“Loud as a Whisper”
Written by Jacqueline Zambrano
Directed by Larry Shaw
Season 2, Episode 5
Original air date: January 9, 1989
Star date: 42477.2
Mission summary
Enterprise has been tasked with delivering a famous mediator to a planet torn by centuries of war, with strict orders not to interfere directly. When they arrive at the mediator’s planet a long distance away, Riker interrupts Picard’s re-watch of The Planets so the captain can make a “simple ceremonial greeting,” though he urges Picard to be careful. There doesn’t seem to be anything to worry about because when Picard, an exceptionally grumpy Worf, and Troi beam down, no one is there.
This rude treatment is so Riva can make a dramatic entrance, of course. He emerges and silently acknowledges them before standing in the background and letting three others arrive and speak for him: two men and a woman, who finally welcomes them. There is some confusion as each of these three addresses the Enterprise crew in turn, until they finally reveal that Riva is deaf—as his entire ruling family has been—and they are his Chorus. They each represent an aspect of his personality. The frumpy man is the scholar and dreamer; the manly man is the libido and the warrior; the woman represents “harmony, wisdom, balance,” holding the others together. Naturally, the libido takes an immediate interest in Counselor Troi.
There’s no time to flirt, though: they have to get to Solais V to save some lives. Riva and his Chorus beam up with them and Picard briefs the Bridge crew on the mediator’s unique method of communication—cautioning them to address him directly regardless of which of the Chorus speaks. During introductions, Riva and La Forge strike an instant rapport:
WOMAN: What is that you’re wearing?
LAFORGE: A visor. It interprets the electromagnetic spectrum and then carries the readings to my brain.
WOMAN: And without it, can you see?
LAFORGE: Without it I’m as blind as a stump.
WOMAN: Then your visor serves the same function as my Chorus, which interprets my thoughts and translates them into sound?
LAFORGE: Yes.
SCHOLAR: And you don’t resent it?
LAFORGE: The visor or being blind?
SCHOLAR: Either.
LAFORGE: No, since they’re both part of me, and I really like who I am, there’s no reason for me to resent either one.
SCHOLAR: What is your position on the ship?
LAFORGE: I’m the chief engineer, sir.
WOMAN: It’s a blessing to understand we are special, each in his own way.
LAFORGE: Yes. Yes, that’s the way I feel exactly.
Riva requests that Troi show him to his guest quarters and ditches two-thirds of his Chorus, his brain and his heart; he’s only going to need raw passion to communicate with her! He tells her she’s “provoking an emotional revelation” and asks her for dinner. He assures her they can lose the third wheel once they find a new way to communicate with each other. Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more!
He’s much more interested in his date than the special meeting Picard has called in his honor. They try to give him all this background information on the conflict on Solais, but he’d rather wing it. He’ll figure something out, because he always does and he’s just that good. Flawless logic, really.
Riva lays things on pretty thick with barely disguised innuendo with Troi, and they manage to communicate with each other through his sign language, but the Solari—still fighting despite their cease fire—cut their date short. Riva convinces the two factions to come together for peace negotiations. He vetoes bringing a security team along for protection, settling on Worf, Riker, and his Chorus, who beam down to the picnic site he selects and help redecorate.
That may have been a tactical error. One of the Solari tries to assassinate Riva. Riker pulls the mediator out of the line of fire just in time, but the Chorus standing behind him is disintegrated, as is the assassin a moment later, killed by his own side. Riker, Worf, and Riva beam away without hearing the Solari plead for their help.
Without his chorus, they cannot communicate with Riva, who is agitated, withdrawn, and frightened. Data identifies and memorizes five signing languages so he is able to translate for the mediator.
DATA: It was my fault. I am responsible for their deaths. In my arrogance I thought no one could possibly harm the great Riva. I am such a fool.
PICARD: You are not to blame. What happened appears to have been the work of one desperate man. It may not reflect the feelings of the others.
DATA: They were more than my interpreters. They were also my friends. They were a part of me. I did not realize how much a part until now.
PICARD: We have been contacted by the factions on Solais. They want to renew negotiations.
DATA: I cannot. I will not.
Troi manages to get Riva to reconsider when she tells him she’s going to attempt to mediate for the Solari instead and asks how he would do it. He says that the secret is “turning disadvantage into advantage.” She challenges him to do the same for himself, which gives him an idea on how he can continue his mission without his translators: He’s going to teach the Solari sign language, so that by learning to communicate with him, they will also learn to communicate with each other. It will take a lot of time, but he might succeed if they want it enough. And he doesn’t have anywhere better to be.
They leave Riva alone on the planet to do his thing, and Picard takes a rare moment to commend Troi on earning her pay for the week.
Analysis
I have always loved the premise behind this episode, of a telepathic chorus hearing and speaking for a deaf person. One psychic individual that performed this task would be interesting enough, but three people each representing a different aspect of Riva’s mind is simply fascinating. I think the idea is explored in a very compelling way, though it is not without its logistical flaws. Chief of these is the idea that Riva is able to read lips—which only works if he also understands English, since the universal translator won’t be able to help him. However, I’ll just accept that he does understand English, since he negotiated peace with the Klingons and the Federation.
This episode doesn’t suffer from many of the problems that have ruined other episodes. The teaser is intriguing and well-paced, despite the ominous fade out on an empty room, and the B-story (Riva’s attempts at romance) is closely linked to the A-story, although arguably, this episode doesn’t really have a B-story. Instead, we get some glimpses into the lives of the crew that provide some seemingly superfluous details but add to their characters: Picard’s fascination with an astronomical puzzle, Worf’s unease with the mediator who gave the Klingons a word for peace (way to throw him under the shuttlecraft by outing his feelings in front of everyone, Troi!), and of course Geordi’s continuing struggle over his vision.
This brief subplot of him having the chance to restore his vision doesn’t return in the series, if I recall correctly—and you’d think they’d be aware that Pulaski has successfully performed the procedure—but he does opt for artificial eyes in First Contact. Clearly it comes up only because Riva presents an opportunity to discuss disability, but it bothered me a little that Geordi seriously considers it after telling Riva that he’s happy the way he is. Then again, if the VISOR causes him pain, getting rid of it would hold some appeal.
But the real success of “Loud as a Whisper” is that it is the first time Counselor Troi is really able to shine. Her place on the ship is no longer in question as she contributes to the completion of their mission and helps Riva work through his crippling guilt, self-doubt, and grief. She does such a good job, Picard even commends her for it, while all but apologizing for the fact that he thinks she’s been useless so far. (“You read me well enough to sense how I feel about you and what you do on this ship.”) We can all tell, Picard, and that’s part of why Troi hasn’t been very special until now. And though she first catches Riva’s none-too-subtle eye because she is an empath, her Betazoid powers actually have very little to do with the breakthrough she makes with him.
One interesting note for discussion: The Enterprise is not supposed to interfere with the conflict on Solais V, and Riker even flat out says, “Our job is not to police the galaxy.” This surprised me because I thought that was exactly what they were supposed to do, or at least what they have been doing. It seems they’re finally getting a grasp on what they want the Prime Directive to be, and how it might apply even to other spacefaring races.
In short, I found this to be a riveting and thoughtful episode, and I give it high points for making Troi into a real and interesting character for once. I have questions over whether the Chorus members have unique personalities and are allowed to pursue their own lives and interests in any way (Do they get days off or have relationships?), but that isn’t a nitpick, I’m just musing over the implications of what I still think is a fairly original, compelling conceit.
Eugene’s Rating: Warp 5 (on a scale of 1-6)
Thread Alert: I’m going to lump Riva and his entire Chorus together on this one, which is only fitting. though I like that they are each wearing variations on the same outfit, I don’t think any of them are particularly inspired. It’s interesting to observe that the Scholar is distinguished by his funky cap, and Passion by his useless armor, no doubt meant to suggest his warrior aspect. But something about Riva’s hair and robes just makes me think of him as Jesus, which is not an altogether inappropriate comparison given his role here.
Best Line: Data (translating for Riva): “Thank you. Thank me? Ah!”
Trivia/Other Notes: Actor Howie Seago (Riva) really is deaf, and petitioned the producers of TNG to make a show that would help clear up myths and prejudices about deaf people. He also proposed the resolution used in the episode a day before it was filmed, thus avoiding an ending that would have defeated the entire purpose of the episode, in which Riva learns to speak overnight. The episode was well received by both deaf and hearing people.
The episode includes one of the rare instances in which live video monitors were used on the Bridge in the series. They appear again in “A Matter of Honor” and “All Good Things…” and are incorporated in Star Trek Generations.
Previous episode: Season 2, Episode 4 – “The Outrageous Okona.”
Next episode: Season 2, Episode 6 – “The Schizoid Man.”
I don’t know, I sort of “meh” on this episode. It’s reasonably well done, but it’s a bit message heavy. Not quite clue-by-4 heavy, but it lacks subtlety. I guess I’m just a bit underwhelmed. Also, for me, everything about Riva just screams Rod McKuen. I half expected his Chorus to break out into a rendition of “MacArthur Park” (ugh!). It is nice to see Troi earning her pay for once, though. It doesn’t happen very often.
Eugene does raise some interesting questions about the Chorus. Obviously they get time off occasionally, since Brain and Heart get sent away for the date and there’s an implication at least that Libido will also be out of the picture soon. (“I am the Infanta.”) I wonder if this episode inspired the creators of Herman’s Head?
I didn’t like it, because I don’t believe our roles in life can be distilled into three separate areas like that, no matter what the three areas are; I’d have been much happier to have seen a single Voice. I thought the tripartite thing was an unnecessary complication, and added nothing that couldn’t as easily have been gained by a single Voice. It felt to me like something added to show “look, they’re aliens!”, about as subtle as a rubber forehead.
Which, y’know, given the show’s history of aliens to this point…
Harrumph.
*curmudgeonically*
Meh. I’ve struggled for something to say about this one. It is competently assembled, which makes it a standout in this season so far (and for most of the rest of it, AFAICT). The crew acts competently, for once, as they will more routinely act in coming seasons.
It is a middlin’ to forgettable episode for the series as a whole, but a welcome uptick to this season so far.
This episode reminds me of why I ultimately came to despair of TNG and the ST series franchise as a whole, with the hard sciences being replaced by technobabble and soft sciences like sociology that pass for the metaphor that underlies the story.
From here on, with rare exception, the Enterprise essentially stops exploring the galaxy other than as lead-in to a different story + a B story about main crew hijinx. This pattern gets punctuated by the occasional high adventure that most of us recall with fondness as among our favorite episodes. When you really start to paw through the series, there are actually very few of the latter and a whole lot of mostly forgettable soft stories like this one, some more competent than others.
It actually makes me wistful for episodes like “Where No One Has Gone Before,” which—despite its many, many faults—at least tries to incorporate some weird space science into the fiction.
The distinction between TOS and TNG is TOS was actually written, largely, by SF writers. TNG is more like Melrose Place or Mutara 90210.
…so I agree with Eugene when he expressed some surprise the Enterprise was not policing the galaxy. Because they’re really not doing much other than that.
I associate this one and Darmok really strongly because they both feature ideas that have stuck with me long after the story was over, but the actual episodes are only mediocre in their execution.
I do like the Chorus, and I do like that there is more than one voice. I understand Cait’s complaint, but I think it’s supposed to show how unique we are. No one other person could perfectly speak for us–we are fractured into many aspects, sometimes at odds with one another. We have different faces and different voices for different situations. And I think it’s important that he says they’re his friends, not his servants. These are people who understand him. They may only truly understand one small part of him, but isn’t that how friendship works?
Thematically, taking a disadvantage and turning it into an advantage could have been a total fail-y Very Special Episode disaster, but I think it’s pulled off quite beautifully here. Geordi likes who he is and wouldn’t trade it (until he suddenly wants to for… reasons? What??), and Riva must find that peace in himself, too. It’s got a message but it’s not obnoxious about it.
As for Troi: I was not as impressed as the rest of you. She has *some* telepathic ability. While she’s empathic with humans, she can communicate with her mother telepathically. Why can’t she communicate with Riva? And it’s only season 2 but I’m already tired of her falling for every Tom, Dick, and Harry that beams aboard.
I was also not compelled by the vague “two peoples are fighting!” story on the planet, and so didn’t much care if it was resolved at all.
Warp 4
@ 4 Lemnoc
I like hard science fiction as much as the next person, but TOS was just as squishy (and with just as much technobabble!) as TNG. (And I don’t see why “soft” SF is always spoken of so perjoratively–there’s nothing “soft” about feeling alone in the universe, barely able to communicate with aliens, as Riva is.) There may have been more half-naked man-fighting and inscrutable aliens in TOS, but the series just as frequently reflected on sociology, human nature, and interpersonal connections. To imply otherwise does a disservice to the original series and its ambitions.
@5 Torie
I didn’t mean to imply a show with rubber lizard suits and horned gorillas was more ‘science-y.’ Just that whatever science-y tropes existed seemed to be, generally, handled a bit more adroitly and more centrally.
Through its run, you got the sense Kirk and crew were explorers of some type, on some kind of frontier. Or, put another way, that notion was never entirely cast aside. TOS’ cowpunchers seem replaced by TNG’s long-haul truckers… yes, they’re a long way from home but the highway is paved.
I always had a problem with the implied lives of servitude of the chorus, even if it’s not seen as such by RIva. It’s the same sort of problem I had with the introduction of the Trill ( although they did flesh the concept out a lot by the time of DS9 ). I suppose though that it’s not that diffferent than various orders of monks and nuns who give up a lot of their individuality and freedoms when they devote their lives to a higher power. I suppose it says more about my own llimitations that I can’t see the appeal of a life like that.
“As for Troi: I was not as impressed as the rest of you. She has *some* telepathic ability. While she’s empathic with humans, she can communicate with her mother telepathically. Why can’t she communicate with Riva? And it’s only season 2 but I’m already tired of her falling for every Tom, Dick, and Harry that beams aboard.”
I didn’t have a problem with that, since he’s not explicitly stated to be Betazoid ( at least I don’t think he was. I must admit,I don’t often rewatch these as we go along. I remember them fairly well ). The only time I remember her being able to communicate with a non-Betazoid during the series was when she projected thoughts into Riker’s mind in the pilot…an idea I don’t remember them ever referencing again ( okay, except with the aliens in her dreams during “Night Terrors” ). Wouldn’t being able to communicate with Riker telepathically been helpful in some situations? It seemed to have been completely forgotten.
And I’m with you on Troi and men. Shouldn’t Picard have started introducing her as “Ship’s Ho’, Deanna Troi”? You would think that as a mental health professional she would be a bit more…”professional” than “oldest profession-al” whenever a new male would come aboard. I wish they had written her as Deltan, so she would have had to take an “oath of celibacy” like Lt. Ilia in ST: TMP. That would have made Lwaxanna”s laciviousness even more fun, since she would have been REALLY dangerous when she came aboard.
—i took a hiatus last week because anything with the initials “o.o.” {uh oh} in my opinion should be given a wide birth—with that joke aside, i really like this episode for it’s humanistic feel –overcoming obstacles with hope–and the theme of communication as a vehicle for that hope–and of course the communication does not have to be verbal—this is pretty much a seamless presentation here, with a minimum of eye rolling, except for those stupid looking fighters on solais—maybe they spent too much time in the trenches?–riva obviously is a very charismatic character and prophet like–but he reminds me of kenny loggins for some reason, not jesus–and for troi–how does she get her lipstick so perfect?—lemnoc stated he would rather explore the galaxy–and i’m with him on that one–but i must point out–that the five year missions are 80 years in the past–and while there is much more to explore–there is also an vast established region that needs maintenance–and as viewers we need to discover it–because we are stuck here in the present—
One thing that always bothered me about this episode was that this alean was using modern day American Sign Language. Not a huge deal, but as someone who’s take a few classes, I recognized may signs so it was a bit of a distraction.
John, you don’t, I presume, mind that the other actors are all speaking perfectly idiomatic twen-cen English, do you? So why would it be a problem that Deaf actors would use perfectly idiomatic twen-cen ASL?
PSA: To those of you who haven’t seen it, I posted some Star Trek books up for free here:
http://www.theviewscreen.com/free-books/
I just discovered another dozen or so this evening and added them to the list as new. Let me know if you’re interested. I’m even willing to pay postage if it means going to a good home!
@ 6 Lemnoc
I’m with Lane Arnold on this one–the exploration was 80 years ago. I think now it’s more “Okay, so we have a map… now let’s find out who lives there.” It’s also pointed out repeatedly that the Enterprise is a science vessel, and most of the life they stumble upon is found in the course of investigating otherwise boring (well, compared to aliens) pulsars and whatnot.
@ 10 CaitieCat
My thoughts exactly. I know some ASL as well and didn’t mind it. After all, Romans are always British.
@10 CaitieCait
The only thing that bugs me about the ASL is that it takes Data as much time as it does to identify it, and even then they pass it off as an amalgamation of different sign languages. But, I imagine at the time there were not many programs that employed it onscreen, and that might have been a nice thing for the hearing impaired to see for a change.
@11 Torie
What I do like is that whether or not they’re really exploring anymore, they still have a spirit for exploration. The show is more about all the weird things you can find out there in space, even in known territories of it, and they had a real passion for encountering and understanding the unknown. It’s a throwaway thing, but I was struck by Picard’s fascination with that holographic map and his efforts to study something he didn’t understand, that from what he can tell isn’t supposed to be possible. Nothing comes of it, but sometimes that’s how it goes.
I have absolutely zero recollection of this episode, which seems like a both a shame and a statistical anomaly.
This episode was strictly middle-ground and as such I too have little to coment on it. It’s fart better than some of the drek that they have tossed at us, but not the heights we know that they can hit.
@11 torie
No the Romulans aren’t Nritish the Romulan are the Japanese and hte Klingons were the Nazis/Communists. TOS really had a WWII vibe but givent he number of vetrans involved with the production that is not suprirsing.
Okay Bobsandiego, did you really mean to say that this episode was “…fart better…”?
I’m pretty sure you didn’t, but it gave me the giggles reading that as an editorial comment.
LOL, dep1701, now I’m sniggering at the title, which I’ve reinterpreted to mean “Silent But Deadly”. :D
yes my typos are more entertaining than my writing lol
@14 bobsandiego: I always interpreted the Klingons as the Soviets and the Romulans as the Red Chinese. From the Sixties perspective, the Klingons are the aggressive expansionists who are secretly behind everything, and the Romulans are their less-advanced arms client allies.
@ 14 bobsandiego
I was referring to the Hollywood tradition of giving all Romans British accents.
@19
Ahh the Spartacus effect. All Romans are Brits and all slaves are Yanks. (Except Jean Simmons who they loved and broke rules for her.) Lucas stole the whole ting for the original three star wars films where Imperials have Brit accents and the Rebels American ones.