‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap: ‘11001001’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is a foregone conclusion, that humans will do whatever it takes to protect their loved ones, simply because they mean the world to us. After all, they complete a part of us we didn’t know needed to be filled in the first place and since they are such an important part of our lives and ongoing development, going the extra mile to keep them safe… seems like a no brainer. But while this is a supremely human condition for certain, it does leave one wondering, if by chance we ran into beings from another world, would they have the same kind of loyalty to their own kind? Or is it truly something that only we can experience? And it just so happens that the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation dives into those questions full bore, in fascinating fashion. 
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Which is funny, because at first glance ‘11001001’ seems as though it is going to be quite the routine story. For early on, we are whisked away to Starbase 74 with the crew, wherein the Enterprise is going to undergo some critical maintenance to the Holodeck and all of its systems. Making it seem as though this particular tale is going focus heavily on the crew and their downtime. Because everyone that doesn’t head to the Starbase, finds something to do to pass the quiet time, such as how Data begins to explore the wonder of art, or how Riker discovers a newfound love of the Holodeck, thanks to its fancy new upgrades. And Riker’s joy and said improvements, come courtesy of the ship’s brilliant technicians, a species known as the Bynars, and they’re of note simply because they are a race of beings who in essence have digital brains. For they have used technology to make their minds more efficient, and that makes them the perfect people to promptly upgrade a Galaxy Class starship’s systems.

Yet while these quirky aliens seem harmless enough and well, ultra-quirky since they speak in a language akin to a modem and work with incredible and quick efficiency, Wesley is oddly suspicious of them. For something about these aliens simply seems off and he has good reason to be suspicious. For when the opportunity arises, they do something quite sneaky, and make it seem as though the 1701-D is experiencing anti-matter containment failure. Which of course, forces Data to order the crew to abandon ship since Picard and Riker aren’t answering their hails and well, it turns out that this was nothing more than a plan on the Bynars part, to steal the ship. But the reasons as to why remain unclear, to everyone, including Jean-Luc and Will when they learn of the ship’s situation after being trapped inside the Holodeck for an extended period of time.

Which of course motivates the two of them to figure out the truth, and quickly. Because a Galaxy Class ship in the hands of the Federation’s enemies could prove costly for certain, and that forces Picard to do something drastic and arm the Self Destruct sequence as an insurance policy. But the discovery of dying technicians on the bridge, as the Enterprise arrives at the home world of the Bynars, prompts the captain to think a little differently about what’s going on. And as it turns out, taking the time to think, instead of using brute force, proves to be worthwhile. For the crew comes to learn that the Bynars’ home planet was being threatened by the shockwaves of a supernova, one that they missed in their calculations and the resulting blast would disable the computers that keep life going on this world. Meaning they needed the ship to store their planet’s entire data sequence and they needed Picard and Riker to send that precious information back to their world or risk the end of their entire species.

Something that is quite frankly, a brilliant plot twist. Because it speaks to the notion that perhaps going above and beyond to save one’s own is something that could extend beyond humanity, giving rise to the possibility that the universe could be a kinder and more beautiful place than some science fiction stories give it credit and that is supremely in line with the core values of the franchise. For Trek was always about exploring a better tomorrow, where harmony and kindness took precedence, which is also why it is wonderful that this tale sees Captain Picard immediately forgive the Bynars for their actions since the theft of the Enterprise has nothing to do with malice. If anything, all of these elements made for one entertaining and engrossing tale, one that keeps you guessing, and it is one that lifts your spirits with messages of unity and cooperation, and you can never go wrong when TNG features all of that. Until next time.

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