‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘First Contact’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One grand question that all of us have pondered upon at some point or another in our lives… is what would happen if aliens were to visit planet Earth. Because that would be a game-changer for certain. Since it would force humanity to rethink a great many things and it would change our society… likely overnight. Now as to whether or not that would be a good or bad change is of course something that is up for great debate. But we like to think that the change would be good, to the point where fiction often explores such a surprise, transforming our world for the better. As evidenced by how First Contact went in the Star Trek Universe.
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But while that particular vision of a future, where mankind puts its petty differences aside and forges a planet of peace and becomes force for good, is lovely and worth striving for, there’s a caveat to it. In that, the people of Earth in 2063, will be desperate for a better way forward after suffering through nuclear war. And the realization that we are not alone combined with the echoes of war, help to motivate everyone to forge ahead as one. But in the here and the now, we are a divided culture. One that digs in deep when it comes to our religious and political beliefs. And we still struggle with treating one another with kindness and offering equality to all, despite the fact that we are one species. Which refines the question down further to ask… what would happen if aliens were to visit planet Earth, right now? And thankfully, the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation takes the time to ponder upon that.

For ‘First Contact’ sees the crew of the Enterprise arrive at Malcor III to take part in the act that shares the namesake of this tale. For the Malcorians are preparing their own warp drive, meaning the time has come to reach out to them and show them what awaits them when they begin to traverse the stars. An act that leads to some beautiful moments for certain, as some of the leaders of this world come to realize that there are wonders untold and new horizons waiting for them in the heavens. But it also leads to some sour moments. Because unfortunately Commander Riker is wounded whilst posing as a Malcorian, in order to better understand their world, and the fear that comes from that, brings about conflict and strife… to the point where the planet’s leader decides that perhaps now is not the time to join the galactic family that awaits this culture. Instead, more time is needed to heal Malcor III’s societal divides and well… the commentary present in this plot, is quite striking.  

Because it outright points out, that if aliens dropped by Earth in this moment, we would likely act as the Malcorians do in this tale. For we believe we are the center of the universe, just like this species, and that particular brand of arrogance that we have to shed… would definitely bring about some conflict with our visitors. Plus, since we believe in stature based upon possessions, there’s a fair chance nations will grapple over who gets to benefit the most from this discovery, based on those notions. Which means that we need to be less like the Malcorians, and more like the humans of this fictional future if we expect an encounter with extra-terrestrials to go better than this one did and well, this episode deserves some serious credit for taking the time to call out our more unsavory behavior and for asking us to shed the silly stuff so we can be a better species, period.

Because sometimes… that’s the kind of stuff that people need to hear in order to change things up and it is always lovely to know that Star Trek has no problem doing that. But while that makes it seem as though this episode was focused on scolding us, we would be remiss to not point out… that it also takes us inside a proud Federation/Starfleet tradition. Because this is indeed an up close and personal look at First Contact, and the care and humility that goes into it, really is quite inspiring. Simply because Captain Picard makes it clear that this species is about to embark on an incredible journey, one that will change their people for the better and that hope for tomorrow is what we love about this franchise. And the fact that the leader of this slightly lost world is willing to push for a better future in a slow manner, does end this tale on a satisfying note. One that leaves the viewer hopeful that perhaps the STU will revisit the fate of this world in future shows and if we’re lucky, they’ll be members of the Federation at last. Until next time.

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