The Drumhead 

A retired admiral boards the Enterprise in an effort to determine the actions aboard the ship surrounding an act of sabotage and possible treason.

Director:

Jonathan Frakes

Writers:

Gene Roddenberry (created by), Jeri Taylor

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
Bruce French	...	Sabin Genestra
Spencer Garrett	...	Simon Tarses
Henry Woronicz	...	J'Ddan
Earl Billings	...	Adm. Thomas Henry
Jean Simmons	...	Adm. Nora Satie
Ann Shea	...	Nellen Tore

Storyline

A Klingon traitor is arrested: engineer Lieutenant J'Ddan, who passed secrets to the Romulans via fluid in a medical syringe, sabotage is feared. Retired female Federation Admiral Satie and her former assistants arrive to take charge of the investigation, with security chief Worf. Meanwhile Data and LaForge look into the sabotage risk. J'Ddan's denial of sabotaging the vital dilithium chamber is credible, which implies another traitor aboard, so the crew is grilled, starting with medic Simon Tarses who gave J'Ddan his injections. After a paranormal counsel believes Tarses a liar, he's tricked by lies into acting guilty, even though the 'sabotage' was in fact found to be an accidental failure, and confesses he lied about his ancestry to hide a Romulan grandfather. Picard objects against the unethical procedure, Satie calls upon Starfleet chief of security Admiral Henry to look for an even wider conspiracy, starting with Picard himself, based on his long-term record, and Worf, based on ...

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Plot Keywords:

exobiologist | male exobiologist | aide | inquiry | master systems display table | 

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Genres:

Action | Adventure | Mystery | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

TV-PG

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 April 1991 (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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Michael Dorn said that Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Offspring (1990) and Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Drumhead (1991) were his two favorite episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987).

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Goofs

Considering that Admiral Nora Satie relied heavily on the advice given to her by her Betazoid assistant, it is surprising that Captain Picard did not require the assistance of Counselor Deanna Troi throughout the interrogations and trial.

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Quotes

Admiral Nora Satie: Captain. May I tell you how I've spent the past four years? From planet to starbase to planet. I have no home. I live on starships and shuttlecraft. I haven't seen a family member in years. I have no friends. But I have a purpose. My father taught me from the time I was a little girl still clutching a blanket, that the United Federation of Planets is the most remarkable institution ever conceived. And it is my cause to make sure that this... extraordinary union be preserved.

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Connections

References Star Trek: The Next Generation: Conspiracy (1988)

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Soundtracks

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

User Reviews

A witch hunt...it's good but also very obvious.

I think the episode "The Drumhead" is a lot more important than most episodes because it is so timely--and probably always will be. However, on the other hand, the show is VERY obvious and familiar.

When the show begins, you learn that there has been sabotage aboard the Enterprise. Some Klingon exchange officer has deliberately damaged the engines to serve his Romulan overlords. It's not surprising that the Federation would send a big-wig to investigate, but Admiral Satie (Jean Simmons--the actress, not the guy from KISS) turns out to be an evil slug who is more interested in conducting a witch hunt than learning the truth.

Considering all the similar situations we've experienced over the years (not just the Red Scare but more recent events as well), this is a good message. But I worry for two reasons: this message is so obvious and lacks subtlety and most folks are sheep and simply don't care. But I do appreciate the writer's attempt to educate us through the episode. And, it was nice to see Miss Simmons once again.