Ep 6. Lonely Among Us

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 Episode 6: Lonely Among Us

In the sixth episode of the inaugural season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, aptly titled "Lonely Among Us," the new crew of the USS Enterprise-D, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, continues their exploratory missions and diplomatic endeavors in the vast expanse of space, bringing the Federation's ethos of peace and understanding to the galaxy's many inhabitants.

The episode opens with the Enterprise en route to Parliament, a neutral conference planet, with the task of transporting two quarreling alien species—the reptilian Selay and the canine Anticans—who hold deep-seated prejudices against each other. Both are seeking admission into the United Federation of Planets, and the Enterprise's crew is tasked with ensuring that these contentious beings coexist peacefully during the journey. This sets the stage for a narrative that delves into themes of diplomacy, prejudice, and the delicate art of maintaining peace among diverse peoples.

As the journey progresses, the Enterprise encounters a mysterious energy cloud in space. This phenomenon, completely unknown to Starfleet, piques the curiosity of the ship's senior officers who decide to investigate further. The crew soon realizes that this enigmatic cloud houses an intelligent entity—a form of life that is unlike anything they have ever encountered. This intelligence possesses the ability to pass through the ship's shields and hull, creating a sense of unease and fascination among the crew.

As strange and inexplicable malfunctions begin to plague the Enterprise, the narrative unfolds into a gripping mystery. Computers go awry, and essential systems experience inexplicable failures. It becomes clear that the ship itself has become a character in this episode, as much a part of the suspense as the entities it is ferrying.

The crux of the episode reveals itself when the entity from the cloud exhibits the extraordinary ability to infiltrate the minds and bodies of the Enterprise crew, leading to a complex internal struggle that pits the wants and needs of an alien consciousness against the willpower and identity of Starfleet officers. This infiltration leads to erratic behaviors by key members of the crew, unusual decisions being made on the bridge, and an overarching sense of danger that permeates the ship.

Much of the episode revolves around the psychological impact of hosting an alien consciousness. It serves as a character study, examining what happens when the familiar is merged with the vastly foreign. It raises questions about the nature of self and the struggle for control when faced with an invasive presence.

As the episode progresses, Captain Picard's leadership and problem-solving skills are put to the test. Already seen as a man of profound intellect and strong principles, Picard must navigate the treacherous situation with the debate raging over the consequences of interacting with this unknown entity. Should the Enterprise prioritize the safety of its crew and passengers or the pursuit of new knowledge and understanding?

The tension between the Selay and Anticans adds another layer of complexity to the story. Their historical animosity becomes a parallel plot that mirrors the larger theme of foreign entities trying to find harmony within one space. It is a representation of the Star Trek philosophy, where diversity is celebrated, and the challenge lies in integrating different beings into a single respectful entity, the Federation.

Throughout the episode, the rest of the Enterprise's senior staff comes into their own. First Officer William Riker, Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beverly Crusher, Security Chief Tasha Yar, Lieutenant Commander Data, Lieutenant Worf, and Counselor Deanna Troi all contribute to managing the crisis, reflecting the collaborative nature of the crew and the multifaceted approach needed to resolve diverse problems.

With the Federation’s ideals in the balance, the crew must use all their wit, knowledge, and Starfleet training to navigate the dual complexities of potential first contact with a non-corporeal life form and maintaining peace between two potential Federation members. The various storylines converge to highlight the overarching ethos of The Next Generation series: a belief in the power of understanding, the necessity of peace, and the infinite possibilities of life in the universe.

"Lonely Among Us" serves as an engaging episode that establishes early in the series the intricate narrative style and philosophical exploration that would become hallmarks of the Star Trek: The Next Generation show. It's a story that combines the strange and extraordinary elements of science fiction with the Star Trek universe's evergreen themes of cultural understanding, diplomacy, and the quest for knowledge. As the conflict unfolds, viewers are left to ponder the true extent of the crew’s ability to overcome adversity, the nature of consciousness and identity, and the ever-present possibility that in the grand cosmos, we are never quite as alone as we may think.