The Unforgettable Star Trek: TNG Episode That Continues to Haunt Denise Crosby

Denise Crosby's Lt. Tasha Yar had limited screen time as the main character in Star Trek: The Next Generation, with her character being killed off early in the series. Despite this, Yar's role as the Security Chief on the USS Enterprise-D showcased her as the first line of defense against alien threats, hinting at her potential for deeper character development.

Yar's character development was stunted in the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, with one of her prominent episodes, "Code of Honor," being considered one of the worst in the series. Set on the planet Ligon II, the episode sees Yar kidnapped by the Ligonian leader, Lutan, and forced to engage in a fight to the death with his wife as part of their strict customs and codes of honor.

Denise Crosby also despises TNG's "Code of Honor"

Even among TNG's mediocre first season, "Code of Honor" stands out in a bad way.

Star Trek TNG Code of Honor - Even among TNG's mediocre first season, "Code of Honor" stands out in a bad way. - Denise Crosby Hates TNG's "Code of Honor" Too

On the second day of Star Trek: The Cruise VII, Denise Crosby reunited with Brent Spiner, Gates McFadden, John De Lancie, LeVar Burton, and Wil Wheaton for the Star Trek: The Next Generation reunion panel. The TNG cast members fielded questions about their favorite and least favorite aspects of the show. When the conversation turned to episodes that didn't quite work, Crosby mentioned the infamous "Code of Honor."

Unfortunately, I bore the brunt of an episode that is so distasteful and horrible that I cannot mention the name, otherwise I suffer.

LeVar Burton interjected that the script for "Code of Honor" might not have been as terrible as perceived, mentioning that the episode "read better than it filmed." However, Denise Crosby disagreed and expressed her thoughts as she walked the set: "Not really. I remember walking the set and thinking: What in the hell is this? There’s no way this will get on the air. They can’t be serious. Why are they doing this? Is anyone listening?"

Denise Crosby later returned to TNG & embraced Star Trek

After expressing her dislike for the episode "Code of Honor," Denise Crosby eventually returned to Star Trek: The Next Generation and embraced her role in the show.

Crosby continues to make appearances at Star Trek conventions & speaks fondly of TNG.

Tasha Yat and Costillo strategize against the Klingons on the bridge of the Enterpise-C. - Crosby continues to make appearances at Star Trek conventions & speaks fondly of TNG. - Denise Crosby Later Returned To TNG & Embraced Star Trek

The quality of Star Trek: The Next Generation saw improvement in later seasons, particularly in season 2 and season 3 where the show truly hit its stride. Denise Crosby, who played Tasha Yar, expressed interest in returning to the show after her character's initial departure in season 1. While the original Yar remained deceased, season 3, episode 15, "Yesterday's Enterprise," introduced an alternate version of Lt. Tasha Yar.

In this episode, the USS Enterprise-C arrives in the present through a rip in space-time, causing a significant change in history. The Enterprise-D is affected, and the previously deceased Lt. Yar reappears at her station. Learning of her fate in the alternate reality, this Yar decides to return through the time rift with the Enterprise-C. Denise Crosby later returns to the show as Commander Sela, the half-human/half-Romulan daughter of the original Tasha Yar who traveled back in time. Crosby's involvement in the Star Trek community and her contributions to Star Trek: The Next Generation continue to be celebrated today.

Star Trek: The Next Generation is available to stream on Paramount+.

Source: TrekMovie.com

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the enigmatic character of Lt. Tasha Yar from Star Trek: The Next Generation, highlighting her limited screen time and the controversial episode "Code of Honor." Denise Crosby, the actress who portrayed Yar, candidly expresses her disdain for the episode, deeming it "distasteful and horrible." Her comments echo the sentiments of many fans who consider it one of the show's weakest installments.

Despite the setback, Crosby's portrayal of Yar as the USS Enterprise-D's Security Chief hinted at her character's potential for further development. However, the character's untimely demise in the first season left fans longing for what could have been. Crosby's return to the show in later seasons, albeit as different versions of Yar, served as a testament to her enduring connection to Star Trek and her willingness to embrace the franchise despite her earlier frustrations.