Chain of Command
Picard, Crusher and Worf are assigned to a classified mission to uncover the presumed production of Cardassian metagenic weapons on Celtris III. They are discovered and while Worf and Crusher can escape, Picard is taken prisoner by the Cardassians. Picard is tortured by Gul Madred who was already awaiting him because the whole scenario of metagenic weapons was a trap, supposed to let the Federation take the first step to a new conflict. In the meantime Captain Jellico has taken over the command of the Enterprise. The crew can’t get along with his strict regime and his seemingly inappropriate behavior towards the Cardassians which seems to lead directly to a war. Jellico also refuses any attempt to rescue Picard. Jellico’s tactics, however, eventually prove successful when he traps a Cardassian invasion fleet in a nebula by laying mines around the ships, which puts him into a position to demand their retreat and Picard’s release. summary by Ex-Astris-Scientia
I’d say it’s one of the best of Star Trek. Not that it’s a typical entertaining episode. It’s deep and it’s made a really big impression on me. Patrick Steward is one excellent actor, hats off to him. The way he acted this… well, it’s impossible to describe it. You watch it, you tell me. The basic question is fundamental: can a human being be broken and what is their price.
I’m not referring to Jellico plot. It’s an entirely different story. For me, Chain of Command is about Picard, nothing more.