Lt. Cmdr. Data, on a mission to observe the race of Ba'ku, suddenly behaves as if having to fear for his existance. The peaceful Ba'ku, whose planet offers regenerative radiation and therefore incredible lifespans, live in harmony with nature and reject any kind of technology. Their planet and their culture is studied by the starfleet and the associated Son'a - in secrecy. But the So'na, lead by Ru'afo, intend to abduct the Ba'ku in order to take the planet for themselves and for the starfleet officials who all would like to regenerate their bodies. But they did not think of the loyalty of the Enterprise's crew to the Prime Directive.

In the opening sequence showing life in the Ba'ku village, the "alien" knife used to cut bread dough is actually an Alaskan Ulu knife.

Captain Picard:
Do you remember when we used to be explorers?

Incorrectly regarded as goofs: Picard sings "heart" instead of "foot" in the second chorus of "A British Tar", despite having the lyrics displayed in front of him on his computer. Considering the stress he's under, he does an excellent job.

By Jerry Goldsmith