‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘The Big Goodbye’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

If there is one thing, that every fan out there hopes and dreams for, it would be to spend a day inside the world of their favorite story. Which is why there’s a Harry Potter theme park available, and a Star Wars themed ride as well and it’s also why there was once a Star Trek Experience out in Las Vegas. Because those places give (or gave) fans the opportunity to live out their dream and be a part of the universe they so respect, and let’s be honest, it really is quite the rush to be able to stand in Diagon Alley, or aboard the Millennium Falcon and I can say from personal experience, that it is outright incredible to stand on the bridge of the U.S.S. Enterprise. But why this is relevant to today’s discussion, is simply due to the fact that the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation decided to dive into what life would be like for fans, if we could genuinely step into our favorite fictional worlds.
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A feat that was accomplished by putting some serious stress upon Captain Jean-Luc Picard. For when we catch up with him in ‘The Big Goodbye’, he’s working hard to land a verbal greeting that he will express to a species known as the Jarada. For they are big on honor and respect and thus far, no Starfleet captain has properly landed the greeting. Which has led to decades of frosty relations between the Federation and the Jarada. And the stress of getting this right in a single shot has seemingly fried the captain’s brain, which prompts Counselor Troi to suggest that the time has come for him to try out the new Holodeck upgrade and just get away from it all for a while. Something that Picard takes to heart and well, his spirits are sent soaring when he spends a little time in a world revolving around a private investigator named Dixon Hill, and the wonder of this experience, motivates him to truly make the effort to properly immerse himself within this delightful recreation of his favorite fictional universe.

Which brings about some supremely fun moments with the crew. Since Picard is joined by Data and Crusher and a 20th Century historian named Whalen on further Dixon Hill adventures, and it is just a delight to see them soak up this digital world and engross themselves in the wonder of an era none of them understand. But while it is fun to see them basically nerd out on the holodeck, what would TNG be without a little conflict? And thanks to a quick probe from the Jarada when they get a touch impatient, the conflict in question comes into play. For Picard and his intrepid band of detectives cannot leave the Holodeck, which proves to be quite problematic when the bad guy arrives to collect an important item. But of course, the crew figures out how to get the team out of there, and Picard is able to deliver the greeting on time and in perfect pitch because he’s just awesome like that, and all’s well that ends well. 

But what matters most about this particular tale, is the sheer fact that it makes a point of focusing on the fun factor, since there is adventure and laughter to be found here. Plus, there is just something supremely special about seeing Picard fan boy like the rest of us, and cosplay to fit into his favorite universe, and it is equally as delightful to see his friends and shipmates taking part in that as well. If anything, it makes this episode feel like a love letter to the fans, one that is supremely relatable because we’ve been in Picard’s shoes and dressed up in Starfleet uniforms ourselves and it is just so wonderful to revisit an episode that truly strikes a chord with the fans and holds some weight for the future as well. For Dixon Hill adventures and other Holodeck adventures would become a staple of the series and the franchise for many years to come, helping to break up the sci-fi seriousness that Trek sometimes gets lost within.

Plus, it’s always nice to see talented actors truly unleash their skills in this setting. Since Data finds a way to transform into a 1940s everyday dude by way of Brent Spiner’s acting prowess, and of course, Patrick Stewart puts on a clinic here by offering up a wide range of emotions. And perhaps the cherry on top in regard to this particular tale; is that it also does a wonderful job of paying homage to the detective stories of old. Right down to the music and the over the top theatrics by way of that wonderful fade to black when Picard leaves the Holodeck to take care of business on the bridge. If anything, this particular tale is nothing short of a true treat. For it really does offer up a unique and fun story, one that brings the crew closer together while putting a smile on your face and really, it’s nice to reflect upon an episode that outright provided fans everywhere back in the day, with a true hint of the brilliance to come from this iconic series. Until next time.   

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