3.12 The High Ground

Rating: 2.5

The Enterprise delivers humanitarian aid to the government on Rutia 3. Crusher runs to the aid of people injured by a terrorist’s bomb, and she is taken hostage by a violent underground terrorist group.

Comments

This episode was never shown in Great Britain because the BBC felt that it would weaken the peace process with the IRA. It also should not be shown in Israel or Palestine.

An excellent episode if you like women (and men) in uniform – the police presence on Rutia 3 is enormous.

The supporting actors are much better now than they were at the beginning of the series.

It’s also a good episode because Crusher is being very carefully manipulated by a series of threats and compliments.

The difficult nature of the Starfleet jumpsuit uniforms is revealed after Riker wins his fistfight in the cavern. His suit has ridden well up his body, and he has to give it a mighty tug in an attempt to get it back into place. Wedgie, anyone?

Nits

When the away team beams into the underground cavern, I am surprised Worf and his police buddy could sneak all the way up to two terrorists and inject them – Worf’s a big guy.

Memorable Moments

•    Data, while quoting history, mentions "…the Irish Unification of 2024." We’ll have to see how accurate he is on that date.

Quotable Quotes

"I don’t want to be in the transporter room to greet her."
- Riker expresses the fear of confronting Crusher if she is beamed away while treating casualties

"A dead martyr’s worth 10 posturing leaders."
- Kirol Fin

"Take us out of orbit, Mr. Crusher – at your convenience."
- Picard, reluctant to interrupt Beverly and Wesley’s reunion hug