2.18 Up the Long Ladder

Rating: 2.5

The Breenlodi, a long-lost group of refugees from 22^nd century earth who are Irish caricatures and are very attached to their farm animals, cause havoc on the Enterprise, and Riker takes more than a shining to a feisty young lass named Renna. Meanwhile, the Enterprise also discovers the other half of the earth refugees – the technological Mariposa – were killed when they transported to the planet, forcing them to resort to cloning to survive.

Comments

According to Data, in the early 22^nd century, Earth was recovering from World War III.

Many Irish people and some non-Irish people resent this kind of stereotypical portrayal, but I really think it is meant to be humorous. I would probably feel differently if they had chosen to parody Italians.

This is a poor story, but some of the stand-alone lines are good.

Nits

When the first batch of Breenlodi are transported, why does straw also get transported? Although other people have stood on soil, it has never materialized with them on the transporter pad.

When Riker and Renna leave the cargo bay, she is wearing a red dress and shawl. When they reach his quarters, she is wearing a two piece green outfit with a bare midriff.

Why is Renna the only woman who wears revealing clothing? All of the other women seem to be wearing heavy wool sweaters all the time.

Memorable Moments

•    Pulaski and Worf’s shared Klingon Tea Ceremony

Quotable Quotes

Pulaski: In other words, he curled up his toes and lay unconscious on the floor.
Worf: Doctor, there is no need to insult me.

Data: ‘Mariposa’ - the Spanish word for ‘butterfly’.
Picard: Thank you Data.
Data: I thought it might be significant, sir.
Picard: It doesn’t appear to be, Data.
Data: No, sir.

"It is among the Klingons that love poetry achieves its fullest flower."
– Worf to Pulaski during the Klingon Tea Ceremony

"Madam, have you ever considered a career in Security?"
– Worf to Renna