I only vaguely remember this episode, but from where it seemed to be going in the beginning to where it ended I found it more interesting than I expected. I think that Picard was right to describe what happens in this episode in terms of an arranged marriage since honestly neither party seemed all that excited about it, but it is easy to see how Dr. Crusher would be so offended by what happens. I am not really sure why the Ferengi were included other than to just act as the trouble makers of the episode. TNG writers clearly consider Ferengi to be the comic relief of the galaxy so I guess it makes at least that much sense.
The episode opens with the Enterprise en route to pick up at ambassador from a planet that has been at war with a planet of their near relatives for generations. The Enterprise is to serve as the meet grounds for the two peoples to try and work out their differences. The ambassador has some odd cargo that he requests be kept away from all but the senior staff of the ship. While planning the ceremony for the meeting of the two peoples Picard is interupted by a call from the bridge. A Ferengi shuttle has failed nearby and Picard tells Riker to provide assistance. The Ferengi shuttle explodes but the two crew are safely beamed aboard the Enterprise. After being taken to their quarters they cackle gleefully.
One Ferengi starts trying to negotiate trade agreements with the ambassador while the other sneaks into the cargo bay. He finds a glowing cocoon shaped thing floating and while trying to scan it he is interrupted by Worf and knocks a barrel towards the cocoon. The cocoon breaks up and there is a beautiful woman inside. The ambassador rushes to the cargo bay and is concerned by not upset, the woman Kamala is a special member of their species who is both empathic and bread to satisfy any man she is paired with. The ambassador explains she is to be the wife of the other ambassador as a gesture of peace. Riker takes her to her quarters and has to rush off to the holodeck after a kiss. The ambassador believes she is unsafe around the crew, but Picard insists she be free to go about the ship and assigns Data to her, but she is clearly more interested in Picard.
After a few incidents around the ship Kamala agrees to stay in her quarters but asks Picard to visit her. The Ferengi manage to get the ambassador to come to their quarters where they attempt to bribe him, but when that doesn't work a pushing match breaks out and the ambassador is knocked unconscious so it is now Picards job to serve in the role of ambassador. This means spending more time with Kamala who he is clearly attracted to, but insists on doing his job. Picard finally meets with the other ambassador and learns he is a cold man more interested in trade than his beautiful new wife. Just before he is to give Kamala to the ambassador Picard learns she has empathically bonded with him and can never undo that which only makes him more sad about the whole thing.
Review: A fairly sexist episode, but I, like the captain think it is wrong to hold other cultures to the same standards that we hold ourselves to. Kamala understands that her role is to end the war between the two peoples and her sense of duty outweighs her sense of self fulfillment.
6 out of 10
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