‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘Starship Mine’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One of the most fascinating aspects about living in a world where comfort and safety and lack of want are at your fingertips, is how there are still people that want what you have and how far they are willing to go to obtain just a taste of what is yours. Simply because, it’s wild to know that we live in a world of wealth and excess that cannot provide for everyone. For we have the means and what we have is clearly desired by all. So, what keeps us from leveling the playing field so that others don’t have to fight for scraps or a sample of a better life? Which is of course, a question that plagues mankind to this day and we hope that we can resolve such matters down the road and that’s why the Star Trek Universe is so important, since it represents a universe where need and want is resolved for all of humanity and the members of the United Federation of Planets. Giving us something to shoot for.

But even then, does that truly cure this problem? For while the Federation is indeed wealthy and able to provide, there are so many worlds and cultures out there that might be eager to either fight to partake of its resources or do what they must to use said resources to their advantage and it just so happens that the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation explores just that in a supremely unique manner. For ‘Starship Mine’ is a story that at first, appears to be a day in the life tale. Since when we catch up with the crew of the Enterprise, they’re leaving the ship behind so it can undergo important maintenance and have troublesome Baryon radiation removed from the hull. But a chance to escape an officer’s reception on the captain’s part, leads to an unwholesome discovery for Jean-Luc. In that, rogue thieves have boarded the ship and are trying to steal Trilithium Resin from the engine for nefarious purposes and that motivates the captain to kick butt and save the day all while avoiding that dreaded Baryon sweep.

If anything, it is the rogues in question that truly explore the thematic concept here, because it is obvious that they come from a place where the reach of the Federation and its benefits, does not exist and where the thought of obtaining some of its riches by sticking it to the man, is quite appealing. Which obviously led them to align with someone willing to pay and that’s… powerful stuff to see here. Since it speaks to a future where life isn’t rosy beyond the Federation’s borders, and it parallels some of the class inequity present in our world and it offers no easy answers on those matters. It merely informs us it exists, and that it is a messy problem that will require fundamental change and in the interim, all the average citizens can do is be better and do their best to help those in need and change those perceptions. Unless of course, dangerous desires come into play… because that’s not acceptable.

Oddly enough, the fact that these rogues are trying to steal an element that can create a weapon does bring forth some fascinating moments revolving around Captain Picard. Since their actions allowed for him to silence Original Series critics of the show that said Picard was too soft and unable to kick ass and take names a la James Tiberius Kirk. Because Picard really does beat the hell out of some of these rogues and goes to great lengths to keep the Trilithium out of the wrong hands and that really is quite amazing to watch take place. Since it lays the groundwork for the badass Picard we saw in the movies. Plus, this episode also figured out how to lighten the mood from the intense scenes on the Enterprise by way of the reception, since the Conversing Commanders were a treat to watch, until murder came into play, unfortunately. 

But while this episode does have its dark elements and some nefarious agents roaming about, it really does deserve a round of applause for finding layered subtext to inject beneath their actions, the kind that would be ahead of its time. Since we would come to understand insurgency and disdain for America's excess far better in about ten years’ time after this episode. But all of that aside, this one can serve as a general palate cleanser from the heavy concepts of the previous two episodes, courtesy of the action and outright fan service. Since this story also features an appearance from Tim Russ, who would go on to become Lieutenant Tuvok in Voyager and this also features a guest appearance from Patricia Tallman. A horror legend (courtesy of her performance as Barbara in the 1990 remake of Night of the Living Dead) and long-time stunt actor on the show, who received a little meatier role this time around and well, now that this adventure has come to a close… it is time to turn our attention to another cerebral tale, one revolving around the conflict that can come into play when duty and the heart collide. Until next time.  

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