3.26 The Best of Both Worlds (Part 1)

Rating: 5

The Enterprise investigates a destroyed outpost on the edge of Federation space. With the help of an ambitious young officer, Commander Shelby, the ‘footprint’ is identified as that of the Borg. The Enterprise engages the Borg cube, but is only able to reach a temporary stalemate and hide in a nebula. When they fight again, Picard is captured and altered with implants to be at least partially Borg. He is a seemingly willing spokesman for the Borg’s planned domination of humanity. The Borg cube heads toward Earth, but the Enterprise has a new weapon which may be able to disable the ship. As the episode ends, Picard is still aboard the cube, but Riker gives the order to fire upon it.

Comments

I still remember the anguish I felt the first time I saw this episode on free TV, when I realized I would have to wait months to find out what was going to happen next. It has to be one of the best cliffhangers – and one of the best ‘part one’ of a two part episode – in Trek history.

A side story is Riker’s refusal to take command of a ship, and Shelby’s ambition to take his place on the Enterprise.

The Quotable Quotes section was difficult to write. The entire script could have been included. Every line is well-written and delivered to build tension.

Memorable Moments

•    Picard’s slightly rushed opening delivery of his captain’s logs sets the mood.

•    The tense conflict between Riker and Shelby

•    The scene where the Borg cube first appears on the viewscreen, small, and then magnified (great music)

•    Picard as a Borg (especially his washboard abs)

•    Riker’s understated acting when many would have yelled

Quotable Quotes

"Early bird – I believe Commander Shelby erred. There is no evidence of ornithon or crawling vermicular lifeforms on Juray 4."
- Data’s interpretation of ‘the early bird gets the worm’

"Mr Worf, dispatch a subspace message to Admiral Hansen. We have engaged the Borg."
- Picard

Data: The captain has been altered by the Borg.
Riker: Altered?
Worf: He is a Borg!

Worf: Sir, the coordinates they have set – they are on a direct course to sector 001 – the Terran system.
Riker: Earth!

Borg-Picard: I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life, as it has been, is over. From this time forward, you will serve us.
Riker: Mr Worf…Fire.