‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘The Ensigns of Command’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

If there is one particular element about science fiction that needs to be celebrated as often as possible, it would have to be how this genre truly captures the wonder of the human condition. Because more often than not, modern sci-fi stories really do a phenomenal job of exploring the best parts of us and how a little work on who we are right now, could lead to wonders for our society tomorrow. But while it is wonderful to know that this genre is all about positivity and celebrating what we are capable of, at times it is also brave enough to look at our flaws and how they have a tendency to stay with us, and one science fiction series that always did a phenomenal job of looking at both sides of the proverbial coin was Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Because this series simply understood the duality of man and that allowed for powerful stories to come to life that presented grand examinations of our follies in an objective and frank and oddly uplifting manner. And it just so happens that the next episode in this storied franchise, is one of those quality explorations. One that took the time to point out, how we can be better and improve as a people if we shed arrogance and pride. Something that was handled in ‘The Ensigns of Command’ by way of Lieutenant Commander Data's journey. Since it was up to him to find a way to remove those unfortunate roadblocks from the minds and hearts of a hearty group of colonists who were in outright danger of being obliterated by a powerful alien species.

For they unfortunately settled on a world that didn't belong to them and well, regardless of the danger these colonists were facing, their leader was quick to rally his people to the cause of a hopeless war and therein lies the examination in question. Because unfortunately, these people reflect the fact that sometimes we are a bold people at precisely the wrong time, and when the conditions are right we firmly believe that we can accomplish anything, regardless of the odds and the harsh truth that is right in front of us. And it took an act of force on Data’s part to finally open their eyes to the seriousness of this situation and what truly stands about this segment of the story, is how oddly relatable it is to modern times. Because that line of thinking, and that kind of behavior is supremely American in 2020 and hearing people declare in this episode, that their way of life is more important than the inherent danger surrounding them, has an eerie echo for certain.

Which is quite the heavy exploration when all is said and done and what keeps this episode from going into darker territory, is the wonderful plot thread that occurs aboard the Enterprise. Because while Data is trying to talk some sense into the colonists, Captain Picard and his intrepid crew are trying to buy said colonists more time to evacuate. But dealing with the Sheliak Corporate is no easy task since they are all about following everything in their treaty with the Federation to a tee. Which leads to many conversations ending in silence, when Picard tries to inject a little humanity into his plea. A constant course of action, that prompts him to finally play their game and examine the treaty in a more clinical manner so that he can find a way to get them to properly negotiate and that leads to the most hilarious moment in this tale. Wherein Captain Picard is able to leave the Sheliak representative in silence for a change and well, his actions also help to save the colonists since he is successful in finally getting them more time to evacuate the planet. 

In the end, this is simply a flawless episode through and through. Because not only does it offer up some powerful and surprisingly timely commentary on the human condition, it is also a well-balanced and well-written story. One that absolutely sucks you in, since you’re eager to know if these people can be saved and if the Enterprise can pull off a miracle. But what matters more, is the commentary present here. Because its appearance signals to the viewer that season three is going to be incredibly different. For this really was a detailed examination on a grand flaw that all of humanity carries, and that was something we didn’t see in seasons one or two and it leaves one quite eager and excited. Because if this is the kind of intelligent storytelling, we are getting a mere two episodes in, what other wonders await us down the line? And the only way to find that out is to continue the journey. Until next time.   

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