PATRON TAKES - Star Trek TNG Season 3 Episode 21

Of the main cast, who was your favourite Barclay creation? I’m really hoping you gents have a blast seeing all the characters overacted to a comedic extreme, and see potential in exploring the cast through Barclay!

I was going to post a comment but I've been stuck in the holodeck all day...

Every thing you guys thought about doing in the holodeck Reg was way ahead of you. But he is a great character and really grew on me and definitely gained sympathy. My only thing is wouldn’t they have gotten rid of autism symptoms in the 24th century?

And we have reached the introduction of one of my favorite characters in TNG. It would have been really easy to get Barclay wrong in both writing tone and in acting, but somehow they managed to pull it off extremely well.

On paper the Barclay character is a horrible idea. The audience could easily find him as annoying as the rest of the crew, or even worse, an insulting caricature of a trekkie. But a decent script and an amazing performance makes it work somehow, and to this day he's one of the most beloved TNG guest characters.

Ah, the second episode in a row where the guest character is a version of myself! (Probably why I enjoy this episode so much.) Do you guys side with Picard trying to provide some empathy and understanding for Barclay, or ar you more aligned with Riker's sort of "shape up, or ship out" mentality? On the one hand, Barclay did help save the ship from breaking apart, but on the other hand, his holodiction is an HR nightmare.

Daa da daa! Da da daa... Da da dada da da....da dada daa... (A-Team theme)

The Introduction of one of the best non-main characters of all time (rivaling but not surpassing Chief O’Brien)! After watching this episode, would you see yourself using the holodeck in a similar fashion (I.e. using people you know in caricature depiction?)

One of the epics, and it really has the makings of a Bla episode if not for the talent of the guest star. Have you seen A Team because I feel like it should be a pre req of watching this episode.

The best of what is to come in the whimsical way trek blends sci-fi, morality tale, and fantasy. Do you guys think we will see more of Mr. Barclay?

My favorite line from this episode is Deanna: "I am the godess of EMPATHY." Do you have any stand out lines?

Let's be honest. If a holodeck existed most people would be doing what Barclay is doing if not a whole lot worse.

It always takes me out of the moment when Data, while being Mister Language Person, mispronounces “metathesis.” But maybe it’s a 24th-century version of Umhoefer’s Rule that most writing on language is badly written.

Oh. My. God.

This is one of my most-favorite episodes of TNG. Barclay is my favorite TNG character, and some of the laughs in this are unsurpassed. I'd write more, but I would have done that last night, not right when I get home from work. (e.g. Please post these Patron Takes things sooner so we have time to actually write our predictions/questions/comments that you'll be able to read.)

The thing that did the most damage to this episode for me was the part where Picard slips with calling Reg "broccoli" but, not because of the slip itself but because he freezes afterwards. Picard would have immediately apologized after the mistake and, in fact (no spoiler), we see exactly that happen next episode. It was a cheap laugh that I felt cheapened Picard as character that I just couldn't buy into. Otherwise, it was a mediocre episode for me with a couple of good ideas.

(Star-Trek-Eye-Borg) I don’t think you’re going to hate the episode. I think you’ll be a bit “meh” about it. But, be warned, it is a fan favorite. Not because of the quality of the episode, but because of the fallible, relatable character of Lt. Reginald Barkley. Your age being what it is, you may not understand why he’s so popular. Besides being a good character, he’s being played by Dwight Schultz. The actor was just a couple of years removed from playing the much beloved character of Howling Mad Murdock on the highly successful show “The A Team”. I like how they used Geordi in order to relate to his Holo-addiction. I believe this is the first time that the word Holo-addiction is used, and would definitely be a very real problem if holodecks really existed, just look at how people are glued to their phones.

I don't have anything to say about the episode (not really one of my favourites). I just want to hear you try to pronounce my name. :D

Data explains the "broccoli" flub, notices he's said too much and then turns to push a button to appear busy and change the subject, definitely the act of someone without emotions. #DataHasEmotions

Did you catch the shout-out to Back to the Future with "flux capacitor"?

I don't have a strong opinion of the episode itself. I do however like Barclay quite a bit. He's so different than the typical Star Trek character who is always portrayed as confident and in control. It's interesting to see someone so completely different.

I love the Picard and Geordi scene where Geordi is admonished to get to know Barclay, to be his friend. THIS is the utopian ideal that Star Trek should be known for. As a people, we need to get away from tearing each other down or pushing others out because we find them difficult or different.

You'll hate this episode. Too comedic, just like the Q episode you hate. Also it has a B plot that will interfere with the Barclay's A plot. You will hate this episode more than Deja Q, and this episode will probably make you appreciate Deja Q more. That being said, this wasn't a bad episode. It let the actors have fun with Barclay's holodeck versions, and it was a just a good "fish out of water" story. Enjoyable, even if not the best. You'll still hate it, though, with every fiber of your beings.

I think you both will find this episode a good but not great season 3 episode. I love the new character and this episode as I can relate to his level of anxiety, but feel you will just think the episode OK overall, due to a lot of the silliness.

Treads well into the cringe zone, and arguably predictable. (Of course the awkward protagonist is going to save the day). Nonetheless very entertaining, and at times hilarious. Some great acting, both in the ‘real world’ and the over the top holo-stuff. I still remember exchanging jaw-dropped wtf glances during the cold open. Picard’s embarrassment on saying Mr Broccoli was priceless. As was Data’s reaction.

I think you'll like this episode. Some fans love it, others see it as it having a main character parody of a Star Trek fan, even though that does not check out for me.

I remember watching this as an awkward anxious judgmental kid aged around 11 and being deeply impacted by it. This is definitely an episode that changed me for the better. A rare subject to approach respectfully, ESPECIALLY in the early nineties. I think this was the point I officially became a trekkie. It was always good TV but I remember thinking about this one for WEEKS after. I am interested to see how this holds up for a first time viewer in a very different era (I haven't revisited this one in a while so very much remembered through rose colored glasses lol)

Another example of Picard being an exceptional captain. He doesn't just transfer you if you struggle, he tries to help you first. Also, do you like the idea of an "everyman" crew member the audience can identify with? I think anyone with mental health issues can relate to Barclay's struggle to measure up to social expectations.

Barclay is the most human crew member. He’s not the smartest man, he doesn’t have all the answers immediately on hand, he has an addiction to the holodeck, but when necessary he can step up to help save the ship. Barclay shows in this episode that he really is part of the Enterprise’s A-Team.

My psych student observation: the 2 guys that have such a big problem with Barcleys holodeck usage are the same 2 that fell for a girl in a big way on the holodeck. And they are very embarrassed about it.

Such a complicated relationship with this episode. On one hand I greatly sympathise with Reg's struggle for connection, on the other hand he takes it too far and it starts getting creepy. It is however brilliantly written.

Barclay is basically a you character, he the most realistic human character in trek, imagine you working on the enterprise with the best and brightest and you have social anxiety, yeah i be in the holodeck dealing with the stress too

One of my favorite episodes. I find Barkley relatable: A (very) socially awkward guy who is merely decent at his job in an environment of professional overachievers. Very funny but then again I laugh my ass off at Scott's Tots as well.

Do we really have to watch this one? I'm still waiting for an official apology for expecting us to believe Broccoli made it through the academy, let alone got assigned to the Enterprise.

Wil Wheaton’s best line quickly followed by Frakes best acting so far. Riker: Am I late? Did I miss the fight? En garde! Hope either of you aren’t drinking when this line occurs 😆

Do you think Lt. Reg Barclay will return? Do you want him to return?

This episode has always given me such second hand embarrassment. Poor Broccoli, not only do they witness his fantasies, but they see his fantasies are also so ridiculous. Doubly embarrassing.

Worf 42:10 "Today is not a good day to die!"

Social anxiety, now that's the killer. Picard even said Brocoli had an excellent record previously. Getting assigned to the flag ship seemed to be just too much for him. Even if you're perfect for the job, Social anxiety makes you look like a babbling idiot. & when there's a whole holographic world completely under your control just around the corner, it's easy to fall in.

The holodeck has no lock. Insanity! Imagine walking into one of Riker's programs because you with your non dirty starfleet mind assumed "Take me to poundtown" was a historical program about England.

Creating your coworkers as different characters was entertaining, but embarrassing when your coworkers find out, especially Troi finding out lol.

This is another episode which heavily depends on the guest character. As someone who's suffered with social anxiety, I've always really related to the character of Barclay and his struggles. Also a good examination of the ethics of the holodeck.

When this aired, Dwight Schultz (Barclay) was best known for being on the original A-Team, playing a crazy guy who had a different personality every episode. The actor has chops to be the focus of a single episode.

I love this actor on The A-Team as H. M. "Howlin' Mad" Murdock. But damn I want to shove Barclay in a wood chipper. Feet first, so it hurts more.

I’ve never liked this episode but I appreciate at Barclay isn’t thrown away just because he isn’t perfect.

I always enjoyed Barclay, mostly because as an introvert I can relate to him and his total lack of social skills. But this episode establishes that “flux capacitors” exist not only in Back to the Future, but also in Star Trek! I wonder if Doc Brown left one here when he dressed up as a Klingon?

Engineering is a dumping ground for substandard personnel. Season 1’s revolving door of Chief Engineers, Geordi whose main skill is rerouting power, Ensign Gomez who pretended to accidentally throw a hot drink on Picard, and now a VR porn addict. Where do I sign up!

I suspect the guys will like the central moral themes of the episode but roll their eyes at how over the top some of the scenes get. And LaForge acts pretty damn superior for a guy who fell for the simulated version of a real person

We finally meet the Enterprise's HR nightmare. Reginald Barclay. Hard to say what Alex & Josh will make of him but the episode is a thought provoking exploration into the sometimes cliquey behaviour of the crew from the POV of an outsider, social anxiety, the ethics of holodeck usage and personal boundaries between officers.

Poor broccoli is just trying to earn a paycheck and have an occasional wank and his squeaky clean crewmates keeps sharing his search history….🙂‍↕️

I actually have never watched this episode, because if I ever do, then I will have finished "The Next Generation," because I will have seen every episode. From what I've been told, it's a thoroughly 'missable' episode.

Totally relevant today, following on from questions raised in the Geordi episode with Leah Brahms.

With the proposed Deepfake legislation being talked about today I think this episode was WAY ahead of its time! Agree or disagree guys?

I always enjoyed this episode. And Barclay is one of my favorite Trek characters: a relatable guy with issues to get over and not a hyper-competent, unwavering professional like the rest of our heroes. We can aspire to be those guys, but really, we're all Barclay trying to do our best.

Alex would be Barclay. Never leave the holodeck.

The final frontier of holodeck episode concepts: People who jerk off to their coworkers in it. This episode is a case study in HR.

The episode where the characters have to deal with a stereotypical Star Trek fan persona - which is in actuality based on Producer Micheal Pillar. I love that scene where Picard encourages supportive interpersonal development, instead of washing his hands of Barclay's troubles, taking responsibility for the well-being of his crew. A scene that will be HEAVILY contrasted much later on. -_-

I love Deanna's hilarious hypocrisy here!

It's always bugged me how intolerant and impatient some of the crew are with Barclay (especially Geordie - who actually acts like an asshole at times) - not something you'd expect from our enlightened 25th century crew! That being said this is an OK mid-tier episode and I think you'll like the character stuff with Barclay and the commentary on the holodeck.

I've come to appreciate this more and more as a fun opportunity for the writers to take the piss on their own characters while somehow still loving and respecting them in the process. But what do you guys think is worse? Generating AI porn of your coworkers, or them looking through your browsing history on your work computer? Poor Barclay. Dude got exposed. Very curious if you'll find him sympathetic or not in the end.

I remember thinking when I watched "The Big Goodbye" that the holodeck tech would be used in all sorts of unsavory ways and that some people would never leave. And in a world where, to paraphrase Oscar Wilde, you don't have to look for work and work doesn't have to look for you, why not stay in there all the time? Better than stealing hubcaps...

Ah the HR Department’s nightmare… As a real question though, is this an ethical form of therapy/helping people face social anxieties under supervised conditions?

Once again the Star Trek writers show their forward thinking. AI cloning of faces and voices is an important topic today but the same ethical questions were being asked 30 years ago.

🥦🥦🥦

I find this episode more relevant today than ever before. Imagine a society where people are more focused on a piece of technology than the real world around them, creating a fantasy world that is molded to their desires. And yes I’m typing this from my phone.