First Contact

Episode aired Feb 16, 1991
TV-PG
46m

IMDb RATING

8.1/10

3.9K

YOUR RATING

Patrick Stewart, George Coe, and Carolyn Seymour in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987)

Action Adventure Drama Sci-Fi

Disguised as an alien prior to First Contact, Will's life becomes imperiled when incurred injuries reveal his foreign internal structure to a xenophobic alien population.Disguised as an alien prior to First Contact, Will's life becomes imperiled when incurred injuries reveal his foreign internal structure to a xenophobic alien population.Disguised as an alien prior to First Contact, Will's life becomes imperiled when incurred injuries reveal his foreign internal structure to a xenophobic alien population.

See production info at IMDbPro

IMDb RATING

8.1/10

3.9K

YOUR RATING

See production info at IMDbPro

Trivia
Bebe Neuwirth was working on Cheers (1982) at the same time. In order to dovetail her schedule, it was sometimes necessary for her to go through makeup with TNG, then skip across the lot to rehearse with Cheers (in alien makeup), then return to TNG to finish makeup and shoot. She reported that the Cheers cast appreciated the humorous distraction (glued to her face).

Goofs
Both Yale and Picard could have beamed directly to the privacy of Chancellor Durken's office instead of presenting themselves to his secretary at the hall, causing shock and panic to the secretary and any witnessing staff at Picard's presence, thus ruining the plans for first contact.

Quotes
Chancellor Durken: I go home each night to a loving wife, two beautiful daughters. We eat the evening meal together as a family. I think that's important, and they always ask me if I've had a good day.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: And how will you answer them tonight, Chancellor?
Chancellor Durken: I will have to say: This morning, I was the leader of the universe as I know it. This afternoon, I'm only a voice in a chorus - but I think it was a good day.

Connections
Featured in re:View: More Rich and Mike's Top Ten TNG Episodes (2020)

Soundtracks
Star Trek: The Next Generation Main Title
Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage

User reviews26

Review

Featured review

8/10

I'll call you the next time I pass through

Enterprise attempts to make first contact with the inhabitants of a planet.

This is a strong episode that has some great themes written within a decent story and some memorable character moments.

It is the story of a world on the verge of first contact with the Federation, but within it are themes on social development and the readiness of inhabitants to be in contact with other worlds. I find it to be quite reflective of our present day world in many ways, but they feel somewhat ahead of us and I imagine any alien life forms watching us would maintain a very wide birth.

The Enterprise crew are almost like Klaatu from 'The Day The Earth Stood Still' as they observe the Malcorians. There are a number of great dialogues between Captain Picard and the guest characters. Commander Riker's contribution being somewhat of a plot MacGuffin who's situation helps bring a sense of urgency to everything. In doing so he has some cool moments of drama and humour.

All the guest characters are distinctive and written in a relatable way. My favourite moments are of Picard showing certain individuals what exists outside their world and of course the light relief of Riker's encounter with a Malcorian nurse.

All visuals are great, with strong set design, costuming, makeup and matte paintings.

Performances by everyone are memorable with standouts being Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, George Coe and Carolyn Seymour.