There are lots of topics for great EPISODES... but this one is about MOMENTS, brief snippets in what might have been a good episode, or an average one, or even a poor one. Moments that you search YouTube for, or run an episode on P+ and immediately fast forward to this part because it's so awesome.
These brief snippets might be seconds or minutes in duration. They might make you laugh, they might make you cry, they might just make you feel warm and toasty inside... here are some of mine.
My Top 10 Greatest Trek Moments, in no particular order
1. Star Trek IV - Enter the Bounty
The whaling ship closes in on George and Gracie, the whales surface, the harpoon fires, and... KLONG! And a moment later, the HMS Bounty decloaks and the single baleful eye of the Klingon warship stares down at the hapless vessel, and the whalers flee. And probably have to change their pants afterward. Made doubly satisfying due to the gruesome video of whale butchery that we were shown before.
2. "Encounter at Farpoint" - The Star Jellies
This two-parter was not Trek's strongest entry, and was one of its weakest premieres. Many of the actors did not seem to have quite figured out who their characters were yet. But despite the difficulties, I have to say that I am a sucker for the sweet wordlessness of this scene, where the restored "station" resumes its true form, and rejoins its mate, and the two happily touch tentacles. And of course, Deanna tells us how they're feeling... but she didn't really have to, did she?
3. "Menage a Troi" - Full Ensign Wesley Crusher
The turbolift opens, and out comes Wes with a huge grin on his face, absolutely rocking the hell out of that red uniform. He assumes his station, and we see the whole main cast together on the bridge. There's no cake, no balloons, no streamers... but the mood is still celebratory. I haven't seen every promotion scene in Trek, but this one if my favorite by far.
4. "The Drumhead" - The Admiral is Silent
We might wonder why Adm. Thomas Henry said nothing, just rose to his feet and walked silently out of the courtroom... maybe it was originally a cost-saving measure; actors who say nothing cost less than actors with lines. But whether the reason was brilliance or budget, his swift and silent departure delivered a devastating finisher to Admiral Satie, who had already been completely undone by Picard's use of her father's words to show the error of her ways. Despite her deplorable actions, I almost feel sorry for her at the end. I still quote his "..." any time a "Trek's greatest lines" topic pops up.
5. "The Inner Light" - Picard's Gift
This one's perfection is in how leisurely it proceeds. Alone in his quarters with his thoughts, Picard opens the box, finds the flute, and fiercely clutches this last tangible remnant of his incredible experience to his chest. And then, he perfectly plays the melody that he stuttered at for so long in another life, and the only other sound is the thrum of the ship's engines as she sails through the starlit void... and then the credits roll.
6. "The Visitor" - Sisko in the Morning Sun
Melanie is gone. The storm has blown over, the night is past. Jake has fallen asleep in his chair. And we don't see Ben rematerialize in his living room for their final moments together, he's just... there, watching his son sleep, and maybe remembering doing the same thing when Jake was in his crib, almost a century ago. It's a brilliant way to start the absolutely riveting and heartrending scene that follows, ending what I still regard as the greatest Trek episode ever.
7. "Accession" - Keiko the Matchmaker
Keiko and Molly are back, and Miles, the devoted husband and father, is determined to be there for them. But Keiko, the person who knows him best, understands that he still has the need in his life for his best mate. And with some deft persuasion, she convinces Miles and Julian to resume their holodeck fun. Keiko might have a bad reputation among some Trekkies, but her actions in this episode put me solidly in her corner.
(As an aside, this episode also has one of my favorite Kira moments, when she stares at all of her badly made clay birds, then smooshes one. No words are said, and as with Adm. Henry, none are required. Nana Visitor's dark, expressive eyes say it all)
8. "Shadows and Symbols" - Triumphant Return
To understand why I like this one, remember how Vedek Bareil arrived on the station, at the end of Season 1, as Ben the skeptic watched from a distance: mobbed by crowds, shaking hands, giving a random kid pickie-uppies. And when Ben returns to the station after finding the Orb of the Emissary, he does the exact same thing. The rich symbolism of this moment shows that Ben has not just accepted his place as Emissary ("Accession" did that), but fully embraced it, found joy in it. He is home in more ways than one.
9. "Year of Hell" - Janeway and Tuvok's Goodbye
Tuvok doesn't understand why Janeway is remaining on Voyager, but he accepts her decision, with the traditional Vulcan farewell, though of course they both know she will neither live long nor prosper. Janeway responds by hugging him, and after a moment (Vulcans are not the touchy-feeliest of people) he returns it. Then, it's over, and she gently hands him off to Seven, who guides him out. And Janeway stands on the deserted ruins of the bridge, adjusts the watch still dangling on her waist. She is alone, dirty, disheveled, scarred, but still unbroken.
And of course, the scene where she rams Voyager into the Krenim ship and blasts herself and two centuries of temporal genocide into oblivion is also awesome. But I figured I wouldn't need to point that out!
10 "Subspace Rhapsody" - "Crew of the Enterpriiiiiise!" PFOOOM!
I'm a musical theater guy, and I always enjoy watching a number begun as a lone voice swell and gather strength until the whole cast is belting it out together ("Consider Yourself" in the 1968 version of "Oliver!" is a great example). Add in an enormously talented cast of singers, great characters, and watching the power level grow until the final note pushes it over the edge and the technobabble-improbability-whatever seals itself shut with a final explosion... I shouldn't enjoy this one half as much as I do... but that doesn't stop me.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
1. "The Measure of a Man" - That Action Injured You... and Saved Me
One thing that knocks "Peak Performance" off my list of top episodes is that it sets up captain and first officer having to go toe to toe... and the Ferengi ruin it. Not so here, though. Picard and Riker are forced into a high-stakes legal battle by circumstance, and Riker has no choice but to do his best... or rather his worst. And, he does just that, proving beyond question that Data is a mere machine. And so, it's easy to see why he excuses himself from the celebration, until Data comes to him and points out an ironic but completely correct observation: Riker's actions in that courtroom, far from a betrayal, were a quintessential act of friendship.
2. "Warlord" - Neelix Goes with the Flow
Neelix has set up a luxurious but rather staid Talaxian resort program on the holodeck, which is suited to his tastes... but Tom has his own ideas. Add in some bright clothes, flowery drinks, sexy volleyballers, and a cruise ship band, and the program is completely different from what Neelix envisioned, as we can see on his face. But despite this, he gets over his surprise and quickly calls for more drinks and some hors d'oerves, and joins the dancing. Voyager's crew are his family, and their happiness is his, and if this is how they like the Paxau Resort... well, that's good enough for him. I know Neelix isn't popular, but I like him, and this scene is part of my reason why.
3. "Tuvix" - A Physician Must Do No Harm
Tuvix's fate has been decided, and no one on the bridge has even spoken on his behalf. Whether their actions are out of cowardice, indifference, genuine agreement with Janeway, or just unwillingness to oppose the decree of their cult mistress, we cannot say for sure (though we all have our theories). However, as the death march procession enters sickbay, the Doctor turns, looks Janeway in the eye, and utterly refuses to perform the procedure. And Janeway, as hard and implacable as she is, knows there's no point in ordering him. Whether Tuvix's death was a necessary tragedy or an atrocity that cannot be justified, we cannot say. But I will say that at this terrible moment, Voyager's EMH took a stand for what he believed in, and I regard this as one of his finest scenes.
4. "Hunters" - Logic vs. Love
Tuvok is a good Vulcan, and he normally makes the logical choice. In this matter, it is completing his security duties, before attending to personal matters. But... he has a letter from his family in front of him. He turns to the security report... but then looks at the letter. Logic clashes with emotion... and this time emotion wins. Tuvok picks up the letter, eases himself into his chair, and begins to read.
5. "Et in Arcadia Ego" - Data's Exit
The last remnant Data's consciousness is trapped in limbo, and has chosen the human experience of ending his journey... or perhaps continuing it. So, he puts on his favorite song and lays down on the couch, and as the simulation shuts down, we see him age and fade from existence, and then pass with his longtime friend at his side. Data's death in "Nemesis" leaves a bad taste in my mouth to this day, but this touching scene makes up for it. And add in Picard's near-death... if I ever have something in my eye, this season finale's double-barreled blast to the tear ducts would be enough to wash out almost anything.
Though I did enjoy seeing Data return in Season 3, I am grateful that he clearly states that this previous version of him remains peacefully at rest... or perhaps moved on to new destinies.
Those are my favorite moments... what are yours? If you have one, or five, or fifty... no wrong way to answer this question.
These brief snippets might be seconds or minutes in duration. They might make you laugh, they might make you cry, they might just make you feel warm and toasty inside... here are some of mine.
My Top 10 Greatest Trek Moments, in no particular order
1. Star Trek IV - Enter the Bounty
The whaling ship closes in on George and Gracie, the whales surface, the harpoon fires, and... KLONG! And a moment later, the HMS Bounty decloaks and the single baleful eye of the Klingon warship stares down at the hapless vessel, and the whalers flee. And probably have to change their pants afterward. Made doubly satisfying due to the gruesome video of whale butchery that we were shown before.
2. "Encounter at Farpoint" - The Star Jellies
This two-parter was not Trek's strongest entry, and was one of its weakest premieres. Many of the actors did not seem to have quite figured out who their characters were yet. But despite the difficulties, I have to say that I am a sucker for the sweet wordlessness of this scene, where the restored "station" resumes its true form, and rejoins its mate, and the two happily touch tentacles. And of course, Deanna tells us how they're feeling... but she didn't really have to, did she?
3. "Menage a Troi" - Full Ensign Wesley Crusher
The turbolift opens, and out comes Wes with a huge grin on his face, absolutely rocking the hell out of that red uniform. He assumes his station, and we see the whole main cast together on the bridge. There's no cake, no balloons, no streamers... but the mood is still celebratory. I haven't seen every promotion scene in Trek, but this one if my favorite by far.
4. "The Drumhead" - The Admiral is Silent
We might wonder why Adm. Thomas Henry said nothing, just rose to his feet and walked silently out of the courtroom... maybe it was originally a cost-saving measure; actors who say nothing cost less than actors with lines. But whether the reason was brilliance or budget, his swift and silent departure delivered a devastating finisher to Admiral Satie, who had already been completely undone by Picard's use of her father's words to show the error of her ways. Despite her deplorable actions, I almost feel sorry for her at the end. I still quote his "..." any time a "Trek's greatest lines" topic pops up.
5. "The Inner Light" - Picard's Gift
This one's perfection is in how leisurely it proceeds. Alone in his quarters with his thoughts, Picard opens the box, finds the flute, and fiercely clutches this last tangible remnant of his incredible experience to his chest. And then, he perfectly plays the melody that he stuttered at for so long in another life, and the only other sound is the thrum of the ship's engines as she sails through the starlit void... and then the credits roll.
6. "The Visitor" - Sisko in the Morning Sun
Melanie is gone. The storm has blown over, the night is past. Jake has fallen asleep in his chair. And we don't see Ben rematerialize in his living room for their final moments together, he's just... there, watching his son sleep, and maybe remembering doing the same thing when Jake was in his crib, almost a century ago. It's a brilliant way to start the absolutely riveting and heartrending scene that follows, ending what I still regard as the greatest Trek episode ever.
7. "Accession" - Keiko the Matchmaker
Keiko and Molly are back, and Miles, the devoted husband and father, is determined to be there for them. But Keiko, the person who knows him best, understands that he still has the need in his life for his best mate. And with some deft persuasion, she convinces Miles and Julian to resume their holodeck fun. Keiko might have a bad reputation among some Trekkies, but her actions in this episode put me solidly in her corner.
(As an aside, this episode also has one of my favorite Kira moments, when she stares at all of her badly made clay birds, then smooshes one. No words are said, and as with Adm. Henry, none are required. Nana Visitor's dark, expressive eyes say it all)
8. "Shadows and Symbols" - Triumphant Return
To understand why I like this one, remember how Vedek Bareil arrived on the station, at the end of Season 1, as Ben the skeptic watched from a distance: mobbed by crowds, shaking hands, giving a random kid pickie-uppies. And when Ben returns to the station after finding the Orb of the Emissary, he does the exact same thing. The rich symbolism of this moment shows that Ben has not just accepted his place as Emissary ("Accession" did that), but fully embraced it, found joy in it. He is home in more ways than one.
9. "Year of Hell" - Janeway and Tuvok's Goodbye
Tuvok doesn't understand why Janeway is remaining on Voyager, but he accepts her decision, with the traditional Vulcan farewell, though of course they both know she will neither live long nor prosper. Janeway responds by hugging him, and after a moment (Vulcans are not the touchy-feeliest of people) he returns it. Then, it's over, and she gently hands him off to Seven, who guides him out. And Janeway stands on the deserted ruins of the bridge, adjusts the watch still dangling on her waist. She is alone, dirty, disheveled, scarred, but still unbroken.
And of course, the scene where she rams Voyager into the Krenim ship and blasts herself and two centuries of temporal genocide into oblivion is also awesome. But I figured I wouldn't need to point that out!
10 "Subspace Rhapsody" - "Crew of the Enterpriiiiiise!" PFOOOM!
I'm a musical theater guy, and I always enjoy watching a number begun as a lone voice swell and gather strength until the whole cast is belting it out together ("Consider Yourself" in the 1968 version of "Oliver!" is a great example). Add in an enormously talented cast of singers, great characters, and watching the power level grow until the final note pushes it over the edge and the technobabble-improbability-whatever seals itself shut with a final explosion... I shouldn't enjoy this one half as much as I do... but that doesn't stop me.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
1. "The Measure of a Man" - That Action Injured You... and Saved Me
One thing that knocks "Peak Performance" off my list of top episodes is that it sets up captain and first officer having to go toe to toe... and the Ferengi ruin it. Not so here, though. Picard and Riker are forced into a high-stakes legal battle by circumstance, and Riker has no choice but to do his best... or rather his worst. And, he does just that, proving beyond question that Data is a mere machine. And so, it's easy to see why he excuses himself from the celebration, until Data comes to him and points out an ironic but completely correct observation: Riker's actions in that courtroom, far from a betrayal, were a quintessential act of friendship.
2. "Warlord" - Neelix Goes with the Flow
Neelix has set up a luxurious but rather staid Talaxian resort program on the holodeck, which is suited to his tastes... but Tom has his own ideas. Add in some bright clothes, flowery drinks, sexy volleyballers, and a cruise ship band, and the program is completely different from what Neelix envisioned, as we can see on his face. But despite this, he gets over his surprise and quickly calls for more drinks and some hors d'oerves, and joins the dancing. Voyager's crew are his family, and their happiness is his, and if this is how they like the Paxau Resort... well, that's good enough for him. I know Neelix isn't popular, but I like him, and this scene is part of my reason why.
3. "Tuvix" - A Physician Must Do No Harm
Tuvix's fate has been decided, and no one on the bridge has even spoken on his behalf. Whether their actions are out of cowardice, indifference, genuine agreement with Janeway, or just unwillingness to oppose the decree of their cult mistress, we cannot say for sure (though we all have our theories). However, as the death march procession enters sickbay, the Doctor turns, looks Janeway in the eye, and utterly refuses to perform the procedure. And Janeway, as hard and implacable as she is, knows there's no point in ordering him. Whether Tuvix's death was a necessary tragedy or an atrocity that cannot be justified, we cannot say. But I will say that at this terrible moment, Voyager's EMH took a stand for what he believed in, and I regard this as one of his finest scenes.
4. "Hunters" - Logic vs. Love
Tuvok is a good Vulcan, and he normally makes the logical choice. In this matter, it is completing his security duties, before attending to personal matters. But... he has a letter from his family in front of him. He turns to the security report... but then looks at the letter. Logic clashes with emotion... and this time emotion wins. Tuvok picks up the letter, eases himself into his chair, and begins to read.
5. "Et in Arcadia Ego" - Data's Exit
The last remnant Data's consciousness is trapped in limbo, and has chosen the human experience of ending his journey... or perhaps continuing it. So, he puts on his favorite song and lays down on the couch, and as the simulation shuts down, we see him age and fade from existence, and then pass with his longtime friend at his side. Data's death in "Nemesis" leaves a bad taste in my mouth to this day, but this touching scene makes up for it. And add in Picard's near-death... if I ever have something in my eye, this season finale's double-barreled blast to the tear ducts would be enough to wash out almost anything.
Though I did enjoy seeing Data return in Season 3, I am grateful that he clearly states that this previous version of him remains peacefully at rest... or perhaps moved on to new destinies.
Those are my favorite moments... what are yours? If you have one, or five, or fifty... no wrong way to answer this question.
