The Chase 

The crew of the Enterprise must race against various rival powers to uncover an archaeological secret that explains the predominance of humanoid life forms in the galaxy.

Director:

Jonathan Frakes

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (created by), Joe Menosky (teleplay by)

Stars:

Patrick Stewart, Jonathan Frakes, LeVar Burton

Cast

Episode complete credited cast:
Patrick Stewart	...	Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
Jonathan Frakes	...	Cmdr. William Riker
LeVar Burton	...	Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
Michael Dorn	...	Lt. Worf
Gates McFadden	...	Dr. Beverly Crusher
Marina Sirtis	...	Counselor Deanna Troi
Brent Spiner	...	Lt. Cmdr. Data
Salome Jens	...	Humanoid Progenitor
John Cothran	...	Capt. Nu'Daq (as John Cothran Jr.)
Maurice Roëves	...	Romulan Captain
Linda Thorson	...	Gul Ocett
Norman Lloyd	...	Professor Galen
Majel Barrett	...	Enterprise Computer (voice)

Storyline

Whilst on a mission to observe the development of protostars in the Volterra Nebula, Captain Picard is visited by his old Academy archaeology mentor, Professor Galen, who invites Picard to join him on a long expedition he claims to be of great historical importance. Upon being refused again in favor of fleet duty, Galen goes alone, but his shuttle is captured by Yridians, who sell his vital findings, which Data, La Forge and Crusher help decipher, revealing an incredible DNA sequence, common to at least nineteen independent sentient life forms. As it turns out, it was sold to the Klingons and Cardassians too, who arrive simultaneously at the planet, from where they suspect the common source, which included a hidden 'program', originated. Yet this setting holds further surprises from still other races.

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Plot Keywords:

professor | computer program | female cardassian | puzzle | progenitor | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Mystery | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Did You Know?

Trivia

With the death of Olaf Pooley on July 14, 2015, Norman Lloyd (Professor Richard Galen) is the oldest living "Star Trek" actor. On November 8, 2016, he became the first "Star Trek" actor to celebrate his 102nd birthday.

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Goofs

When Picard, Crusher, Worf and Captain Nu'Daq beam down together, both Dr. Crusher and Captain Nu'Daq materialize with their right leg slightly elevated and ahead of themselves in a step-like position due to the uneven topography of the beam-down site. The transporter pad they beamed down from is a flat surface. There would be no reason to keep one foot elevated.

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Quotes

Captain Jean-Luc Picard: It's four billion years old - a computer program from a highly advanced civilization; and it's hidden in the very fabric of life itself. Whatever information this program contains could be the most profound discovery of our time - or the most dangerous. And the Professor knew that.

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Connections

Featured in Mr. Plinkett's Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Review (2011)

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Soundtracks

Star Trek: The Next Generation End Credits
Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage

User Reviews

We're not so different

With a title like 'The Chase', this episode fuels certain expectations - which end up being defied because this is neither cat-n-mouse nor a race. Which is integral to why this is so good. What starts out as Picard reflecting on those career paths not taken switches gears into something more like a mystery thriller. The key to this is the execution; it's a smooth transition (Frakes at the helm) and the endpoint on this journey brings the major raves together (except for Vulcans) for a curious revelation. But there was real though put into this and the effort to address the differences and similarities in Star Trek makeup effects is evident.

It's a great episode.

7/10

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English Klingon

Release Date:

24 April 1993 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

45 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1