Original artwork, not a still
Let's see what's out there. Engage!
— Star Trek: The Next Generation ‧ 1987
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
It is a mission statement in two beats. "Let's see what's out there" turns the original series' five-year mission into a captain's curiosity, calmer and more diplomatic than Kirk's, and "Engage" is the one-word command that became Picard's signature. It still works as a send-off for anything new, from a road trip to a product launch, and fans quote it when the next stage starts.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for Star Trek: The Next GenerationShow the scene
These are the last words of "Encounter at Farpoint", the two-hour pilot of Star Trek: The Next Generation (first aired 28 September 1987). Captain Picard's first mission has ended with the crew passing the "little test" set by the mysterious Q, and with the rebuilding of Farpoint Station agreed. Back on the bridge, Riker says he hopes missions will not usually go like this one, and Picard promises most will be more interesting. Then, with the ship ready to leave, he gives the order that closes the episode.
Sources (1)
- TNG transcript, "Encounter at Farpoint" (chakoteya.net)Final bridge sceneReference checked
Context reviewed
