I want to re-watch Trek, but am looking for organize my watch-throughs thematically. I just can´t handle 24-episode seasons. 1

I’m interested to see how TNG handles societal conflict within the framework of externally-mediated diplomacy (a Trek staple), aka negotiations. I’m not looking for EVERY episode with diplomacy in it, just the ones where two or more parties are being mediated by a third party. Episodes with only two parties (First contact stories if it is only Star Fleet and the other civ) do not belong on the list.

The episodes don´t necessarily have to be “formal negotiations,” either. I remember an episode where Ryker negotiated for the rights of males on a planet rather capably using only his winning smile, hairy chest, an ever-abiding curiosity about foreign cultures. Since there were three parties (males, females, and Ryker)², it would go on the list.

Legal disputes handled authoritatively by a court of law (Measure of a Man) would also not be on this list.

Thank you so much!

Footnotes:

  1. If anyone has a central clearing house for Trek playlists (or their favorite selective playlist) please let me know what it is.
  2. Actually four parties, if you include the shipwrecked alpha chads.
  • hallettj@leminal.spaceEnglish
    9·
    17 days ago

    You already mentioned Angel One

    Episodes where the crew clearly mediate a cultural conflict:

    • Symbiosis
    • The Ensigns of Command (the two sides don’t interact directly, and one side is human, but this is all about negotiation, and it’s a good one)
    • The Vengeance Factor
    • Devil’s Due (political negotiation via courtroom procedure)
    • Suddenly Human (family-scale dispute, but culturally divisive, one side is human)
    • Birthright
    • Journey’s End (one side is human)

    Episodes where the crew gets involved in an internal conflict (episodes with * are more action than negotiation):

    • Angel One
    • The Hunted*
    • The High Ground
    • Transfigurations*
    • Legacy*
    • Unification*
    • The Outcast

    Internal conflicts, but specifically Klingon politics where the two sides are Klingon factions:

    • Reunion
    • Rightful Heir

    Episodes about negotiation, but really it’s about a hotshot ambassador:

    • Loud as a Whisper
    • Sarek
    • The Host
    • Man of the People

    Honorable mention: The Price is mostly negotiations between several cultures. But there isn’t a clear mediating party. And the negotiation is over a purchase agreement, not a political disagreement.