we all have our battles we wont win like maxwell and it evokes such sadness that we must endure. so much so that it becomes as much a part of us as the joys.
@@doctortimetv1577” "The loyalty that you would so quickly dismiss does not come easily to my people, Gul Macet. You have much to learn about us. Benjamin Maxwell earned the loyalty of those who served with him. You know…in war, he was twice honored with the Federation's highest citation for courage and valor. And if he could not find a role for himself in peace, we can pity him, but we shall not dismiss him."
In my opinion, one of the best scenes in all of Star Trek history. The most beautiful and heartbreaking rendition of Minstrel Boy I have ever heard, to this day. And this episode as a whole was what made me a Colm Meaney fan. Just an incredible episode all the way around.
L.E. Have you ever seen the EPIC 1975 movie starring Sean Connery and Michael Caine (also Christopher Plummer in a lesser role) called "The Man Who Would Be King"?? This tune The Minstrel Boy is part of the theme, and both Caine (Peachey) and Connery (Daniel Dravot) sing it near the end when one of them dies. Imho THAT is the most heartbreaking rendition. Both Sean and Michael were relatively young men then, and the biplay between them was FABULOUS. Other fabulous music also ... composed by Maurice Jarre, the man who did the music for Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. To this day TMWWBK is one of my 5 top favorite movies of all time.
@@douggriggs1499 I like Maurice's Son's Synth albums. Have most on Vinyl - 4th Rendez-Vous, 6 min vers. w/ the sample from JFK's speech that actually came true - catch it!
TNG episodes tend to have strong emotional impact in them, far more than most shows nowadays. "Family", "The Wounded", "Tin Man", "Measure of a Man", "The Drumhead", "Who Watches the Watchers", "The Defector", "The Offspring", "Final Mission", "The First Duty". Those are just some of the episodes that come to mind that have moral, ethical, and emotional impacts on their viewers. Each one is amazing in its' own right, and it's my personal opinion that TNG surpasses TOS in the regard to how involved it managed to get its viewers in the lives and issues of its characters.
@@sergeantassassin3425 Well said. This show knew how to make some quality moments happen. Knew its audience. I don't know that it happens like that anymore.
@Shawn White I have to respectively disagree with you, at least in terms of TOS, if anything else Wrath of Kahn has a lot of great character moments. (Which I won't be specific because spoilers) Also in terms of episodes of TOS, we have The City on the Edge of Forever and (personal choice) Let That Be Your Last battlefield. But hey, you have your opinions and I have mine. I just don't want TOS shoved into the corner as a lesser entry in the franchise. That's all I'm saying.
The character of Miles O'Brien was one of, if not the best character in the entire Star Trek universe. On a ship filled with geeky super-smart people, he was the one person you could most relate to. A man's man. The kind of guy you could sit next to in a bar and have a drink with, or go on a fishing trip with. The kind of man you would want to follow into a battle. With his Irish qualities of commonsense, intelligence, humanity, and natural leadership; he was Ireland's ambassador to the world of the 23rd century!
"......I'm not gonna win this one, am I Chief?" "....No, Sir." Damn, right in the feels. So much conveyed in such a short amount of time. You can tell that the Federation-Cardassian War left deep, lasting scars in the both of them.
Love how Capt. Picard told Gul Macet - 'Take this msg to your Leaders....... We will be Watching!' See, he was sent to keep the Peace, prolly knew abt the supplies - hi NRG dampening fields, etc, way B4, I have NO sympathy for those 600+ Cardies that Captain Benjamin Maxwell sent to their deaths, hey, They fired on the Phoenix First, AND they had it's Shield codes (much to Worf's chagrin)!!
And lying to his wife abt his feelings, did he really think it wasn't obvious to the Whole Crew (or maybe just to Deanna, or was I missing something). Great EP for Miles Edward O'Brien, better than when he played sidekick to Bryce Shumar (Troi). Boy did I feel sorry for Keiko in that one. Surprised Worf didn't haul off and try to flatten Data's face too ('You have No idea')! Another EP that just made it into my top 10!
@@Total_Recall People often underestimate the trauma that battle inflicts on the psyche. The real, genuine fear of instant death being around the corner at any time quickly wears on a person's emotional and mental status. If the person cannot develop a way to cope, they'll usually end up breaking. This, coupled with something like personal loss for Maxwell, was enough to drive him over the edge into a Cardassian-focused killing machine. His anger and hatred towards them was the only thing that held him together after a while. In the words of Picard, it became "comfortable, like old leather". Eventually, Maxwell reached a point where he couldn't pull himself back anymore. O'Brien had this, but not to the extremes we see in Maxwell. He was able to, with help, realize his anger and hatred before they consumed him.
How can anyone like myself understand the level of their feelings and the emotional trauma that has been caused to them and caused their PTSD, until you have walked in another persons shoes you cannot judge their feelings. I think the thing I took from this episode was that you'll never understand a person because you did not walk in their shoes. But until the moment someone breaks they will never get that help. Only when it is too late will society actually try to help while others will look down upon and judge without any understanding.
The minstrel boy to the war is gone In the ranks of death he will find him His father's sword he hath girded on And his wild harp slung behind him "Land of Song" said the warrior bard "Tho' all the world betrays thee One sword, at least, thy right shall guard One faithful harp shall praise thee" The minstrel fell, but the foeman's chain Could not bring that proud soul under The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again For he tore its chords asunder And said "no chains shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and bravery Thy songs were made for the pure and free They shall never sound in slavery"
The Son of God goes forth to war, a kingly crown to gain; his blood red banner streams afar: who follows in his train? Who best can drink his cup of woe, triumphant over pain, who patient bears his cross below, he follows in his train. That martyr first, whose eagle eye could pierce beyond the grave; who saw his Master in the sky, and called on him to save. Like him, with pardon on his tongue, in midst of mortal pain, he prayed for them that did the wrong: who follows in his train? A glorious band, the chosen few on whom the Spirit came; twelve valiant saints, their hope they knew, and mocked the cross and flame. They met the tyrant's brandished steel, the lion's gory mane; they bowed their heads the death to feel: who follows in their train? A noble army, men and boys, the matron and the maid, around the Savior's throne rejoice, in robes of light arrayed. They climbed the steep ascent of heaven, through peril, toil and pain; O God, to us may grace be given, to follow in their train. I love Star Trek, but The Man Who Would Be King is better than anything Star Trek. The film was meant to star Clark Gable and Humphrey Bogart, then Burt Lancaster and Kirk Douglas, then Robert Redford and Paul Newman, before anyone had even considered the perfect pairing of Sean Connery and Michael Caine. Every film in the Cornetto trilogy has an outtake on the DVD where Simon Pegg and Nick Frost act like Peachy and Danny, respectively. Look up The Man Who Would Be Shaun and The Man Who Would Be Fuzz.
I believe in the civil war some people added the verse: The Minstrel Boy will return we pray When we hear the news we all will cheer it, The minstrel boy will return one day, Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit. Then may he play on his harp in peace, In a world such as heaven intended, For all the bitterness of man must cease, And ev'ry battle must be ended.
I was born in 87. I literally grew up on star trek and loved it. After I got home from Afghanistan I found a whole new level of appreciation and understanding for it though. Episodes like this (along with many DS9 episodes) took on a whole new meaning for me.
Superbly acted by both parties. Captain Maxwell's small shuddering breath as he realizes that he's lost, compounded by O'brien's quiet "No, sir." is just heartbreaking. Probably my favorite episode of all TNG. It's full of so many amazing performances and speeches by both the main cast and the guest stars and it all leads to this amazing scene.
I like that O'Brien sang the last line alone. The last line was him. "One faithful harp shall praise thee." And in the very next scene, to Picard, The Chief is still sticking up for Maxwell.
@@phillipchappell6013 Picard also told the Cardassian that he knew that Maxwell was right: You're up to no good, but I'm here to keep the peace so you'll get a pass this time, but we'll be watching. One of TNG best episodes.
Wow . Im here and im about to die of brain cancer. 30 ish kids . responsibilitys i cant fulfil and have to leave other's to fight on . Im so sorry to everyone . I held my post i fort to the end . Im sorry i cant get up its not me . Fight on my soilders stand tall . Be brave m never give in . I am very sorry i cant protect you now . Iv got days left . It hurts but pain is short lived. Anyone reading this i urge you to embrace the ones you love and be happy. Make evey moment count . I made so many mistakes . Its over now . Most of all know i love everyone and im sorry . Peace
Three years later. Hope you managed to stay with us, but if not, rest in peace, Elizabeth. Good ol’ Star Trek has helped us find the beauty in eachother. Thank you for your wise words. One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, one faithful harp will praise thee.
Could we talk about how O'Brian is the only one who sings the "One faithful harp shall praise thee." part because he's the last one who still thinks of Maxwell as a good person despite everything he's done? O'Brian IS the one faithful harp!
Bob Gunton was a Vietnam vet having served in the 101st Airborne, 2nd Battalion 501st Infantry. He was at the battle of Firebase Ripcord. So I imagine he had some history to base this character on.
"The minstrel fell, but the foe-man's chain could not bring his proud soul under. The Harp he loved ne'er spoke again, for he tore it's chords asunder. And Said no chains shall sully thee, thou soul of love and bravery. Thy songs were made for the pure and free, they shall never sound in slavery!"
I know that music fans can probably point out more professionally done versions of this song, but this will always be a special version for me, and one of my favorite STNG moments ever.
To me this one song that probably shouldn't be done professionally, it should be sung by people actually experience the things that the song is trying to convey.
@@metacomet2066 Not sure how I felt abt that EP, but I loved when he told his GirlFriend, "I learned to play it 1000 yrs ago" - on a planet far far away, or something. Not as gd tho when she screamed at him for disturbing the experiment or whatever it was, "Oops, Sorry, Captain Picard" . Twas the beginning of a Beautiful friendship though.
Giving O'Brien the final line of the song "One faithful harp shall praise thee" is absolute genius. O'Brien himself is that faithful harp. While Maxwell is deservedly punished for his crimes, his heroism and leadership will not be forgotten or extinguished in the hearts of his men.
It's an Irish rebel song used by both the IRA and the Irish government as a patriotic hymn. It signifies the defiance of the minstrel who breaks his harp ( an Irish symbol) rather than play it for the slavers (the enroaching English and Scots). It's a nod to Miles' Irish ancestry as well as the episode's theme of loyalty.
The first time I heard this song was watching this episode. It brought a lump to my throat. And it still does to this day. "One sword at least thy right shall guard One faithful heart shall praise thee." Heartbreaking.
Bollthorn I almost hate to cut in, but the last two lines of the first verse is "One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard, One faithful harp shall praise thee!" Fitting that a minstrel boy be praised by his harp.
tng had some really awesome actors in it, many shakespearean trained, and the themes helped to bring out the humanity, however I still think ds9 is my personal favorite, but tng is still awesome. another really good tng episode is the "Chain of Command"
There were actually three lights. The Cardie interrogator tortured Picard in order to get him to surrender & accept his fate by admitting that there were four. Of course, Picard foiled that scheme.
@Livin Gunk The point is, an interrogator was trying to break the captain's spirit by torturing him whenever he disagreed about the number of lights. When he was rescued, the captain proclaimed, "There are four lights," as a final, defiant message to the torturer. You can't break me. There are four lights.
I like to think that the last thing that went through Maxwell's head, other than that phaser beam, was "How did that bald Frenchman with an English accent get the better of me?"
It all comes full circle in DS9 "What you leave behind" when the instrumental plays it at the end of the episode reflecting on Chief's life aboard the station.
The first time I started singing this in Iraq? Looks of "WTF" followed by silence. There is a reason as to why this Celtic diddy has ensured centuries.
I like to think that Maxwell was pulled out of prison for the Dominion War where he could get one last opportunity to fight for the Federation and do what he did better than any other captain of his era.
I actually would have loved a DS9 episode where Maxwell gets let out of prison with a temporary commission for some ludicrously specific mission, then clashes with Sisko over exactly how far things need to go. Or got run as a black operative (or 31 asset) against the Cardassians in like season 4 and Sisko has to stop him against orders.
Not because of the Cardassians, though. The Dominion left Starfleet with no choice but to fight. Either that or be conquered without having fired a shot.
The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain Could not bring that proud soul under; The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again, For he tore its chords asunder; And said "No chains shall sully thee, Thou soul of love and brav'ry! Thy songs were made for the pure and free They shall never sound in slavery!
It´s so sad to see Captain Maxwell realizing that he can´t win. Specially since he was right. And for O'Brien that shares all the memories with him. And the fact that he understood his former Captain sorrow better than anyone else on the Enterprise.
Great dramatic moments like this one are what made the original Trek shows and movies so worthwhile. I can't see J.J. Abrams ever allowing this sort of depth or emotion to creep into one of his movies.
Maxwell is someone to be pitied not hated against because he was one of the people time left behind. A war hero that just couldn't find a place for himself in peace but what is most tragic is that he was right about the Cardassians being up to something it it's not always as simple as right or wrong because if that was true you wouldn't have tragedies like this.
exactly. if the Fed went to war months later i think it could have avoided the war with the klingons and maybe even the Dominion war. In the end a tragic blunder by Starfleet
Revkor It's reminiscent of General Douglas MacArthur in some ways during the Korean war relieved of command because he was willing to do something politically inconvenient to do what he felt was right and was necessary.
Revkor Maybe but I hate to live in the hypothetical because their is a billion and 10 variations that events, people and places that changes could have gone better or worse in certain areas and who know what could have been that's why it's something too think about if I learned anything from Science Fiction is that time is very precarious and not something I want to fool around with.
Beautiful song, sung beautifully. I've heard a LOT of different versions since learning (here) the name of this song. I might even have heard all of them!! And yet, the best version of this song is the one sung by Chief O'Brien!
Try a listen to the version by Joe Strummer...it was the soundtrack to the film Blackhawk Down...over decades I have listened to so many variations of this wonderful song...but his version is unbelievable, try it . The original was written by the poet and writer Thomas Moore from Avoca Wicklow circa 1820 to commemorate his friends who died in the Irish revolution of the 1790s
The best scene of the single most underrated episode of TNG. This song never left me, and "The Wounded" is my vote for the episode that should have become a TNG motion picture.
The most underrated episode? I dunno about that, a lot of people have really been coming around on this episode lately and it makes me very happy that they are. It is still underrated though, I will say that, and it is one of the best episodes in all of TNG, probably makes my top 10 for multiple reasons, and this moment alone is probably foremost among them.
I prefer this version of "The Minstrel Boy" to all the others. The tempo and Colm Meaney's singing voice is just perfect for it, in my opinion. Too bad the second verse isn't in it.
Such a great acting all around in this episode. I even liked Troi in this one. When the Cardashians first beam aboard you see her looking at Chief O'Brien and she knows he has a lot of hatred for them.
Thomas Moore to be exact, in remembrance of friends lost during the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The song became very popular with the Irish Brigade during the American Civil War and police/fire dept's with strong Irish presence.
this version so far is the best sounding version i found of the song as of yet.. not overpompous or opera voiced with lots of bravour.. just simple sounding giving chills sound
I think this scene, and episode in general, is the first of establishing the darker themes we see brought out in DS9. For the first time, we see how war impacts Federation officers. This scene transforms what audiences knew about O’Brien, and his powerful scenes in DS9 make a lot more sense after understanding his time serving with Maxwell. I wish it was used more during the Cardassian struggle in DS9
A song for warrior-poets. A song for the hopeless cause. A song for the warfighter who suffers the lose of comrades. Remember those who lay down their lives for what they believe in.
Definitely a turning point episode. Picard with the unfortunate duty to remove that "one sword". It is my favorite rendition of this song and made me a Colm Meany fan afterwards. It was sung for the right cause.
A major scene in this TNG episode and it's between two guest stars, It's an excellent written episode when you don't need your main cast to play a key figure in the storyline. This episode led Colm Meany to be cast as the main star for DS9, the TNG producers realize how good of an actor he really is and felt he was wasted as a transporter chief on the Enterprise.
I have to admit, I always get a little misty eyed when I watch this scene. What a great show. Even though it's been almost 20 years since it's been on the air, I still find it as enjoyable as I did way back then.
This is my favorite Miles O'Brien episode from either series. Next Gen or DS9. Though "Trials and Tribbleations" (DS9) was great with him meeting Scotty and becoming his ally in the bar fight. Both Colm Meaney and guest star Bob Gunton were excellent in this episode, and the writing was just wonderful. Meaney really showed his stuff acting wise in this, makes me wish he'd gotten more to do! Also this set up his backstory with the Cardassians, leading to him going to Deep Space Nine!
I remember becoming obsessed with this song the first time I saw this episode as it reminded me of The Man Who Would Be King which did a version of the song.
i always ranked this episode as a top 15 of that series. Just a great episode with climax being that song and the stern warning at the end from Captain Picard.
What's more tragic was that in the end he was right. So he was emotionally punished in the war and then professionally punished but in the end he was right.
I just watched this episode. I thought what they added to O'Brien was great character development. And you hear him sing this song twice, once with his wife and he sings it joyfully. And again this one filled with sadness of their time spent together in war. Great episode, 10/10
I come back to this episode occasionally just to hear the trumpet accompaniment at the end. Such a great delivery. First the dry and slightly off pitch base voices, the brief pause of silence, and then the slow build of the actual instrumental fading in for but a moment, hitting the same sung notes they were before resolving. It feels even better after Colm drops pitch entirely for the last word, making it feel like it's resolving both parts. Truly an excellent example of background music enhancing a scene.
One of the most touching scenes from all the Star Trek shows. Colm Meaney is such a brilliant actor, and Bob Gunton as well. (Gunton can sing wonderfully--he played Juan Peron in the original Broadway production of Evita.) After all these years, this scene still brings tears to my eyes.
