Encounter at Farpoint
- Episode aired Sep 26, 1987
- TV-PG
- 1h 32m
On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashi... Read allOn the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion.On the maiden mission of the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), an omnipotent being known as Q challenges the crew to discover the secret of a mysterious base in an advanced and civilized fashion.
- Mandarin Bailiff
- (as Cary-Hiroyuki)
- Main Bridge Security
- (as Timothy Dang)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis marks the final television appearance of DeForest Kelley before his death on 11 June 1999, discounting his appearance in ST:DS9 Trials and Tribble-ations (1996), which was archive footage from Star Trek (1966). Kelley filmed his scene on Tuesday 2 June 1987.
- GoofsWesley is dripping wet when talking to Captain Picard outside the holodeck. As holographic matter cannot exist outside of the holodeck, the water should have disappeared once he stepped through the door. However, just moments before, Data explains to Riker that the holodeck uses a combination of holograms and actual material that is materialized (similar to the way the food replicators create food) so the water could very well be real.
- Quotes
Admiral Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy: How old do you think I am, anyway?
Lt. Commander Data: 137 years, Admiral, according to Starfleet records.
Admiral Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy: Explain how you remember that so exactly!
Lt. Commander Data: I remember every fact I am exposed to, sir.
Admiral Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy: [looking at both sides of Data's head] I don't see no points on your ears, boy, but you sound like a Vulcan.
Lt. Commander Data: No, sir. I am an android.
Admiral Leonard H. "Bones" McCoy: Hmph. Almost as bad.
- Alternate versionsThe original Columbia House video release had the episode cut into two parts, as it was re-aired, while later releases has the episode in its original two hour cut that was on the Paramount Home Video release.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Star Trek: The Next Generation: Hide and Q (1987)
As for this first episode, I remember hating it when it debuted. However, I am giving it a fair shake...and then I'll explain why I hated it!
The show begins with Captain Picard taking command of the Enterprise. Soon after, a super-being, Q, takes control of the ship and explains that humans are all savage idiots--and he advises them to go back to their own solar system...NOW. Picard, of course, doesn't comply with this decree and soon finds that Q IS pretty much all-powerful. Eventually, Q places Picard and the crew on trial--a trial that MIGHT result in their obliteration. The trial is a total farce and it's interrupted when Picard suggests that Q examine the PRESENT human race to see if it still savage--at which point Q releases everyone for them to continue their original mission to Farpoint. Could it be what they do at Farpoint determines what Q will do next?
After re-watching the show, I realize that I was a bit harsh-- though it is not a particularly outstanding episode either. While I really grew to love the Q episodes, this one is VERY preachy about how noble the human race has become--one of the more annoying aspects of the Star Trek future. Additionally, the show is a bit slow compared to later shows--but I cannot blame everyone, as the show was trying to find its way and establish itself. Worth seeing but not particularly noteworthy aside from being the first two episodes.
- planktonrules
- Nov 8, 2014
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- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime1 hour 32 minutes
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- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1