Sep 21, 2023
Tread Perilously continues its annual Star Trek month with the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode called "The Loss."
When the Enterprise encounters anomalous sensor shadows on multiple systems, it soon becomes trapped in a gravitational field none of the bridge staff can explain. Meanwhile, Counselor Troi loses her empathic powers. Is it related to whatever phenomenon is happening outside the ship? And will she be able to adjust to life as a non-empathic humanoid in time to discover why the ship is being hurtled toward a quantum sting fragment? Also, an ensign learns to grieve.
Erik is immediately impressed by the episode's ability to discuss grief and loss -- notions forbidden in earlier seasons by creator Gene Roddenberry. A joke about the episode director's name leads to Justin developing another missing film from the 1980s. The post-scarcity and agnostic natures of the Federation are examined. Worf continues to declare whether or not aspects of his world have honor. The pair also examine the episode's disability metaphor. Troi apparently being the lone counselor for over 1000 people becomes a sticking point. Favorite recurring Star Trek: Discovery characters are named. Justin and Erik try to make Geordi's journey across the series more impactful and Erik decides Troi and Riker are better together.