26. Picard Regrets Adultery
Episode: The Perfect Mate (5.21)
Picard, ever the diplomat, struggles with the rights of a woman who was bred specifically to be a gift to a warring neighbor. The first person she mates with, she becomes permanently bonded to, able to provide them immense pleasure. In a moment of weakness Picard allows himself to be bonded to her, one night before her wedding. The end result in heartbreaking.
25. Picard Defends Himself Against Treason
Episode: The Drumhead (4.21)
While most courtroom scenes are contrived, I’m still a sucker for them. This one is written well, not only for Picard’s passionate defense, but also Admiral Henry’s reaction to the proceedings.
Drumhead was a little silly in that futuristic legal trials seem awfully lax and easily swayed by emotion, but it’s still a solid scene.
Yeah, the trial system in the Federation is completely arbitrary.
I’ve always been driven crazy by their legal system, but this episode epitomizes that “legal system perverting its own purposes” trope, and does it better than most.