Lwaxana Troi is on board, and quickly takes a shine to Timicin, a scientist from Kaelon Two who's on board to conduct tests critical to revitalizing his planet's aged sun. Timicin, surprisingly, takes a shine to her as well, although not quite as strong as Lwaxana's.

Unfortunately, the test proves a failure, and he will not get another chance at one, for a few days later, he is to turn 60; and on Kaelon Two, everyone who reaches the age of 60 kills him or herself in the Resolution. Lwaxana is outraged by this fact, and when Picard makes it clear that he will not interfere in the planet's local affairs, first tries to beam down herself and then goes into hysterics until Deanna comforts her.

After Lwaxana and Timicin end up spending an evening together (and not particularly vertically, or so it's implied), he tries to explain the custom of the Resolution to her. Unfortunately, she considers the custom barbaric, pure and simple, and despite valiant attempts by both sides, neither will change their views. However, when Timicin's analysis of the failed test turns up some promising options, he suddenly realizes that no one else has the knowledge to carry on his work and possibly save his world, and requests asylum on the Enterprise.

B'Tardat, the Science Minister on Kaelon Two, is outraged, and sends up two warships to ensure that the Enterprise cannot leave the system with Timicin on board. Timicin quickly finds that his decision isn't as easy as he thought, for the planet below will not accept any further reports from him, so that even if he finds a solution they will not accept it. The final straw comes when his daughter Dara beams on board to insist that he return-she cannot bear the thought, she says, of him being laid to rest anywhere but next to her mother, and she is ashamed of him.

Timicin realizes that he is not the man to forge a cultural revolution, and agrees to return to Kaelon Two. Lwaxana, however, as a loved one, beams down with him to take part.

Highlight Listing:

"Half a Life" - Picard risks war when he offers asylum to a visiting scientist who wishes to escape the ritual suicide mandated by his society.

Advertising Headline:

MERCY OR MURDER? Picard clashes with an alien society over their mandatory suicide ritual!

TV log listing:

Picard opposes ritual suicide/STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION

Operation SNAFU

Near the end of the episode, when Lwaxana Troi is standing next to the mirror and then begins to walk away from it, for a brief instant the boom from the mike is visible in the reflection. (V)

Editor's Note:

There was an error that occurred during the filming of the scene where Lwaxana Troi was talking to Deanna. You can see Deanna reflected in the mirror. When Lwaxana walks toward Deanna, look in the mirror, you will see the microphone boom.

Technical design, graphic design, interactive features, HTML & CGI programming by Andrew Tong. || All materials Copyright © 1987-1995 by their respective authors. || Document created: January 28, 1995 || Last Modified: November 09, 2010