4.01 The Best of Both Worlds (Part 2)

Rating: 4.5

The Borg’s selection of Picard as spokesperson was not just because of his excellent communication skills. They also wish to use his knowledge of the Enterprise and its personnel and weaponry to devise a defense. After disabling the Enterprise, the cube heads for Earth, destroying the remainder of the Federation fleet at Wolf 359. Now the race is on for the Enterprise to devise a way to catch – and defeat – the Borg.

Comments

It’s a clever twist that Picard’s knowledge becomes the enemy.

When this two part episode first aired on television, the part one cliffhanger ended when Riker says, "Mr Worf…fire." However, on this special videotape containing parts 1 and 2, part one continues a bit longer: the weapon is fired, there is no effect on the cube, and Locutus says, "Resistance is useless, number 1."

This is a less effective ending but must have been the choice because they also chose not to do a ‘Last time on Star Trek the Next Generation…’ segueway, which would have meant part 2 would have started with scenes of the weapon hitting the cube.

Nits

I’m not sure why Admiral Hansen would insist on stating that Picard is dead. No one really knows how much damage has been done to Picard and whether he can be cured. I would think ‘captured and brainwashed’ would be the closest known description for his state. Hansen acts like there is no chance or reason to try to retrieve Picard, but wouldn’t most armies still rescue their comrades even if they were aiding the enemy after capture? Wouldn’t it be assumed that they were coerced, not irretrievable or ‘dead’?

Crusher states that the Borg may not be able to break contact with Locutus, as this would be similar to a human cutting off an arm or a leg. If this is true, then why did the Borg fire upon and destroy the shuttle containing Locutus when he was kidnapped?

With time of the essence, why does the Enterprise slow down to impulse upon entering the Solar system? In previous episodes, they have broken out of warp right next to a planet.

Memorable Moments

•    The Enterprise flying toward the rings of Saturn.

•    Picard breaking through and making first contact with Data, despite being controlled by Locutus.

•    Picard’s final scene: he seems normal, but, alone in his ready room, he suddenly freezes while drinking tea, puts the cup down, walks to the window, and gazes out. Perspective changes and we view him from outside the ship.

Quotable Quotes

Guinan: They trust you. They like you. But they don’t believe anyone can save them.
Riker: I’m not sure anyone can.

Locutus: Why do you resist? We only wish to raise quality of life for all species.
Worf: I like my species the way it is.

Data: Neural connections complete. I have access to the Borg subspace signals. Processing…processing…
Troi: Data!
Data: Stand by! Processing…processing!