In my recollection of Star Trek TNG other officers frequently ask Picard for permission to speak freely, which he seems to always grant.
Is there ever a case where Picard denies an officer permission to speak freely?
3 Answers
The closest I can find to Picard censoring an officer (Riker) is this clip:
This was during the episode Sarek.
He also, somewhat famously, told Wesley Crusher to "shut up, Wesley!" during the episode Datalore:
However, at the time Wesley Crusher was not an acting officer (he became an Ensign later on in the series).
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5The first video is from when Picard and a number of the Enterprise crew are being effected by Sariks degrading health. The Vulcan is going through a process where he is losing control of his emotions and in return people surrounding him are becoming more emotional and irrationally angry. The second video is Wesley just being his annoying self. Live long and prosper. Feb 21, 2013 at 19:08
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2I think there is actually one time where Riker is pissed and angrily asks to which picard says "Denied" as he storms off the bridge. I'll have to rewatch the entire show to be certain. If I find it I'll try to youtube / post it.– ArammilJul 12, 2013 at 11:21
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1Having just watched that episode (the second reference) he WAS acting ensign at that point. He was not, however, academy-trained...and by god am I glad Picard told him that.– ZibbobzOct 27, 2014 at 13:35
Ensign Ro was denied permission to speak in the first episode where she was introduced, although I don't believe she formally requested such permission
PICARD: You do not leave this ship without authorization.
RO: Captain, I'm sorry, but...
PICARD: This is not a discussion. You're restricted to your quarters for the remainder of the mission.
Searching the scripts I found that, indeed, Picard has never denied anyone permission to speak.
Quite the opposite:
RIKER: Permission to speak candidly, sir?
PICARD: Always.
Footnote: in another search I found that Picard did make one denial: Riker permission to "lead another away team" (The Enemy).
answered Mar 19, 2014 at 9:58
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3As the other answers here seem to suggest, this rhetorical 'unlimited permission' from Picard is probably specific to Riker. It doesn't apply to junior staff speaking out of turn... Jun 22, 2015 at 10:05
In the military, due to the chain of command, there is rarely a time where a rank and file soldier can speak his mind without disrespecting his superior. Cue this phrase.That said, I can't recall Picard ever having denied this request - though I could be forgetting something. There may have been another ranking officer who did though. Riker seems like one who might.