13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best episode, October 26, 2000
This review is from: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 58: The Defector [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The Defector is the best Episode of Star Trek in my book. I like how the writers of Star Trek are telling us that every culture has its flaws. The Federation has the little worm things (conspiracy), the klingons have civil wars (Redemption), the Ferengi have Moogie, the Cardassians have the dominion, and the Romulans have defectors.
Besides seeing the mighty Romulan Empire become more realistic, I like the events that show the inner workings of Starfleet. Suddenly, the Enterprise is far enough away that recordings have to be sent, and conversations happen over days, not minutes. The Enterprise can now make deals with alien races on its own, and the Starfleet Intelligence Network begins to show promise (section 31? Maybe). But if you want one that will keep you thinking, look at this one.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Complex character portrait in an action show, May 24, 2000
This review is from: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 58: The Defector [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Classic STAR TREK's two (hard to believe, but that's all there were) episodes depicting Romulans were very much one-man shows: Mark Lenard as the very noble Romulan in BALANCE OF TERROR and Joanne Linville as the passionate Romulan commander in THE ENTERPRISE INCIDENT.
THE DEFECTOR is Admiral Alidar Jarok, strategist, war hero, butcher, and traitor -- depending on your point of view. But what of Jarok's point of view?
Skillfully introduced by Picard's and Data's evocation of "a little touch of Harry in the night" from HENRY V, Jarok shows that the "king's cause" -- or that of the Romulan Star Empire is one thing, but the cause of his own conscience is more powerful yet.
Skillfully played, the character takes us from one reversal to the other, one step behind the ENTERPRISE's crew, which is often angry, often contemptuous at the first defector in Romulan history. Curiously, the one who is most compassionate to him is Data.
Jarok knows what he can expect, what he has sacrified, and what his people will do to him. But he has done it for love of his baby daughter, and the scene in which he explains this to Picard puts, for once, the intrepid Captain firmly in the wrong.
Picard closes the show with what one hopes is a promise that can be kept.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Political intrigue among the stars!, December 12, 2001
This review is from: Star Trek - The Next Generation, Episode 58: The Defector [VHS] (VHS Tape)
Guest star James Sloyan is riveting as the "defector" in the episode's title. Almost like a companion piece to "Deep Space Nine's 'Duet'", the show is an exercise in the politics and machinations of war.
Like the best "Treks," this one mixes science fiction with biting social commentary. This third season offering was one of the best.
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