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

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains discussions revolving around consent and sexual assault, which might be triggering for some individuals.

It is definitely safe to say, that sometimes… rewatching our favorite shows from when we were younger, can provide us with some incredible surprises. Simply because, a lot of the shows we love from our youth, especially science fiction related entertainment… held some deeper meaning within the framework of the story. The kind that quite frankly, shot right over our heads since we were more interested in the adventure and didn’t have a clue what the story was trying to get at. But that all changes when we settle in for round two and that message settles into our minds, giving certain episodes that we enjoyed casually back in the day, a vastly deeper meaning for us now that we understand what the writers’ room was trying to accomplish and this is relevant to our discussion today… because this surprise applies to the next episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Because when ‘Violations’ originally aired back in 1992, it appeared to be nothing more than a run of the mill, alien of the week episode. One where a telepathic being decided to weaponize memories to harm the innocent and exert power over them and that really did make this story, forgettable to any preteen or teenager. Simply because there is no meaning to be found for someone of that age in regard to those actions. But now, watching it again years later, this episode definitely hits a little harder once the now older viewer, comes to realize that this particular tale features some powerful underlying messages. The kind that revolve around the importance of consent in all things and the emotional and mental impact that sexual assault has upon an individual, and that elevates this story for certain. For now, it is supremely relevant, since the #MeToo Movement raised awareness in regard to those two topics. 

Which makes this episode uncomfortable to watch at times, simply because the main villain in this story, an Ullian named Tarmin is about as scuzzy as it gets. Because this man really has no regard for consent or the impact his mind violations cause others. He simply enjoys the power that his genetic makeup has provided him with, and he will exert it as he sees fit to get his fix and well… that’s about as relevant as it gets. Since this man is the epitome of the movement and what it stands for in 2021 and his desire to disregard the sanctity of someone’s personal memories, is a powerful way to teach the viewer about the importance of consent and the sheer horror that the viewer feels when watching Troi and the others have their memories violated… is clearly designed to hammer home the gravity and disgusting nature of assault in a manner that all can relate to.

Speaking of the assault aspect of this story, that is an area where this episode was in fact, ahead of its time. Because something that is becoming an important standard and norm in regard to assault cases, is believing what the victim has to say, unconditionally, and that’s exactly what happens here. Because Troi’s expression of the assault she endures is never once laughed off by Captain Picard as nothing more than fantasy, nor does anyone aboard the ship treat Troi in a different light or mock her in the slightest. They instead treat her in the manner that we are supposed to treat assault victims, with honesty and care and a shared desire to reveal the truth. And all of these elements help the viewer to realize that this episode really did want to address an important topic that was and somewhat remains taboo and well, it definitely deserves credit for handling a look at assault in a frank and powerful manner.

If anything, this episode just goes to show, once again, that TNG really did want to be ahead of the curve and challenge its viewers in the boldest manner possible and well, it definitely succeeded at that, in this instance. Because this really is a powerful topic that didn’t see the light of day until recently and it really is a shame that this particular tale didn’t start that conversation sooner. Since this really is something that stayed in the shadows far too long and should have been addressed ages ago. But at least we can take some comfort in the fact that this show wanted to shed light on this topic decades ago and truly offered up some powerful observations on the nature and power and importance of consent, alongside some equally as important observations on how to respect victims of assault. And now that this stunning story has come to its close, it will be interesting to see if there are any other bold and taboo topics that this series is going to tackle in such a bold and dynamic manner. Until next time.   

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