Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) Symbiosis (1988) User Reviews

We NEED the Felicium!

[Arghmyliver · 7/10 · 14 November 2015]

I gave this a 7 out of 10 because the weird late-80s/early-90s pop culture/fad references are part of what I find hilarious about this show. This is an interesting episode dealing with the topic of drug addiction. People familiar with typical TV/Movie depiction of withdrawal will catch on pretty quickly to the true nature of the supposed "plague cure." An interesting decision by Picard to withhold aid due to the Prime Directive, which he so flagrantly disregarded on Edo (though I am, of course, glad that Wil Wheaton is still alive!).

Also, there is an interesting, surprisingly never addressed (in the show or on any wiki that I could find), implication of the ending. The two Brekkans are now trapped on Ornara since Picard refuses to repair the Ornaran spacecraft, and the Ornarans are currently too hopped up/strung out to do it themselves (Ornara was the only one of the two planets to develop space travel). Thought this was kinda funny.

Almost great

[chris-cerar · 8/10 · 25 January 2019]

This was a great early episode of TNG with Picard facing a difficult choice. Better acting than most of the S1 episodes. Unfortunately it features what is possibly the worst scene in Star Trek history when Tasha gives Wesley the "drug talk". Nancy Reagan should have got a writing credit.

A Classic Case of Situation Ethics

[Hitchcoc · 7/10 · 31 July 2014]

A distress call come from a freighter as the Enterprise begins to explore an interesting star.. On board, seeking help, are a couple of people who are in a state of reverie. Picard wants to help, but these people can't seem to help themselves. They don't seem to be able to do the most rudimentary things to control a starship. Soon the ship reaches a critical point and is about to explode. When asked to beam on board, instead of people, a pack of strange containers appears. It takes a second effort but only four of the six persons on board are able to be rescued. When the four arrive, they are arguing and sparring over the cargo and seem to have no concern for their dead comrades. What we find out is that the four represent two planets, on that profits from selling "medicine" to the other. The ones receiving the medicine are grateful for being able to pay for this stuff. What follows is a kind of negotiation between two forces that together manage to maintain a kind of balance. What happens is a moral dilemma where the prime directive does not allow PIcard to interfere, even though one force aggressively subverts the other. What ultimately happens makes for some interesting discussion.

A familiar face or two returns

[russem31 · 12 April 2006]

ST:TNG:23 - "Symbiosis" (Stardate: Unknown) - this is the 23rd episode produced but the 22nd episode to air on TV - it was proper that it aired before the 22nd episode because of what happened in that episode "Skin of Evil". Though I won't give away why, let's just say a familiar face returns here that supposedly died in the 22nd episode. Another familiar face to appear here is that of Merritt Butrick as T'Jon - he was David, the son of James T. Kirk in the Star Trek movies II: The Wrath of Khan and III: The Search For Spock. The subject matter is also very interesting because it deals with narcotics and drug use - about how one race "enslaves" another by using a narcotic to control them - we get to see what drug withdrawal does to them (scary to say the least).

Pushing the Prime Directive to the limits.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 11 November 2014]

This episode of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is one that pushes the Prime Directive to an extreme. In this case, the Enterprise becomes involved with two societies--two that are locked in an inextricable trade relationship. One planet provides a needed drug and the other planet will do just about anything to get it---and it's been this way for over 200 years. The problem is that although folks THINK the drug is to cure some space illness, there is a secret the drug providers aren't telling the other planet--the illness disappeared long ago and the 'medicine' is a super-refined and very addictive drug. So, in essence, the one planet is the drug dealer and the other planet is a planet of junkies. This is morally reprehensible and Doctor Crusher wants to put a stop to it. BUT, Jean-Luc is a firm believer in the Prime Directive--and doing anything would violate their non-interference laws. So, they can violate the Prime Directive or uphold it--neither of which is a good choice. So what's next?

This is a pretty decent episode. Not great but well done and worth seeing. The plot is a bit obvious but it is an interesting exploration of just how far the Federation MUST adhere to its basic values and laws.

Good episode but...

[johnny-squares · 7/10 · 19 September 2006]

A good story about exploitation and utter dependency. I thought the whole "why do drugs" bit by the annoying Wesley Crusher was silly, but all in all a good episode from season one. What I don't get is this: The transporter works by turning every molecule of a thing into energy then back again...right? So it stands to reason that once something has been transported, there is now a record of what it's made of. So once the "medicine" was beamed on board (then again to the cargo hold) making more would be a simple matter. I don't care how "rare" the main ingredient is, when you have transporters and replicators...just make as much as you want and get on with it! That's my point.

I'm with Dr. Crusher

[bkoganbing · 6/10 · 4 February 2019]

This episode of TNG brings the Enterprise to a pair of planets humanoid inhabited who have a strange relationship. One of the planets is where the population is quite healthy, but the other has been suffering a plague for generations and is completely dependent on the other to give it medicine, for an exhorbitant price. It's economic bondage.

It's worse than that. The medicine is a narcotic and you have planetary wide addiction.

Dr. Crusher weighs in as this is a medical issue. She wants an intervention, but Captain Picard is sticking by the prime directive. Personally I'm with Gates McFadden here. I think the usually wise Patrick Stewart is dead wrong.

You'll have to tune in to see how this is resolved.

Just say no

[gritfrombray-1 · 10/10 · 7 June 2007]

When the Enterprise intercepts a distress call they beam some cargo and two parties of people aboard. The cargo becomes a point of contention between these new arrivals and when it is agreed to let the faction 'infected' with a 'virus' have some of the medicine. Doctor Crusher is a little concerned when she sees the results of the medicine after it is administrated and it becomes clear that this is not a medicine at all but is in fact a narcotic and the Enterprise has stumbled upon a years old exchange of drugs to the planet of addicts situation. This was a good example, particularly for young people, of the uselessness of drug dependency. The technology to repair the ships used to supply the drug is withheld by Picard. The cycle of supply cut off the addiction will pass and they will no longer be slaves to their suppliers. Picard cites it as part of maintaining the Prime Directive! Judson Scott and the late Merritt Butrick both appeared in Star Trek II The Wrath Of Khan are in this. Watch Tasha Yar as Beverly and Picard leave the cargo bay late in the episode as she waves in the background to the camera. This was Denise Crosby's last day of filming and she wanted to say goodbye to the fans. x

Planet of smack

[snoozejonc · 7/10 · 25 May 2021]

Enterprise receives a distress call whilst observing a sun.

This is a solid episode focussed on the prime directive and has some effective guest characters.

The story is a simple but effective way to show how the prime directive is observed by Federation starships. It puts Captain Picard in a difficult position and under pressure from characters whose interests conflict.

Underlying the above are some fairly clear themes on capitalist systems and drug addiction. This gives the story a bit more relevance to real life issues, particularly during the 1980s when it was written. It can be a bit heavy handed at times, especially during one scene of dialogue between Tasha Yar and Wesley Crusher that feels terribly forced.

For me it is concluded in a refreshing way by a decision where we see the reaction of the individuals it impacts and then left to ponder what might become of the situation. It's not particularly cinematic, but the acting is strong enough to make it work well.

There are some decent visuals, particularly at the start where we see the solar flares. The costumes are a bit naff, but do tell you everything you need to know about the differences between the Ornara and Brekka. The effects that depict electrical powers also hold up well.

All performances are solid with Patrick Stewart standing out as always. Gates McFadden has a decent episode and all the guest actors play their parts well.

Symbiosis

[Scarecrow-88 · 8/10 · 12 May 2012]

There are little episodes like "Symbiosis" sprinkled throughout the series (particularly the first two) that often go unheralded, and I guess that's because we as fans have to rewatch and, in turn, reevaluate how good they really are. It is nice to come across strongly written episodes like this one, rediscover them, and see the points within their stories. This tale involves two worlds, similar alien people, the greedy, underhanded Brekkians and the vulnerable, technologically/intelligently inferior Onarians, involving a narcotic known as Felicium. While investigating an unusual sun, the Enterprise encounters an old freighter, operated by four Onarians who know very little about their own ship's mechanics (!), who have Brekkian traders on board with them. The freighter has a minor problem with coils that could be easily replaceable if only those on board knew how to install them! Beaming four of the six of them aboard the Enterprise, Picard becomes entangled in a dispute over the Felicium and the Prime Directive becomes an important factor in his inability to get involved. Dr. Crusher (the episode excellently pits her in a tug-of-war philosophically and emotionally with Picard over allowing the Onarians to be exploited by the Brekkians simply for profit) wants Picard to inform the Onarians of the lie that continues to engulf their people (this is a symbiotic relationship between two peoples that has lasted for a long time), while he is unable to do so under the guidelines of the Directive, and this episode examines why it is important not to interfere, but instead the Captain brilliantly figures out another way of possibly ending such a lop-sided alliance between them—in his own way Picard must also exploit the Onarians, using their lack of technological know-how, and lack of advancement over the centuries, in order to help them "wane off" the Felicium. This is definitely a "message episode" about the exploitation of addicts for pure financial gain and how the United Federation of Planets must abide by the rules that govern their ability to function in the universe. Good episode for the character of Crusher and the passion of Gates McFadden, her sympathy for a fooled society, wrings true in the performance.The agony is palpable in the way Merritt Butrick and Judson Earney Scott convey their Felicium dependency, a good description on aching for a drug. Some find the dialogue scene, where the young man ponders to Data about why anyone would succumb to drug use, between Wil Wheaton's Wesley and Denise Crosby's Yar annoying, but I think it does allow a moment to examine the allure and pitfalls of narcotic abuse (and it gives Crosby one last character moment before Yar's departure in Skin of Evil). I think it is unfortunate Crosby decided to leave because barely a season worth of episodes never quite allowed her to fully flesh out the character, in my opinion, definitely a shame.

Decent episode, meh ending

[mrmystery99 · 7/10 · 19 November 2021]

I thought this episode was pretty good and defo worth the watch but the ending was a little bit anticlimactic. Obviously the prime directive is important but I feel they could've done something a bit better than just denying to fix their ships.

Anyways, it was funny to have some friendly junkies on the shop and I thought the 70s drugs dealers were dislikable and scummy. Fun episode!

A top5 from Season 1 !

[nicofreezer · 9/10 · 10 November 2021]

Even maybe a top 3 Symbiosis is a great story, entertaining and simple. Not the best ever, far from it, but you will have a good hour of tv, a solid 8.5/10 Star trek season 1 have been the weakest by far, but not without some very good one, like the Paris one of skin of evil, to only named them.

yes this episode has its problems and holes...

[Zephyr707 · 7/10 · 22 September 2020]

... but so do most of the first season episodes. I feel like a lot of the first few seasons' episodes are bridging between TOS and slowly coming into its own. I love the prime directive episodes, because it usually deals with some pretty difficult decisions based on a fairly elastic set rules that require mediation and judgement on the part of Picard and the Enterprise crew.

I do feel like the precedent set on Angel One with the Prime Directive not applying to non-starfleet folks sets up some big holes in the Universe. What would stop a separate "non-affiliated" propaganda wing from interfering with any civilization without violating the Prime Directive? Starfleet or a secret organization within could secretly supply this wing with objectives that they could not act on due to the prime directive, or a vigilante organization could act on its own. Does the Federation and Starfleet have an obligation to interfere if a non-starfleet/non-federation party such as the Ferengi decide to enter the felicium trade and takeover the market?

I first watched TNG as an adolescent and I feel like a lot of folks who can't stand Wesley don't realize that he is the character that a lot of younger viewers will identify with the most. Indeed he is almost admired and his position even envied by younger viewers. I believe there is even a POV shot of his first tour of the bridge and that really felt like being granted access as a viewer, too. So moments where dialogue is dumbed down and can seem a bit preachy like the drug talk with Wes in this episode are likely for the younger crowd. Coming of age has a few moments like that as well with some somewhat clichéd advice for Wes, but for the target it is well suited.

Frustrating misunderstanding of the prime directive.

[Sheerluck_Ohms · 5/10 · 20 September 2019]

This episode was frustrating because they used the prime directive as a weak plot device to avoid telling an entire planet of people they were being exploited by a people on a different planet. First of all, they technically had space travel and were going to help them fix their ships and everything. Then when they figure out that one of the planets is being exploited they say they can't tell them because it would force "earth morals" or something due to some interpalenetary agreement (which I'm not sure really is the prime directive, but they switch between using this and the prime directive as excuses). The writers felt that it would be interesting to tie the enterprise's hands and have to try to figure out a way to give the Ornarans a shot at figuring it out themselves. I Believe it would be much more interesting if they told them and the Ornarans didn't believe them and they had to find ways to try to prove it to them. That would have been much more interesting. It could have been made to be just as frustrating and dissatisfying of an ending (by having the Ornarans refusing to believe them by the end) if that's what they were going for. It would have made much more logical sense. The whole idea of one planet secretly exploiting another is very interesting and I think they almost made this episode very good. I just haven't seen the prime directive used as anything other than a lazy plot device by this point in the series, so it's rather annoying to have it in there at all.

Felicium Runs Everything

[Rizar · 5 February 2010]

During a science experiment, the Enterprise dangerously comes close to solar flares and the magnetic activity of a star in the Delos system. They must break from their mission to answer a distress signal from a cargo ship, tossing them in the thick of a dispute between two civilizations: the Ornarans and the Brekkians.

"Symbiosis" (season 1, 04/18/88, Stardate: unknown) is a alien contact episode that tests the Prime Directive in a very mature and stoical way. Will Picard use the resources and knowledge of Star Fleet to force human morality onto an alien culture? Is it right for a more technologically advanced civilization to interfere with the development of lesser developed civilizations? The Brekkians seem to be an uncaring and aloof people judging by the two of them on the cargo ship. They could care less about saving their fellow crew members and care more for their cargo of felicium. They claim that felicium is a lifesaving medicine.

But the Ornarans claim possession of the felicium until the Brekkians pay the agreed price.

We are then sent on a few red-herrings that I won't spoil, but the dispute raises the question of whether Picard should break the Prime Directive and help the Brekkians. Dr. Crusher argues that he should and appeals to Picard's emotions.

Some of the SF/Fantasy elements include the use of alien transporters to get a lock and help beam them over to the Enterprise. I'm still confused because it doesn't seem necessary since they end up beaming them over without anyways.

Another interesting idea is that the Ornarans are completely devoted to producing one product: felicium. The Ornarans are not sick in any way, so they regularly sell the felicium to the Brekkians. The Brekkians therefore provide the Ornarans with everything they need. Thus the title of the episode.

This episode made me notice that Picard often makes a few aside comments to his crew while inter-cutting his comments with official remarks to another ship. How does the computer know who he's talking too? Does it shut off when he turns to talk to his crew and then turn back on when he slightly raises his voice and looks at the view screen to talk to the other ship? It annoys me a bit, but it isn't specific to this episode.

Lovers of the Prime Directive will like this episode, but I won't say much more about how it's depicted since it seems like anything I say will spoil it too much.

I recommend watching this episode as its a very worthy Star Trek idea.

Special rules. Parts is parts, so there.

[smiledaydream · 6/10 · 31 January 2022]

Another vague message in an emergency. "A problem". Maybe they need a plumber. Ah, the boss finds it vague also. Sounds like a support call with a cable company. Oh. This is interesting. I can't do the right thing. That would interfere with the prime directive. Um. Interfering with culture is all they do. Save people. Yep. Move them. Yep. Trade. Free parts. No medicine today. That's next week. Only interfere when there's a vague static message. Yeah. I love it. It's Star Trek.

"... drugs can make you feel good."

[classicsoncall · 7/10 · 19 September 2023]

For this viewer, the episode was full of contradictions. When it was first learned that the Ornarans were suffering and dying from lack of the drug felicium, Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden) implored Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the Brekkans themselves to supply the medicine, even if the Ornarans couldn't pay for it. Later, when she discovered that the felicium manufactured by the Brekkans was actually a narcotic produced in sequentially stronger doses, she was against facilitating the Ornarans' addiction to the drug. However, near the end of the episode when discussing Picard's decision not to repair the damaged vessel the parties were rescued from, she was all in again for providing both with the means to engage in their prior trade agreement.

As for the Prime Directive, originally the Captain was willing to supply the coils necessary to repair the damaged Ornaran freighter Sanction, but by the end of the story he wasn't. It seems to me that the Prime Directive was inadvertently violated many times, not only in Next Generation but the original Star Trek series as well, simply by being wherever the starships were traveling to. I don't know how you can get away with it.

As to the question of whether Picard made the right decision in the end, I generally agree with his summation about not supplying the coils. By withholding the means for the Brekkans and Ornarans to continue their trade (by not seeing the Sanction repaired), I don't believe he doomed the Ornarans to extinction. From my limited knowledge about drug addiction, addicts don't necessarily die from not having their fix, although withdrawal can be very painful. By sending both parties on their way, he did the Ornarans a favor by eliminating their reliance on the drug, and the Brekkans by forcing them to expand their own industry instead of relying on their trade relationship.

One last thing. I don't know whether it was inadvertent or intentional, but I couldn't help thinking Mr. Data (Brent Spiner) gave the original Star Trek's Spock a nod when at one point he uttered the word 'Fascinating'.

Picard is wrong in this case.

[mluinstra · 7/10 · 13 September 2023]

One race is enslaved by the other by use of narcotics.

Picard decides to uphold the prime directive in this case by not fixing their only ship, which allows them to move the drugs from one planet to the other. This will of course cause the drug addict planet to go through terrible withdrawals before eventually becoming free of the drugs and the planet that uses them.

This will also screw over the drug pushing planet by losing all of their customers and will also cause them to learn how to fend for themselves. They did nothing but make the drug, and make more potent over the years, and nothing else. They don't create food or anything else.

Obviously, nobody cares about the drug pushing planet or what happens to them, because they have been taking advantage of the other planets for centuries, so screw them.

However, the planets full of addicts will suffer terribly with many likely to die during withdrawal from the very potent drug they have taken all their life.

Beverly says she can give them medicine to help ween them off the narcotics so it's not so painful, but Picard is not going to interfere, quoting the Prime Directive.

I'm sorry, but he is 100% wrong in this case. He should not let the entire population of a planet suffer through brutal withdrawal effects when they don't have to. Picard can leave them the medicine without telling anyone, and nobody will be hurt by doing so. The other planet won't know, and Star Fleet doesn't need to know either.

Picard has ignored the Prime Directive at times, and compared to the other times he bent the rules, this would be nothing. After a week or so, the addicts would be free of the narcotics and they could enjoy life again.

Picard was dead wrong here, and I just can't understand why he would let so many people suffer and/or die, when they don't have to, and there is basically zero risk.

Very Mature Message

[nitinvarshney78 · 10/10 · 10 March 2020]

Picard says in this episode that "whenever we interfere in matters of civilisations not as advanced as us , we cause destruction " ... it's kinda prophecy , look what happened when America tried to bring Democracy to Iraq and rest of Middle East nations , who were not ready for democracy

How about prime suggestion instead of directive?

[amusinghandle · 7/10 · 30 December 2023]

For Season 1 this is actually a weighty episode.

This is another one of those situations where we need a Starfleet lawyers to provide excruciating situational details on prime directive stipulations. It's kind of like "Thou shall not kill" but... but.. what if someone is trying to kill me?

I have had experience with drug addicts and as much as I have grown to dislike addicts, I have a greater dislike for the dealers. The dealers are truly the vile soul-less sociopaths who essentially commit murder a little bit at a time.

So, this is an interesting episode for me because I am on no ones side. The ultimate resolution of world wide suffering due to withdrawal symptoms and complete economic collapse seem like a solid punishment for both societies.

Wait, would the prime directive dictate that the Enterprise should not rescue to the ship from destruction? Ah, damn. I need the expensive starfleet lawyer again to explain this to me.

Good pacing, logical explanations and a murky but satisfying ending.

Good episode with a terrific ending!

[iblack-23610 · 9/10 · 26 July 2023]

I'am not going to bother going to much into how this was broadcast during the war on drugs stuff. Other than it's annoying when shows bow to political pressures during the time of filming.

OK now to the show. I found it to be a very well acted episode that always keeps me putting it on when I start watching season one. Simple but engaging storytelling about a world of junkies being used by souless dealers.

Picards decision to not inform the addicts about the true situation by hiding behind the Prime Directive however was quite flimsy, while Crushers emotional and professional concerns were 100% perfect.

In short despite Picards flawed arguments he ended up making it right by withholding the tech to fix the bumpkins deteriorating ships thus ending the sick cycle.

The icing on the cake for me however is that the Brekkians end up being stranded on the druggies home world as they stupidly beamed down with them with no working ships to leave in! Perfect Karma.

"You're brain on Felicium!" ad saved by two big things.

[joshuaattkisson-13362 · 9/10 · 5 October 2022]

While it does seem follow some standard anti-drug art expressions from the time period, the episode is saved by it's acting and overall plot line.

Crosby and Frakes have some great execution of scenes dealing with the Ornarans/Brekkians. Especially when it comes to their evolutionary acquired weapon. Stewart's tone throughout sums up a tough interaction for JLP.

It's pretty clear that creating and then exploiting an entire planet of crackheads is up there on the list of reasons you'd break the prime directive, at least when it comes to JLP. A drug-addicted world, suddenly having 100% of the population going through massive withdrawal pains, without any notice whatsoever, doesn't seem to bother Dr. Crusher. However, JLP's plan has some foresight for the Brekkians in a way that shows compassion and good judgement in a no-win type spot. His final order of the episode to the helm sums up the result of the situation perfectly.

ABC After School Special Episode

[Hughmanity · 5/10 · 17 April 2020]

I kept waiting for someone to say, "just say no." First of all it's obvious from the start that the Brekkians are drug addicts but the supposedly intelligent Enterprise crew with every medical technology at their disposal can't figure this out until 40 minutes into the episode? They act like a bunch of clueless idiots for the sake of the plot device. Then we have the obligatory "don't do drugs" talk with Wesley. I love Star Trek TNG but this episode just annoyed me and smacked of poor and obvious writing.

Tasha dares Wesley to just say no

[snarky-trek-reviews · 8/10 · 27 January 2023]

We open with the bridge crew studying a sun which is causing all the ships systems to fail. Wesley is on the bridge though so everything should be fine. It seems the bridge crew hasn't ever seen a solar flare before. Riker is so inspired he uses the word awesome which probably didn't sound awkward in 1987. Troi informs Picard the ship's crew is feeling tense, so he takes the ship in closer to get a better look. A distress call from some slack jawed yokels on a nearby freighter comes in and the drama begins to unfold.

After rescuing four people and a piece of cargo we do a meet and greet with the survivors. Turns out the cargo is medicine and two of the survivors are wealthy coastal elites demanding payment from the country bumpkins who badly need it.

Both parties have special solar flare powered hands which leads to an energetic Aaron Sorkin style walk and talk between Tasha and Riker. As Picard mediates the dispute, he learns that the two yokels need the medicine because they are carrying a plague. Fortunately, he contacts doctor Crusher and takes them to sick bay instead of instigating lockdowns, mask mandates, and social distancing while endlessly fearmongering the crew through the many screens aboard the ship.

Plot twist, the Trumpers aren't sick at all they are just junkies addicted to the "medicine" coming from the coastal corridors. Worse yet, the rich people that make the medicine have built their entire economy around the pharmaceutical industry. As soon as the normies from flyover country realize they don't need what their betters are peddling the parasitic relationship will come to an end and middle America will once again begin to flourish.

I'll leave the ending unstated as I rather like this episode. The prime directive is given serious attention here without feeling preachy or out of place. Crusher is emotional, but she isn't wrong. Picard is objective, but he isn't right. In the end Picard makes the right decision and the audience is left to contemplate its implications. Well done writers, this is the first episode of the series that actually feels like Star Trek.

Verdict: Watch. This is a season one stand out.

Other thoughts:

This is the Picard I know and love: diplomatic, thoughtful, and assertive. His decisions drive the story forward, not Wesley's.

Denise Crosby is a really good actress, and I am starting wish they had killed Troi off instead of her.

Autism alerts:

Tasha instructs the crew of the other ship to set their transporters to 970 3 mark 2 68. You need a horizontal direction, a vertical direction, and a distance in order to target a specific location in space. It takes some mental gymnastics, but if 970 somehow represents degrees on a horizontal circle, 3 represents the base length of a right triangle, and 268 represents degrees on a vertical circle, then what Tasha says makes sense. On the other hand, there is no reason to think federation coordinate conventions are the galactic standard.

There are "thousands" of other people suffering on the junky planet and 4 billion doses of medicine that lasts at most 72 hours. Let's be conservative and say the drugs only lasts for an average of 50 hours. To make the math even easier we will assume "thousands" means forty thousand. That's 100,000 doses per person. Times 50 hours makes 5,000,000 hours per person. There are 365 days in a year time 24 hours in a day for 8760 hours in a year. 5,000,000 div 8760 is a about 577.776. Even if we round that down it'll still be more than 500 years before they run out of drugs.

As Crusher and Picard leave the cargo bay at 42:14 Paramount+ standard time you can see Tasha in the background waiving at the camera for some reason.

Prime directive conundrum

[phil-1440 · 8/10 · 22 April 2023]

Quite enjoyed this one, may need to watch it again as I need to mull over the prime directive conundrum....and also I'm not sure why picard couldn't have just kept the drugs, after all they beamed the drugs on board the enterprise without asking permission first. Surely the prime directive has something to say about facilitating the supply of drugs to other planetary systems.

The distress call reminded me of working on an IT Helpdesk, hilarious, whenever someone is that vague about what the problem is you know they know exactly what the problem is, they don't want to tell you they've made some fat finger mistake.

Overall this is quite a funny and enjoyable episode.