‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Hollow Pursuits’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

The last time we settled in to discuss the wonder that is Star Trek: The Next Generation, we talked at length about how ‘Tin Man’ did a phenomenal job of exploring the nature of the outcast, and how we need to view them and treat them differently since they are functional members of society that are just slightly different than you and I. But what was truly impressive about that particular tale, is that it was so thorough in its exploration of that that topic, that it actually left a few exploratory threads on the table. Such as how exactly we can help folks that are socially awkward, feel as though they belong and it’s honestly a good thing that the last episode didn’t get to that particular examination. Because that allowed for the next episode in this storied franchise to dive into this concept in great detail, and that made ‘Hollow Pursuits’, one magnificent and powerful tale.

One that introduced fans everywhere to one Lieutenant Reginald Barclay, a name that should immediately put a smile on your face… simply because Reg would quickly become a fan favorite in this series, in large part because of what plays out in this tale. For when we catch up with him here, his social anxiety is wreaking havoc on his ability to fit in aboard the Federation’s flagship and that motivates Mister Barclay (or ‘Broccoli’ as he is often referred to) to hide within the confines of the Holodeck. Wherein he can live out fantasies where he is the hero and beloved by his shipmates and well, we’ll talk more about that particular plot element in a little bit. Because first, we to focus upon what Geordi does for Reg in order to help him fit in. Since that really is the core theme of this particular tale and Commander LaForge’s efforts to help Lt. Barclay, really do make for some beautiful and inspiring moments for certain.

Because the first thing that Geordi does to help Reg out, is to not give up on him and try to include him more in everyday briefings and duties and that does indeed help to bring Reg out of his shell and really… it doesn’t take long for the story to hammer home the fact that inclusiveness is a big key to helping an outcast feel welcome. For folks that are on the outside looking in, don’t think they can ever be a part of what others share in. But Geordi refuses to let Barclay feel like that in the slightest, and he even goes so far as to have honest and open conversations with Reg about his fears and his concerns about serving aboard the Enterprise, so that he can see that they are unfounded, and well… what matters most is that Geordi’s efforts do indeed pay off. For eventually, Reg does realize that he is valued and wanted aboard the Enterprise and that he does have what it takes to be a member of the finest crew in Starfleet. An epiphany that arrives at just the right time, since it helps Reg to save the ship from a life-threatening crisis. 

But before we dive deep into the messages that examination sends our way, let’s take a moment and circle back to Barclay’s Holodeck fantasies. Because these particular sequences accomplish two key goals in this tale. First and foremost, they offer up some incredible comic relief. Since a tiny Will Riker and some beatdowns of the bridge crew leave the audience in stitches with their perfect timing and outright over-the-top nature. But more importantly, they also help ease a second message into this particular tale. In that, when life is rough and we feel the need to escape, we absolutely should do so. Since it helps our brains to cope with stress. But at the same time, it is important that we remember to keep ourselves grounded in reality. For fantasy worlds are easy to get lost within and that can cause us more harm than good, as evidenced by Reg’s actions in this tale and the consequences he does face for choosing fantasy over reality. 

In the end however, this ended up being quite the cerebral and moving tale for certain. One that really did do a phenomenal job of teaching the audience to always embrace people with open arms and do whatever it takes to make them feel welcome and normal. Especially if they are someone that has been known to struggle with social interaction. Because doing so might do wonders for their psyche and it will help them to feel welcome and that’s a wonderful message to send across to the audience for certain. Since it once again asks the viewer to be better and a little more thoughtful in our everyday interactions, simply because we haven’t a clue what kindness might do for someone that is outright struggling. And now that we’ve completed this unique journey through the world of folks that are labeled as outcasts, it would seem that the series is headed back into darker territory… since the next leg of our journey explores the nature of obsession and the dangers of backing good people into a corner. Until next time.

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