[Christopher Halsey]

EPISODE DISCUSSION

Relics
Original Air Date: 12th of October 1992
Series: The Next Generation
Episode: 6x04

SUMMARY

The crew of the Enterprise D discovers a Federation ship that crashed on the surface of a Dyson sphere more than 70 years ago, during their investigation they encounter a single survivor stored safely in the transporter.

"A good crew... and a fine ship – a credit to her name. But I've always found that a ship is... only as good as the engineer who takes care of her – and from what I can see, the Enterprise is in good hands." - Scotty

DISCUSSION

This week we'll be discussing the episode Relics from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

What did you think about the character of Scotty making a return? Should they have brought back another character instead? Did they do the character justice? What did you think of his interactions with the crew of the Enterprise D? Do you think they got the ending right with Scotty getting a happy ending or should he have had to sacrifice himself to save the Enterprise?

[Christopher Halsey]

Poor Scotty, only four people like you.

[Mark Okuda]

Well that is six now. I did love the Relics episode and also loved the interaction between La Forge and Scotty even though it was rough at first. Doohan's performance in this episode was great. He really made you feel the feeling of being useless.

[Allan Hood]

I was eleven when I first saw this episode and totally freaked out when Scotty appeared on the transporter pad, so I thought it was awesome haha. I was happy they brought Scotty because it really gives insight on his period's perspective on the change of technology.

I couldn't stand that La Forge had no patience for him, that I couldn't handle. I was upset and complaining to my family about how they were treating him. Yes, Scotty messed up a couple things but show some respect.

I'm glad he didn't sacrifice himself; his time wasn't up yet.

"I told the Captain I would have this diagnostic done in an hour."
"And how long will it really take you?"
"An hour!"
"Oh, you didn't tell him how long it would really take, did you?"
"Of course I did."
"Oh, laddie, you have a lot to learn if you want people to think of you as a miracle worker."
- La Forge and Scotty, revealing the secret to his reputation

Ever since, I tell people a slightly longer time so it seems I got done faster haha. Even if it takes me longer to finish, it looks like I'm on time hahaha. Been following Scotty's advice since I was eleven.

"It is... it is... it is green."
- Data, attempting to analyze Aldebaran whiskey

I didn't see "By Any Other Name" until a couple years ago. I had no idea that saying, "it's green" was an inside joke Scotty made to the Kelvan Tomar.

[Danska101]

"I told the Captain I would have this diagnostic done in an hour."
"And how long will it really take you?"
"An hour!"
"Oh, you didn't tell him how long it would really take, did you?"
"Of course I did."
"Oh, laddie, you have a lot to learn if you want people to think of you as a miracle worker."
- La Forge and Scotty, revealing the secret to his reputation

By far my favourite exchange in the episode, and explains so much about Scotty! Although La Forge still has his fair share of completing tasks in less time that he says he can.

I really enjoyed the episode, mostly for the La Forge/Scotty exchanges. I felt really sorry for Scotty - a genius in his day, now he has to suddenly cope with a world that has developed beyond what he knows and understands. Suddenly he doesn't seem so smart anymore.

It's quite a neat metaphor for how older and younger generations deal with each other sometimes, especially these days with such a rapid development of technology. Older generations feel out of touch, out of their depth and do their best to do things the way they're familiar with, but those methods no longer apply to the world as it is. The younger generation, meanwhile, is frustrated that these old people don't know how to do seemingly simple things but keep lecturing on how things 'should' be done anyway, so have very little patience for them.

[Kains]

Another one of my favourite episodes. Relics deals with an issue we all deal with, and something that is often looked upon with horror and denial: Getting old. Doohan's performance here was exemplary, so much so that I can't help but wonder how much of it was real: Frustration at the feeling of uselessness, the drinking to lost comrades, and the exasperated sighs of the 'youth of today'.

Doohan is a guy I truly regret never getting to buy a drink.

As for the ending, I thought it was right. Far too often characters need to be 'killed off' on tv and movies, and is somehow seen a a logical ending to their story arcs. Good Star Trek is about people, semi-extraordinary people, but people none the less. Seeing one of our childhood heroes actually get to retire is quite rare, and makes for a wonderful moment.

I always hoped they would go back and do another Next Gen movie where they are honest about their age, a little more like Wrath of Khan's constant reminders. Seeing the Next Gen crew age gracefully, without pounds of makeup, wigs, and attempting to hide waistlines, might help dispel some of the fear and regret that society has grown around 'getting old'. With the ageing population I think it's an increasingly important message.

[Allan Hood]

[Spaceland]

I was very happy to see Scotty again. TOS was the first Star Trek i saw and i always loved Scotty.

Known to be a miracle worker. I like the way he explain it to Laforge in the episode.

One of my favorites, the part of the Holodeck : "No bloody A, B, C or D". That was a good pair with the voice of the computer done by Majel Barrett-Roddenberry. That brings back memory of Scotty and Nurse Chapel.

We saw Bones touring the Enterprise D, we got Spock, We got Scotty and we got Sulu from Voyager. We are missing Chekov and Uhura. Would have been nice to know what happen to them.

[Allan Hood]

I couldn't stand how Geordi was so impatient with him when I was a kid. Scotty would have picked up on everything quickly and he would have soaked it all in. He should have sat him down in a holodeck and have the computer give him a crash course on the system upgrades, just to get him started.