Rating: 2
The Yamato ventures into the Neutral Zone in order to snare some very advanced and dangerous technology before the Romulans get it. But the planet’s defense system infects and eventually destroys the ship. Downloading a log from the Yamato also infects the Enterprise, and the same log infects a threatening Romulan ship in the area.
Comments
This episode is a little too talky and speculative regarding the Iconians. We never really find out if they were conquerors or victims, nor if they still exist. The gateway is derivative of similar portals used in TOS.
Nits
Wouldn’t it have been prudent to immediately evacuate the Yamato of all personnel except for repair crews? The captain seems to think that would be overreacting, even though he lost 18 crewmembers in an accident. There is another ship (the Enterprise) within transporter range.
The idea that the Romulans are ready to ‘defend’ the Neutral Zone intrigued me. What are the specific rules about the Neutral Zone? Neither Romulan nor Starfleet ships are allowed within it, and if they do enter and meet, all-out war can break out. Well, it almost sounds like they might as well just stick with a border, and have the same rules for crossing the border. They don’t seem to be gaining much by setting aside a large area.
‘Blue blue blue’ seems like a very silly and dangerous override code sequence to keep the launch bay doors locked and blow up the whole complex.
Memorable Moments
• Picard theorizing on the nature of the Iconians.
Quotable Quotes
Geordi: Data?
Data: Yes.
Geordi: What happened?
Data: Any answer would be mere speculation. This is yet another example of how our actions have random results.
Geordi: Thanks, Data, I noticed.
"Fate…protects fools, little children, and ships named Enterprise."
– Riker
Picard: How do I override the doors?
Data: Blue blue blue.
Picard: I hope that’s not a stutter.
Worf: Captain, you’ll be killed.
Picard: I’ll go through the gate.
Worf: Where will you end up?
Picard: Very shortly, anywhere will be preferable to this room.
The Neutral Zone is a buffer zone between the federation and the Romulans and works similar to real buffer zones, used between hostile countries, used to prevent violence, for example (like demilitarized zones)
ReplyDeleteIt makes sense that the Romulans perceive a Federation Military-ship (Like the enterprise) to enter the neutral zone as an act of aggression.
True - it does make logical or historical sense, and it is consistent with the aggressive nature of the Romulans. My comment was more directed toward the general foolishness of war.
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