The Defector

[CaptainStoner]

I randomly picked this one the other night. I'm sure the big gaffe in the beginning of the episode is well talked about - that being when the Romulan warbird turns, and then after cloaking a moment goes by and Worf checks his tac display and says the Romulan ship has crossed back into the Neutral Zone.
But even so I find this to be an A-grade episode, strong beginning, strong finish, good middle. Keeps you guessing. Good soundtrack given the directorial constraints. Fantastic guest star performances - one of the best Romulan episodes.

 

[Destructor]

I remember it fondly.

 

[Alienesse]

I also gave it an A. It's a great Romulan story and one of the many excellent politically themed Star Trek episodes. That's one of the great things about Star Trek to me, that it explores the realm of politics in ways that make it more transparent to lay persons.
It's also got one of those Picard vs. Romulan commander showdowns at the end of the episode that are so fun to watch.

But to me, the character of Admiral Jarok is the strongest point of the episode. I felt for him. Here's a man who's spent his life serving an Empire that he's now dissatisfied with and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to ensure that his children will have a better future. And yet, he achieves nothing. It's sad but you can't help admiring his courage.

 

[Maniarek]

Easily one of the best episodes in TNG’s run. And one of numerous brilliant Romulans vs. Federation episodes in TNG, mixing elements of politics, war and patriotism giving us some truly memorable stuff.

Maniarek.

 

[Maniarek]

But to me, the character of Admiral Jarok is the strongest point of the episode. I felt for him. Here's a man who's spent his life serving an Empire that he's now dissatisfied with and is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to ensure that his children will have a better future. And yet, he achieves nothing. It's sad but you can't help admire his courage.

Well put.

Credit should definitely go to James Sloyan for his amazing performance, and the writers for doing a heck of a job on the script, dialogue and overall story. There was some phenomenal growth in writing and creativity from season 2 to season 3!

Maniarek.

 

[SchwEnt]

Fantastic eps. Great lines. Jarok character phenomenal.

However...
Last scene. The letter Jarok leaves for his family, a letter they will never receive.
Picard talks about maybe someday, they might be able to deliver it.

Later, in "Unification" Picard DOES go to Romulus.
One line about bringing Jarok's letter home would have been wonderful. But alas...

Bugs me to this day.

 

[Admiral Shran]

Definitely an A-grade episode. I'd go so far as to say it was the best of TNG.

 

[CaptainStoner]

Fantastic eps. Great lines. Jarok character phenomenal.

However...
Last scene. The letter Jarok leaves for his family, a letter they will never receive.
Picard talks about maybe someday, they might be able to deliver it.

Later, in "Unification" Picard DOES go to Romulus.
One line about bringing Jarok's letter home would have been wonderful. But alas...

Bugs me to this day.

In the memory alpha page for this episode, it's stated that due to time concerns some great material got left behind. I can't help wondering if a similar thing occurred with Jarok's letter thread...although I can also see that thread being woven right into the center of the episode...the more I think of it, Jarok's letter is the heart that Unification seems to be missing IMHO. I don't feel much of a connection to the unification theme after this episode.

 

[TiberiusMaximus]

Great episode, A for sure and I'd rate it higher if I could. Loved the scene at the end with three Klingon birds of prey, and Jarok was awesome as well. A somewhat tragic, but satisfying episode. One of my favorites.

 

[Boxyno1]

Great scene in this episode is when the Enterprise does a full 180 spin and then the Romulan warbirds decloak around it, it is the very definition of the word "owned". But then when the three Klingon Birds of Prey decloak around the Warbirds, this is even more "Ownage" lol.

No seriously, this is a great episode, one of TNG's best for sure.

 

[Unicron]

I've always wanted to see the Romulans used again like this - "The Defector" is one of two eps in the same season (the other one being "The Enemy") that really showed a wonderful potential for the Romulans to be an aggressive, very dangerous adversary once they came out of exile. And it's kind of too bad that although they were villains on other eps of TNG, it didn't quite approach the same level of brilliance. I just feel they're one of the many Trek races that have been underused.

 

[Lor'Vela]

Definitely a S3 standout. I particuarly like the Romulan theme music used in this episode.

 

[SRFX]

Top tier episode. I love the way this episode opens with a bang. TNG always had a very subdued feel so to see things start off in a blaze of weapons fire is a nice change.

The rest of the episode is fantastic. It's not predictable the first time you watch it as Jarok is so well characterised,and in subsequent viewings you still get a 'punched in guts' feeling when he finds out he's been played, and his subsequent suicide.

Also Tomalak is a god damn champ. Andreas Katsulas is such a great actor.

 

[Eddie Roth]

Probably the most interesting Romulan-themed episode in all of ST. Had Season 3 not been so immensely strong (I believe it may be ST's single best season overall), it could've been its best. It's a testament to the strength of the season that an excellent show like The Defector still only makes it to a #5 or so in my S3 list.

 

[Alrik]

Solid A. This was such a good ep on all levels.

 

[Shatnertage]

One of my favorite episodes.

For me the most memorable part is Jarok's "You sacrificed too much for your career" and the "I knew I had to make the world a better place...for her" speech. As a father, I tear up every time I hear it.

Like all good guest stars, the guy who played Jarok (was it James Sloyan) seemed to make the characters around him just a bit better. Brilliant stuff.

 

[Unicron]

Yep, it was Mr. Sloyan. He had several other notable guest roles, but Jarok is probably his best known.

 

[MikeH92467]

"The Defector" is about as good as weekly TV shows get: outstanding plot, superb acting and excellent dialogue. James Sloyan really delivered the goods for this episode and I think the entire cast knew they were riding a good one.

 

[Mojochi]

It's rare that an actor who can stand toe to toe with Patrick Stewart is on the show. James Sloyan is one of the very few. Arguably the best episode of season 3, which had some other really spectacular episodes, like Sarek, & the Offspring

 

[bensmalls]

I just rewatched this one the other day, and I forgot how much I loved it. I'd give it an A. Great story, great dialogue and great acting.