The Enemy (S03E07)
Airdate: November 6th 1989
Written by: David Kemper & Michael Piller
Directed by: David Carson
Running Time: 45 minutes
If Star Trek were to be true to its unofficial motto — “to boldly go where no one has gone before” — it is likely that one of such bold experiments would stir controversy. The Enemy, Season 3 episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation exemplify this tension, due to creative decision that divided production staff and made some cast members uncomfortable, but ultimately became a cornerstone of the series’ Golden Age of Star Trek. While its plot may not initially seem original, the episode’s execution, character development, and thematic depth elevate it to a landmark in Star Trek’s canon.
The episode opens with the USS Enterprise-D investigating a mysterious distress signal from Galorndon Core, a remote Federation planet near the Neutral Zone. An away team led by Commander Riker discovers the remnants of a destroyed space vessel and an injured Romulan officer, Patahk (Steve Rankin), who is later identified as a Romulan D’deridex class warbird commander, Tomalak (Andreas Katsulas), claims he has crossed the border. The episode’s setting is both a technical and emotional challenge: Galorndon Core is prone to violent electromagnetic storms, which complicate teleportation and communication.
At the heart of the episode is a moral dilemma: Picard faces the prospect of a Romulan ship, which has trespassed into Federation territory, and must decide whether to comply with Tomalak’s demands. Meanwhile, Dr. Crusher learns that Patahk’s life can be saved only by a ribosom donation from a single Enterprise crew member — Worf. However, Worf refuses, citing his personal history with the Romulans. The Romulans are responsible for the death of his parents during the Kithomer incident, a trauma that shapes Worf’s ethical framework. Picard, aware of the potential consequences of a miscalculation, respects Worf’s decision, leading to Patahk’s death.
Meanwhile, Geordie, stranded on Galorndon Core, encounters a Romulan named Bochra, who initially attempts to capture him. However, both men are injured, and their survival hinges on cooperation. The electromagnetic storms malfunction Geordie’s VISOR, rendering him blind, but the two men form an unlikely alliance. Geordie manages to contact the Enterprise, providing critical data that allows both men to be beamed up. Bochra’s report allows Tomalak to feign ignorance, averted crisis for now. This subplot, while seemingly minor, becomes integral to the episode’s broader narrative, illustrating the theme of survival through cooperation despite cultural and ideological differences.
The episode’s plot is not without precedent. Its core premise — bitter enemies forced to work out their differences for mutual survival — echoes classic films like Defiant Ones (1958), Hell in the Pacific (1985), and Enemy Mine (1985). The title The Enemy itself is a direct nod to the latter film, a subtle but significant homage to the genre’s tradition of exploring conflict and coexistence. However, the episode’s execution is more than a superficial imitation; it integrates the Romulan threat into the broader Star Trek universe, positioning them as recurring adversaries for the Federation. This decision, inspired by the ongoing Cold War, reflects the series’ ambition to create a cohesive, expansive narrative that transcends individual episodes.
The acting in The Enemy is a mixed bag. LeVar Burton and John Snyder, as Worf and Bochra, are not on the same level as the legendary actors in earlier films, but their performances are compelling. Director David Carson, who would later helm Star Trek: Generations, delivers a visually engaging portrayal of the alien planet, using studio sets to economically and efficiently convey the setting. The episode’s production values, while not as ambitious as later Star Trek series, are commendable, particularly in the context of the 1980s.
The scriptwriters, David Kemper and Michael Piller, demonstrate a keen understanding of the franchise’s evolving narrative. Their decision to integrate the Geordie/Bochra subplot into the larger plot reflects a strategic choice to expand the Romulan presence in Star Trek, a move that would become a recurring theme in subsequent episodes. Andreas Katsulas, who would later portray G’Kar in Babylon 5, delivers a standout performance as Tomalak, capturing the character’s menace and complexity. His role in this episode is a testament to Katsulas’ ability to embody the Romulan ethos, a trait he would later refine in other episodes.
The most memorable moment in The Enemy is Worf’s refusal to donate his ribosom. At first glance, this decision seems to contradict the optimistic ideals of Gene Roddenberry and the Star Trek vision of a future where humanity and aliens coexist. However, the episode’s strength lies in its nuanced portrayal of Worf’s ethics. Unlike human characters, Worf’s sense of honor is rooted in his cultural and personal history, a perspective that the series acknowledges rather than dismissing. This moment, which many writers and critics, and even Michael Dorn, initially questioned, ultimately cements The Enemy as a defining episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. It demonstrates the series’ willingness to explore moral ambiguity and the complexities of non-human characters, a hallmark of the franchise’s evolution.
Brannon Braga, who would later become a pivotal figure in Star Trek’s creative landscape, credits this episode as the moment that solidified his appreciation for The Next Generation. The writing in The Enemy is a masterclass in balancing tension, character development, and thematic depth. The episode’s structure, which juxtaposes the immediate crisis with the broader implications of cultural and ethical conflict, is a testament to David Kemper’s and Michael Piller’s skill as writers. Their ability to craft a narrative that is both emotionally resonant and thematically profound is a key reason why The Enemy remains a standout in the series’ history.
At the end, The Enemy is a critical and emotional episode that exemplifies the best of Star Trek: The Next Generation. While its plot may not be as groundbreaking as some of the series’ later episodes, its execution, character development, and thematic resonance make it a landmark in Star Trek’s canon. The episode’s legacy lies in its ability to balance the franchise’s optimistic vision with the realities of human (and non-human) conflict, a balance that defines the series’ enduring appeal.
RATING: 7/10 (+++)
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