Star Trek: The Next Generation created by the late Gene Roddenbery, made its debut on September 28, 1987 to an astonishing number of 27 million viewers. This number would be impressive for any show at any time but the fact that TNG was on syndication, makes it that much more impressive. Set about 78 years after the Kirk and Spock, this new crew of the Enterprise 1701-D was led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard played by Patrick Stewart. From the start with its premiere episode “Encounter at Farpoint”, Stewart established Picard as a more diplomatic captain as oppose to the shoot first, ask questions later style of command of William Shatner’s Captain Kirk. It wouldn’t take long for the debate to begin on who was a better captain.
A captain is only as strong as the crew that follows him or her. For Picard that crew included Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes), a telepathic half-Betazoid counselor named Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis), the first Klingon Starfleet officer, Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and her son Wesley (Wil Wheaton). Rounding out this incredible crew was chief engineer Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) and the android Data (Brent Spiner), whom arguably aside from Mr. Spock may be the most popular character amongst Trek fans.
Much like how the original Trek mirrored the real world of the turbulent 1960’s, TNG did the same and challenged our morals with compelling storylines that centered on social commentary, race relations, politics and gender acceptance, which includes the idea of same sex relationships. The writers and creators were way ahead of its time. By the end of its 7-year run however, the concept of family and what it really means to be part of one was at the heart and soul of this wonderful series.
Along with opening new doors and furthering discussions of real world issues, TNG also introduced us to a variety of different species like the Ferengi, the Cardassians and the menacing of them all, the Borg to go along with the Klingons, Romulans and Vulcans. But the biggest challenge probably came from a singular omnipotent being known as Q, played by John de Lancie. We’re first introduced to Q in premiere when he puts humanity on trial for not having the ability to think beyond its own self-serving nature. That trial comes full circle during the two part finale “All Good Things..” when Picard shows Q that humans are capable of so much more than Q could ever realize.
For many, TNG best represented Roddenberry’s vision of the future. For its efforts, Star Trek: The Next Generation received many awards including 19 Emmy Awards. For all its recognition, perhaps its greatest achievement came during its final season, TNG was nominated for a primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series making it the first and to this date, the only syndicated series to be so honored. Worth noting, TNG was the only other series to produce feature films, four in total: Star Trek Generations (1994), Star Trek; First Contact (1998), Star Trek: Insurrection (1998) and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). Like its predecessor, TNG has stood the test of time and ranks among the very science fiction series of all-time.
May the Dork be with you,
JPB
The Dork Knight
