SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

This episode about a defecting Romulan General opens with the U.S.S. Enterprise’s Lt. commander Data performing the part of King Henry V on the holodeck. Captain Jean-Luc Picard observes Commander Data’s acting, suggesting that he will find no better way to pursue his quest to learn more about the human condition than by embracing the works of Shakespeare.

Series

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Language

English

Country

United States

Medium

Television

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Transmission details

1 Jan 1990

Duration

45 mins

Credits

Director

Robert Scheerer

Producer

Gene Roddenberry

Writer

Ronald D. Moore

Cast

Brent Spiner	King Henry V
Andreas Katsulas	Tomalak
Brent Spiner	Data
Gates McFadden	Beverly Crusher
James Sloyan	Setal / Jarok
Jonathan Frakes	William Thomas Riker
LeVar Burton	Geordi La Forge
Marina Sirtis	Deanna Troi
Michael Dorn	Worf
Patrick Stewart	Jean-Luc Picard
Patrick Stewart	Michael Williams
Simon Templeman	John Bates
Stack Pierce	Admiral Hadon
Wil Wheaton	Wesley Crusher

Additional Details

Production type

Television and Radio Drama

Historical period

Future

Plays

Henry V

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Science fiction (television)

Notes

Notes

Available on DVD as part of the Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3 box set.

General

In the opening scene, Patrick Stewart also played the role of Michael Williams in the Henry V sequence. According to Wikipedia (op.cit.), Stewart requested this out of his love for Shakespeare.

History

Season 3, episode 10. Broadcast on US syndicated television.

Reviews

For more information on this episode and details of the Shakespeare-STAR TREK connection in general, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Defector_(Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation) (accessed 3/9/2008).

Production Company

Name

Paramount Pictures

Distributor (Sale)

Name

Retail outlets