Resistance is futile
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"Resistance is futile" (pronounced /ˈfjuːtaɪl/) is a catch phrase used by the Borg of the Star Trek fictional universe.
The phrase, in its modern sci-fi context, is first uttered by Maya in the final Space: 1999 episode "The Dorcons" (Season 2, 1977), written by Johnny Byrne and guest-starring Patrick Troughton. It is later used in the Doctor Who story "Enlightenment" (series 20, 1983). "Resistance is futile" has subsequently been assimilated into popular culture as a proverb and has become a cultural meme.
Its first use in Star Trek came in the 1990 Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Best of Both Worlds," written by Michael Piller. It was later used by Piller in the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine pilot episode "Emissary". It was made more popular as the tagline of the 1996 film Star Trek: First Contact by the actor Jeff Coopwood who was the "Voice of the Borg" in that film. In 1979's Star Trek: The Motion Picture, however, Mr. Spock, after Commander Willard Decker's explanation about a phaser strike weaken just enough to break free, told Captain James T. Kirk that "any short resistance would be futile."
The term is also used in the media often to describe a desperate and failing struggle 'against the flow'.[1][2]
The phrase, as spoken by Picard's Borg alter-ego Locutus, was ranked #93 in TV Land's list of "The 100 Greatest TV Quotes and Catchphrases".[3]
[edit] Appearances in Star Trek
- "Strength is irrelevant. Resistance is futile. We wish to improve ourselves. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service ours." -- The Borg, Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Best of Both Worlds" (1990)[4]
- "I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile. Your life as it has been is over. From this time forward, you will service us." - Locutus of Borg/Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Best of Both Worlds" (1990)[4]
- "Resistance is futile. You will disarm your weapons, and escort us to Sector 001. If you attempt to intervene, we will destroy you." -- Captain Jean-Luc Picard as Locutus of Borg, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "Emissary" (1993)[5]
- "We are the Borg. Lower your shields and surrender your ships. We will add your biological and technological distinctiveness to our own. Your culture will adapt to service us. Resistance is futile." -- The Borg, Star Trek: First Contact (1996)[6]
- "I am Locutus of Borg. Resistance is futile." -- Captain Jean-Luc Picard, Star Trek: First Contact (1996)[6]
- "Resistance is futile!" - Data, Star Trek: First Contact (1996)[6]
- "I need a sample of your blood. What do your Borg friends say? Resistance is futile. - Shinzon, Star Trek: Nemesis (2002)
