The High Ground (Star Trek: The Next Generation)
"The High Ground" is the 12th episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation. It originally aired on January 29, 1990, in syndication.
The episode focuses on the ethical complexities of dealing with terrorism. Data is captured on Rutia IV while observing the escalating conflict between the government and a group of terrorists called Ansata, who are fighting for Rutian independence. Beverly Crusher attempts to negotiate Data's release while Picard grapples with the moral implications of providing support to the Rutian government.
The Ansata employ advanced technology, specifically teleportation devices, giving them a significant advantage in their fight. Data is held captive by the Ansata leader, Kyril Finnigan, who attempts to persuade him to join their cause. The episode explores Data's capacity for understanding abstract concepts like terrorism and freedom fighting, juxtaposing his logical positivism with the passionate motivations of the Ansata.
A key element of the episode is a holographic recreation presented to Data by Finnigan of the historical Irish revolutionary Michael Collins. This scene serves as a philosophical discussion point regarding the justification of violence in the pursuit of political aims and the long-term consequences of such actions. Picard debates the Prime Directive and the Federation's policy of non-interference, struggling with the potential ramifications of intervening in the Rutian conflict or allowing the violence to continue.
The episode ends with a resolution that sees Data rescued and the Ansata's technology becoming inoperable, effectively ending their ability to teleport. The Federation leaves the Rutians to resolve their conflict without further intervention, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties inherent in dealing with internal political struggles on other planets. "The High Ground" remains a controversial episode due to its subject matter and portrayal of terrorism.