The Outrageous Okona

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Star Trek: TNG episode
"The Outrageous Okona"

Thadiun Okona, the central character of 'The Outrageous Okona'.
Episode no. 30
Prod. code 130
Airdate December 12, 1988
Writer(s) Burton Armus
Director Robert Becker
Guest star(s) Billy Campbell (as William O. Campbell),
Whoopi Goldberg,
Joe Piscopo,
Teri Hatcher,
Douglas Rowe
Year 2365
Stardate 42402.7
Episode chronology
Previous "Elementary, Dear Data"
Next "Loud as a Whisper"

"The Outrageous Okona" is the fourth episode of the second season of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It first aired on December 12, 1988. It is episode #30, production number #130. It was written by Les Menchen, Lance Dickson and David Landsberg, with a teleplay by Burton Armus and directed by Robert Becker.

Overview: The crew of the Enterprise encounters a flamboyant space rogue, while Data tries to learn humor from a holodeck comedian.

[edit] Plot

On stardate 42502.7, the USS Enterprise is passing through a cluster of worlds known as the Coalition of Madena, which co-exist and trade under a precarious but successful treaty. A small cargo ship is detected which draws suspicion because it is an interplanetary transport running far from any planets. Lieutenant Worf reports that the ship has an empty hold and a single occupant aboard. Data notes that the guidance system is inoperative, and the pilot is controlling the ship manually, which may be the reason the vessel has wandered off course. Captain Picard hails the ship and gets a rather sarcastic reply; "This is the cargo ship Erstwhile, 'limping' and 'skidding' off course. Captain Thadiun Okona at your service." A rather beaten-looking craft appears on the monitor which is replaced by the cheerful face of a ruggedly handsome man.

Picard asks Counselor Troi if she can "read" Okona. She says his emotions suggest that he is mischievous, irreverent and somewhat brazen. A "rogue" would be the best way to describe him, but she senses no malevolence. Picard tells Okona of the detected problems aboard his ship and asks if they could be of service. Okona confirms his guidance system has blown out and he lacks replacement parts. Ensign Crusher suggests that he could use their facilities. Picard allows Okona to come aboard and places his ship in tow. Despite Okona's charms, Worf doesn't trust him and suggests he be watched closely and have limited access.

Soon Okona beams aboard with the fried component slung over his shoulder. He is greeted by Riker, who introduces him to Data, Crusher and Worf. Worf tells Okona to surrender his weapon, noticing a large knife on his belt. Okona states it's more jewelry than weapon, a little memento. Okona hands the part to Geordi then thanks them for beaming him over to see a "truly beautiful woman", referring to the female transporter operator, Chief Robinson. Okona proceeds to flirt with her until Riker tells Okona to follow La Forge and get the repairs started.

On his way out Okona whispers to Data: "Now isn't that a beautifully formed picture of sex appeal?", referring to Robinson. Data doesn't understand, and tells Okona that he is an android. Okona laughs; "Well then... Have you seen any good looking computers lately?", again confusing Data. Okona says it's a joke. At engineering, Geordi looks over the guidance module indicating the terminals have fused. He suggests coating them with Tricellite. Okona says Tricellite isn't available around here. He'd have to purchase a new unit. Geordi thinks it's a good idea, it will probably outlast the rest of the vessel, especially the way he pushes it. Okona laughs saying interplanetary travel, and not the excitement of galactic exploration, has forced him to add some flamboyancy and zest to the doldrums of his existence.

Data escorts Okona to his quarters who engages in small talk with the stolid android. The topic turns to alcohol where Okona asks Data if he has ever been drunk. Data says he is not affected by synthehol. Okona asks him about ever being in love, to which Data asks, "the act or emotion?". Okona replies they are the same to him, which Data states is an inaccurate deduction. Okona replies, "Life is like loading twice your cargo weight on your spacecraft... if it's canaries and you can keep half of them flying all the time, you're all right." Data shows more confusion. Okona says it was a joke and asks if he understood the humor of it. Data gives him a bewildered look. Okona gives up.

In Ten Forward, Guinan and Data talk. Data thinks that by not understanding humor, he is missing a vital part of human behavior. He doesn't understand why everyone breaks out with laughter when Okona says certain things. Guinan says he doesn't understand what a joke is and suggests looking toward a more intelligent and learned being for assistance. Try a "bigger" computer. A moment later, Data is at a holodeck. He tells the computer that he wishes to learn about jokes. The computer gives him options on the subject where he selects physical and cerebral comedy, a stand-up comedian of the 20th-Century. Data the enters a simulated comedy club where a man in a tuxedo stands on the stage. He comes to life; "Thank you ladies and gentlemen." pointing to Data, "And thank YOU for bringing me here!" Data tells him that he wishes to learn what is "funny". The comic replies; "Funny are things that make you laugh." Data responds, "I never laugh, but I still wish to know." The comic asks; "How much time ya got?" Data ponders, "Time has no meaning in this instance, it could be endless." The comic replies, "Good, I think we'll need it all."

The comic begins by bumbling around the stage in a goofy manner akin to Jerry Lewis. Data becomes confounded by the antics, asking if that is supposed to be funny. The comic replies; "It was a minute ago." The comic asks if he can juggle, or sing. Data says no. "Can you paint?" Data nods. "Good, I have a house that needs painting, at least you don't have to be funny." The comic suggests he tell some jokes beginning with the old "travelling salesman" routine. Data has him proceed but speeds up the access rate so comic sounds like chipmunk gibberish. Later, Data is back at Ten Forward telling Guinan a joke he just learned, "A man is seeing a doctor who tells him he needs an operation. The man asks for a second opinion. The doctor says, 'Okay, you're ugly too.'" Guinan cringes. "Was I funny?" Guinan responds, "That joke has been funny for four hundred years. Now, a moment of silence for its passing." Data begins another joke but he is called to the bridge. Guinan looks hopelessly as he leaves; "Bring back new jokes".

On the bridge, Worf has picks up a vessel trying to overtake them, a small combat craft. Worf then warns, "They are locking... lasers." Picard responds "Our navigational shields can deflect those." Riker states that regulations do call for Yellow Alert. Picard tells Wesley to reduce speed and allow them to catch up, and drop main shields as well. When asked why Picard responds "In case we decide to surrender to them, Number One." Later stating "They could fire 'till their lasers ran dry; they wouldn't hurt the Enterprise." The warship closes and hails the Enterprise. A man appears on screen saying he is Debin of the planet Atlec. Picard asks his reason for their aggressive approach. Debin claims that they are towing the ship of a known criminal, Thadiun Okona. Picard says Okona was in need of repair and they rendered assistance. Debin demands Okona be handed over immediately stating he is guilty of crimes on Atlec and he wants him in custody, now! Picard asks what the crimes were but Debin grows impatient stating it is none of his concern.

Wesley then indicates a second ship approaching, similar to Debin's but with different hull markings and configuration. A message comes in from the second craft and another man appears on the screen, Secretary Kushell of the planet Straleb. Kushell angrilly demands Okona be handed over to him as well, but Picard indicates that Debin has made the same demand. Kushell doesn't care what Debin wants; his matter takes precedence, and the honor of his nation is at stake. Picard tells the men to stand by and orders Worf to fetch Okona. Worf finds Okona in Chief Robinson's quarters, Okona in her arms. Worf forcefully tells him to come to the main bridge. As the security chief pulls him out, Okona tells Robinson to remember that it took a Klingon warrior to rip him from her arms. Okona is taken to the bridge.

Picard tells him it seems he may have invited Okona aboard under false pretenses. Okona is confused thinking he is in trouble for socializing with Robinson, but Picard says he's talking about Debin and Kushell, saying they are prepared to attack the Enterprise if he does not hand him over. Okona shrugs in confusion assuring he's no criminal. He may be less than auspicious but he's a gentleman and follows a code of conduct. Picard states that Debin and Kushell are prepared to attack, to which Okona says is insane, they wouldn't stand a chance. "Exactly!" Picard rises stating they must have a good reason for their attempt at it, but Okona can't offer one.

Picard returns to the bridge and contacts each of Okona's accusers asking to beam over to the Enterprise and explain face-to-face why they want Okona so badly. Debin brings his embarrassed young daughter Yanar into the picture, who is clearly pregnant. Debin claims Okona has been courting Yanar, bringing her gifts and flowers, and then he leaves her like this! Kushell exclaims that Okona has stolen the Jewel of Thesia, their national heritage. Debin argues his grievance takes priority. Okona has victimized his daughter. Okona walks into the middle of the argument. Kushell shouts at him; "You took advantage of my son Benzan and used his friendship to plunder our treasures!"

Meeting in the observation lounge, Okona maintains his innocence of the crimes Debin and Kushell accuse him of. Picard can't decide to which man to hand him over. If he gives into one's demand he'll have the other to deal with. If he lets them decide, they'll fight over it possibly to the death. Okona offers another solution; let him go. He tells Picard to beam him to his ship and he'll take his chances on his own. Picard considers this but doesn't like the idea. Okona eventually decides to deal with the situation himself. He stands before the angry men while everyone else wonders which he'll surrender to. He maintains that he is no thief, but says he didn't plan on being a "father" either. To rectify Yanar's case, he offers to properly take her as his wife, promising to make their marriage a fruitful and happy one.

Suddenly young Benzan shouts, "No! He can't!" Kushell agrees and states Okona cannot get out of the situation like that. Yanar interrupts saying that she should decide since she is the victim. She accepts Okona's hand in marriage, but Benzan doesn't allow it. He turns to his father and says the jewel wasn't stolen. He admits that he has taken it, and rightfully since he is the family heir. To everyone's shock, Benzan states he secretly gave the jewel to Okona to present to Yanar as his vow of marriage. Yanar carries his child, not Okona's. There is a moment of stunned silence on all the ships. Okona admits that he delivered messages between the couple for six months, and even smuggled them into each other's homelands. The couple hoped their marriage would solve the political disputes between their fathers.

Kushell remains stunned, but tells Okona that he's dropping the charges of theft. Now as written in their law, Benzan must present the jewel to his wife to be. Benzan says he'll offer it, if Yanar agrees. Yanar is hesitant, angry that Benzan tried to frame Okona, but Benzan admits he never believed his father would ever catch him. Yanar agrees to wed. Relieved, Benzan says they'll find them a planet to live on, but Kushell says they will live on Straleb. Debin shouts "Nonsense! They should live on Atlec." The two men continue to bicker. Picard gives his regards and orders them to be returned to their ships.

With the matter resolved on the Enterprise's end, Data returns to the holodeck with Guinan to see what he has learned about humor. Data takes the stage before a simulated crowd. In a Rodney Dangerfield-style, Data begins; "Good evening ladies and germs. You know I come from a town so small it had a fraction for a zip code." The crowd roars with laughter catching Data off guard. He continues; "It was so small in fact, we didn't have a 'Godfather' of crime... we had a 'Nephew'." Again, more laughter building Data's confidence. "I was so ugly as a child they hung a pork chop around my neck so the dog would play with me." The laughter grows louder, although the jokes get worse. "Then there was the gene bank where they crossed a lion and a parrot. They weren't sure what they got but when it spoke, they listened."

The crowd grows more hysterical, but Data is puzzled. They like it too much. Data finishes "Or the human cannonball that was hired and fired in the same night." The crowd is dying. Data soon realizes that anything he says or does causes them to laugh. He tells the computer to delete the crowd and looks to a sympathetic Guinan. Data states the crowd was programmed to laugh at anything. Guinan responds, "let me tell you about the travelling salesman." But Data says he heard it already.

Data goes to the bridge as Okona is making preparations to leave. Picard bids farewell and releases the tractor beam. Okona bids farewell to the bridge crew as Wesley says good-bye to Okona. Wesley then turns to Data and says "Say goodbye, Data" Data replies "Goodbye, Data," causing everyone to laugh. Data is surprised by their reaction until running a self query about the joke, realizing that it was an old comedy bit from Burns and Allen. "Was I funny?" Okona gives him a thumbs up and signs off. The humor fades but Data tries again, "There is the one about the girl in the nudist colony that nothing looked good on." Worf growls softly, to which Data says, "Take my Worf, please!" The only response is from Riker, "Warp speed, Captain?" In which Picard replies a soft, but beleaguered "Please..."


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