TNG Season 7’s BEST Episodes Will SHOCK You!

by

While some might argue that Star Trek: The Next Generation’s seventh season isn’t as acclaimed as its predecessors, it nonetheless offers a fair share of strong episodes. After six seasons boasting over twenty episodes apiece, one might expect the series to falter, but TNG managed to produce some of its most distinctive episodes during its final run. Not every risk taken in season 7 proved successful, but Captain Jean-Luc Picard (portrayed by Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D still managed to elevate even the less impressive episodes, making them worth watching.

As a devoted cinephile, I must say that in its swan song, Star Trek: The Next Generation truly outdid itself. It delved deeper into the lives and histories of our beloved characters, weaving tales about their families and pasts that felt remarkably personal. From start to finish, season 7 was a rollercoaster ride with its fair share of peaks and valleys. However, in the end, it gracefully concluded an epic saga, neatly wrapping up the journey of the USS Enterprise-D and her exceptional crew, leaving us with a sense of fulfillment that only the best stories can provide.

10. “Phantasms”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 6

In an unusually peculiar episode of Star Trek, Lt. Commander Data (played by Brent Spiner) experiences bizarre and unsettling dreams which seem to merge with his waking life. As the warp core on the USS Enterprise-D malfunctions, the crew uncovers that Data’s dreams and visions in the real world have been giving clues about the interphasic aliens who have secretly invaded their ship. Determined to find a solution, Data acts out the rest of his dream on the holodeck to learn how to vanquish these mysterious entities.

The episode titled “Phantasms” from Star Trek: The Next Generation stands out due to its clever blend of humor and genuine unease. Despite the complexity of its technical jargon, scenes like Data carrying a rotary phone inside him or Counselor Deanna Troi being described as a “cellular peptide cake with mint frosting” remain deeply etched in our minds.

9. “Inheritance”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 10

In the final season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Data had previously encountered his twin brother Lore, his creator/father Noonien Soong, and self-claimed grandfather Ira Graves. The episode “Inheritance” expands on Data’s family background by presenting his “mother,” Juliana, who was once married to Noonien Soong.

It turns out that Juliana, played superbly by Fionnula Flanagan, is an android created by Soong following the death of the human Juliana. However, she remains unaware of her artificial existence. The episode “Inheritance” continues to delve into Data’s narrative, underscoring his human-like qualities, with Brent Spiner providing a compelling counterpart to Flanagan’s performance.

8. “Gambit”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episodes 4 & 5

Star Trek: The Next Generation set a high standard for two-part episodes with the impressive “The Best of Both Worlds,” and while “Gambit” doesn’t quite reach those lofty heights, it still offers an enjoyable detour. In this episode, Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and the crew of the Enterprise-D are on a mission to find Captain Picard, but they’re informed that he has passed away – only to discover him in a bar later on.

In this rephrased version: Subsequently, Riker follows Picard’s trail, eventually discovering him disguised as a rogue archaeologist within a band of mercenaries. This episode, titled “Gambit,” veers more towards action and adventure than many others from TNG, offering some truly enjoyable instances for both Picard and Riker as they penetrate the mercenary vessel. Moreover, Data experiences some noteworthy scenes while at the helm of the Enterprise, with a particularly impactful moment shared between him and Lt. Worf (portrayed by Michael Dorn).

7. “Attached”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 8

As a dedicated cinephile, let me reminisce about the captivating saga of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” In its initial season, subtle hints of a romantic entanglement between Captain Jean-Luc Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) were subtly introduced, only to be promptly set aside. Fast forward to the gripping series “Attached,” where an alien prison break brings Jean-Luc and Beverly together in a unique predicament: they can read each other’s thoughts.

Intriguingly, Beverly discovers that Jean-Luc harbored deep affection for her, a sentiment he had kept hidden due to her union with his close friend, Jack Crusher (Doug Wert).

In the aftermath of their rescue, Picard and Crusher spend an evening together, sharing a romantic moment, but Beverly effectively halts any further discussion about romance between them. Although I would have loved for Jean-Luc and Beverly to embark on a genuine romance following the events depicted in “Attached,” the episode nevertheless provides some captivating scenes featuring these characters. The onscreen chemistry between Patrick Stewart and Gates McFadden is palpable, and the episode sheds light on both characters and their intricate past.

6. “Preemptive Strike”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 24

In “Star Trek: The Next Generation” season 5, Ensign Ro Laren (Michelle Forbes) made an unforgettable debut in the episode named after her, and later reappears for a final farewell in “Preemptive Strike.” The storyline revolves around Ro’s mission to spy on the Maquis on behalf of Starfleet. However, she develops connections with the resistance members that are so strong, she begins to identify with them. During this time, Macias (John Franklyn-Robbins), the leader of the Maquis cell, becomes a paternal figure for Ro. Tragically, Macias is killed during a mission, leaving a deep impact on Ro.

In the long run, Ro is unable to carry out her mission to disable the Maquis, instead choosing to abandon Starfleet to inform the rebels about the Federation’s intentions. This act of treason leaves a lasting impact on Picard, who harbors resentment towards her for three decades, until their encounter in Star Trek: Picard season 3. The episode “Preemptive Strike” provides a fitting farewell to Ro and delves into the Maquis’ background and reasons for rebellion, with standout performances from Michelle Forbes and John Franklyn-Robbins.

5. “Thine Own Self”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 16

As Data journeys to Barkon IV to retrieve the wreckage of a crashed spacecraft, he sustains an injury that results in memory loss. With his mission now forgotten, Data stumbles into a nearby settlement, oblivious to the fact that he’s carrying harmful radioactive substances. During this time, Data forms a heartwarming bond with a young girl and her father, yet the villagers harbor suspicion towards him, attributing their radiation sickness to the mysterious android.

Simultaneously, Counselor Troi advances to Commander rank by passing the bridge officers’ exam. Later on, Commander Riker and Dr. Crusher manage to recover Data, who recovers most of his memories except those from the planet incident. This episode offers some intriguing scenes for Data as he struggles with memory loss, and his encounters with the villagers contribute significantly to an engaging narrative. Moreover, Brent Spiner delivers another outstanding performance, and it’s delightful to witness Troi’s promotion.

4. “The Pegasus”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 12

The spaceship known as “The Pegasus” reveals insights into Commander Riker’s past, specifically his time before assuming the role of First Officer on the Enterprise-D. When Admiral Erik Pressman (portrayed by Terry O’Quinn) enters the Enterprise for retrieval of the Pegasus wreckage, Riker encounters a challenging ethical predicament. During his command tenure on the Pegasus, Pressman engaged in questionable research involving an outlawed cloaking device, which eventually resulted in a devastating incident and a rebellion.

Terry O’Quinn’s portrayal of Admiral Pressman adds a weighty seriousness that explains Riker’s strong allegiance to his previous captain in the episode “The Pegasus.” This conflict ultimately escalates when Riker discloses the details of the cloaking device to aid the Enterprise. By this stage in the series run, Jonathan Frakes has a deep understanding of Riker, and his acting significantly contributes to why “The Pegasus” is as effective as it is.

3. “Parallels”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 11

Parallels” starts with Lt. Worf coming back from a Bat’leth contest, only to discover that Commander Riker and the Enterprise team have secretly organized a birthday celebration for him. During the party, Worf becomes aware of subtle shifts that others seem oblivious to. As these alterations grow increasingly pronounced, they also become harder to overlook, making it intriguing to observe how Worf reacts as he strives to unravel the mystery.

In this captivating episode titled “Parallels,” we find Michael Dorn’s comedic skills brilliantly on display, making for an enjoyable watch due to its intriguing multiverse exploration and mysterious plot twists. Notably, these alternate realities provide fascinating insights into possible divergent paths that Star Trek: The Next Generation might have taken. For instance, there is a universe where Captain Picard perished during the “The Best of Both Worlds” incident, and another where Wesley Crusher remained aboard the Enterprise as a young lieutenant.

2. “Lower Decks”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episode 15

During its seventh series, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” delved into the daily lives of the junior crew members aboard the USS Enterprise-D. Titled “Lower Decks”, the story revolves around Ensign Sito Jaxa (Shannon Fill) and her peers as they compete for promotions and engage with the ship’s higher-ups. In a pivotal turn of events, Sito, who was previously featured in season 5’s “The First Duty”, is selected for a significant mission aimed at assisting a Cardassian Federation operative in their journey back to Cardassia.

The Original Series and initial seasons of TNG, which tended to swiftly move past the deaths of supporting characters, this episode confronts the genuine perils encountered on a starship, making it one of the franchise’s most poignant and heart-wrenching episodes.

1. “All Good Things…”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 7, Episodes 25 & 26

The final episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” is one of its standout installments, expertly concluding the series yet leaving open possibilities for Captain Picard and his team to appear in future films. The narrative revolves around Captain Picard, who encounters time travel due to Q, played by John de Lancie, a character always delightful to see. In this story, Picard collaborates with members of his Enterprise-D crew across three distinct timelines to unravel the enigma behind an anomaly that challenges the very concept of causality.

Apart from being a timeless Star Trek tale that elegantly depicts humanity’s finest moments, “All Good Things…” also provides a glimpse into what might be for Picard and his team in the future. By the end of the episode, Picard, after maintaining emotional barriers for most of his life, decides to join his friends for a game of poker, creating a heartwarming conclusion that seems fitting for both the series and its cherished characters. This poignant ending serves as a testament to Star Trek: The Next Generation’s enduring status as one of the greatest science fiction shows ever made.

Read More

2025-05-17 16:00