07/14/2007: "A Revelation"

So we're sitting around watching the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 3 (one of my birthday presents) tonight, and as is de riguer for TNG, Troi was babbling about how some character or other (in this case a scientist who seriously seemed to be hitting on Westley) was feeling. And if you ever watch ST:TNG you know that everything Troi says is always completely and patently obvious. "Captain, I sense deception from the Romulan commander." Oh really, Troi? You think? Oh and you used your fantastic telepapsychic powers to determine that, rather than his shifty eyes and the fact that he kept fingering the disruptor button and licking his lips?

When suddenly it hit me: Why Troi is on the show. Why she's constantly stating what emotions people are feeling even though Star Trek actors are so hammy that it should be painfully obvious what they're trying to convey. It's all so striking clear that I can't believe I never thought of it before: Autistics! I mean, who's your stereotypical Star Trek fan? The ultra nerdy guy with Asperger's Syndrome, am I right? And those with Asperger's or other forms of autism typically have trouble reading other people's emotions. Hence we've got Troi around to make sure everybody is on the same page. I mean, really, it's the only possible reason for her to exist. That or else Gene Roddenberry hated mankind. Those are your only options.

And you know, it really makes watching the show easier. Anytime Troi opens her fat annoying mouth you can just be like, "Ah, yeah. Ok Troi. Get everybody up to speed. Meanwhile I'm gonna be looking elsewhere because it's no longer the 80's and you're not considered hot anymore." It's like, clouds part, beams of sunshine and all of that. Yes I'm a genius, and yes you're welcome.

Replies: 2 Comments

he he, think of all the people who probably wait with anticipation to hear what Troi has to say, so that they can understand what is happening in the show.

[Lynnea] on Sunday, July 15th

wait a second...when was your birthday? Blast it! Okay, let me take you and Lynnea out on the town. Or at least, out of the house. Deal? Also, Black Sheep is at the Ken this week. Mutant sheep eating people! How can you bear to miss it?

[mary] on Sunday, July 15th