The Child (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
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| Star Trek: TNG episode | |
| "The Child" | |
 Deanna and her son Ian in "The Child". |
|
| Episode no. | 27 |
|---|---|
| Prod. code | 127 |
| Airdate | November 21, 1988 |
| Writer(s) | Jason Summers, Jon Povill, Maurice Hurley |
| Director | Rob Bowman |
| Guest star(s) | Diana Muldaur, Whoopi Goldberg, Seymour Cassel, Colm Meaney, R.J. Williams, Dawn Arnemann, Zachary Benjamin, Dore Keller |
| Year | 2365 |
| Stardate | 42073.1 |
| Episode chronology | |
| Previous | "The Neutral Zone" |
| Next | "Where Silence Has Lease" |
"The Child" is the first episode of the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It was first broadcast on November 21, 1988.
In this episode, ship's Counsellor Deanna Troi gives birth to a mysterious child, while the Federation Starfleet Starship USS Enterprise transports a dangerous cargo.
Contents |
[edit] Plot
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The plot summary in this article or section is too long or detailed compared to the rest of the article. Please edit the article to focus on discussing the work rather than merely reiterating the plot. |
On stardate 42073.1, the USS Enterprise meets up with the USS Repulse to pick up Dr. Katherine Pulaski, the Enterprise's new chief medical officer, who is replacing Dr. Beverly Crusher after her reassignment to head Starfleet Medical. Meanwhile, Captain Picard and Commander Riker are with Lieutenant Geordi La Forge, congratulating him on his new position as Chief Engineer. Geordi is showing off his design for a specimen container, which will be inserted into a large bio-containment module currently set up in one of the cargo bays for their next assignment.
The Enterprise then sets course for Aucdet IX to transfer over dangerous plasma plague specimens, which will be taken to the Federation medical station at Tango Sierra in the Rachelis system. It is hoped that an inoculation can be created to fight an outbreak of plasma plague there.
As the ship gets underway, a mysterious ball of light passes through the hull and flies about the corridors, unnoticed by the crew. It finally drifts into Counselor Troi's quarters where she is sleeping. The ball of light slips under her blanket. A moment later, Troi pops awake as if awakened from a bad dream.
Later, Picard is informed that Dr. Pulaski has not yet reported to sickbay. To his dismay, he finds her sitting in the Ten Forward lounge with Troi. He demands a reason for her lapse in protocol; Pulaski explains that Counselor Troi has something to tell him.
Later in the observation lounge, Picard introduces Dr. Pulaski to Riker, Data and Worf before getting down to business; Troi is pregnant. Pulaski states that it is a most unusual pregnancy. The conception occurred about eleven hours ago, but on her first examination the fetus was already six weeks old. Her second exam an hour later indicated that the fetus was several weeks older, and that at this rate, Troi would give birth within the next 36 hours. Troi says that the normal gestation for a Betazoid is 10 months. A stunned Riker asks who the father is. Troi says while she slept she felt a presence in her quarters enter her body.
Pulaski indicates the child is half-human, half-Betazoid, just like Deanna, and the genetic patterns do not show its true origin. Picard is certain it is an alien presence whose intent and purpose are unknown, but Riker states there must be a reason. Worf suggests the pregnancy could be a threat to the crew and must be terminated. Data suggests it could provide scientific study. As everyone states differing opinions and argues about what to do, Deanna speaks up and announces that she will have the baby. Picard agrees with her decision and ends the meeting.
The Enterprise finally arrives at Aucdet IX. Supervising the operation is Lt. Commander Hester Dealt, who comes aboard and inspects Geordi's containment module. Geordi and Wesley Crusher meet up with Dealt as he checks over the specifications. For the next several hours the crew works out the painstaking check of the 512 containers that will each hold a different strain of virus. The transport will be a delicate procedure.
Elsewhere, Troi begins labor. She tells Data, "It's time!" Like a nervous father, Data rushes her to sickbay. Data calls Worf and security, and Dr. Pulaski scoffs at the need for guards in a delivery room. Data responds that it is the captain's orders. Pulaski states that she could use an extra set of hands on this one, and Troi suggests Data help with the delivery. Data is intrigued, saying that he understands the technical aspects of life's creation but not the process. He becomes alarmed when Troi states, "It's happening now!"
Pulaski is surprised that the baby is so eager to make an appearance. She offers Troi something for the pain, but Troi says she feels no pain at all. Soon the child is born, a boy. Troi names him Ian Andrew after her father. Worf looks the infant over, and Pulaski tells him he can relax as it's just a baby. Pulaski then informs Picard of the birth. Riker appears to give his regards, telling Deanna that Ian is beautiful, "just like his mother."
Back on the bridge, Dr. Pulaski enters for the first time. Picard asks for an update on Troi. Pulaski states that mother and baby are doing fine. She has delivered dozens of babies but this is the most unusual one yet. She states Troi felt no pain, no trauma, and it was effortless for both of them. She states other oddity, as well; during her last examination, Troi showed no signs of ever having a baby, or being pregnant for that matter.
With the container set up taking longer than expected, Picard has time to see the child himself. He and Pulaski head to Troi's quarters. Their jaws drop when the door slides open. Within 24 hours of birth, Ian now appears to be a child of four years. Troi stands next to him in dismay. She tells Ian to "say hello". Ian cheerfully does so. The doctor and captain are astonished to hear the boy already speaking. Seemingly noticing their discomfort, Ian adds "Don't worry, everything is fine."
Soon the transfer of the organisms begins. Pulaski and Data review the organism manifest in sickbay. Pulaski ask Data a question, mispronouncing his name with a short first "a". Data corrects her and she asks what the difference is. Data states, "One is my name; the other is not." Pulaski grabs a tricorder, amused, and scans the android; she's astonished that within his complex neural network of algorithms and heuristics there could be a circuit for bruised feelings.
Elsewhere, Troi stops by the nursery to pick up Ian from school. He is now the size of an eight-year-old; the teacher, Ms. Gladstone, even comments that she believes Ian grew a bit since he arrived.
Data is called to the transporter room to lend assistance during the transport of the hazardous organisms. With everything set, the transport proceeds in carefully monitored batches. So far everything seems to be working and the containment module is holding.
Pulaski and Picard pay Troi and Ian another visit. The two are ready for dinner. Ian asks if they ever played with puppies. Troi explains they had a litter in the nursery as she places a bowl of hot steaming soup before her child. Ian quickly sticks his finger in the soup and burns himself, yelping with pain. Pulaski looks him over, but no harm is done. Ian comments that his face is wet from tears, a new sensation for him. Pulaski turns to the captain indicating that Ian seems to have burned himself on purpose. Picard agrees, "For the experience". Under her breath Pulaski asks "Who is he? What does he want?". Picard decides to ask.
Picard kneels down to Ian's level and asks him directly, "Why are you here?". Ian shows confusion; "Because mommy said it was time to eat." Picard rephrases; "I mean, why are you here on this ship?" Ian responds that he "lives here". Troi tells Ian that she thinks he's ready to explain why he came to live here. But Ian says he isn't, not just yet. Troi feels the answer is within him, but his cognitive abilities are not yet developed enough to articulate an answer. Picard hopes they will be soon. Riker calls the captain, informing him the transfer is complete. Picard verifies and orders a course set to the Rachelis system, warp 6.
Wesley takes a break after the transfer in Ten Forward, noting to Guinan that, with his mother already gone, he too will be leaving the Enterprise soon. As he stares at the stars, Guinan wonders if he sees his future out there; Wesley is uncertain at this point.
Down in the cargo bay, new readings from the containment module alarm Dealt. There is a growth in one of the containers. Geordi is skeptical and double checks the system. The failure appears to be real. Geordi alerts the bridge and Dealt stresses that the problem is very serious. Geordi is baffled, wondering if the ship's warp field is somehow causing containment failure. Picard slows the Enterprise to impulse and Geordi checks again, but the growth is still occurring. Pulaski and Riker leave the bridge to assist.
Back in Ten Forward, Wesley sits with Guinan, still discussing his life over a plate of Delovian souffle. The topic switches to Guinan's peculiar past. Wesley mentions that there are rumors floating around about her. Guinan asks "like what?". Wesley mentions some crew members who believe she's from Nova Kron; before he can elaborate, Picard calls him to the bridge. Wesley takes the conn as Data rushes to the cargo bay to assist the others.
The crisis in the cargo hold continues. Riker wonders why only the one module is malfunctioning and none of the others. Geordi guesses it's a sensor malfunction but the computer confirms the growth is occurring. Riker tells Dealt to destroy the specimen but he says he can't do that. Riker then orders him to jettison the entire module but Dealt says they can't do that either; the virus would form a spore and travel through space risking contamination on another planet.
Riker is dismayed and out of ideas. Dealt estimates 30 minutes until the organism breaks out of the container and two hours until it breaks out of the entire module. Geordi doesn't believe it can break out of the whole module, but Dealt maintains that it can. Geordi suggests that all personnel evacuate the engineering section; if they lose containment they may have to separate the saucer section.
Pulaski is confounded, wondering why this one strain of virus is growing; something must be stimulating it. She asks Dealt about its etiology. Dealt explains that it is a mutated strain developed from an outbreak in the Oby system. It was bombarded with Eichner radiation. Pulaski asks if exposure would stimulate growth, but Dealt is uncertain. He then scans for Eichner radiation and gets a positive reading. Pulaski asks what would emit such energy. Data rambles off a few suspects — a subspace phase inverter, certain cyanoacrylates — but none are aboard. Pulaski warns them they'd better find the source fast.
Back in Troi's quarters, Troi tries to put Ian to bed, but he seems upset. He senses worry on this ship and states he is the cause. Troi says she doesn't understand, but all he says is that he has to go now; if he doesn't, things will get really bad for everyone. Troi is confused and asks what him what he is talking about. Ian closes his eyes as Troi panics, sensing the boy is dying. She shakes him but he remains unconscious. She quickly calls for Dr. Pulaski.
Pulaski rushes in with Picard, Riker and Data behind her and scans Ian. His life signs are fading rapidly. Data scans as well, indicating the boy is the source of the radiation. Pulaski says there is nothing she can do. Troi weeps as Ian takes his final breath, but soon the boy's body begins to glow and dematerialize. The tiny mote of light that entered the ship earlier appears floating above the bed. Everyone looks on in wonder as the light enters Troi's open hands. She seems to be communicating with the light for a moment, but then it drifts away and flies through the bulkhead and out into space.
Geordi reports that the containment field has stabilized; the viral growth has stopped. Troi sits quietly, now full of understanding. She explains that Ian was a life-force entity. He found the Enterprise and became curious to know more about the crew. He decided the best way was to go through the process of being born, in order to live as one of them. She states he never meant any harm. Everyone seems to agree, and Troi states she will miss him.
The Enterprise finally reaches the Rachelis system. Everyone is relived to be rid of the cargo as soon as possible. In the Captain's Ready Room, Wesley states he now wishes to remain on the Enterprise, feeling this is where he belongs. Picard asks if had discussed the matter with his mother, but he admits he wanted the Captain's permission first.
A moment later, Picard enters the bridge and announces to Riker that Mr. Crusher has requested to remain aboard the Enterprise. Making sure Wesley can hear every word, Riker asks if the Captain has made a decision, but Picard admits that it is not his decision to make. Riker asks who will see to his studies with his mother not around? Picard feels that duty will fall to Mr. Data. Riker then asks, "Who will tuck him in at night?" Wesley's eyes roll. Worf states he will see to that. Picard then makes it Riker's duty to guide young Wesley from youth to man. Riker replies that he believes he can do that. Picard says their end is taken care of. It lies with Wesley to get his mother's permission. With everything set, the Captain orders a smiling Wesley to set course to their next assignment.
[edit] Production
"The Child" was originally written as an episode of Star Trek: Phase II. It developed from a story pitch by Jason Summers, and was written as a script by Summers and Jon Povill, who shared credit on the resulting teleplay. As a result of Povill's work on the script, he became Story Editor on the series. With the abandonment of Phase II, "The Child" was also abandoned.
However, in 1987, a second Star Trek television series, Star Trek: The Next Generation, came on the air. Unlike Phase II, which featured the original characters in a new five-year mission, TNG featured new characters, with some closely based on additional characters proposed for Phase II. A major Writers Guild of America strike took place in the summer of 1988, leading to the start of many fall seasons being delayed. At that time, the producers of The Next Generation decided to look into the Phase II archives for scripts. Upon the termination of the writer's strike in August, Maurice Hurley, the head writer and a co-executive producer for season 2, did a quick script revision, and the episode was soon filmed.[1] The script was originally focused on the proposed new character of Ilia, who had been the basis for the TNG character Deanna Troi, and was relatively easy to adapt. The episode, which was the second season premiere, aired in November rather than the usual September. The writer's strike would also result in the last episode of the season "Shades of Gray", being the only clip show in Star Trek's history.
The original script was published in 1997 in a book about Phase II by Judith and Garfield Reeves-Stevens.[2]
[edit] Character changes
The start of this season marks the most significant changes to be seen at the start of any season of the series. In later seasons, there would be subtle changes at most.
The episode features the first appearance of Guinan, the ship's El Aurian bartender and Picard's confidant. She offers advice to Wesley Crusher about doing what he wants instead of submitting to the desires of others. He takes her advice and requests to remain aboard the Enterprise after the departure of his mother, and the crew obliges. The episode has La Forge as a full lieutenant and Chief Engineer. Both La Forge and Worf are wearing gold (Operation) uniforms.
"The Child" also features the first appearance of a new chief medical officer aboard the Enterprise, Doctor Katherine Pulaski, who would serve in the position for the entire second season. The episode commences with a shuttle craft leaving the Enterprise's shuttlebay carrying Beverly Crusher, who decided to leave the ship to become head of Starfleet Medical. Doctor Crusher would return in her original role at the start of season three. Pulaski is more businesslike and less friendly than Dr. Crusher, and her bigotry creates a conflict with Lieutenant Commander Data, as she is wary of technology and he must prove his worth to her. This theme becomes evident when Troi requests that Data be present for the birth of her child and Pulaski is skeptical. The conflict between the two characters would be explored throughout the second season.
Riker also gains his beard in this episode; after Jonathan Frakes returned for filming having grown it, he had intended to shave it off for the new season. However, the producers liked it so much that they asked him to keep it.[3] He would eventually shave it off many years later in Star Trek: Insurrection, only to grow it back in the final film, Star Trek: Nemesis.
[edit] References
- ^ Susan Sackett (2002). Inside Trek: My Secret Life With Star Trek Creator Gene Roddenberry. HAWK Publishing Group. ISBN 1-930709-42-0.
- ^ Reeves-Stevens, Judith and Garfield. Star Trek: Phase II: The Lost Series. Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-56839-6.
- ^ Nemecek, Larry (1992). The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion. Pocket Books. ISBN 0-671-88340-2.
