Star Trek The Next Generation
S1E16
· 11001001

Riker’s Disillusionment with the Illusory Minuet

In the solitude of the Holodeck, Riker enters a familiar program hoping to reconnect with Minuet, the holographic woman who once captivated him. Initially filled with relief and hope, he finds the figure motionless and unresponsive. As she turns, it becomes painfully clear she is a generic hologram, not the true Minuet. This moment crystallizes the emotional cost of the Bynar crisis—highlighting the fragile boundary between reality and illusion and underscoring Riker’s poignant loss of a connection that was never fully real. It serves as a quiet yet powerful emotional counterpoint to the larger narrative of saving the Bynar civilization, deepening the theme of ephemeral relationships and the sacrifices made in the face of necessity.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

3

Riker punches in the program code at the computer panel, triggering the computer to grant access to the Holodeck.

anticipation to cautious optimism ['Holodeck IV']

Riker enters the Holodeck and sees a motionless Minuet at the table; relief floods him as he takes a seat, hopeful for connection.

hope to tentative calm ['Holodeck IV interior']

Riker breaks the silence with a flirtatious line, only to realize the woman turning around is not Minuet; disappointment darkens his face as he confronts the truth.

hope to disappointment ['Holodeck IV interior']

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Minuet
primary

Unfeeling as a hologram, serving as a cold reminder of lost connection and the fragility of artificial companionship.

Minuet exists as a motionless holographic figure initially poised to evoke recognition and comfort, but her unresponsive and generic turn reveals the artificial nature of this representation, emphasizing the emotional distance and illusion faced by Riker.

Goals in this moment
  • • Serve as a lure or familiar presence within the holodeck program
  • • Mask true Bynar intentions by maintaining an illusion of normalcy
Active beliefs
  • • Maintaining the illusion of Minuet might delay suspicion
  • • Emotional engagement of Riker is a tool within Bynar plans
Character traits
unresponsive illusionary detached
Follow Minuet's journey
William Riker
Commander
 primary

Initially hopeful and comforted, shifting swiftly to disillusionment and poignant loss as he confronts the painful artificiality of the hologram.

Commander William Riker enters Holodeck IV after entering a code at the computer panel, approaches the figure at the table with initial relief, then verbally confronts the hologram with disappointment upon realizing it is not the true Minuet, exposing his emotional vulnerability.

Goals in this moment
  • • Reconnect with Minuet, seeking emotional solace and familiarity
  • • Discern the true nature of the holographic figure
Active beliefs
  • • The hologram might be a genuine recreation of Minuet
  • • Reconnecting with Minuet could provide emotional grounding during the Bynar crisis
Character traits
hopeful curious emotionally exposed disappointed
Follow William Riker's journey

Objects Involved

Significant items in this scene

2
Holodeck Program: Minuet Illusion

The Holodeck Program: Minuet Illusion manifests as the holographic figure that fails to animate or fully engage. It represents the artificial simulation that both attracts and ultimately disappoints Riker, revealing the limits of technology to replace authentic connection.

Before: Programmed and active within the Holodeck, appearing as …
After: Remains active but continues to embody lifeless simulation, …
Before: Programmed and active within the Holodeck, appearing as Minuet at the table but motionless.
After: Remains active but continues to embody lifeless simulation, heightening Riker's disillusionment.
AUTO‑DESTRUCT Indicator (Alarm System Control Panel)

The Secondary Computer Panel is used by Riker to input the program access code, enabling entry into the Holodeck. This device functions as the gateway from reality into the simulated environment where the Minuet illusion exists, thus facilitating the emotional confrontation.

Before: Integrated into the Holodeck IV environment, idle, ready …
After: Still embedded and operational, having successfully granted access …
Before: Integrated into the Holodeck IV environment, idle, ready to receive input.
After: Still embedded and operational, having successfully granted access to the holodeck simulation.

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

1
Holodeck IV

Holodeck IV serves as the immersive environment where Riker seeks refuge and emotional connection through the Minuet simulation. The space, typically a sanctuary for artful and intimate interaction, here becomes a stage for confrontation with loss and artificiality, underscored by its silent, static ambiance.

Atmosphere Quiet, still, and imbued with a haunting emptiness that contrasts with prior lively holodeck experiences.
Function Sanctuary turned crucible for Riker’s emotional reckoning with illusion versus reality.
Symbolism Embodies the fragile boundary between genuine human connection and cold technological facsimile.
Access Restricted to authorized personnel with program access codes, private and controlled environment.
Dim lighting emphasizing the stillness Absence of ambient noise or movement Presence of the single holographic figure seated at the table

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

No narrative connections mapped yet

This event is currently isolated in the narrative graph

Key Dialogue

"RIKER: What's a knockout like you doin in a computer-generated joint like this?"
"RIKER: You're not Minuet."