LogFAQs > #973657362

Episode 12: The Pegasus

Riker did a bad.

Picard's quite awkward about a holiday in his honour and doesn't take to Riker's jokes about it. Sheepishly tries to explain it to the admiral. Has a plan to torment Riker with his own holiday. Picks up on the tension between Riker and Pressman immediately. Matches the Romulan's slimyness with cordiality. Explains that he values intelligence and integrity over obedience. Little taken aback by Pressman's retort. Doesn't enjoy being kept in the dark and it puts a strain on his friendship with Riker. Outraged by illegal activities.

Riker does a decent impression of Picard. Gets the wind knocked out of his sails when threatened with a holiday of his own. Very spooked by Pressman's prescence. Has an internal panic attack every time something involving the Pegasus is mentioned. As a baby faced man myself who hates facial hair, I share his pain. Incredibly moody due to old ghosts. Willing to be forceful against his old boss. All but whimpering like a guilty child when Picard unsuccessfully grills him. Finally does the right thing when he tells his old boss "no".

La Forge does his job.

Worf has a good show of loyalty to Picard.

Crusher reassures an angsty Riker.

Troi seems to appreciate the children having fun.

Data actually seems a little worried when Pressman tries to take control.

Pressman just sort of asserts himself instantly. His discussion with Picard over obedience tells you much about how hes a bit of an unpleasant man deep down. Initially barks at Riker, but when that clearly isn't going to work, resorts to charming and guilt tripping him. Has a look of intrigue about him when he notices this change in Riker. Takes Riker's rant surprisingly calmly at first. Massive control freak and remains smug to the end.

Some decent (by kids' standards) bits and pieces for the celebration. They mention the warp limit to immediately disregard it. Picard sets up his faith in Riker's morality, so, that the general vagueness of the mission can make him seem ambiguous. Some nice shots of the asteroid field. The lighting inside the asteroid is especially great. The Pegasus is a miserably gloomy wreck.

It's another dodgy, hypocritical admiral who happily flaunts the rules and laws, but won't hear of anyone below him doing the same. It's interesting that on the most abstract level Pressman and Riker have done the exact same thing in violating orders, but Riker's the only one who receives sympathy. You could argue that by going against illegal orders he's implicitly obeying legal ones and that that's what makes it okay. But considering all the naval gazing about him being an ignorant soldier who originally didn't know better and Pressman's utter contempt for just about everybody, its clear that they're trying for a slightly more nuanced take on the rebellious drive. Abiding by your conscience only works if you actually have a conscience. Given my distaste for the military, I do like that the concepts of duty and honour, which ultimately mean whatever the boss says they mean, are treated with appropriate derision.

As a character archetype, admiral loony has long since said all they will ever say and is getting slightly stale now, but this is still a fine adventure.

Going Homeward next.