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On “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” Scotty (James Doohan), a guest star from the original series, was given more favorable treatment than any other guest star had been previously. In season 6, episode 4, titled “Relics,” we find Scotty miraculously surviving for 75 years in a transporter pattern buffer. Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and the crew of the USS Enterprise-D rescue him. For some time, the former Chief Engineer was able to spend time on Picard’s Galaxy Class starship.

In its own unique way, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) distinguished itself from its predecessor, Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), by rarely making references to it. Over time, however, the rule of avoiding TOS references in TNG was occasionally broken, particularly following the death of creator Gene Roddenberry in 1991. Despite these occasional nods to the past, TNG significantly expanded the Star Trek universe, introducing numerous new ideas, alien species, and characters that went far beyond the confines of the 23rd century established by TOS.

As a dedicated Star Trek fan, it’s always a treat when characters from the original series make an appearance in The Next Generation. In the series premiere, I was thrilled to see Admiral McCoy (DeForest Kelley) pop up, and later in season 3, Ambassador Sarek (Mark Lenard) graced our screens. Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nimoy) joined us in season 5, but for me, nothing could beat the moment when Scotty finally appeared on the USS Enterprise-D. His time with the crew was undeniably the most enjoyable of all these encounters.

Scotty Got To Meet Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Entire Crew In “Relics”

Captain Scott Got The Royal Treatment On TNG

Among all guest stars on “Star Trek: The Original Series”, only Scotty had the opportunity to interact with every cast member of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” (TNG). Notably, TNG intentionally matched Scotty with Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge, played by LeVar Burton, to highlight their roles as Starship Enterprise Chief Engineers. However, Scotty also had significant encounters with Commander Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes), Lt. Worf (Michael Dorn), and Dr. Beverly Crusher during his time at TNG.

The most memorable scene in ‘Relics’ may well be when Star Trek: The Next Generation recreated the original USS Enterprise’s bridge on the holodeck. This was the first time that Star Trek had brought back that renowned bridge set, and Scotty got to share a drink with Captain Picard while reminiscing about his past adventures with Captain Kirk, a century earlier. Another well-liked scene was Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner) serving Scotty a drink in Ten Forward, to which Scotty remarked, ‘It’s green.’

The Next Generation’, it was a grand send-off. Captain Picard and the top crew of the USS Enterprise-D assembled in the hangar for his departure. Notably, Scotty was presented with a shuttlecraft as a token for his journey. Among the actors from the original ‘Star Trek’ series who visited ‘TNG’, none were given such a warm farewell as Mr. Scott.

Admiral McCoy Only Met Data In Star Trek: The Next Generation’s Premiere

Bones Had A Quick Walk-On In “Encounter At Farpoint”

In the debut episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” titled “Encounter at Farpoint,” DeForest Kelley portrayed the elder Admiral Leonard McCoy, however, his role was more of a significant guest appearance rather than a substantial one. As he strolled through the corridors of the USS Enterprise-D alongside Data, McCoy served as a symbolic handover from the original “Star Trek” crew to “The Next Generation.” Furthermore, McCoy’s presence on the starship was meant to emphasize the significance of the Starship Enterprise itself to both Data and the viewers.

In the initial episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, Dr. McCoy’s short, delightful interaction with Data is sometimes overlooked as it had little impact on the overall events unfolding in the two-hour premiere, “Encounter at Farpoint”. Compared to the significant and celebrated appearances of Sarek, Spock, and Scotty in later episodes of TNG, Bones’ role in this premiere is often overshadowed.

Sarek & Spock Mainly Met Captain Picard In Star Trek: The Next Generation

Picard Was The Focal Point Of Spock & Sarek On TNG

Ambassador Sarek became the first major character from “Star Trek: The Original Series” to make an appearance in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” In season 3, episode 23 titled “Sarek,” it was revealed that Spock’s father was gravely ill due to Bendii Syndrome. During this episode, Sarek shared his thoughts with Captain Picard through a mind-melding process. Although Sarek participated in a concert on the USS Enterprise-D alongside the primary cast of “TNG,” his most significant scenes were with Captain Picard.

In the two-part episode “Unification” from Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s fifth season, which aired in 1991 and celebrated the 25th anniversary of Star Trek, Ambassador Spock made an appearance. This was also the time when Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country was released. Despite this, all of Spock’s scenes took place on Romulus, and he never set foot on the USS Enterprise-D. Spock interacted with Captain Picard, Data, and Sela, who is the daughter of the late Lieutenant Tasha Yar from the Romulan perspective, but it was regrettable that Star Trek: The Next Generation did not manage to incorporate Spock into the crew of the Enterprise.

Despite McCoy, Sarek, and Spock’s significant and memorable appearances on Star Trek: The Next Generation , Scotty’s guest role in “Relics” did not disappoint the fans. Scotty’s encounters with the USS Enterprise-D’s crew were filled with respectful nods to history and compelling character moments. Mr. Scott had a chance to meet all the key TNG characters, and TNG went above and beyond by resurrecting the original USS Enterprise bridge. No other character from Star Trek: The Original Series was given as much attention or respect by Star Trek: The Next Generation as Scotty was.

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2025-05-22 14:34