The Loss

DVD, TNG S4 (The Loss)

I thought perhaps this episode might only be noteworthy for one of the (and probably the), earliest references to the Breen - apparently they, like Ferengi, are difficult to read empathically. Or for the 2D race of beings. Things go a bit technical, Deanna's throwing tantrums, but it's scientifically interesting for the fact that Roddenberry didn't want his characters in conflict. For once Deanna's ratty to everyone, shouting and screaming (about as much as she's ever likely to), and throwing her toys out of the Counsellor's office. At first I had no sympathy for Deanna at all, for exactly the reason Riker confronts her with later: she always had an advantage and now she's on a level footing with everyone else. But somewhere in the middle I suddenly found that actually I was sorry for her, and did feel her pain (maybe I was becoming Betazoid?). Guinan's simple, but unexpected words did wonders, as usual saying the unexpected, but Picard didn't even get a chance to tell his story!

We learn some things about the structure of the personnel on board, such as there aren't any other counsellors, when I assumed Troi had a team. She's also close to insubordination to various people, but they kindly let it pass. Also, news doesn't seem to travel around very quickly. Her patient didn't know that she'd lost her powers or about her resigning, while Guinan did, and Deanna was still worrying over people being like flat holo-projections in the midst of a crisis in which the ship is drawn inexorably towards a destructive force. She was about to become a 2D entity herself, yet she's still moping about her powers? I can only put it down to no one letting her know what danger the ship was in. Then again most people were probably keeping away from her! Her own plight was sure to lead to the inspiration which would release the ship, and her powers were sure to return, but even though it ends too easily I was happy with the resolution and the chance to see Deanna on the back foot. There's even a lovely musical outro as the ship majestically glides on its way, and I don't care that it was only there to make up time. Look out for Picard's wife from 'Star Trek: Generations' as Ensign Brooks, whom Troi is counselling.

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