Tapestry

Time travel always has problems and Tapestry episode is no exception. Others have mentioned some of this so I'll add another perspective to it. When Picard returns to the past and chooses to not fight the Nausicaans and ends up a junior science officer why does the show assume he'd be unhappy in that role? If the course of his life choices took him to become 'junior science officer', took him anywhere, why would he not like it there or at least why not blame himself for it? Instead Picard becomes a perpetual whiner. If he got there by his own his choices, he'd find a way to accept his state in life, whatever it is. But Picard plays the whiner to Riker and Troi because he isn't on the fast track to a command job. It isn't realistic. On the other hand, if his whining was rooted in the fact that the time traveler Picard had all the skills of the Picard we know at the beginning of the show, then why wouldn't the time traveling Picard up and do what it takes to get a command job immediately. The story really falls apart if you think about, as all time travel shows do. But I won't say the show gets ruined by these failings, TNG is one of the best so I forgive and try to look at what it was trying to say which was that some of our personal regrets from growing up may be misplaced. And don't be so sure we totally understand how we are best shaped. Also it was certainly fun to watch Picard out of place, beneath those who are usually his underlings. The turn-about was entertaining even if it didn't add up.

'Tapestry' hits on the very real (and almost universal) human trait of regret; that need to do it all again for a different outcome. And there is a distinctly Dickensian ring to this. But one of the reasons I think this episode is so effective is that it gives Q (somewhat the perpetrator of all of this) some serious dramatic weight. I have to admit, I've never been hot on the character; he's usually played impishly and for comedic effect. But here, his disgust with humanity is played beautifully, and De Lancie's scenes with Stewart are a pleasure.

The other reason is the pivotal turn - the wax-on, wax-off scene that brings it all together. Seeping Picard in science green and coasting on an adequate career is indeed jarring, and just about the clearest reminder that those things we regret are integral to who we are.

It's an incredibly potent episode.

9/10

I have been a Trekkie since I was 5 years old watching TNG with my dad in theaters. I remember taking this episode out of the library when I was around 8 years old. I really enjoyed it, but I didn't quite understand the meaning.

When I was 15 I started rewatching some Trek and came across this episode. At the time I wasn't really very ambitious. Was completely fine with staying home for college and perhaps going for a degree in teaching or similar. Low stress, easy lifestyle.

Then I saw this episode. Something inside clicked, like a flame that ignites on a pilot burner. I immediately started thinking about how I could have impact on society and what kind of path I want to choose. What would be the most rewarding?

So I decided to attend university away from home and take a big risk. Start my career in business. Fast forward another 7 years and I quit my lucrative job for that ambitious pursuit of wanting something grand in life, pursuing a full time MBA at a top university. Hoping to eventually have a role where I can have impact in society on a massive scale, even if it's only in 1 area. I can leave this planet better than I came. At least I would have a strong hand in it.

This episode is the reason I've become such an ambitious asshole, and I have no regrets so far. That quest for challenge and knowledge is so important to find young if that's something you want in life, especially if you come from a family of immigrants that was happy to simply survive.

If you are teacher or professor, I highly recommend showing this to students before graduating either high school or college. I don't think enough young people truly think about their careers and regret not thinking about their ambitions until much later in life.

Captain Picard has a near death experience and revisits his younger life.

This is a great Picard backstory episode with an 'It's A Wonderful Life' concept.

The plot and themes reflect the choices an individual makes that shapes their life. It's impossible to watch it and not reflect on moments from your own past and wonder what if you'd done certain things differently. In this context, much like the episode 'The Inner light' it can be very poignant episode to watch (depending on the individual).

I cannot go into too many plot specifics without spoiling. However, it's safe to say there is a strong celebration of rugged individualism in the depiction of Picard's character and this is portrayed quite cleverly by his alternate life.

The presence of Q works very well and his cynically funny observations are delivered with great timing in all his scenes. Both John De Lancie and Patrick Stewart are in great form throughout the episode.

What if Picard was a pitiable man whom commander Riker could describe as punctual, but not much else. What if he got that way by playing it safe when he was younger instead of standing up for his friends and fighting some Nausicaans. The moral lesson here is clear and the story which contains that lesson is well told. The Q Picard dynamic is the only thread running through the entire series, from Encounter at Far Point to All Good Things, and this episode really gives it strength. Picard's realization is touching and true to his character.

Great episode for a rainy day! Watch once daily in place of your ordinary antidepressant.