"The Outrageous Okona" | |
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Star Trek: The Next Generation episode | |
Episode no. | Season 2 Episode 4 |
Directed by | Robert Becker |
Story by | |
Teleplay by | Burton Armus |
Featured music | Ron Jones |
Cinematography by | Edward R. Brown |
Production code | 130 |
Original air date | December 12, 1988 |
Guest appearance(s) | |
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"The Outrageous Okona" is the fourth episode of the second season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Next Generation, the 30th episode overall. It was first aired on December 12, 1988, in broadcast syndication. It was written by Les Menchen, Lance Dickson and David Landsberg, with a teleplay by Burton Armus, and directed by Robert Becker.
Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Federation starship Enterprise. In this episode, the crew of the Enterprise encounters a flamboyant space rogue, while Data tries to learn humor from a holographic comedian.
As the Federation starship Enterprise, under the command of Captain Jean-Luc Picard, passes through the Coalition of Madena, it detects a small cargo ship, under manual control by its single occupant. The crew makes contact with the pilot, Okona, who requests help to repair a part on his ship. Captain Picard agrees, and the Enterprise tows Okona's ship while Okona is brought on board. The crew soon finds that Okona has taken a keen interest in the women on the ship and is in no rush to effect repairs.
Continuing through the sector, the Enterprise is set upon by ships from two different planets, each of which locks its weapons upon the Enterprise, though both are vastly outclassed, and pose no actual threat. Debin, from the planet Atlec, accuses Okona of impregnating his daughter Yanar, while Kushell from the planet Straleb asserts that Okona has stolen a state treasure, the Jewel of Thesia. The two leaders clearly know each other, and both demand that their own claim on Okona take priority. Okona denies both accusations, and Picard offers to arbitrate the dispute. During the discussions it is revealed that Okona has been acting as a go-between for Yanar and Benzan, Kushell's son, who are in love with each other. Yanar is pregnant with Benzan's child; Benzan has offered to marry Yanar, intending to present the Jewel of Thesia, which he asserts is rightly his, as a courting gift. Okona was carrying the jewel between the two planets. Picard cannot get involved in the internal political disputes between the two planets and allows Okona to go on his way once his ship is repaired, and Debin and Kushell are left to argue about wedding details.