It’s common knowledge and objective fact that Patrick Stewart excelled in his portrayal of Captain Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation, notably during the instances where Picard had to deliver an impassioned speech – whether to defend the sentience of his android crew member Data or to yell at Wesley Crusher for not telling the truth.
But there were also times where all Stewart needed to make an impression were two words.
1. “Captain Picard.” – Time Squared
Picard calmly calls out to his time displaced self, getting his attention before murdering him.
2. “Mr. Worf.” – The Defector
The order Picard gives to show up the Romulans. Incredibly defiant.
3. “Damn you!” – Family
Picard’s civility towards his estranged older brother gradually crumbles, ending with these two words and one punch.
4. “Dear God.” – Final Mission
Delivered in a half-whisper to show how drastic the situation is. I say this when I come home and find that my cat threw up everywhere.
5. “Excuse me.” – Qpid
Hanging out with Vash and he just remembered his date with Dr. Crusher, who’s at his door. Awk-ward.
6. “Aldebaran whiskey.” – Relics
Says it so matter-of-factly, reinforcing the fact that Scotty is a stranger to this time period.
7. “Mr. O’Brien.” – Emissary
There’s so much joy in his voice, like his child just graduated college and is going out into the world.
8. “You’re sure?” – Starship Mine
Said while threatening Tuvok, giving the impression he’s a wild card, a loose cannon, a rebel with nothing to lose. Dangerous.
9. “Yes, sir.” – Descent, Part 1
This line ends a tense exchange with Nechayev; I love that he stands up to say it.
10. “No! NOOO!” – Star Trek: First Contact
You knew this would be here.
Enjoyed this analysis. I’ll look forward to your master’s thesis on the 10 best Riker stand-over-chair-and-sit downs.
Thank you, that is definitely a good idea! But for now, I’m going to focus on Picard. More to come…stay tuned.