Reflections on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Image via WikipediaWhen I watch an episode of TNG, I am always amazed at how relevant the show is today. All seven seasons represent, in my opinion, the true vision of Star Trek according to Gene Roddenberry. I liked that the ship had a counselor available to the crew and "away" missions that needed someone to evaluate new cultures and provide a bridge between the Federation and that culture. I also liked that fighting was the last recourse and trying to find a diplomatic resolution was top priority. Many episodes had a negotiator who was called into help resolve disputes between beings on different worlds. I always thought it would be so interesting to be a mediator and learn not only a new culture but the emotions behind the problems. One of my favorite episodes is called "Loud as a Whisper" in which the mediator Riva is a well known and trusted mediator throughout the galaxy. He is trusted for his wisdom in helping two parties reach the root of the disagreement. Another special quality about Riva is that he is deaf and the idea being that his deafness is not an impediment to his negociaions but rather makes him especially skilled at looking how others can communicate better with each other.
Communication is a very important theme in TNG. Counselor Troi, the various mediators, and Captain Picard's desire to talk his way out of a potential battle when hanging face to face with a Romulan battle cruiser is amazing in the context of when the show was made in the 1980's to 1990's. The message is timeless and can never be told too often, communication should be the first line of defense and if all efforts fail, then defend yourself by other means.