Television Review: Up the Long Ladder (Star Trek: The Next Generation, S2X18, 1989)

Up the Long Ladder (S02E18)

Airdate: May 22nd 1989

Written by: Melinda M. Snodgrass
Directed by: Winrich Kolbe

Running Time: 46 minutes

Season two of Star Trek: The Next Generation is traditionally regarded as the moment when the series matured and began to demonstrate its true potential, delivering a string of highly acclaimed classic episodes that would define the franchise for decades to come. Yet, when certain episodes of this otherwise stellar season missed their mark, they often resulted in trainwrecks far more egregious than those that had marred the chaotic first season. Among these misfires, Up the Long Ladder stands out as a particularly egregious example of wasted potential—a tonally dissonant, culturally insensitive mess that represents everything that could go wrong with a Star Trek episode.

The episode opens with the USS Enterprise-D responding to a distress signal employing 21st century Terran technology, a mystery that initially baffles the crew. After some research, Riker and Picard determine the signal likely originates from the SS Mariposa, a freighter that has carried colonists to the Ficus sector. Upon arrival at Bringloid V, the Enterprise discovers a colony founded by followers of a traditionalist, anti-technology agrarian movement. Led by the flamboyant Irishman Danilo Odell (Barrie Ingham), these descendants of the original colonists face imminent extinction due to solar flares. When they are evacuated, what follows is a series of cringe-inducing cultural clashes: the Bringloidi bring domestic animals aboard the Enterprise, consume copious amounts of whiskey, and attempt to start fires in cargo bays. Despite the cultural shock, Riker wastes no time in noticing Danilo's beautiful daughter Brena (Rosalyn Landor), and engages in quick and passionate romance.

Danilo's offhand remark about "another colony" leads the Enterprise to Mariposa, where a radically different society has developed. This colony, founded by scientists who survived the Mariposa's crash, has maintained its population through cloning rather than sexual reproduction—only three men and two women survived the crash, creating a genetic bottleneck. Dr. Pulaski soon discovers replicative fading of genetic material, which would eventually destroy the Mariposans. Rather than seeking a diplomatic solution, the Mariposans—led by Wilson Granger (Jon De Vries)—attempt to forcibly extract Riker's and Pulaski's DNA to create new clones. Riker, disgusted by this violation, destroys the clones, but Picard ultimately brokers a diplomatic solution: the Bringloidi will relocate to Mariposa, providing fresh genetic material through a rather awkward arrangement involving polyandry and polygamy.

The episode was written by Melinda M. Snodgrass, who had previously delivered the celebrated The Measure of a Man. Originally inspired by contemporary US debates about immigration, Snodgrass envisioned "Up the Long Ladder" as an allegorical critique of xenophobia and nativism, with the Bringloidi representing immigrants facing hostility and misunderstanding for being "primitive" and "smelly." However, producer Maurice Hurley, an Irish American, decided to transform this concept into what can only be described as a celebration of ethnic stereotypes. The result is a series of caricatures so broad they border on parody—whiskey-drinking, brogue-speaking "Space Irish" who exist solely as comic relief. Colm Meaney, the Irish actor who appears as Chief O'Brien, later stated he "hated the episode" for its offensive portrayal.

In this regard, Up the Long Ladder is actually worse than the much-reviled first-season episode Code of Honor, which created controversy primarily due to unfortunate casting choices. On the other hand, Up the Long Ladder actively relishes in its stereotyping. The "Space Irish" are the central comedic element, their every line dripping with cliché.

Political incorrectness aside, these stereotypes might have worked as the basis for light-hearted, fluffy comedy centred around culture clash. Similarly, Riker's rapid romance with the beautiful Brena could have been dismissed as harmless fan service—after all, the character was still very much in his Kirk-esque womaniser phase. However, the real problem with Up the Long Ladder is its fundamental lack of focus. The episode feels like two separate stories artificially stuffed into one 45-minute slot. The latter portion dealing with cloning, reproductive ethics, and genetic survival is potentially much more interesting. Snodgrass even uses this subplot to express strong pro-choice views through Riker and Pulaski's reactions to the cloning process. Yet this storyline is underdeveloped, resolved too quickly, and culminates in the potentially uncomfortable suggestion that Brena should help the Mariposans by practising polyandry—a solution that would appall modern sensibilities.

The episode is competently directed by Winrich Kolbe, with the scene where Mariposans extract DNA from unconscious Riker and Pulaski standing out as one of the more intriguing moments in the series. Unfortunately, these competent elements are drowned in tonal dissonance—the shift from drunken Irish hijinks to what amounts to a summary abortion (or outright murder, depending on one's perspective) creates many consider “Mood Whiplash”.

Ironically, the best part of the episode occurs right at the beginning, with the subplot involving Worf collapsing on the bridge and Dr. Pulaski treating him for the Klingon equivalent of measles—a condition Worf finds deeply embarrassing. This segment provides genuine character development and bonding between ship's doctor and patient. There is also a Klingon tea ceremony scene demonstrating cultural and biological differences Unfortunately, this promising material is squandered by being placed so early in the episode—it's over before most viewers have settled in, leaving nothing of comparable quality to follow.

Up the Long Ladder remains one of The Next Generation's most divisive episodes. Amongf Star Trek misfires, Up the Long Ladder stands out not just as a forgettable episode, but as as an example of cheap cultural stereotyping masquerading as comedy—a lesson the franchise would (mostly) learn from in subsequent years.

RATING: 4/10 (+)

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