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 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 encounters hostile military submarines, which sets the stage for the episode's central conflict. The 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 operates is divided into competing Confederations, and the 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, Admiral William Noyce, to return to service on the 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. The seaQuest is revealed to be a high-tech vessel with advanced scientific labs and a large research team. Key crew members include 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. Other crew members include Jonathan Ford, the executive officer and Maxwell, the Sensor Chief.

The 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's help, work to stop the renegade sub and prevent the disaster.

The 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 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 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.
• Admiral William Noyce: A high-ranking naval officer and friend of Bridger, responsible for recruiting him.
• Crocker: The security chief of the seaQuest and a former colleague of Bridger.
• Dr. Kristin Westphalen: A physical oceanographer, and member of the scientific team aboard the seaQuest.
• Katherine Hitchcock: The chief engineer of the seaQuest.
• Lucas Wolenczak: A young computer expert who communicates with Darwin.
• Darwin: A dolphin with whom Lucas has a unique connection.
• Jonathan Ford: The executive officer of the seaQuest.
• Miguel Ortiz: The Sensor Chief aboard seaQuest.
• Maxwell: The Sensor Chief of the seaQuest.
• 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.
• 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 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 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)