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

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Something that is supremely fascinating about re-watching one’s favorite shows, is how you stumble upon episodes from time to time, that were clearly trying to say something about a trendy movement or a particularly notable campaign that is only applicable and relevant to the era in which said show was released. And these catch our eye, simply because what they are trying to speak to, is now supremely dated and awkward upon a second viewing. But while these episodes are cringe-y and serve as a fine reminder to shows to stick to bigger concepts, in order to remain relevant, these episodes do have their own respective purpose. In that, they do encourage conversation about the moment in time they represent and that can be quite useful from a learning standpoint.

If anything, this is something that is relevant to today’s discussion of Star Trek: The Next Generation, simply because the next episode of this storied franchise features a tale that reflects that particular anachronism. Because ‘Symbiosis’ is a story grounded in notions of the devastating impact that drug problems can have upon communities. Which was a huge deal in the 1980s. Because President Reagan was big on keeping drugs off of our streets. So much in fact that he kicked off an extensive drug war, and his wife Nancy helped to craft an outreach program known as D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and what’s utterly wild about this episode, is that there is an actual segment of this episode that more or feels like a D.A.R.E. training video, when Wesley takes the time to ponder upon why people use drugs.

Which is a cheesy sequence for certain since Tasha is quick to ‘educate’ him on why people turn to drugs, in a manner that is akin to the talking points you’d find in an educational video. Something that is oddly hammered home further by Wesley taking a moment to speak to how he just doesn’t understand how people could ever turn to drugs. Which truly reflects the attitude and beliefs of the times in regard to drugs and the stereotypical thinking surrounding this doesn’t end with that moment. For the two species involved in the drug related mess in this tale, resemble the quintessential drug dealer and user of the time. Since the arrogant Brekkians resemble an intergalactic Tony Montana, complete with flashy clothes and snotty attitude. And the unfortunate Ornarans resemble the poor and impoverished, who were believed to be the sole abusers of substances back in the day.

All of which, are elements that make this story seem as though it is a failure through and through. But that’s simply not the case. Because once you get past the fluff, you’re presented with a fascinating tale that asks an important question, what would it take to break the cycle of addiction? Because these two worlds are indeed akin to our own, where one side supplies and one side consumes, allowing for a genuinely unhealthy symbiosis to indeed exist. Which is why it is quite refreshing to see Picard’s thoughts to the matter. Because he more or less presents an approach where the root cause of the addiction would need to be addressed in order to solve the matter. Which is something that ironically, is being discussed in modern times since the war on drugs has proven that attacking and restricting has done nothing. Which makes this episode ahead of its time and far more engrossing than one might initially see and that’s a shame.

Because this one would have been an instant classic, were it not for the heavy handed 80s stuff, but that’s okay. For the good stuff is there, and what it has to say about addiction is powerful for certain and perhaps handling this subject matter the right way is something Picard can accomplish since a character on that series suffers from substance abuse addiction. But in the here and the now, all we can do is celebrate the best parts of a flawed but well-meaning episode, one that features some fine acting from some Star Trek legends as well. Since Merritt Butrick and Judson Scott, who played David Marcus and Joachim in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan pop up here to do their thing in dynamic fashion and really, in the end, this is quite the watchable episode for certain. One that doesn’t stick the landing, but absolutely gets an A for effort. Until next time.

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