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Episode
122
The Child
The birth of season two sees the birth of a baby. Counselor Troi is suddenly pregnant. Very suddenly. Within a day, she gives birth. A day later, the child is the equivalent of eight years old. Meanwhile, members of the crew are working feverishly to battle a plague. New sets! New uniforms! A new doctor! Lots going on when we put The Child in the Mission Log.
I’ve always liked this Troi story. She really shines (almost as brightly as the pre-human-looking Ian).
Marina is terrific in this.
I was never a Troi fan. When the series 1st aired – if I thought the episode was going to be about her character – I turned it off. Therefore years later – I had “new to me” episodes to watch. If I ever get a chance I’ll have to thank her.
For some unknown reason – this is the photo that was used for the VHS cover for this episode: https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/2bd06e9f61f0c3382e8c54e28e739ed74ba6b40f226450597524cbad61c250fa.jpg
Weird
This
story was originally one of several scripts that were written for the aborted Star
Trek: Phase II TV series in the 70’s that instead was reworked and later became Star Trek: The
Motion Picture. Here is an article.
That is a great find, Will – and dig that Phase II test shot with the TOS-style uniform and (obvious) bald-wig on Persis!
Thanks – BTW – Is “vote up” like the FB like button ?
Something like that. The more comments we get, the more “votes” push those to the top.
Yes, I had heard of this. The Decker/Persis; Riker/Troi ex gf phenomenon….wOw, funny when you think about “What If?” glad there was a delay between some of those ideas/outfits and TNG.
R.J. Williams, Ian Andrew Troi “The Child”
Funny “Data” bit!
An interesting premise, flawed by the contrivance of the plasma plagues, and the seeming lack of any alternatives presented (They say they cannot release the module or else they will risk the plague growing into a spore until it hits a planet or another ship. If only the ship had an arsenal of weapons capable to utterly vaporising anything…)
The scene in the briefing room with Troi listening (or imagining listening) to the baby’s heartbeat while everyone else debates what to do was effective dramatically – and also muted the talk about terminating the embryo to the background, thus minimising any possible protests from the audience, unless they have the volume turned up high 🙂
I felt that Troi’s early reaction to what is a metaphorical rape, a physical violation, in which she is left impregnated (albeit without the horror and pain of the actual real-life event), was presented rather simplistically. I would have had her initially repulsed and horrified by what has happened, and to briefly consider an abortion. Perhaps stating this at the end of the “debate” scene,” for a climactic moment.
We’d have a deeper dramatization of a real-world social issue. Then Troi would surprise us all by saying she now wanted to keep the baby. Perhaps with her intuitive skills sensing that the alien-child meant her no harm. This would have added a bit more drama to the first ten minutes — and especially contribute some nuance to Troi’s character. As it is, she immediately does the “Madonna” decision as Ken said.
And to push the theme a bit, they could even have subtly, tastefully, hinted at the Immaculate Conception element; as also, the child “sacrifices” himself to save their lives. Guinan might allude to this, as she’s not a typical Starfleet character.
As always, I greatly enjoy your thoughtful discussions!
I felt that Troi’s early reaction to what is a metaphorical rape, a
physical violation, in which she is left impregnated (albeit without the horror and pain of the actual real-life event), was presented rather simplistically. I would have had her initially repulsed and horrified by what has happened, and to briefly consider an abortion. Perhaps stating this at the end of the “debate scene,” for a climactic moment.
We’d have a deeper dramatization of a real-world social issue. Then Troi would surprise us all by saying she now wanted to keep the baby. Perhaps with her intuitive skills sensing that the alien-child meant her no harm. This would have added a bit more drama to the first ten minutes — and especially contribute some nuance to Troi’s character. As it is, she immediately does the “Madonna” decision as Ken said.
And to push the theme a bit, they could even have subtly, tastefully, hinted at the Immaculate Conception element; the child “sacrifices” himself to save their lives. Guinan might briefly allude to this, as she’s not a typical Starfleet character.
As always, I greatly enjoy your thoughtful discussions!
I really enjoyed that scene around the table.
First, abortion is an option because that is primarily what they are discussing, rather matter-of-factly. Two, the directing and editing of this scene is amazing. The fact that Deana took the seat at the far end and then looks down. The filming techniques that show her emotional isolation. I think it was beautifully done. Three, the table of dudes discussing what to do about Deanna’s pregnancy, while she sits quietly, packs a meaningful punch. It reminds me of those moronic congressional committees that discuss abortion issues or birth control but there isn’t a woman in sight. Four, I love that moment when Deanna tells them her decision and that is the end of the matter. The finality gives me hope that there may be a future when women are listened to about their choice. In an episode today, maybe you could see a more realistic discussion, and Troi deciding to terminate the pregnancy, but that would have been a tall order for the 80s.
The part I think this episode seems to completely ignore is that Deanna was essentially raped. The light traveling up her covers had a very horror feel. I wish her isolation in that debate scene would have been explored more from Troi’s perspective. Was she ashamed and embarrassed about her violation or the pregnancy or both? What she afraid? In shock?
Her fellow male crew members were certainly not delicate. I mean, your friend and coworker is nonconsensually impregnated by a foreign entity that snuck into her room LAST NIGHT- you’d probably be a little more sensitive.
Not for the first time, we have an interesting female storyline, involving a woman’s issue, but it feels as if it is told from a male perspective. You are looking AT Troi THROUGH the eyes of Picard/Reicher/the senior crewmen.
If I had control of the episode, I would have dumped the B plot. I would have inserted a real debate where Troi seriously considers terminating the pregnancy and at least addresses her feelings about being raped. I guess it would be a discussion with the doctor but I wish there was another female lead that we knew really well at this point. And as long as we’re going creepy in this episode, why not Troi cradling her withered-with-age son, singing to him while he dies (and then turns back into a ball of light).
I appreciated that season 2 came out swinging with at least a scene addressing abortion. Despite my criticisms, it was a good episode that I enjoyed.