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Random TNG thought tonight

Posted: Mon Aug 13, 2018 3:44 am
by TheSilence
After watching the following clip:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAGGEw4TcFY
It got me thinking about every communication the enterprise had with another ship.
More often than not the opposing captain or officer always called Picard or Riker by their rank and title (a sign of war fare respect), but more often than not, Picard never used the opposing officer's rank, instead always used just their last name (assuming last name in the style of most military standards).

Just wondering what this portrays? Is the Federation so perfect and righteous that the simple forms of respect are beneath them, or is this a way of showing the enemy in not so dark of position?

Re: Picard uses first names

Posted: Wed Aug 15, 2018 10:00 pm
by PerrySimm
TheSilence wrote: Mon Aug 13, 2018 3:44 am ...

More often than not the opposing captain or officer always called Picard or Riker by their rank and title (a sign of war fare respect), but more often than not, Picard never used the opposing officer's rank, instead always used just their last name (assuming last name in the style of most military standards).

Just wondering what this portrays? Is the Federation so perfect and righteous that the simple forms of respect are beneath them, or is this a way of showing the enemy in not so dark of position?
Strikes me as a bit outside of Picard's style. Maybe Jellico would put on a disrespectful tone, but here it is mainly the result of plain speech.

It's certainly in Tomalak's nature to be long-winded and erudite - and Andreas Katsulas really leans into those gloating "Captain Picard"s - but even though Picard comes off as gruff by comparison, "Tomalak" isn't delivered with any sarcasm.

Plus, for the viewer, "Commander" could also be Riker. It's clearer to just say "Tomalak".