealth]

Arrogance I see as confidence. 21st Century norms and ideals cannot be used on the 24th Century.

[@primotef8863]

​@@SicilianStealth Arrogance manifests itself as claimed superiority, without proof. Confidence is never claimed, only shown.

[@rich1051414]

He isn't arrogant, he simply in a constant state of professionalism. The fact people see that as arrogance says more about themselves.

[@claymenefee6999]

The ever so subtle change in her facial expression before saying "I do not fear you any longer"

[@rollerbladinggeek5507]

I cannot understand people who aren't mesmerised by this episode. It's one of the best episodes to introduce people to Star Trek & everything it's about in my opinion.

[@kargaroc386]

I like how the entire scene from 0:50 to 2:43 has no music. It doesn't *need* music to be powerful.

[@laxjoh]

It's ironic Picard considered himself not a big "kid" person. This is some excellent father-like lecturing.

[@wandaperi]

The shoe's on the other foot in *Rascals* \ " Number One Dad "

[@dugowt9243]

You smell like old cheese

[@jasonluong3862]

At 0:37, the boom mic can be seen at the top left. This accident actually is so contextually poetic. It shows that Picard's reality, our reality, may just be superseded by some superior intelligence of our own.

[@opsimathics]

the great thing about this episode is that it exists. I can always go back and watch it and experience real Star Trek, no matter what attrocities JJ abrams or alex Kurtzman may concoct

[@MrCrazyrob666]

Michael Burnham probably floated in on a cloud of her own self importance a few years later and declared herself a god to another group of Mintakans, thus ruining Picard's efforts

[@macbuff81]

Well said!

[@witnesstochange1801]

They cannot destroy what already exists, they can’t erase the memory

[@davidh4653]

I actually don't hate JJ Abrams Star Trek. While it's style of storytelling is very different, you still feel like you're within the same universe, and the stories are well written. That being said, the themes in TNG (and even DS9 and VOY), and how these shows presented them, are timeless, which can't be said for the newer movies.

[@ryanjavierortega8513]

It’s on tv now, this “morning”

[@3675Chandra]

The actress who plays the leader is so convincing, so good at being her character that I agree with Picard. Someday her descendants will travel among the stars, and they will be a very good addition to the Federation.

[@Lineage2ErtheiaPvP]

She plays a role. Is not real..

[@VincentPrice111]

@@Lineage2ErtheiaPvP Wait a minute, Star Trek isn't a documentary???

[@MarcRitzMD]

I was impressed with her ability to be reasonable and logical. Something you wouldn't expect from Bronze-age type of people because you assume that their thinking is a bit more rudimentary. There is no good reason to think that of course, just a preconceived notion. Then again, there's plenty of dumb-dumbs in the world now who would embarrass themselves talking to Picard

[@burningbrains4553]

@@VincentPrice111 It's a documentary that was sent back in time !

[@majkus]

Way better than being hypnotized by a 200-year-old vampire who thinks you are the reincarnation of his true love.

[@macbuff81]

a beautiful scene. I was in my early teens when TNG was running. It shaped me. While my idealism sometimes gets in the way of dealing with real world, I nevertheless would never want to lose that. TNG and the other series introduced me to complex issues of morality and ethics at an early age.

[@Mei-st5bq]

Agreed! 🖖

[@Marty32]

Yes! I am like you. I grew up watching this show and to this day I still hold onto the idealism and aspirations that TNG (and ST in general) had shown me. I always tell people "look at the massive cities we've built, the technology we created--we are capable of so much more". If it weren't for TNG / ST then I feel I would have turned out differently. I wish more of our youth watched this show.

[@GBart]

This show deserved all the Emmys

[@StsFiveOneLima]

This episode deserved a Hugo.

[@ourladyofguadalupebotanica6732]

it deserved a lot more credit than it received. The big problems were that it was NOT on network tv, and it was science fiction. Both were detriments back then to successful acknowledgement

[@ashkrikorian5753]

Look at the magnificent writing in this scene. Have any of the newer series or reboots even come close to just this simple scene? The answer is no

[@ThomasFromTN]

THEN WRITE IT, ASSHOLE. STOP WHINING ABOUT HOW HORRIBLE THINGS ARE NOW. TALK IS CHEEEEEAAAP.

[@richardday3136]

We'd probably be afraid of them if they did.

[@NeithDollhouse]

Most of the current stuff is just hyper realism, shock value, and explosions, apparently that's the replacement to clever thought-provoking drama these days.

[@z8ph0d]

Picard's diplomacy literally makes me cry.

[@SamaritanPrime]

Jean-Luc Picard is truly the man you ought to send when you're making first contact with a new race of people and want to make the best possible first impression.

[@MichaelTheRead]

Picard delivered that last line like a proud parent watching their child discover something truly profound for the first time, seeing the wonder in their eyes and hearing the breathless awe in their voice. I'm sure hearing Nuria talk of one day exploring the stars almost made Picard (the character) tear up.

[@JH-su9vl]

Back when trek was about ideas and not special effects

[@Xydaine666]

Yeah cause especially in the early seasons the special effects were ass. But it was a simpler time...

[@FrozenVegie]

You mean back when Star Trek was a soap opera.

[@lukeriley4101]

Get back in your box you insufferable old toe.

[@generalbrick]

Lol, you triggered the discovery fans who apparently hate Star Trek. "You mean back when Star Trek was a soap opera. " WTF is wrong with them, you're not a Star Trek fan if you didn't like any of the older series.

[@wisdumb47]

Nailed it

[@dawnbreaker2912]

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."

[@profblack]

This one 3 minute scene is better than the entirety of both Seasons of Star Trek Picard.

[@Biorythym]

"If some asks if you are a god...you say YES!"--Winston Zedmore

[@pangolothian]

I've never really watched TNG or any true Star Trek series for that matter (I'm 26 but my dad was a trekky and star wars fan growing up) so I've been subjected to random bits here and there throughout life, but now being on my own and randomly watching some of these 3-5 minute existential clips from this show make me tear up and cry in amazement and wonder at the writing and music and acting behind them. Pretty sure I should watch this show lmfao.

[@judeisurufernando674]

Be aware, the first 2 or so seasons are insufferable. Don't skip it but, know that it gets better in the 3rd season, starting with The Measure of A Man.

[@malafakka8530]

@@judeisurufernando674 Measure of a Man is season 2 though 😉

[@jamesarnette1394]

They're actually are several good episodes in the first season. The problem is that Picard has not yet reached his maximum performance during that season. He gets better with the second season but comes into his own on the third season, which is I think the most fabulous season of the entire series.

[@lazarus2691]

Just watched this episode for the first time. Considering its age and limited budget, this scene is simply amazing.

[@majkus]

Perhaps - just perhaps - it is amazing _because_ of its limited budget. The only thing a big budget does is create more Spectacle (thus the much overworked word of the day, 'epic'). Paying good and thoughtful actors and writers and directors may produce better art in the long run.

[@teenspirit1]

Just give Patrick Stewart him a room and a suit and watch him go. That is enough budget.

[@CardinalDXMP]

​@@majkus This phenomenon (in my opinion) also occurs in games / game development, comparing games in the 80s/90s/early 2000s to today. When technology was much more limited in the 80s/90s, and developers were forced to write their own unique implementations of code to achieve both visual and gameplay effects, the result was that games operated, looked, and "felt" much more vastly different from one another than they do today. Today, you can tell, for example, "This is a Unity game," or "This is an Unreal Engine 4 game." (which isn't good)

[@Magpie1701]

@@CardinalDXMP You're right.

[@jmwild1]

The show actually had a large budget for its time. Not a movie budget of course, but it was one of the best looking shows on television then.

[@ZoOnTheYT]

Absolutely one of the best scenes in Star Trek! I've watched it dozens of times over the years, and I still get teary eyed when Nuria says "I do not fear you any longer" and when Picard says "of that I have absolutely no doubt". Two fabulous actors conveying humanities hope and creativity towards a better future.

[@voicetube]

OMG... There must be onions in the room… Truly one of television's greatest moments (and I don't say that lightly).

[@Ken.-]

0:30 "Your powers are truly boundless." Microphone dips into frame.

[@NiceHatVeton]

Nice catch

[@steve88luv]

Now I cant unsee the boom mike.

[@moochincrawdad]

Your powers of observation are truly boundless! 😀

[@jedigecko06]

Boom leans in to whisper, _"Remember Cesar: thou art mortal!"_

[@its_nhoj]

Pretty sure that's the top of his head's reflection on the glass.

[@halwakka504]

I have this bookmarked to quickly end any foolish "Who is the better captain, Kirk or Picard?" debates.

[@needmorebrain]

Not so hasty ;) While not aged well Captain Kirk in TOS has had his strong moments too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r3zQhpdmr62Katk

[@beargrylls235]

There was doubt..?!

[@arav13]

@@needmorebrain I really liked how Kirk found a resolution for that conflict. I paused and thought about "how they are going to fix/ make it better" for quite some time but I never thought for a second that, he would blow up the kill pad

[@mephostopheles3752]

This is one of Picard’s best moments. You can really see that these are the moments he lives for, to see humanity’s youth in other species, and in individuals like Nuria. To watch others follow the same path that brought humans to the stars. And here, he gets to _inspire_ those aspirations rather than watching him. Ironic, he convinces her not to be afraid of him, but imagine how scared he must be. He holds in his hands the sole responsibility for the future of this race. How he handles this conversation will determine how Nuria leads her community, and thus how her people will grow. And he navigates it like a fucking _champ._

[@MikinessAnalog]

I adore the background music in this episode.

[@michaelkylee601]

I truly believe that Patrick Stewart was born for this role

[@benjaminoechsli1941]

Of that, I have absolutely no doubt.

[@craigs5347]

The way Stewart delivers that final line always makes me tear up a bit. Absolutely spectacular scene from one of my favorite episodes.

[@Heart2HeartBooks]

Of that I have absolutely no doubt. Picard said this because: What the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve. She had done more than conceive. She saw!

[@hagamapama]

I imagine that the hot air balloon might jump the technological queue for these people. Nuria knows flight is possible, and that's one way she might achieve it.

[@Rhyza13]

This is Star Trek. Not flashy lights, or epic space battles, or convoluted plots. This, right here, bringing exploration, philosophy, and humanity together in a simple, yet deep conversation.

[@joelww2501]

No explosions, no violence, this is Star Trek at its best.

[@Darkmoone1]

One of my favorite scenes in Star Trek.

[@Raptorel]

Absolutely. The "depth" of Picard's speeches is so awesome.

[@TheJamesBunn]

Doomguy approves

[@yellowblanka6058]

James Bunn - further proof that the Doom Slayer isn't an unfeeling monster.

[@robinhyperlord9053]

Overrated.

[@nordfreiheit]

As much as i love watching the Dominion wars and the battles against the Cardassians, I really think the earlier seasons of TNG were the best out of the whole series. It was Gene Rodenberry's vision of a better humanity come to life, free from conflict.

[@ABCDyeahyeahyeah]

And the saddest thing is they consistently get downrated. I’m one of those that tends to think S1-S4 are > than S5-S7. They took more risks in the first 4 seasons IMO.

[@nordfreiheit]

@ABCDyeahyeah Agreed, they were far more creative, even if they were a little unpolished. However, the unpolished feeling adds to the aesthetics in a positive way.

[@paulpena5040]

Could you imagine if Q had showed up in this scene? Picard would have just thrown his hands up. Mintaken: "Is He a God?'. Picard "Well we're really not sure about that one".

[@seanbigay1042]

This is a prime example of why we old-timey Trekkies still love Star Trek. And always will.

[@RageCage1701]

"BUT THE NEW PICARD IS JUST LIKE THE OLD PICARD THERE IS LITERALLY NO DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE MASTERFUL, THOUGHTFUL, POIGNANT WRITING OF TNG AND THE 2020 SHIT FROM KURTZMAN"

[@KostaF64x]

There is an abyss between TNG and Kurtzman-Goldsman's bullshits. "Star Trek (what a heresy) Picard" looks like 80s "V-Visitors" tv show. With better special effects.

[@justincarnes1656]

This is one of the best Star Trek episodes. Right up there with The Inner Light.

[@rickthorne9700]

This is one of the most beautiful scenes ever on network television.😊😊

[@lionsandmoon]

The beauty of this scene is simple: It is Picard describing humanity with humility. It is this very humility that is the best lesson we can take from Star Trek.

[@Ozzyorcborne1]

The music score in this episode was beautiful. It literally portrays innocent wonderment. Similar to Nuria's reaction.

[@GrijzePilion]

This might be one of the best moments in all of science fiction, truly. It explains the entire genre.

[@EzekielPrellus]

Masterful writing with Picard at his finest. The music for this scene is also quite beautiful and fitting for this touching scene.

[@LordDarthHarry]

3:30 when you hear Christmas songs in November.

[@josephlacey7723]

Dialogues like this are exactly why I love Star Trek so much.

[@StsFiveOneLima]

This is echoed quite clearly in First Contact. "Perhaps one day my people will travel above the skies." Picard: "Of that I have absolutely no doubt." ....."And they're going to want to meet the man who flew that warp ship."

[@Anglomachian]

Wait, do you think these people are Vulcans?

[@marcocappelli2236]

Anglomachian Romulans and vulcans are related, and these people were romulans, I think.

[@Locutus]

Vulcans and Romulans are indeed the same race, but like this species in the episode, they all come from a common Vulcanoid species.

[@asheer9114]

If I recall correctly that episode, Nuria's people belonged to one of the first (and already forgotten by their home planet) settlers from very early pre Surak and Separation War Vulcan's colonization attemmpts, but I might be wrong as well since I watched it LOOOONG time ago.

[@seangannon6005]

@@asheer9114 I thought they were just very similar to the vulcans because they're evolution as a species was similar to the vulcan's. Convergent evolution essentially

[@SteveSilverActor]

What makes Star Trek so unique is that it takes a decidedly optimistic view of technology and it's relationship to humanity. This scene exemplifies that philosophy beautifully.

[@davecue2]

This is my favorite episode. It really changed my life for the better this show. I was a teen growing up to this show and I’m so glad captain Picard was my role model and not jay z.

[@kilroy987]

Picard is more intimidated by letting someone know so much, with all its implications. He knows how much humanity has accomplished and sees what's ahead for these people, and everything that entails.

[@legodemonrockstar]

I almost cried the first time I saw Picard showing Nuria her planet, the music is beautiful

[@windwalker5765]

Oh the music in this scene is doing WORK

[@TerryManiac]

This is the most profound and intelligent way to explain evolution i have ever heard. Whoever has written this is a true genius. This - is Star Trek.

[@Ragitsu]

If all you ever knew was a life in huts, would you know any better?

[@Aethgeir]

This is one of my favorite scenes in all Star Trek. I used to be all about the action and adventure of Trek, but as I got older I learned to appreciate the deeper philosophical aspects of the show.

[@lendial]

2:44 damn, that was so sincere

[@bingbongabinga2954]

When you care enough to help another to understand so no harm comes to them.

[@TonyFromSyracuse101]

I have always loved this scene as she gazes out the window and marvels at her world and Picard walks up to her as that beautiful new age music plays in the background. its magical.

[@EpicHotCheese]

“Put a guy in the forest with an axe, see how soon he can send an email” - Joe Rogan.

[@moochincrawdad]

GAME OVER! 😀

[@SkippertheBart]

Minecraft: the Definition.

[@Cjnw]

But concentration camps came first, though

[@rileyk5228]

@@Cjnw how else would they focus?

[@nrobo3840]

Angela Kindness what is this reply? The original poster is quoting how interdependent we are on others to reach our current level of comfort. Not sure where you are going with this reply? I honestly would love it if you could explain, no sarcasm or trolling intended.

[@Semeyaza]

This was the epitome of Picard the Captain, the Explorer, the man who wanted knowledge and was generous in helping others get the same perspective on the universe. And now we have bitter old Picard who went to the stars not because of thirst of understanding and passionfor exploration, but to flee from an abusive home. Shame on you Star Trek Picard!!

[@neilb5777]

"And her clothes fall off?" "Instantly."

[@jmwild1]

"I've seen everything. I've seen it all."

[@alexkilgour1328]

Rotfl. Took me a second to realize what you were referring to. :)

[@rileyk5228]

Then security walked in and said "you can't do that!" And I said "oh no?"

[@katherinkeegan8601]

@@alexkilgour1328 What is that?

[@alexkilgour1328]

@@katherinkeegan8601 it is a scene in Ricky Gervais' show Extras. Stewart is going on about this idea he has for a movie, where every scene is about some woman whose clothes fall off.

[@MrCardinal1965]

Picard is truly an amazing character, his monologues and explanations are out of this world, makes me think all the time.

[@craigarthur7599]

This is one of my favorite scenes in the entire Star Trek world.

[@BrightOranje]

One of the best TNG episodes, probably in the top 10. And that's saying something as this show spun out some absolute gems.

[@ardalla535]

Picard is just being a silly. He surely knows that the bow was a gift to mankind from Ptah.

[@sammysam2615]

One of the most beautiful scenes in this series

[@Artisan1979]

I can see why he fits so well in the role of Charles Xavier later on. Patrick would make one hell of a teacher. The delivery of his lines and that patients that he exudes as he's trying to help Nuria deconstruct both her fear and her perception of him feels very genuine and learned.

[@OhManTFE]

One of my favourite scenes as well. The music is spot on.

[@StsFiveOneLima]

Almost like Picard and Lily...

[@OhManTFE]

@@StsFiveOneLima Good point. Very similar scenes

[@sephservant]

That look on Nuria's face when you can see Picard's point click in her mind and the fear vanish from her eyes. She likely thought Picard was testing her in some way, then she realizes he was just trying to make her truly understand.

[@okleon]

DANGGG Picard really broke it down so well! Amazing writing!

[@jetstreamjackie3437]

The music really makes the scene here

[@thespfreely]

Ron Jones did another fantastic job on the music for this episode.

[@Phantom121904]

It's really too bad we didn't get more of his work in later seasons or in subsequent series. I like McCarthy's work, but Jones definitely brought a different ambience to the show.

[@StinkyGreenBud]

When Picard was Picard. Not that trash we just got spoon fed recently.

[@BioGoji-zm5ph]

I like Picard the most... when he is Locutus.

[@michaelgreenwood3413]

He's still Picard. You changed.

[@StinkyGreenBud]

@@michaelgreenwood3413 You mean I have not changed? If I changed then I would enjoy this joke show of what Picard was.

[@GinkoYoki234]

One of my all-time favorite Star Trek moments in any series, movie, book, or game. This is Star Trek at its purest... and finest.

[@dapejapes3220]

My favorite scene in TNG, Patrick Stuart absolutely slayed this scene. "Now that I have absolutely no doubt" WOW he's good

[@sergeantassassin3425]

What may seem trivial and normal to some can be magical and otherworldly to others, especially if it's technology that is so far removed from anything the person has seen or experienced in their lifetime. Though, to be fair, Picard's right in another way: with how fast Nuria caught on to the concept he explained to her, it does show that members of her race are quick learners, which lends itself very well to advanced intelligence.

[@juresaiyan]

Such a minimalistic scene and yet, so powerful. THIS is the essence. I showed this episode to my sister who is not a Trek fan, and she nearly wept.

[@calderarecords]

Watched this the other day and broke down in tears & could not stop for over an hour 😢😭 We once built the foundations of this show on Behavioral Science, Methodology, the Cultivation and pursuit of wisdom through reflective & rational self discipline. It's like that line in DW "Don't you understand? I want to SEE the universe, not RULE it" Hard times coming up for us.

[@KuDastardly]

0:31 _"Your powers are truly boundless..."_ Apparently so because at 0:36 Picard accidentally summons a boom mic at the very top of the screen, lol!

[@razor6888]

When Star Trek was Star Trek... I miss this....