The Absolute Definitive Ranking of Captain Picard’s Most Epic Star Trek TNG Episodes

Summary

Captain Picard, played by Patrick Stewart, is known for his diplomatic leadership and problem-solving skills on Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Episodes such as "The Battle" provide a glimpse into Picard's history, shedding light on his character, all while captivating viewers through Patrick Stewart's mesmerizing portrayal.

"Chain of Command" delves into a gripping and somber narrative, pushing the boundaries of Picard's resilience and unwavering loyalty. Patrick Stewart's remarkable performance in this episode truly leaves a profound and enduring impression.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed by Patrick Stewart, was the central figure in every episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, certain episodes emphasized his character more prominently. Throughout the show's seven seasons, Picard, the leader of the USS Enterprise-D, established himself as a diplomatic captain, valuing peaceful resolutions over violence. Although his command style differed significantly from Captain James T. Kirk in the original series, Picard proved himself a worthy successor in commanding the Enterprise.

While Picard's prominence varied in different episodes, Patrick Stewart consistently delivered captivating performances. Whether he was leading the Enterprise in battles or negotiating peace among extraterrestrial species, Captain Picard almost always displayed astute decision-making skills. And in moments of uncertainty, Jean-Luc would often seek clarity by savoring a cup of hot Earl Grey tea while devising a solution. Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Captain Picard has not just left a lasting impact on Star Trek, but has also become an iconic figure in popular culture. The following list presents ten of the best episodes featuring Picard in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

10 The Battle (TNG Season 1, Episode 9)

Although

9 Starship Mine (TNG Season 6, Episode 18)

, a few highlights emerge in the course of the season. In "The Battle," the Enterprise is contacted by a Ferengi vessel, extending Captain Picard an unexpected "gift" – his former ship, the now abandoned USS Stargazer. As the episode unfolds, Picard is plagued by headaches and visions, eventually becoming convinced that he is back on the Stargazer, engaged in a fierce battle with the Ferengi. While the Ferengi may not quite achieve the desired portrayal as convincing adversaries, "The Battle" provides valuable insights into Picard's pre-captaincy life and showcases Patrick Stewart's captivating performance.

The TNG season 6 episode "Starship Mine" can be compared to the iconic movie "Die Hard" but set in space, where Captain Picard takes on the role of the fearless John McClane. During a planned evacuation of the Enterprise for maintenance, a gang of thieves disguised as workers aims to steal trilithium from the ship's warp core. Picard finds himself as the sole defender, engaging in a thrilling cat and mouse chase throughout the entire vessel. Resourceful and determined, Picard utilizes a range of weapons, even wielding Lt. Worf's (Michael Dorn) crossbow, setting clever traps to outmaneuver the intruders and maneuvering through countless Jefferies tubes. "Starship Mine" adds an exciting twist to the Star Trek series, allowing Picard to step into the role of an action hero, and Stewart rises to the challenge with commendable skill.

8 The Drumhead (TNG Season 4, Episode 21)

7 Tapestry (TNG Season 6, Episode 15)

: Adding Depth and Intrigue to an Explosive Encounter

Retired Admiral Norah Satie (Jean Simmons) is dispatched by Starfleet Command to investigate an enigmatic explosion aboard the Enterprise, shrouded in suspicion and uncertainty. As the incident unfolds, Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) and Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) painstakingly uncover the truth - the detonation was a mere accident, devoid of any malicious intent. However, unbeknownst to them, Admiral Satie, determined to uncover the culprits behind this alleged act of sabotage, has already identified a Romulan collaborator within the ranks of the Enterprise crew. Relentlessly pursuing her self-styled witch hunt, she casts doubts on Captain Picard's loyalties due to his past assimilation as Locutus of Borg. It is in this climactic moment that Picard, armed with his unparalleled oratory skills, delivers a poignant and powerful speech, capturing the profound perils of fanaticism and paranoia. Prepare to be captivated by the masterful oration of Patrick Stewart as he breathes life into these words.

After being shot by a terrorist, Captain Picard finds himself awakening in a mysterious realm of pure white. In this realm, he encounters Q (John de Lancie) who offers him a chance to revisit his past actions. Seeking to alter his past, Picard ventures into an alternate future where he discovers that he never rose beyond the rank of junior lieutenant. Realizing the profound impact his near-death experience had on shaping his life, Picard implores Q to restore him to his original timeline. Whenever Picard and Q share a scene, the result is nothing short of magical. Thanks to the captivating performances by Stewart and de Lancie, "Tapestry" stands as one of the most exceptional episodes in TNG.

6 Chain of Command (TNG Season 6, Episodes 10 & 11)

In one of Star Trek's most harrowing narratives, Captain Picard finds himself in the clutches of the Cardassians during an undercover mission. The gripping second hour of "Chain of Command" showcases Picard's vulnerability as he endures excruciating forms of torture and relentless interrogation at the hands of these ruthless captors. It is a rare sight to witness Captain Picard unnerved, and this episode tests his resilience to the brink. Sir Patrick Stewart's exceptional portrayal effectively conveys Picard's torment, amplifying the difficulty of watching "Chain of Command, Part 2." The late David Warner also delivers a chilling performance as Gul Madred, Picard's malevolent Cardassian tormentor. Ultimately, this tale serves as a testament to Picard's unwavering strength and unwavering loyalty to Starfleet and his crew.

5 Darmok (TNG Season 5, Episode 2)

In "Darmok," Captain Picard finds himself in a complex situation where his usual communication skills and the competence of his crew are of no use. The Enterprise encounters a Tamarian ship but struggles to communicate with this enigmatic alien species. To resolve the issue, Picard is transported to a nearby planet along with Dathon, the captain of the Tamarian ship. Throughout the episode, Picard realizes that Dathon is not his enemy, but unfortunately, Dathon meets a tragic fate at the hands of a planet creature. Despite the unfortunate outcome, "Darmok" showcases Picard's exceptional abilities as he relies on his patience and intelligence to comprehend the Tamarian's unique way of speaking.

4 The Best of Both Worlds (TNG Season 3, Episode 26 & Season 4, Episode 1)

"The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1" concluded the third season of TNG with an unforgettable cliffhanger, solidifying its status as one of the greatest television cliffhangers ever. During this season, TNG had finally found its stride and started producing exceptional science fiction content. As usual, Patrick Stewart delivered a phenomenal performance, and with his contract ending at the end of TNG season 3, fans were genuinely uncertain about Picard's fate inside the Borg Cube. Picard's transformation into Locutus of Borg not only left a lasting visual impact but also had a profound effect on his character development. The consequences of Picard's assimilation reverberated in subsequent productions such as Star Trek: First Contact and will continue to be explored in Star Trek: Picard season 3.

3 All Good Things... (TNG Season 7, Episode 25)

In the thrilling conclusion of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Jean-Luc Picard embarks on a journey through time, experiencing pivotal moments from his past, present, and future. With the guidance of his enigmatic ally Q, Picard discovers that the ongoing trial for humanity continues, and he is once again put to the test. Amid their growing attachment, Q assists Picard in unraveling the intricate puzzle of his temporal odyssey. Ultimately, Picard triumphs over Q's challenge and returns to the present, where he joins his loyal crew for a momentous game of poker, marking a significant milestone. "All Good Things..." offers a mesmerizing finale to TNG as it masterfully weaves together the overarching narrative with the reappearance of Q and his enigmatic courtroom.

2 Family (TNG Season 4, Episode 2)

1 The Inner Light (TNG Season 5, Episode 25)

Following the events of "The Best of Both Worlds," "Family" stands out as one of the few episodes of TNG that delves into the aftermath. After Picard's encounter with the Borg, he journeys to his family's vineyard in Le Barre, France. Engaging with his older brother Robert (Jeremy Kemp), Jean-Luc grapples with accepting his time as Locutus. Known for keeping his emotions tightly in check, witnessing Picard's vulnerability is truly disconcerting. Devoid of epic space battles or imminent threats to the galaxy, "Family" serves as a grounding moment for Picard's character. Patrick Stewart's performance in this episode is nothing short of extraordinary, masterfully portraying Picard's complex emotions of guilt and fear following his assimilation.

Considered one of Star Trek's finest episodes, "The Inner Light" shines brightly amidst the stellar offerings of TNG's exceptional season. Patrick Stewart's mesmerizing portrayal of Picard mesmerizes as he embarks on an extraordinary journey, experiencing an entire lifetime within mere minutes. Transformed into Kamin, he cherishes the joys and sorrows of family life, only to unveil the truth behind his remarkable encounter—an ancient probe from the long-lost civilization of Kataan. Faced with the impending destruction of their world, the extraordinary beings of Kataan entrusted their memories to the probe, ensuring their legacy perseveres through time.

After awakening on the Enterprise, Picard's crew retrieves the probe, revealing the presence of Kamin's beloved flute. The poignant conclusion of "The Inner Light" showcases the unforgettable moment when Captain Picard, transformed by his experiences as Kamin, masterfully plays a melodic tribute. This episode beautifully presents a heart-wrenching narrative, allowing Patrick Stewart to portray a remarkably distinct rendition of Picard. "The Inner Light" serves as an exceptional representation not only of Star Trek: The Next Generation, but also of the profound and emotional stories that Star Trek consistently excels in.