Guest Cast:
Terry O'Quinn as Admiral Eric Pressman
Nancy Vawter as Admiral Blackwell
Michael Mack as Commander Sirol
 

Synopsis:
 
Riker is startled to learn that the Enterprise is to take aboard Admiral Eric Pressman, whom Riker previously served under, to retrieve their old ship, the USS Pegasus. The mission is of utmost importance as the Enterprise must find the Pegasus before the Romulans do. The loss of the Pegasus is shrouded in mystery and drudges up painful memories and conflicting interets for Riker when he learns that Pressman plans to continue the dangerous experiments that led to the ship's near-destruction. Pressman orders Riker not to divulge any information with Picard, who is already suspicious, having learned of a cover-up at Starfleet Command and rumours that the Pegasus crew purportedly mutinied against Pressman in the lead-up to its loss.

As the Enterprise engages in an interstellar game of cat-and-mouse with a Romulan Warbird, also looking for the Pegasus, Pressman orders the Enterprise into an asteroid where they locate the remains of the Pegasus -- half of which is phased into solid rock. Riker and Pressman board the ship and retrieve a phased cloaking device which Pressman had installed years earlier and been experimenting with. The project was extremely controversial, not least because it violates the Treaty of Algeron the Federation signed with the Romulans. The crew had mutinied against Captain Pressman, with the exception with Ensign Riker who stood up for his commanding officer -- an act he now regrets.

As they return to the Enterprise with the cloak, the Romulans "accidentally" seal the entrance of the asteroid, trapping the Enterprise within the rock. Riker defies Pressman and tells Picard all about the illicit cloak -- which has the capability to not only render a ship invisible, but enable it to pass through solid matter. Picard uses it to escape the asteroid, revealing the technology to the Romulans and promising that his government will be in touch. Pressman is arrested for violating the Treaty of Algeron and a full investigation begins at Starfeet Command regarding the conspiracy.

Review:

This is a great episode, easily one of the season's best. At the time The Pegasus was considered a bold, daring episode, revealing some grit in Roddenberry's supposedly perfect Federation. Looking back in retrospect, particularly in light of the direction DS9 took in latter years, this is actually very tame stuff. It certainly doesn't hold a candle to such provocative DS9 gems as In the Pale Moonlight and Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges. Indeed, when we actually learn what exactly Pressman was up to, it's invariably a bit of an anti-climax following such a great build-up. But nevertheless, this episode still holds strong, courtesy of some strong characterisation, a taut script by Ron Moore and the superb helmsmanship of LeVar Burton. Indeed, just about every aspect of this episode's execution comes together beautifully and the end result sparkles as a result.

There's a lot to recommend here. The episode kicks off with a delightfully funny scene where Picard must look over the entries for "Captain Picard Day", an annual celebration held by the ship's children. Picard's awkward embarrassment is simply a joy to behold, particularly having to shoulder Riker's teasing and then explain it to a quizzical Admiral. But, the episode soon takes an about-turn as it delves into a rich and exciting exploration of the chain of command and its workings as Riker is torn between his loyalties and forced to betray Picard's trust. There's almost shades of A Few Good Men to a story which is enhanced by a wonderful sub-plot involving the Romulans. The interstellar game of cat-and-mouse that plays out between the Enterprise and the Romulans makes for compelling viewing and nicely adds dramatic impetus to an already gripping plot.

As I said, the big revelation at the end was perhaps slightly anti-climatic, but it did provide an overdue answer as to why the Federation does not posses cloaking technology of its own. Again, compared to events of DS9's sixth and seventh seasons, the breaking of a Romulan treaty seems somewhat inconsequential now. (Speaking of DS9, I wonder if Section 31 had anything to do with this? Obviously they were not conceived of at this time, but it would certainly fit). But, happily, this episode still works and it works well. This is due in no small part to the high quality of writing, acting, directing and production that much the rest of this seventh season is sadly lacking. Enjoy.

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