Season three returns to form with The Defector — a high energy character-driven episode that incorporates drama, suspense, and intellectual warfare from the Romulans. The episode is so strong that it barely misses a beat anywhere.

The episode begins briskly enough with a brief scene in which Data performs a segment of Shakespeare’s Henry V. This scene depicting the King in disguise, visiting his troops before battle sets the tone for the conflict between the Enterprise and the Romulans. The scene is followed by one of the best action sequences we’ve seen thus far: a Romulan scout ship on the run from a Warbird — and the introduction of the Romulan defector.

The real strength of the episode comes from the character of Jarok. As a defector, his job is to portray a man torn between personal conviction and patriotism. He is willing to pay the ultimate price for the sake of peace. And it is his ability to portray the sincerity of his inner conflict that truly centers this episode and allows the rest of the story to work its magic.

Once again, the Romulans are presented from two very different viewpoints. We’re given the personal, tragic figure of Jarok as well as the cold, ruthless strategists as represented by Commander Tomalak. It’s a brilliant tactical strategy from the Romulans: feed Jarok misinformation to test his loyalty. If he rejects it, his loyalty is proven. Otherwise, if he takes the bait and the Federation buys into it, they have the double benefit of proving the disloyalty of a disgraced admiral, and the capture of the Enterprise.

The final sequences of the The Defector are among the most entertaining and enjoyable of the entire series. The showdown between Picard and Tomalak takes the brinkmanship introduced in The Enemy and elevates it to a whole new level. Outgunned by two Romulan Warbirds, Picard stands his ground and turns the tables, outmaneuvering the Romulans by calling upon hidden allies: the Klingons. The sudden decloaking of three Klingon Birds of Prey is sheer brilliance. And it works because the episode deftly makes subtle hints about this plan. The scenes are cleverly interspersed so that it’s almost impossible to fixate on them, and yet they provide enough of a setup that the reveal doesn’t seem preposterous.

On a personal level, I truly appreciate the musical score’s use of the Klingon theme in the moments leading up to the reveal. It’s a subtle hint that perfectly sets the stage for the sudden, climactic appearance of the Klingon warships.

One last item of note: Jarok betrays his people, and yet is secure and confident in the safety of his family. This demonstrates that the Romulans, despite their often calculating ruthlessness, have a measure of civility that transcends what we might expect from similar authoritarian societies in our own world.

The Defector is one of the best episodes of the series thus far. It’s well-paced, action-packed and endlessly enjoyable to watch.

Topics: Romulans
Filed under: TNG Reviews