The Big Goodbye (TNG episode)

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Star Trek: TNG episode
"The Big Goodbye"
Picard and Data in-character in the 'Dixon Hill' holonovel 'The Big Goodbye'.
Episode no.	12
Prod. code	113
Airdate	January 11, 1988
Writer(s)	Tracy Torme
Director	Joseph L. Scanlan
Guest star(s)	Lawrence Tierney, Harvey Jason, William Boyett, David Selsburg, Gary Armagnac
Year	2364
Stardate	41997.7
Episode chronology
Previous	"Haven"
Next	"Datalore"

"The Big Goodbye" is a first season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, first broadcast January 11, 1988. It is episode #12, production #113, teleplay written by Tracy Torme, and directed by Joseph L. Scanlan.

Overview: A computer malfunction traps Picard, Data, and Beverly in a 1940s gangster holodeck program.

[edit] Plot

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

On stardate 41997.7, the USS Enterprise is on a mission to Torona IV, to meet the insectoid Jaradan (HA-RAH-DAN), a reclusive race that the Federation has been trying to establish relations with. They are also known for their idiosyncratic attitude towards protocol, demanding a precise greeting where any mispronunciation is considered an insult. To his dismay, Picard has been selected to open diplomatic talks. He sits with Counselor Troi studying the complex language. It is clear Picard is burnt out and Troi suggests a break.

Picard has some time to kill, and heads to the Holodeck 3, eager to experience the latest upgrades. He inputs voice commands; "Earth... United States... San Francisco, California... 1941 A.D.", and Picard activates his fictional hero, Dixon Hill, private detective program. Picard steps through and finds the rather rundown mid 20th Century decor pleasing to his senses. He walks to a door where the words "DIXON HILL PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR" adorn the glass window. He finds his character's bubbly secretary busy at her desk. She calls him "Dix", and comments on his "bell boy" outfit, to which Picard notices he's still in his 24th Century uniform. He forgot to change.

His secretary tells him a Mr. Leech called twice, and a woman named Bradley is waiting for him in his office. His secretary leaves, and Picard goes to his office finding the "nice legs" waiting for him. The woman identifies herself as Mrs. Jessica Bradley. She is wealthy looking woman radiating seductive sensuality. Picard takes a seat and the woman gets to the point; "I need your help Mr. Hill. Someone is trying to kill me." Picard shows some excitement. This new scenario should be good. Jessica continues, mentioning names of potential suspects; her husband, her stepdaughter, or perhaps Cyrus Redblock. Picard isn't sure if his character will take the job, but Jessica leans to kiss him, insuring that he will. Picard is surprised by the realism; his compliments to the programmers. Jessica explains that Redblock thinks she has what he's looking for, but she doesn't. She passes him a retainer fee, then leaves. Picard observes more of the setting outside the window. The details of the city are incredible. He summons the Holodeck EXIT and prepares to leave. Suddenly, there is a knock on his door, and Picard says he's closed for the day. The figure, Mr. Leech, enters anyway, and is confused when he sees Dixon has vanished.

Picard meets with his officers in the lounge to discuss the Jaradan rendezvous. However, he cannot help but talk about the holodeck, inviting Dr. Crusher to come along. He also wishes for their on-staff historian, Dr. Whalen, to join them. Commander Riker shifts gears toward their mission stipulations; reminding them all that the Jaradan are very touchy. The Federation wishes to establish relations because of the strategic military value their world offers. The last starship to greet them made a mistake which cost them 20 years of silence. Data indicates he has a recording of the event, in case the Captain would like to see the graphic results of what happened when they got the greeting wrong. Picard declines. Data is remains puzzled why the Captain didn't want to see the information, but La Forge indicates, once you've seen the Jaradan get angry, you don't ever have to see it again. Data brings up Dixon Hill comparing him to a 20th Century Sherlock Holmes, but indicates his modus operandi is dissimilar, and worth investigating. At his science terminal, he calls up all the novels of Dixon Hill, and reads through the text at super speed.

Meanwhile, Picard and Dr. Whalen prepare to experience the 1940s. The two are dressed in period clothing and arrive at the holodeck. Picard stops in his tracks and is stunned to see Mr. Data decked out in a suit and Bogart-style hat, fashionably tilted over one eye. He requests permission to accompany them, and indicates he has mastered the lingo of the time. Whalen and Picard are amused, remembering the words from the Dixon Hill novel.

The group enters, their faces express wonderment. The three men walk through the historic streets, while the motorized sounds of the city fill the air. They come to a news stand, and study a newspaper; astonished at the detail on every page, and noting the headlines: "Hitler on the move", "Roosevelt presses Congress for British aid", "DiMaggio streak reaches thirty-seven." Data points out, Joltin Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper; his streak will hit 56 games, and be snapped by a pair of journeyman hurlers for the Cleveland Indians. The vendor laughs "Cleveland? They got no pitchers." (a curious statement; either an in-joke for baseball fans, or a lapse on the part of the writers or the character, as Cleveland featured the best pitcher in baseball at the time, Bob Feller) Data continues stating the record will hold until 2026, when a London Kings shortstop... but the vendor interrupts, thinking Data is completely nuts. Where did they get this guy? Picard replies he's from South America.

Picard's jaw drops when he spots another headline: "Wealthy Socialite Murdered", the accompanying photo is of Jessica Bradley. He mentions he should have listened to her. She said someone was after her. But Whalen reminds him she is just a page from a book. Suddenly, they hear a voice; "Well looked what the cat dragged in." Data taking the statement literally, looks at the ground for a cat. Two city homicide detectives walk up, Bell and McNary, and Bell doesn't like Dixon very much. Bell asks Hill where he was last night between 10 and midnight. Picard says it's a bit hard to explain, but Bell indicates he'll have plenty of time to come up with a story since he's under arrest for the murder of Jessica Bradley.

Back in the real world, Lt. Yar signals Riker of a long range scan of the Enterprise. Riker wonders if it's the Jaradan, but she isn't sure. Suddenly, the probe causes computer terminals and deck lights to dim momentarily. The ship shudders as Riker looks around the ceiling. Whatever it was, suddenly stops. Tasha receives a voice transmission from the Jaradan. Riker takes the call and the Jaradan's buzzing voice indicates they await their greeting. Riker informs them the Captain will give the greeting in a moment, but the Jaradan become offended by talking to a lowly subordinate. They impatiently await the Captain's official greeting. Riker tells Geordi to summon the Captain from the holodeck. Elsewhere, Beverly has arrived at the holodeck doors, in full '40s fashion. She noticed the drain in power around the ship. The doors open, and she enters, but senses something isn't right. The terminal indicates normal activity, so she continues inside. The doors close behind her as if they just sealed her fate.

She finds herself in the foyer of a police station where Data and Dr. Whalen inspect award plaques on the walls. Data responds; "Hiya Doc." She asks for the Captain. Data replies; "He's on ice." She begs his pardon. "He's be'n grilled." She asks what he is talking about? Dr. Whalen explains the Captain is being interrogated. They think he committed a murder. Beverly wonders if they should be rescuing him or something, but Whalen assures it's all part of the act. The Captain is having the time of his life in there. Elsewhere, Picard sits under a harsh lamp as the cops pace around him. He responds "I've told you everything I know." Bell says, "Well, you're just gonna have to tell us again. From the top." Picard is amused, he remembers this scene from the stories. In the meantime, Geordi stands at Holodeck 3's terminal looking confused by the readouts. He contacts the bridge and says he can't find the Captain. Riker indicates he should be on the holodeck, but Geordi is completely serious. He can't communicate with them, access the program, or open the doors. Riker tells Tasha to take the bridge, he's heading down. Wesley offers to assist knowing his mother may be in trouble.

Meanwhile Bell keeps grilling Picard, who is growing tired of the scene. It should have ended already. He starts to rise from his seat; "Look fellows, this is no longer amusing", but Bell shoves him hard into his seat. Picard is astonished by the force. Bell gets in his face; "You think you're tough, Hill! But you're nothing!" Picard shows fear now, the program is coming on a bit strong. McNary tries to calm his partner down, but Bell is furious, and storms out of the room. McNary apologizes to Picard, "Dix, His old lady's been giving him a hard time." Elsewhere Data and Whalen wait, still inspecting the living history. Beverly knows it's taking too long, especially when she is made uncomfortable by the police sergeant who keeps staring at her. Picard finally exits the interrogation room. Bell warns him not to leave town for a while.

Picard comes to the waiting room finding his friends. He thanks Beverly for joining them, but he thinks it's time they return to the Enterprise now. Beverly Crusher asks if they could at least swing by and check out Dixon's office. Picard figures "why not?" They walk to the office where they find Mr. Leech waiting for them. Leech demands to speak with Dixon about urgent business, but Picard tells him he has no time, call back tomorrow. Leech withdraws a firearm and holds it threateningly; "You're not going anywhere. Not until we have a little chat."

Outside the holodeck, Geordi and Wesley inspect the circuits. Tasha calls down to Riker to report they have reached Torona IV, and asks what they should do about the Jaradan. Riker says they wait. Wesley believes the computer must have been affected by the Jaradan probe, but finding where will take time. Inside the holodeck world, Leech totes the pistol, reminding Dixon he is no man to be toyed with. He thinks Hill has Jessica's "object" and now he wants him to hand it over. Picard tells Leech he can't help him, the game is over. Leech reminds him it's no game, but Whalen plays around and steps to get Leech's gun. The gun goes off, and Whalen slumps to the floor. Beverly sees a pool of blood form on his chest. The bullets aren't supposed to be real. Beverly sees he is truly injured, and must get him to sickbay. Picard is furious, knocking the revolver from Leech's hand. Leech runs for the door, telling Dixon the "Fat Man" ain't gonna like this. Picard calls for the EXIT, but no door appears. He repeats the command louder; "Computer! Exit!" Still nothing. Data tries to conjure it; "Computer, identify exit". He returns stating the program is obviously malfunctioning. Meanwhile the Enterprise has taken orbit above the Jaradan planet. Riker calls for a status report from the holodeck, but Geordi hasn't gotten results.

Inside the program, Picard asks Data for an analysis. Data assumes since the accessibility controls no longer respond to voice commands, somehow, they have been removed from the simulation. Whalen is losing more blood, growing colder. He will soon bleed to death if they don't find a way out. Suddenly, there is movement in the hall. Leech bursts through the door followed by another thug and the very fat Cyrus Redblock. Redblock greets Picard as Dixon Hill, and apologizes for the uninvited entry. Picard sees there was no choice in the matter, but Redblock indicates life is full of choices. Unfortunately, he chose to make things more difficult. Redblock demands "the object", wondering if Hill is dumb enough to hide it in the office. His thugs begin to search the room. Leech backhands Picard, shoving him out of the way. A trickle of blood runs down his cheek reminding him the danger is real. Suddenly, the front door bursts open and McNary enters. Redblock's thugs surprise and disarm him. McNary says he saw the lights on, thought he was working late. He guessed right. McNary sees Redblock and comments; "Forget to take the trash out?" Redblock states he is a tolerant man, but doesn't tolerate disrespect. Data sounds in; noting Redblock's devotion to etiquette is admirable, but his methods leave much to be desired. Redblock stares at the yellow-eyed stranger and asks: "What have we here?" Leech comments saying it looks like a ghost, but Data informs them he is from South America. Redblock states he's been all around the world, but never seen anything like him. Sensing an opportunity here, Picard indicates that Data is indeed not of this world, none of them are. Redblock and Leech look to Dixon like he just lost his mind.

Picard continues, stating they come from a place with riches more valuable that the object he seeks. Redblock admires his skill of trying to obfuscate reality. Data explains to the holodeck characters that they are the ones who are not real. Picard announces he is not Dixon Hill and that everything around them is a simulation of a fictional novel. Redblock proposes that it's an interesting theory, and he should test it by shooting one of them. Beverly shouts that they already have, Whalen is dying. Redblock demands Hill hand over the item, but Picard says he doesn't have it. Redblock tells Leech to shoot the broad. Picard now claims to have the item, and Redblock is impressed how Hill waited for the last moment to test his resolve. Picard states he will explain where the item is only if Redblock's thugs put the weapons down and they help save Mr. Whalen's life.

Back in reality, Wesley finds a way to shut the program down, but it risks the individuals inside. The trapped crew have actually become part of the program, they are energy patterns like everything else around them. Force quitting the program could erase their patterns and delete them with the rest of the environment. Hopefully, he can reset the program without stopping it. Inside the simulation, Picard explains the ugency of getting Whalen to the sickbay, but Data doesn't see how without computer access. Redblock has never heard of a "computer" before, so Data rambles out an explanation. Leech has heard enough, and becomes furious. He begs his boss to let him kill this weirdo. Suddenly, there is a flash of light in the program. The entire group, including the thugs, now find themselves in a snow covered wasteland in the midst of a howling blizzard, then suddenly, they are back in Dixon's office. The thugs are speechless.

Data notices the EXIT has appeared, and draws attention to it. Picard explains, that's the doorway to their world. Leech is terrified, but Redblock becomes intrigued. He approaches the door, but Data explains that it is impossible for Redblock or his thugs to leave. Redblock takes one look around and believes anything is possible. He summons Leech and the two gangsters walk out of the holodeck onto the Enterprise corridor. Redblock is overjoyed there is the new world to plunder, but then Leech notices his legs are missing. The two gangsters begin to dissolve, then completely disappear. The third thug drops his gun at the sight, and McNary subdues him. Picard orders Data and Beverly to get Whalen to safety, then looks to McNary. The cop understands everything now, saying "This is the big good-bye." Picard is sorry he can't take his friend along, but NcNary jokes, someone has to book the thug. Picard leaves the holodeck and races to the bridge. He calls the Jaradan, and gives them their strange greeting. The aliens respond with honor and welcome a new day of relations have begun. Everyone is relieved, and Riker hopes his Captain had a nice vacation. He responds it was a nice place to visit, but he wouldn't want to die there.

[edit] Notes

This episode is featured on the Star Trek: The Next Generation - Jean-Luc Picard Collection DVD set for Region 1 only. It is the first of seven episodes featured, on disc 1 of the two-disc set.
This episode was to be shown after "11001001", thus explaining the malfunction of the holodeck with the previous tampering of the Bynars. The idea was changed and the episode shown earlier explaining the problem with the power spike. The stardate, however, remained the same, and jumbled up the order in which the shows were to be shown. After second season, all episodes of The Next Generation began to appear in order of their stardate.

The episode's title is an amalgamation of two of Raymond Chandler's detective stories: The Big Sleep and The Long Goodbye.

As Captain Picard enters the holodeck for the first time, the song playing in the background is titled "From Out of Nowhere". The selection was made by producer Robert Justman.

This episode earned an Emmy Award for series costuming, as well as a Peabody Award.

In the movie "First Contact", when Picard is trying to find a program on the holodeck that would contain a 20th Century gun to attack the Borg with, he chooses "The Big Goodbye" and resumes his character as Dixon Hill.