‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Face of the Enemy’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is definitely safe to say, that we in the modern, industrialized world… lack certain understandings. Specifically, what it is like to live in an environment where oppression through intimidation and fear reigns, and where the oppressed must sometimes risk it all to enjoy either true freedom or to light a spark of revolution so that change can finally come to their world and well, we lack that perspective simply because it isn’t present in our world. For we are indeed as free as they come and can only remotely imagine what life in that environment is like. But it is important to have that perspective. In part to appreciate the gift of freedom we’ve been given, but to also understand and learn more about our world and how it truly functions and thankfully, stories are there to fill in those gaps. 

In fact, the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation takes the time to do explore such matters. A feat that ‘Face of the Enemy’ accomplishes, by plunging Lieutenant Commander Deanna Troi into quite the harrowing situation. For when we catch up with Deanna, here, she has awakened far from home, aboard a Romulan Battlecruiser no less… and has been surgically altered to resemble a Romulan Tal Shiar agent named Major Rekar. All because Ambassador Spock’s work on Romulus has brought about a resistance of sorts, one that needs the Federation’s help to survive, and that is why Deanna was abducted and altered and given a new identity. So that she can use her unique skill set to help a Sub-Commander named N’Vek smuggle precious cargo to the Federation.

Specifically, a high-ranking member of the Romulan Imperial Senate, who was eager to defect than be discovered as a traitor and well, that set the stage for a quality exploration of the Romulan Star Empire and the general theme of this tale. Because we were able to learn, how the Tal Shiar uses stunning brutality and fear in order to keep the people of the Empire and its military loyal, and how difficult it is to live under that kind of regime. Because it means that fear is everywhere, and a sense of safety never exists for the good people going about their lives and that was quite the incredible journey to take us on. Since it really did hammer home, what an ugly life this could be and why men like N’Vek would risk it all for a better tomorrow, and that makes this a powerful episode for certain, one that features more big moments beyond its theme.

For this is also a story that really lets Deanna shine. Because she has to think fast in this tale and find a savagery within that she doesn’t think she’s capable of harnessing, so she can keep the ruse going and finish this mission. But she finds it and does an incredible job of selling the lie and that’s just the bare beginnings of the bold acts she accomplishes in this tale. Since she also concocts the pivot plan to get that senator off the ship, one that also saves her hide. Plus, it is equally as amazing to see her really take charge and stand toe-to-toe with a Romulan Commander that is eager to teach the Tal Shiar a lesson out here in the far reaches of space. Because that’s no easy task, and it goes just goes to show the untapped potential that Deanna has as a leader and this writer would go so far as to conjecture that this episode is another foundational element in her eventual decision to take the Commander’s exam in season seven.

But all of that aside, this is simply a wonderful episode when all is said and done. In large part because it really does a fine job of exploring the episode’s central theme. Plus, it also offers up some wonderful character growth for Deanna. If anything, it is safe to say this episode has something for every Star Trek fan out there. Since it also features a grand and sweeping adventure, a touch of education on another alien culture since we spend so much time with the Romulans here, and learn a great deal about how the Empire is truly perceived by its people, and we get an amazing standoff between the Enterprise and a Warbird and you simply cannot go wrong with a story that offers so much and this really is a gem that honestly deserves more attention. But sadly, it is undoubtedly overshadowed by what comes next, since the Picard-centric story that awaits us, was stunning in nature. But hopefully the wonder of streaming will give this one the attention and standing it is due, because this really is a special episode, through and through. Until next time.

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