The Chase (Star Trek: The Next Generation) The Chase (Star Trek: The Next Generation) "The Chase" is the 146th episode of the syndicated American science fiction television series "", the 20th episode of the . It is directed by series cast member Jonathan Frakes (Commander William Riker). Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the crew of the Federation starship USS "Enterprise"-D. In this episode, four competing expeditions—Federation, Klingon, Cardassian, and Romulan—attempt to solve an ancient genetic puzzle. "Enterprise" Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) has always been a student of archaeology, and in this episode he is contacted by his former mentor Professor Richard
Descent (Star Trek: The Next Generation) of the set of "Star Trek: The Next Generation", which included an opportunity by Hawking to sit in the captain's chair. Freedman told the show's executive producer, Rick Berman, that Hawking would appear on the show if asked. Hawking accepted the ensuing offer, marking the first time a guest star played himself on an episode of any "Star Trek" series. After he was sent the script, he made some modifications to it, including improving a humorous line of dialogue to make it funnier, which Berman called "delightful". Later, when actor Brent Spiner, who appeared in the scene with Hawking, first