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Changed line(s) 56 (click to see context) from:
** This is the only episode in which the Borg seem completely '''un'''interested in assimilating humanoid lifeforms - in any other episode, especially starting with ''Film/StarTrekFirstContact'', that security officer would've probe-injected on the spot. In this take on the Borg, they are exclusively interested in acquiring technology.
to:
** This is the only episode in which version of the Borg seem completely '''un'''interested in assimilating humanoid lifeforms - in any other episode, especially starting with ''Film/StarTrekFirstContact'', was conceived as a unique race that security officer would've probe-injected on the spot. In this take on the Borg, they breed within their own species and are exclusively only interested in acquiring technology.consuming outsiders' technology. For this reason, they threaten the ''Enterprise'' with "punishment" rather than assimilation, and the away team discovers a "nursery" of aby Borgs. Later episodes would establish they are are more of a technological [[TheVirus virus]] that assimilates civilizations to add to its collective and propagate itself.
Deleted line(s) 58 (click to see context) :
** While the idea of "Borg children" comes up in later works (one of ''Voyager'''s stronger narrative thrusts involved exploring this concept), this episode implies that the Borg ''breed'' children to be drones. While it's not impossible that they do this, later works don't reference this idea at all and generally suggest that the Borg are simply indiscriminate in who they assimilate, and this includes children, who are then "matured" to the point where they are useful. This one is at least explainable with the characters making wild assumptions off of their immediate impressions of the "nursery" without actually doing much investigation.
Changed line(s) 60,61 (click to see context) from:
** Borg use of nanotechnology isn't referenced at all in this episode; at the time the episode was written, nanotech wasn't even widely known about as a concept. Their regeneration and whatnot simply "happens" somehow (including in a rather infamous effects shot).
** Finally, the Borg's famous catchphrase "Resistance is futile" is not used in this episode, and would show up in their next appearance.
** Finally, the Borg's famous catchphrase "Resistance is futile" is not used in this episode, and would show up in their next appearance.
to:
** Borg use of nanotechnology isn't referenced at all in this episode; at the time the episode was written, nanotech wasn't even widely known about as a concept. Their regeneration and whatnot simply "happens" somehow (including in a rather infamous effects shot).
somehow.
**Finally, The Borg threaten the Borg's ''Enterprise'' to not resist them, but their famous catchphrase "Resistance is futile" is not used in this episode, and would show used. It shows up in their next appearance.
**
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* CompanionCube: Gomez makes a point to be polite to the ship's computer, which La Forge finds silly.
Changed line(s) 94 (click to see context) from:
* OhCrap: Sonia Gomez's reaction to spilling hot chocolate on Picard.
to:
* OhCrap: OhCrap:
** Sonia Gomez's reaction to spilling hot chocolate on Picard.
** Sonia Gomez's reaction to spilling hot chocolate on Picard.
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Changed line(s) 25 (click to see context) from:
* AbortedArc: Geordi's relationship with Gomez, whether professional or persona, never developed, and she appeared only briefly in one other episode.
to:
* AbortedArc: Geordi's relationship with Gomez, whether professional or persona, personal, never developed, and she appeared only briefly in one other episode.
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Changed line(s) 4,7 (click to see context) from:
Overeager young Ensign Sonya Gomez, a recent Academy graduate just assigned to the ''Enterprise,'' is carrying on a [[MotorMouth rambling conversation]] with Lt. La Forge in Engineering. When La Forge tells her that she ought to take her mug of hot chocolate out of Engineering, Gomez turns and around and smacks [[RightBehindMe right into Captain Picard himself]], mortifying her.
Picard goes to change his uniform, exits a turbolift without looking, and finds himself aboard a shuttlecraft piloted by Q. Picard angrily reminds Q his promise after their [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E9HideAndQ last encounter]] to never trouble the ''Enterprise'' again, and Q says he always keeps his word: The shuttlecraft is in [[ExactWords the middle of nowhere]]. Picard tries to wait Q out, but Q has all the time in the universe, so Picard relents and agrees to hear his proposal.
Picard goes to change his uniform, exits a turbolift without looking, and finds himself aboard a shuttlecraft piloted by Q. Picard angrily reminds Q his promise after their [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E9HideAndQ last encounter]] to never trouble the ''Enterprise'' again, and Q says he always keeps his word: The shuttlecraft is in [[ExactWords the middle of nowhere]]. Picard tries to wait Q out, but Q has all the time in the universe, so Picard relents and agrees to hear his proposal.
to:
Overeager young Ensign Sonya Gomez, a recent Academy graduate just assigned to the ''Enterprise,'' is carrying on a [[MotorMouth rambling conversation]] with Lt. La Forge in Engineering. When La Forge tells her that she ought to take her mug of hot chocolate out of Engineering, away from the delicate machinery, Gomez turns and around and smacks spills [[RightBehindMe right into all over Captain Picard himself]], mortifying her.
Picard goes On his way to change his uniform, Picard exits a turbolift without looking, looking and finds himself aboard a shuttlecraft piloted by Q. Picard angrily reminds Q of his promise after their [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E9HideAndQ last encounter]] to never trouble the ''Enterprise'' again, and Q says he always keeps his word: The shuttlecraft is in [[ExactWords the middle of nowhere]]. Picard tries to wait Q out, but Q has all the time in the universe, so Picard relents and agrees to hear his proposal.
Changed line(s) 10,11 (click to see context) from:
Q and Picard teleport to Ten-Forward, where Q immediately reacts with shock that Guinan is aboard. The pair have a history, and they square off, but Picard talks them down as Picard and Worf arrive. Q admits that he's been kicked out of the Q collective. He's bored and wants to join the crew of the ''Enterprise''. Picard balks at the idea, but Q warns him that the Federation has no idea what lies in store for them. Picard confidently states that the Federation can handle any issues that may arise.
to:
Q and Picard teleport to Ten-Forward, where Q immediately reacts with shock that Guinan is aboard. The pair have a history, and they square off, but Picard talks them down as Picard and Worf arrive. Q admits that he's been kicked out of the Q collective. He's bored and wants to join the crew of the ''Enterprise''. Picard balks at the idea, but Q warns him that the Federation has no idea what lies in store for them. Picard confidently states that the Federation can handle any issues that may arise.
arise without Q.
Changed line(s) 16,17 (click to see context) from:
The Borg ship begins tractoring the ''Enterprise'' in. Picard orders a volley with everything they've got, targeting the tractor beam. The Borg slice a chunk out of the ''Enterprise'', killing 18 crew, but its transport beam gets destroyed. In a conference, Q warns Picard that the Borg are an existential threat to the Federation itself, interesting in nothing beyond consuming their technology and lives.
to:
The Borg ship begins tractoring the ''Enterprise'' in. Picard orders a volley with everything they've got, targeting the tractor beam. The Borg slice a chunk out of the ''Enterprise'', killing 18 crew, but its transport beam gets destroyed. In a conference, Q warns Picard that the Borg are an existential threat to the Federation itself, interesting in nothing beyond consuming their technology and lives.
technology.
Changed line(s) 20,21 (click to see context) from:
But the Borg are hot on their heels. Picard orders another salvo, but the battle is [[CurbStompBattle entirely lopsided]] this time, and the ''Enterprise'' quickly finds itself at the Borg's mercy. Riker prepares to give the order to fire a photon torpedo at close range, likely annihilating the ''Enterprise''. Q appears just in time to remind Picard of his claim that he could handle any threat.
to:
But the Borg are follow hot on their heels. Picard orders another salvo, but the battle is [[CurbStompBattle entirely lopsided]] this time, and the ''Enterprise'' quickly finds itself at the Borg's mercy. Riker prepares to give the order to fire a photon torpedo at close range, likely annihilating the ''Enterprise''. Q appears just in time to remind Picard of his claim that he could handle any threat.
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* AbortedArc: Geordi's relationship with Gomez, whether professional or persona, never developed, and she appeared only briefly in one other episode.
Changed line(s) 36,38 (click to see context) from:
* BewareTheSillyOnes: Q, after instantly flashing the ''Enterprise'' halfway across the galaxy on a whim and bringing them into a confrontation with The Borg, reinforces this with two words:
-->'''Q:''' [[ShutUpKirk Oh]] ''[[AMillionIsAStatistic please.]]''
* BittersweetEnding: The ''Enterprise'' escapes and is safe, for now. But the Borg now know the Federation exists (in fact, they likely knew of them already), and they ''will'' be coming. 18 crewmen are dead from this incident. And the once confident crew, especially Picard, are shaken to their core.
-->'''Q:''' [[ShutUpKirk Oh]] ''[[AMillionIsAStatistic please.]]''
* BittersweetEnding: The ''Enterprise'' escapes and is safe, for now. But the Borg now know the Federation exists (in fact, they likely knew of them already), and they ''will'' be coming. 18 crewmen are dead from this incident. And the once confident crew, especially Picard, are shaken to their core.
to:
* BewareTheSillyOnes: Q, after instantly flashing the ''Enterprise'' halfway across the galaxy on As always, Q is a whim and bringing them into LargeHam prone to wisecracking, but he's also a confrontation godlike being with The Borg, reinforces this with two words:
-->'''Q:''' [[ShutUpKirk Oh]] ''[[AMillionIsAStatistic please.]]''
a twisted sense of morality.
* BittersweetEnding: The ''Enterprise'' escapes and is safe, for now. But the Borgnow know the Federation exists (in fact, they likely knew of them already), exists, and they ''will'' be coming. 18 crewmen are dead from this incident. And the once confident crew, especially Picard, are shaken to their core.
-->'''Q:''' [[ShutUpKirk Oh]] ''[[AMillionIsAStatistic please.]]''
* BittersweetEnding: The ''Enterprise'' escapes and is safe, for now. But the Borg
Changed line(s) 43 (click to see context) from:
* ChairReveal: Q for his first and last meetings.
to:
* ChairReveal: Q spins around in a chair, revealing that he's sitting there, for his first and last meetings.
Changed line(s) 45 (click to see context) from:
* CruelToBeKind: Q's actions could be considered this; he isn't responsible for the Borg coming after the Federation later, because the attacks in "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E25TheNeutralZone The Neutral Zone]]" are implied to be the result of the Borg, so they were on their way anyway. His actions actually give the Federation an advance warning about who the Borg are, even if people die as a result. This canon is later reinforced in ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'', where it is revealed that Seven of Nine's parents were Federation scientists investigating the then-unknown Borg almost a decade before this episode. The whole family and their small ship were captured and assimilated. Which means that the Borg already possessed knowledge of the existence of humans and the Federation. What is new to them is the ''Galaxy''-class starship ''Enterprise'', hence their interest in assimilating it.
to:
* CruelToBeKind: This is the first of several instances where Q's actions could be considered this; he isn't responsible for the Borg coming after the Federation later, because the attacks in "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E25TheNeutralZone The Neutral Zone]]" are implied argued to be benevolent, but his methods make it seem like he's just sadistically toying with the result ship. Here he warns Picard of an impending existential threat to the Borg, so they were on their way anyway. His actions actually give Federation, but in the Federation an advance warning about who process of learning the Borg are, even if people die as a result. This canon is later reinforced in ''Series/StarTrekVoyager'', where it is revealed that Seven lesson, Picard loses 18 members of Nine's parents were Federation scientists investigating the then-unknown Borg almost a decade before this episode. The whole family his crew and their small ship were captured and assimilated. Which means that the Borg already possessed knowledge of the existence of humans and the Federation. What is new reduced to them is the ''Galaxy''-class starship ''Enterprise'', hence their interest in assimilating it.begging for mercy.
Deleted line(s) 48 (click to see context) :
* TheDeadHaveNames: Averted; when Worf asks if he can put a casualty list on screen, Picard curtly refuses because they have to deal with the crisis at hand.
Changed line(s) 51 (click to see context) from:
* DoNotTauntCthulhu: Picard learns the harsh lesson that Q really isn't someone to try and [[DidYouJustFlipOffCthulhu flip off]].
to:
* DoNotTauntCthulhu: Picard learns continues his policy of being completely irreverent to Q and his power, but in the harsh lesson that Q really isn't someone end, he's forced to try and [[DidYouJustFlipOffCthulhu flip off]].beg Q for help.
Changed line(s) 65 (click to see context) from:
** Ensign Gomez gets an InUniverse version when she spills coffee on Picard, then flusters her subsequent apology while Geordi grimaces in the background. As he points out, that's one introduction TheCaptain won't forget in a hurry.
to:
** Ensign Gomez gets an InUniverse version when she spills coffee on Picard, then flusters Gomez's first scene established her subsequent apology while Geordi grimaces in the background. As he points out, that's one introduction TheCaptain won't forget in as an [[CuteClumsyGirl accident-prone]] EnsignNewbie with a hurry.nervous MotorMouth.
* IHaveManyNames: When Picard refers to Guinan by name, Q reveals that the appellation is new.
Changed line(s) 84 (click to see context) from:
* JerkassHasAPoint: Picard questions if Q's lesson could have been learned without the death of 18 members of his crew. Q responds that the galaxy isn't a safe place, if Picard can't accept that people will die from the dangers, then he should go back home.
to:
* InformedAbility: We don't see anything in Gomez's actions or behavior that corroborate her being a genius whose final paper in the Academy prompted Geordi to hand-select her for assignment on Starfleet's flag ship. Perhaps if she'd gotten more episodes, we'd have seen it.
* JerkassHasAPoint: Picard questions if Q's lesson could have been learned without the death of 18 members of his crew. Q responds that the galaxy isn't a safe place, and if Picard can't accept that people will die from the dangers, then he should go back home.
* JerkassHasAPoint: Picard questions if Q's lesson could have been learned without the death of 18 members of his crew. Q responds that the galaxy isn't a safe place, and if Picard can't accept that people will die from the dangers, then he should go back home.
Changed line(s) 100 (click to see context) from:
* ResistanceIsFutile: That particular catchphrase won't appear until "The Best of Both Worlds", but in this episode, they tell the ''Enterprise'' "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished.".
to:
* ResistanceIsFutile: That particular catchphrase won't appear until "The Best of Both Worlds", Worlds," but in this episode, they tell the ''Enterprise'' "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished."."
Deleted line(s) 103 (click to see context) :
* SciFiWritersHaveNoSenseOfScale: Averted. Trying to find a small shuttlecraft that Q could literally have put ''anywhere in the universe'' is just as impossible as it should be.
Changed line(s) 109,110 (click to see context) from:
* ShutUpKirk: When Riker chews Q out for exposing them to the Borg and costing the lives of a dozen shipmates, all Q responds with is ''"Oh, please..."'' This was an ad-lib by de Lancie, and a considerable improvement on the LargeHam line in the script. Then there's Q's parting words.
-->'''Q:''' If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid.
-->'''Q:''' If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid.
to:
* ShutUpKirk: When Riker chews Q out for exposing them to the Borg and costing the lives of a dozen 18 shipmates, all Q responds shuts him up with is ''"Oh, please..."'' This was an ad-lib by de Lancie, and a considerable improvement on the LargeHam line in the script. Then there's Q's parting words.
-->'''Q:'''please! If you can't take a little bloody nose, maybe you ought to go back home and crawl under your bed. It's not safe out here. It's wondrous, with treasures to satiate desires both subtle and gross. But it's not for the timid."
-->'''Q:'''
Deleted line(s) 122 (click to see context) :
* WhamLine: "Oh, ''please''." With those two words the audience knows Q isn't fucking around anymore. All the more impressive as the line was an ad-lib by John de Lancie, who thought it fit Q's ruthless, devil-may-care attitude.
Changed line(s) 124 (click to see context) from:
* WhosLaughingNow: Or, rather, [[IncrediblyLamePun "Q's Laughing Now"]]. As the Borg cube is closing in on the ''Enterprise'', Q returns to mock Picard.
to:
* WhosLaughingNow: Or, rather, [[IncrediblyLamePun "Q's Laughing Now"]]. As the Borg cube is closing in on the ''Enterprise'', Q returns to mock Picard.
Changed line(s) 126 (click to see context) from:
* TheWorfEffect: Oddly subverted. When Picard orders Worf to stop the Borg drone in Engineering, Worf orders an Ensign to try to stop him. The Borg drone forcefully pushes the Ensign away. Worf wouldn't go one-on-one against the Borg until "The Best of Both Worlds: Part I", with predictable results.
to:
* TheWorfEffect: Oddly subverted. When Picard orders Worf A brawny human security officer tries to stop take down the Borg drone in Engineering, scout and gets tossed on his ass. Unusually for this trope, Worf orders an Ensign to try to stop him. The Borg drone forcefully pushes the Ensign away. Worf wouldn't go one-on-one against the Borg until "The Best of Both Worlds: Part I", with predictable results. himself remains unscathed.
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Significantly cutting this synopsis down.
Changed line(s) 4,95 (click to see context) from:
The third appearance of the mischevious Q Entity, and the debut of the Borg, arguably the most famous adversarial race introduced post-Original Series.
Overeager young Ensign Sonya Gomez, a recent Academy graduate just assigned to the ''Enterprise,'' is carrying on a rambling conversation with Lt. La Forge in engineering, while carrying a mug of hot chocolate in her hands. WhatCouldPossiblyGoWrong When Geordi politely remonstrates her that it's not a good idea to be carrying that mug around sensitive electronic equipment, Gomez turns to leave Engineering and [[RightBehindMe plows right into Captain Picard]].
Picard leaves Engineering to get a change of uniform and exits the turbolift without looking--and suddenly he's on a shuttlecraft piloted by Q. Picard angrily reminds Q that after their [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E9HideAndQ last encounter]], he'd promised never to trouble the ''Enterprise'' again, and [[ExactWords Q says he always keeps his word: The shuttlecraft is in the middle of nowhere]].
Back on the ''Enterprise,'' La Forge and Gomez are [[WalkAndTalk pedeconferencing]], with Geordi assuring her that he wouldn't have requested her if she wasn't the best at what she does. (It probably doesn't hurt that she's kinda cute.) He says they'll go to Ten-Forward to sit and relax, and help teach her how to slow down. When Gomez demurs, La Forge says she's awfully young to be so driven.
->'''Gomez:''' Whatever is out here, we're gonna be the first humans to see it, and I wanna be part of that, I wanna ''understand'' it.\\
'''La Forge:''' Sonya, relax... you're here, you've made it, but you won't last long ''banging'' into ''walls.'' It'll be there for you, believe me.
In Ten-Forward, Guinan realizes something is terribly wrong, and she contacts the bridge, asking Riker if there's anything unusual happening. Worf checks his station quickly, and shakes his head; Riker replies there's nothing out of the ordinary. "Why do you ask?" "I'm not sure... just a feeling."
Back on the shuttlecraft, Picard tries a locator beam and subspace communication to reach the ''Enterprise,'' to no avail. Q tells him to save his energy--he and Picard have things to discuss.
->'''Picard:''' Keeping me a prisoner here will not compel me to discuss anything with you.\\
'''Q:''' ''[leaning right into Picard's ear]'' It will in time.
In Ten-Forward, Geordi realizes something's bothering Guinan, and he and Sonya decide to go check out Engineering just in case.
Picard's absence doesn't go unnoticed for long: Troi comes onto the bridge asking where the captain is. An attempt to reach him in his quarters fails, and the computer confirms he's not on the ship. Worf realizes a shuttlecraft is missing and Riker immediately calls for an all-stop, setting the ''Enterprise'' to the task of looking for Picard. Six hours of intensive searching pass with no success.
Back in the shuttle, Q taunts the uncommunicative Picard that he can stay out here forever: "I'm ageless, Picard--''you'' are not." Picard is firm that he won't discuss anything with Q while being held hostage, but agrees that he'll give Q's request a fair hearing if he returns him to the ''Enterprise.'' They immediately appear in Ten-Forward, and Q's maniacal chuckling causes Guinan to pop out from behind the bar. Worf's station immediately shows the shuttle back in its bay, and the computer gives Picard's location. Riker gives a somewhat amused HereWeGoAgain smile as he leaves the bridge.
Guinan angrily confronts Q, and it turns out they had "some dealings" [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld 200 years ago]]. "This creature is not what she appears to be. She's an imp, and where she goes, trouble always follows." Picard retorts, "You're speaking of yourself, Q, not Guinan," and insists that Q state his business.
->'''Q:''' I agree, Captain. Enough about this creature. She's diverting us from the purpose of my being here.\\
'''Riker:''' ''[as he and Worf enter]'' Which is?\\
'''Q:''' Oh, the redoubtable Commander Riker! And micro-brain! Growl for me, let me know you still care.
Q says that he wishes to join the ''Enterprise'' as a member of the crew, admitting that he was kicked out of the Q Continuum. Picard says that to learn about Q would be provocative, "but you're next-of-kin to chaos." Q insists that he doesn't want or need special treatment, and if necessary, he'd even renounce his powers, "and become as weak and as incompetent as all of you."
"No," Picard replies. When it comes down to it, the crew doesn't trust Q. Q counters that they may not trust him, but they ''do need'' him. The Federation's moving farther out than expected, faster than they should, and is about to enter some wondrous, but dangerous, areas of the galaxy. The "pitiful adversaries" the Federation has already encountered, like the Romulans and the Klingons, are nothing compared to what's waiting.
->'''Riker:''' We'll just have to do the best we can without you.\\
'''Q:''' What justifies that smugness?\\
'''Picard:''' Not smugness. Not arrogance. But we are resolute, we are determined... and your help is not required.\\
'''Q:''' We'll just have to see how ready you are!\\
'''Guinan:''' '''''Q!'''''
With a snap and a flash, the ''Enterprise'' is propelled 7,000 light years in a matter of seconds, ending up near System J-25, putting them 2 1/2 years (at maximum warp) from the nearest starbase.
->'''Riker:''' ''Why?''\\
'''Q:''' "Why?" Why, to give you a taste of your future. A preview of things to come. ''Con permiso, Capitan.'' The hall is rented, the orchestra engaged. It's now time to [[LetsDance see if you can dance]].
Picard and Riker ask Guinan for advice on this area of space, because her people have been here before. "If I were you, I'd start back ''now,"'' she portentously recommends.
But Picard [[IgnoredExpert decides to go exploring first]], and they come across an M-class planet that's now completely lifeless, with great rends in the surface where the cities should be. It's exactly what happened to the outposts in [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E25TheNeutralZone the Neutral Zone]] in the Season 1 finale. Worf detects that the ''Enterprise'' is being probed, and locates the source as an approaching ship. Picard puts the ship on yellow alert.
The ship in question is a massive cube-shaped hunk of metal, oddly genericized in its design. There's no bridge, engineering section, living quarters, or even life signs. Picard wisely calls down to Guinan for identification.
->'''Picard:''' You're familiar with this life form?\\
'''Guinan:''' Yes. My people encountered them a century ago. They destroyed our cities; scattered my people throughout the galaxy. They're called the Borg. Protect yourself, Captain, or they'll destroy you.
Riker orders the shields raised, but a Borg scout almost immediately beams through the shields, into Main Engineering. Completely ignoring La Forge and the other engineers, the scout commences an examination of the warp drive and control surfaces. Geordi calls an intruder alert, and is soon joined by Picard, Worf and two security guards. Q appears to comment on the situation, suggesting that the Borg may attempt to take control of the ship. When the scout tries to do exactly that, Picard orders him stopped. The Borg throws a [[RedShirt security officer]] across the room, but is felled with the second shot of Worf's phaser. A replacement beams in, protected by a force field; after continuing the scout's work for a few moments, he peels some equipment off the fallen Borg and disappears, while the dead Borg turns to ash.
In the conference room, the senior staff and Guinan have a meeting. Guinan says that the first encounter was reconnaissance only, and when they decide to come, they're gonna [[ZergRush come in force]]. And they won't be reasoned with. The Borg hail the ''Enterprise:''
->'''Borg:''' [[AC: We have analyzed your defensive capabilities as being unable to withstand us. If you defend yourselves, you will be punished.]]
Troi realizes that the Borg are acting together as a single mind; there's no one leader who can make mistakes. Q appears on the viewscreen and portentously asks Picard if he's ''sure'' he doesn't want him as a member of the crew. Almost instantly, the Borg lock a tractor beam on the ''Enterprise.''
The senior staff returns to the bridge, and Picard orders the ship to warp out of there, but the tractor beam's holding them in place--and draining their shields. Picard orders Worf to locate the tractor beam's source and fire phasers. Worf fires and misses, hitting another portion of the Borg cube with little visible effect.
That horrible shooting costs them: The Borg uses a cutting beam to slice into the saucer and "carve them up like a roast," forcibly removing nine sections worth of the ship, killing 18 people. Picard again orders the tractor beam terminated with whatever force is necessary. Increasing power, Worf hits the target on the [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy fourth overall shot]].
Three large chunks have been taken out of the Borg ship, and it's been immobilized. Rather than take the opportunity to destroy them ''or'' get the hell out of there, Picard orders a conference, which Q barges in on to reiterate how lethal the Borg really are.
->'''Q:''' The Borg is the ultimate user. They're unlike ''any'' threat your Federation has ever faced. They're not interested in political conquest, wealth or power as you know it. They're simply interested in your ship, its technology. They've identified it as something they can consume.
->'''Riker:''' You brought us here, you exposed us to them, and you cost us the ''lives'' of our ''shipmates!''
->'''Q:''' (''coldly'') Oh, ''please.''
''Again'' ignoring Guinan's advice, Picard has Riker assemble an Away Team (himself, Data and Worf) to visit the Borg ship.
Despite the ''Enterprise's'' sensors not detecting any life signs, there are thousands--possibly hundreds of thousands--of Borg drones aboard, most of them plugged into slots on the wall. Data surmises that the Borg don't register as individuals while they're in their slots. Data tries to get in one of the slots to access the Borg computer, but realizes that only another Borg drone can enter it. One of them approaches the crew and Worf raises his phaser, but Riker holds him off; the drone walks [[UnusuallyUninterestingSight right in between the Away Team]], fiddles with something, and returns to her previous position.
The Away Team finds a Borg nursery, in which newborn humanoids are given their first cybernetic implants. The team's explorations are cut short when they realize the Borg are rapidly repairing the ship.
The Away Team's transported directly to the bridge, and ''finally'' Picard gives the order to get the hell out of there. The Borg pursue, while continuing to regenerate their ship. Picard orders maximum speed and another attack; two photon torpedoes are completely ineffective. Even at warp 9.65, the ''Enterprise'' is losing ground.
->'''Q:''' They will follow this ship until you exhaust your fuel. They will wear down your defenses. Then you will be ''theirs.'' Admit it, Picard, you're out of your league. You should have stayed where you belong.
The Borg fire an energy-draining weapon twice, draining the ''Enterprise's'' shields. Another spread of photon torpedoes does nothing. Two subsequent shots of the energy-draining weapon knock out first the shields and then the warp drive, and the Borg re-establish their tractor beam. Picard orders another torpedo volley, but Data warns that a torpedo detonation at this range with no shields will likely destroy the ship. Nevertheless, Riker prepares to give the order.
->'''Q:''' ''[swapping places with Data in a flash]'' I'll be leaving now. You thought you could handle it. So ''handle'' it.\\
'''Picard:''' Q. End this.\\
'''Q:''' ''Moi?'' What makes you think I'm either inclined or capable to terminate this encounter?\\
'''Picard:''' If we all die... here, now... you will not be able to gloat! You wanted to frighten us. We're frightened. You wanted to show us that we are inadequate. For the moment... I grant that. You wanted me to say I need you? '''''[[PunctuatedForEmphasis I! NEED! YOU!]]'''''
With a smirk, Q flashes the ''Enterprise'' back to where they started, and tells Picard he was impressed--a lesser man would have been humiliated to say those words, and would rather have died than ask for help. Picard points out that giving the ''Enterprise'' a healthy dose of humility could have been accomplished without 18 people dying, but Q likens it to a [[AMillionIsAStatistic little bloody nose]]; if Picard can't deal with it, he should go home and crawl under his bed. The galaxy is not safe. It's wondrous and dangerous, and it's not for the timid. With that lesson, Q leaves and the ''Enterprise'' heads for the nearest starbase for repairs.
In Ten-Forward, over chess with Guinan, Picard muses that Q may have done the right thing for the wrong reason. Now that the Federation knows about the Borg, they can prepare for their next encounter. But you can bet the Borg will be coming for them now.
Overeager young Ensign Sonya Gomez, a recent Academy graduate just assigned to the ''Enterprise,'' is carrying on a rambling conversation with Lt. La Forge in engineering, while carrying a mug of hot chocolate in her hands. WhatCouldPossiblyGoWrong When Geordi politely remonstrates her that it's not a good idea to be carrying that mug around sensitive electronic equipment, Gomez turns to leave Engineering and [[RightBehindMe plows right into Captain Picard]].
Picard leaves Engineering to get a change of uniform and exits the turbolift without looking--and suddenly he's on a shuttlecraft piloted by Q. Picard angrily reminds Q that after their [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E9HideAndQ last encounter]], he'd promised never to trouble the ''Enterprise'' again, and [[ExactWords Q says he always keeps his word: The shuttlecraft is in the middle of nowhere]].
Back on the ''Enterprise,'' La Forge and Gomez are [[WalkAndTalk pedeconferencing]], with Geordi assuring her that he wouldn't have requested her if she wasn't the best at what she does. (It probably doesn't hurt that she's kinda cute.) He says they'll go to Ten-Forward to sit and relax, and help teach her how to slow down. When Gomez demurs, La Forge says she's awfully young to be so driven.
->'''Gomez:''' Whatever is out here, we're gonna be the first humans to see it, and I wanna be part of that, I wanna ''understand'' it.\\
'''La Forge:''' Sonya, relax... you're here, you've made it, but you won't last long ''banging'' into ''walls.'' It'll be there for you, believe me.
In Ten-Forward, Guinan realizes something is terribly wrong, and she contacts the bridge, asking Riker if there's anything unusual happening. Worf checks his station quickly, and shakes his head; Riker replies there's nothing out of the ordinary. "Why do you ask?" "I'm not sure... just a feeling."
Back on the shuttlecraft, Picard tries a locator beam and subspace communication to reach the ''Enterprise,'' to no avail. Q tells him to save his energy--he and Picard have things to discuss.
->'''Picard:''' Keeping me a prisoner here will not compel me to discuss anything with you.\\
'''Q:''' ''[leaning right into Picard's ear]'' It will in time.
In Ten-Forward, Geordi realizes something's bothering Guinan, and he and Sonya decide to go check out Engineering just in case.
Picard's absence doesn't go unnoticed for long: Troi comes onto the bridge asking where the captain is. An attempt to reach him in his quarters fails, and the computer confirms he's not on the ship. Worf realizes a shuttlecraft is missing and Riker immediately calls for an all-stop, setting the ''Enterprise'' to the task of looking for Picard. Six hours of intensive searching pass with no success.
Back in the shuttle, Q taunts the uncommunicative Picard that he can stay out here forever: "I'm ageless, Picard--''you'' are not." Picard is firm that he won't discuss anything with Q while being held hostage, but agrees that he'll give Q's request a fair hearing if he returns him to the ''Enterprise.'' They immediately appear in Ten-Forward, and Q's maniacal chuckling causes Guinan to pop out from behind the bar. Worf's station immediately shows the shuttle back in its bay, and the computer gives Picard's location. Riker gives a somewhat amused HereWeGoAgain smile as he leaves the bridge.
Guinan angrily confronts Q, and it turns out they had "some dealings" [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld 200 years ago]]. "This creature is not what she appears to be. She's an imp, and where she goes, trouble always follows." Picard retorts, "You're speaking of yourself, Q, not Guinan," and insists that Q state his business.
->'''Q:''' I agree, Captain. Enough about this creature. She's diverting us from the purpose of my being here.\\
'''Riker:''' ''[as he and Worf enter]'' Which is?\\
'''Q:''' Oh, the redoubtable Commander Riker! And micro-brain! Growl for me, let me know you still care.
Q says that he wishes to join the ''Enterprise'' as a member of the crew, admitting that he was kicked out of the Q Continuum. Picard says that to learn about Q would be provocative, "but you're next-of-kin to chaos." Q insists that he doesn't want or need special treatment, and if necessary, he'd even renounce his powers, "and become as weak and as incompetent as all of you."
"No," Picard replies. When it comes down to it, the crew doesn't trust Q. Q counters that they may not trust him, but they ''do need'' him. The Federation's moving farther out than expected, faster than they should, and is about to enter some wondrous, but dangerous, areas of the galaxy. The "pitiful adversaries" the Federation has already encountered, like the Romulans and the Klingons, are nothing compared to what's waiting.
->'''Riker:''' We'll just have to do the best we can without you.\\
'''Q:''' What justifies that smugness?\\
'''Picard:''' Not smugness. Not arrogance. But we are resolute, we are determined... and your help is not required.\\
'''Q:''' We'll just have to see how ready you are!\\
'''Guinan:''' '''''Q!'''''
With a snap and a flash, the ''Enterprise'' is propelled 7,000 light years in a matter of seconds, ending up near System J-25, putting them 2 1/2 years (at maximum warp) from the nearest starbase.
->'''Riker:''' ''Why?''\\
'''Q:''' "Why?" Why, to give you a taste of your future. A preview of things to come. ''Con permiso, Capitan.'' The hall is rented, the orchestra engaged. It's now time to [[LetsDance see if you can dance]].
Picard and Riker ask Guinan for advice on this area of space, because her people have been here before. "If I were you, I'd start back ''now,"'' she portentously recommends.
But Picard [[IgnoredExpert decides to go exploring first]], and they come across an M-class planet that's now completely lifeless, with great rends in the surface where the cities should be. It's exactly what happened to the outposts in [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS1E25TheNeutralZone the Neutral Zone]] in the Season 1 finale. Worf detects that the ''Enterprise'' is being probed, and locates the source as an approaching ship. Picard puts the ship on yellow alert.
The ship in question is a massive cube-shaped hunk of metal, oddly genericized in its design. There's no bridge, engineering section, living quarters, or even life signs. Picard wisely calls down to Guinan for identification.
->'''Picard:''' You're familiar with this life form?\\
'''Guinan:''' Yes. My people encountered them a century ago. They destroyed our cities; scattered my people throughout the galaxy. They're called the Borg. Protect yourself, Captain, or they'll destroy you.
Riker orders the shields raised, but a Borg scout almost immediately beams through the shields, into Main Engineering. Completely ignoring La Forge and the other engineers, the scout commences an examination of the warp drive and control surfaces. Geordi calls an intruder alert, and is soon joined by Picard, Worf and two security guards. Q appears to comment on the situation, suggesting that the Borg may attempt to take control of the ship. When the scout tries to do exactly that, Picard orders him stopped. The Borg throws a [[RedShirt security officer]] across the room, but is felled with the second shot of Worf's phaser. A replacement beams in, protected by a force field; after continuing the scout's work for a few moments, he peels some equipment off the fallen Borg and disappears, while the dead Borg turns to ash.
In the conference room, the senior staff and Guinan have a meeting. Guinan says that the first encounter was reconnaissance only, and when they decide to come, they're gonna [[ZergRush come in force]]. And they won't be reasoned with. The Borg hail the ''Enterprise:''
->'''Borg:''' [[AC: We have analyzed your defensive capabilities as being unable to withstand us. If you defend yourselves, you will be punished.]]
Troi realizes that the Borg are acting together as a single mind; there's no one leader who can make mistakes. Q appears on the viewscreen and portentously asks Picard if he's ''sure'' he doesn't want him as a member of the crew. Almost instantly, the Borg lock a tractor beam on the ''Enterprise.''
The senior staff returns to the bridge, and Picard orders the ship to warp out of there, but the tractor beam's holding them in place--and draining their shields. Picard orders Worf to locate the tractor beam's source and fire phasers. Worf fires and misses, hitting another portion of the Borg cube with little visible effect.
That horrible shooting costs them: The Borg uses a cutting beam to slice into the saucer and "carve them up like a roast," forcibly removing nine sections worth of the ship, killing 18 people. Picard again orders the tractor beam terminated with whatever force is necessary. Increasing power, Worf hits the target on the [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy fourth overall shot]].
Three large chunks have been taken out of the Borg ship, and it's been immobilized. Rather than take the opportunity to destroy them ''or'' get the hell out of there, Picard orders a conference, which Q barges in on to reiterate how lethal the Borg really are.
->'''Q:''' The Borg is the ultimate user. They're unlike ''any'' threat your Federation has ever faced. They're not interested in political conquest, wealth or power as you know it. They're simply interested in your ship, its technology. They've identified it as something they can consume.
->'''Riker:''' You brought us here, you exposed us to them, and you cost us the ''lives'' of our ''shipmates!''
->'''Q:''' (''coldly'') Oh, ''please.''
''Again'' ignoring Guinan's advice, Picard has Riker assemble an Away Team (himself, Data and Worf) to visit the Borg ship.
Despite the ''Enterprise's'' sensors not detecting any life signs, there are thousands--possibly hundreds of thousands--of Borg drones aboard, most of them plugged into slots on the wall. Data surmises that the Borg don't register as individuals while they're in their slots. Data tries to get in one of the slots to access the Borg computer, but realizes that only another Borg drone can enter it. One of them approaches the crew and Worf raises his phaser, but Riker holds him off; the drone walks [[UnusuallyUninterestingSight right in between the Away Team]], fiddles with something, and returns to her previous position.
The Away Team finds a Borg nursery, in which newborn humanoids are given their first cybernetic implants. The team's explorations are cut short when they realize the Borg are rapidly repairing the ship.
The Away Team's transported directly to the bridge, and ''finally'' Picard gives the order to get the hell out of there. The Borg pursue, while continuing to regenerate their ship. Picard orders maximum speed and another attack; two photon torpedoes are completely ineffective. Even at warp 9.65, the ''Enterprise'' is losing ground.
->'''Q:''' They will follow this ship until you exhaust your fuel. They will wear down your defenses. Then you will be ''theirs.'' Admit it, Picard, you're out of your league. You should have stayed where you belong.
The Borg fire an energy-draining weapon twice, draining the ''Enterprise's'' shields. Another spread of photon torpedoes does nothing. Two subsequent shots of the energy-draining weapon knock out first the shields and then the warp drive, and the Borg re-establish their tractor beam. Picard orders another torpedo volley, but Data warns that a torpedo detonation at this range with no shields will likely destroy the ship. Nevertheless, Riker prepares to give the order.
->'''Q:''' ''[swapping places with Data in a flash]'' I'll be leaving now. You thought you could handle it. So ''handle'' it.\\
'''Picard:''' Q. End this.\\
'''Q:''' ''Moi?'' What makes you think I'm either inclined or capable to terminate this encounter?\\
'''Picard:''' If we all die... here, now... you will not be able to gloat! You wanted to frighten us. We're frightened. You wanted to show us that we are inadequate. For the moment... I grant that. You wanted me to say I need you? '''''[[PunctuatedForEmphasis I! NEED! YOU!]]'''''
With a smirk, Q flashes the ''Enterprise'' back to where they started, and tells Picard he was impressed--a lesser man would have been humiliated to say those words, and would rather have died than ask for help. Picard points out that giving the ''Enterprise'' a healthy dose of humility could have been accomplished without 18 people dying, but Q likens it to a [[AMillionIsAStatistic little bloody nose]]; if Picard can't deal with it, he should go home and crawl under his bed. The galaxy is not safe. It's wondrous and dangerous, and it's not for the timid. With that lesson, Q leaves and the ''Enterprise'' heads for the nearest starbase for repairs.
In Ten-Forward, over chess with Guinan, Picard muses that Q may have done the right thing for the wrong reason. Now that the Federation knows about the Borg, they can prepare for their next encounter. But you can bet the Borg will be coming for them now.
to:
Picard goes to
Back on
Meanwhile, La Forge is in Ten-Forward trying to give Gomez a pep talk to ease her nerves. He notices that Guinan seems disturbed. She admits that she's been having a very dire premonition but can't put her finger on it. La Forge and Gomez
->'''Gomez:''' Whatever is out here, we're gonna be the first humans
Q and
'''La Forge:''' Sonya, relax... you're here, you've made it, but you won't last long ''banging'' into ''walls.'' It'll be there for you, believe me.
In
Back on the shuttlecraft, Picard tries a locator beam and subspace communication to reach the ''Enterprise,'' to no avail. Q tells him to save his energy--he and Picard have things to discuss.
->'''Picard:''' Keeping me a prisoner here will not compel me to discuss anything with you.\\
'''Q:''' ''[leaning right into Picard's ear]'' It will in time.
In Ten-Forward, Geordi realizes something's bothering Guinan, and he and Sonya decide to go check out Engineering just in case.
Picard's absence doesn't go unnoticed for long: Troi comes onto the bridge asking
Back in the shuttle, Q taunts the uncommunicative
Guinan angrily confronts Q, and it turns out they had "some dealings" [[ReallySevenHundredYearsOld 200 years ago]]. "This creature is not what she appears to be. She's an imp, and where she goes, trouble always follows." Picard retorts, "You're speaking of yourself, Q, not Guinan," and insists that Q state his business.
->'''Q:''' I agree, Captain. Enough about this creature. She's diverting us from the purpose of my being here.\\
'''Riker:''' ''[as he
'''Q:''' Oh, the redoubtable Commander Riker! And micro-brain! Growl for me, let me know you still care.
"No," Picard replies. When it comes down
->'''Riker:''' We'll just have to do the best we can without you.\\
'''Q:''' What justifies
'''Picard:''' Not smugness. Not arrogance. But we are resolute, we are determined... and your help is not required.\\
'''Q:''' We'll just have
Q decides to
'''Guinan:''' '''''Q!'''''
->'''Riker:''' ''Why?''\\
'''Q:''' "Why?" Why, to give you a taste
Suddenly the ''Enterprise'' is
The ship in question is
->'''Picard:''' You're familiar with this life form?\\
'''Guinan:''' Yes. My people encountered them a century ago. They destroyed our cities; scattered my people throughout
Riker orders the shields raised, but a Borg scout almost immediately beams through the shields, into Main Engineering. Completely ignoring La Forge and the other engineers, the scout commences an examination of the warp drive and control surfaces. Geordi calls an intruder alert, and is soon joined by Picard, Worf and two security guards. Q appears to comment on the situation, suggesting that the Borg may attempt to take control of the ship. When the scout tries to
In the conference room, the senior staff and Guinan have a meeting. Guinan says that the first encounter was reconnaissance only, and when they decide to come, they're gonna [[ZergRush come in force]]. And they won't be reasoned with. The Borg hail the ''Enterprise:''
->'''Borg:''' [[AC: We have analyzed your defensive capabilities as being unable to withstand us. If you defend yourselves, you will be punished.]]
Troi realizes that the Borg are acting together as a single mind; there's no one leader who can make mistakes. Q appears on the viewscreen and portentously asks Picard if he's ''sure'' he doesn't want him as a member of the crew. Almost instantly, the Borg lock a tractor beam on the ''Enterprise.''
The senior staff returns
That horrible shooting costs them: The Borg uses a cutting beam to slice into the saucer and "carve them up like a roast," forcibly removing nine sections worth of the ship, killing 18 people. Picard again orders the tractor beam terminated with whatever force is necessary. Increasing power, Worf hits the target on the [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy fourth overall shot]].
Three large chunks have been taken out of the Borg ship, and it's been immobilized. Rather than take the opportunity to destroy them ''or'' get the hell out of there, Picard orders a conference, which Q barges in on to reiterate how lethal the Borg really are.
->'''Q:''' The Borg is the ultimate user. They're unlike ''any'' threat your
->'''Riker:''' You brought us here, you exposed us to them, and you cost us the ''lives'' of our ''shipmates!''
->'''Q:''' (''coldly'') Oh, ''please.''
''Again'' ignoring Guinan's advice, Picard has Riker assemble an Away Team (himself, Data and Worf) to visit the Borg ship.
Despite the ''Enterprise's'' sensors not detecting any life signs, there are thousands--possibly hundreds of thousands--of Borg drones aboard, most of them plugged into slots on the wall. Data surmises that the Borg don't register as individuals while they're in their slots. Data tries to get in one of the slots to access the Borg computer, but realizes that only another Borg drone can enter it. One of them approaches the crew and Worf raises his phaser, but Riker holds him off; the drone walks [[UnusuallyUninterestingSight right in between the Away Team]], fiddles with something, and returns to her previous position.
The Away Team finds a Borg nursery, in which newborn humanoids are
The Away Team's transported directly to the bridge, and ''finally'' Picard gives the order to get the hell out of there.
->'''Q:''' They will follow this ship until you exhaust your fuel. They will wear down your defenses. Then you will be ''theirs.'' Admit it, Picard, you're out
The Borg
->'''Q:''' ''[swapping places with Data in a flash]'' I'll be leaving now. You thought you could handle it. So ''handle'' it.\\
'''Picard:''' Q. End this.\\
'''Q:''' ''Moi?'' What makes you think I'm either inclined or capable to terminate this encounter?\\
'''Picard:''' If we all die... here, now... you will not be able to gloat! You wanted to frighten us. We're frightened. You wanted to show us that we are inadequate. For the moment... I grant that. You wanted me to say I need you? '''''[[PunctuatedForEmphasis I! NEED! YOU!]]'''''
With a smirk, Q flashes
Picard
But the Borg are hot on their heels. Picard orders another salvo, but the battle is [[CurbStompBattle entirely lopsided]] this time, and the ''Enterprise''
Picard decides that he AintTooProudToBeg and asks Q for help. Satisfied, Q snaps his fingers and whisks the ship back to where they started. Q congratulates Picard for his humility in learning Q's lesson, but Picard is still defiant about Q's methods and blames him for the
In Ten-Forward, over chess with Guinan,
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
reverting edit of ban evader
Deleted line(s) 120 (click to see context) :
* DarkerAndEdgier: the very nature of the Borg is meant to be disturbing at the very least. Unlike other episodes, which were more diplomatic in nature, the Enterprise is faced with a foe that can't be reasoned with and are absolutely without mercy. They steal technology. It can be said the seeds of the more violent interspecies conflicts which marked the later seasons were started here, although it wasn't until season 3, that the show got darker in its subject matter.
Changed line(s) 128 (click to see context) from:
* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: Unsurprisingly, there's quite a bit concerning the Borg, given that they were still brand new in this episode, the writing team was sussing out how both to make them threatening.
to:
* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: Unsurprisingly, there's quite a bit concerning the Borg, given that they were still brand new in this episode, the writing team was sussing out how both to make them threatening.threatening and how exactly their "assimilation" worked.
Deleted line(s) 130 (click to see context) :
*** It's never explicitly mentioned but it's possible they use it in "Best of Both Worlds" as the shields of the Enterprise quickly give way to the Borg's tractor.
Deleted line(s) 192,193 (click to see context) :
* ToughLove: the whole point of the episode was Q trying to get the Federation to stop being so comfortable and always look for ways to improve their defenses, showing them that there are bigger more powerful groups who can't reasoned with. This forever changed the show. Picard notes this:
** Picard: “Well, perhaps what we most needed was a kick in our complacency to prepare us for what lies ahead.”
** Picard: “Well, perhaps what we most needed was a kick in our complacency to prepare us for what lies ahead.”
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None
Added DiffLines:
* ExplainExplainOhCrap: Guinan and Picard's conversation at the end of the episode.
-->'''Guinan''': Perhaps when you're ready, it might be possible to establish a relationship with [the Borg]. But for now, for right now, you're just raw material to them. And, since they're aware of your existence...
-->'''Picard''': ''They will be coming.''
-->'''Guinan''': Perhaps when you're ready, it might be possible to establish a relationship with [the Borg]. But for now, for right now, you're just raw material to them. And, since they're aware of your existence...
-->'''Picard''': ''They will be coming.''
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Rambling incoherent nonsense.
Deleted line(s) 116 (click to see context) :
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban (and Colombian too, with Hector the Toad) Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as hotshot non-Anglo white possibly mixed with BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban (and Colombian too, with Hector the Toad) Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as hotshot non-Anglo white possibly mixed with BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Assimilation was never thought off in this episode
Changed line(s) 128,129 (click to see context) from:
* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: Unsurprisingly, there's quite a bit concerning the Borg, given that they were still brand new in this episode, the writing team was sussing out how both to make them threatening and how exactly their "assimilation" worked.
** The Borg's shield-draining weapon is never used again after this episode, though Borg tractor beams would pick up similar properties.
** The Borg's shield-draining weapon is never used again after this episode, though Borg tractor beams would pick up similar properties.
to:
* EarlyInstallmentWeirdness: Unsurprisingly, there's quite a bit concerning the Borg, given that they were still brand new in this episode, the writing team was sussing out how both to make them threatening and how exactly their "assimilation" worked.
threatening.
** The Borg's shield-draining weapon is never used again after this episode, though Borg tractor beams would pick up similarproperties. properties.
*** It's never explicitly mentioned but it's possible they use it in "Best of Both Worlds" as the shields of the Enterprise quickly give way to the Borg's tractor.
** The Borg's shield-draining weapon is never used again after this episode, though Borg tractor beams would pick up similar
*** It's never explicitly mentioned but it's possible they use it in "Best of Both Worlds" as the shields of the Enterprise quickly give way to the Borg's tractor.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Deleted line(s) 171 (click to see context) :
* PlotDevice: Borderline. As many on Youtube videos of this episode have pointed, the episode is somewhat guilty of setting the Borg up in such way that it appears like a device for Q to make his point. Although the Borg are very real, in this universe, it's Guinan's accounts of her people's experiences of the Borg that help shake off the appearance of being a plot device.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 171 (click to see context) from:
* PlotDevice: Borderline. As many on Youtube videos of this episode have pointed, the episode is somewhat guilty of setting the Borg up in such way that it appears like a device for Q to make his point. Although the Borg are very real, it's Guinan's recounts of her people's experiences of the Borg that help shake off the appearance of being a plot device.
to:
* PlotDevice: Borderline. As many on Youtube videos of this episode have pointed, the episode is somewhat guilty of setting the Borg up in such way that it appears like a device for Q to make his point. Although the Borg are very real, in this universe, it's Guinan's recounts accounts of her people's experiences of the Borg that help shake off the appearance of being a plot device.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* PlotDevice: Borderline. As many on Youtube videos of this episode have pointed, the episode is somewhat guilty of setting the Borg up in such way that it appears like a device for Q to make his point. Although the Borg are very real, it's Guinan's recounts of her people's experiences of the Borg that help shake off the appearance of being a plot device.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
Brooklyn Rage is about hot-tempered characters from NYC, not vaguely-accented alien cyborgs who would consider anger and rage irrelevant.
Deleted line(s) 116 (click to see context) :
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban (and Colombian too, with Hector the Toad) Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as hotshot non-Anglo white possibly mixed with BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 189 (click to see context) from:
* ToughLove: the whole point of the episode was Q trying to get the Federation to stop being so comfortable and always look for ways to defend themselves, and to show them that there are bigger more powerful groups who can't reasoned with. This forever changed the show.
to:
* ToughLove: the whole point of the episode was Q trying to get the Federation to stop being so comfortable and always look for ways to defend themselves, and to show improve their defenses, showing them that there are bigger more powerful groups who can't reasoned with. This forever changed the show. Picard notes this:
** Picard: “Well, perhaps what we most needed was a kick in our complacency to prepare us for what lies ahead.”
** Picard: “Well, perhaps what we most needed was a kick in our complacency to prepare us for what lies ahead.”
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ToughLove: the whole point of the episode was Q trying to get the Federation to stop being so comfortable and always look for ways to defend themselves, and to show them that there are bigger more powerful groups who can't reasoned with. This forever changed the show.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
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* DarkerAndEdgier: the very nature of the Borg is meant to be disturbing at the very least. Unlike other episodes, which were more diplomatic in nature, the Enterprise is faced with a foe that can't be reasoned with and are absolutely without mercy. They steal technology. It can be said the seeds of the more violent interspecies conflicts which marked the later seasons were started here, although it wasn't until season 3, that the show got darker in its subject matter.
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Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as hotshot non-Anglo white possibly mixed with BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
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* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban (and Colombian too, with Hector the Toad) Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as hotshot non-Anglo white possibly mixed with BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
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Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
to:
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as hotshot non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
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Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein, ''{{Film/Scarface}}'' the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
to:
* BrooklynRage: At least a little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein, ''{{Film/Scarface}}'' Bernstein in the movie ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
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Changed line(s) 116 (click to see context) from:
* BrooklynRage: At least a littlbe bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein, "Scarface" the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them). One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
to:
* BrooklynRage: At least a littlbe little bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein, "Scarface" ''{{Film/Scarface}}'' the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them).them), although unlike ''{{Film/Scarface}}'', obviously based on, as the Borg are a fictional alien race. One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
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* BrooklynRage: At least a littlbe bit. Although they are cyborgs, when the Borg say their first line, in the form of the Collective, the line saying, [[spoiler: "If you defend yourselves, you will be punished"]], it's done in a very New York way. Like the white Cuban Spaniard -ez-surnamed characters and Mel Bernstein, "Scarface" the Borg are supposed to be non-Anglo Frank Lopez English accented Allied Germanic groups (in this case Scandinavians) when they engaged in imperialism (Denmark and Sweden, during their "bro"-hating era, were very sadistic to their subjects, in one case Danish authorities cut off the fingers of indigenous peoples who dared to fight Dane rule to make an example out of them). One scene later, [[spoiler: after the first Borg who intrudes onto the ship is killed, a second Borg takes his place and gives them a very chilling stare which can only be described as non-Anglo white possibly mixed with hotshot BrooklynRage.]] This kinda contradicts their inhuman nature. This only lasts in this episode though as the later episodes ditch that altogether, and has a more General American (which again tends to be non-Anglo white in origin) English accent, although still menacing.
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Changed line(s) 99 (click to see context) from:
* AdaptiveAbility: A Borg drone is shot dead by Worf. The one that comes to retrieve it has a personal shield to absorb phaser fire. Similarly, the Cube takes quite a lot of damage from the ''Enterprise's'' weapons during their first engagement. In the rematch, a volley of torpedoes does aboslutely nothing.
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* AdaptiveAbility: A Borg drone is shot dead by Worf. The one that comes to retrieve it has a personal shield to absorb phaser fire. Similarly, the Cube takes quite a lot of damage from the ''Enterprise's'' weapons during their first engagement. In the rematch, a volley of torpedoes does aboslutely absolutely nothing.
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** Finally, the Borg's famous catchphrase "Resistance is futile" is not used in this episode, and would show up in their next appearance.
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Changed line(s) 177 (click to see context) from:
** The title is a shout out to ''Series/DoctorWho'' -- particularly fitting as this is the episode that introduces the Borg, which are also somewhat influenced by the Cybermen from that show. The title of this episode in French is even « Docteur Who ».
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** The title is a shout out to ''Series/DoctorWho'' -- particularly fitting as this is the episode that introduces the Borg, which are also somewhat influenced by the Cybermen from that show. The title of this episode in French is even « Docteur Who ».Q »;».
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Changed line(s) 177 (click to see context) from:
** The title is a shout out to ''Series/DoctorWho'' -- particularly fitting as this is the episode that introduces the Borg, which are also somewhat influenced by the Cybermen from that show.
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** The title is a shout out to ''Series/DoctorWho'' -- particularly fitting as this is the episode that introduces the Borg, which are also somewhat influenced by the Cybermen from that show. The title of this episode in French is even « Docteur Who ».
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* SmugSuper: Even when trying to get Picard to take him on as a member of the crew, Q can't help but throw shade on the PunyEarthlings. See the quote under SurroundedByIdiots.
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* HypocriticalHumor: Q describes Guinan as a troublemaker who brings chaos wherever she goes. Picard even lampshades the irony of his claim.
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* JerkassHasAPoint: Picard questions if Q's lesson could have been learned without the death of 18 members of his crew. Q responds that the galaxy isn't a safe place, if Picard can't accept that people will die from the dangers, then he should go back home.
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Changed line(s) 68,69 (click to see context) from:
That horrible shooting costs them: The Borg uses a cutting beam to slice into the saucer and "carve them up like a roast," forcibly removing nine sections worth of the ship, killing 18 people. Picard again orders the tractor beam terminated with whatever force is necessary. Increasing power, Worf hits the target on the fourth overall shot.
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That horrible shooting costs them: The Borg uses a cutting beam to slice into the saucer and "carve them up like a roast," forcibly removing nine sections worth of the ship, killing 18 people. Picard again orders the tractor beam terminated with whatever force is necessary. Increasing power, Worf hits the target on the [[ImperialStormtrooperMarksmanshipAcademy fourth overall shot.shot]].