Unveiling the Most Influential Extraterrestrial Beings Introduced in Star Trek: TNG Season 1

Summary

Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1 introduced 7 new alien species, including the Bynars, Benzites, and Travelers.

The aliens in the Trek universe made significant and interesting contributions, and some of them gained prominence in future series. Additionally, the season introduced iconic characters such as Q and portrayed the Ferengi as a source of comic relief, instead of their initial role as primary antagonists that was unsuccessful.

Star Trek: The Next Generation revolutionized Star Trek by introducing 7 new alien species to the franchise. While some episodes in TNG season 1 may have been mediocre, they showcased the debut of beloved characters and significant alien species. Led by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the USS Enterprise-D, TNG not only presented fans with a fresh Enterprise crew but also revealed new forms of extraterrestrial life and civilizations.

TNG season 1 brought forth captivating and noteworthy species, such as Betazoids, Bolians, and Bynars. The presence of aliens has always been a prominent aspect of Star Trek, and TNG effectively expanded upon the species introduced in TOS while adding fresh contributions to the Trek universe. Certain aliens only made brief appearances after their introduction, while others became influential figures within the Trek world. Regardless, it is undeniable that without Star Trek: The Next Generation season 1, these 7 alien species would have remained unknown to us.

7 The Bynars

The Bynars made their debut in "11001001," the fifteenth episode of TNG Season 1, which remains their sole live-action appearance. Hailing from Bynaus, their existence was intertwined with a computer, and they communicated using a language closely resembling binary code. Their symbiotic relationship with technology enabled them to swiftly share and process information. The Bynars, devoid of gender, perpetually existed in pairs. Tasked with upgrading the USS Enterprise's computer in "11001001," they reemerged in the Star Trek universe during "A Few Badgeys More," the seventh episode of Lower Decks Season 4. In this installment, their ship succumbed to a mysterious new adversary.

6 The Benzites

In the nineteenth episode of TNG season 1 titled "Coming of Age," the character Wesley Crusher (played by Wil Wheaton) encounters a Bolian named Mordock (portrayed by John Putch) while they both undertake the Starfleet Academy Entrance Exam. Following Mordock's triumph in the competition, he becomes the first Benzite to join Starfleet. Due to their inability to breathe oxygen, Benzites relied on a breathing apparatus on most Federation planets and starships. Subsequently, an officer exchange program between the Federation and the Benzites commenced, leading to an increase in the number of Benzite individuals enrolling in Starfleet. Notably, besides their appearances in two episodes of TNG, representatives of the Benzite species have also been featured in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Star Trek: Enterprise, and Star Trek: Lower Decks.

5 The Traveler

Not much is known about the enigmatic beings known as the Travelers, who possess the ability to manipulate time and space through their thoughts. In the sixth episode of season one of Star Trek: The Next Generation, titled "Where No One Has Gone Before," the Traveler, portrayed by Eric Menyuk, arrives on the Enterprise as an assistant to a Starfleet expert in propulsion. Inadvertently, the Traveler propels the Enterprise billions of light-years away from Earth to the outermost reaches of the universe. During his time aboard the Enterprise, the Traveler recognizes a profound potential in the young Wesley Crusher. Years later, the Traveler returns to Wesley and extends an invitation for him to join the Travelers, an offer which Wesley gladly accepts. In the second season of Star Trek: Picard, Wesley possesses the full powers of a Traveler.

4 The Bolians

Typically characterized by their blueish skin and distinctive ridge on their foreheads, Bolians made their debut in TNG season 1, episode 25, "Conspiracy." Hailing from the planet Bolarus IX, Bolians frequently served in Starfleet, with numerous individuals holding prestigious positions within the organization by the 24th century. Notable among them was Mot (Ken Thorley), a civilian who worked as the barber aboard the Enterprise-D. Mot often shared his wisdom while tending to the hair of Enterprise crew members such as Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes), regardless of whether they sought his advice or not. In addition to TNG, Bolians have made appearances in various Star Trek series, including DS9, Voyager, Lower Decks, Star Trek: Discovery, Star Trek: Prodigy, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

3 Q

Since his debut in the premiere episode of TNG, "Encounter at Farpoint," John de Lancie's Q has risen to become one of Star Trek's most beloved recurring guest stars. As a member of the formidable Q Continuum, Q possesses god-like abilities and the power to manipulate time and space, making him an influential presence in several significant Star Trek narratives. During his initial appearance, Q subjected Captain Picard and the Enterprise crew to a trial for their supposed crimes against humanity, and he has periodically observed the progress of humanity ever since.

While harboring a certain fondness for Picard, Q also made appearances on DS9 and Voyager before reconnecting with Jean-Luc once again in Star Trek: Picard. In the third season finale of Picard, Q pays a visit to Picard's son, Ensign Jack Crusher (played by Ed Speleers), to inform him that even though his father's trial has come to an end, the young Crusher's own trial is just beginning. Hopefully, the proposed spin-off, Star Trek: Legacy, will continue to explore this storyline if it is greenlit.

2 Ferengi

Introduced in TNG season 1, episode 5, "The Last Outpost," the Ferengi were initially intended to be the main adversaries for Captain Picard and the Enterprise-D. However, their early appearances failed to instill fear, leading the Ferengi to primarily serve as a source of comedic relief. Armin Shimerman, one of the first actors to portray a Ferengi, has shouldered partial responsibility for the initial disappointment, but he more than made up for it with his portrayal of Quark in DS9.

Thanks to Quark and the other Ferengi in DS9, the species gained significant importance among the new alien characters introduced in TNG season 1. With their numerous Rules of Acquisition, the Ferengi prioritize profit above all else and constantly seek new opportunities to acquire Latinum. Although Ferengi society is deeply misogynistic, this began to change by the late 24th century, largely due to the efforts of Grand Nagus Zek (Wallace Shawn) and his successor, Grand Nagus Rom (Max Grodénchik).

1 Betazoids

Counselor Deanna Troi, a prominent character on TNG, played a significant role in establishing the importance of the Betazoids in the series. The Betazoids possess telepathic abilities and share a close resemblance to humans, except for their distinctive black irises. As a half-Betazoid, Counselor Troi is able to empathize with the emotions of those around her, but can only read the thoughts of other telepaths. Right from her initial appearance in "Encounter at Farpoint," Deanna Troi proved to be an invaluable asset to the Enterprise crew, often aiding in understanding the intentions of various extraterrestrial beings encountered by the ship.

Betazoids, being capable of telepathy, are known for their exceptional honesty, sometimes to an excessive extent. A prime example of this was Deanna's mother, Lwaxana Troi, when she visited the Enterprise. Lwaxana had no reservations about expressing her opinions to Captain Picard and anyone willing to listen. In its first season, Star Trek: The Next Generation introduced the Betazoids alongside several other alien species that would later assume crucial roles in the expansive Star Trek universe.