Chain of Command, Part I

Note: This review covers both parts of "Chain of Command".

Picard is replaced as captain of the Enterprise. He, Lt. Worf and Dr. Crusher go on a secret mission into Cardassian space. His replacement, Capt. Jellico, meets his new command with some resistance from the crew. The Cardassians use theta band emissions as a ruse to lure Capt. Picard into their hands and begin brutal rounds of torture to gain the information they seek.

Why is this one of the best episodes of the entire series? Because it has plenty of action while not holding back on quality writing. We get more insight into Riker's personality and how emotional he can get when confronted with an authority he doesn't respect. And we further learn to what lengths Picard will go to defend the Federation and Dr. Crusher. How one interprets Riker is open to debate -- is he a loose cannon, a maverick? Is he unreliable? Or is he simply confident? Picard insists time and again that "there are four lights" (which is true) despite intense pain all over his body. He has a great dedication to his crew, his mission and the truth. We really see that he can be both tough and compassionate at the same time.

As with many "Next Generation" episodes, a series of moral and philosophical questions are raised. Who is the good guy and who is the bad guy here? From our perspective, the Federation is in the right and the Cardassians reveal their ruthlessness through torture and lies. But can the Federation be absolved of all wrongdoing? They crossed into Cardassian space and took covert action, clearly a violation of armistice rules.

Is the Federation plagued with hypocrisy -- claiming to be a peaceful alliance but secretly breaking laws when it's convenient? (In the grand scheme, we notice that the Federation loves to add new members to their side, as long as they stop their traditional ways of life. The striving for hegemony and assimilation is as far-reaching as the Borg, but more discreet.) Keep that in mind when watching this one... our heroes are strong and have an admirable character. But is it possible that unintentionally they are advancing a sinister or divisive objective?

The first of the two episodes sets things up. It begins with an admiral coming on board and taking the Enterprise away from Picard. He accepts this because there is a serious mission he, Beverly, and Worf are to go on to stop some activities by the Cardassians. Captain Jellico (Ronny Cox) takes over the ship and begins to change everything. He is a tyrant and doesn't care that the crew and especially Commander Riker find him repugnant. He is arbitrary and cruel. He never takes into account that Picard has commanded with honor the flagship of the fleet. Meanwhile, the three mates find themselves on the Cardassian planet, moving through a series of tunnels to find the object of their mission. They are finally ambushed. The Cardassians, who will become more important in other Trek offerings, especially Deep Space Nine, are a nasty bunch, full of hatred because of their war-like history. While negotiations go on on board with the hot headed Jellico leading them into dangerous territory, the away team is in for a nasty surprise. Well set up and captivating.

Captain Picard is relieved of command and sent on a secret mission into Cardassian territory.

This is strong episode with a compelling story and a great guest character.

It reminds me of 'The Best of Both Worlds' as Picard is taken out of the picture and there is an excellent, antagonistic presence in Captain Jellico on board the Enterprise for Riker to contend with, a bit like Shelby. However Jellico, being Captain, obviously impacts everybody in the crew. He is an entertaining character who shakes up the established order of the Enterprise with a no-nonsense approach. All his scenes are excellent and Ronny Cox is a breath of fresh air amongst the established cast.

The plot has a nice level of intrigue and although you may probably see there is some sort of twist coming, it is still good when it comes.

It is slightly comical seeing Picard, Worf and Crusher dressed like the Milk Tray man on a Bond type mission, but this is only a problem if you take television way too seriously. For me it's part of the fun.

All cast are on good form, particularly Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden. The bit where Crusher has to influence a Ferengi with her feminine charms is very amusing. However, it is definitely Cox who is head and shoulders above everyone with all the best material and the most memorable performance.

For me it's an 8.5/10 but I round upwaords.

This is the first of a two-part episode about the Cardassians. It appears to have been timed to coincide with the beginning of the spin- off series, "Star Trek: Deep Space 9"--as the Cardassians were HUGE adversaries throughout that series.

The show begins with an admiral visiting Captain Picard. It seems he's begin reassigned, at least temporarily, on a special mission with the Doctor and Worf. And, instead of making Riker the new captain of the ship, a new captain (Ronnie Cox) is brought in--ostensibly because of his toughness and prior experiences with the Cardassians.

The special assignment turns out to consist of the three infiltrating a Cardassian base which might have banned weapons. However, it really made NO SENSE why these three (especially the Doctor and Picard) would be in on such a mission. Why not some sort of 24th century Seal team or the like?! How tough is Dr. Crusher?! And, Picard appears to be about 50! Overall, it is an interesting episode will stupid casting for the team. Part two is a bit better.

This first of a two part story finds Patrick Stewart, Michael Dorn, and Gates McFadden on detached assignment from the Enterprise. For this occasion Starfleet has sent another captain played by Ronny Cox to relieve Captain Picard of command of the Enterprise.

Good thing Picard took Worf as part of his mission team because Cox really would have had trouble then. As it is the crew is really under a strain with a captain who wants things done yesterday. The one Cox really gets at odds with is Jonathan Frakes.

As for Picard, Worf and Dr. Crusher the mission is a bust and Picard is captured by a nasty Cardassian played by David Warner who must have read up on Dr. Mengele and refined some of his torture experiments.

Cox plays someone who overcomes doubts with bravado and Warner is playing one of his usual patented heavies.

Things are looking tense at the end of Part I.