25 Best Episodes Of Star Trek EVER
14. Chain Of Command - Star Trek The Next Generation
While the episode has become better known for Picard's pained expressions after his torture, it cannot be overstated how incredible this two-parter actually is. The Enterprise under Jellico's command is something different and dark. Picard is out of his depth and then captured by the Cardassians.
The superb David Warner returns to the franchise as Gul Madred, Picard's captor and interrogator. What follows is a tour de force performance by Patrick Stewart who delved deep into his research for the role, watching videos supplied by Amnesty International of victims of torture to better encapsulate them in his performance.
The Next Generation had not been a stranger to visiting darker topics but it often did so with an almost lighter air (with exceptions) but here, the show went deep. Taking Jean Luc and placing him in this vulnerable and debilitating position served not only to raise sympathy for him but also highlighted the evil of the Cardassians.
They were being established as the main antagonists of early Deep Space Nine and here it is easy to see their capabilities. They almost broke Picard. If Picard, the strength of Starfleet in human form, can be brought down by them, who can stand against them?
The episode also features Ronnie Cox as Edward Jellico, the no nonsense replacement for Picard as Captain of the Enterprise. He butts heads with Riker almost immediately and watching their adversity grow is another very enjoyable element to one of the best stories in Star Trek.