S1E3 Code of Honor: The One in Which Star Trek Does a Racism
Star Trek: The Next Generation analysis of season 1 episode 3 (Code of Honor)
The focus of today's show is (arguably) the most notorious Star Trek episode of any series, an episode so overtly racist that the director of it was fired DURING production. In the '80s.
Mike and Nic do their whitest best to analyze the harmful themes presented within while tying specific scenes, dialogue, wardrobe choices in the episode to their white supremacist colonialist roots via conversations about anthropology, museums, Orientalism, and more.
We also note the white-feminism-via-the-male-gaze undercurrent running throughout the episode. While Tasha Yar is (yet again) objectified, she also objectifies; her role is instrumental to the racist narrative. She is white woman kidnapped, and also 'girl boss' warrior who can fight her own fights. She is victim and victor and prize.
Nic includes a bunch of trivia about this particular episode in this one, including what cast members and fans think of it. Her favorite resources linked below (read the comments!):
References
- Is “Code of Honor” the Worst “Star Trek: The Next Generation” Episode? (The Take)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation: Code of Honor director fired during filming (Redshirts Always Die)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation Re-Watch: “Code of Honor” (The Viewscreen)
- Star Trek: The Next Generation "Code of Honor" Trivia (IMDB)
Our amazing intro and outro music was created by the supremely talented Trevor Andrew Hamer. If you'd like to work with Trevor or see more of his work, you can find him on: Instagram | YouTube
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