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

The Weight of a Failed Mission

As the Enterprise departs Gravesworld, Kareen Brianon stands alone in the observation lounge, her silent gaze fixed on the receding planet—a visual metaphor for both physical and emotional distance. Captain Picard's voiceover underscores their collective failure to preserve Ira Graves' scientific legacy, while also hinting at the unresolved personal loss Kareen endures. The contrast between the ship's clinical movement away from orbit and Kareen's profound stillness creates a poignant tension, foreshadowing the deeper crisis brewing with Data's possession by Graves' consciousness. This moment serves as a quiet lull before the storm, emphasizing the human cost of their mission's failure.

Plot Beats

The narrative micro-steps within this event

1

KAREEN BRIANON watches the shrinking planet in sorrow, her personal grief visualizing the human cost of Graves' death.

sorrowful stillness to private grief ['Observation of Gravesworld receding from the …

Who Was There

Characters present in this moment

2
Kareen Brianon
Scientific Assistant
 primary

Sad and contemplative, with deep personal loss

Kareen silently watches Gravesworld shrink away, embodying the personal loss and unspoken grief she carries from the mission.

Goals in this moment
  • • To silently mourn the loss of Ira Graves
  • • To come to terms with her own unresolved feelings about Graves' death
Active beliefs
  • • That she has failed in her duty to protect Graves
  • • That Graves' death leaves a void in her life and the scientific community
Character traits
Grieving Reserved
Follow Kareen Brianon's journey
Jean-Luc Picard
Captain
 primary

Somber with a sense of regret and duty

Picard delivers a somber Captain's log, reflecting on the failed mission to preserve Ira Graves' scientific legacy and the personal loss felt by all.

Goals in this moment
  • • To formally acknowledge the mission's failure in the log
  • • To ensure the well-being of Graves' assistant and the settlers
Active beliefs
  • • That the mission's failure carries significant personal and scientific consequences
  • • That it is his duty to ensure the survivors' transition to safety and normalcy
Character traits
Reflective Responsible
Follow Jean-Luc Picard's journey

Location Details

Places and their significance in this event

2
Gravesworld

Gravesworld is seen receding through the Observation Lounge windows, symbolizing the mission's failure and the unresolved tensions left behind.

Atmosphere Distant and melancholic
Function Symbolic reminder of loss
Symbolism Represents the unattainable scientific legacy and personal loss
Access Inaccessible as the Enterprise departs
Barren landscapes shrinking in the distance Silent and unmoving as viewed from space
Observation Lounge (USS Enterprise-D)

The Observation Lounge serves as the emotional backdrop for Kareen's silent mourning and Picard's reflective log, its vast windows framing the receding image of Gravesworld.

Atmosphere Subdued and reflective
Function Sanctuary for private reflection
Symbolism Represents the intersection of personal grief and professional duty
Access Open to crew members
Panoramic viewports showing Gravesworld shrinking in the distance Soft illumination from the stars

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."