Review of Loud as a Whisper

"Loud as a Whisper" comments on disability and how one comes to terms with the loss of one sense, turning a disadvantage into an advantage. Loss seems to be a major emotion that speaks dramatically and thematically in this episode about two factions of Solari people on a planet called Solais, both warring with each other for centuries, on the verge of extinction, reaching out, however reluctantly, to renowned, reputed peachmaker Riva (it is made known in a scene with Worf, in the transporter room when he feels certain unease, brought to light by Troi, that Riva was responsible for peace talks between the Federation and Klingon). Riva is deaf and has a "chorus" of individuals who work in concert as his thoughts, feelings, words to others and a tragedy involving one out-of-control Solari warrior shakes the confidant mediator's resolve and belief in his abilities to end war/conflict, placing an incredible strain on Capt Picard and his crew. The idea that one man, with help from a highly trained, and well in-tune, accompaniment, can end centuries of war is certainly fascinating, understanding his methods will be of focus in this episode as Deanna Troi (who Riva has become profoundly moved by) tries to change his mind when the senseless murder of his chorus may potentially halt Riva's desire to stop the possible slaughter of an entire world's populace. I love this final scene where a relieved Picard thanks Troi for her work with Riva; it is a moment where her importance to him is celebrated/applauded. A fascinating development involving Geordi's eyesight is also featured as Dr. Pulaski offers to perform surgery and perhaps give him the ability to see, although straight-forward that it is not for certain that it will work. I thought Howie Seago was extraordinary as the deaf, mute Riva and his scenes with Troi are the heart and soul of this episode's story. The death of Riva's chorus is shocking and horrifying, as it should be to drive home the point that it will not be easy to settle the ongoing, personal war between these people. I love how this episode incorporates the theme of deafness as it relates to the crew's difficulty with him once his entourage is killed. And Data's learning of the sign language also adds much to this wonderful episode. "Loud as a Whisper" is yet another nice discovery as I make my way through the early seasons of The Next Generation.