Star Trek Chain of Command Part 2 Review
And at present, the (superb) determination
Now this is exactly the reason people remember "Concatenation of Control"; the superior second office. And right from minute one, it'southward hard to lookout because of the subject affair: Captain Picard being tortured by a Cardassian officer (David Warner) while Jellico (Ronny Cox) is gumming upwardly the works on the Enterprise. But it's not the concrete abuse that's so effective here, rather the psychological results. Information technology's miserable to run into Picard's systematic dehumanization and but as hard to encounter him in such a weakened country. It's the acting here that really sells this' Warner offers up i of the slap-up TNG villains in a functioning that varies from appreciating to sheer menace. And Stewart is his equal, no question. Even Ronny Cox turns the one-note Jellico into someone interesting.
I've seen this earlier (several times) and it never once fails to suck me right in. Information technology's cold, roughshod and undeniably powerful.
10/ten
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There Are Iv Lights!
In the conclusion of this episode, we are toggled between the Enterprise and the imprisoned Picard, kept by Cardassian torturers on the surface. Picard is commencement drugged and and then stripped and subjected to horrors. I came to realize that this was non unlike Winston Smith in Orwell's 1984. The Cardassian commander is seeking information from Picard and he uses as of subterfuge he tin, including a torture device implanted in the Captain which sends him into agony. He continually asks Picard how many lights are in a higher place him. There are four and Picard continues to assert this. But the commander wants him to change his mind (true brainwashing). Patrick Stewart gives the performance of a lifetime (and he has been expert in lots of performances). Meanwhile, the crew is trying to figure out how to outfox the evil Cardassians. Picard begins to sense petty bits of weakness in the commander and his race and plays on that. While it just results in more pain, he is making inroads into his psyche. The determination is excellent and sets up future encounters. There is besides a great scene between Commander Riker and Captain Jellico.
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A superlative episode of TNG
Warning: Spoilers
Following on from the events of the previous episode Capt. Picard is in the custody of Cardassian interrogator Gul Madred. Madred starts asking him questions. At first he asks about Federation defences but so he turns on iv lights to a higher place his head and asks Picard how many at that place are and when he replies '4' he is corrected… he expects the reply 'Five'. That is simply the offset; stripped, physically tortured past a 'pain implant' and wearied he continues be questioned. Back on the Enterprise the Cardassians claim to accept captured Picard just his deportment are disavowed leaving him with no legal protection. Riker confronts Capt. Jellico, suggesting that a rescue mission be planned, their word gets heated and Riker is relieved of duty. That doesn't mean that nothing will be done though; Jellico orders Geordi to browse the Cardassian ship for any hint of where it has been; there are signs that it has been in a nearby nebula… the perfect identify for an assail fleet to hibernate. Jellico orders the deployment of mines in the nebula; something sure to go the Cardassians attending.
This is a great conclusion to this two role story. The scenes between Patrick Stewart and David Warner as Picard and Madred are top notch with some of the most disturbing scenes of the series… perhaps even more disturbing now than when the episode was made equally the way a naked Picard is suspended is very reminiscent of the infamous photographs of a prisoner in the notorious Abu Ghraib prison. These scenes are effective because the way Madred is portrayed as a man going near his piece of work; calmly and professionally rather than as a ranting psychopath. Another fine invitee performance comes from Ronny Cox who plays the somewhat ambiguous Jellico; it is hard to tell if he is a martinet or merely somebody with different ways but who is notwithstanding a adept officeholder who gets results. The outcome of the episode won't come equally much of a surprise equally we all know Picard will ultimately be okay only there is a chilling epilogue where he talks to Counsellor Troi and tells her that not just was he ready to say he saw v lights only more disturbingly that he believed he was seeing that many. Overall ane of the best episodes in the serial.
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Captain Picard gets tortured...
This is the 2nd part of a two-part adventure involving the Cardassians--the new villains for the spin-off series, "Star Expedition: Deep Infinite ix". It begins with Captain Picard in custody after a screwed upwards mission falls apart. Now the Cardassians are going to torture him to try to get him to betray secrets. At the aforementioned time, the Enterprise's new captain, Jellico (Ronnie Cox), is trying to somehow have a full screw-up and turn it into a Federation victory...something which seems impossible.
This is a gritty episode and much of it consists of Picard stripped naked and being tortured. There is some nudity only it isn't gratuitous and the show is very compelling--and occasionally tough to watch.
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Unusual Integrity
Torture is a common plot device in American media. It is powerfully provocative. But while most media portray torture, falsely, as effective and fast though messy, TNG portrayts it truthfully equally unreliable and spoiling of potential intelligence likewise as a horrible crime.
Likewise the incredible integrity shown in this episode and then characteristic of the Star Trek franchise, and TNG especially, this episode contains superb acting and writing. The chief characters all appear to have depth and aren't easily distinguished as the "evil enemy" and the "great hero". It really goes to bear witness that expensive production costs are not required for great dramatic operation.
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Picard is tortured
In this 2d part of a ii part TNG story we acquire a chip of Cardassian history and civilization. Turns out they weren't always the ruthless warriors TNG fans came to know. In fact they were at once a planet of poets and philosophers.
All that'south changed now equally Patrick Stewart learns that the tip about Cardassians building biological weapons is a hoax. Information technology was all to lure Jean Luc Picard into easily that would deliver him to the Cardassians. They want information on Starfleet defenses and aren't to dainty on how they get it.
As for the Enterprise the crew grumbles under Ronny Cox but in the finish he proves to exist a wily adversary for the Cardassians.
I of the better TNG stories out there.
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1 of the finest performances in TNG
By far, one of the all-time episodes of all TNG. While the regular cast was expert, the performance past Ronny Cox and particularly David Warner were terrific. Warner's performance was superb as Gul Madred equally he held and tortured Picard, most of it psychologically and emotionally. Two scenes were especially good, ane with Gul Madred's daughter and the other with the starving Picard eating a raw Cardisian dish. Cox, playing Helm Jellico, gave a very solid functioning every bit the arrogant captain who replaced Picard. The confrontations between Cox and Frakes were virtually as compelling as the interaction between Warner and Stewart. Definitely one of the best performances for acting of all TNG episodes.
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Vivid performances
Captain Picard is in the hands of the Cardassians, whilst Captain Jellico continues to run the Enterprise in a dictatorial mode.
This is ane of the classic episodes of Star Trek with a peachy double plot of Picard's torture by Gul Madred and Jellico'south fourth dimension aboard Enterprise.
Jellico'due south command continues to be a fascinating story of the send run in a strict military mode by a direct and controlling leader. His manner is domination and there are numerous great scenes of his antagonistic exchanges with characters. The best moment for me is his cap-in-mitt return to Riker where the 2 exchange honest opinions of each other. Ronny Cox is excellent once more and Jonathan Frakes is also great.
The stars of the testify are Patrick Stewart and David Warner in their intense scenes of torture. In that location is nothing complimentary virtually what happens only a lot of the psychological and physical torment is conveyed through Stewart's great performance. Warner is suitably common cold and malevolent in his portrayal.
Information technology is quite reminiscent of 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' with Madred's questioning manner. He tries to interruption Picard to the point he might do and say anything to avoid suffering. This, in an extreme style, parallels the will Jellico has for domination over subordinates and enemies, and both stories parallel each other superbly. As nasty every bit it is, it ends in a far more upbeat manner than Winston Smith's experience at the Ministry of Dear.
Information technology is not perfect. I think the notion of Riker suddenly existence the best airplane pilot effectually is a lazy plot contrivance, but as it leads to ane of the best scenes in the episode information technology is forgivable.
This is i of the all-time acted episodes of the franchise. Stewart, Warner, and Cox are all fantastic every bit y'all would wait with this kind of textile. Also regular cast members like Jonathan Frakes are at the meridian of their game.
Visually everything works perfectly for the intended purpose. The torture scenes are not specially violent, only the use of lighting, stripping Stewart naked and the set up design of Madred's office have the psychological bear upon of making it feel quite roughshod.
'Chain of Command role 2' is not a pleasant experience, but sadly neither is life for people who endure suffering at the easily of others. One job it does well is set the scene for 'Deep Infinite Nine' where these themes and narratives involving the Cardassians are expanded.
It's a 9.5/ten for me but I round upwards.
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Based on Orwell's 1984
Warning: Spoilers
This episode sees Captain Picard trapped past the Cardassians and the dreaded Gul Madred, played with chilling poise by David Warner. Picard is existence interrogated past Madred and, every bit in the book 1984 by George Orwell, is asked, "how many lights are in that location?" Picard answers that there are four and the Cardassian devil continues to torture him until Picard says otherwise. All the while, Picard has been free to go, and never in one case there is anything but 4 lights. It is truly a demonstration of how much Picard is fabricated of. He withstands the insults, the torture, and the hatred--just there are withal 4 lights. There has never been a greater sit-in of what makes a helm and why they are ensured the care of all nether their command.
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He'south shown 4 lights in front of him and asked, "How many lights are there"? When Picard says "4" he'due south subjected to extreme pain.
Alert: Spoilers
In 'Chain of Command' Captain Picard (who knows Starfleet'southward battle plans for this sector of infinite), is captured by the Cardassians who are planning a surprise attack.
The entire episode consists of Picard being tortured past Cardassians. He's shown 4 lights in front of him and asked, "How many lights are there"? When Picard says "4" he's subjected to farthermost hurting. He's told, "you lot see 5 lights Captain, tell us how many you lot see". In that location are 4 lights, and Picard continues to tell him there are four.
Other reviewers take said this is a scene taken from the story '1984' by George Orwell. Perhaps to highlight or explain the 'Orwellian' idea in the book, of being told one thing, while reality is something else. I did non notice this connection myself watching the episode, having never read '1984'.
Apparently, for the Cardassians, getting him to admit to something he knows is non truthful, even something as meaningless as this, is the first step in his brainwashing. They never inquire Picard about boxing plans, Starship numbers, or annihilation, but the number of lights. He's continuously subjected to extreme pain only even afterwards extreme torture they can never get Picard to say he sees 5 lights. This is a terrible episode for the character of Picard, ranking up there with the one where Picard is alloyed by the Borg confronting his volition.
Subsequently beingness rescued from the ordeal, Picard is counseled by Deanna Troi back aboard the Enterprise. He says, "You know, near the end. I could come across five lights". Obviously with the torture he could 'see' 5 lights, something that wasn't fifty-fifty at that place (a powerful statement on it's own), just he continued to tell his captors he only saw 4.
The episode is done in such a manner that the end is really an awakening of sorts, and potentially a commencement. There was never any incertitude in my (overconfident) mind that they intended to make some kind of statement at the end. I've only seen the episode in one case, but I knew that what I felt at the stop was not a figment of my imagination or something subjective or personal.
When the testify ends; when Picard says those last lines to Deanna Troi, most existence alone on the prison planet, he's looking almost straight into the camera and non at Deanna, "Nigh the finish. I could encounter five lights". When he says those last lines at the end... nosotros know he'southward talking to the states.
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The will to boss.
Warning: Spoilers
We have an embarrassment of riches in this episode. The performances of Gul Madred, Picard and Jellico are all fantastic. What I love near the episode is that Gul Madred knows (and has known for former) that Picard has no useful information for him; he just badly wants to break Picard. The reason he wants to break Picard? He lived a life of agony and starvation and endured hurting throughout his childhood --- the victim now becomes the attacker.
Jellico is great equally well ---- He figures out what the Cardassians are up to later a quick briefing with Data. In fine captain style, he fifty-fifty swallows his pride and asks (on bended knee) for Riker'due south aid in piloting the shuttlecraft considering Riker is the best pilot for the job.
The best star trek made is psychological. This episode has to exist on the short listing as some of the best psychological work done in the franchise.
The just negative? No additional appearances by David Warner and Ronnie Cox.
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Keen performances continued.
Warning: Spoilers
ST:TNG:137 - "Chain Of Control, Part II" (Stardate: 46360.8) - this is the 11th episode of the 6th season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Picard, who is on a secret mission for Vice Admiral Alynna Nechayev (played by Natalia Nogulich, who appeared in Part I of this 2-part episode), having had to relinquish his command of the Enterprise to practise this, continues his amazing performance as he is ruthlessly tortured past the Cardassian Gul Madred (played ingeniously past Star Trek veteran David Warner).
Meanwhile, Captain Jellico (played smartly by Ronny Cox of "Beverly Hills Cop", "Robocop", "Full Call up" fame) and Riker keep to conflict, since Jelico is more stern and hot-headed than Picard e'er was.
Sentry this heady conclusion to a spectacular 2-part episode.
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4 Words iv Lights
"In that location are iv lights."
A 4 second operation. The last time Captain Picard / Patrick Stewart pronounces the words has to be 1 of the greatest acting performances ever. He must take spoken to a P.O.Westward. before he did this scrap to know what it's like. https://world wide web.youtube.com/sentry?v=1npL-TNFOAQ
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One of the Acme Two-Parters in Star Expedition History
Alert: Spoilers
In "Chain of Command, Part Ii" with Picard captured and negotiations with the Cardassians stalled, the Enterprise attempts to ward off a Cardassians invasion. Meanwhile, Picard resists torture and interrogation techniques with the purpose of him spilling Star Fleet secrets.
While not every bit great as Part I, the 2d half of this storyline withal packs a dial. Basically a setup for DS9's overarching plot, the Cardassians are a great foil foro the Federation. Stewart is bully in his role hither and is the shining star of the episode by far. I of the best two parters that any Star Trek series has always done. I requite this one an 8 and part 1 a 10, averaging it out to a 9 which feels plumbing fixtures.
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There seems to exist some confusion over the number of lights in Picard's torture chamber
This episode is much better than function 1 every bit its focus is on Picard and his captor Gul Madred. Their dorsum and forth is masterful and the B plot back on board the Enterprise plays out smoothly. Riker isn't wrong and Jellico isn't right. They both lean into their characters perfectly though 1 does wish Riker had moved on to helm another starship when he had the chance.
Turns out you can easily fit 500 anti-thing mines in the back of a course-2 shuttle and information technology'll expect like you are only carrying 8 to ten. Titan's turn sounds like a lot of fun and I hope that becomes a existent thing in some distant time to come for our species. At that place does seem to exist some confusion over the number of lights in Picard's torture chamber but reasonable people can disagree on these sorts of things.
To consummate our study of Federation leadership compare and contrast how much composure Picard displays while existence tortured, versus how little Jellico displays while at the negotiating tabular array. They put their most skilled diplomat in harms way and a war monger at the helm of their most powerful ship. What does the Federation leadership really want? Are they completely incompetent or outright malicious? I suppose it doesn't matter. If an entire fleet of Cardi ships tin can be spooked into retreat by a few mines they don't deserve Minos Corva anyhow. Perhaps at some point in the hereafter they will makes some friends that will teach them how to effectively challenge federation power.
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Four lights...
Warning: Spoilers
One of the nigh phenomenal episodes in TNG, this is one of the few episodes where the 2d part is meliorate than the outset part in TNG, seeing how The Best of Both Worlds Office I was better than Part Two. Well, anyways, this is one of the most gripping episodes. This really sets up the Cardassians for DS9, as this is the episode before DS9 started. The torture scenes with Picard was really deep, with Picard being told there were five lights instead of four, and if he said 4 he is subjected to pain. The other half of the episode was with Jellico and the Enterprise. Y'all tin can tell the different style with how Jellico leads opposed to Captain Picard, with Jellico wanting everything to be washed. The dropping mines with a shuttlecraft bit was pretty not bad, and it shows how the Cardassians withdrew from the nebula, which also explains the offset of DS9, also. 1 of the archetype episodes, and always fun to rewatch.
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A Senior Trekker writes.......................
Alert: Spoilers
The Golden Age of Star Trek: we had the sixth Season of The Next Generation and the 1st Flavor of Deep Space Nice on our televisions, Generations on view in our cinemas and First Contact due out presently. This season of TNG contains some excellent stand-alone episodes and several spectacular two-parters, with only the occasional brand-weight. Despite the length of time it had already been on the air, information technology withal represents some of the highest standard of television Science Fiction ever broadcast.
Senior Trekker has been both Sir Patrick and guest star David Warner perform Shakespeare on the English stage and seeing 2 such acting heavyweights become up against each other in Chain of Command is one of the greatest privileges of the whole season.
It'due south a difficult watch: the torture scenes were and then well researched and written as to linger in the memory long after the intermittent scenes back on the Enterprise have faded. The lack of blood or overt brutality makes it fifty-fifty more chilling and this episode rises to the standards of a elevation course theatrical performance. Unfortunately Gul Madred's custom of inviting his child into the interrogation room equally casually as if it was "bring your daughter to work day" was lifted directly out of Terry Gilliam's pic Brazil but, otherwise, the callousness was horrifying. The denouement, in which Picard sees through to his torturer'due south weakness and uses psychology to turn the tables on him is especially impressive.
Patrick Stewart, as a supporter of Immunity International, had some prior input into the script and production whereas his colleague and friend, David Warner, came in as a tardily replacement and had virtually no time to prepare. The unfailingly modest Mr Warner had already appeared in two Star Trek films and numerous Science Fiction roles including the highly acclaimed Time Bandits. He tells many amusing stories of how often he has been called in to substitute for someone else and describes himself every bit a "letterbox role player"; that is to say, if an offer of work comes through the letterbox, he will probably have information technology. Well, there may exist i or two stinkers on his resume but he has been a truthful friend to Star Trek over the years and nosotros thank him for it.
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Splendid Performance by Sir Patrick Stewart
Alarm: Spoilers
There are several episodes that I dearest and look for to watch over and over. There are very few that I skip over when streaming. These 2 episodes are the rare times when I accept to exist in the mood to watch. Patrick Stewarts performance is very moving. Some of his best interim on any of his shows. Hes completely believable as the willing captive (willing only due to his inability to permit his crew to be in his position). He shows how our psyche is so stong while at the same time and so fragile. This part of the storyline is what draws me dorsum to watch.
Upwardly to this point, every time Picard has been indisposed, the Enterprise has been turned over to Riker. He has always been the best choice since he knows the crew and mean solar day-to-day ops better than anyone else. He has likewise been in command during fights with the Borg. It greatly annoys me that they turn command over to Captain Jellico for no expert reason. This completely upsets the crew and could potentionally cause Picard distraction from his mission which is why the Federation removes him from command in the first place (to allow him to accept complete focus on his mission). The Federation leaves Picard with no reason to think he will get his ship returned to him. Information technology throws the whole coiffure off to the indicate they tin no longer be constructive in their very critical jobs.
The writers seem to practice this just to cause chaos, let the veiwer believe Picard will never render, and that the crew will dissever up. Information technology was a cheap way of causing controversy which could take been done in other ways. Since this situation encompasses both episodes, when I sentinel, I tend to only watch the second episode. At to the lowest degree that way I get to watch Stewarts incredible performance and meet Riker accept Jellico downward a few pegs. If it werent for Picards situation, it would be my least favorite pair of episodes and I would never watch them once more.
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Excellent episode, with sure caveats
Alarm: Spoilers
As drama, this episode of Star Trek approaches a level of excellence that is rarely even remotely achieved in a tv set series. It is apparent that the producers of this evidence actually made the effort to produce something that was worthy of the term drama. Npw, the problem with this episode is that information technology does not further develop the Jellico-Riker conflict, which revealed a lot about Commander Riker. Coddled by Captain Picard, Riker reveals a nastier side of his personality when placed nether the supervision of another captain who wants results, fast, and has no time or involvement in trying to arm-twist cooperation. Riker's key failings are revealed when he has to exist relieved of his duties, for cause, rendering himself useless and sabotaging the captain'south efforts to prepare the transport for possible state of war. Captain Jellico did nothing to warrant Riker'due south antagonism. Riker was argumentative, surly, resistant to supervision, and failed to discharge his duties, proving that he was not fit for higher control. Equally for Captain Picard, he is tortured by an conflicting who is trying to extract information. Here, Picard's moral position is not completely tenable. Showtime, he was captured later having infiltrated an alien infinite ship while negotiations were in progress; a hostile deed. Second, it was the Federation that was acting aggressively, not the the aliens, thus, Picard could not claim the moral high ground. Also, the alien is not a man and therefore may have a completely different set up of values governing his acquit. Yet, this episode deserves praise for its try to examine a number of questions relating to personal conduct and integrity and every bit such is worth watching.
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Waste of time
It was a waste product of time.. waited for the conflicts of the story to exist resolved, but to much dismay, it is but a serial of frustrating scenes without a sense of resolution at the stop, but an abrupt cease.
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