I’ve rewatched “Hollow Pursuits” (Star Trek: The Next Generation, season 3, episode 21). Yes, it’s the “Barclay” episode and at first sight – it’s pretty funny, but at second and all the following sights it’s so problematic! (Spoilers!) The thing is – Reginald Barclay is very shy and clumsy and instead of dealing with real problems he recreates his crewmates on the holodeck and gives free play to his fantasy – seduces Deanna, teaches Wesley manners, fights Geordi, Data, Picard, and Riker. And again – appears pretty innocent, doesn’t it? Well, it doesn’t, because, firstly, lieutenant Barclay definitely has some kind of problems with mental health, most probably social anxiety, neurosis, and holo-addiction (at minimum). Secondly, yes – we all know that holodeck’s for porn, but existing people? Moreover colleagues? Yes, they all were amused by the holograms of each other, but fencing and engaging some sexual actions is not the same! Well, what pleases me is that he evolved, decided to deal with his problems and resolutely deleted all his programs (except one).















