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==Summary==
  
==Summary==
−
[[File:Pulaski scans Riker's leg.jpg|thumb|left|''"Something stuck me in the leg."'']]
 +
[[File:Pulaski scans Riker's leg.jpg|thumb|left|"''Something stuck me in the leg.''"]]
−
The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} [[orbit]]s an unexplored [[planet]] named [[Surata IV]]. An [[away team]] of [[Lieutenant]] [[Geordi La Forge]] and [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Will Riker]] are on the surface in an [[alien]] swamp, teeming with strange [[lifeform]]s. La Forge finds Riker sitting on a log, injured. Something has bitten his leg. La Forge, not taking any chances with alien [[biology]], calls for the [[transporter]].
 +
The {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} [[orbit]]s an unexplored [[planet]] named [[Surata IV]]. An [[away team]] of [[Lieutenant]] [[Geordi La Forge]] and [[Commander]] [[William T. Riker|Will Riker]] are on the surface in an [[alien]] swamp, teeming with strange [[lifeform]]s. La Forge finds Riker sitting on a log, injured. Something has bitten his leg. La Forge, not taking any chances with alien [[biology]] on a world unknown to the {{Federation}}, calls for the [[transporter]].
   
 
[[Transporter Chief]] [[Miles O'Brien|O'Brien]] gets an [[alert signal]] from the [[biofilter]] in the transporter, as Riker's body has been infected with some type of unidentified [[microbe]]s. [[Doctor]] [[Katherine Pulaski|Pulaski]] is summoned, as the [[chief medical officer]] must authorize any transportation of unfiltered biomaterial.
  
[[Transporter Chief]] [[Miles O'Brien|O'Brien]] gets an [[alert signal]] from the [[biofilter]] in the transporter, as Riker's body has been infected with some type of unidentified [[microbe]]s. [[Doctor]] [[Katherine Pulaski|Pulaski]] is summoned, as the [[chief medical officer]] must authorize any transportation of unfiltered biomaterial.
   
−
Pulaski reluctantly uses the transporter – a rare occasion for her – to [[beam]] down and verify if it is safe to bring Riker aboard. She materializes and inspects Riker's wound. He complains of no pain, but of a numbness near the bite. La Forge hasn't had any luck finding what might have infected the wound. Pulaski beams them directly to [[sickbay]]. Two [[medicine|medical]] orderlies help Riker to the bed. He tries to shrug off their help, but when he takes a step his leg gives out.
 +
Pulaski reluctantly uses the transporter – a rare occasion for her – to [[beam]] down and verify if it is safe to bring Riker aboard. She materializes and inspects Riker's wound with her [[medical tricorder|tricorder]]. He complains of no pain, but of a numbness near the bite. La Forge hasn't had any luck finding what might have infected the wound. Pulaski beams them directly to [[sickbay]]. Two [[medicine|medical]] orderlies help Riker to the bed. He tries to shrug off their help, but when he takes a step his leg suddenly gives out.
   
−
[[File:Riker's leg scan.jpg|thumb|''"The infection is spreading."'']]
 +
[[File:Riker's leg scan.jpg|thumb|"''The infection is spreading.''"]]
 
[[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] records a [[log entry]] detailing Riker's predicament. He chides Riker for putting his foot where it didn't belong, but Riker maintains he is just trying to keep the doctors busy. Pulaski informs them that Riker's [[nervous system]] is being invaded by a microbe which combines elements of both a [[virus]] and a [[bacteria]]. She uses a [[medical scanner]] to illustrate the microbes bonding themselves to Riker's [[sciatic nerve]] and multiplying. They are not damaging his nerves, just preventing them from functioning - and they are progressing towards his [[brain]].
  
[[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] records a [[log entry]] detailing Riker's predicament. He chides Riker for putting his foot where it didn't belong, but Riker maintains he is just trying to keep the doctors busy. Pulaski informs them that Riker's [[nervous system]] is being invaded by a microbe which combines elements of both a [[virus]] and a [[bacteria]]. She uses a [[medical scanner]] to illustrate the microbes bonding themselves to Riker's [[sciatic nerve]] and multiplying. They are not damaging his nerves, just preventing them from functioning - and they are progressing towards his [[brain]].
   
  ⚫
[[File:Surata IV thorn.jpg|thumb|left|"''That must be what we're looking for.''"]]
−
Meanwhile, Picard decides to send La Forge and [[Lt. Commander]] [[Data]] to the surface to locate the source of the infection. Data protests at risking La Forge for the mission, but, using his [[android]] reflexes, prevents his [[Human]] friend from being hurt. They find a parasitic thorn which uses all of the vines in the swamp to paralyze animal life. Data records significant fossil remains around the area of the vines, which, judging by their fast motion attacking La Forge, are predatory in nature.
 +
Meanwhile, Picard decides to send La Forge and [[Lt. Commander]] [[Data]] to the surface to locate the source of the infection. Data protests at risking La Forge for the mission. However, La Forge tells him that he knows exactly where Riker was standing when he was injured. Data, using his [[android]] reflexes, prevents his [[Human]] friend from being hurt. They find a thorned vine in the swamp using parasites to paralyze animal life. Data records significant fossil remains around the area of the vines, which, judging by their fast motion attacking La Forge, are predatory in nature. When La Forge cuts off the thorn, the vine writhes in (futile) resistance. The [[officer]]s call O'Brien for a beam-out and the thorn sample is delivered to sickbay while Data reports on the predatory nature of the vines to the captain.
−  
⚫
[[File:Surata IV thorn.jpg|thumb|left|''"That must be what we're looking for."'']]
  
−
When La Forge begins to cut off the stinger of one of the vine's thorns with his [[phaser]], the entire swamp begins to move, and the vines close in on the away team. The [[officer]]s call for emergency beamout just as more vines swing at them. The thorn sample is delivered to sickbay, and Data reports on the predatory nature of the vines to the captain.
  
   
 
Pulaski is hard at work analyzing the samples and Riker's condition, but is unable to find what characteristic in Human nerves causes the microbes to thrive. Riker is continuing to grow more numb, but acts stoic when Picard expresses regret at Riker's condition. As [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]] watches unseen, Riker even tries to cheer up the medical [[technician]]s with stories. Troi attempts to reach out to her ''[[imzadi]]'', but Riker soon falls unconscious. Pulaski attempts to stabilize him, but estimates he will die within an hour.
  
Pulaski is hard at work analyzing the samples and Riker's condition, but is unable to find what characteristic in Human nerves causes the microbes to thrive. Riker is continuing to grow more numb, but acts stoic when Picard expresses regret at Riker's condition. As [[Counselor]] [[Deanna Troi]] watches unseen, Riker even tries to cheer up the medical [[technician]]s with stories. Troi attempts to reach out to her ''[[imzadi]]'', but Riker soon falls unconscious. Pulaski attempts to stabilize him, but estimates he will die within an hour.
   
−
[[File:Large neural stimulator.jpg|thumb|''"Hang on, Will."'']]
 +
[[File:Large neural stimulator.jpg|thumb|"''Hang on, Will.''"]]
 
As a last ditch attempt to save Riker's life, Pulaski puts him into a [[neural stimulator]], hopefully keeping them active and resisting the virus. This causes Riker to dream of his past adventures aboard the ''Enterprise''.
  
As a last ditch attempt to save Riker's life, Pulaski puts him into a [[neural stimulator]], hopefully keeping them active and resisting the virus. This causes Riker to dream of his past adventures aboard the ''Enterprise''.
   
−
At first, Riker's dreams are of reasonably neutral occasions, such as his first meeting with Data ({{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}). Soon, his dreams become more pleasurable, perhaps even erotic, including meeting the cheerful young [[Edo]] women on [[Rubicun III]] ({{TNG|Justice}}), the matriarch [[Beata]] on [[Angel I]] ({{TNG|Angel One}}), and the [[computer]]-generated [[holodeck]] woman [[Minuet]] ({{TNG|11001001}}).
 +
At first, Riker's dreams are of reasonably neutral occasions, such as his first meeting with Data in the [[holodeck]]. ({{TNG|Encounter at Farpoint}}) Soon, his dreams become more pleasurable, perhaps even erotic, including meeting the cheerful young [[Edo]] women on [[Rubicun III]], ({{TNG|Justice}}) the matriarch [[Beata]] on [[Angel I]], ({{TNG|Angel One}}) and the [[computer]]-generated [[holodeck]] woman [[Minuet]]. ({{TNG|11001001}})
   
−
However, while pleasing to Riker's mind, the passionate dreams actually worsen Riker's condition, as the virus feeds on the positive endorphins his brain is creating. Pulaski and Troi therefore agree to try to make the machine evoke negative dreams instead. Riker then experiences such dreams as the death of Lieutenant [[Natasha Yar]] and the apparent death of Troi's child ({{TNG|Skin of Evil|The Child}}).
 +
However, while pleasing to Riker's mind, the passionate dreams actually worsen Riker's condition, as the virus feeds on the positive endorphins his brain is creating. Pulaski and Troi therefore agree to try to make the machine evoke negative dreams instead. Riker then experiences such dreams as the death of Lieutenant [[Natasha Yar]] on [[Vagra II]] and the apparent death of Troi's child, [[Ian Andrew Troi II|Ian]]. ({{TNG|Skin of Evil|The Child}})
   
−
[[File:Riker awakes.jpg|thumb|left|''"You wouldn't believe the dreams I was having."'']]
 +
[[File:Riker awakes.jpg|thumb|left|"''You wouldn't believe the dreams I was having.''"]]
−
This has the desired effect, as the negative endorphins drive the bacterio-virus away, but these endorphins are not strong enough. As a last resort, Pulaski uses the machine to evoke dreams of raw, primitive feelings of fear and survival. Riker then begins dreaming of fighting the tar creature [[Armus]] ({{TNG|Skin of Evil}}), the [[Neural parasite (24th century)|parasite]] infested [[Admiral]] [[Gregory Quinn]] ({{TNG|Conspiracy}}), and the [[Klingon]] officer [[Klag (Lieutenant)|Klag]] on board the [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey|Bird of Prey]] [[Pagh]] ({{TNG|A Matter Of Honor}}).
 +
This has the desired effect, as the negative endorphins drive the bacterio-virus away, but these endorphins are not strong enough. As a last resort, Pulaski uses the machine to evoke dreams of raw, primitive feelings of fear and survival. Riker then begins dreaming of fighting the tar creature [[Armus]], ({{TNG|Skin of Evil}}) the [[Neural parasite (24th century)|parasite]]-infested [[Admiral]] [[Gregory Quinn]], ({{TNG|Conspiracy}}) and the [[Klingon]] officer {{dis|Klag|Lieutenant}} on board the [[Klingon Bird-of-Prey|Bird-of-Prey]] ''[[Pagh]]''. ({{TNG|A Matter Of Honor}})
   
−
Seeing that the raw emotions work best, Pulaski intensifies the neural stimulation, causing Riker's primal dreams to come at a more rapid pace. This treatment finally eradicates the infection, and Riker recovers to his well-adjusted, humorous self.
 +
Seeing that the raw emotions work best, Pulaski intensifies the neural stimulation, causing Riker's primal dreams to come at a more rapid pace. This treatment finally eradicates the infection once and for all, and Riker recovers to his well-adjusted, humorous self.
   
−
===Log Entries===
 +
===Log entries===
 
* [[Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2365#Mission to Surata IV|Captain's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D), 2365]]
  
* [[Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2365#Mission to Surata IV|Captain's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D), 2365]]
 
* [[Medical log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)#Mission to Surata IV|Medical log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D), 2365]]
  
* [[Medical log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D)#Mission to Surata IV|Medical log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701-D), 2365]]
   
−
==Memorable Quotes==
 +
==Memorable quotes==
−
''"I hope these are the right coordinates. Just kidding, Doctor. I know how much you love the transporter."''<br />
 +
''"I hope these are the right coordinates. Just kidding, doctor. I know how much you love the transporter."''<br />
 
''"About as much as I love comical transporter chiefs."''
  
''"About as much as I love comical transporter chiefs."''
 
: - '''Chief O'Brien''' and '''Dr. Pulaski'''
  
: - '''Chief O'Brien''' and '''Dr. Pulaski'''
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"''Unfortunately Commander Data, your hypotheses rarely are.''"
  
"''Unfortunately Commander Data, your hypotheses rarely are.''"
 
: - '''Data''' and '''Picard'''
  
: - '''Data''' and '''Picard'''
  +
  +
  +
"''They're waiting on me hand and foot. I just... I hope they don't find out that I'm faking it.''"<br />
  +
"''I wish you were faking it.''"
  +
: - '''Riker''', talking to '''Picard''' while he lies on a biobed in sickbay
  +
  +
  +
"''If you drop a hammer on your foot, it's hardly useful to get mad at the hammer.''"
  +
: - '''Riker''', explaining to Picard his lack of anger on his current situation
  +
  +
  +
"''Deanna, facing death is the ultimate test of character. I don't want to die but if I have to do, I'd like to do it with a little pride.''"
  +
: - '''Riker'''
   
   
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''"There may be some residual memory loss. I just want to be certain that you still know who you are."''<br />
  
''"There may be some residual memory loss. I just want to be certain that you still know who you are."''<br />
 
''"Of course I know who I am. I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS ''Enterprise''."''<br />
  
''"Of course I know who I am. I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS ''Enterprise''."''<br />
−
''"I'm delighted that you're feeling better. . . Captain. The Admiral and I were worried about you."''<br />
 +
''"I'm delighted that you're feeling better... captain. The admiral and I were worried about you."''<br />
−
''"Captain, I do not believe you have the authority to promote me to the rank of Admiral."''
 +
''"Captain, I do not believe you have the authority to promote me to the rank of admiral."''
 
: - '''Dr. Pulaski''', '''Riker''', '''Picard''', and '''Data'''
  
: - '''Dr. Pulaski''', '''Riker''', '''Picard''', and '''Data'''
   
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* This episode was written to save time and money as a result of budget overruns earlier in the season. It was shot in only three days, while most take at least a week. Director [[Rob Bowman]] commented, "''It was Paramount saying, 'We gave you more money for {{e|Elementary, Dear Data}} and [[Q Who (episode)|the Borg show]]. Now do us a favor and give us a three-day show.' So that's what you do. It's an accepted part of the medium.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
  
* This episode was written to save time and money as a result of budget overruns earlier in the season. It was shot in only three days, while most take at least a week. Director [[Rob Bowman]] commented, "''It was Paramount saying, 'We gave you more money for {{e|Elementary, Dear Data}} and [[Q Who (episode)|the Borg show]]. Now do us a favor and give us a three-day show.' So that's what you do. It's an accepted part of the medium.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
* Production assistant [[Eric A. Stillwell]] was given the task of searching through tapes to come up with scenes representing Riker's memories. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
  
* Production assistant [[Eric A. Stillwell]] was given the task of searching through tapes to come up with scenes representing Riker's memories. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'')
−
* As originally scripted, the entire forest was supposed to come to life and attack Geordi and Data when they attempt extract a thorn from one of the vines. This was cut from the finished episode, presumably for budget reasons. [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/148.txt]
 +
* As originally scripted, the entire forest was supposed to come to life and attack Geordi and Data when they attempt extract a thorn from one of the vines. This was cut from the finished episode, presumably for budget reasons. {{Star Trek Minutiae|resources/scripts/148.txt}}
 
* First UK airdate: 2nd October 1991
  
* First UK airdate: 2nd October 1991
   
 
=== Cast and characters ===
  
=== Cast and characters ===
 
* This episode marks the final appearance of [[Diana Muldaur]] ([[Doctor]] [[Katherine Pulaski]]) on the series.
  
* This episode marks the final appearance of [[Diana Muldaur]] ([[Doctor]] [[Katherine Pulaski]]) on the series.
−
* Besides clips from previous episodes, [[Michael Dorn]] ([[Worf]]) and [[Wil Wheaton]] ([[Wesley Crusher]]) do not appear in this episode.
 +
* Aside from clips from previous episodes, [[Michael Dorn]] ([[Worf]]) and [[Wil Wheaton]] ([[Wesley Crusher]]) do not appear in this episode.
 
* Despite its poor reception, this episode is the only episode of ''The Next Generation'' to feature virtually all major characters introduced thus far: Picard, Riker, Data, La Forge, Troi, Dr. Crusher, Worf, Wesley, Tasha Yar, Dr. Pulaski, O'Brien, and Guinan, albeit some in stock footage.
  
* Despite its poor reception, this episode is the only episode of ''The Next Generation'' to feature virtually all major characters introduced thus far: Picard, Riker, Data, La Forge, Troi, Dr. Crusher, Worf, Wesley, Tasha Yar, Dr. Pulaski, O'Brien, and Guinan, albeit some in stock footage.
 
* This is the only episode to feature both [[Gates McFadden]] (albeit in stock footage) and Diana Muldaur.
  
* This is the only episode to feature both [[Gates McFadden]] (albeit in stock footage) and Diana Muldaur.
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=== Continuity ===
  
=== Continuity ===
−
* When Data and La Forge are on the planet, Data uses a contraction when he says "I'm always careful."
  
 
* The episode features clips from the following episodes in this order: {{e|The Last Outpost}}, {{e|Encounter at Farpoint}}, {{e|The Dauphin}}, {{e|The Icarus Factor}}, {{e|Justice}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Angel One}}, {{e|Up The Long Ladder}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, {{e|The Child}}, {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|Symbiosis}}, {{e|The Last Outpost}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Heart of Glory}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|The Last Outpost}}, {{e|Symbiosis}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|The Naked Now}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Loud As A Whisper}}, {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Unnatural Selection}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Heart of Glory}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|The Naked Now}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}} (audio only). Counting them together it makes the use of 17 episodes of the first two seasons.
  
* The episode features clips from the following episodes in this order: {{e|The Last Outpost}}, {{e|Encounter at Farpoint}}, {{e|The Dauphin}}, {{e|The Icarus Factor}}, {{e|Justice}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Angel One}}, {{e|Up The Long Ladder}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, {{e|The Child}}, {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|Symbiosis}}, {{e|The Last Outpost}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Heart of Glory}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|The Last Outpost}}, {{e|Symbiosis}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|The Naked Now}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}}, {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Loud As A Whisper}}, {{e|A Matter Of Honor}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Unnatural Selection}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|Heart of Glory}}, {{e|Conspiracy}}, {{e|11001001}}, {{e|The Naked Now}}, {{e|Skin of Evil}} (audio only). Counting them together it makes the use of 17 episodes of the first two seasons.
−
* Right before the last collection of clips [right before a shot of the infested [[Dexter Remmick]]], we see a very brief clip of "The Genesis Project" footage from ''[[Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]''.
 +
* Right before the last collection of clips [right before a shot of the infested [[Dexter Remmick]], we see a very brief clip of "The Genesis Project" footage from ''[[Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan]]''.
 
* Several of the scenes from Riker's flashbacks contain cutaways of locations which are not in Riker's point of view. For example, when the away team evacuates the Klingon ship, Riker's "flashback" contains scenes from the bridge and the transporter room of a ship he was not on.
  
* Several of the scenes from Riker's flashbacks contain cutaways of locations which are not in Riker's point of view. For example, when the away team evacuates the Klingon ship, Riker's "flashback" contains scenes from the bridge and the transporter room of a ship he was not on.
  +
* This is the last episode to feature the [[Starfleet uniform (2350s-2370s)#Type A|Type A uniforms]] made for the series in Season 1 and Season 2. For Season 3 onward, the uniforms are [[Starfleet uniform (2350s-2370s)#Type B|revamped]].
   
 
=== Reception ===
  
=== Reception ===
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=== Video and DVD releases ===
  
=== Video and DVD releases ===
−
* Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 24, catalogue number VHR 2507, {{d|7|October|1991}}.
 +
* Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 24, catalog number VHR 2507, {{d|7|October|1991}}
−
* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]]): Volume 2.7, catalogue number VHR 4743, {{d|5|July|1999}}.
 +
* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, [[Paramount Home Entertainment]]): Volume 2.7, catalog number VHR 4743, {{d|5|July|1999}}
−
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 DVD]] collection.
 +
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 DVD]] collection
−
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 Blu-ray]] collection.
 +
* As part of the [[TNG Season 2 Blu-ray]] collection
   
 
== Links and references ==
  
== Links and references ==
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* [[Jay Louden]] as [[Liator]] ({{TNG|Justice}})
  
* [[Jay Louden]] as [[Liator]] ({{TNG|Justice}})
 
* [[Mart McChesney]] as [[Armus]] ({{TNG|Skin of Evil}})
  
* [[Mart McChesney]] as [[Armus]] ({{TNG|Skin of Evil}})
−
* [[Tim McCormack]] as [[Bennett (Ensign)|Bennett]] ({{TNG|Skin of Evil}})
 +
* [[Tim McCormack]] as {{dis|Bennett|Ensign}} ({{TNG|Skin of Evil}})
 
* [[Carolyn McCormick]] as [[Minuet]] ({{TNG|11001001}})
  
* [[Carolyn McCormick]] as [[Minuet]] ({{TNG|11001001}})
 
* [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Beverly Crusher]] ({{TNG|Symbiosis|Skin of Evil}})
  
* [[Gates McFadden]] as [[Beverly Crusher]] ({{TNG|Symbiosis|Skin of Evil}})
Line 224: Line 235:
   
 
=== References ===
  
=== References ===
−
[[autonomic nervous system]]; [[bacteria]]; [[biofilter]]; [[brain]]; [[endorphin]]; [[exobiology]]; [[fossil]]; [[graveyard]]; ''[[imzadi]]''; [[kilometer]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[nervous system]]; [[neuron]]s; [[probability mechanics]]; [[rattlesnake]]; [[REM sleep]]; [[sciatic nerve]]; [[Surata IV]]; [[Surata IV predatory vine]]; [[Surata microbe]]s; [[tricorder]]; [[tricordrazine]]; [[virus]]
 +
[[autonomic nervous system]]; [[bacteria]]; [[biofilter]]; [[brain]]; {{dis|calf|anatomy}}; [[composite neural profile]]; [[EEG]]; [[endorphin]]; [[exobiology]]; [[fossil]]; [[graveyard]]; ''[[imzadi]]''; [[kilometer]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[nervous system]]; [[neuron]]; [[number one]]; [[patient]]; [[probability mechanics]]; [[rattlesnake]]; [[REM sleep]]; [[sciatic nerve]]; [[Surata IV]]; [[Unnamed plants#Surata IV predatory vine|Surata IV predatory vine]]; [[Surata microbe]]; [[tricorder]]; [[tricordrazine]]; [[virus]]
  +
  +
==== Other references ====
  +
*'''Okudagrams''': [[electroencephalography]] (EEG); {{dis|Merri Howard|comedian|Howard, Merri}}; {{dis|Heidi Julian|comedian|Julian, Heidi}}; {{dis|Robert Metoyer|comedian|Metoyer, Robert}}; {{dis|Ernie Over|comedian|Over, Ernie}}; {{dis|Diane Overdiek|comedian|Overdiek, Diane}}; {{dis|Adele Simmons|comedian|Simmons, Adele}}
   
 
=== External links ===
  
=== External links ===
−
* {{NCwiki|Shades of Gray}}
 +
* {{Startrek.com|shades-of-gray|"Shades of Gray"}}
−
* {{wikipedia|Shades of Gray (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Shades of Gray}}
 +
* {{mbeta-quote|Shades of Gray}}
−
* {{Startrek.com|shades-of-gray|Shades of Gray}}
 +
* {{wikipedia-quote|Shades of Gray (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|Shades of Gray}}
  +
* {{ml|shades-of-gray|"Shades of Gray"|external}}
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=2|last={{e|Peak Performance}}|next={{e|Evolution}}}}
  
{{TNG nav|season=2|last={{e|Peak Performance}}|next={{e|Evolution}}}}
  +
  ⚫
[[Category:TNG episodes]]
   
 
[[de:Kraft der Träume]]
  
[[de:Kraft der Träume]]
 
[[es:Shades of Gray]]
  
[[es:Shades of Gray]]
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[[fr:Shades of Gray]]
 +
[[fr:Shades of Gray (épisode)]]
 
[[it:Ombre dal passato (episodio)]]
  
[[it:Ombre dal passato (episodio)]]
−
[[ja:TNG:悪夢の果てに]]
 +
[[ja:悪夢の果てに（エピソード）]]
 
[[nl:Shades of Gray]]
  
[[nl:Shades of Gray]]
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[[Category:TNG episodes]]
  

Revision as of 15:46, 30 December 2015

Template:Realworld

Commander Riker fights for his life in sickbay after he is infected by an alien parasite while on an away-mission. Dr. Pulaski soon discovers that the only way to save Riker's life is to force his mind to relive painful memories. (Season finale)

Summary

Pulaski scans Riker's leg

"Something stuck me in the leg."

The USS Enterprise-D orbits an unexplored planet named Surata IV. An away team of Lieutenant Geordi La Forge and Commander Will Riker are on the surface in an alien swamp, teeming with strange lifeforms. La Forge finds Riker sitting on a log, injured. Something has bitten his leg. La Forge, not taking any chances with alien biology on a world unknown to the United Federation of Planets, calls for the transporter.

Transporter Chief O'Brien gets an alert signal from the biofilter in the transporter, as Riker's body has been infected with some type of unidentified microbes. Doctor Pulaski is summoned, as the chief medical officer must authorize any transportation of unfiltered biomaterial.

Pulaski reluctantly uses the transporter – a rare occasion for her – to beam down and verify if it is safe to bring Riker aboard. She materializes and inspects Riker's wound with her tricorder. He complains of no pain, but of a numbness near the bite. La Forge hasn't had any luck finding what might have infected the wound. Pulaski beams them directly to sickbay. Two medical orderlies help Riker to the bed. He tries to shrug off their help, but when he takes a step his leg suddenly gives out.

Riker's leg scan

"The infection is spreading."

Captain Picard records a log entry detailing Riker's predicament. He chides Riker for putting his foot where it didn't belong, but Riker maintains he is just trying to keep the doctors busy. Pulaski informs them that Riker's nervous system is being invaded by a microbe which combines elements of both a virus and a bacteria. She uses a medical scanner to illustrate the microbes bonding themselves to Riker's sciatic nerve and multiplying. They are not damaging his nerves, just preventing them from functioning - and they are progressing towards his brain.

Surata IV thorn

"That must be what we're looking for."

Meanwhile, Picard decides to send La Forge and Lt. Commander Data to the surface to locate the source of the infection. Data protests at risking La Forge for the mission. However, La Forge tells him that he knows exactly where Riker was standing when he was injured. Data, using his android reflexes, prevents his Human friend from being hurt. They find a thorned vine in the swamp using parasites to paralyze animal life. Data records significant fossil remains around the area of the vines, which, judging by their fast motion attacking La Forge, are predatory in nature. When La Forge cuts off the thorn, the vine writhes in (futile) resistance. The officers call O'Brien for a beam-out and the thorn sample is delivered to sickbay while Data reports on the predatory nature of the vines to the captain.

Pulaski is hard at work analyzing the samples and Riker's condition, but is unable to find what characteristic in Human nerves causes the microbes to thrive. Riker is continuing to grow more numb, but acts stoic when Picard expresses regret at Riker's condition. As Counselor Deanna Troi watches unseen, Riker even tries to cheer up the medical technicians with stories. Troi attempts to reach out to her imzadi, but Riker soon falls unconscious. Pulaski attempts to stabilize him, but estimates he will die within an hour.

Large neural stimulator

"Hang on, Will."

As a last ditch attempt to save Riker's life, Pulaski puts him into a neural stimulator, hopefully keeping them active and resisting the virus. This causes Riker to dream of his past adventures aboard the Enterprise.

At first, Riker's dreams are of reasonably neutral occasions, such as his first meeting with Data in the holodeck. (TNG: "Encounter at Farpoint") Soon, his dreams become more pleasurable, perhaps even erotic, including meeting the cheerful young Edo women on Rubicun III, (TNG: "Justice") the matriarch Beata on Angel I, (TNG: "Angel One") and the computer-generated holodeck woman Minuet. (TNG: "11001001")

However, while pleasing to Riker's mind, the passionate dreams actually worsen Riker's condition, as the virus feeds on the positive endorphins his brain is creating. Pulaski and Troi therefore agree to try to make the machine evoke negative dreams instead. Riker then experiences such dreams as the death of Lieutenant Natasha Yar on Vagra II and the apparent death of Troi's child, Ian. (TNG: "Skin of Evil", "The Child")

Riker awakes

"You wouldn't believe the dreams I was having."

This has the desired effect, as the negative endorphins drive the bacterio-virus away, but these endorphins are not strong enough. As a last resort, Pulaski uses the machine to evoke dreams of raw, primitive feelings of fear and survival. Riker then begins dreaming of fighting the tar creature Armus, (TNG: "Skin of Evil") the parasite-infested Admiral Gregory Quinn, (TNG: "Conspiracy") and the Klingon officer Klag on board the Bird-of-Prey Pagh. (TNG: "A Matter Of Honor")

Seeing that the raw emotions work best, Pulaski intensifies the neural stimulation, causing Riker's primal dreams to come at a more rapid pace. This treatment finally eradicates the infection once and for all, and Riker recovers to his well-adjusted, humorous self.

Log entries

Memorable quotes

"I hope these are the right coordinates. Just kidding, doctor. I know how much you love the transporter."
"About as much as I love comical transporter chiefs."

- Chief O'Brien and Dr. Pulaski


"Let's try something. Maybe it likes Humans more than androids."
"If you are correct, you are placing yourself in grave danger."
"Well, I'm counting on those great android..."
(A vine suddenly lashes out, but Data catches it.)
"...reflexes of yours."

- La Forge and Data


"For Commander Riker's sake, I hope my hypothesis is in error."
"Unfortunately Commander Data, your hypotheses rarely are."

- Data and Picard


"They're waiting on me hand and foot. I just... I hope they don't find out that I'm faking it."
"I wish you were faking it."

- Riker, talking to Picard while he lies on a biobed in sickbay


"If you drop a hammer on your foot, it's hardly useful to get mad at the hammer."

- Riker, explaining to Picard his lack of anger on his current situation


"Deanna, facing death is the ultimate test of character. I don't want to die but if I have to do, I'd like to do it with a little pride."

- Riker


"My great-grandfather was once bitten by a rattlesnake. After three days of intense pain, the snake died."

- Riker


"There may be some residual memory loss. I just want to be certain that you still know who you are."
"Of course I know who I am. I'm Captain Jean-Luc Picard of the USS Enterprise."
"I'm delighted that you're feeling better... captain. The admiral and I were worried about you."
"Captain, I do not believe you have the authority to promote me to the rank of admiral."

- Dr. Pulaski, Riker, Picard, and Data

Background information

Production

Cast and characters

  • This episode marks the final appearance of Diana Muldaur (Doctor Katherine Pulaski) on the series.
  • Aside from clips from previous episodes, Michael Dorn (Worf) and Wil Wheaton (Wesley Crusher) do not appear in this episode.
  • Despite its poor reception, this episode is the only episode of The Next Generation to feature virtually all major characters introduced thus far: Picard, Riker, Data, La Forge, Troi, Dr. Crusher, Worf, Wesley, Tasha Yar, Dr. Pulaski, O'Brien, and Guinan, albeit some in stock footage.
  • This is the only episode to feature both Gates McFadden (albeit in stock footage) and Diana Muldaur.
  • This episode is among the ones across all Trek series with the smallest cast with a total of nine. Other episodes include DS9: "Invasive Procedures" and ENT: "Shuttlepod One".

Sets, props, and costumes

  • Only three sets were used for the episode – the surface of Surata IV, sickbay, and the transporter room.

Continuity

Reception

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Special appearance by

Guest star

Uncredited co-stars

Stand-ins

Flashback appearances

The following people appeared in footage used from previous episodes.

References

autonomic nervous system; bacteria; biofilter; brain; calf; composite neural profile; EEG; endorphin; exobiology; fossil; graveyard; imzadi; kilometer; medical tricorder; Milky Way Galaxy; nervous system; neuron; number one; patient; probability mechanics; rattlesnake; REM sleep; sciatic nerve; Surata IV; Surata IV predatory vine; Surata microbe; tricorder; tricordrazine; virus

Other references

External links

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