Star Trek The Next Generation
S2E5
· Star Trek: The Next Generation - The Schizoid Man

A Grave Departure

As the Enterprise withdraws from Gravesworld, Captain Picard records a somber supplemental log, formally acknowledging their failure to preserve Ira Graves' scientific legacy—a loss compounded by the poignant visual of Kareen Brianon silently grieving as the planet shrinks from view. This quiet moment layers professional disappointment with deeply personal sorrow, foreshadowing the unseen crisis brewing aboard ship as Graves' consciousness now inhabits Data. The juxtaposition of Picard's clinical log narration against Kareen's wordless mourning underscores the dual nature of their loss: both the extinction of genius and the mourning of a flawed but loved individual.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

PICARD records a somber supplemental log, admitting the mission's failure and stating that Ira Graves' impending discoveries will die with him — a recognition of lost knowledge and finality.

resignation to mournful acceptance

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Kareen Brianon
Scientific Assistant
 primary

Visibly mourning both the man she loved and the scientific legacy now lost

Silently observing Gravesworld's shrinking image through the observation lounge window, her body language conveying deep personal grief.

Goals in this moment
  • • Process her complex emotions about Graves' death
  • • Find closure as she physically leaves his world behind
Active beliefs
  • • Graves' genius deserved preservation despite his personal flaws
  • • Their personal connection transcended his scientific work
Character traits
Loyal Grieving Reserved
Follow Kareen Brianon's journey
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Professionally composed but internally troubled by the mission's failure and its implications

Recording a captain's log with measured professionalism, yet conveying profound disappointment through his carefully chosen words about their failed mission.

Goals in this moment
  • • Formally document the mission's outcome for Starfleet records
  • • Transition the crew's focus toward next steps (reaching the starbase)
Active beliefs
  • • Starfleet's duty extends beyond success to honest accounting of failures
  • • Graves' scientific loss represents a significant blow to Federation knowledge
Character traits
Disciplined Reflective Responsible
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Gravesworld

Gravesworld appears through the observation lounge windows, shrinking as the Enterprise departs, becoming both a vanishing physical location and a symbol of lost potential and unresolved grief.

Atmosphere Distant and receding, visually emphasizing finality
Function Focal point for characters' contemplation and grief
Symbolism Embodies both Ira Graves' scientific legacy and personal history
Access Now inaccessible as the Enterprise leaves orbit
Visible planetary surface shrinking in the distance Silent witness to the characters' emotional states
Observation Lounge (USS Enterprise-D)

The Observation Lounge serves as the contemplative space where Picard's official log and Kareen's private grief intersect, its panoramic windows framing Gravesworld's departure as both a literal and symbolic moment of transition.

Atmosphere Quiet and reflective, charged with unspoken emotion
Function Space for simultaneous official business and private reflection
Symbolism Represents the intersection of Starfleet duty and personal loss
Access Presumably accessible to senior staff and guests
Panoramic view of retreating Gravesworld Subdued lighting enhancing the somber mood

Narrative Connections

How this event relates to others in the story

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Key Dialogue

"Picard (V.O.): "Captain's log, Supplemental. I leave Gravesworld with an empty feeling and the knowledge that our mission was unsuccessful. Whatever scientific secrets Ira Graves was about to unlock will follow him to his grave...""
"Picard (V.O.): "Our immediate priority is to reach the nearest starbase so that Graves' assistant and the marooned settlers can get on with their lives.""