The Unexplored Connections: Star Trek: The Next Generation and Insurrection's Overlooked Storyline

Summary

Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1 explored the concept of de-aging in an episode before it became central to Star Trek: Insurrection.

Starfleet neglected to conduct further research or investigation into the de-aging process despite its immense potential. Similarly, in subsequent episodes, TNG season 1 introduced various captivating notions and extraterrestrial races that were unfortunately left unexplored or revisited.

The first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation features an episode that explores the concept of de-aging, predating its central focus in Star Trek: Insurrection. In episode 16, titled "Too Short a Season," the narrative shifts away from the usual emphasis on Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew, instead centering around Admiral Mark Jameson, who is now in his old age. Jameson had previously successfully negotiated the release of hostages on the planet Mordan IV 45 years earlier, and now the planet's governor seeks his assistance in a similar situation.

Upon Admiral Jameson's arrival on the USS Enterprise, his previously incurable Iverson's Disease mysteriously improves, causing suspicion from Chief Medical Officer Dr. Beverly Crusher. Jameson's physical appearance gradually becomes younger, prompting him to unveil the truth. He explains that he encountered individuals on a planet called Cerebus II who had developed a method to restore youth. By following a specific regimen of drugs and herbs over a two-year period, one can significantly enhance their health and appear years younger. However, Jameson, in his impatience, consumes two full doses at once, resulting in rapid de-aging and eventual demise.

TNG Season 1 Did Star Trek: Insurrection's De-Aging Story

Admiral Jameson's improper administration of the de-aging treatment is acknowledged, but the consequences of correctly administering it are undisclosed in TNG. Despite its high mortality rate and limited accessibility to outsiders, further investigation by Starfleet seems plausible, yet there is no evidence of any follow-up or mention of Cerebus II. Subsequently, in Star Trek: Insurrection, Admiral Doherty expresses a desire to control the de-aging properties within the Briar Patch, seemingly disregarding the drug/herb combination from Cerebus II.

In the backstory of Star Trek: Insurrection, a faction of the Ba'ku people abandoned their advanced civilization in search of a simpler existence, settling on a planet within the Briar Patch. Due to the unique properties and metaphasic radiation emitted by the planet's rings, individuals living on the Ba'ku planet become functionally immortal. While the Ba'ku residents in Star Trek: Insurrection do not experience as drastic de-aging as Admiral Jameson, they are free from disease and maintain peak physical condition while on the planet. Captain Picard and his crew also encounter the rejuvenating effects during their visit, which includes the restoration of Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge's sight.

TNG Season 1 Introduced Many Fascinating Ideas That Were Never Followed Up On

The de-aging process introduced in "Too Short a Season" is not the only intriguing element from TNG season 1 that the show failed to explore further. Throughout the first season, various ideas were introduced and then abandoned, including the captivating Bynars from TNG season 1, episode 15, "11001001." Despite an occasional mention and a brief appearance in Star Trek: Lower Decks season 4, little has been uncovered about the Bynars since their debut in TNG.

Similarly, the jellyfish-like aliens in the premiere episode, "Encounter at Farpoint," never resurfaced or received any attention, despite their potential for fascination. This may be attributed to logistical challenges and the need for complex effects to depict truly non-humanoid aliens. Another unresolved plotline was the invasion of Starfleet by parasitic lifeforms in TNG season 1, episode 25, "Conspiracy." However, with advancements in technology, there is still a possibility for modern Star Trek shows to revisit these forgotten ideas and introduce more diverse aliens beyond the humanoid form.