The Drumhead
- Episode aired Apr 27, 1991
- TV-PG
- 45m
A retired admiral boards the Enterprise in an effort to determine the actions aboard the ship surrounding an act of sabotage and possible treason.A retired admiral boards the Enterprise in an effort to determine the actions aboard the ship surrounding an act of sabotage and possible treason.A retired admiral boards the Enterprise in an effort to determine the actions aboard the ship surrounding an act of sabotage and possible treason.
- Crewman Nelson
- (uncredited)
- Crewman Garvey
- (uncredited)
- Crewman Martinez
- (uncredited)
- Ensign Kellogg
- (uncredited)
- Ensign Russell
- (uncredited)
Featured reviews
I think people can learn from fiction, oftentimes more effectively than through documentaries.
The acting in this episode was great. My wife and I recently rewatched this episode. We had both forgotten how much we each grew to hate the character played by Jean Simmons. It takes a great talent pull that kind of emotion from an audience.
Jean Simmons masteclass
It's very apt now to heed the message in the program People being accused on social media and judged guilty and having to prove innocence rather than other way around.
Silence seen as guilt rather than any other reason.
It really is an episode that shows us that no matter what a trial by jury and within the bounds of the law need to be upheld.
One of the first eps that frakes directed and he doesn't disappoint. Again Sir Patrick delivering one of his monologues in the way only a Shakespearean actor can deliver it.
You won't see the modern day ST writers pulling episodes like this out.
The episode is marvelously paced, never losing any of the tension, with outstanding performances from not only Simmons and Stewart but other featured players, including Spencer Garrett as novice crewman first class "Simon Tarses".
This particular installment of the series shows how science fiction can make commentary on the machinations of the government and how we all can fall victim to the paranoia that develops when mistrust is placed above faith.
Did you know
- TriviaThe events of Conspiracy (1988), Sins of the Father (1990), The Best of Both Worlds (1990), The Best of Both Worlds Part II (1990), Family (1990), and Data's Day (1991) are referenced in this episode. It reveals that 39 Federation starships were annihilated and 11,000 personnel were lost at the Battle of Wolf 359.
- GoofsWhile the warp drive is inactive during the first part of the episode, there should be no warp plasma generated, which means the nacelles should not glow with their characteristic blue glow in the exterior shots.
- Quotes
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: You know, there are some words I've known since I was a schoolboy: "With the first link, the chain is forged. The first speech censured, the first thought forbidden, the first freedom denied, chains us all irrevocably." Those words were uttered by Judge Aaron Satie, as wisdom and warning. The first time any man's freedom is trodden on, we're all damaged. I fear that today...
Admiral Nora Satie: How dare you! You who consort with Romulans, invoke my father's name to support your traitorous arguments. It is an offense to everything I hold dear. And to hear those words used to subvert the United Federation of Planets. My father was a great man! His name stands for integrity and principle. You dirty his name when you speak it! He loved the Federation. But you, Captain, corrupt it. You undermine our very way of life. I will expose you for what you are. I've brought down bigger men than you, Picard!
- ConnectionsFeatured in Star Trek: First Contact Review (2009)
- SoundtracksStar Trek: The Next Generation Main Title
Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage
Details
- Runtime
- 45m
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.33 : 1