The High Ground is an exceptionally powerful episode that is a notable departure for the series. It is a violent, dark, and complex story that has no true resolution to the conflict within which it is framed. The fact that it is both emotional and profoundly relevant over 17 years after its initial airing is a testament to the writing and vision of this episode.

To say that this is a story about terrorists and terrorism would be an gross oversimplification. The fact is, The High Ground goes to great lengths to show just how complex an issue armed conflict can be. The fact that one side of that conflict resorts to terrorism does not necessarily mean that the lines of good and evil are clearly drawn. Rather, both sides of the Rutian conflict demonstrate reason and rationality as well as brutal, immoral tactics. And, too, we are given the humanity and tragedy from both sides.

Part of what makes this episode so compelling is the character of Finn. He successfully walks the line between a dehumanized murder and romantic artist and idealist. And therein lies his tragedy. He loves to draw. He wants freedom. But to achieve his ends, he resorts to ruthless acts of violence. Both reasonable and rational, Finn allows us to see that his cause, if not his brutal tactics, is just. While the episode never condones terrorism, it is a sign of the episode’s maturity that we are given this balanced view of a man that is at once called “terrorist” and “freedom fighter.”

Some other strengths of the episode come from Beverly Crusher and the dialogue. In many ways, it is a subtle performance, however, Dr. Crusher is able to evoke a great deal of emotions in spite of this subtlety (it would be nice to Troi will learn a few lessons). The dialogue was exceptionally well-written, including a discussion between Data and Picard and then between Dr. Crusher and Finn. Perhaps the best line from the episode, delivered by Picard, ought to have been considered in recent history: “History has shown us that strength may be useless in the face of terrorism.”

The only thing keeping this episode from being outstanding is its ending. The episode went to great lengths to demonstrate the sobering, violent nature of the use of terrorism. And yet, the ending becomes a stylized Hollywood moment of reunion between mother and son. The reunion is important and well-done, to be sure, however, the episode needed something just a little bit more. The crew had just been through what was, clearly, a difficult, emotional ordeal. There was capture of the captain and the doctor, the deaths and injuries of crew members, the near-successful attempt to destroy the Enterprise — all because they bothered to deliver some medical supplies.

And yet the ending leaves us believing that these events had no lasting impression on the crew. No discussion of whether or not they should continue to render aid, or whether or not they should involved at all, let alone the lingering impact of captivity on Dr. Crusher. If the message of the episode is that peace is only possible through discussion and concessions and forgiveness, then one final moment of discussion among the crew regarding that, in light of the events on Rutia, would have sealed the deal. It isn’t a fatal flaw, but it is certainly a glaring one.

The High Ground is a dark, emotional, relevant episode of TNG. It borders on greatness, but a final missed opportunity at its end prevents it from being outstanding.

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