The Significance of Picard's Enterprise: How Star Trek: TNG Created a Profound Distinction from Kirk's

Article Overview

Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced families on board the Enterprise-D, offering a glimpse into civilian life on a starship.

The episode "When the Bough Breaks" highlighted the significance of having families on board when the children were abducted. Nonetheless, with the Federation facing mounting threats, it became progressively unfeasible and hazardous to have families on starships.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the USS Enterprise-D of Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced a starship that differed from Captain James T. Kirk and his USS Enterprise in a significant way. The Enterprise-D was larger and accommodated the families of its officers. Designed for exploration and long missions in deep space during a peaceful era in the United Federation of Planets, it contrasted with Kirk's Enterprise, which faced conflicts with the Klingons and Romulans.

In the seventeenth episode of season one, titled "When the Bough Breaks," the children aboard the Enterprise-D take center stage. The Enterprise visits the mythical planet of Aldea, where the Aldeans, unable to conceive, abduct several children from the starship. As Captain Picard negotiates with the Aldeans, Ensign Wesley Crusher assumes a leadership role among the kidnapped children. Eventually, the Enterprise crew devises a way to safely retrieve the children through beaming, while Dr. Beverly Crusher discovers a potential cure for the Aldeans' infertility issue.

Picard's Enterprise-D Having Families Aboard Finally Mattered When Children Are Kidnapped

Three of the children cast in the TNG are actually relatives of individuals associated with the show. Mason and Tara are portrayed by Wil Wheaton's younger siblings, Jeremy and Amy, respectively. Additionally, Rose, the daughter of the make-up supervisor Michael Westmore, also appears in the production.

Picard's Enterprise-D Having Families Aboard Finally Mattered When Children Are Kidnapped

In Star Trek: The Next Generation, it wasn't until the seventeenth episode of season 1 that the series truly showcased the presence of families and civilians on board the Enterprise-D. This particular episode provided a glimpse into the daily lives of these civilians, as the children attended lessons, practiced musical instruments, and enjoyed playtime in their quarters. While the majority of episodes revolved around the senior officers and their missions, this exploration of life on a starship offered a refreshing perspective and provided a different side to Captain Picard. Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Picard's discomfort when interacting with the children was delightful and well-executed.

The Enterprise-D possessed the capability to separate its saucer section from the main drive section. However, the inclusion of a scene showcasing this feature in "When the Bough Breaks" was ultimately cut due to budget constraints, time limitations, and a desire to maintain focus on the main storyline.

"When the Bough Breaks" is not the sole episode that showcases the presence of children aboard the Enterprise. Another notable instance occurs in TNG season 6, episode 7, titled "Rascals," where Captain Picard and several other officers are transformed into 12-year-olds due to a transporter incident. During Ferengi pirates' takeover of the Enterprise, Picard and the others find themselves grouped with the ship's other children in a classroom setting. "Rascals" provides additional insight into life on a starship for children. Apart from these few episodes, TNG seldom highlights the presence of children on the Enterprise-D, and future starships would typically have a reduced number of civilians aboard.

Why TNG's Enterprise-D Had Families But Picard's Next Enterprise Didn't

The presence of families aboard the Enterprise-D sets it apart from Kirk's Enterprise in Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, this arrangement proves to be less practical as the Aldeans easily abduct the children, causing their parents to become understandably distressed. The increasing number of threats to the Federation throughout TNG makes life onboard the Enterprise more perilous. As Picard assumes command of the USS Enterprise-E in Star Trek: First Contact, there is a decline in the number of civilians on board. The Borg become an even more significant menace to the Federation, leading to the Enterprise-E's involvement in the Battle of Sector 001.

The Dominion War, starting in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, posed a significant threat to the Alpha Quadrant, altering the Federation's primary focus from exploration to combat. Moreso, life aboard a starship has always been perilous and unsuitable for families, and this danger has only intensified. Although Star Trek: The Next Generation presented the Enterprise-D as a groundbreaking starship, Starfleet vessels were never an optimal environment for raising a family.

Editor's P/S

1. The inclusion of families aboard the Enterprise-D in Star Trek: The Next Generation brought a unique dynamic to the show, offering a glimpse into civilian life on a starship. The episode "When the Bough Breaks" highlighted the significance of having families on board when the children were abducted, showcasing the challenges faced by the crew in protecting their loved ones. However, as the Federation faced mounting threats, it became increasingly difficult and dangerous to have families on starships, leading to a reduction in their presence in future incarnations of Star Trek.

2. Captain Jean-Luc Picard, portrayed brilliantly by Patrick Stewart, demonstrated a range of emotions and interactions with the children aboard the Enterprise-D. From his initial discomfort to his genuine concern for their well-being, Picard's character growth was evident as he learned to adapt to the unique challenges of commanding a starship with families on board. The presence of children also allowed for a different side of Picard to emerge, showcasing his compassion and understanding beyond his usual stoic demeanor.