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

Written by John Edward Betancourt

If there is one particular notion that each and every one of us can agree upon, it would have to be that our families can be quite trying at times. Because sometimes, they straight up annoy us with opinions that don’t match our own, or they irritate us with the odd decisions they make and to complicate matters further, our memories are filled to the brim with other family related moments that are equally as annoying, or they’re somewhat traumatic in nature… since family life can be rough and from time to time, will break our hearts. Which begs an important question, in that… if family life is such a pain in the neck, why do we even bother with it? Well as it turns out, that answer is as complex as the people we grew up with.
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But what it all boils down to, is the sheer fact that we only get one family. And regardless of how much they annoy and irritate us, the special bond that we share with them has its benefits. For our family members really do understand us on a fundamental level that no one else does and that makes them invaluable when we are in the midst of a crisis. Since they can support us and help us to heal in a unique and special manner and really the power of family is relevant to our discussion today, simply because it served as one of the focal points of the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For ‘Family’ saw Wesley Crusher and Worf and Captain Picard dealing with their respective families in supremely unique ways. Wesley, for instance, was able to finally receive closure when it comes to the death of his father by way of a holo-message that his dad recorded for him, and Worf and the time he spent with his parents, explored in great detail how our parents, either adopted or biological… can lift us up in our time of need.

However, while those were fascinating vignettes for certain, the kind that allowed for Wil Wheaton and Michael Dorn to shine as actors, their storylines were in fact overshadowed by Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s. Because his return to Chateau Picard to visit his brother Robert and his extended family while he healed from the incident with the Borg, brought about some genuinely powerful moments. For this whole segment provided us with a painfully realistic reunion, one that saw two bitter brothers push each other to their respective breaking point… so they could finally find common ground and healing, and this really did reinforce the fact that the bond we share with family cannot be broken, regardless of the paths we take in life. And this segment also did a phenomenal job of teaching the viewer how important proper communication is with our family members, because when we learn to speak their language and see things from their perspective… we will come to learn just how much they care about us and love us, in their own unique way. 

But while all of these elements were compelling and powerful for certain, this is a story that also deserves serious respect for taking the time to examine the power of PTSD. Because Jean-Luc is indeed in a fragile state in this tale, as a direct result of his time as Locutus of Borg and seeing him deal with the psychological fallout of that event and the fear that accompanied the possibly that he might be hurt again if he thrust himself back amongst the stars was downright brilliant. In part because it allowed for Patrick Stewart to once again wow us with his acting chops, but also because Picard’s journey was quite moving for certain. Because he really does struggle mightily with what happened at Wolf 359 and everything in between and that makes his long journey back from a traumatic experience incredibly relatable for certain. Since so many of us have moments in our past that not only haunt us, but have left us wondering if we are on the right path or not, and we have most definitely reached out to our family during these dark times, as he did... to find the comfort and direction we so desperately need.

If anything, this was simply a magnificent episode through and through. Because not only did it take the time to grow the characters featured in this tale like never before, but it also spoke highly of the family unit, and all of the benefits that can come with it. Plus, it also posed to some members of the audience, that perhaps the time has come to bury the hatchet when it comes to the sour family relationships that some folks have stayed away from (provided of course it is possible and safe), so a little peace can finally settle into their minds and souls. Either way, this is… a heck of a start to season four of this dynamic and legendary series, and this particular tale and the depth that was present in the premiere, leaves one to wonder if year four is going to be quite the intimate and philosophical affair and really, the only way to find out for certain… is to continue the journey. Until next time.

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