The Unexpected Treasures: 10 Surprising Benefits from Star Trek: The Next Generation's Challenging Season 1

Summary

TNG season 1 had its flaws, but it laid the groundwork for some enduring romances, including the love story between Riker and Troi.

Lwaxana Troi's introduction added emotional depth to the show, thanks to Majel Barrett's heartfelt performance.

While not a significant character, the Traveler's presence in season 1 established Wesley's future journey and his destined greatness.

Star Trek: The Next Generation's first season has often been considered as the weakest, even though it did have some memorable moments. When TNG premiered in 1987, it faced high expectations from fans of the original Star Trek series who were initially skeptical. Led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart), TNG eventually became a beloved sci-fi show and a worthy successor to its predecessor, but it did struggle initially.

During the early seasons of TNG, there were challenges behind the scenes, with writers coming and going quickly for various reasons. Many of the season 1 episodes seemed to resemble leftover stories from the original series, and the actors were still figuring out their characters. However, by the time TNG reached its third season, both the storylines and performances had improved significantly. It is important to recognize that the later successes of the show would not have been possible without the rocky start of its first season. Despite its flaws, here are ten positive aspects that emerged from TNG's debut season.

10 The First Hints of Commander William Riker & Counselor Deanna Troi's Romance

9 The Introduction Of Lwaxana Troi In TNG's "Haven"

Commander William Riker (played by Jonathan Frakes) and Counselor Deanna Troi (portrayed by Marina Sirtis) share a love story that stands as one of the most enduring romances in the Star Trek universe. In the pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation titled "Encounter at Farpoint," it is revealed that Troi and Riker had a romantic history but had ended their relationship before the events of the show. Throughout the seven seasons of TNG, their connection is evident as they navigate their feelings for each other until eventually tying the knot in Star Trek: Nemesis. Their relationship is authentic and demonstrates the depth of their affection. Despite the devastating loss of their firstborn son Thad, many years later, Troi and Riker remain a united couple in Star Trek: Picard.

Making her debut in the TNG season 1 episode "Haven," Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett), Counselor Troi's mother, stepped into the spotlight. Majel Barrett, known for voicing the computer of the USS Enterprise-D, holds a significant place in Star Trek history, having previously portrayed Nurse Christine Chapel on TOS. Despite Lwaxana's eccentric personality, Barrett infused the character with genuine emotions, preventing her from being dismissed as mere silliness. Lwaxana continued to grace the screens in multiple appearances on TNG and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, while Barrett's vocal talent also voiced the computer of the USS Voyager.

8 The Introduction Of The Traveler in TNG's "Where No One Has Gone Before"

Although not as prominent as Lwaxana Troi, the guest star, Eric Menyuk's character, the Traveler, becomes highly significant in the life of young prodigy Wesley Crusher, played by Wil Wheaton. Introduced in the TNG episode "Where No One Has Gone Before," the Traveler belongs to an influential species capable of manipulating time and space. Traveling across galaxies, they observe a range of lifeforms and civilizations, with the Traveler divulging humanity's recent intrigue to them. Intriguingly, the Traveler takes a particular interest in Wesley and later informs Captain Picard of his destined greatness. From his very first appearance, the Traveler lays the groundwork for Wesley's future decision to forego Starfleet and join the Travelers.

7 The Friendship Of Lt. Commander Data and Lt. Geordi La Forge

In TNG season 1, Lt. Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) establishes a friendship with Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) before becoming Chief Engineer of the Enterprise in the second season. Data, an android, has a strong desire to understand humanity and what it truly means to be human. Throughout his journey, he frequently seeks Geordi's assistance, whether it be testing out his sense of humor or questioning human behavior. Together, they tackle various challenges on the Enterprise, solidifying Data and Geordi's friendship as the central theme of TNG's early seasons.

6 TNG Season 1 Offered Insight Into The Characters' Backgrounds

5 Captain Picard's Dixon Hill Holodeck Adventures

TNG season 1 not only sets the foundation for the subsequent seasons but also delves into the characters' backgrounds. In the episode "The Battle," Picard confronts his past when the Ferengi individuals present him with his abandoned former ship, the USS Stargazer. Prior to taking command of the Enterprise, Picard spent 22 years as the Stargazer's Captain. A few episodes later, "Haven" sheds light on Deanna Troi's personal history as her mother visits the Enterprise. Furthermore, "Datalore" provides additional details about Data's creation and his malevolent brother, while "Heart of Glory" explores Lt. Worf's (Michael Dorn) Klingon heritage. These episodes introduce various backstories that would be further developed in later episodes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation revolutionized the Star Trek universe by introducing the groundbreaking technology of the holodeck. This ingenious invention transports individuals to any location they can envision, making it a source of countless captivating storylines in the beloved sci-fi franchise. Despite some controversy surrounding its safety protocols, the holodeck has allowed characters (and their real-life counterparts) to enjoy some much-needed amusement. In the first season of TNG, viewers are treated to Captain Picard's exciting escapades as the fictional hard-boiled detective, Dixon Hill, accompanied by the ever-resourceful Data and the brilliant Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden).

4 The Return Of The Romulans in TNG's "The Neutral Zone"

First introduced in "Balance of Terror," an episode from the iconic Star Trek: The Original Series, the Romulans, known for their deceitful ways, make a comeback in the final episode of TNG season 1 titled "The Neutral Zone." In this episode, the Enterprise and a Romulan Warbird (the first one ever witnessed on screen) join forces to investigate the destruction of their outposts along the Neutral Zone, which lies between Federation and Romulan territories. Originally intended to be the first installment of a two-part episode, this narrative was initially meant to pave the way for the introduction of the Borg. However, due to a WGA strike in 1988, the story was abridged, and the Borg were later introduced in TNG season 2, episode 16, titled "Q Who."

3 John de Lancie's Q In TNG's "Encounter at Farpoint" and "Hide & Q"

Q, portrayed by John de Lancie, has become one of the most beloved and iconic recurring characters in the Star Trek franchise. Making his first appearance in the pilot episode of TNG, Q was not initially part of the original drafts of "Encounter at Farpoint," but was added later to extend the episode's runtime. Although he only appeared in one more episode in the first season of TNG, Q never fails to enhance the episodes he is featured in. Over time, he would make appearances in numerous episodes of TNG in subsequent seasons, as well as in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Star Trek: Voyager. Finally, Q will be reuniting with Jean-Luc Picard in the upcoming second season of Star Trek: Picard.

2 Brent Spiner's Performance As Lt. Commander Data (And Lore)

Data quickly became a highlight of TNG season 1, thanks in large part to the exceptional portrayal by Brent Spiner. Although Data displays more smiles and smirks during this initial season compared to later seasons, his character is already well-established by the end of TNG season 1. In the episode "Datalore," Spiner impressively takes on the role of Data's malevolent brother Lore, allowing him to showcase even greater emotional range. This particular episode also offers fascinating insights into Data's background, adding layers of complexity to his character. An additional standout moment occurs when Data first encounters Sherlock Holmes in the TNG season 1 episode "Lonely Among Us," sparking a recurring fascination with the famed detective.

1 Patrick Stewart's Performance As Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Although Patrick Stewart's portrayal of Captain Picard in the first season of TNG may have depicted him as slightly aloof compared to later seasons, his undeniable acting talent still shines through. In various scenes throughout the initial season, we witness Stewart's evident skill, such as the remarkable moment when he encounters a vision of his elderly mother in "Where No One Has Gone Before." While Picard's most memorable moments occur in subsequent seasons, the foundation for his eventual greatness is undeniably laid in TNG's first season. Like many other actors, it took time for Stewart to fully embody the character of Picard. Nevertheless, even in the inaugural season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, he effortlessly steals the spotlight whenever he graces the screen.