Henry V and Picard :: Star Trek Essays Papers

Henry V and Picard "The Defector" is the 38th episode from Star Trek the Next Generation's third season. This episode is received well by many ST TNG fans. The episode deals with several interesting and conflicting issues such as a traitor / defector, innate human qualities and a Shakespearean type leader. The most intriguing personality on the episode is Jean Luc Picard, the great captain. Picard has many similarities to Henry V, they both probe into every conflict and always prove to be a strong and capable leaders. They are both of strong character, conscientious, objective and intuitive. The story requires the captain utilize his outstanding qualities to decide if the exiled Romulan on his ship is trustworthy. If Picard believes Jaroc, it would mean going into the neutral zone and destroying a base in order to prevent a war. However, if Jaroc is lying this course of action will make Picard the instigator of a futile war. In the same way, if Henry's cause is unjust, the guilt and blame will lay on his head(Fisher 51). One of Picard's greatest qualities is his objectiveness. When Jaroc refuses to disclose any information, Picard diligently explores all his options. He decides to send a probe in order to reach the truth. Later, Jaroc attempts to prove his sincerity by revealing his identity. He discloses the emotional reasons for his presence aboard the Enterprise. Picard is not affected by Jaroc. By reason of his intuition, Picard continues to demand "irrefutable evidence" because he will not risk the welfare of the crew. Not only is he concerned about the welfare of the crew as a whole, but also on an individual level. In the opening to the episode, Picard attempts to aid Data in furthering his understanding of human behavior. Upon Data's request for advice, he suggests Shakespeare. Data plays the role of King when he performs the first scene of Act IV from Henry V(Peterson). In this scene, Henry disguises himself and mingles with his troops to share their ultimate fears on the eve before battle. "They have a discussion of leading one's men to die"(Lynch). Ironically, Picard directs the scene which parallels his position through the story. The fact that Henry V is one of Shakespeare's histories is very significant because history is the backbone of the episode. References to their history with Romulans are made. Such as to events on Galornden Core, in which Beverly the doctor explains that she recently gained a lot of experience with Romulan physiology.