Sci-Friday Returns to Unleash My Top 5 Star Trek TNG Episodes
As a devoted Star Trek: TNG fan, I enjoy parts of nearly every episode of the series. Having watched nearly every single one, I have compiled my top five favorite episodes that are currently especially entertaining me.
Before we take off at warp speed to this week’s Sci-Friday’s Top 5 list we need to stop and look around at the multitude of talent that has participated in Sci-Friday’s of weeks past, present, and future.
Please allow me to introduce them to you here,
Now for My Top 5 episodes of Star Trek TNG that are currently tickling my fancy, let’s go!
Encounter at Farpoint: Season 1 Episodes 1-2
Typically, a show's first episode or pilot doesn't make it onto my list of Top 5 episodes. However, in this particular case, the pilot stands out. It not only serves its function by introducing viewers to every major character on the Starship Enterprise but also features one of the series' significant antagonists, known simply as Q.
In this episode, the Enterprise crew faces relentless harassment from an omnipotent being named Q, a member of the Q Continuum. Q assumes the role of Grand Inquisitor, declaring that humanity is on trial. He decides to use the crew's actions in their upcoming mission as a basis to judge their worthiness and determine the fate of the entire human race.
Throughout the episode, Q presents the Enterprise crew with scenes from history, highlighting instances where humans treated each other barbarically, such as the Holocaust of WWII. Additionally, he paints a dystopian society where citizens are subjected to complete brutality and control. Despite being a pilot, this episode not only sets the stage for the series but also digs into profound themes.
Darmok: Season 5 Episode 2
Captain Jean-Luc Picard finds himself in an unusual situation when he and another captain, Dathon of the Tamarian people, are transported to the surface of the planet El-Adrel. The Tamarians have a unique mode of communication that involves referencing their history and mythology to convey thoughts and intentions. Despite Picard's linguistic skills, he struggles to comprehend Dathon's messages, limited to the phrase "Darmok and Tanagra."
In a critical moment, Dathon says "Darmok and Jalad at Tanagra" and hands Picard a dagger. The following morning, Dathon rushes toward Picard, signaling the presence of a hostile predator.
It is then that Picard begins to decipher the Tamarian language, recognizing one allegory as a tactical approach to confronting the beast. Together, they attempt to battle the creature. However, the Enterprise's failed attempt to beam up Picard prevents his full participation, leading to Dathon sustaining severe wounds.
Every time I have watched this episode I develop a better understanding regarding the intricacies of metaphorical communication between peoples with no knowledge of each other's history or customs. Temba, his arms wide.
Captains Holiday: Season 3 Episode 19
The crew of the Starship Enterprise has persistently encouraged their beloved Captain Picard, to take a much-needed vacation. Eventually giving in, Picard reluctantly agrees to spend some time away for himself on the pleasure planet called Risa.
Shortly after his arrival, Picard finds himself unexpectedly kissed by a woman named Vash, who is attempting to ward off a Ferengi named Sovak. Sovak accuses Picard of conspiring with Vash, who possesses a data disc that Sovak desires.
Uninterested in the dispute, Picard retreats to his room only to encounter two Vorgons. They identify themselves as time-traveling police agents from the 27th century, on a mission to locate a powerful weapon known as the Tox Uthat, capable of halting the fusion reactions of a star. The scientist who invented this device had traveled back in time to conceal it, and according to their historical records, Picard is destined to find this object on Risa.
Justice: Season 1 Episode 8
This episode dives into themes of justice and the varying interpretations of it across different societies. The Enterprise, in need of a break, arrives at the utopian planet Rubicun III.
To assess the planet on behalf of the ship's young population, Captain Jean-Luc Picard includes Wesley Crusher in the advance team sent down to meet the Edo, the native inhabitants. Upon arrival, Rivan and Liator warmly greet them, prompting Lt. Worf to label it a "nice planet." Wesley, eager to socialize, leaves the adults behind to interact with the native teenagers.
The Edo later explain to Lt. Tasha Yar and Worf that they employ capital punishment to enforce their laws. Alarmed, the away team rushes to warn Wesley, only to find out that he accidentally damaged a greenhouse while playing with Edo youths.
An Edo mediator, acting as law enforcement, attempts to administer a lethal injection to Wesley for this violation, leading Yar and Worf to draw their phasers.
In a council chamber meeting, Picard engages with Edo representatives, explaining that Earth has abandoned the practice of capital punishment, this episode highlights the complexities of a “Utopian Society”.
The Game: Season 5 Episode 6
Returning to Risa, Commander William Riker experiences a unique and seemingly harmless pleasure-inducing game. The game, when played correctly, activates pleasure centers in the brain, akin to the effects of drugs or sex. While initially enticing, the situation takes a dark turn.
Upon his return to the Enterprise, Riker distributes replicated copies of the game to the starship's crew. Among them is Cadet Wesley Crusher, on vacation from Starfleet Academy, who observes everyone engrossed in the game and attempts to persuade him to join.
Wesley, noticing the crew's unusual behavior, reports his suspicions to Captain Jean-Luc Picard. However, Picard, to Wesley's dismay, is already gripped by the addictive allure of the game.
Fantastic episodes, all! I actually have a small Darmok tattoo planned 😂
Honestly there’s too many good tng episodes to choose from but Chain of Command I think deserves a special mention here. A thoroughly researched and stunningly performed piece of tv drama 👌
I'm pretty sure I've seen every episode of season 1 by now, and a whole bunch of the rest of them, although I've never done a TNG binge (and may not ever). This was one show my folks and I could enjoy together, which is REALLY saying something!