The cast of Star Trek: The Next Generation

25 years ago Gene Roddenberry was literally pushed, kicking and screaming, into doing again what he did 23 years earlier, to make television history and try to capture ‘lighting in a bottle’ once again. Gene and D.C. Fontana came up with the pilot script and Paramount launched the syndicated series on their now failed network UPN. The one thing different about Star Trek The Next Generation verses the original 1960’s Star Trek with Captain Kirk, it was syndicated and Gene did not have network sensors or “suits” to deal with in terms of content, storytelling ideas and issues and the shows production value. Hence, another legend was born. ST:TNG!

Not necessarily in any particular order, myself as a writer, and millions of fans around the world, all have their favorite episodes. Here is a small sample of what I, and a lot of other fans, consider some of the best episodes of TNG’s seven year run. See if you remember and agree that these are examples of some the best storytelling on televison.

“Yesterdays Enterprise” written by Ira Steven Behr, Richard Manning, Hans Beimler, Ronald D. Moore, from a story by Trent Christopher Ganino and Eric A. Stillwell. Hands down is considered one of the best, if not the best episode of the new series because it’s a story of time travel, love and the commitment to duty at a very high price. It also brings back Lt. Tasha Yar and who could forget Whoopi Goldberg’s sage advice.

“Darmok” written by Joe Menosky, Story by Philip LaZebnik and Joe Menosky. This is one of the most absolutely amazing episodes that is completely character and story driven. It’s about meeting someone for the first time and not knowing each other’s language. Put Picard and an  alien in a dangerous situation, and out of necessity, they learn how to communicate and communicate well at a very high cost. It will bring warmth to your heart.

“The Inner Light” written by Morgan Gendel and Peter Allan Fields, Story by Morgan Gendel. This is considered the most passionate of all the TNG episodes. It is the story of living an entire lifetime of 80 plus years in fifteen minutes. It was a way that a race of beings who died centuries before allowed their memory to continue. Excellently performed by Patrick Stewart and the score for this episode is amazing by Jay Chattaway. This one is a must for anyone who has never seen TNG!

“Measure Of A Man” written by Melinda M. Snodgrass. This episode is all about Freedom, Individuality and civil rights verses personal property. It challenges technology and its progress and it forces the issue of when is sentience a reality. A good, strong court case!

“Lessons” written by Ronald Wilkerson and Jean Louise Matthias. This episode shows the side of people that is rarely scene by those who just look at the surface of the people we work with. It’s about a passion for music, a passion for collaboration and a passion for falling in love, although not for Picard. It is a beautiful and musical episode with yet another incredible score by Dennis McCarthy. The chemistry between Stewart and actress Wendy Hughs is electric.

“All Good Things…” written by Ronald D. Moore and Brannon Braga. What a way to wrap up the entire series! There is time travel, a dangerous threat to the universe and John De Lancie as the omnipotent “Q”. It’s action, drama, comedy, adventure and one of the best closing scenes ever written for the series. This was an excellent way for TNG to lower their curtain on television.

“Best Of Both Worlds” (Part One) written Michael Pillar. This is the quintessential episode that showcases what became the return of the ultimate enemy in the Star Trek universe, The Borg. There is destruction, death and even the kidnapping of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and he becomes ‘Borgafied’! Holy Borgfication Batman!

“Half A Life” written by Peter Allan Fields, Story by Ted Roberts and Peter Allan Fields. This one brought tears to my eyes and watching the amazing performance of Majel Barrett Roddenberry (as Luxana Troi, Deanna’s mother) and David Ogden Stiers fall in love only to deal with a cultural ritual that one society does with their elderly, its literally heartbreaking. A passionate story about a real timely issue set in outer space.

“Cause and Effect” written by Brannon Braga. This was a cleverly written ‘loop’ story about time repeating itself over and over and over again. Each time the sequence resets, something is different, and its Gates McFadden gives a tour de force performance as the only one putting it all together. It was fun, interesting and incredible to see how each sequence was subtly different. It was cleverly written.

“Chain of Command” (Part Two) written by Frank Abatemarco. This is one of the most intense episodes and another tour de force for Patrick Stewart and his acting talents. It’s about prisoners of war, torture and the power of the will all humans have. It’s amazing to think this story is based on real circmstances.

“Where No One Has Gone Before” written by Diane Duane & Michael Reaves. This was a visually compelling episode and mixed fantasy, philosophy and science together and introduces an amazing character (and performance) that returns called ‘The Traveler’.

Now, 25 years later, you can get the enhanced special effects edition for the first time on Blu-Ray of Season One which was recently released from CBS Home Video.