‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Allegiance’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Something that is truly fascinating about the Star Trek Universe, is that no stone is left unturned when it comes to its exploration of the human condition. Because not only will this franchise examine every aspect of our modern society and all of its wonders and follies, but it also happy to dive deep into our interpersonal relationships and what makes them tick and for proof… well then look no further than the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For ‘Allegiance’ wasted no time in digging into the nature of trust and what it takes to maintain it… by offering up quite the surprise in regard to Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

For while he was enjoying a quiet night in his quarters, he was promptly abducted and sent to a strange facility with a few other various aliens from around the galaxy, including a Boilan Starfleet Cadet. And the whole point of this group being trapped far away from home, was to see how they performed under pressure. For a mysterious species wanted to know more about carbon-based species, and how a supremely diverse group of individuals would react under tough circumstances and well, Jean-Luc ruined their plans. Because he saw through the Cadet and realized that she was a spy for this species and being able to reveal their sneaky plans, allowed for Picard and the other aliens in the room to eventually return to their respective homes and locations and well… not a moment too soon.

Because the aliens in question replaced Picard with a perfect replica aboard the Enterprise and this alternate Jean-Luc is what brought about an exploration regarding trust. Because this Jean-Luc wanted to know exactly why the crew was so eager to trust him at every turn and that motivated Picard-2 to press his luck and see how far he could push the crew before they said ‘enough’ and that led to some surprising sequences for certain. For this imposter actually took the time to stir things up romantically with Beverly Crusher and he even decided to break down the wall that Captain Picard keeps between his men so he can be a better leader by buying everyone drinks and singing drinking songs with them and that… led to suspicion on Riker’s part.

For he knew that this was not his captain since these were acts that he simply did not do, and his concerns were compounded by the fact that this Jean-Luc was eager to rush the crew into a dangerous situation. One that could in fact, kill people aboard the ship. And that motivated the commander to take command the Enterprise and demand that this imposter stand down and thankfully, the return of the real Picard reinforced Will’s decision to basically commit a mutiny and once the crisis passed; the message in question hung heavy over this episode. In that, while trust is something that is indeed earned it is something that also has to be maintained and that is accomplished by rewarding those that follow and believe in us, with consistency. 

Which is a fairly pedestrian message for certain, but it does carry with it some serious weight. After all, it does ask the viewer to ponder upon whether or not they are being consistent in their own interpersonal relationships, since doing otherwise could be causing harm to said relationships and there’s nothing wrong with challenging the audience in a more subtle manner. But all of that aside, this was still one unique and entertaining tale for certain. Simply because it was quite awesome to see Patrick Stewart play two versions of Picard, and that definitely allowed for some hilarious moments to come to life. For the Ten Forward sing a long was just magnificent, as were the closing moments between Beverly and Jean-Luc and well, it would seem we are about to embark on a stretch of lighthearted episodes. Since the next chapter in this seven-year tale, revolves around one wild vacation for the captain of the Enterprise. Until next time.

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