UNCUT REACTION - Star Trek TNG S3E21 - Hollow Pursuits

It took me so long to comment on your reaction to this episode because I kept putting off rewatching it. I remembered it as not particularly enjoyable due to the emotionally awkward nature of the story. I also remembered few details from the episode other than the overall concept, the Goddess of Empathy, the Blue Boy (Holo-Wesley’s costume was a direct copy from Thomas Gainsborough’s famous painting of that name), and the ending. “Hollow Pursuits” is, in fact, a much better episode than I remembered. Although I still find the other characters’ initial hostility to Barclay out of keeping with TNG’s usual utopian depiction of crew interactions, I realize that these scenes are necessary to set up Barclay and Geordi’s character arcs for the episode. With the deletion of Troi’s therapy session with O’Brien from the beginning of “The Price” (presumably due to time constraints), Barclay’s session with the real Troi in this episode is the first time we have seen her conduct such a session, even though this is presumably a major component of her duties – rather as if we had never seen Scotty in Engineering until near the end of TOS Season 3. “Hollow Pursuits” is also, I believe, the first episode to reference Riker’s (i.e., Jonathan Frakes’) height in dialogue, although David Gerrold’s novelization of “Encounter at Farpoint” had emphasized in passages told from Riker’s viewpoint that both Picard and Troi were shorter than he was. One of the many things I had forgotten about this episode is Guinan mentioning her mother in the present tense, implying that she is still alive. As Josh (I believe) pointed out and the Memory Alpha wiki confirms, Dr. Crusher appears in this episode only as a hologram, not in reality. Michael Piller identified strongly with the Barclay character. While performing a rewrite on Sally Caves’ script, Ira Steven Behr added Barclay’s comment about being “in the corner, trying to look comfortable examining a potted plant,” a near-direct quote of something Piller had said to Behr about himself when Behr first joined the TNG staff. In an example of how elaborately the original novels expand on the Star Trek universe, the character of Duffy from this episode becomes a major character in several of them, turns out to have had a romantic relationship with Sonya Gomez (whom Alex and Josh have probably forgotten by now) when they were both aboard the Enterprise, and ultimately dies heroically in the line of duty.

I am really glad you liked this episode. Barclay is one of my favorites

One thing this episode always makes me think of is "The Practical Joker" (TAS). The connection? Leaky drinking glasses/dribble glasses. And in the coincidence department, "The Practical Joker" was the earliest appearance of what would become the holodeck.

Thanks for giving us a shout out. 💜 The minute I heard you announce the uncut TOS videos, I was all in! It helped me get through a few stressful months that summer. Let’s have a shot of Scotty’s green whiskey to celebrate!

Reginald Broccoli is the GOAT, you have no idea!!

As far as what program 9 was that Barclay saved at the end... it was never stated. I think that was thrown in as a bit of a joke, and an invitation for the audience to come up with their own theorys

This is one of those episodes that, for whatever reason, I saw a number of times more than a lot of the others. Maybe I just caught it in reruns for some reason more. I will say that it got better with multiple viewings for me each time. As a kid when I first saw it, I don't know if I could appreciate the little things as much as I could when I was older. Especially when it came to the idea of having to try to cope and assimilate stress at work and being an introvert at the same time.

I loved this episode as a kid largely for the humor of the holodeck sequences, the whole three musketeers and mini-Riker, etc... The humor has worn off somewhat in adulthood(and with many rewatches over the years), but the story of this socially awkward guy hits harder now. I'm fairly introverted myself. Not to the point of stuttering or being unable to do my job or anything, but I've definitely met a few Barclays in my life. I've seen over and over how people like that end up being isolated because nobody wants to deal with them, which makes them more awkward, and you get this feedback loop that's impossible for them to break. Especially when people aren't just individually avoiding them, but collectively talking shit about them behind their back. Essentially exactly what happened here. Humans are social creatures. Deprive someone of that and often they'll end up a lot like Barclay. Telling them to take a hypospray or talk to a counselor won't fix it, they need community. I get that Riker has a job to do and he HAS to discipline crew members that are screwing up, but especially making fun of the guy's name was very unprofessional. Wesley is 17(should be 18) here so you give him a bit of a pass. Also why is Troi talking about her counseling session with Geordi? Isn't there a doctor/patient confidentiality thing there? Picard at least shows some real leadership trying to bring Barclay into the crew, which is why it feels even worse when he blurts out "broccoli". Geordi was a good choice to reach out to Reg given he's in some way like a version of Barclay that's at a functional level. Obviously, while there were no regulations against what Barclay was doing, presumably because there are a ton of legitimate reasons to simulate members of the crew(training for instance), there obviously need to be some limits, and clearly it was pretty inappropriate what he was doing with Beverly and especially Troi's likeness. Fortunately he overcame the addiction and deleted the programs at the end. Don't know which "program 9" was, but just to have a little faith in Barclay, I'm going to assume it wasn't something too untoward. I get that the B plot with the invidium was a bit of a nothing burger, but it did it's job as a way to break Barclay out of his holo-addiction and give him some confidence to operate in the real world. Also cool little tidbit at the end there that they worked a bit of "The Minstrel Boy" into the soundtrack after Barclay deleted his programs. That song was also used in Black Hawk Down. Good episode.

Yeah. Love this episode. Barclay is such a great character. This episode also handles interpersonal conflict in a way Gene probably loved, with humans supporting humans, despite the odds. A product of its time--today we'd have to address the ethics right away, as you both suggest.

Howling Mad Murdock was my favourite A Team character, so Reg Barclay became a quick favorite TNG character for me.

One of my favorite episodes. I love Barcley. ❤️

The Prime description for this episode reads "The crew struggles to help a young engineer whose obsession with the fantasy world Holodeck is endangering the ship". Not only inaccurate given the holodeck wasn't the source of the problem, but Dwight Schultz was 42 or 43 at this point(I assume Barclay is about the same). That's not old, but it's not really young either.

When someone writes that "Barclay wouldn't pass starfleet academy" he shows that he doesn't get that Barclay is a portrait of himself: A fan who takes Star Trek way too seriously.

Dwight Schultz is an interesting actor from the A team, to all the other tv. He’s done

My guess would be the boys are really gonna love modern trek where it’s all about character emotions and d how everyone feels. Classic trek was an action adventure sci-fi program it had character moments s but it was’nt all melodrama . Crying will commence in 2017

I loved this episode as well. It always reminded me of the time my mom caught me....ah....never mind.

Oh damn, I'm still subscribed to this? I must have done it accidentally and never noticed.... Just kidding. I grew up on the TOS. When TNG came along, I savored it. It is fun to watch it again with newbies. It is almost like I have friends...

Dwight Schultz (and the director) were fantastic in this. All of Barclay's little mannerisms and stammers looked super natural and fitting. (Josh is wrong in his observations to the contrary.)

In light of all the two year original patrons, would you think this channel could be something of a nice addiction? Ha ha ha

Great episode, and Dwight Schultz is such a great actor. As I say on most of my posts (!!!) the best TNG episodes for me are the ones where there is a great guest portrayal, and that person interacts with multiple of our ensemble cast. TNG is a great ensemble production but at its best it becomes a playground where the new toy is the guest actor to reflect against.

People are going to get cross with me I think, but in the 24th century, they would have cured Barclay before he got near starfleet. Unlimited AI psychotherapy, unimaginable drugs, effective psychosurgery, therapeutic behaviour changing communities, gene therapies, forms of brain stimulation… plus having active officer roles on a starship would be similar to pilots and astronauts now - extremely high standard of physical and mental wellness given that errors could destroy thousands of people on the ship, destroy the flagship, start a war, crash into a planet or space station etc… But luckily these are the types of disbelief I can easily suspend or else I’d never be able to enjoy anything on TV.

41:40 They did it at high warp in the first episode.

I, unlike most, like Barclay. I, also unlike most, have never seen this episode. This is the last unseen episode of Next Generation for me. As of this episode, I will have seen all of them. I deliberately refrained for 20 years from watching this episode the same way my Dad refrained from watching the last episode of Babylon 5, because "then it would be over." But I decided, I'm watching this with friends, As this is the last unwatchd episode of TNG, my reaction will be in no way similar to that of the Target Audience.

Nice standalone episode with a decent plot and some great humour. Rikers face when Picard said broccoli was so good.

See, as a kid I became slightly biased once I saw who was playing Barclay because I was huge into A-Team at the time, so I immediately recognized Howling Mad Murdoch. I love his character and enjoyed him in this one and there's one more that I love where Dwight really got to show off his acting skills. It really was fun to see that not all crew members are super in control of every emotion once they board a ship. It showed a vulnerability that I thoroughly appreciate more and more as I grew older.

Keep the awesome consistent Trek content up and I'll be here! The Galifry Girls were my Trek reaction channel before, but they stopped after TNG. I love that you guys are covering it ALL! Busy times ahead when at least 2 shows are on at once! But gonna be good. You fellows have entered the Star Trek golden age now.

I've been a Patron for 2 years?? Wow, time flies! I've loved rewatching all these episodes with you guys. I especially love it when you disagree with the 'general consensus'. Always hate it when some people think their opinion is the only one that matters just because they've been fans for longer. The fandom needs a diversity of opinion. Glad you enjoyed the episode!

I've said it before elsewhere and I'm gonna say it again: Reg Barclay, a massive introvert with nigh-crippling social anxiety and a wealth of neuroses; also - the most normal & relatable character in Star Trek history.

God, the look on Picard's face when he realized he called him Broccoli, he looked like he stepped on a puppy

Josh: "It's like, what's left in the season?" Everyone: *VIBRATES*

Glad you guys liked the episode, it's one of my low-key faves. As someone with social anxiety myself, I really related to Barclay as a kid, and probably even more now all these years later. Yes, it's perhaps presented a little too comedically at points, but it is nice that everyone (except Riker) is trying to help or understand Barclay in their own way. When Geordie says to Barclay that he is "just shy" and Barclay responds "you can't know" that still hits me even now. The fact that Barclay actually uses his creativity to solve the problem is the icing on the cake. Guest characters can often make or break the episode and this one totally works for me.

As they said at the time of this episode, it was a "wake up" call for "Trekkies"/"Trekkers" to enjoy ST, but not get far so deep your entire life rolved around it whereby you have forgotten the "real" world. A Great episode, Dwight is a fantastic Actor! Perhaps everything is an illusion.. ;)

The double b, Barclay Banger.

I think this episode is a great lesson that a person's character, identity and personality do not stand on their own, but are also a reflection of how we treat them. Guinan's words to Geordie make this painfully obvious. If you act like you don't want someone around you, they will likely become nervous and feel adverse to being around you. It is unfair to then make them fully responsible for their behaviours when you are having a powerful influence on them with your prejudice towards them. Picard, although not heavily featured in this episode, makes the hard choice as a leader not to push this problem onto another ship captain, but to actually do some self reflection and command that self reflection on to his crew, to recognize unacceptable behaviour that was contributing to Barclay's impulses to isolate himself. He immediately shuts down his senior officers use of "broccoli" to slur Barclay's family name in jest. He then makes it clear in no uncertain terms that Geordie has to do better to make him feel welcome and part of the team. In the end Barclay is instrumental in saving the ship, proving his value as a diagnostic engineer to everyone onboard. Don't let someone's social awkwardness, shyness, introvertedness, or reclusiveness convince you they are of little value to society. They could hold a treasure trove of wisdom, inventiveness, or various other qualities that the world desperately needs.

Absolutely one of my favorite episodes and I'm sure many ST fans can relate to Barclay in one way or another

Love me some Reg! Low key good episode about social anxiety / holodeck addiction.

"Jackie Gleason?" Audience: THEY'VE HEARD OF SOMETHING BEFORE THEY WERE BORN WHAAAAAT

This is the best theme song sequence since Yesterday's Enterprise, maybe even better. I love when the cold open gives you guys something to talk about the whole time

OK you liked this episode, good. I was about to call this place an airport as I about to ANNOUNCE MY DEPARTURE!!!!!

Fun Fact: in the A-Team movie (2010), the movie shown in the psychiatric hospital stars one "Reginald Barclay". It even has the original A-Team theme tune playing.

Oh we're so back, baby

Okay, I can no longer guess what episodes you're going to like, so I'm no longer going to even try. I'm really surprised you liked this episode, but i"m glad you did. Then again, it is a character episode.

Always have loved this one. Like I said in my PT, Barclay is my spirit animal.

This episode and Tin Man were my two least favorite TNG episodes. As a kid, I didn’t like that a character like Barclays could get into Starfleet or be given something important to do. Also this was an episode where nothing really happens till the end. Rewatching it now 30 years later. It was fun seeing the cast getting to goof off. You know they had to love filming this, but I still don’t care for Barclay so it’s still near the bottom of my list.

5 minutes to the ship destruction, let causally walk to the cargo bay to stop it

I'm 4 minutes in and it's already stirring great out of the box discussion that other episodes never did. Great sign!

Hi Guys! Thanks so much for the shout out! I can't believe it's been two years but I've never regretted it. I love you guys like we're old friends, sometimes we have differing opinions but that's what makes it interesting. I joined for the Star Trek re-watch (it's been years for some of these) and I've enjoyed every minute of it. You're the best and I'm looking forward to many years to come. Side note, I was surprised how long it took you to figure out that the opening was a Holodeck scene...that was fun!!!

Just copying my post from Jen's channel for this episode lol. Barclay is my favorite TNG character. I relate to him so much I suffer from pretty severe social anxiety, to the point that its always been a thorn in my side, it cost me grades in school because I couldn't give presentations in front of people it has affected work in much the same manner, I've refused promotions because it meant having more interaction directly with others, its made it very very very hard for me to approach women, to the point that I've never in my life had a relationship and I'm middle aged now. I also retreated to books, shows, movies, video games, todays equivalent to the holodeck. Barclay is kinda like me projected into this star trek universe and I'm so happy he is there.

Shame you didn't notice Barclay's 2nd holodeck simulation, as soon as he said "flux capacitor" 😂

I've been an audience member since Nov 23 and I've never seen you call out my name ever. I'm starting to feel left out.

Liking this episode is based largely on whether you find the guest character of Reg Barclay enjoyable..... I don't so I never cared for it as a result. Dwight Schulz is a talented actor but Barclay rubbed me up the wrong way. I found him way more annoying than amusing as a character. His holodeck fantasies (not to mention his socially awkward/incel like behaviour) not to mention his VERY unhealthy views of his crewmates creeped me out and how this guy ever made it into Starfleet, much less graduating with his myriad of personal issues is beyond me. The man is smart, but he also struck me as someone who was 10 seconds away from having a complete breakdown and never recovering from it. I'm aware this episode is popular and well liked but I'm in the minority and never cared for it at all. Hard pass from me

I've been waiting for this moment, I grew up loving A-Team & recognized Murdock immediately, I think he makes a great guest star. Shout out to the OG Target Audience/ Demographic tier Patrons for keeping TA alive, "Live long & prosper."