Overall Rating: 8.2
A surprisingly effective and genuine episode for its' time - it works because Jacqueline Zambrano's script (unlike the typical product of Gene Roddenbury, Maurice Hurley et al.) is subdued, sensitive to characterization and balanced.
Plot Synopsis:
A brief summary can be found at Wikipedia.
The Skinny:
When you read the plot description for this episode, it feels like it falls not far from the tree that brought us bombastic, elitist proclamations about our current savagery and ignorance. Riva is the only person in the entire galaxy who can negotiate with the tribes on Solais? Really? Riva's special methods are that impossible to teach to others? That effective in peace talks? It seems as though I should mock this episode for its' continued starry-eyed optimism about the absolute morality and effectiveness of diplomacy if only it's practiced by the right kind of person. There's nothing particularly special about the plot when compared to other early TNG episodes.
But this one is different...this one doesn't agitate me and shouldn't agitate anyone who believes as I do that peace is earned through years of hard work and sacrifice in ardent defense of liberty, not through convenient, flowery dialogue and gestures of unmerited respect (hey Obama...that means NOT BOWING TO CHINA!!...sorry...what was I saying?...oh yes...). Why does this episode not annoy me? Two reasons. One - the writer took great pains to explain exactly why Riva was the one the Solaen tribes wanted...and the reason was that he'd been working with them for a very long time - had established a rapport of trust. And two - the plot did not conclude with certain victory...only the HOPE of victory.
Ultimately, this was a PERSONAL story. A story of tragic loss for Riva - and the means by which he began to overcome it. And hey...it helps that Troi was actually an effective counselor for once...something which is very rare, unfortunately. It also helps that Ms. Zambrano's script is filled with a unique and wonderful characterization that shows maturity and depth far beyond anything ever penned by Roddenbury. The whole concept of the chorus, while a bit dubious to me philosophically, required a layered understanding of Riva's psychology and character. She must have spent a long time thinking about exactly what kind of man this Riva was...and we got a very good idea in just 45 minutes. Would that all of the other characters on TNG were that well developed.
Writing: 9.0
This is, believe it or not, a feature-worthy script - the characterization is vivid, the story well-scripted with no major plot holes, and the plot concept very interesting and free of self-righteous speechifying potholes.
Acting: 7.0
We do run aground a bit on the acting front...I never found Riva or his chorus terribly convincing , and although Marina Sirtis manages NOT to annoy me (which is rare for the early years of this show), she is still nothing special here.
Message: 7.5
I have othing against being hopeful that diplomacy might avert long and tiring wars if we're patient and dedicated. This show avoids labeling all militarism as barbaric...and is a strong character vehicle for Troi (read: she doesn't end up in the sack with yet another guest star). That's a start.
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