Loud as a Whisper

Enterprise transports a mediator to negotiate peace between two warring factions.

This is an okay episode with a good focus on self confidence and overcoming disability. It contains some classic liberal Star Trek philosophy but it is presented in a fairly non cinematic way.

To enjoy 'Loud As A Whisper' you need to be invested for the guest character of Riva who carries the main arc, along with Deanna Troi and have an appreciation for the use of communication to resolve conflict. His first impression is to flirt in a relatively creepy way with Deanna and for me I never really get over that distraction from the higher purpose of the story which shows him overcome his disability and confidence issues to make a huge contribution to the story. You also need to buy into his legendary mediation skills, which to be honest does not go hand in hand with his personality. I think if he turned up to resolve conflict in the Middle East or Northern Ireland his arrogance alone could fuel conflict. In fact throughout it all I kept thinking they should just let Picard do it.

All that being said, the main theme around Riva achieving success in the face of deafness, in a role that relies so much on communicating, is a good one. The scenes where Enterprise crew members such as Picard, Data and in particular Deanna help him find the confidence to make such a valuable contribution are good.

Visuals are a mixed bag with some ropey makeup jobs and costuming.

Performances from all cast are solid.

The mission of the Enterprise in this episode is to bring a mediator from his planet to another world where they've had Guelph-Ghibelline or if your prefer a Hatfield- McCoy type war going on for centuries. They've forgotten why it all got started in the first place.

The mediator is Howie Seago a deaf mute who has 3 interpreters who communicate with him telepathically. When he interpreters are assassinated by a fanatic that throws the negotiations off. Seago is in despair.

Helping save the situation are Marina Sirtis and Brent Spiner. Each helps in a unique way with the talents both Troi and Data have.

Nicely done story about the challenges disabled folk have and ways overcoming same.

Very underrated episode talking about disability in a progressive and tasteful way

I wanted to write a positive review because I feel like some of the other reviews are done by robots, focusing on things that don't match, and they're missing the point, which is how to achieve communication between people and the confidence to overcome our own issues to take a step towards someone else. This is one of the many episodes that carry positive values and make us think about how we can do or be better. Even if those episodes are sometimes long and are stretching a single idea over 45 minutes, I'll take it anytime over the drama that we find in most sci-fi series nowadays.

The Enterprise is tasked with picking up a legendary Federation negotiator, Riva, to help settle a centuries-old conflict on Solais V. But they are shocked to find that Riva is deaf and communicates through three empathic associates known as the chorus. When tragedy strikes, it falls to Troi to help resolve the situation.

An interesting, if somewhat gimmicky, episode that highlights physical disability through both Riva and Geordi. The romantic subplot is highly predictable (just how high were the hormones on the Enterprise in season two?) but the story is handled sensitively and Seago's performance deserves praise also. A pity the warring aliens didn't look good in dodgy makeup and Muldaur's still really bad as Pulaski but otherwise, this is more like it.