Manhunt (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

"Manhunt"
Star Trek: The Next Generation episode
Episode no. Season 2
Episode 19
Directed by Rob Bowman
Written by Terry Devereaux
Featured music Dennis McCarthy
Cinematography by Edward R. Brown
Production code 145
Original air date June 19, 1989 (1989-06-19)
Guest appearance(s)
Episode chronology

"Manhunt" is the 19th episode of the second season of the syndicated science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 45th episode overall, originally broadcast on June 19, 1989.

In this episode, the Enterprise must transport delegates to a conference, one of whom is an extremely man-hungry Lwaxana Troi with eyes for Captain Picard.

Plot

The Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, is ordered to escort two Antedean ambassadors to an important conference to take place on the planet Pacifica. The Antedeans are transported aboard in a self-induced catatonic state—to reduce the stress of space travel—along with a plentiful food supply for when they awaken, in accordance with their custom.

En route, the Enterprise is ordered to rendezvous with a shuttlecraft carrying the Betazoid telepath ambassador Lwaxana Troi, mother of ship's counselor Deanna Troi, and her mute manservant Mr. Homn. Due to his previous experience with her (see "Haven"), Picard does not entirely welcome Lwaxana's presence, as she tends to be overbearing and lack tact, but Starfleet's instructions are that she be afforded full diplomatic courtesy. Lwaxana invites Picard to dinner, and he is surprised to find that rather than the formal diplomatic function for the entire senior staff that he expected, it is a romantic setting for just the two of them. Picard manages to evade her advances, inviting android Lieutenant Commander Data to join them, and manipulating him into taking over the conversation with long-winded anecdotes.

Troi explains that her mother has entered "The Phase": a stage in the life of a middle-aged Betazoid woman when her sex drive drastically increases, albeit clouding her judgment, and that she is searching for a new husband (having been long-since widowed). Picard chooses to retreat to the Holodeck to hide from her, leaving Commander Riker in charge. Frustrated by Picard's mysterious absence, Lwaxana chooses to target Riker instead, and apparently ignoring the possibility that her daughter still has feelings for him, makes a surprise announcement to the bridge crew that they will be married.

Following this development, and as the Antedeans have meanwhile been revived, Riker goes to the holodeck to notify Picard. Lwaxana follows, and having determined that Riker is not interested either, switches her attention to a character from Picard's Dixon Hill simulation, who returns her affections, forcing Picard to somewhat reluctantly inform her that her new husband-to-be is merely a holographic projection.

When the ship arrives at the conference and collected ambassadors prepare to beam down to the planet, Lwaxana offhandedly informs the crew that the Antedeans are actually assassins. Though they vehemently deny this, scans immediately show that they are carrying explosives, just as Lwaxana indicated, and they are taken into custody. She remarks that while she did not manage to find a new husband, at least she saved the conference, and as she is beaming away, playfully chastises Picard for having "such naughty thoughts" about her, much to his dismay.

References

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