Editing To Be or Not to Be

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"To Be Or Not To Be" is the premiere for the science fiction television series ''[[SeaQuest DSV (series)|seaQuest DSV]]'' and its final season, ''[[seaQuest 2032]]''. The episode presents a complex narrative involving underwater conflict, political intrigue, and personal redemption.

=== Synopsis ===
The episode begins with underwater mining operations in the '''[[Livingston Trench]]''', a volcanically active area. A miner named '''[[Bobby (seaQuest)|Bobby]]''' encounters hostile military submarines, which sets the stage for the episode's central conflict. The '''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''', a high-tech deep submergence research vessel and peacekeeping force, is introduced as it responds to the escalating situation.

The world in which ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]'' operates is divided into competing '''[[Confederation (seaQuest)|Confederations]]''', and the '''[[United Earth/Oceans Organization|United Earth/Oceans Organization (U.E.O.)]]''' struggles to maintain peace. A major threat emerges in the form of a renegade '''[[Typhoon-class submarine]]''', which is revealed to be attacking mining outposts.

The story centers on '''[[Nathan Bridger]]''', a former naval captain and submarine commander who is now a marine geologist living in isolation. He is recruited by his friend, '''[[William Noyce|Admiral William Noyce]]''', to return to service on the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''. Bridger is initially hesitant but eventually agrees, driven by a sense of duty and a connection to the ship.

Upon joining the crew, Bridger is reunited with former colleagues, including Security Chief '''[[Crocker (seaQuest)|Crocker]]'''. The '''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''' is revealed to be a high-tech vessel with advanced scientific labs and a large research team. Key crew members include '''[[Kristin Westphalen|Dr. Kristin Westphalen]]''', a physical oceanographer, '''[[Katherine Hitchcock]]''', the chief engineer, and '''[[Lucas Wolenczak]]''', a young computer expert who is able to communicate with the dolphin, '''[[Darwin (seaQuest)|Darwin]]'''. Other crew members include '''[[Jonathan Ford]]''', the executive officer and '''[[Maxwell (seaQuest)|Maxwell]]''', the Sensor Chief.

The '''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''' is attacked by the renegade '''[[Typhoon-class submarine]]''', resulting in significant damage and system failures. The renegade sub also attacks the '''[[Gedrick Power Station]]''', an underwater energy facility, creating the threat of a major ecological disaster. Amid the chaos, Bridger assumes command and uses his knowledge of the ship's systems to guide the crew. The crew, with '''[[Darwin (seaQuest)|Darwin's]]''' help, work to stop the renegade sub and prevent the disaster.

The '''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''' successfully stops the renegade sub, but sustains substantial damage and casualties. The renegade sub is later revealed to be empty, suggesting a deliberate strategy. It is revealed that '''[[Marilyn Stark|Captain Marilyn Stark]]''' is the saboteur, and had previously been stationed at the '''[[Livingston Trench]]'''.

The episode explores '''[[Nathan Bridger]]'s''' past, including the deaths of his wife and son, which led to his isolation. He is also confronted with a holographic image of his former professor, revealing his original program was used in the ship's design. The episode concludes with the '''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''' undergoing repairs and the crew working together, with "dogs," sub-programs designed to protect the ship's computer systems introduced.
=== Characters ===

* '''[[Nathan Bridger]]''': A former naval captain and marine geologist. He is the main protagonist, drawn back into service after a period of isolation.
* '''[[William Noyce|Admiral William Noyce]]''': A high-ranking naval officer and friend of Bridger, responsible for recruiting him.
* '''[[Crocker (seaQuest)|Crocker]]''': The security chief of the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]'' and a former colleague of Bridger.
* '''[[Kristin Westphalen|Dr. Kristin Westphalen]]''': A physical oceanographer, and member of the scientific team aboard the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''.
* '''[[Katherine Hitchcock]]''': The chief engineer of the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''.
* '''[[Lucas Wolenczak]]''': A young computer expert who communicates with '''[[Darwin (seaQuest)|Darwin]]'''.
* '''[[Darwin (seaQuest)|Darwin]]''': A dolphin with whom Lucas has a unique connection.
* '''[[Jonathan Ford]]''': The executive officer of the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''.
* [[Miguel Ortiz|'''Miguel Ortiz''']]: The Sensor Chief aboard ''seaQuest.''
* '''[[Maxwell (seaQuest)|Maxwell]]''': The Sensor Chief of the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''.
* '''[[Marilyn Stark|Captain Marilyn Stark]]''': The captain of the renegade Typhoon sub, and the saboteur, who has a history with the Livingston Trench.
=== Key Themes ===

* The episode explores the conflict between '''science and military''' objectives within a high tech environment.
* The importance of '''technology''' is highlighted for both exploration and combat, including the advanced systems aboard the ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]''.
* '''[[Nathan Bridger]]'s''' journey demonstrates personal redemption, as he confronts his past and assumes leadership.
* The episode explores the depth of '''Bridger's loss and grief''', showing his emotional vulnerabilities and reasons for isolation.
* The theme of '''trust and betrayal''' is explored through '''[[Marilyn Stark|Captain Stark's]]''' actions.
* The story explores the nature of '''leadership''', notably through Bridger's assumption of command during a crisis.
=== Production Notes ===

* The episode is set in the near future, in a world where humanity has established advanced underwater technologies and settlements.
* The '''[[Livingston Trench]]''' is a significant location, serving as an area of underwater volcanic activity and mining operations.
* The '''[[Gedrick Power Station]]''' is an underwater energy facility, used to generate power.
* The ''[[SeaQuest DSV|seaQuest]]'' is the main setting.

== Cast List ==

* [[Roy Scheider]] as [[Nathan Bridger]]
* [[Stephanie Beacham]] as [[Kristin Westphalen]]
* [[Stacy Haiduk]] as [[Katherine Hitchcock]]
* [[Don Franklin]] as [[Jonathan Ford]]
* [[Jonathan Brandis]] as [[Lucas Wolenczak]]
* [[John D'Aquino]] as [[Benjamin Krieg]]
* [[Royce D. Applegate]] as [[Manilow Crocker]]
* [[Ted Raimi]] as [[Timothy O'Neill]]
* [[Marco Sanchez]] as [[Miguel Ortiz]]
* [[Shelley Hack]] as [[Marilyn Stark]]
* [[Scott Coffey]] as [[Bobby]]
* [[Eric DaRe]] as [[Maxwell]]
* [[William Morgan Sheppard]] as [[The Professor]]
* [[Rebecca Stanley]] as [[Aunt Jenny]]
* [[Justine Shapiro]] as [[Williams]]
* [[Michael Parks]] as [[George Le Chein]]
* [[Richard Herd]] as [[Admiral Noyce]]
* [[Clark Heathcliff Brolly]] as [[Renegade Sensor Chief]]
* [[Mark Fauser]] as [[Phillips]]
* [[Dan Hildebrand]] as [[Helmsman]]
* [[John Schafer]] as [[Pollack]]
* [[Brad Hunt]] as [[Le Chein Guard]]
* [[Michelle Holden]] as [[Earthcast Anchor]]
* [[Brenda Siemer Scheider]] as [[Carol Bridger]]
* [[Bruce Klassen]] as [[Ensign Buckley]]
* [[Norris]] as [[Territorial Governor]]
* [[Michelle Sullivan]] as [[Crew Member]]
* [[Frank Welker]] as [[Special Vocal Effects]]
* [[Michael Zurich]] as [[Renegade Sensor #2]]
* Darwin as Darwin (uncredited)
* [[Ksenia Prohaska]] as [[Serbian]] (uncredited)