Preemptive Strike is an episode that comes full circle for the character of Ro Laren. The central dynamic of the episode is her relationship with Picard — his trust in her has helped her forge a new life. She is immensely grateful. But their mutual trust and respect are put to the test. In another solid layer to the episode, it builds on the establishment of the demilitarized zone in Journey’s End. This is TNG penultimate episode (if you count All Good Things … as a single installment). And the series delivers.

The story of the episode centers on the Maquis — a group of Federation citizens living in the DMZ that are resisting the Cardassian occupation of some of their worlds (given to the Cardassians as a result of the treaty which triggered the events in Journey’s End). Also on board is Ro Laren, now a Lieutenant, who has just completed the equivalent of “special ops” training.

The opening scene between Ro Laren and Picard is notable for just how far these two characters have come since they first met in Ensign Ro. They have a mutual understanding and respect for one another. And that dynamic is central to the inner conflict Ro will face.

Within the DMZ, a militant group, called the Maquis, has formed. They make various raids against Cardassian ships and outposts using primarily guerrilla tactics. The Enterprise responds to a distress signal and comes to the aid of a Cardassian warship under heavy attack from a swarm of smaller Maquis ships. It’s interesting to note how few times we see an encounter between big and little ships in Star Trek. Here we can clearly see what an advantage smaller ships can have, provided that they have sufficient numbers.

Eager to keep the peace established by the recent treaties, Admiral Nechayev decides that the Federation needs better intelligence on the Maquis. So Ro Laren is sent in as a spy. It’s easy to see why. Her checkered history with Starfleet and her recent special ops training make her ideal for a covert operation. But the danger isn’t whether or not she can carry out her orders — it’s in her loyalties.

Ro Laren has always demonstrated a fierce independent streak, as well as a a passion for the plight of her Bajoran people. The only tie she has to Starfleet, really, is Picard. And as strong as that tie is, the pull toward a group dedicated to fighting Cardassian oppression is even stronger. Throw in the elderly leader of the Maquis, Macias, and Ro’s loyalties become even further conflicted.

Psychologically, Ro Laren seems to be in search of a father figure. In Picard, she found the strict, but fair, individual to straighten out her troubled past and give her the time and space to find her destiny. In Macias, she finds the spiritual connection back to her homeworld — and a fellow freedom fighter. While Ro Laren has great respect for Picard, the real personal connection she forges with Macias is that much stronger. As a result, when Macias is killed by a surprise Cardassian attack, Ro Laren, finally, chooses her destiny.

She does her level best to warn Picard about her shifting loyalties, even going so far as to try and convince him to back off of a plan to trap the Maquis. It’s a touching scene because the inner convictions of both characters are quite prominent — and in direct contrast to their trust and admiration of one another.

Ultimately, with Riker on board, Ro betrays the Federation — and Picard. She warns the Maquis about the imminent trap. Saying farewell to Riker, she asks him to tell her former mentor that she is sorry. It’s sincere. And for Picard, it is wrenching. His final scene is a perfect portrayal of a man who feels betrayed, who understands the reasons for the betrayal, and cannot reconcile the two conflicting feelings.

Preemptive Strike is a powerful, engaging episode which touches on a great deal of former story ideas. Unlike the past two episodes, however, these story ideas are both worthy of exploration and competently portrayed. Well done indeed.

Topics: Bajorans, Cardassians, Ensign Ro
Filed under: TNG Reviews