Gambit, Part II is a romp. And even if it is slightly less plausible, it’s as least as much fun as Gambit, Part I. If there is a criticism, it is that the episode is so plot and twist driven that it leaves little time for character development. However, the plot and the twists are enjoyable enough to compensate (mostly) for any deficiency in character.

Part II opens with the attack on the Enterprise. Predictably, the attack isn’t particularly effective — as if Picard would really do something to permanently damage his own ship. But on the Enterprise, Data quickly deduces Riker’s gambit, and orders the crew to make a good show of the encounter. In some respects, the ruse hearkens back to the exercises of Peak Performance. And even though it’s all predictable, it’s still fun to watch.

Meanwhile, back on board the mercenary ship, Picard and Riker continue to indulge in a complex game of intrigue with the mercenary leader Baran, and his Lieutenant Tallera. We learn that the artifacts are actually Vulcan, not Romulan in origin. Furthermore, Tallera takes Picard into her “confidence” — telling Picard that her name is really T’Paal, and that she is a member of the Vulcan secret police, who was sent to track down criminals seeking a powerful ancient artifact.

As the episode unfolds, we encounter a number of twists. First, Baran encourages Riker to double cross Picard (as Galen). The Enterprise intercepts a Klingon shuttle carrying the second piece of the artifact. Then Riker and Picard board the Enterprise and manage to steal the artifact from the observation lounge. To play the roles to perfection, Picard shoots Riker — which allows the First Officer to remain on board the Enterprise, and allows Picard to usurp control from Baran.

The final twist comes as a result of Picard’s deep investigation of the artifact.  He sees Vulcan symbols of life and death, but puzzles about the identity on the third and final piece of the artifact.  His discussions with T’Paal lead him to realize that she doesn’t truly understand its true nature.

Once on Vulcan, the connect the artifact with the final piece and T’Paal reveals that she is not a member of the secret police, but rather a xenophobic organization.  She turns the weapon on  various people.  But it has no effect on Picard, or the Enterprise crew that arrives.  The reason?  The weapon is a psionic device that focuses on negative emotions — and can be easily defeated by peace.

It’s a poetic notion, that our most negative impulses can be defeated by our most positive ones.  And that moment transforms the episode from a (sometimes silly) romp, into a more profound statement about the triumph of good over evil.

Gambit, Part II helps ensure that this two-part episode fares much better than most two-part episodes in the series.  The episodes are deficient when it comes to character, however, combining elements of fun, archeology and morality, the Gambit episodes are definitely worth watching.

Filed under: TNG Reviews