Paul Winfield makes his second appearance in a Trek production (the first being the theatrical "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan") as "Captain Dathan," the leader of an alien species never encountered before by the crew of the Enterprise.
He and Capt. Picard find themselves allies on a planet, facing a malevolent and invisible presence. Adding to their situation is the fact that neither is able to communicate with the other, for Dathan's language is based solely on symbolism, making it almost impossible for the captain to make his wishes or strategies known. However, the two finally are able to "talk" to each other and the subsequent communication becomes a lesson in diplomacy and the importance of understanding language in forming relationships, political or otherwise.
"Darmok" is one of my top ten all-time favorite "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episodes.
He and Capt. Picard find themselves allies on a planet, facing a malevolent and invisible presence. Adding to their situation is the fact that neither is able to communicate with the other, for Dathan's language is based solely on symbolism, making it almost impossible for the captain to make his wishes or strategies known. However, the two finally are able to "talk" to each other and the subsequent communication becomes a lesson in diplomacy and the importance of understanding language in forming relationships, political or otherwise.
"Darmok" is one of my top ten all-time favorite "Star Trek: The Next Generation" episodes.