Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra
Space just finished showing one of the better Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes: "Darmok". "Darmok" is such a great episode for the same reason that many episodes of STNG excel, a simple concept, usually played out by Patrick Stewart, is such a powerfully good storytelling device that it transcends the rather silly Next Gen goings on and plot holes. Many of STNG's best episodes are like "Darmok", ("Inner Light" where Picard is zapped by a probe and lives another life is probably the best remembered) and that seems to be where the show ages best.Seeing the episode again reminded me of when I first saw it, and how it made me fascinated with the myth of Gilgamesh, which I was sure was made up for the show. It also showed me how much faulty logic you can get away with on STNG and still succeed at having a memorable episode (I mean why would you go on a mission where you can't understand the other party's language without a linguist?).
Other episodes from the spin-offs followed a similar pattern, usually swapping in a well versed guest star where Patrick Stewart's acting chops lived before. Examples are "Sound of Her Voice" from DS9 and "Blink of an Eye" on Voyager.
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Ahh, one of my favorite episodes with gaping plot holes. Are they actually suggesting that people could communicate based on a legend that has been told and interpreted over hundreds of years. How do they actually communicate the point of the metaphor without being able to say it?!?!?!
Posted by
Andrew |
October 10, 2006 8:45 p.m.
Shaka, when the walls fell, Dan. Truly, Temba, his arms wide. But let's not forget the river Temarc, in Winter, as clearly Sokath, his eyes uncovered.
Posted by
Anonymous |
October 15, 2006 5:01 p.m.