5.13 The Masterpiece Society

Rating: 3

The Enterprise tracks a highly massed and destructive stellar core fragment as it heads toward the Moab system, destined to cause disastrous seismic disturbances on Moab 4. When a previously hidden colony is discovered on Moab 4, Picard offers assistance and evacuation. However, the unique colony is totally genetically planned, with each person engineered for their role, and they are resistant to outsiders and any change. Their leader, Connor, realizes that ‘contamination’ is preferable to destruction, and allows one of his scientists to work with Geordi for a solution. Connor also finds himself falling in love with Troi, and an encounter ensues. Other colonists also are intrigued by the crew, and find that they wish to explore the galaxy. Many of them leave, throwing the stability of the colony into question.

Comments

Long-running Trek director Winrich Kolbe helms this episode and does a good job of bringing out believable performances in all. Troi is particularly on her game.

Other than good acting, this is a surpringly forgettable and tame episode. Once again we are subjected to what has become a pattern in season five – a morality play where the major goal is to discuss some concept or issue. A little comedy, drama, action, and character development among the crew might be some nice items to include next time.

Nits

This whole concept of a perfectly genetically engineering colony has major holes. One of the great strengths of human evolution is its ability to adapt to change and to deal with new situations. An insular colony that cannot deal with any outside stimuli without major disruptions should not be viewed as an advancement in genetics. Indeed, it is a major setback.

I wondered why Connor, who was such a strong believer in genetics, would not simply view his reactions and choices in this unusual situation as something that would have been predetermined as well. It seems that if your colony is so planned, all of the second guessing that normal humans indulge in would be non-existent.

Memorable Moments

•    Connor and Troi kiss – hey, this stuff just does not happen very often on Trek!

•    When the boy is asked to continue playing the Mozart Concerto even while the seismic disturbances are starting, it reminded me – just a little – of the band continuing to play as the Titanic was sinking.

Quotable Quotes

"We may have proven just as dangerous to that colony as any core fragment could have been."
- Picard