Star Trek The Next Generation The Progenitor and Picard's Conversation with the Romulan clips

Описание: These two scenes are an example of the ways in which Star Trek advanced a (small "p") progressive worldview through its storytelling. Season 6, Episode 20, "The Chase" is an episode worth watching on Paramout+ or wherever TNG streams. Yet, this moment is an interesting intersection of Star Trek "canon" and its moral (or, in modern terms "political") message.

The story establishes the Progenitors [i.e. "God(s)"] seeded life in the galaxy addresses why so many of the aliens in this universe are humanoid. (Obviously this is also because humans need to play the characters). It also can explain why inter-species children are possible, e.g. Spock, Troi, B'Elanna Torres. So, it's a sci-fi detail that answers nitpicky canon questions.

However, the episode's moral is also not all that subtle. People decry newer shows like Star Trek: Discovery or Star Trek: Strange New Worlds for being too focused on identity in its stories. The Klingons and Cardassians are disgusted by the idea they share the same genetic origins. The Romulan and Picard, however, recognize it as the kind of detail that could eventually bring about the piece between Romulans, Vulcans and Starfleet seen in Discovery.

If you enjoy reading about Star Trek, its history, and its themes check out my coverage over at CBR, including my review of Season 5 of Star Trek: Discovery and deep dives into Star Trek history.