Season 3, Episode 11: "The Hunted"

In a strange bit of serendipity for Memorial Day, I landed on this episode, which serves as a powerful commentary on how poorly the U.S. has treated its soldiers and veterans over the years.

A society knows as the Angosians —led by the great James Cromwell — has applied for membership into the Federation, and though they seem technologically advanced, peaceful, and philosophically committed to progressive and intellectual ideology, the Enterprise crew (led by Troi) discover they harbor a dark secret - their treatment of soldiers.
It seems the Angosians performed experiments on their military, enhancing their minds and bodies; turning them into killing machines. Then, when they had served their purpose in a great war, rather then deal with their PTSD and the responsibility of reintegrating the soldiers back into society, they voted to ship them all off to what Captain Picard referred to as a “floating Gulag.” “Disposable heroes,” indeed.
As I previously stated, this episode hit hard, especially today when we remember the brave sacrifice our fallen service members performed for our country. It was a reminder that we should always strive to value them, care for them mentally and physically, and show them the dignity they deserve.

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