Conundrum (Star Trek: The Next Generation)

Conundrum is the title of the 142nd episode of the science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the fourteenth episode of the sixth season. The episode premiered on February 15, 1993.

Plot Summary:

The Enterprise-D encounters an alien probe which erases the memories of the entire crew. After being rescued by a Lysian ship, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew, identifying themselves as members of the "crew 4," are convinced by Commander Kieran MacDuff of the Lysian Alliance that they are on a mission to destroy a hostile race known as the Satarran. Picard, now believing himself to be a tactical officer named "Locutus," and his crew accept their mission, which involves infiltrating and destroying a Satarran command post in the Ruta Nebula.

As the mission progresses, Data experiences glitches in his positronic brain, retaining small amounts of his past memories and skills. Doctor Beverly Crusher also begins to suspect that their assigned mission is not what it seems. Through subtle clues and Data's increasing awareness, Picard begins to question the true nature of the conflict.

Eventually, Data is able to fully restore his memory and reveals to Picard that they are indeed members of the Enterprise. He explains that the Lysians and Satarrans are engaged in a war, and the Lysians have manipulated the Enterprise crew to attack the Satarrans, knowing the Enterprise would be more effective than their own forces. Picard, now restored to his true self, realizes the ethical implications of their actions.

Picard devises a plan to feign the destruction of the Satarran command post while simultaneously alerting the Satarrans to the Lysians' deception. He successfully exposes the Lysians' manipulation and brokers a cease-fire between the two warring factions, preventing further bloodshed and upholding the principles of the Federation. The Enterprise then departs, having restored its crew’s memories and prevented a tragic escalation of the conflict.

Themes:

The episode explores themes of identity, memory, manipulation, and the importance of independent thought and ethical decision-making. It also highlights the dangers of blindly accepting information without critical evaluation. Picard's struggle to reconcile his fabricated identity as "Locutus" with his true self underscores the importance of core values and principles.