I was watching TNG 4x21 - The Drumhead last night, and after hearing Picard’s speech I was reminded of just how many interesting monologues we’ve gotten over the years.
Sisko’s saint in paradise speech from The Maquis Part 2, his speech to the Changelings in The Emissary Part 2, Garak’s stories in The Wire, Marritza’s speech in Duet, (can you tell I like DS9?) Spock’s words to Ston in Amok Time, Kirk’s risk is our business speech in Return to Tomorrow, Picard’s speech in The Measure of a Man, and many others have stuck with me over the years.
However, my favorite is from the end of the TOS episode A Taste of Armageddon.
All right. It’s instinctive. But the instinct can be fought. We’re human beings with the blood of a million savage years on our hands, but we can stop it. We can admit that we’re killers, but we’re not going to kill today. That’s all it takes. Knowing that we won’t kill today. - James T. Kirk
The quote works very well in the context of the episode, but I think it has many applications in life as well.
What are your favorite monologues in Star Trek?
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Picard has so many. The one I always come back to for some reason is the one he gives while looking down on Mintaka III in Who Watches the Watchers. Although it takes a few more events to finally convince Nuria of his points, that first one and especially his quiet answer to her speculating that perhaps one day they would fly above the clouds too always gets me. That is what all good Trek first contact type stories are about, lifting others to the same level (when they’re ready). It’s also why the first Strange New Worlds episode is still my favorite. That’s a great speech too, by the way.
I do like that type of story, and the speeches in both of those episodes were good!
We are assembled here today to pay final respects to our honoured dead. And yet it should be noted that in the midst of our sorrow, this death takes place in the shadow of new life, the sunrise of a new world, a world that our beloved comrade gave his life to protect and nourish. He did not feel that sacrifice a vain or empty one… and we will not debate his profound wisdom at these proceedings. Of my friend, I can only say this. Of all the souls I have encountered in my travels, …his was the most …human.
Shatner did a great job with this one! It’s still sad, even when you’ve seen the later movies.
I was already really enjoying DS9 by the end of the first season, but this episode went a long way to cementing it as my favorite series! One of my favorite Star Trek episodes too. They got an amazing actor for the part.
Benny Russell in Far Beyond the Stars.
I’ve always thought that one was very good, although it’s sad to watch. I’ve seen a lot of people complain about Avery’s acting style, but I enjoy it most of the time!
That wasn’t acting. That speech was real. It’s why its so hard to watch.
Yes, he was definitely pulling from some real feelings.
Star Trek II: Khaaaaaaaaaan!
SNW:
1.) Pilot episode, Pike warning the aliens about war while offering a great alternative.
2.) Ad astra per aspera: The main speech sent shivers down my spine.
Those are both good ones! I didn’t want to make my list too long, otherwise I would have probably put Ad Astra Per Aspera on there.
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