3.10 The Defector

Rating: 3

A Romulan logistics agent in a scout ship flees from and narrowly avoids being destroyed by a warbird. He carries news that a secret Romulan base is being built in the Neutral Zone as part of an all-out invasion against the Federation. He may or may not be lieing, he may or may not be who he says he is, and his information may or may not be real.

Comments

Andreas Katsulas returns as Romulan Commander Tomalok.

Patrick Stewart, trained as a Shakespearean actor, must have enjoyed the chance to recite some Shakespeare, both in the opening scene (when he is in disguise as a holodeck character) and in the battle scene with Tomalok.

This episode was written by Ronald D. Moore, a writer who went on to write for DS9 and VOY, and is one of the writers of the tenth Star Trek movie, Star Trek: Nemesis.

Nits

After chasing the scout ship across the border, the Romulan warbird cloaks. Worf then reports that the warbird has re-entered the Neutral Zone and is headed for Romulan territory. Did the warbird decloak again, and, if not, how does Worf know its whereabouts?

It is convenient for the surprise ending but somewhat strange that Picard lets Worf handle the entire ‘Klingon surprise’ part of the plan, and that this plan takes place entirely off-camera.

Memorable Moments

•    The Romulan scout ships blow up outside the window; the explosion interrupts Picard mid-sentence.

•    I love the absolutely gleeful (for Worf, anyway) look on Worf’s face when the Klingon battle cruisers uncloak and Worf tells Picard, "Romulan disruptors are powering down." In fact, this entire scene is very well written.

Quotable Quotes

"Your knowledge of Klingon curses is impressive, but as a Romulan might say, ‘Only a varoul would use such language in public."
- Riker chides Jarok

"Now if these men do not die well, it will be a black matter for the king who led them to it."
- Picard

"I…will never see my child smile again. She will grow up believing that his father is a traitor. But she will grow up…if you act, Picard…if you stop this war before it begins."
- Admiral Jarok

Picard: If the cause is just and honorable, they are prepared to give their lives. Are you prepared to die today, Tomalok?
Tomalok: I expected more from you than an idle threat, Picard.
Picard: Then you shall have it. Mr. Worf.
Worf: Klingon warships armed and ready, sir.