Star Trek: The Next Generation
(1987–1994)
Picard must learn to communicate with a race that speaks in metaphor under a difficult set of circumstances.
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Title: Darmok (28 Sep 1991)
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Cast
| Episode cast overview: | |||
| Patrick Stewart | ... | Capt. Jean-Luc Picard | |
| Jonathan Frakes | ... | Cmdr. William Riker | |
| LeVar Burton | ... | Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge | |
| Michael Dorn | ... | Lt. Worf | |
| Gates McFadden | ... | Dr. Beverly Crusher | |
| Marina Sirtis | ... | Counselor Deanna Troi | |
| Brent Spiner | ... | Lt. Cmdr. Data | |
 |
Richard Allen | ... | Tamarian First Officer |
| Colm Meaney | ... | Chief Miles O'Brien | |
| Paul Winfield | ... | Capt. Dathon | |
| Ashley Judd | ... | Ensign Robin Lefler | |
| Majel Barrett | ... | Enterprise Computer (voice) | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
The Enterprise approaches the uninhabited El-Adrel solar system, near the territory of the enigmatic, presumably pacific race known as the Children of Tamar, which is now establishing contact. Picard expected fairly easy diplomacy, but the Tamarians first have a row at their side, then transport Picard and their own captain Dathon down to the nearest planet surface, which they make impenetrable behind a particle shield, to pit them for a duel, which Picard is unwilling to engage. Both the captain and his crew on the bridge desperately study the Tamarian language, which they find to be unusually focused on mythical narrative, notably the epic of Darmok, which holds the key to its metaphorical 'code', and thus to the whole situation. Written by KGF Vissers
Plot Keywords:
starship schematic | observation lounge | conference table | conference lounge | audiovisual recording |Parents Guide:
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Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45047.2 - The Enterprise is en route to the uninhabited El-Adrel system. Its location is near the territory occupied by an enigmatic race known as "The Children of Tama."
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Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The type 6 shuttlecraft makes its first appearance in this episode. See more »Goofs
As Picard shivers in the cold, watching the sleeping Captain Dathon by the campfire, a strong wind can be heard whistling and howling in the background, yet the trees, bushes, etc., all remain perfectly still. See more »Quotes
[first lines]Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Captain's log, stardate 45047.2 - The Enterprise is en route to the uninhabited El-Adrel system. Its location is near the territory occupied by an enigmatic race known as "The Children of Tama."
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Soundtracks
Star Trek: The Next Generation Main TitleComposed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage
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Details
Language:
EnglishRelease Date:
28 September 1991 (USA) See more »Filming Locations:
Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA See more »Company Credits
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Paul Winfield guest starred in this TNG episode as an alien captain who is stranded on a planet with Patrick Stewart. The two try desperately to communicate with each other.
A lot of thought went into this episode and it touches on communication something we take for granted. No doubt StarFleet's universal translator was one of the great breakthroughs in history facilitating communications with other races.
What do you do if a race never developed a written language and advanced with an oral tradition? This particular alien race speaks in metaphors that pertain to its history, but who else can possibly understand it.
It's the dilemma of Jean-Luc Picard and the alien Dathan who Paul Winfield plays. A misinterpretation could mean war. It has in our history any number of times.
One of my favorite TNG episodes, Stewart and Winfield are nothing short of brilliant here.