Fanbase Press’ Geeky Parent Guide aims to highlight media that both kids AND their grown-ups will be able to enjoy. This year, the GPG is focusing on digging deeper into the media that has resonated with us as caregivers, as well as demonstrating to our children how we can apply those impactful messages in our daily lives.
As a monumental Star Trek: The Next Generation fan, there are several episodes throughout its seven-season run that stand out. Season 4, episode 13, “Devil’s Due,” is one of those snapshots that represents a wildly important and entertaining story, where beloved characters deal with a seemingly lose-lose situation.
The desire to do good by Captain Jean-Luc Picard and company always paints a positive outlook on what life could look like when those in positions of power look out for the well-being of others. In this case, they come across a planet where chaos has taken hold after a supposed entity returns to claim the world after providing peace for one thousand years. Despite the obvious reality (in the real world) of not always being able to identify those who would try to trick another, Picard believes they are in the presence of a “flim flam artist.”
Why Is “Devil’s Due” Important for My Kids?
In life, there are people who will pretend. We’re not talking about amazing cosplayers, dressing up for Halloween, or even theatrical performances. No, we’re talking about those who will wish to gain something at the expense of others. This reality does not have to be isolated to any specific age group either, as there will always be those who wish to gain at any cost.
“In the hands of a con artist, fear can be used to motivate obedience, capitulation, the exploitation of innocent people.” – Captain Picard
As my kids experience more and more things, there is a chance they will run across someone (or many people) who will wish to mislead, bully, or manipulate. And the idea of a “con artist” does not have to mean simply gaining money. It could be to gain power, resources, or something that causes them to “lower their shields.”
What might be most important is that the offender – the flim flam artist – does not have to have any particular look about them. During the fourth season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Ardra (played by Marta DuBois) appears in various outfits and appearances. From her female human form to the Klingon devil, she manifests feelings of fear to those she wishes to control. In these moments of fear, people are more easily persuaded to follow directives to ensure nothing worse happens than that frightened feeling.
How Does Star Trek: The Next Generation Combat Such a Relevant Topic of Fearmongering?
Ardra produces tremors that literally shake the planet. She arrives at a time that’s important to the people, claiming to be the one true being who rescued them from devastation centuries earlier. Her power made the people of Ventax feel helpless and terrified, so much so that they took hostages. The Ventaxians were so afraid of being enslaved or killed that they themselves did preposterous things in the name of a person whom they’d never met, without even questioning whether this power was real or that the woman was telling the truth.
For such a serious subject, “Devil’s Due” does create a lighthearted and fun approach as Ardra attempts to seduce Picard. This motivation highlights a different tactic being used by “Ardra” to get her way, as she believes her power or authority will satisfy any or all of his desires moving forward. The best point to make here is that when she’s turned down by Picard, she lashes out at him, transporting him to the planet in his sleepwear.
It’s important for my kids, and people of all ages, to see how someone reacts when they do not get their way, especially after trying to manipulate or force their will upon them. Not everything will always be crystal clear in life, but when someone treats you a certain way, but then flips it around when they don’t get what they want, it gives people an idea of who that person truly is.
And, in life, it is vitally important for my kids to understand and find true bonds of friendship where they avoid such traps – or have people in their lives to help them along those sketchy pathways. That was the role of the Enterprise-D: to question, investigate, and report the true nature of those who wish to do others harm. In this case, Ardra wished to rule over people for monetary gain through her “economic forecasts,” and further extend her rule to orbit, which included the starship and its crew.
Loving Star Trek: The Next Generation’s “Devil’s Due”
Captain Picard is willing to risk his very self to Ardra to prove in court that she is an imposter. When confronted with this request for arbitration, she does not agree until she can get more than what she already has. She says to Captain Picard, “By all rights, your body is already mine. But I want more. I want your heart, your mind, your soul, and I want you to give them to me without resistance of your own free will.”
Talk about an “indecent proposal.” But Picard relents and agrees to her terms, all in an effort to pursue the truth and expose her for what she truly is. Finding triumph in the face of daunting, unrelenting power is something that will never, ever go out of style. It’s the simple notion of watching a television show to realize something as mischievous as a con artist could bring an entire planet to its knees, but then watch those who know right from wrong step in to bring this colossal scam to light.
“Devil’s Due” is delightful to watch. The elements in the episode have not aged at all. People of all ages can wonder with Picard how this rogue is doing what she’s doing, presenting herself as an all-powerful being. It’s not only the end discovery that presents a satisfying conclusion; it’s the journey along the way where viewers get to see what kind of person Ardra truly is underneath all of those many faces, and what she’s willing to do to achieve her goals.
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Season 4, Episode 13: “Devil’s Due”
Release: February 2, 1991
Rated: TV-PG
Length: 46 minutes
Are you a fan of Star Trek: The Next Generation? Is there another episode you’d highlight for your kids to watch? Share your comments here or over on social media. Until next time, friends, thanks for stopping by.
