7.05 Gambit (Part 2)

Rating: 4

Picard as Galen uses every opportunity to plan a possible mutiny against Baran, aided by Tallera, who has revealed her true identity as the Vulcan security officer T’Paal. Picard uses an encouter with the Enterprise to to relay their flight plan in an encoded message. When a raiding party of mercenaries, joined by Picard and Riker, board the Enterprise , Picard ‘kills’ Riker in front of the others, who leave him behind. Riker, only stunned, then brings the Enterprise to Vulcan, where a confrontation with Tallera ensues.

Comments

Part two follows along with part one and keeps to the same high standard. The mythology angle adds more depth to the Vulcan culture.

The extremely tall Klingon from the shuttlecraft is played by USA basketball star James Worthy.

Nits

When Riker punches Picard in the face, Picard hits the ground, and, from behind, we can see he is holding his hand on his face and feeling his nose or cheeks. When the shot cuts back to the front view, both of Picard’s hands are at his side.

It appears that Baran can target any single member of the crew with his pain device, simply by pressing the same button. In part one, I thought he was actually aiming the device at crewmembers to pain them. But in part two, he threatens to use the device on Riker while he is aboard the Enterprise. So how does that thing work so specifically with that one button?

This plot revolves around the fact that Baran needs Picard’s expertise to examine the artifacts. Yet whenever we see Picard examining the articfacts, all he does is stick it on a scanning platform and tell the computer to begin scan. Even when the articfact they are looking for is found, the computer announces the match. True, Picard might have been necessary originally to program the computer to scan accurately, but why is he needed now?

Memorable Moments

•    Picard using his knowledge of archaeology to defeat the villain

Quotable Quotes

"You will tell me who you really are, and what you’re doing on this ship, or I will kill you right here."
Tallera to Galen/Picard

Troi: (regarding Riker) He’s alright. He’s only stunned.
Data: I must admit, I am experiencing a similar sensation.