Object

1940s Detective Trench Coat

A sharply tailored trench coat paired with full Forties detective attire, featuring period-appropriate styling evocative of classic noir gumshoes. This ensemble cloaks Captain Picard, Whalen, Data, and Doctor Crusher as they immerse themselves in the immersive 1941 San Francisco holodeck simulation. The costume’s rich textures, silhouette, and heavy fabric visually transport the characters and viewers alike into the shadowed alleys and smoky offices of a bygone era, grounding the high-tech holodeck fantasy in authentic vintage atmosphere and reinforcing the narrative tone.

6 appearances

Purpose

Worn by principal characters to fully embody the immersive 1940s detective narrative in the holodeck simulation, facilitating both dramatic engagement and thematic homage to classic noir detective fiction.

Significance

The trench coat and associated period attire symbolize the characters’ deliberate escape from present-day pressures, anchoring them within a stylized, nostalgic world that blurs the line between simulation and reality, while underscoring themes of role-playing, identity, and the interplay of appearance versus truth.

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

6 moments

S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Picard, Whalen, and Data Ready for Dixon Hill Holodeck Dive

The Forties Detective Trench Coat functions as a critical costume prop that visually anchors Captain Picard and Data within the 1940s noir aesthetic. Its presence enhances the authenticity of their immersion, signaling their commitment to the roleplay and helping to transport them and the audience into the historical simulation.

Before: Clean, well-maintained, and donned by Picard in the Holodeck Entrance area, ready for use as costume.

After: Worn by Picard as the trio steps through the Holodeck doors, integral to his detective persona within the simulation.

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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Data’s Noir Entrance Deepens the Dixon Hill Immersion

The Forties detective trench coat functions as a key costume piece that visually anchors Picard and later Data within the 1940s noir aesthetic, enhancing their immersion and signaling respect for the period setting. It symbolizes a physical transformation from starship officers into period characters, shaping the mood before entering the simulation.

Before: In possession of Picard, fully worn and properly fitted.

After: Still worn by Picard as he steps through the Holodeck entrance, integral to his character portrayal.

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S1E13 · The Big Goodbye

Entering 1941 San Francisco: The Holodeck Immersion Begins

The Forties Detective Trench Coat is worn by Picard to visually and physically embody the noir detective archetype, reinforcing his immersion and signaling his leadership in this shared cultural escapism. Its presence deepens the authenticity of the Holodeck experience and highlights the contrast between the era’s gritty aesthetics and the futuristic context of the Enterprise.

Before: In Picard's possession, freshly donned, pristine condition, enhancing his role as a Forties detective.

After: Still worn by Picard as he leads the group through the Holodeck Entrance and into the simulation.

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S2E19 · Manhunt

Lwaxana Declares an 'Alternate Plan'

Picard's 1940s detective trench coat is removed as he enters the reception, serving as a physical signifier of his Dixon Hill persona and his attempt to shed command stress; its removal marks transfer from duty into ritual performance.

Before: Worn by Picard as he enters the reception room.

After: Removed and presumably hung or set aside as he moves into his office; the coat's presence in the room signals the ongoing holonovel.

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S2E19 · Manhunt

Noir Respite — Pay the Tailor, Stall the Landlord

Picard removes his period-styled trench coat as a tactile shedding of Starfleet formality and physical adoption of the Dixon Hill persona; the coat functions as a costume mantle that signals his entry into the holonovel and his temporary authority within that micro-world.

Before: Worn by Picard at the reception threshold, serving as part of his Dixon Hill costume.

After: Removed and likely set aside in Picard's office inside the holodeck; no damage, simply stored.

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S2E19 · Manhunt

Dixon Hill: Calm Hand on a Loaded Moment

The detective trench coat is part of Picard's Dixon Hill costume and anchors his authoritative posture; though not explicitly detailed in every line, the coat helps him inhabit the persona used to physically and verbally restrain Slade and reassert control.

Before: Worn by Picard as part of his holodeck persona, collar up and mantle in place.

After: Remains worn as Picard continues the role-play for a brief additional round before departing.

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