Unveiling the Epic Evolution of Star Trek TNG: The Game-Changing Departure from TOS

Summary

TNG season 1 started off poorly, but episode 6 "Where No One Has Gone Before" shows potential and marks a step forward for the show.

This episode presents the Traveler's concept and its impact on Wesley Crusher, foreshadowing significant plot developments.

"Where No One Has Gone Before" exhibits breathtaking visuals, impressive acting, and a unique perspective on space exploration, establishing a strong foundation for the TNG's future excellence.

Star Trek: The Next Generation had a rocky start, but a season 1 episode showed its potential to surpass its predecessor, Star Trek: The Original Series. While certain early episodes of TNG fell victim to cliched plots and failed attempts at social commentary, like "Code of Honor" and "Angel One," not all episodes from the first season suffered from these pitfalls.

In the sixth episode, "Where No One Has Gone Before," TNG begins to showcase its brilliance. An expert on propulsion named Kosinski, along with his assistant, accidentally sends the Galaxy Class USS Enterprise-D millions of light years away from Earth when conducting warp core experiments. This unexpected journey brings the ship to the edge of the universe, an uncharted territory for humanity. The visuals portraying the farthest reaches of space are breathtaking, captivating Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his crew, who briefly consider exploring this wondrous realm. "Where No One Has Gone Before" builds upon TOS' introduced concepts, delving into metaphysical ideas and embracing the awe-inspiring nature of space exploration.

TNG Began To Show Greatness When It Stopped Retreading TOS

After finding themselves millions of light years away from home, the Enterprise crew discovers that Kosinski's assistant is actually a Traveler, a mysterious individual with the power to manipulate space and time through thought alone. This Traveler, played by Eric Menyuk, not only becomes a crucial figure in future episodes but also exudes a truly alien presence. Although not without flaws, "Where No One Has Gone Before" stands out as a quintessential TNG episode, opting for dialogue-driven storytelling over action-packed sci-fi.

The initial episodes of TNG largely retread storylines from the original Star Trek series, often featuring the same clichés and problematic elements. Even the third episode of TNG season 1, "The Naked Now," directly follows up on a TOS episode called "The Naked Time," yielding mixed results. However, episode 6 of TNG season 1 represents a significant leap forward for the show, finally finding its footing. While it's not to say that TNG never stumbled after "Where No Man Has Gone Before," this episode marked a departure from the familiar themes and narratives of previous Star Trek tales.

TNG Episode 6 Hinted At The Show's Star Trek Potential

Featuring stunning visuals and impressive performances, "Where No One Has Gone Before" not only lives up to its title as an episode, but also as a quintessential Star Trek experience. The depiction of the end of the universe creates a mesmerizing realm that exemplifies the spirit of exploration and wonder inherent in traversing the galaxy. In a 2006 review on The Huffington Post, actor Wil Wheaton expresses that this episode marks a turning point for The Next Generation, showcasing a compelling narrative, well-paced storytelling, and the introduction of visually striking effects. Additionally, Stanley Kamel's portrayal of Kosinski earns high praise for his exceptional acting abilities.

Kamal skillfully portrays Kosinski as an unlikeable character, using brash arrogance to hide his insecurities. Patrick Stewart's performance as Picard is truly remarkable, particularly in the scene where he has a vision of his elderly mother. Jonathan Frakes also shines as Commander William Riker, exuding a newfound comfort and confidence. Not only are the characters more fully developed, but the story also presents a fresh and innovative take on the solid science fiction theme. While Star Trek: The Next Generation had a few missteps along the way, "Where No One Has Gone Before" offers a preview of the greatness that lay ahead.