Memory Alpha
Don't have an account?
Register
Register
Memory Alpha
Memory Alpha
57,147
pages
in: TNG episodes
English

Changes: The Chase (episode)

Back to page
Sign in to edit
(+2)
Tag: sourceedit
(37 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 11: Line 11:
 
| sAirdateMonth = April
  
| sAirdateMonth = April
 
| nAirdateDay = 26
  
| nAirdateDay = 26
−
| sImage = Galen and Picard.jpg
 +
| sImage = Progenitor.jpg
 
| wsWrittenBy =
 
| wsWrittenBy =
 
| wsTeleplayBy = [[Joe Menosky]]
  
| wsTeleplayBy = [[Joe Menosky]]
Line 35: Line 35:
 
==Summary==
  
==Summary==
 
===Teaser===
  
===Teaser===
−
[[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] receives an unexpected visit from [[Richard Galen]], a reclusive professor, and personal mentor of his, from [[Starfleet Academy]]. Galen gives the captain a rare [[archaeology|archaeological]] gift, a [[Kurlan naiskos]], and encourages him to take a leave of absence from [[Starfleet]] to go on an expedition of vast importance to the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]].
 +
While the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}} is studying [[protostar]]s in the [[Volterra Nebula]], [[Captain]] [[Jean-Luc Picard|Picard]] receives an unexpected visit from [[Richard Galen]], a reclusive professor, and personal mentor of his, from [[Starfleet Academy]]. In the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s [[observation lounge]], Galen gives the captain a rare [[archaeology|archaeological]] gift, a [[Kurlan naiskos]], and encourages him to take a leave of absence from [[Starfleet]] to go on an expedition of vast importance to the [[Milky Way Galaxy|galaxy]].
   
 
===Act One===
  
===Act One===
−
Picard mulls it over, but knows that he can never leave the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701-D|-D}}. He informs Galen that he cannot go with him, and receives a bitter rebuke from his former teacher, who immediately leaves on a [[shuttlecraft]] for his next destination.
 +
Picard and Galen sit together in [[Ten Forward]]. Galen urges him to accept, telling Picard that when he announces his findings, it will be heard from across the galaxy. Picard asks the professor if he can sleep on it. "''Dream not of today''", he tells the captain. Picard briefly mulls it over while talking to [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Beverly Crusher|Crusher]], but knows that he can never leave the ''Enterprise'', despite the tempting offer. He informs Galen that he cannot go with him, and receives a bitter rebuke from his former teacher, who immediately leaves on a [[shuttlecraft]] for his next destination.
   
−
Not long after, the ''Enterprise'' receives a distress call from Galen's shuttle, as it is under attack by a [[Yridian]]. They barely retrieve the professor and destroy his attackers. Unfortunately, Galen dies in [[sickbay]] – telling Picard with his last breath that his earlier rebuke had been too harsh.
+
Not long after, the ''Enterprise'' receives a distress call from Galen's shuttle, as it is under attack by a [[Yridian]] vessel. They barely retrieve the professor and destroy his attackers. Unfortunately, Galen dies in [[sickbay]] – telling Picard with his last breath that his earlier rebuke had been too harsh.
   
 
===Act Two===
  
===Act Two===
  +
[[Data]] discovers that Galen tried to protect certain files in his computer system when the Yridians attacked. However, without anything to narrow their search, it will be almost impossible to discover what the number blocks actually mean.
⚫
Picard abandons the ship's current diplomatic timeline to follow the clues listed in Galen's database. After mulling over the data, stumped, they finally realize that his course had taken him through a [[star system]] with no current inhabitants, but with a [[planet]] capable of sustaining life.
  
   
  ⚫
Picard abandons the ship's current diplomatic timeline to the planet [[Atalia VII]] to follow the clues in the number blocks listed in Galen's database. After mulling over the data, stumped, they finally realize that his course had taken him through a [[star system]] with no current inhabitants, but with a [[planet]], [[Ruah IV]], capable of sustaining life.
−
When they arrive, they find the planet's [[atmosphere]] being destroyed, killing all life on the planet.
  
  +
  +
Picard recalls that Galen was planning to head to [[Indri VIII]] on his archaeological expedition. Picard believes here is some connection between the two planets and he intends to find it. When the ''Enterprise'' arrives at Indri VIII, they find the planet's [[atmosphere]] being destroyed, killing all life on the planet. Picard asks if they can prevent the destruction but [[Worf]] announces that the effect is global; they cannot stop it.
  +
  +
[[File:Ships in orbit of Loren III.jpg|thumb|the ''Enterprise'' with the Klingon and Cardassian ships in orbit]]
   
 
===Act Three===
  
===Act Three===
  +
In a [[science lab]], Crusher and Picard discover that the number blocks from Galen's database are actually [[DNA]] strands from 19 different species. Crusher has all the DNA strands combined together by protein link compatibility. It forms a strange shape that Picard and Crusher cannot identify.
⚫
They have one other clue, and proceed to yet another star system where they are confronted by two [[Cardassian]] warships, prepared to attack in order to protect the planet for only their scientific mission. Immediately, a [[Klingon]] {{class|Vor'cha}} [[attack cruiser]] [[decloak]]s, making the situation all the more tense.
 
  +
  +
In [[engineering]], [[Lieutenant Commander|Commander]] [[Geordi La Forge|La Forge]] tells Picard and Crusher that it is not part of a natural design but rather an [[algorithm]], suggesting that it is part of some kind of program. Picard, Data, Crusher and La Forge cannot determine what the purpose of the program is or why someone designed it apparently 4 billion years before. La Forge has tried every DNA material in the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s database to run the program but they cannot find any compatible protein combinations. Picard muses on this computer program designed by an apparently advanced civilization four billion years ago. "''Whatever information this program contains could be the most profound discovery of our time... or the most dangerous. The professor knew that.''"
  +
  ⚫
In Picard's [[captain's ready room|ready room]], he remembers Galen telling him earlier that he was in the neighborhood near [[Kurl]]. Crusher suggests he was in the [[Kurlan system]] collecting DNA samples. Picard, while looking through a [[PADD]], finds that only one planet in the Kurlan system is capable of supporting life: [[Loren III]]. Picard has the ''Enterprise'' proceed to Loren III at maximum warp where they are immediately confronted by two [[Cardassian]] warships, prepared to attack in order to protect the planet for only their scientific mission. Immediately, a [[Klingon]] {{class|Vor'cha}} [[attack cruiser]] [[decloak]]s, making the situation all the more tense.
   
 
===Act Four===
  
===Act Four===
−
Picard decides to invite the commanding officers of each vessel to the ''Enterprise'' to discuss the situation. He plays his cards, relating that the ''Enterprise'' crew has determined that Galen's research leads them to believe that a [[computer]] program has been written and scattered throughout the galaxy, being stored in the genetic code of organisms on certain planets. An uneasy truce is forged between the three powers so as to share the data the three factions contain. However, [[chief engineer]] [[Geordi La Forge|La Forge]] discovers that the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s defensive systems have been tampered with – rightfully anticipating deception on the part of the Cardassians, Picard and [[Klingon]] captain [[Nu'Daq]] decide to tamper with their data a bit prior to the meeting. All three factions meet on the ''Enterprise'' to view the star chart inferred by the data points. Immediately, [[Gul]] [[Ocett]] transports off of the ''Enterprise'' and begins firing on both the Klingon vessel and the ''Enterprise''.
+
Picard decides to invite the commanding officers of each vessel to the ''Enterprise'' to discuss the situation. He plays his cards, relating that the ''Enterprise'' crew has determined that Galen's research leads them to believe that a [[computer]] program has been written and scattered throughout the galaxy, being stored in the genetic code of organisms on certain planets. An uneasy truce is forged between the three powers so as to share the data the three factions contain. However, [[chief engineer]] La Forge discovers that the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s defensive systems have been tampered with – rightfully anticipating deception on the part of the Cardassians, Picard and [[Klingon]] captain [[Nu'Daq]] decide to tamper with their data a bit prior to the meeting. All three factions meet on the ''Enterprise'' to view the star chart inferred by the data points. Immediately, [[Gul]] [[Ocett]] transports off of the ''Enterprise'' and begins firing on both the Klingon vessel and the ''Enterprise''.
   
 
===Act Five===
  
===Act Five===
−
The ''Enterprise'' makes a good show of being damaged, and then heads to the proper coordinates with [[Nu'Daq]].
 +
The ''Enterprise'' makes a good show of being damaged, and then heads to the proper coordinates with Nu'Daq.
   
−
Once at the final planet, they transport to the surface to take [[tricorder]] measurements of [[lichen]] growing in an ancient seabed. Suddenly, the [[Romulan]]s appear, insisting that everyone leave the premises. Covertly, the [[away team]] takes readings of the lichen, and find their tricorder reconfigured to display a holographic image of a [[ancient humanoid|humanoid]], explaining that her civilization existed in the galaxy alone, thousands of lonely years before any of the others developed. As such, they spread their genetic material to other planets, in the hopes of creating a rich ecosystem of [[Humanoids]] who could fulfill the joys of finding and integrating with [[alien]] cultures that these first beings never had. Most parties seem disgusted at the thought of a common progenitor.
 +
Once at the final planet, [[Vilmor II]], they transport to the surface to take [[tricorder]] measurements of [[lichen]] growing in an ancient seabed. Suddenly, the [[Romulan]]s appear, insisting that everyone leave the premises. Covertly, the [[away team]] takes readings of the lichen, and find their tricorder reconfigured to display a holographic image of a [[ancient humanoid|humanoid]], explaining that her civilization existed in the galaxy alone, billions of lonely years before any of the others developed. As such, they spread their genetic material to other planets, in the hopes of creating a rich [[ecosystem]] of [[humanoid]]s who could fulfill the joys of finding and integrating with [[alien]] cultures that these first beings never had. Most parties seem disgusted at the thought of a common progenitor.
   
 
Back on board the ''Enterprise'', Picard receives an unexpected message from the Romulan commander. In light of the recent events, he expresses his opinion that Humans and Romulans are not so dissimilar after all, and hopes that one day, the two powers could stand together in friendship.
  
Back on board the ''Enterprise'', Picard receives an unexpected message from the Romulan commander. In light of the recent events, he expresses his opinion that Humans and Romulans are not so dissimilar after all, and hopes that one day, the two powers could stand together in friendship.
Line 108: Line 116:
 
: - '''Romulan Captain''' to '''Picard'''
  
: - '''Romulan Captain''' to '''Picard'''
   
−
==Background Information==
 +
==Background information==
 
=== Story and production ===
  
=== Story and production ===
 
[[File:Directing The Chase 1.jpg|thumb|Jonathan Frakes directs [[Norman Lloyd]]]]
  
[[File:Directing The Chase 1.jpg|thumb|Jonathan Frakes directs [[Norman Lloyd]]]]
Line 118: Line 126:
 
* [[Salome Jens]] went on to play the recurring role of the [[Female Changeling]] in ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. [[John Cothran, Jr.]] went on to play [[Telok]] in {{DS9|Crossover}} and [[Gralik Durr]] in {{ENT|The Shipment}}.
  
* [[Salome Jens]] went on to play the recurring role of the [[Female Changeling]] in ''[[Star Trek: Deep Space Nine]]''. [[John Cothran, Jr.]] went on to play [[Telok]] in {{DS9|Crossover}} and [[Gralik Durr]] in {{ENT|The Shipment}}.
 
* Director [[Jonathan Frakes]] was disappointed at not being able to shoot outside. "''I think it does look like '[[Paramount Stage 16|Planet Hell]]', but that's the way it goes. The money was being spent across the street [at ''Deep Space Nine'']. I don't think it's a secret.''" However, set designer [[Richard James]] noted that it was impossible to shoot outside, as the crew had been unable to find a salt flat without vegetation, as the episode demanded. (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
  
* Director [[Jonathan Frakes]] was disappointed at not being able to shoot outside. "''I think it does look like '[[Paramount Stage 16|Planet Hell]]', but that's the way it goes. The money was being spent across the street [at ''Deep Space Nine'']. I don't think it's a secret.''" However, set designer [[Richard James]] noted that it was impossible to shoot outside, as the crew had been unable to find a salt flat without vegetation, as the episode demanded. (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
−
* When it appeared that the episode would run short, Ronald D. Moore added a scene in which Mr. [[Mot]] is tested by Dr. Crusher as one of the 17 crew members said to come from non-Federation worlds, but this was cut from the final episode. This scene would have thus established that [[Bolarus IX]] is not a Federation member. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'') The script for this episode, including the deleted scene, can be found [http://www.st-minutiae.com/academy/literature329/246.txt here]. However the apparently Bolarian ambassador would seem to contradict that assertion in {{e|The Forsaken}}.
 +
* When it appeared that the episode would run short, Ronald D. Moore added a scene in which Mr. [[Mot]] is tested by Dr. Crusher as one of the 17 crew members said to come from non-Federation worlds, but this was cut from the final episode. This scene would have thus established that [[Bolarus IX]] is not a Federation member. (''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'') The script for this episode, including the deleted scene, can be found {{st-minutiae|resources/scripts/246.txt|here}}. However the apparently Bolian ambassador would seem to contradict that assertion in {{e|The Forsaken}}.
 
* The final episode contains no explanation for the destruction of the Yridian ship attacking Galen's shuttle following a single phaser blast from the Enterprise. However, the original teleplay contains a line by Data immediately following the ship's destruction that explains this ("The Yridian vessel was overloading its power generators. That, combined with the phaser blast, caused it to explode"). Yet, even the original teleplay does not explain exactly why the ship was overloading its power generators.
  
* The final episode contains no explanation for the destruction of the Yridian ship attacking Galen's shuttle following a single phaser blast from the Enterprise. However, the original teleplay contains a line by Data immediately following the ship's destruction that explains this ("The Yridian vessel was overloading its power generators. That, combined with the phaser blast, caused it to explode"). Yet, even the original teleplay does not explain exactly why the ship was overloading its power generators.
  +
* A similar playable story with the same title is featured in the video game ''[[Star Trek: Encounters]]'', only involving {{USS|Voyager}} racing [[Culluh]] for the answer to the genetic puzzle.
 
* First UK airdate: 22 November 1995
  
* First UK airdate: 22 November 1995
   
Line 125: Line 134:
 
* As noted in the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', this episode marks the first time that [[Human]]s, [[Klingon]]s, [[Romulan]]s and [[Cardassian]]s appear in the same episode.
  
* As noted in the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', this episode marks the first time that [[Human]]s, [[Klingon]]s, [[Romulan]]s and [[Cardassian]]s appear in the same episode.
 
* This episode is the first to mention one of [[Deep Space 9]]'s sister deep space stations, in this case [[Deep Space 4]].
  
* This episode is the first to mention one of [[Deep Space 9]]'s sister deep space stations, in this case [[Deep Space 4]].
−
* Several sources, including the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', state that this episode marks the first appearance of a [[Cardassian]] female on ''Star Trek''. This honor actually belongs to {{e|Chain of Command, Part II}}, where Gul [[Madred]]'s daughter, [[Jil Orra]], appears. [[Ocett]] is, however, the only female [[Gul]] ever mentioned or seen in any episode of any ''Star Trek'' series.
 +
* Several sources, including the ''[[Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion]]'', state that this episode marks the first appearance of a [[Cardassian]] female on ''Star Trek''. This honor actually belongs to {{e|Chain of Command, Part II}}, where Gul [[Madred]]'s daughter, [[Jil Orra]], appears. [[Ocett]] is, however, the only female with a rank of [[Gul]] ever mentioned or seen in any episode of any ''Star Trek'' series.
 
* Despite Picard's obvious delight at being given the [[Kurlan naiskos|Kurlan ''naiskos'']] in this episode, he casually discards it among the wreckage of the ''Enterprise''-D in {{film|7}}, in favor of the [[Picard family album]].
  
* Despite Picard's obvious delight at being given the [[Kurlan naiskos|Kurlan ''naiskos'']] in this episode, he casually discards it among the wreckage of the ''Enterprise''-D in {{film|7}}, in favor of the [[Picard family album]].
 
* The concept of this episode was recycled in the videogame ''[[Star Trek: Encounters]]'', with the ''Enterprise''-D being replaced by the {{USS|Voyager}}, and the competing races being melded into one – the [[Kazon]].
  
* The concept of this episode was recycled in the videogame ''[[Star Trek: Encounters]]'', with the ''Enterprise''-D being replaced by the {{USS|Voyager}}, and the competing races being melded into one – the [[Kazon]].
−
* We learn that 17 people aboard the Enterprise are from non-Federation planets. This count probably includes [[Worf]], [[Ro Laren]] (assuming she had not yet left for [[Advanced Tactical Training]]), the [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Bajoran security guard (2369)|unnamed Bajoran security guard]] seen briefly in {{e|Descent}}, and possibly [[Guinan]]. It is interesting to note that Mr. [[Mot]] is one of these individuals according to a deleted scene included in the Season Six Blu-ray set. This suggests that [[Bolians]] were not yet part of the [[Federation]] at this time.
 +
* This episode reveals that seventeen people aboard the ''Enterprise'' are from non-Federation planets. This count probably includes [[Worf]], [[Ro Laren]] (assuming she had not yet left for [[Advanced Tactical Training]]), the [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D) personnel#Bajoran security guard (2369)|unnamed Bajoran security guard]] seen briefly in {{e|Descent}}, and possibly [[Guinan]]. It is interesting to note that [[Mot]] is one of these individuals according to a deleted scene included in the Season Six Blu-ray set. This suggests that [[Bolian]]s were not yet part of the [[Federation]] at this time.
   
 
=== Reception ===
  
=== Reception ===
Line 134: Line 143:
 
* Jonathan Frakes remarked, "''The speech that Salome Jens makes at the end would make Roddenberry very proud I think. It's a great cast and it's wonderful to have all those villains and aliens in one place.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
  
* Jonathan Frakes remarked, "''The speech that Salome Jens makes at the end would make Roddenberry very proud I think. It's a great cast and it's wonderful to have all those villains and aliens in one place.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
 
* However, Rick Berman was not overawed by the finished episode. "''Conceptually, it's very interesting. I always had some problems with dealing with the whole idea of these kind of prehistoric creatures who are the fathers of us all. It's not Roddenberry-esque, it's very sixties Roddenberry-esque.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
  
* However, Rick Berman was not overawed by the finished episode. "''Conceptually, it's very interesting. I always had some problems with dealing with the whole idea of these kind of prehistoric creatures who are the fathers of us all. It's not Roddenberry-esque, it's very sixties Roddenberry-esque.''" (''[[Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages]]'')
−
* The episode was previewed at the 1993 StarFest Convention in Denver, Colorado to generally favorable reaction.
 +
* The episode was previewed at the 1993 StarFest Convention in Denver, Colorado, to generally favorable reaction.
   
 
===Video and DVD releases===
  
===Video and DVD releases===
−
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 73, catalogue number VHR 2731, {{d|22|November|1993}}.
 +
*UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): Volume 73, catalog number VHR 2731, {{d|22|November|1993}}
−
*As part of the [[TNG Season 6 DVD]] collection.
 +
*As part of the [[TNG Season 6 DVD]] collection
   
 
== Links and references ==
  
== Links and references ==
Line 158: Line 167:
 
* [[Linda Thorson]] as [[Ocett]]
  
* [[Linda Thorson]] as [[Ocett]]
   
−
=== Special Appearance By ===
 +
=== Special appearance by ===
 
* [[Norman Lloyd]] as [[Professor]] [[Richard Galen|Galen]]
  
* [[Norman Lloyd]] as [[Professor]] [[Richard Galen|Galen]]
   
Line 201: Line 210:
   
 
===References===
  
===References===
−
[[Al-Leyan]]; [[Al-Leyan transport]]; [[Aolian Cluster]]; [[archeology]]; [[archaeologist]]; [[arboretum]]; [[Atalia VII]]; [[Atalia system]]; [[B'aht Qul challenge]]; [[biological database]]; [[biosphere]]; [[biscuit]]; [[bribery]]; [[Caere]]; [[Cardassia]]; [[Cardassian]]; [[Cardassian war vessel]]; [[centurion]]; [[Class M]]; [[Class L]]; [[Deep Space 4]]; [[Earth]]; [[Federation]]; [[final exam]]; {{class|Galor}}; [[goose]]; [[Indri VIII]]; [[Indri system]]; [[inertial damper]]; [[jigsaw puzzle]]; [[Kea Four]]; [[Klingon]]; [[Klingon Empire]]; [[Kurl]]; [[Kurlan]]; [[Kurlan naiskos|Kurlan ''naiskos'']]; [[Kurlan system]]; [[lichen]]; [[Loren III]]; [[Loren system]]; {{IKS|Maht-H'a}}; [[M'Tell]]; [[Macchiato]]; [[Master of Tarquin Hill]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[micropaleontology]]; [[Maurice Picard|Picard, Maurice]]; [[plasma reaction]]; [[province]]; [[Rahm-Izad]]; [[Rahm-Izad system]]; [[Roman]]; [[Romulan]]; [[Romulus]]; [[Ruah IV]]; [[Ruah IV proto-hominid]]; [[Ruah system]]; [[Satarran]]; [[Heinrich Schliemann|Schliemann, Heinrich]]; [[scholar]]; [[Sector 21459]]; [[Sothis III]]; [[tricorder]]; [[tricorder emitter diode]]; [[Troy]]; [[type 7 shuttlecraft]]; [[Vilmor II]]; [[Vilmoran system]]; [[Volterra Nebula]]; {{class|Vor'cha}}; [[Vulcan ship]]; [[Ya'Seem]]; [[Yash-El]]; [[Yridian]]; [[Yridian destroyer]]
 +
[[Al-Leyan transport]]; [[archeology]]; [[archaeologist]]; [[arboretum]]; [[Atalia VII]] ([[Atalia system]]); [[B'aht Qul challenge]]; [[biological database]]; [[biosphere]]; [[biscuit]]; [[bribery]]; [[Caere]]; [[Cardassia]]; [[Cardassian]]; [[Cardassian war vessel]]; [[centurion]]; [[class M]]; [[Deep Space 4]]; [[Earth]]; [[earthwork]]s; [[Federation]]; [[final exam]]; {{class|Galor}}; [[genus]]; [[goose]]; [[Indri VIII]]; [[Indri system]]; [[inertial damper]]; [[jigsaw puzzle]]; [[Klingon]]; [[Klingon Empire]]; [[Kurl]] ([[Kurlan system]]); [[Kurlan]]; [[Kurlan naiskos|Kurlan ''naiskos'']]; [[level 3 diagnostic]]; [[level 4 security]]; [[lichen]]; [[Loren III]] ([[Loren system]]); [[IKS Maht-H'a|''Maht-H'a'', IKS]]; [[M'Tell]]; [[Master of Tarquin Hill]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[micropaleontology]]; [[monument]]; [[number one]]; [[Maurice Picard|Picard, Maurice]]; [[plasma reaction]]; [[proto-hominid]]; [[province]]; [[Rahm-Izad]] ([[Rahm-Izad system]]); [[Roman]]; [[Romulan]]; [[Romulus]]; [[Ruah IV]] ([[Ruah system]]); [[Satarran]]; [[Heinrich Schliemann|Schliemann, Heinrich]]; [[scholar]]; [[Sector 21459]]; [[Sothis III]]; [[tricorder]]; [[tricorder emitter diode]]; [[Troy]]; [[type 7 shuttlecraft]]; [[Vilmor II]] ([[Vilmoran system]]); [[Volterra Nebula]]; {{class|Vor'cha}}; [[Vulcan ship]]; [[Ya'Seem]]; [[Yash-El]]; [[Yridian]]; [[Yridian destroyer]]
  +
  +
====Other references====
  +
'''''USS ''Enterprise'' Personnel Database''''': [[Aaamazzara]]; [[Alpha Carinae I]]; [[Alpha Cygnus II]]; [[Robert Blackman (Lieutenant)|Blackman, Robert]]; [[Brannon Braga (Lieutenant Commander)|Braga, Brannon]]; [[Jay Chattaway (Starfleet)|Chattaway, Jay]]; [[Alexander Courage (Starfleet)|Courage, Alexander]]; [[Dan Curry (Lieutenant Commander)|Curry, Dan]]; [[Delos IV]]; [[Rene Echevarria (Starfleet)|Echevarria, Rene]]; [[Eminiar VII]]; [[Arlene Fukai (Lieutenant Commander)|Fukai, Arlene]]; [[Gamma Trianguli IV]]; [[Jerry Goldsmith (Starfleet)|Goldsmith, Jerry]]; [[Richard James (Lieutenant Commander)|James, Richard]]; [[J. Lowry Johnson|Johnson, J. Lowry]]; [[Jim Mees (Lieutenant Commander)|Mees, Jim]]; [[Wendy Neuss (Lieutenant Commander)|Neuss, Wendy]]; [[Regulus V]]; [[Rigel VI]]; [[Selcundi Drema]]; [[Sherman's Planet]]; [[Adele Simmons (Lieutenant)|Simmons, Adele]]; [[Sigma Draconis system]]; [[Ron Surma (Starfleet)|Surma, Ron]]; [[Taurus I]]; [[Therbia]]; [[Triacus]]; [[Triskelion Prime]]; [[Steve Tucker (Lieutenant Commander)|Steve Tucker]]; [[Tycho IV]]; [[Jonathan West (Starfleet)|West, Jonathan]]; [[Xendi Sabu II]]; [[Brad Yacobian (Lieutenant Commander)|Yacobian, Brad]]
  +
  +
====Unreferenced material====
  +
[[Aolian Cluster]]; [[Kea IV]]; [[macchiato]]
   
 
===External link===
  
===External link===
−
*{{Wikipedia|The Chase (Star Trek: The Next Generation)}}
 +
*{{Wikipedia-quote|The Chase (Star Trek: The Next Generation)|The Chase}}
   
 
{{TNG nav|season=6|last={{e|Lessons}}|next={{e|Frame of Mind}}}}
  
{{TNG nav|season=6|last={{e|Lessons}}|next={{e|Frame of Mind}}}}
−  
⚫
[[Category:TNG episodes|Chase, The]]
  
   
 
[[de:Das fehlende Fragment]]
  
[[de:Das fehlende Fragment]]
 
[[es:The Chase]]
  
[[es:The Chase]]
 
[[fr:The Chase (épisode)]]
  
[[fr:The Chase (épisode)]]
−
[[ja:TNG:命のメッセージ]]
 +
[[ja:命のメッセージ（エピソード）]]
 
[[nl:The Chase]]
  
[[nl:The Chase]]
 
[[pl:The Chase]]
  
[[pl:The Chase]]
  ⚫
[[Category:TNG episodes|Chase, The]]

Revision as of 17:04, 30 April 2016

Template:Realworld

Picard tries to finish his old archaeology teacher's monumental last mission: solving a puzzle that leads Humans, Romulans, Klingons and Cardassians to the secret of life in this galaxy, revealing the origin of humanoid life.

Summary

Teaser

While the USS Enterprise-D is studying protostars in the Volterra Nebula, Captain Picard receives an unexpected visit from Richard Galen, a reclusive professor, and personal mentor of his, from Starfleet Academy. In the Enterprise's observation lounge, Galen gives the captain a rare archaeological gift, a Kurlan naiskos, and encourages him to take a leave of absence from Starfleet to go on an expedition of vast importance to the galaxy.

Act One

Picard and Galen sit together in Ten Forward. Galen urges him to accept, telling Picard that when he announces his findings, it will be heard from across the galaxy. Picard asks the professor if he can sleep on it. "Dream not of today", he tells the captain. Picard briefly mulls it over while talking to Dr. Crusher, but knows that he can never leave the Enterprise, despite the tempting offer. He informs Galen that he cannot go with him, and receives a bitter rebuke from his former teacher, who immediately leaves on a shuttlecraft for his next destination.

Not long after, the Enterprise receives a distress call from Galen's shuttle, as it is under attack by a Yridian vessel. They barely retrieve the professor and destroy his attackers. Unfortunately, Galen dies in sickbay – telling Picard with his last breath that his earlier rebuke had been too harsh.

Act Two

Data discovers that Galen tried to protect certain files in his computer system when the Yridians attacked. However, without anything to narrow their search, it will be almost impossible to discover what the number blocks actually mean.

Picard abandons the ship's current diplomatic timeline to the planet Atalia VII to follow the clues in the number blocks listed in Galen's database. After mulling over the data, stumped, they finally realize that his course had taken him through a star system with no current inhabitants, but with a planet, Ruah IV, capable of sustaining life.

Picard recalls that Galen was planning to head to Indri VIII on his archaeological expedition. Picard believes here is some connection between the two planets and he intends to find it. When the Enterprise arrives at Indri VIII, they find the planet's atmosphere being destroyed, killing all life on the planet. Picard asks if they can prevent the destruction but Worf announces that the effect is global; they cannot stop it.

File:Ships in orbit of Loren III.jpg

the Enterprise with the Klingon and Cardassian ships in orbit

Act Three

In a science lab, Crusher and Picard discover that the number blocks from Galen's database are actually DNA strands from 19 different species. Crusher has all the DNA strands combined together by protein link compatibility. It forms a strange shape that Picard and Crusher cannot identify.

In engineering, Commander La Forge tells Picard and Crusher that it is not part of a natural design but rather an algorithm, suggesting that it is part of some kind of program. Picard, Data, Crusher and La Forge cannot determine what the purpose of the program is or why someone designed it apparently 4 billion years before. La Forge has tried every DNA material in the Enterprise's database to run the program but they cannot find any compatible protein combinations. Picard muses on this computer program designed by an apparently advanced civilization four billion years ago. "Whatever information this program contains could be the most profound discovery of our time... or the most dangerous. The professor knew that."

In Picard's ready room, he remembers Galen telling him earlier that he was in the neighborhood near Kurl. Crusher suggests he was in the Kurlan system collecting DNA samples. Picard, while looking through a PADD, finds that only one planet in the Kurlan system is capable of supporting life: Loren III. Picard has the Enterprise proceed to Loren III at maximum warp where they are immediately confronted by two Cardassian warships, prepared to attack in order to protect the planet for only their scientific mission. Immediately, a Klingon Vor'cha-class attack cruiser decloaks, making the situation all the more tense.

Act Four

Picard decides to invite the commanding officers of each vessel to the Enterprise to discuss the situation. He plays his cards, relating that the Enterprise crew has determined that Galen's research leads them to believe that a computer program has been written and scattered throughout the galaxy, being stored in the genetic code of organisms on certain planets. An uneasy truce is forged between the three powers so as to share the data the three factions contain. However, chief engineer La Forge discovers that the Enterprise's defensive systems have been tampered with – rightfully anticipating deception on the part of the Cardassians, Picard and Klingon captain Nu'Daq decide to tamper with their data a bit prior to the meeting. All three factions meet on the Enterprise to view the star chart inferred by the data points. Immediately, Gul Ocett transports off of the Enterprise and begins firing on both the Klingon vessel and the Enterprise.

Act Five

The Enterprise makes a good show of being damaged, and then heads to the proper coordinates with Nu'Daq.

Once at the final planet, Vilmor II, they transport to the surface to take tricorder measurements of lichen growing in an ancient seabed. Suddenly, the Romulans appear, insisting that everyone leave the premises. Covertly, the away team takes readings of the lichen, and find their tricorder reconfigured to display a holographic image of a humanoid, explaining that her civilization existed in the galaxy alone, billions of lonely years before any of the others developed. As such, they spread their genetic material to other planets, in the hopes of creating a rich ecosystem of humanoids who could fulfill the joys of finding and integrating with alien cultures that these first beings never had. Most parties seem disgusted at the thought of a common progenitor.

Back on board the Enterprise, Picard receives an unexpected message from the Romulan commander. In light of the recent events, he expresses his opinion that Humans and Romulans are not so dissimilar after all, and hopes that one day, the two powers could stand together in friendship.

Memorable quotes

"When finished... and I announce my findings, it will be heard halfway across the galaxy."

- Richard Galen, to Picard on his discovery


"Dream not of today."

- Professor Richard Galen, to Picard


"If I go, I go for good... and it's not something that I'm prepared to do."

- Picard reluctantly refuses Galen's offer to join him on his archaeology mission


"Will you come with me?"
"...I can't."
"Then I'll be going."

- Galen and Picard


"Jean-Luc... I was too harsh."

- Richard Galen's dying words


"Until we assemble it, we will never know its purpose."
"He's right. As far as we know it might just be a recipe for biscuits!"
"Biscuits? If that's what you believe, then go back to Cardassia, I will send you my mother's recipe."

- Picard, Gul Ocett, and Nu'Daq


"My upper spinal support is a polyalloy designed for extreme stress. My skull is composed of cortenide and duranium."

- Data, explaining to Nu'Daq why he was unaffected by a Klingon head-butt


"A being of your abilities would go far in the Empire."
"You are attempting to bribe me."

- Nu'Daq tries to get Data to reveal the results of the combined DNA samples to him before anyone else


"That's all!? If she were not dead, I would kill her!"

- Nu'Daq, expressing his disappointment about the message


"It would seem that we are not completely dissimilar after all; in our hopes, or in our fears."
"Yes..."
"Well then perhaps, one day..."
"...one day..."

- Romulan Captain to Picard

Background information

Story and production

Directing The Chase 1

Jonathan Frakes directs Norman Lloyd

Directing The Chase 2

Frakes with the alien actors between takes

  • The final draft script was submitted on 4 February 1993.
  • The premise of "The Chase" was inspired by Carl Sagan's novel Contact, in which clues to the nature of the universe are discovered in a long calculation of Pi. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • It would take over a year for Joe Menosky and Ronald D. Moore's premise to be written into a workable script. Early drafts were in the manic mood of It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, but were shelved for being "too cartoony". The original story would have involved a Vulcan scientist not personally involved with any of the characters. Along with the Klingons and Romulans, this version also included the Ferengi. As Moore recalled, "Riker beams over into this cramped little tiny shuttle, where everyone's yelling and trying to find things and the guy's dead. And then they zip away, and we're off an running with It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. It would have been a lot more comedic." Michael Piller and Rick Berman felt this lacked sufficient character – that there was no real motivation for Picard to join in the chase. It was only with the addition of the death of Picard's mentor that Piller and Berman were sold on the idea. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion; Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • Moore stated that he'd considered, but intentionally did not specify, that the Ancient humanoids were the Preservers from TOS: "The Paradise Syndrome". He added, "but this could be them and be internally consistent." (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • Salome Jens went on to play the recurring role of the Female Changeling in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. John Cothran, Jr. went on to play Telok in DS9: "Crossover" and Gralik Durr in ENT: "The Shipment".
  • Director Jonathan Frakes was disappointed at not being able to shoot outside. "I think it does look like 'Planet Hell', but that's the way it goes. The money was being spent across the street [at Deep Space Nine]. I don't think it's a secret." However, set designer Richard James noted that it was impossible to shoot outside, as the crew had been unable to find a salt flat without vegetation, as the episode demanded. (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • When it appeared that the episode would run short, Ronald D. Moore added a scene in which Mr. Mot is tested by Dr. Crusher as one of the 17 crew members said to come from non-Federation worlds, but this was cut from the final episode. This scene would have thus established that Bolarus IX is not a Federation member. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion) The script for this episode, including the deleted scene, can be found here. However the apparently Bolian ambassador would seem to contradict that assertion in "The Forsaken".
  • The final episode contains no explanation for the destruction of the Yridian ship attacking Galen's shuttle following a single phaser blast from the Enterprise. However, the original teleplay contains a line by Data immediately following the ship's destruction that explains this ("The Yridian vessel was overloading its power generators. That, combined with the phaser blast, caused it to explode"). Yet, even the original teleplay does not explain exactly why the ship was overloading its power generators.
  • A similar playable story with the same title is featured in the video game Star Trek: Encounters, only involving USS Voyager racing Culluh for the answer to the genetic puzzle.
  • First UK airdate: 22 November 1995

Continuity

Reception

  • The production staff dubbed this the most "Roddenberry-esque" TNG episode. (Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion)
  • Jonathan Frakes remarked, "The speech that Salome Jens makes at the end would make Roddenberry very proud I think. It's a great cast and it's wonderful to have all those villains and aliens in one place." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • However, Rick Berman was not overawed by the finished episode. "Conceptually, it's very interesting. I always had some problems with dealing with the whole idea of these kind of prehistoric creatures who are the fathers of us all. It's not Roddenberry-esque, it's very sixties Roddenberry-esque." (Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages)
  • The episode was previewed at the 1993 StarFest Convention in Denver, Colorado, to generally favorable reaction.

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

Guest stars

Special appearance by

Co-star

Uncredited co-stars

Stand-ins

References

Al-Leyan transport; archeology; archaeologist; arboretum; Atalia VII (Atalia system); B'aht Qul challenge; biological database; biosphere; biscuit; bribery; Caere; Cardassia; Cardassian; Cardassian war vessel; centurion; class M; Deep Space 4; Earth; earthworks; Federation; final exam; Galor-class; genus; goose; Indri VIII; Indri system; inertial damper; jigsaw puzzle; Klingon; Klingon Empire; Kurl (Kurlan system); Kurlan; Kurlan naiskos; level 3 diagnostic; level 4 security; lichen; Loren III (Loren system); Maht-H'a, IKS; M'Tell; Master of Tarquin Hill; medical tricorder; micropaleontology; monument; number one; Picard, Maurice; plasma reaction; proto-hominid; province; Rahm-Izad (Rahm-Izad system); Roman; Romulan; Romulus; Ruah IV (Ruah system); Satarran; Schliemann, Heinrich; scholar; Sector 21459; Sothis III; tricorder; tricorder emitter diode; Troy; type 7 shuttlecraft; Vilmor II (Vilmoran system); Volterra Nebula; Vor'cha-class; Vulcan ship; Ya'Seem; Yash-El; Yridian; Yridian destroyer

Other references

USS Enterprise Personnel Database: Aaamazzara; Alpha Carinae I; Alpha Cygnus II; Blackman, Robert; Braga, Brannon; Chattaway, Jay; Courage, Alexander; Curry, Dan; Delos IV; Echevarria, Rene; Eminiar VII; Fukai, Arlene; Gamma Trianguli IV; Goldsmith, Jerry; James, Richard; Johnson, J. Lowry; Mees, Jim; Neuss, Wendy; Regulus V; Rigel VI; Selcundi Drema; Sherman's Planet; Simmons, Adele; Sigma Draconis system; Surma, Ron; Taurus I; Therbia; Triacus; Triskelion Prime; Steve Tucker; Tycho IV; West, Jonathan; Xendi Sabu II; Yacobian, Brad

Unreferenced material

Aolian Cluster; Kea IV; macchiato

External link

Previous episode:
"Lessons" 		Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 6 		Next episode:
"Frame of Mind"
Deutsch Español Français 日本語 Nederlands Polski
Community content is available under CC-BY-NC unless otherwise noted.
More Fandoms