Star Trek: The Next Generation (TV Series) The Hunted (1990) User Reviews

Mixed signals

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 22 October 2018]

A problem recognized long ago in earth's history. A nation mobilizes for war and wins. Now what do we do with these suddenly unemployed soldiers?

The planet Angosia with its prime minister James Cromwell is applying for membership and they've sent Captain Jean-Luc Picard to look the place over. While doing so Jeff McCarthy escapes from a lunar penal colony. The Enterprise with some bit of doing subdues him and he's held in there security cell to get his story.

McCarthy gives a lot of mixed signals to Counselor Troi. He's a cultivated but violence can spring from him in an instant. His fighting skills are enhanced, programmed right into his DNA. He's a super soldier no doubt.

The best example in earth history is the Roman Empire who when they reached their zenith did not know what to do with all their trained fighting men except maybe make them gladiators. The USA had a GI Bill of Rights which is the best answer humankind has devised. The Angosians weren't that clever.

It's a good episode and you can only imagine the report Patrick Stewart gives the Federation.

Star Trek Meets First Blood

[davepetri · 7/10 · 8 November 2021]

Danar's story seems to follow a similar arc of Rambo in First Blood albeit without all the death and destruction.

After not being welcomed back to society, a former soldier relies on his military training and reflexes to survive in a world where they feel unwelcome.

An annoying episode with a nice conclusion

[csunyabogar · 6/10 · 19 January 2021]

The acting and the characters are unique. Also the story line, I have to admit.

But the main guest character seems to have too much superpowers. I can accept that he is strong, and he can resist in many situations. He is very clever and he is at least two steps ahead of everyone. And also, he is invisible. There are no problems with these facts.

I find it very strange that he seems to know the ship in so many details. He can easily use the communication, he can find his way all around the ship very fast, and no one can follow him. He can also operate the computer like anyone else on the ship. He knows how to make diversions with the faser. How did he learn so much about the ship even if he is a super soldier?! No one can guess his goal, however it is very predictable. During the episode I am asking more and more questions... Why? How? Why? Why again? How again? I find these kinds of illogical episodes in any series annoying.

Its parallel to today is obvious and compelling.

[planktonrules · 9/10 · 16 November 2014]

The Angosians are applying for membership in the Federation and so the Enterprise is approaching their planet. However, an escaped prisoner escapes and the Enterprise is asked to help capture him. The guy turns out to be EXTREMELY tricky and it's obvious he's not just some ordinary being. When captured by the Enterprise, they soon learn that he's undergone a lot of bio- engineering in order to make him the perfect soldier. Interestingly, they soon learn that the man hadn't actually committed crimes but was a soldier who has deliberately been made into this dangerous being. And, instead of trying to deprogram the man, the Angosians simply have banished him and their other soldiers to a penal colony!

Like many episodes of "Star Trek", this one is obviously intended as a parallel to today. It's obvious that it's intended as a lesson about PTSD and society's need to fix these broken warriors. It does have a great point to make and is very effective overall. One of the better season two episodes.

Die Hard meets Full Metal Jacket in space

[Freshly_Squeezed_Human_Spirit · 9/10 · 28 August 2015]

In my opinion this is one of The Next Generation's best and most underestimated episodes (it's somehow never in anyone's top 10). First of all it is very exciting. The Enterprise crew and Danar are playing cat and mouse, with Danar always one step ahead. In this game of tactics many rooms, corridors, Jefferies tubes, the shields and the transporter of the Enterprise are used, as well as a small spaceship and some objects in space. Danar's guerrilla tactics on board the Enterprise remind me of another great episode a few seasons later, namely Starship Mine, where Picard in a way takes over Danar's role.

Apart from all the "Die Hard-like" action scenes, there is also an interesting idea at the basis of The Hunted. It is about what to do with people after they come home from a war and have been turned into dangerous weapons. What is the responsibility of the government and society when soldiers have been dehumanized by war, military conditioning and technology? It is more or less the message of the first Rambo movie or Full Metal Jacket.

Conditioning.

[russem31 · 17 April 2006]

ST:TNG:59 - "The Hunted" (Stardate: 43489.2) - this is the 11th episode of the 3rd season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

This episode is about government conditioning of their soldiers - basically because they were conditioned, when they were finished with their tour of duty, they couldn't cope with the new post-war way of life and were thus sent to a correctional prison facility on Luna V where they can never leave (as their government says "for their own protection).

Of course this episode is a commentary on conditioning by governments of our own past and present and how it's wrong.

Guest starring is the talented actor James Cromwell as Prime Minister Nayrok (he would later return to the Star Trek universe in the TNG episodes "Birthright Parts I and II" as Jaglom Shrek and Star Trek: First Contact and the "Enterprise" pilot episode "Broken Bow Part I" as Zephram Cochrane).

An Applicant with a Dark Past

[Samuel-Shovel · 6/10 · 2 October 2019]

In "The Hunted" the Enterprise visits a planet on a diplomatic mission to review and report on Angosha III, a potential Federation planet applying for admission. Whilst there, the government asks them to apprehend an escaped prisoner who broke out of Angosha's orbiting penitentiary. After a big ado, they're able to man the man and lock him up. They soon learn the truth of the matter: that this world has locked up its super soldiers it created to win a previous war. Now they've tossed them aside because they couldn't integrate them back into society. This perturbs the crew of the Enterprise who want to help but whose hands are tied. Can the two sides find peace?

This was pretty clearly a ln allegory on the tales of soldiers returning home and the US not properly assisting them. Many Vietnam vets now live on the streets and suffer from mental illness. The episode does a pretty good job of telling this story without spelling it out for the audience... Unfortunately it kind of holds our hand across the finish line as we get a really preachy final scene. It was doing just fine before that but then it feels it necessary to spell it all out at the end in case we missed anything.

This episode is pretty middle of the road for Season 3. We get a fun little guest appearance from James Cromwell which I'll never complain about. We get to see this super soldier beat up the entire crew of the Enterprise which is amusing. You'd think the Federation's superior technology would be able to thwart his escape plans but apparently not...

Star Trek The Next Generation--The Hunted

[Scarecrow-88 · 9/10 · 13 April 2013]

I think The Hunted is super cool if just because Danar is able to circumvent every tactic and attempt by the Enterprise crew to capture and stop him. Danar has been built by the Angosian race to be the perfect soldier to help their military win a war, then exiled like his fellow killing machine soldiers to a prison settlement on Lunar V. Oh, they are well fed and treated with fine accommodations on the settlement but still deprived of freedoms those of his people have(who weren't genetically, physically, or behaviorally altered for the rigors and expectations of a bloody war). Danar escapes because he's tired of living imprisoned; this sentiment is felt by his like-minded soldiers who want to return home and have freedoms they've been deprived. Data and Troi become sympathetic to Danar when they realize that he's been programmed by scientists and then abandoned by them (or as Picard feels, "they turned their backs on him") after their victory of the war. It is then debated as to whether or not the scientists of Angosia can reverse the process and remove the protective impulse to kill when a threat presents itself. The whole start of the episode was Angosia wanting to become part of the United Federation of Planets. Their application process would perhaps be determined successful/unsuccessful upon the away team from the Enterprise seeing the Angosian way of life, their governmental structure, the political structure, so one and so forth. Danar's escape certainly throws a monkey wrench into these plans. Seeing Danar reduce the Enterprise security to fallen bodies and equip himself nicely in a battle with Worf (Worf even comments, in respect to his battling capabilities, that he must have Klingon blood; this was a nice spot), not to mention, move about the ship, creating elaborate means to avoid capture, is just exciting and thrilling to watch for this Trekkie. Danar's scenes with Data and Troi are also noteworthy; the way the actor, Jeff McCarthy, shows the "duality" existing within him, the torture of being a non-violent man trapped in a human killing machine, it adds dramatic weight when in conversation with Troi and Data, for we sense his immediate cynicism give way to open revelations on how he is burdened, desiring to be free to live without having to kill when the impulse overtakes him. James Cromwell has an early Trek appearance as the Angosian Prime Minister just wanting the likes of Danar to stay far away from his pacifist society.

Made to Serve

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 16 August 2014]

Through genetic engineering a planetary race, which is applying for a position in the Federation, has been producing soldiers to fight their battles. What has happened is that they have ignored the fact that these are sentient beings who have the same desires and hopes as their own. One of them escapes and through a series of circumstances finds himself on the Enterprise. Picard, taking the side of the oppressors because of ignorance has him captured and put in isolation. What they don't realize is the ingenuity of this battle ready being who is really formidable. Picard runs somewhat afoul of the people he is negotiating with as he realizes there are two sides to this story. The smug people are extremely comfortable letting these poor men fight for them and have no intention of giving them anything. Picard often uses the most solid form of action which is inaction. Another third season gem.

One of Star Treks best.

[laclone · 9/10 · 3 January 2014]

I have to admit that this is one of my favorite episodes of the entire series.

One aspect of the plot is something we've seen many times before. Some planet/race has requested membership to the Federation, and the Enterprise is sent to evaluate and report on their findings.

But a wrench is thrown into the process when a prisoner escapes from a lunar prison facility, and the government request the Enterprise's help in re-capturing him. With some difficulty, they do so. Only now they find that the prisoner, a veteran of a previous war, had committed no crimes, and was sent to prison only because he was now considered by the citizens of his home world as now simply being undesirable to be allowed to return to normal society.

A particularly great twist in the plot is that, after so many times before we've seen the Prime Directive take a back-seat to the desire of the crew to help other cultures, we now get to see it used to keep the Federation out from interfering with situation that the native government has brought upon itself.

And a most deservedly so situation it is!

Bad Action Episode with Unrealistic Outcome

[jseph1234-262-617488 · 5/10 · 20 July 2022]

This was a Super Annoying Episode because of the inablity of the "Supposedly" Trained Enterprise security members to take down one man.

Also, the writers, AGAIN, made the Bridge Team Powerless and Inept. Unable to stop this lone guy or even catch him with all of their advance technology.

Just a plain dumb episode!

One of my favourites

[wragggirl · 10/10 · 14 August 2022]

I loved this episode... Kept us guessing and the resolution was true to Starfleet and Picard. Teaching a little lesson. Always good to get back to basics. Deanna Troi used as she should be without any special attraction added to her talents.

Just ship your problems off to the moon.

[thevacinstaller · 8/10 · 16 March 2021]

Good episode.

I enjoyed McCarthy's performance as a tormented genetically engineered super soldier. He was skillfully crafted in a manner to be sympathetic in dealing with the plight of being a thrown away weapon.

The main allegory is clearly about modern society kicking soldiers to the curb after the campaign is over. I also picked up on a message about the dangers of chemical/genetic engineering that has surfed before in khan related episodes. In this case it does not appear to have created a group of power hungry dictators.

I have to suspend my disbelief a bit that Danar can understand federation systems so quickly and effectively but hey --- He's like a navy seal --- They just make things work to get the job done.

Troi's telepathic ability is prominent in this episode and is crucial in uncovering the mess that the Angosians have made. I also enjoyed how the Angosian's attempted to justify this action by hiding behind the shield of democratic voting being responsible for this situation that no one was happy with ---- thus making it the will of the people and an acceptable solution to the Angosian leaders. Without Troi the ball does not get rolling at all and she is the one who fights for investigating Danar's history.

I enjoy when characters are smart but not superhero's. Picard has some great moments in this one ---- Turning the 'internal security' line used by Nayrok against him in the final scene was wonderful. Nayrok wants the federation to solve Angosian problems and get's verbally punched in the face by Picard.

I also loved how Picard shuts down any chance at the Angosians getting Federation membership but offers to teach them to not be jerks.

Roga Danar

[gritfrombray-1 · 10/10 · 8 June 2007]

The Enterprise is negotiating a planet's membership into the Federation. When a prisoner from a lunar prison escapes Picard offers assistance in locating this 'deviant'. He is quickly located through a small academy trick of Commander Riker's. when eventually in a holding cell Roga Danar talks with several crew members and opinion begins to grow among the officers that this man is no criminal but in fact is a conditioned soldier no longer allowed back into society. Picard is by Federation law, not allowed to interfere with the planet's laws and is, after advice from his crew mates eventually made wash his hands of the prisoner. Danar is crafty however and escapes. This episode had harrowing similarities to many of the mentally scarred soldiers from the Vietnamese wars. Upon arriving in the Capital City Picard argues with the Prime Minister who has made it clear that the affair is nothing to do with the Federation. Moments later Danar and several escapees from the Lunar Colony interrupt and make it clear they refuse to return to the Colony. When the Prime Minister asks for help Picard says in his own words, this is not their affair and the Enterprise crew members depart.

Underrated

[rcyoung-02426 · 8/10 · 26 March 2023]

The first time I saw this episode, I hated it. I found the plot to be dumb, and the character of Danar to be terrible and nonsensical. It is also makes no sense to think that the crew of the Enterprise, with all of its resources and technology, would have trouble dealing with this one man, regardless of how enhanced he is.

However, after watching this episode for the first time in many years, I realized just how excellent a metaphor it is for the PTSD. Danar is a soldier through and through, and as a soldier he is conditioned to do one thing, survive and win at all costs. Unfortunately the byproduct of this conditioning is that it becomes impossible for him to be integrated into mainstream society.

It's amazing to see the ethics of Picard on display. On one hand, Danar is a criminal, while in the other hand, his actions are a result of societal oppression. Either way, it ends up having serious implications for the society that he comes from.

It's not a perfect episode, but I do think that it deserves to be considered among the classics.

You must have Klingon blood

[snoozejonc · 8/10 · 16 June 2021]

Enterprise visits a planet that wants to join the Federation.

This is a strong episode with the crew up against a cool adversary and in another position of mediation.

The purpose of the story is the main theme of society's treatment of its servicemen and women. It does this well, with clear allegories to Vietnam and is relevant today like it would have been if it had been made in the 60s or 70s. There is a familiar plot structure of Picard and the crew mediating, but in a slightly more reluctant way than usual.

How it addresses the main theme reminds me a lot of the movie 'First Blood' with the guest character doing a John Rambo on board the Enterprise. One extended action sequence is by far the most cinematic part of the episode and puts him up against the entire Enterprise. I like it because it mostly emphasises the resourcefulness and cunning of the character more than his fighting prowess.

It ends in somewhat of an anticlimax but I do like the fact that Picard doesn't babysit the negotiation process and how it implies the Angosian government will do the right thing because they want to be part of the Federation.

Makes no sense

[kuldiprsingh · 2/10 · 8 June 2021]

How can Picard just leave these people at the hands of armed and violent criminals? Since when has he accepted being threatened by any other race but will allow these people to be held hostage? This makes no sense. You would think Picard would help the people and the criminals come to a civilized resolution but instead he just leaves the people at the hands of armed criminals.....rightttttttt. Makes so much sense. This episode was the opposite of every other episode.

Story to Compare today's US Military

[rbkjr · 8/10 · 15 July 2019]

After a long, drawn out affair to recapture an escaped 'highly trained & lethal' prisoner (Roga Danar) who escaped from the detention center of a planet applying 4 membership to the federation, he is beamed aboard the Enterprise after a 'cat & mouse' game of Danar trying 2 outrun capture in his escape vessel showing no life signs--making it nearly impossible to get him into detention...which is finally done after a long, protracted endeavor. Finally, near the end when Worf has him 1 on 1 w/ Worf's phaser trained on him, Roga catches him off guard during a power fluctuation which distracts Worf long enough for Roga to escape again. How many times do the 'Security Staff' have to know when NOT TO TALK & JUST STUN the prisoner w/ a higher stun setting to knock him out after earlier attempts failed at regular settings. That frustrates me to no end that a 'lack of common sense' seems to prevail at ALL THE WRONG TIMES!! Almost a comical ending after all Enterprise staff were HIGHLY WARNED OF THE DANGERS trying to apprehend the prisoner, who finally is back on his own planet & left to their Prime Minister to do what he wants as the Away team beams back to the Enterprise. Episode could have been completed in half the time--way too drawn out discussing the psychological complexities of fighting wars & how 2 treat those soldiers after returning home to reintegrate back into society.

Troi's ability to read empathy coming in handy.

[amusinghandle · 8/10 · 29 January 2024]

He's like Khan but just a regular guy and not a psycho. The character of Danar is compelling thanks to a bulletproof motivation of wanting true freedom and the fact that he (and his comrades) were victimized to be super weapons in an internal war and then discarded when not needed.

I also enjoyed that this dubious decision making was the result of 'democracy' and not a single dictator thus making the entire population complicit in the crime.

Another solid guest star performance with McCarthy creating a sympathetic super solider.

This episode rides a tight rope of being believable or a precursor to a marvel movie ... but hey ---- The guy is a super soldier --- I'll buy what you are selling me.

If the Angosians choose to accept the soldiers back into society, I would recommend you concentrate their efforts on engineering ---- you will achieve war drive and possibly discover the secret to immortality with the talent these individuals have.

"How do you separate the program from the man?"

[classicsoncall · 8/10 · 11 December 2023]

Creating the perfect soldier has been the theme of many movies and TV programs. 'Next Generation' takes a stab at it with this story of Roga Danar (Jeff McCarthy), escaped from a prison colony on Lunar V, while his home planet of Angosia III is applying for membership in the Federation. Danar is more than clever, he finds a way to elude the Enterprise aboard a stolen transport ship and detaches its drive section to hide behind an asteroid and disappear. When he's finally captured, the Enterprise crew is shocked to learn that he exhibits no life signs! As a manufactured super-soldier, Danar was imbued with so many bio-engineered elements that some of them are unknown even to Dr. Crusher (Gates McFadden). But while Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) endeavors to return Danar to Angosian Prime Minister Nayrok (James Cromwell), all is not as it seems. With Counselor Troi (Marina Sirtis) taking particular interest in Danar's motivations, she learns that he and other soldiers like him have been banished to the penal colony with no attempt at rehabilitation from their violent tendencies. While unsuccessful in getting Picard to understand at first, events transpire that allow him to acknowledge that it's the prisoners' desire for freedom to return to Angosia as accepted citizens that changes his mind. I liked the way this one ended, with Captain Picard leaving Nayrok with a decision to be made that would benefit both sides on Angosia. One is left to decide if he made the right choice.

A Senior Trekker writes......................

[celineduchain · 5/10 · 10 January 2022]

New uniforms, new credit sequence and Doctor Crusher returned to us but was Season 3 of The Next Generation really as good as we remember? Some of that enthusiasm may have have been generated by relief that the series had not been cancelled but the 1990's also heralded an era of considerably more stability behind the scenes. Senior Trekker will continue to score every episode with a 5.

At the time, The Hunted was considered very much as an allegory of the Vietnam War, or rather the reintegration of Vietnam veterans into a society that is embarrassed by their physical and psychological scars. It was made a little over a decade after the end of that war and the memories would have been fresh for a lot of people who were affected by it. Nowadays, not so much has changed. The USA is still ambivalent about the survivors of its foreign conflicts and so the main theme of this episode still has resonance today.

It wasn't until Deep Space Nine that Star Trek examined the effect of such colonial wars upon the conquered country. I have visited Laos, the unfortunate recipient of more US ordnance than was dropped in the whole of WW2. Up until 2010 archaeological sites still had to be visited through carefully marked out pathways to avoid the danger of tourists stepping on uncleared mines. That Star Trek later became able to encompass such atrocities is a great testament to the Roddenberry principal = "tell your story under the guise of Science Fiction and you will get it out there for people to hear".

Apparently, the rather ambivalent stand off at the end of the story came about because the budget didn't allow for the planned destructive shoot-out. Personally, I think that the economy worked in its favour, leaving it to the viewer's imagination to complete the story. Several of the guest actors, including the now celebrated James Cromwell, returned to Star Trek over the years (both in and out of prosthetics) after this appearance, so they must have been equally pleased with the result.