Star Trek: The Next Generation showrunner didn’t think there was one bad episode in season four

As a long-time Trekkie with memories of my first Starfleet uniform and the original series etched deeply into my childhood, I must say that Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) holds a special place in my heart. However, even with such fondness, I can’t ignore the elephant in the holodeck – some episodes simply miss the mark.

Initially airing in 1987, Star Trek: The Next Generation faced a rocky beginning, as its initial season featured several episodes that are nearly unbearable to revisit. This is a common occurrence during the first seasons of many television productions. The writers and producers were still finding their stride with The Next Generation, and the series experienced significant turmoil in its early stages. However, the quality gradually improved over time, particularly after Michael Piller became showrunner in season three.

According to Mark A. Altman and Edward Gross’s book “The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years From The Next Generation To J.J. Abrams”, Piller claimed that he couldn’t find a single disappointing episode in season four. However, despite the overall high quality of that season, many critics and fans believe there were some less impressive episodes. Specifically, there are three episodes that some viewers might consider as less engaging and potentially skippable.

These titles – Devil’s Due, Galaxy’s Child, and Night Terrors – have received generally negative feedback from both critics and fans. Even series actor Jonathan Frakes referred to Night Terrors as “a bore,” while a critic from TechRepublic listed it among the five worst episodes of The Next Generation ever.

Galaxy’s Child depicts Geordi La Forge’s holographic creation, Dr. Leah Brahms, which becomes awkward and complicated when she uncovers his holodeck simulation centered around her. Meanwhile, Devil’s Due revolves around Captain Picard outwitting an alien who claims a planet based on an ancient agreement, creating quite a challenge to navigate through.

Let’s rewind to an episode titled Night Terrors. The team finds themselves stuck within a fissure that inhibits deep REM sleep. Deanna Troi experiences peculiar dreams that turn out to carry a hidden meaning. She must return to dreamland to converse with a fleet of extraterrestrial beings, also ensnared in the rift. In essence, this episode embodies awkward storytelling.

As a passionate Star Trek: The Next Generation gamer, I can’t ignore the fact that season four had some truly outstanding episodes. However, there are three episodes that simply don’t make the cut for me when it comes to the best of the best.

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2024-08-10 03:23