7.22 Bloodlines

Rating: 4

Damon Bok, a vengeful Ferengi who blames Picard for the murder of his son and tried to kill Picard in the episode The Battle, returns in a holographic projection. He threatens to exact revenge by murdering Picard’s son, a son Picard did not know he had.

Comments

This episode shines because Patrick Stewart is given numerous lengthy lines and scenes, and he has never been better. His subtle intonations and glances can paint a thousand words.

Ken Olandt is excellent as Picard’s son, Jason. Olandt has continued to guest star in minor roles on television (through to 2004) and to executive produce many (minor) television shows.

This is a top-notch episode from beginning to end, with crisp acting by every single cast member. It’s got drama, mystery, twists, suspense…this is the closest they have come to perfection since The Best Of Both Worlds.

Nits

In the previous episode, Firstborn, the Enterprise found the time and resources to pursue revenge for Worf alone. Here, faced with the threat of murder of a boy who might be his son, Picard immediately heads for the boy’s home planet. Does Starfleet grant Captains this much leeway – to choose their missions at their whim based on personal need?

Memorable Moments

•    The long, slow, talky, and completely brilliant scene, dialogue, and acting with Patrick Steward and Ken Olandt in the holodeck cave.

Quotable Quotes

Jason: If I’m not your son, is this person still going to want to kill me?
Picard: I doubt it.
Jason: In that case, you won’t mind my saying that I hope you’re not my father.

Picard: I found out that…Jason has a criminal record. It..it’s nothing very serious; it’s only…petty theft and so forth. But I can’t help feeling that if I had been part of his life then he wouldn’t be so troubled now.
Beverly: Maybe. But why waste time blaming yourself for not being there? Just be here for him now.

Picard: It looks as though we may have found out how to locate Bok’s ship. This could all soon be over.
Jason: You came all the way up here to tell me that?

Picard: Jason, isn’t there some way that I can be a father to you? My own father and I were estranged. He wanted me to stay at home and tend the vineyards, and I wanted to join Starfleet. And he died before we could come to terms with that. I regretted that all of my life. I don’t want the same thing to happen to you and me.
Jason: You don’t understand. I’m not anybody you’d want for a son. Trust me, if you knew, you knew anything about me, you wouldn’t be trying so hard.
Picard: You’re so wrong.
Jason: Oh, really?
(Picard nods)
Jason: Let me spell it out for you! I’ve been in trouble since I was a teenager. I lie, I steal, I use people. Eh-tha...I’m a criminal! That’s what your son is.
Picard: I know.
Jason: You do.
Picard: Oh yes. I know…all about your troubles with the Kerrin authorities.
Jason: You do.
Picard: It doesn’t make any difference, Jason. You’re still my son. And like it or not, I’m your father. I don’t know what that means…it means something. There’s some…connection.
Jason: Yeah.
Picard: But one thing is clear: you’ll never look at your hairline again in the same way.