Pen Pals

DVD, TNG S2 (Pen Pals)

For those that complain that Captain Janeway was inconsistent in doing whatever she wanted to one moment, then obeyed the rules at another, citing Captain Picard as the example of the perfect Captain, this episode proves otherwise. The senior staff sit around talking in a rather superior, detached and philosophical way about the fate of a world. Their appearance of smugness isn't assisted by the informal setting - if the debate had occurred in the Observation Lounge it might have seemed less frivolous, but as it is, the Prime Directive is talked around until Picard decides they can't interfere. At this point I would mention the B-story (or is it the A? Both plots are lightweight), of Wesley Crusher being given a command experience.

They could have tied in the two storylines in this scene, and had Wesley present to see what a command decision is like. Then again, it isn't a very good example! Picard goes back on his decision because Data's friend Sarjenka sounds a bit worried - after he's just been saying how they can't let their emotions interfere. As an audience we want the planet, and specifically Sarjenka to be saved, not because we particularly care about them, but because she means so much to Data. At the same time we know the Prime Directive well and breaking the rules just this once was a little indulgent.

Aside from the moral implications there isn't much to recommend the story. Wesley's difficulty in coping with other people under his command isn't the hard-edged experience it might have been. He has a little confidence trouble, and then it's sorted out, losing all opportunity for conflict and resolution as seen in say, the Original Series' 'The Galileo Seven'. Likewise Data's friend is comfortably reset to forget her experiences, and although her alien appearance (those long fingers!), and the pretty volcano views are a positive, the story doesn't have great resonance or weight.

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