Patrick Stewart Reveals Surprising Star Trek: TNG Troi Story - You Won't Believe It!

Summary

Patrick Stewart confirms Gene Roddenberry's strange idea for Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation involving giving the Counselor three or four breasts.

In the early days of shooting TNG, there was a lot of anxiety. Stewart describes the "The Naked Now" episode as a desperate attempt that lacked good ideas. However, the idea of giving Troi multiple breasts was fortunately rejected, leading to her development into a strong and confident character in both TNG and Star Trek: Picard.

Patrick Stewart confirms a long-standing Star Trek: The Next Generation rumor regarding Gene Roddenberry's unconventional concept for Counselor Deanna Troi (Marina Sirtis). In his memoir, "Making It So: A Memoir," Stewart delves into the behind-the-scenes tales of the tumultuous inaugural season of TNG, shedding light on how Roddenberry brought the show to life. Despite initial doubts, Stewart acknowledges Roddenberry's visionary perspective on Star Trek: TNG in his book. The memoir also unveils the anxiety-filled early months of filming season 1, with Stewart discussing the risqué nature of the third episode, "The Naked Now," and ultimately confirming Roddenberry's unusual idea for Troi. Read an excerpt from the revealing memoir below:

Counselor Troi Thankfully Evolved Throughout TNG & Star Trek: Picard

Many people derive pleasure from watching "The Naked Now." However, in my opinion, it exudes a sense of desperation, as if we had been broadcasting for several years and the writers had already exhausted their cache of innovative ideas. Nevertheless, it is common knowledge that Gene, the creator, had a fondness for titillating content. In fact, in the pilot episode, he had Marina don a minidress and go-go boots as if we were still stuck in the 1960s. Additionally, he even contemplated the possibility of equipping Deanna Troi with three or possibly four breasts.

The idea of Counselor Deanna Troi having "three or four breasts" in Star Trek: The Next Generation is difficult to comprehend and it's unclear how it could have worked in the short or long term. Fortunately, producer D.C. Fontana rejected the idea. Despite this, Troi's appearance showcased her sex appeal as she was one of the few main characters who did not wear a standard Starfleet uniform for most of TNG. The writers faced challenges in incorporating Troi's Betazoid powers and abilities into compelling storylines for the Counselor.

In Star Trek: Picard, Deanna Troi emerged as a empowered figure, embodying strength and confidence as a wife and mother in the advanced 25th century. Her role in season 3 of the show was integral in unraveling the season-long mystery surrounding Picard's son, Jack Crusher, and his connection to the Borg. Deanna's heroic actions resulted in the rescue of her husband, Captain Will Riker, Picard, and Captain Worf from the destructing Borg Cube. On a different note, it is worth mentioning that Counselor Troi managed to avoid a potentially embarrassing plotline that was initially proposed by Gene Roddenberry for Star Trek: The Next Generation, unlike the three-breasted character in the science fiction movie Total Recall released in 1990.

Source: "Making It So: A Memoir" by Patrick Stewart