Corrected entry: Phaser fire is seen coming out of the forward photon torpedo launcher in this episode.
Corrected entry: When 'the entity' hits Picard, it swings its arm high, and Picard flies back as such. However, Picard is hurt across the lower chest in the next shot. Also, it's only a flesh wound which doesn't make sense because the monster was hitting to kill.
Correction: As to the second, Captain Dathon did not die in one blow. The entity appeared to have straddled him and pummeled him severely about the head and neck. It took him some time to die.
Correction: Actually, the Phaser fire comes from just above the Torpedo launcher. This actually makes sense. The bottom hull of the ship is known as The Battle Section. When the ship seperates, the Saucer becomes the "Lifeboat", carrying the familes and children out of harm's way. Undoubtedly, Phasers are placed everywhere possible on The Battle Section, since without the huge power drain from the Saucer Section The Battle Section would be able to field large numbers of Phaser Projectors.
Well apparently those in charge of the Blu-ray restorations felt this was a mistake as they have redone the effect to show a close up of the saucer section instead.