TF01 3,All Good Things... 4,by Matthew Crossman All Good Things... --------------------- A Next Generation Overview ---------------------------- by Matthew Crossman --------------------- On the 26th of September 1987 a new series was born. In May of the year 1994, seven and a half years later, the last ever television episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation was broadcast across America. In a spectacular two hour episode the stars of the series said goodbye to the small screen from where it all began. Farpoint. In an amazing journey that has span countless star systems and even the odd time era, Captain Picard and his crew bid us all a fond farewell as they make the transition from small screen to silver screen. The following overview is my thoughts on seven seasons of pure adventure. I will travel back to the start of the adventures and, season by season, point out the considerable highs and the and the embarrassing lows. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season One ------------------------------------------- With hindsight this is the worst season of TNG, but aren't first seasons always the worst? Still it remains required viewing for anybody who needs to know background data about the characters. This season was lambasted for its annoying habit of rehashing old Trek story lines and bringing them to the new series. Still it featured some interesting episodes and although many are not considered classics a few of the early episodes stand up against the later adventures. Ones To Watch: "Encounter At Farpoint". Although generally thought to be the weakest Star Trek pilot of the three, it still remains essential viewing if only for the introduction of all the main characters, the new Enterprise, and that omnipotent rascal Q. Best Moments: Denise Crosby and Marina Sirtis over-acting for all their worth. Also look out for Colm Meaney who makes his first appearance for a Trek series. "The Last Outpost". The first appearance of the a new race of villains, the Ferengi. These creatures were supposed to replace the Klingons as the main threat to the Federation but the idea never quite came off. Watch this episode and then watch their remarkable evolution through the series as they turn from hideous enemy to humorous bar keep. "Hide And Q". Q returns ten episodes in and offers Riker the opportunity to join the Q continuum. Notable due the cuts made by the BBC of Wesley Crusher receiving a fatal stabbing to the chest. Shame they cut it really as it was, at this point, the best thing that had happened in the series. "The Big Goodbye". The first major holodeck episode with Picard assuming the mantle of fictional detective Dixon Hill. Apart from that this episode is average. "Datalore". Another character building episode with Data now receiving some history. In this episode we are introduced to Data's "brother" Lore and discover the planet on which Data and Lore were assembled. Also introduced the crystalline entity who would return in a later episode. "Heart Of Glory". Another character episode, this time for Worf. This episode also helps to answer questions on the Federation - Klingon alliance, and gives us some valuable background information into the Klingon way of life. "Skin Of Evil". This episode dealt us the first major character death in any Star Trek Television episode. Tasha Yar bows out of the series to a poorly conceived alien and everyone mourns. Except me, I thought she was terrible. "Conspiracy". In my opinion the best episode of the first season. The conspiracy that had been hinted at through various episodes of the first season finally comes to a head and ends in a gorefest. I loved it! "The Neutral Zone". The Romulans are back, and not a moment too soon. If you can ignore the pathetic story line about finding three cryogenically frozen humans you might just enjoy this one. This story also hints at the possibility of a huge new threat in the universe. The Borg. Looking back, season one provided some much needed ground work for future episodes and did well to survive the almost constant barrage of criticism from over eager fans. "Code Of Honour" gets my vote for worst of the season due mainly to the fact that it's a Tasha Yar episode and I could not stand that character. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Two ------------------------------------------- Season two was off to a bad start before it had even begun filming. Due to a writer's strike in Hollywood the producers for TNG were short of scripts for the opening of the second season. Owing to this rather unfortunate circumstance the makers of the series had no option but to open the season with an old script left over from the never realised "Star Trek II" series which would have featured the cast of the original Star Trek movie. "The Child" therefore opened the season and pointed the way to what would be a mixed bag of episodes. Ranging from the excellent to the incomprehensibly bad, TNG staggered through its second year. The second season also saw a couple of character modifications most notably Doctor Kate Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) replacing Doctor Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg) beginning a semi regular stint as the Ten Forward bar keep. Ones To Watch: "Elementary, Dear Data". This, another holodeck episode, is a mostly light hearted departure from the more serious side of TNG and sees the behavioural pattern for which the character Data will adhere to in latter episodes. The character of Doctor Moriarty, the first sentient being created in a holodeck, will later reappear in the sixth season episode "Ship In A Bottle". "A Matter Of Honor". This episode dealt with a culture exchange as Riker is offered the opportunity to serve a limited period of time on board a Klingon cruiser. This episode reflected the Klingon way of life and offered us some valuable in sight into the Klingon way. "The Measure Of A Man". Much vaunted as the best season two had to offer, Data finds himself the subject of some unbearable scrutiny by Commander Bruce Maddox, a cybernetics expert, who wants to disassemble Data so as he may understand how he works and produce more like Data. Picard is chosen to defend Data's case in court whilst Riker, against his will, must prosecute. This episode showed what the TNG crew were capable of and produced the best show of the second season if not one of the best of the entire series. "Q Who?" introduced the Borg to the series and would provide the ground work for many excellent stories to come. Q is as irrepressible as ever and the cast finally seem to be able to slip into their respective rolls with ease. A worthy beginning to the Borg saga. "The Emissary". Another Klingon episode but one that reveals some background to the character Worf as his half-human/half-Klingon former lover is shipped aboard to try and convince some cryogenically frozen Klingons that the Federation and Klingon Empire are no longer at war. The conclusion of the second season ended on an episode called "Shades Of Grey". This episode has been awarded the dubious honour of being the worst episode ever made for TNG. Made as a "bottle" show to save Paramount money and bring the series in under budget for the season, the show consisted of a number of flashbacks taking place in Commander Riker's mind as he lays unconscious in sick bay with a deadly disease. An absolute waste of time and an insult to Star Trek fans everywhere. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Three --------------------------------------------- For many this is where TNG really took off. With a more balanced production team and the return of Gates McFadden as Beverly Crusher the scripts and general feel of the series took an upturn. Where as in the previous two seasons there where one or two worthy episodes and many average ones the trend was reversed. The third season is sprinkled with many delights and very few episodes fail to make the grade. Ones To Watch: "Deja Q". A return for Q, the omnipotent being and a light hearted return at that. Q is stripped of his powers by the Q continuum and dumped unceremoniously on the bridge of the Enterprise for past indiscretions against other races. Most of the fun can be had whilst observing Q trying to come to terms with human feelings such as sleep and hunger. This episode begins a trend of Worf getting all the best lines. "A Matter Of Perspective". Riker is accused of murder and destroying an orbital space station. What follows is a court room drama with (finally) an excellent use for the holodeck Visually this is an outstanding episode and with a most intriguing plot. "Yesterday's Enterprise". One of the all time classic episodes of TNG. In this alternate time line episode we see the return of Tasha Yar. This time Denise Crosby's character is far better scripted for and Yar becomes are more believable character. The intricate changes in this episode make this a joy to watch and it stands up well to constant viewing. "The Offspring". Jonathan Frakes' (Riker) directorial debut is a first rate episode. Data creates a daughter from the same schematics from which he was created. High comedy (the Ten Forward scenes) are countered by what must be one of the most saddest endings of any Next Generation episode. A must see. "Sins Of The Father". This episode kicks off a Klingon power struggle which will continue in one form or another for the best part of the next two seasons including the fourth season cliff hanger. An interesting Worf story which eventually turns well. "Sarek". Notable for the return of one of Star Trek's best known characters. Spock's father, Sarek, is suffering from a debilitating disease which causes him to suffer from senility which is hindering negotiations that he is diplomat to. A unique and sobering solution is found in yet another sad episode. "The Best Of Both Worlds - Part 1". Joint top, in my book at least, with "Yesterday's Enterprise" as best Next Generation episode. This episode sees the return of the Borg and in a very mean mood too. The Borg attack the Enterprise and Picard and all his memories are assimilated into the Borg collective. With the transformed Picard, now changed to Locutus, at the forefront the Borg plan to assimilate the Earth. Unless Captain Riker can stop them. Picking an episode which did not quite make the grade from season three was a difficult task and I'm sure many of you will disagree with me but I finally chose "Who Watches The Watchers". This episode just seems too hokey to me and reeks of Classic Trek. Although I love Classic Trek I just do not like to see TNG try it. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Four -------------------------------------------- Season four took off exactly where season three left off and just kept on getting better and better. The story lines began to show more of an edge and with the cast finally ensconced in their characters there was no real need for fleshing out and the writers could concentrate more on the plots. Every character was catered for in this season with all having at least one episode to shine in but for the character of Captain Picard this was to be his season. Ones To Watch: "The Best Of Both Worlds - Part 2". Although not as powerful as its companion piece, "Best Of Both Worlds - Part 2" is still exhilarating Trek. Considering that part 1 was written without the faintest idea of how part 2 will turn out this is a triumph for the Trek writers. The final scene with Picard alone in his ready room is incredibly moving. Best watched straight after part 1 (obviously). "Family". Continuing straight from "Best Of Both Worlds - Part 2" this dramatic piece of television is one of the most simplest and yet powerful Trek episodes around. Often overlooked in fan faves top ten this episode has the honour of being the only Star Trek: The Next Generation episode not to feature a bridge scene. "Future Imperfect". Fascinating stuff for the same reasons that "Yesterday's Enterprise" was such a hit. Not quite as popular but thoroughly enjoyable never the less and interesting to see how the crew had aged. "Devils's Due". Another episode that had been re-written from a script originally meant for the unrealised "Star Trek II" series. But where "The Child" fails this succeeds and has been successfully moulded to today's characters. An enchanting and enjoyable romp. "The Drumhead". A bottle show similar to "Shades Of Grey" but that, fortunately, are where the similarities end. A fantastic court room drama with excellent performances from all the cast especially from Jean Simmons (Admiral Satie). The show was by now a huge success and was gathering momentum all the time. The high peaks on TNG are very high indeed whilst the lows merely indicate an average show and not a bad one. My least favourite episode of the fourth season is "Night Terrors", a Deanna Troi story. The pace of this episode is just a little too slow and the story seems to go no where in particular. Still though a marked improvement on the clunkers from the first two seasons. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Five -------------------------------------------- With the advent of the fifth season many fans wondered if the standard of stories could be kept at such a high level. Thankfully the answer was yes and although the season did have it's fair share of episodes that missed the mark most were spot on. With little or no changes behind and in front of the camera the feelings transmitted through the lens to our televisions sets was one of togetherness. This feeling only enhances the show. Ones To Watch: "Darmok". Only Star Trek could produce an episode like this. It is so completely different to what we are used to and a refreshing change at that. Soon picked up as a fan favourite and another excellent Picard episode. "Unification - Parts 1 and 2". Most thought that these two episodes were a bit of a let down and I would tend to agree. This episode's saving graces are the return of Spock, the death of Sarek, an insight into the Romulan homeworld, and the appearance of Commander Sela played by Denise Crosby. These points and these points alone make this a landmark episode in all Star Trek history. "Conundrum". Although this episode has no real value to the Trek mythology it is fun. Seeing all the main characters out of position and confused gave me great delight. I think Worf would make an excellent Captain! "The Outcast". Not many episodes are purely Riker episodes but this one is almost completely devoted to the first officer and his illicit love affair with a being called Soren who is from a race called J'naii. Soren's people have a prohibition which forbids relationships and when Soren and Riker are discovered the consequences are extreme. First rate acting by Jonathan Frakes (Riker) and Melinda Culea (Soren) really do bring this episode off, when it could have quite easily been of the worst episodes of the season. "The First Duty". This superb Wesley Crusher episode is really the coming of age for the character. For too long he has been the blue- eyed boy who could do no wrong but with this episode it shows that he is human after all. Also notable for granting us, the viewer, our first real look at the goings on at Starfleet Academy and introducing us to the much mentioned (by Picard anyway) Starfleet groundsman Boothby. "I,Borg". Although for the most part this episode is one of the outstanding achievements of the fifth season I still do not like the solution to the problem. Having seen "Descent" I feel vindicated in belief that they cocked it up. Fancy turning the best aliens that Star Trek has ever had into a bunch of Tweedledums. Oh dear. "The Next Phase". As the fifth season drew to a close it seemed like the producers had saved all the best episodes until last. "The Next Phase" is not notable for anything in particular except for the fact that's it's first rate entertainment. 'Nuff said. "The Inner Light". Patrick Stewart had almost the whole of this episode to himself and I say that if these type of shows are going to be the result then give him all the remaining episodes. I cannot praise this episode enough. Stop reading this now and go watch it again. Go on you deserve it. Well that's the fifth season out of the way and I for one think it's the best so far. The only disappointment in my mind was the contrived cliff hanger "Time's Arrow". With so many two part stories beginning to infiltrate the series I am wondering whether they have the ability to carry them any more. Apart from that minor quibble TNG goes from strength to strength. Roll on season six. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Six ------------------------------------------- With the beginning of season six one once again wondered what was in store. The previous season had been of such a high quality that surely they could not better it? Or could they? Also around the time of the start of the sixth season were the rumours that this was to be the last. These rumours of unhappiness among the crew had be around since the end of season two but this time they seemed to hold more water. Fans of the series were told, "enjoy this one for it could be your last". Ones To Watch: "Schisms". This episode really shows the dark side of the Trek writers and for a time whilst watching this you could really get scared. A dark and haunting episode which was let down by it's rather inconclusive ending. "Chain Of Command - Parts 1 and 2". How these two episodes ever made it onto American television I'll never know. An absolute tour de force which really does kick you in the guts and leave you for dead. Once again Patrick Stewart excels himself and David Warner as the Cardassian Gul Madred is fantastic as the torturer. Brutal. "Ship In A Bottle". The return of Moriarty from the season two episode "Elementary, Dear Data" does nothing to lift this rather average episode. What does lift it however is the rather ingenious ending. Worth watching just for the finale. "Tapestry". Another Picard episode but this time with Q. Fantastic alternate universe story line which really does thrill and amuse. Destined to become a fan fave. "Lessons". A strange choice to pick out as the cream of the sixth season but I enjoyed the change of pace. Again fantastic acting by Stewart who is compliment this time by Wendy Huges who plays Picard's love interest Nella Daren. "Frame Of Mind". This is my pick of the whole season. A marvellous contribution by Jonathan Frakes who really does ride the part. Magical script writing and astounding effects go to show that even on a starship you can have stories that do not involve space. "Timescape". Another episode I have singled out for praise not for any special reason but just because I thoroughly enjoyed it. The four main characters Picard, Deanna, Data, and Geordi form a great team and manage to pull off the episode with great conviction. As the sixth season closed my mind wandered back to the fifth season episode "I, Borg". I feel it was a mistake to give the Borg each an individual status turning them into no worse foes than the Cardassians or the Romulans. It is a mistake that I blame squarely upon the writers. Perhaps they knew that the day would come when one day the Borg would have to win. As for the clunker of the sixth season the that goes to "Rascals". A parody of a great show, and unfortunately not a great parody. Just plain silly. Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season Seven --------------------------------------------- As the seventh season began to roll it was confirmed. This was to be the last. No begging or pleading would change the fact that as of May 1994 Star Trek: The Next Generation would be no more. On Television at least. The good news was that all the main crew had signed up to star in the next Star Trek movie, provisionally titled "Generations". The movie would also contain members of the original cast which would include William Shatner. So all was not lost. By the time all TNG episodes have aired here in Britain the movie should be hitting the silver screens across the country. Things have never been better. Ones To Watch: "Interface". A Geordi La Forge episode where he spends most of the time without his visor. With the aid of a probe Geordi is able to interface directly with the probe. Things begin to go awry however when Geordi's mother's ship goes missing and he is determined to discover what happened. An interesting story which to my mind is left unresolved. Enjoyable all the same. "Gambit - Parts 1 and 2". Interesting two parter which sees Picard off the Enterprise for nearly the entire two parts and Data as Captain. Best watched with a break of a couple of days in between parts one and two (to let you stew a bit!). "Parallels". Fantastic alternate universe episode centring on Worf. The story zips all over the place and whenever Worf has a dizzy spell it's off again. Mind you Worf's confusion is nothing compared to the viewers when they discover that Deanna is Worf's wife! "All Good Things". The finale. Another fine alternate universe story to end on and very much a Picard episode. Flits back and forth from the beginning at Farpoint to the present day and beyond. A fitting tribute to a fantastic show. Having not seen all of the seventh season at the time of writing I do not feel it necessary to choose a clunker. There have been episodes that I have not enjoyed as much as others but I will let you discover those episodes and make up your own minds. The culmination of the television adventures of the Enterprise 1701-D has for me been a sad conclusion. Not because of chances missed with the series but just because I will miss them as I am sure will all of you. Writing this piece has been an examination of all the episodes concerning Picard and his crew and it surprised me how many episodes I had dismissed in the past only to back track and discover how good they really were. Even the early ones! So even if you have no plans to write an article on TNG I urge you to travel back and re-live past glories. Here's to the crew of the U.S.S Enterprise 1701-D. Gone but not forgotten.