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"Tin Man" is that rare
TNG episode about failure. Tam Elbrun (Harry Groener) isn't equipped to perform within what Starfleet considers normal parameters, but because of his rare talent, his presence is tolerated--just. Elbrun is a Betazoid of extraordinary telepathic abilities and is a renowned first contact specialist. However, his gift is also his vulnerability, and the stress of hearing so many minds takes its toll.
Elbrun's mission is to make first contact with an alien dubbed "Tin Man," a living spaceship orbiting a dying star. Gomtuu, as the being calls itself, communicates telepathically. It's ancient, the last of its kind, and extremely alone. It's also suicidal. Elbrun wants contact at any cost--even if that cost is the Enterprise. "Tin Man" is an episode of extraordinary subtleties. It's about the way society uses yet resents the gifted. It's about the struggle to belong. And mostly: "Perhaps you're just different. It isn't a sin, you know."
Trivia alert: Gomtuu is an homage to the thermal pods in the cult film Buckaroo Banzai and one of many nods that appear throughout both TNG and DS9. --Kayla Riggney
