Picard is sent on a secret mission as a new captain takes the ship.
Starfleet orders Picard, Dr. Crusher and Worf on a secret mission to investigate a Cardassian threat, and Captain Jellico is brought in to command the Enterprise. Jellico is blunt and demanding, and the crew finds him hard to work with. Riker clashes with him, and the ship's routine is turned upside down.
Meanwhile, Picard is captured on the mission, and is held by the Cardassians. The episode is the first part of a two-part story and is divided between the two situations. It marks a tense change of pace in the series, and a focus on the conflict with the Cardassians. The strong performances are a highlight, and the story sets up a memorable conclusion.