10 Star Trek Episodes That Are Beyond Words
4. When The Chorus Falls Silent
Loud As A Whisper is a poignant exploration of communication, diplomacy and disability. Picard is tasked with transporting a telepathic and deaf mediator, Riva, to a negotiation. Three companions speak for Riva, representing different parts of his soul. To all intents and purposes, they serve as his chorus, representing both his words and his feelings.
When his chorus is killed, he's left in turmoil, unable to fully communicate. Data learns his sign language, but it doesn't offer the same depth of expression he's accustomed to.
There are some beautiful moments along the way. Picard's initial mistake in addressing the interpreters rather than Riva, and the swift correction. Riva's discussion with Geordi, comparing his chorus with his visor, and their agreement that it's a blessing to understand that they're special, each in their own way. Seeing Riva and Deanna connecting without his chorus, relying on sign language instead.
When Riva's left devastated after the death of his chorus, he explains that he not only lost his friends; he lost a part of himself. The idea that it's the crew's responsibility to find a way to reach him rather than the other way around was especially forward-thinking. Even the fact that Riva is played by Howie Seago, a deaf actor, is significant, considering we still struggle today to represent disabled characters with actors who share their lived experience.
But it's the ending that weaves all these threads together. Riva realises he can bring peace to the warring factions by teaching them sign language. By learning to communicate with him, they'll learn how to understand and cooperate. Not bad for an episode of television from the 1980s.