Trivia / Star Trek: The Next Generation S5E21 "The Perfect Mate"

• Alan Smithee: Reuben Leder, who originated the episode's storyline, is credited under the pseudonym "Gary Perconte" because he was unhappy with the revisions to his original script. This was the only time this happened under Executive Producer Michael Piller's watch.
• Deleted Scene: Picard interrupts the ceremony between Kamala and Alrik, telling Alrik that he cannot let it go forward. He tells him that this should be fine, as he's really more concerned with trade agreements anyway, and he agrees. The scene then cuts to reveal that this was only a fantasy of Picard's.
• Recycled Script: Borrows quite a bit from TOS episode "Elaan of Troyius": woman with an irresistible biochemistry used as a political pawn in an arranged marriage, but ends up bonding instead with the good captain and not her designated mate, leading to a delicate diplomatic situation, complicated by the presence of some aliens with their own agendas (Klingons in TOS, Ferengi here). This NG episode ends on a more equitable note for all involved though, thanks mainly to the bride in question, who is a much more grounded individual.
• You Look Familiar: Par Lenor is played by Max Grodenchik, who previously played Sovak in "Captain's Holiday", and would later play a recurring role as Rom in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

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