'The Defector' is TNG's First Perfect Episode

Patrick Stewart used to perform Hamlet as a one man stage show.

BTW, Kenneth Branagh made a very cool production of Henry V. Not easy to adapt to the screen, but I prefer it to Olivier’s version. Some very dramatic scenes, and of course, puns.

Great discussion, I feel like if the Ferengi were done now they'd be like China. Loaning small powers money in exchange for mining rights (to fuel their manufacturing economy) and preferential treatment over Western Nations, that's "Soft Power". Modern Ferengi would be all about that, the head of a trading block that challenges Federation. The clash of economics vs politics is interesting as Ferengi objectives would be driven by capitalism not militarism. It would be a challenging "cold conflict" for the Federation.

You think this will make your top 10 by the end of the series?

Having rewatched this review, I think I got it. I enjoy The Defector and Deja Q pretty much equally. I'd rank them about the same. But a lot of Deja Q's greatness is surface level, there's not THAT much to deep into besides "that's funny". Meanwhile Defector has a ton of meat to dig into. THOSE are the episodes you love. A solid plot is a plus, but depth is king.

Upon rewatch, one notices that the main Romulan ship gave up too easily in the beginning. It's a clue. Great discussion! Thank you! 😃 ❤️ 🖖

You noobs haven't seen ANYTHING yet...

Ronald D Moore. ‘Nuff said.