On Sundays We Watch Star Trek

Excerpts taken from Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E14 "Conundrum"

In a small apartment an old man relaxed in his recliner with a blanket draped across his lap, eyes gazing listlessly out of the window, when he heard a knock. He turned to face the door as a young man cautiously entered, smiling.

"What are you doing in my room?" the old man asked, brow furrowed.

The young man held up a plastic DVD case. "It's Sunday. And on Sundays, we watch Star Trek."

The old man nodded. "That's right. We do. I guess I forgot what day of the week it was."

"We're on Season Five. Episode Fourteen. Conundrum. This one's fun," the young man said, crossing the room to the television. He pulled a folding chair from the wall, settled in beside the old man, and pressed play.

Data: Intriguing. You have devised a completely unanticipated response to a classic attack. You will checkmate my king in seven moves.

The old man scoffed. "No way Deanna beats Data. He's an android."

"You always say that," the young man chuckled.

"Because it’s true. The day that happens is the day I forget my own name."

Riker: The rules on this ship do not change just because Ro Laren decides they do.

A slight smile crossed the old man's face. "My father was like that. Rules were rules."

"Oh yeah?" the young man asked. "You haven't talked about him much. "

"He was tough. Fair, mostly. But tough. We butted heads when I was young. Looking back that was mostly my fault. I always thought I knew more than I did. The curse of youth."

Riker: I don't know who any of you are.

Picard: Nor do I. I don't... I don't even remember who I am.

The old man’s expression sobered. "Have I ever told you I served in the Navy? Can't image forgetting my crewmates. That's a fate worse than death."

The young man nodded. "You've mentioned it. Sounds like you served with a lot of great men."

"Some of the finest I've ever known. They shaped who I am today."

"Oh, here's the intro!" The young man interrupted.

Space: the final frontier. These are the voyages of the starship Enterprise...

"Never gets old," the old man murmured.

"It sure doesn't. I love Star Trek. My grandfather got me into it. We used to sit down and watch it together just like this."

"Smart man," the old man nodded. “I usually don’t watch much television, but Trek gives me hope for the future. I worry about where the world’s headed for you youngins. You thank him for introducing you to it.”

"I'll make sure to do that"

Riker to Picard: It looks like you're the leader.

Worf: Perhaps we should not jump to conclusions. I am decorated as well.

They both burst into laughter.

"Of course Worf thinks he's in charge," the old man said.

"Hey, he's got the presence," the young man replied. "Just not the diplomacy."

The old man chuckled. "You're right there, son. He sure does have presence. "

Dr. Crusher: I didn't even think. I just picked it up and knew how to use it. At least I have an idea of what I'm doing here.

"Reminds me of my daughter," the old man beamed. "She’s a doctor, and a damn good one. She works at the hospital downtown. Sharp as a tack. Got that from her mother."

"I know," the young man warmly replied. "You talk about her a lot. Sounds like she's doing great."

"She is."

After a pause the young man added, "You know, my mom was a doctor too. She passed a few years ago. Car accident. I miss her."

The old man turned toward him. "I'm sorry to hear that. I'm sure she was a special woman to have raised a young man like you."

"She was."

Ro to Riker: You don't strike me as a man who needs a holodeck to have a good time.

"This scene always cracks me up," the young man laughed. "They can’t stand each other. One memory wipe and now she’s flirting.”

"That’s how it started with my wife," the old man grinned wide. "When we first met we argued like cats and dogs. I think I annoyed her on purpose cause she was so beautiful when she was angry. I didn't need amnesia to turn the tide, though. Just had to wear her down."

The young man laughed. "That's hard to believe."

"Believe it," the old man said with a wink.

Deanna: The bartender is an artificial life-form.

Data: Can I get you something? A beverage?

They both burst out in laughter.

"Data slinging drinks. That’s rich," the old man cackled.

"Wish I had him on my shift, I'd make him do all the work, " the young man laughed.

"You're a bartender? I figured you'd be in school."

"I tried the college thing for a semester. Thought I could be an engineer but... School just isn't my thing. I can make a mean Old Fashioned, though."

"You’ve got potential for more. Don’t waste it behind a bar. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders."

"Thanks," the young man smiled. "That means a lot."

Worf: Captain. I regret my recent behavior. I assumed an attitude of authority that was... unwarranted.

Picard: Mr. Worf, we're all doing the best we can in a difficult situation. Think nothing more of it."

"Apologizing takes guts,” the old man said. “Good for Worf.”

"Yeah, but I agree with Picard" the young man replied. "It's not Worf's fault he couldn't remember. It's not anyone's fault..."

Data: Perhaps my origin is unique. In that case, I am alone.

The old man sighed. "Loneliness isn’t always about being alone. It’s about feeling forgotten. I wish my daughter would come visit. I know she's busy, though..."

"You’re not forgotten," the young man whispered.

Riker: Oh, we were just discussing the situation we're all in.

Ro: Good. Because I have a feeling that I used to be the jealous type.

"I bet that's how it is for you," the old man teased. "All the ladies chasing you."

The young man laughed. "I’m more of a Geordi. I'm hopeless when it comes to women."

"Well, Geordi had heart and so do you. That's not a bad thing. You just need to find the right girl."

Picard: I need some moral context to justify that action. And I don't have it. I'm not content simply to obey orders. I need to know that what I'm doing is right.

The old man leaned back. "Always wanted to be more like Picard. Calm. Decisive. He's a man of strong morals."

"He reminds me of my grandfather," the young man said with a smile. "He's always trying to do what's right."

"Sounds like a good man."

"He is."

The old man looked at him. "You should invite him next time. I’d like to meet the man who got his grandkid to watch Star Trek."

The young man smiled. "I’ll see what I can do."

As the crew's memory was restored and the episode reached its happy end, the old man's head nodded forward drifting off to sleep.

The young man stood, turned off the TV, and slid the DVD back into its case.

As he walked toward the doorway he paused and turned to smile at the peacefully sleeping man.

"See you next Sunday, Grandpa."