Object

Buttons on Picard's Shirt

Small, utilitarian buttons sewn onto Captain Jean-Luc Picard’s shirt within the 1941 Dixon Hill Holodeck simulation. These buttons become a focal point of menace as the villain Leech deliberately plucks them slowly, wielding them as a symbolic threat that heightens tension and underscores Picard’s vulnerability amid a psychological and physical confrontation.

4 appearances

Purpose

To fasten Picard’s shirt, serving a mundane functional role while simultaneously becoming a tool of intimidation during a violent holodeck encounter.

Significance

The buttons transcend their everyday practicality to embody a chilling symbol of control and looming violence, marking a turning point where the antagonists’ psychological grip tightens and the stakes escalate from physical assault to a desperate struggle for survival.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Redblock's Hostile Takeover and the Deadly Ultimatum

Buttons on Picard's shirt become symbols of intimidation as Leech slowly plucks them off during a high-tension moment, underscoring Picard’s vulnerability and the personal nature of the threat.

Before: Fastened on Picard's shirt, intact.

After: Partially removed by Leech, emphasizing menace and loss of control.

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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Redblock's Brutal Takeover and the Grim Ultimatum

Buttons on Picard's shirt become a sinister focal point as Leech plucks them off one by one during his threatening approach, symbolizing Picard’s vulnerability and the escalating menace.

Before: Fastened on Picard’s shirt, part of his 1941 attire.

After: Some buttons forcibly removed by Leech, marking psychological and physical violation.

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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Picard Unmasks Fiction, Provokes Villainous Breakdown

The buttons on Picard’s shirt become a symbolic threat as Leech plucks them off slowly while wielding the stiletto, heightening Picard’s vulnerability and the scene’s tension.

Before: Fastened on Picard’s shirt.

After: Partially removed by Leech during intimidation.

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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Picard’s Calculated Gamble: Trading Whalen’s Life to Save Beverly

The buttons on Picard’s shirt become tools of menace when Leech slowly plucks them during his stiletto threat, symbolizing Picard’s vulnerability and heightening the psychological tension of the confrontation.

Before: Sewn onto Picard’s shirt, intact and part of his costume.

After: Several buttons removed by Leech, emphasizing the escalating threat.

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