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Author: |
Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga | |
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Television Program | |
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Genre: |
Science Fiction | |
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Setting: |
Space, the final frontier. . . | |
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Period: |
The 23rd Century | |
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Analysis by: |
Ron Dawson |
Brief Synopsis:
Star Trek: The Next Generation--Series Finale
Captain Picard is shifting back and forth through time for no apparent reason. He determines that Q is the reason for the time-shifts.
Q is testing Picard again. This time, the test has something to do with a spatial anomaly that appears bigger in the past and eventually will cause the destruction of mankind. Picard must solve the paradox of the anomaly in order to save mankind and past Q's test.
Name: Jean-Luc
Picard
ID: Main Character
Gender: Male
Description:
A debonair, bald Frenchman with an English accent. Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise 1701-D. He is the consummate diplomat and one of Starfleet's greatest heroes.
Role: Starship Captain
Characteristics:
Motivation: Reconsider; Pursuit; Conscience
Methodology: Potentiality; Proaction
Evaluation: Hunch
Purpose: Thought; Chaos
Name: Q
ID: Impact Character
Gender: Male
Description:
An omnipotent being who has a fascination with humankind--particularly Jean-Luc. He constantly puts the crew of the Enterprise through tests.
Role: Omnipotent Being
Characteristics:
Motivation: Consider; Temptation; Support
Methodology: Certainty
Purpose: Knowledge; Order
Name: Commander
Riker
Gender: Male
Description:
A tall, handsome, debonair "KirK" type who is a lady's man and excellent poker player. He is an admiral and commander of the Enterprise in the future. He and Deanna Troi are very, very close friends with an intimate past. They are Imzadi. He is jealous of Deanna's growing relationship with Worf.
Role: 1st Officer
of the Enterprise
Characteristics:
Motivation: Disbelief; Hinder
Methodology: Nonacceptance
Name: Deanna Troi
Gender: Female
Description:
Beautiful, buxom brunette who is half Betazoid and half human. She has empathic powers. She and Riker have an intimate past. They are Imzadi. She and Worf are becoming lovers.
Role: Ship's Counselor
Characteristics:
Purpose: Aware
Name: Dr. Beverly
Crusher
Gender: Female
Description:
Feisty red head who has an intimate past with Jean-Luc. She cares very deeply about all forms of life. In the future she is captain of the U.S.S. Pasteur, a medical ship.
Role: Enterprise's
Chief Medical Officer
Characteristics:
Motivation: Feeling
Methodology: Evaluation
Name: Lt. Comdr.
Data
Gender: Male
Description:
A silvery colored android who desperately wants to be human. He is extremely intelligent (he can perform billions of complex calculations per second).
Role: Android
Characteristics:
Motivation: Logic
Methodology: Deduction
Purpose: Ability
Name: Lt. Comdr.
Geordi LaForge
Gender: Male
Description:
A highly intelligent and talented starship engineer. He is blind and can only see through a "Visor" which allows him to see into different spectrums. In the future, he regains his eyesight.
Role: Chief Engineer
Characteristics:
Evaluation: Trust
Name: Lt. Worf
Gender: Male
Description:
Worf has a high sense of loyalty and honor. He is the only Klingon who is a member of Star Fleet. He and Deanna Troi are finally developing a romantic relationship. His relationship with Deanna causes problems between his future self and Riker.
Role: Security Chief
Characteristics:
Motivation: Help
Methodology: Acceptance
Nature as it relates to Actual Dilemma:
Picard's decision to change (i.e. look at the time-shifting as positive) was the correct choice to make since by doing so he was able to save mankind.
Essence as it relates to Negative Feel:
The story has a negative feel because the characters are trying to avoid the destruction of mankind by the spatial anomaly.
Tendency as it relates to Willing:
Picard is a Do-er in an Action story. Therefore, he, along with his crew, is a Willing participant in attempting to achieve the goal.
Reach as it relates to Both:
Men will empathize with Picard because he is male. Women will empathize with Picard because he is limited by options to solve the problem.
Main Character Resolve as it relates to Change:
Picard is thrown willy-nilly through time, trying to understand why. At first he is at the whim of the time-shifting. He then realizes that he can use the time-shifting to his advantage in solving the problem of the paradox. He is therefore able to turn the chaos into order.
Impact Character Resolve as it relates to Steadfast:
Main Character Growth as it relates to Stop:
Picard must stop looking at the universe and the time-space continuum in a linear fashion if he is to recognize the advantage of his time-shifting and solve the meaning of the paradox. At the scene of the "Trial," Picard says to Q that seven years earlier Q had already tried him and his crew. Q responded flippantly that Picard always looks at time in such a "linear" fashion.
Main Character Approach as it relates to Do-er:
In the beginning, even though Picard is not exactly sure why he is time-shifting and there is a possibility that he (in the future) is suffering from the mental disorder, he urgently seeks helps from his friends and colleagues to figure out what is going on.
Main Character Problem-Solving Style as it relates to Logical:
Picard chooses to "CAUSE AND EFFECT" by solving the problem of the paradox and saving mankind.
Story Driver as it relates to Action:
Picard is thrown back and forth through time and must therefore come up with a plan to deal with it.
Story Limit as it relates to Optionlock:
Picard only has one option to save mankind--solve the meaning of the "paradox" and figure out a way to destroy the spatial anomaly.
Story Outcome as it relates to Success:
Picard solves the "paradox" of the spatial anomaly and closes the anti-time eruption. Therefore, the destruction of mankind is prevented.
Story Judgment as it relates to Good:
Q congratulates Picard for being able to expand his mind, thereby saving mankind . . . again. Also, Picard is at peace with the fact that mankind is saved and will be open to new possibilities of existence.
Overall Story Name: "Paradox of the Spatial Anamoly"
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Activity:
Picard and the crew are searching for a meaning to Picard's time-shifting and its relation to the spatial anomaly in the Devron System.
Concern as it relates to Understanding:
Everyone is concerned with understanding the meaning of the spatial anomaly as well as Picard's time-shifting. The past Enterprise crew is also concerned with understanding their new captain's erratic orders.
Issue as it relates to Interpretation :
The respective crews and time-shifting "Picards" must correctly interpret Q's intentions. Everyone must also correctly interpret the paradox of the spatial anomaly.
Counterpoint as it relates to Senses :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Interpretation vs. Senses:
Problem as it relates to Chaos:
Picard's time-shifting is inherently chaotic because it happens without warning and at first it appears to be happening without purpose.
Solution as it relates to Order:
Picard must make some order out of his chaotic time-shifting. Once he realizes that he can use the time-shifting to his advantage, he does so to solve the problem of the paradox.
Symptom as it relates to Inequity:
The characters (particularly Picard) are concerned with the inequity that exists in the various time periods. For example: the anomaly is larger in the past and for a while it doesn't even appear in the future; Picard has a mental disorder in the future; Picard is concerned with the fact that the past is different than how he remembered it (i.e. the red alert he calls at the boarding ceremony).
Response as it relates to Equity:
In each time period, Picard attempts to get the Enterprise to go to the Devron System and find the spatial anomaly. He even does this in the past, where it will mean changing the events from how he remembered them (i.e. eventually abandoning the mission to Far Point station to go to the Devron System). Essentially, he's trying to make all the time periods "equal" to one another.
Catalyst as it relates to Senses:
Picard is sensing that he is time-shifting. That is what gets the ball rolling. The more he time-shifts, the more information he gathers to destroy the anomaly.
Inhibitor as it relates to Circumstances:
Picard's mental disorder in the future, coupled with the changes in the Klingon Empire, impedes his ability to convince his future colleagues to help him. The current Enterprise's relationship with Q makes it difficult for them to trust him, thereby, possibly impeding the objective story progress.
Benchmark as it relates to Gathering Information:
In the various time periods, Picard learns more about the anomaly and he learns more about ways of stopping it. He shares this information with his crew mates so they will learn as well.
Goal as it relates to Understanding:
All the characters are attempting to understand the significance of the spatial anomaly in the Devron System.
Consequence as it relates to Developing a Plan:
If they fail to achieve the goal (understanding the paradox), they will not be able to conceptualize a way to reverse the anti-time "explosion" caused by the spatial anomaly.
Cost as it relates to Memories:
In essence, Picard is reliving old memories as he time-shifts. Picard is also reliving the memory of the Trial by Q. The future Worf and Riker relive old, painful memories regarding their failed friendship and the death of Deanna Troi. The future Beverly relives the memories of being married to Jean-Luc.
Dividend as it relates to The Past:
Essentially, since the "future" is so bleak for everyone (i.e. Worf and Riker's broken friendship, parted friends, etc.) the crew members can correct their future problems in the past (i.e. Riker not letting Worf's relationship with Deanna ruin their friendship). The biggest dividend in the past is the fact that since the paradox is solved, the anti-time spatial anomaly is destroyed and the amino acids combine to form the beginnings of life on earth over 3 billion years ago.
Requirements as it relates to Gathering Information:
The past crew members must learn about scientific solutions to problems that would not have been considered until their future. Everyone must also learn about the effects of anti-time and the spatial anomaly.
Prerequisites as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
Picard and his mates must conceive the idea of the anti-time paradox. Without doing that, they would not know to attempt to end the anti-time eruption.
Preconditions as it relates to Contemplation:
Picard and the crew must consider that Q is actually trying to help them solve the paradox riddle. Picard must also grapple with the consideration that he is the cause of mankind's destruction.
Forewarnings as it relates to The Present:
It is in the present day Enterprise that the effects of the spatial anomaly are felt (i.e. Alissa losing her baby, Geordi regaining his eyesight, Beverly's discovery that everyone is degenerating to a basic molecular form). This is a forewarning that the spatial anomaly is destroying mankind.
Main vs. Impact Story Name: "Expanding Mental Horizons"
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Manipulation:
Q's whole point for testing mankind (via Picard) is to see if he can look at and consider all the different possibilities of existence. He also wants Picard to stop looking at the time-space continuum in a linear fashion.
Concern as it relates to Developing a Plan:
Picard is attempting to conceptualize a method to solve the problem of the paradox (which involves collapsing the spatial anomaly). However, Q's only help is the time-shifting, which Picard doesn't realize is a form of help until later.
Issue as it relates to Circumstances :
Because of the previous relationships that Picard and Q have had, emotionally, it is very difficult for Picard to trust Q.
Counterpoint as it relates to Situation :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Circumstances vs. Situation:
Problem as it relates to Self Aware:
Q is concerned that Picard may be too self-aware to open his mind up to new possibilities of existence.
Solution as it relates to Aware:
Q must get Picard to be aware of all the other complexities of existence to which Picard has been blind because of his focus on mankind's progress. Even when all the commotion is over, Picard is concerned with whether or not he's saved mankind. Q comments on this at the end of the story.
Symptom as it relates to Inequity:
There is an inherent inequity between Q (an omnipotent being) and Picard (a mortal).
Response as it relates to Equity:
Q essentially tries to elevate Picard's level of thinking to his own in order to solve the problem of the paradox.
Catalyst as it relates to Situation:
Each time-shift represents a different situation for Picard that he must deal with in a different manner based upon what his colleagues at the time know and understand of him. The time-shifting moves the subjective story forward because 1) Q is responsible for it, and 2) Picard realizes that Q has created the time-shifts to aid Picard in solving the problem of the paradox.
Inhibitor as it relates to Interpretation:
Picard's incorrect interpretations of Q's intentions could impede the subjective story's progress. Picard at first sees the time-shifting (admittedly caused by Q) as a nuisance and serious problem. He later realizes that it's Q's way of actually helping him.
Benchmark as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
As Picard conceives of ways in which Q may be telling him the truth, Q congratulates him and eggs him on. Also, in the trial, the relationship between Q and Picard grows as Picard comes up with yes/no questions to ask of Q.
Role: Starship Captain
Description:
A debonair, bald Frenchman with an English accent. Captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise 1701-D. He is the consummate diplomat and one of Starfleet's greatest heroes.
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Situation:
Each time-shift represents a different situation for Picard that he must deal with in a different manner based upon what his colleagues at the time know and understand of him.
Concern as it relates to The Past:
Picard is concerned that the past (the time just before he boarded the Enterprise for the first time) is evolving differently than what he remembered. Furthermore, the "destruction" of mankind takes place in the past when the spatial anomaly prevents the start of life of Earth over 3 billion years ago.
Issue as it relates to Fate :
Picard is faced with the fate of mankind in his hands. According to Q, he is fated to be the cause for mankind's destruction. He also must face the bleak future of separated friends and a mental disorder.
Counterpoint as it relates to Destiny :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Fate vs. Destiny:
Problem as it relates to Chaos:
Picard is in a chaotic state because of his random time-shifting. He must overcome this chaos somehow.
Solution as it relates to Order:
Once Picard realizes there is a reason for his time-shifting, he can use it aid him in solving the paradox and closing the anti-time eruption. For example, when he realizes that the "Enterprises" must end the inverse dekion scan, he informs the crew in each time period. Also, he uses the time shifting to his advantage by taking advanced knowledge in the future periods and applying it to the past periods where it had not yet been conceived.
Symptom as it relates to Thought:
Picard focuses on considering what Q has told him in the "Trial," regarding his (Picard's) role in the destruction of mankind.
Response as it relates to Knowledge:
Driven by the thought of destroying mankind, Picard tries to come up with the knowledge of how and why it is possible that he could/would do such a thing.
Unique Ability as it relates to Prediction:
Picard knows what happens in the future because of his time-shifting. This is the only way he is able to solve the meaning of the paradox.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Suspicion:
Because Picard is suspicious of Q and his antics (based upon previous encounters) he may not take to heart what Q has told him regarding time, space, mankind's destruction, etc.
Benchmark as it relates to The Present:
Picard knows that the only "correct" time period is the present. The future and past periods which he visits through the time-shifting are warped due to presence of the anomaly as well as Q's "trial." If he saves mankind, he'll realize it when he is "returned" to the present by Q.
Role: Omnipotent Being
Description:
An omnipotent being who has a fascination with humankind--particularly Jean-Luc. He constantly puts the crew of the Enterprise through tests.
Throughline Synopsis:
Backstory:
Throughline as it relates to Fixed Attitude:
Q believes that he is superior to mankind in every way.
Concern as it relates to Memories:
Q is concerned with the first trial through which he put Picard seven years ago and how Picard/mankind has grown since that trial. He is also particularly concerned with how mankind has evolved throughout the years.
Issue as it relates to Truth :
Even though the information Q gives Picard regarding the destruction of mankind seems impossible to be true, it is indeed true (in one possible timeline). It even seems impossible to the audience that Picard could be the reason behind mankind's destruction. Q proves he is correct when he takes Picard back to the beginnings of life on Earth and shows that due to the spatial anomaly, the amino acids don't combine to form the basics of life. Ergo, mankind is "destroyed" by never being created in the first place.
Counterpoint as it relates to Falsehood :
Thematic Conflict as it relates to Truth vs. Falsehood:
Problem as it relates to Speculation:
Q is driven by the speculation of what mankind can become if they open up their mental horizons. He is also driven by the possibility that Picard can solve the problem of the paradox. The other members of the Q Continuum are not as confident in Picard's ability.
Solution as it relates to Projection:
Q uses his past dealings with Picard to alert him to what is actually going on. This is how Picard knows to look for Q right before going to Far Point Station in the past. This will increase the probability of Picard solving the problem.
Symptom as it relates to Inequity:
Q focuses on the inequity between the Q and mankind and how mankind cannot look at different levels of existence in the same way as the Q.
Response as it relates to Equity:
Q attempts to elevate Picard's level of thinking so that it is more "equal" to his own (regarding the various possibilities of existence).
Unique Ability as it relates to Evidence:
Q provides Picard with all the evidence necessary to solve the problem. He does this through the time-shifting.
Critical Flaw as it relates to Interdiction:
In essence, through Picard's time-shifting, Q is altering the future in such a way that mankind will be destroyed. Since it appears that deep down inside Q wants to save mankind (in his own demented way), Q's interdiction undermines his method to help Picard.
Benchmark as it relates to Contemplation:
Q considers the ramifications that may occur if Picard doesn't solve the paradox.
The Overall Throughline Act Order:
Overall Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Gathering Information:
Everyone is concerned with learning why Picard is time-shifting (if he truly is). The past Enterprise is concerned with learning about their new captain's motives.
Overall Story Journey 1 from Gathering Information to Doing:
Overall Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Doing:
In Act 2, the future crew members are concerned with brainstorming ways in which they can reach the Devron System and solve the mystery of Picard's time shifting. In the present, the crew members are concerned with reaching the Devron System. In the past, the crew is concerned with reaching Far Point Station.
Overall Story Journey 2 from Doing to Obtaining:
Overall Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Obtaining:
The future Picard and colleagues are concerned with obtaining a ship to reach the Devron System. The present crew is concerned with obtaining passage into the neutral zone.
Overall Story Journey 3 from Obtaining to Understanding:
Overall Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Understanding:
Everyone is concerned with understanding the physical and scientific attributes of the spatial anomaly so that they can find a way to collapse it.
The Main vs. Impact Throughline Act Order:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 1 as it relates to Developing a Plan:
Picard suspects that Q is at the bottom of the time-shifting, but he must conceptualize a way to reach him. He does so in the past.
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 1 from Developing a Plan to Playing a Role:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 2 as it relates to Playing a Role:
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 2 from Playing a Role to Changing One's Nature:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 3 as it relates to Changing One's Nature:
As Picard works at the solving the problem of the paradox, he is becoming more adept at understanding the complexities of existence (with Q's help of course).
Main vs. Impact Story Journey 3 from Changing One's Nature to Conceiving an Idea:
Main vs. Impact Story Signpost 4 as it relates to Conceiving an Idea:
Picard must come up with the idea that the anomaly destroys mankind in the past. Q helps Picard do this by taking him 3 billion years to the past where the "destruction" of mankind takes place.
The Main Character Throughline Act Order:
The Impact Character Throughline Act Order:
All Concerns:
All the concerns pertain to solving the problem of the paradox and collapsing the spatial anomaly. OS Concern deals with understanding the anomaly. MC Concern deals with the ultimate effects of the anomaly (which occur in the past). OC Concern deals with Q's concern whether or not mankind (Picard) has it in him to solve the paradox based upon what Q has seen of mankind in the past. SS Concern deals with conceptualizing a way to collapse the spatial anomaly.
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Copyright
© 1994-2009 Write Brothers, Inc. All Rights Reserved. |