4.19 The Nth Degree

Rating: 2.5

The Enterprise investigates a power failure at the Argus Array, a sophisticated observation station on the edge of Federation space. While Geordi and Barclay are checking it out from a shuttlecraft, an intense flash of light knocks Barclay unconscious. Soon after, he changes personality, appears to possess limitless knowledge, and then creates an interface and merges inextricably with the Enterprise computer. Despite Picard’s orders to the contrary, he takes the ship on what could be a dangerous journey into subspace.

Comments

This episode was written by Joe Menosky.

I like the ending; it is very reminiscent of early Trek. And it is not really what is expected. We are thinking, "danger", and we are assuming that someone will have to figure out a way to disarm Barclay.

Nits

Troi is incredibly ineffective here. When computer-Barclay refuses to obey Picard’s order and continues to take the ship into subspace, she volunteers to go speak to him. First, she tries pleading. When that doesn’t work, she threatens/forewarns him that Picard will do everything in his power to stop him. Is this a good strategy when dealing with a powerful being that has control of the ship? Of course, Barclay immediately begins searching around and because of this threat, finds and disables Picard and Geordi’s plan to stop him. Come to think of it, I wonder if Troi was secretly proud of her former patient, and purposely warned him, knowing that it would work out in the end.

If Troi was serious about stopping Barclay, she should have checked Starfleet records and used the tried and true technique perfected by Kirk: convince Barclay that he is acting illogically. Powerful computers hate illogic and will shut themselves down.

I am confused – the Cytherians are a peaceful race only interested in knowledge and trading information, and yet the technique they use to study other life forms is to invade a body and hijack the ship. Wouldn’t this approach lead to confusion, violence, and many tragedies? This is similar to the concept of spying on a people before making first contact (see the episode First Contact).

Memorable Moments

•    It’s great to see Barclay (Dwight Schultz) out of character and supremely confident and suave. It shows how much acting he is normally doing in the role.

Quotable Quotes

Picard: Has Mr Barclay done anything that could be considered potentially threatening?
Troi: Well, he did make a pass at me last night…a good one.

Barclay: I believe it is a gift. I have been chosen to fulfill a great purpose.
Geordi: Uh, huh.