7x04 Gambit, Part I - Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode Guide

Star Trek: The Next Generation

- Episode 07x04

Episode: 07x04
Title: Gambit, Part I
Type: Regular Episode
Production Code: 256
First Aired: Oct. 11, 1993

Season 7 » Episode #04 - Gambit, Part I

Star Trek: The Next Generation - 07x04 Gambit, Part I

Summary: Stardate: 47135.2 Riker goes looking for Picard, who's failed to return from an archaeological trip - only to be told he's been killed / vaporized in a bar-room brawl. Unfortunately, Riker's attempt to bring the killers to justice leaves him in the clutches of ruthless mercenaries.

Who appeared in this episode?

Guest Stars:

Captain Jean-Luc Picard	played by Patrick Stewart
Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge	played by LeVar Burton
Doctor Beverly Crusher	played by Gates McFadden
Counselor Deanna Troi	played by Marina Sirtis
Lt. Commander Data	played by Brent Spiner
Baran	played by Richard Lynch
Tallera	played by Robin Curtis
Vekor	played by Julie Caitlin Brown
Narik	played by Cameron Thor

	Season 7 / Episode 4: - Gambit, Part I Commander William T. Riker: Acting Captain's log, Stardate 47135.2 - Dr. Crusher has positively identified Captain Picard's DNA. There is no doubt now that he's dead.
	Season 7 / Episode 4: - Gambit, Part I Captain Jean-Luc Picard: [as Galen] They're right, Baran, and you know it. I say kill him - now!

[More Quotes]

MISTAKES/GOOFS

FAKE: When Baran's ship fires on the Enterprise's warp engine at the end of the episode, the picture shakes.

TRIVIA

This episode contains the longest phaser fight shown on screen, with over 70 shots. All explosions were done in post-production due to a fire season ban on live explosives shot on location at Griffith Park's Cedar Grove. Likewise, all damage stains on rocks were done digitally.
The idea for this storyline grew out of a spec script submitted by an Iowa college student, Christopher Hatton. It went against one of 'Gene Roddenberry's' (vq) long-standing taboos. No space pirates. The producers liked that Hatton's script was a "less talky romp". But 'Rick Berman' (vq), although keen to proceed with an excellent story, tied a bandanna around a bust of Roddenberry when discussing the story. Hatton's original script followed from Picard's point of view and didn't involve Riker at all. He submitted a second script later in the season.
Picard uses the name Galen aboard the mercenary ship. Galen was the name of Picard's archaeology professor.
This is one of only two episodes where Captain Picard is never seen in his Starfleet uniform.
The Bridge of Baran's ship is a massive redress of the Enterprise Battle Bridge. The most notable elements remaining from the original set were the viewscreen and the ceiling.