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

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Something that makes science fiction one of the most unique and fascinating genres out there, is its unrestricted freedom when it comes to storytelling in general. Because this genre is able to ponder upon any topic and it is one of the finest places in fiction to properly explore and challenge elements of the human condition, both global and modern. For time and time again, this genre has found ways to question whether or not some of the things we hold near and dear in modern society, would matter to us in a future world where science and technology reigns. Such as love for instance. Because in a world where aliens roam freely among us and our society is focused on exploration and enrichment, there might not be any place for love and everything it has to offer us in present day.

A question that oddly enough, found its way into the storytelling fabric of Star Trek: The Next Generation. Which is, the perfect platform to ponder upon notions such as these. After all, space travel, and the quest to better mankind, and interspecies mingling are everyday things in this franchise, and combining those elements with notions of love, made ‘The Dauphin’ a fascinating albeit awkward story at times. Mainly because it offered up a teenage love story as the catalyst for this grand exploration. For Wesley Crusher finds himself quite smitten with an alien delegate named Salia, the instant she comes aboard the Enterprise and well, let’s be honest… we’re all awkward when we are teenagers and when we fall in love as a teen, the whole affair is often silly and messy. 

Which is what we are privy to here. Since Wesley and Salia run around the ship with puppy dog eyes for one another as they explore the wonder of the universe and ponder upon what life might be like if they saw the galaxy together. Which makes for some hokey and eye-rolling moments but honestly, that’s okay. Because this part of the story means well and is designed to remind us of days gone by, where it seemed as though our first love would be at our side forever. Plus, it is kind of neat to see the story try and inject elements of Romeo and Juliet into the plot by having Salia’s protector try and keep Wesley at bay. And the story also deserves serious props for not giving Wesley his 'happy ever after' with his dream girl, for that offers up a realistic finale. Since most teenage love affairs end in devastating heartbreak. 

Instead, what makes this part of the story so surprisingly progressive and so worth the audience’s while is the sheer fact that this love affair serves as a pro-LGBTQ message. Because Wesley falls in love with a being that can take on whatever form it wants, whenever it wants. Something that no one on the ship questions or mocks Wesley for. Because in 2365, everyone seems to understand that love is love and who your heart goes after is no one’s business but your own. Which is precisely what the LGBTQ community is trying to get across to everyone in 2020 and it is quite nice to find that message present within the framework of an episode that was released in 1989, and if TNG can figure out something this simple, hopefully the rest of us can. 

Yet, while it is quite nice to find some measure of commentary upon the human condition and the nature of love, and how Trek believes without a doubt that it will find a way to endure and adapt as technology grows and mankind's focus changes, in the end this is a story that is really designed to be a palate cleanser. Which is a brilliant decision to make storytelling wise. Because rather than try and top ‘The Measure of a Man’, the writers’ room instead opted to offer up a feel-good story and that’s the best way to handle the tale that follows an incredible episode and really, in the end, this episode is a lot of fun. Because there are silly and funny moments to be found everywhere within the framework of this story, with Guinan and Riker’s flirt fight in Ten Forward standing out above them all, and really you can't find fault with an episode that genuinely wants to put a smile on your face by way of mushy and cuddly topics. Until next time.

---