The Child
- Episode aired Nov 21, 1988
- TV-PG
- 45m
Deanna is impregnated by an unknown alien life-form, and Dr. Katherine Pulaski joins the Enterprise as the ship's new Chief Medical Officer.Deanna is impregnated by an unknown alien life-form, and Dr. Katherine Pulaski joins the Enterprise as the ship's new Chief Medical Officer.Deanna is impregnated by an unknown alien life-form, and Dr. Katherine Pulaski joins the Enterprise as the ship's new Chief Medical Officer.
- Enterprise Computer
- (voice)
- (uncredited)
- Crewman Martinez
- (uncredited)
- Operations Division Officer
- (uncredited)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis episode marks the first appearance of Worf's silver baldric, which he would keep throughout the remainder of The Next Generation, throughout his stint on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (1993), and in all four TNG movies. His previous (gold fabric) baldric was of the type worn by Klingon commanders in the classic Star Trek series. This episode also shows that Worf is now the official permanent security chief, having been made "acting" chief of security following the death of Natasha Yar in Skin of Evil (1988).
- GoofsOn the computer screen which continues the history of the mysteriously mutating virus, the word "growth" is erroneously repeated. ("...with growth GROWTH proceeding exponentially.")
- Quotes
Dr. Kate Pulaski: Dah-ta, look at this.
Lt. Commander Data: [looking slightly confused] 'Day-ta'.
Dr. Kate Pulaski: What?
Lt. Commander Data: My name. It is pronounced 'Day-ta'.
Dr. Kate Pulaski: Oh?
Lt. Commander Data: You called me "Dah-ta".
Dr. Kate Pulaski: [laughing] What's the difference?
Lt. Commander Data: One is my name. The other is not.
Dr. Kate Pulaski: Is this possible?
[stands up and begins to run a scan on Data]
Dr. Kate Pulaski: With all of your neuro nets and heuristics? Is there some combination of circuits that make up a network for bruised feelings? Possible?
Lt. Commander Data: [Data smiles at the idea]
- ConnectionsFeatured in Star Trek: The Next Generation: Shades of Gray (1989)
- SoundtracksStar Trek: The Next Generation Main Title
Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage
This is an interesting episode with some strong character moments but has some problems.
The story has been criticised for a lack of plausibility, particularly for Troi developing an attachment in a short space of time. Personally I did not find that a huge issue as the scene with other crew members discussing her pregnancy is done in such an effective way it makes her reaction and subsequent arc fairly plausible. The fact of those particular characters (in 24th century Star Trek universe) would actually have such a conversation is less plausible. In fact it feels entirely out of character for all of them. I'm guessing it was included by the writers as an unsubtle message of support for a mother's right to choose.
For me it is a good Troi episode and a vast improvement on her involvement in the first series, where she mainly slowed down plot lines for some rather pointless emotional analysis. The only real problem I think is the simple resolution and lack of follow up to a seemingly traumatic experience. Also, the sub plot involving the plague samples is okay but it feels a bit contrived to get that easy conclusion to the Troi plot.
There are some decent character introductions such as Guinan and Dr Pulaski. A philosophical bartender feels a more natural avenue for crew members to seek solace than the previous season tactic of Troi forcing her council on everyone. Dr Polaski seems a stronger and more interesting character in this episode than Dr Crusher did in the entirety of her first stint aboard Enterprise. Although I hate that terrible exposition line of dialogue where Picard explains Dr Crusher's absence in one sentence.
The visuals are strong, with better effects and cinematography than the first series being quite apparent. Easily the most cinematic sequence is that one focussing on Troi and her maternal body language as the other commanders discuss her and the baby.
The acting is solid from all, with the standout being Marina Sirtis, who gives her best performance of the show so far. Will Wheaton is also good until he dons the smug grin at the end. Caryn Johnson fits the part of Guinan like a glove having such a warm, easily relatable persona. Diana Muldaur has a strong presence as Pulaski.
For me it is a 6.5/10 but I round upwards.
- snoozejonc
- May 27, 2021
Details
- Runtime45 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1