I wonder how much the probe would adapt the experience of Kamin to whoever it was was their object (say, if it hit Geordi first? Or Troi?)
I disagree. It’s a cautionary tale, like the best Star Trek stories. It’s not about using semi-magical technology to save this world. It’s about acceptance in the face of certain doom, and trying to make a legacy to show others that they existed. No one’s really ever gone if someone still remembers them. 
So if the star went nova, how are the planets still there in a recognizable system? Did I miss something in my cosmology reading?
It might seek out a certain kind of person. It contacted Picard and Picard alone.
And I do find that to be a powerful story (so in that I suppose I disagree a bit with Thot), but I find other stories in Trek to be more attractive.
Batai really looks like a young Patrick Stewart. Great casting.
I think on Memory Alpha they said that the actor playing Batai is Sir Patrick’s son IRL?
Yes!
Patrick Stewart’s son, Daniel Stewart, portrays Kamin’s son, Batai, during his life on Kataan.
baltar
It wouldn’t necessarily destroy the planets themselves. But having the surface of the star go from tens of millions of miles away to a few thousand would definitely kill all life.
Well, that would certainly explain the resemblance. 
There’s something in my eye.
Every. Single. Time.
“My grandson. He deserves a rich, full life, and he’s not going to get one.”
Zombie! :eek:
And he’s right…
I do quite like the last scene with Picard and the flute, it’s quite emotionally satisfying