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Star Trek: The Next Generation

Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before. Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before. Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.

• Gene Roddenberry
• Patrick Stewart
• Brent Spiner
• Jonathan Frakes
• 321 User reviews
• 162 Critic reviews
• 39 wins & 61 nominations total

Episodes 176

Photos 3429

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard …

• Lieutenant Commander Data …

• Commander William Thomas 'Will' Riker …

• Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge …

• Counselor Deanna Troi

• Lieutenant Worf …

• Doctor Beverly Crusher …

• Enterprise Computer …

• Wesley Crusher …

• Chief Miles O'Brien …
• Youngblood …

• Lieutenant Natasha 'Tasha' Yar …

• Doctor Katherine Pulaski …

• Nurse Alyssa Ogawa …

• Ansata Terrorist …

• Ensign Ro Laren …

• Keiko O'Brien …
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• Trivia When the cast decided to lobby for a salary increase, Wil Wheaton 's first offer from the producers was to instead have his character promoted to Lieutenant. His response was, "So what should I tell my landlord when I can't pay my rent? 'Don't worry, I just made Lieutenant'?!"
• Goofs It is claimed that Data can't use contractions (Can't, Isn't, Don't, etc) yet there are several instances throughout the series where he does. One of the first such examples is heard in Encounter at Farpoint (1987) , where Data uses the word "Can't" while the Enterprise is being chased by Q's "ship".

[repeated line]

Capt. Picard : Engage!

• Crazy credits The model of the Enterprise used in the opening credits is so detailed, a tiny figure can be seen walking past a window just before the vessel jumps to warp speed.
• Alternate versions The first and last episodes were originally broadcast as two-hour TV movies, and were later re-edited into two one-hour episodes each. Both edits involved removing some scenes from each episode.
• Connections Edited into Reading Rainbow: The Bionic Bunny Show (1988)

User reviews 321

• chrisbrown6453
• Sep 9, 2000

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• September 26, 1987 (United States)
• United States
• Official Facebook
• Official site
• Star Trek: TNG
• Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant - 6100 Woodley Avenue, Van Nuys, Los Angeles, California, USA (location)
• Paramount Television
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

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• Runtime 45 minutes
• Dolby Stereo

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Star Trek: The Next Generation Cast and Character Guide

Star Trek: The Next Generation stepped away from The Original Series crew, and changed the franchise forever. Here's a rundown of the main characters.

Star Trek: The Next Generation represented a watershed for the vaunted sci-fi franchise. It first premiered on Sept. 28, 1987, and ran for seven seasons: evolving from almost an afterthought to one of the best television shows of all time. More importantly it moved Star Trek from a one-crew series into something far more expansive, allowing numerous shows with all-new characters to flourish. In many ways, the franchise wouldn't have survived without it.

Season 3 of Star Trek: Picard serves as a reunion of sorts for the Next Generation cast, bringing many of the show's favorites back for a curtain call. That includes both the seven "core" members of the cast -- constituting the bridge officers of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D -- and a surprising number of supporting cast members, some of whom returned earlier in Picard . Together, they have helped define Star Trek in the post- Original-Series era.

RELATED: Star Trek: The Next Generation and the Roddenberry Box, Explained

Patrick Stewart Is Captain Jean-Luc Picard

Sir Patrick Stewart was best known as a Shakespearean actor in the early part of his career. Like many Shakespeareans, he made numerous appearances in movies and TV shows. He even had a profile among sci-fi lovers, thanks to appearances in the likes of Excalibur, Lifeforce , and David Lynch's version of Dune. He earned a whole new group of fans after Star Trek by portraying Charles Xavier in the X-Men franchise .

Jean-Luc Picard is captain of the U.S.S. Enterprise-D, and conceived in many ways as the antithesis of Captain James T. Kirk. Picard is cerebral, diplomatic and slow to anger. He prefers negotiation to fighting, and displays a wealth of knowledge in a wide variety of fields. As the captain of Starfleet's flagship, he's often targeted by the Federation's enemies, most notably the Borg, who assimilated him into their collective in Season 3, Episode 26, "the Best of Both Worlds, Part 1." The emotional scars of the incident remain with him for the length of the franchise.

Jonathan Frakes Is Commander William Riker

Jonathan Frakes was an unknown when he joined the cast of The Next Generation , though he had appeared in numerous TV series before then as a working actor. Star Trek gave him a chance to work behind the camera as a director. Since then, he's become a major creative force in the franchise, directing episodes of multiple Star Trek series and two movies, as well as numerous projects outside The Final Frontier.

Square-jawed and stalwart, William Riker spends the early seasons leading dangerous away team missions while Picard remains behind on the bridge. As the show evolves, the two men come to rely on each other more and more, to the point where Riker repeatedly turns down promotion to remain the Enterprise-D's "Number One." Though a stalwart commander, he adopts a more informal attitude than Picard, joking with other members of the staff and commiserating with them while off-duty.

RELATED: TNG Changed Star Trek With a Game of Cards

Gates McFadden Is Doctor Beverly Crusher

Before joining the cast of The Next Generation, McFadden worked with Jim Henson Studios as a choreographer and movement specialist in the likes of Labyrinth and The Muppets Take Manhattan . McFadden quit the Star Trek series after the first season, citing sexism in the scripts and a dispute with then-lead writer Maurice Hurley. She did, however, return for Season 3.

The shift reveals just how important Dr. Crusher is to the cast's dynamic. A widow and the mother of super-genius Wesley Crusher, she dispenses her medical duties with kindness, calm, and dogged optimism. She and Picard have an on-again, off-again relationship throughout the series -- fond but platonic most of the time -- which results in the birth of their son Jack two decades before the events of Picard Season 3.

Brent Spiner Is Lieutenant Commander Data

Spiner has become a staple of the Star Trek franchise, with multiple characters stretching across 35 years of programming. Most of them belong to the sinister Soong family, though he also plays Data's treacherous brother Lore and "failed prototype" B-4. Data, however, remains Spiner's signature role, created as an alternative to Mr. Spock and quickly becoming one of the franchise's most beloved characters.

As an android, Data possesses no emotions, though he yearns to experience them. His clinical observations and fantastically advanced brain make him an outstanding science officer for the Enterprise-D, while his compassion and moral compass upend Star Trek's normal Frankenstein-esque approach to artificial intelligence. Picard Season 3 returns Data to life for a proper curtain all after infamously killing him at the conclusion of Star Trek: Nemesis .

RELATED: A Dubious Star Trek Movie Found Inspiration in a Cut TNG Story

Marina Sirtis Is Counselor Deanna Troi

Marina Sirtis joined Star Trek after previously appearing on various British TV series and American B-movies. Her character is presented as the ship's counselor, a half-Betazoid empath capable of sensing emotions in others. While she aptly serves as a therapist for the crew, her main duties involve advising the captain on diplomatic matters. This makes her a vital member of the bridge staff.

Deanna Troi also has a past relationship with Will Riker, and they remain close platonic friends throughout The Next Generation's run. They rekindle their romance during Star Trek: Insurrection, and get married in the opening of Star Trek: Nemesis . Picard Season 1 finds them semi-retired and living with their daughter.

LeVar Burton Is Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge

Of all the principal cast members on the series, LeVar Burton had the highest profile among the public. He first rose to fame playing Kunta Kinte in the groundbreaking miniseries Roots , then served as host and executive producer of the classic PBS educational series Reading Rainbow starting in 1983. Geordi La Forge begins The Next Generation as the ship's pilot, but soon moves to the Chief Engineer's position. He's level-headed and hyper-efficient, though utterly hopeless around women. He and Data become fast friends as the series progresses.

La Forge is also known for his distinctive VISOR, which gives him the ability to see in different spectrums. He constitutes a major step forward for representation. The show views his blindness not as an impediment, but as a unique perspective that brings its own singular gifts. He trades the VISOR in for a pair of cybernetic eyes starting in Star Trek: First Contact , in part because of Burton's weariness with the cumbersome prop.

RELATED: Star Trek: TNG Could Have Continued Past Season 7, but Without Picard

Michael Dorn Is Lieutenant Worf

Worf's appearance on the Enterprise-D was a part of Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry's vision for the series. The Klingons spent The Original Series as foes of the Federation, but by the time The Next Generation rolled around (100 years on the franchise timetable), they had become allies. Worf is the first Klingon to join Starfleet, played by Shakespearean actor Michael Dorn. Before Star Trek, Dorn was best known for a recurring role on CHiPs. He became only the second actor to formally cross over onto another series: following Chief O'Brien to Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.

Worf himself becomes a catalyst for The Klingons as a culture: exploring them in depth and adding a plethora of exciting characters to the canon. The Empire's scheming nobles and clashing houses draw on Dorn's Shakespearean background, with Worf an exiled lord fighting to restore honor to his people. In the midst of it all, he remains a stalwart friend and able security officer aboard the Enterprise.

Wil Wheaton Is Wesley Crusher

Wil Weaton actually came to The Next Generation as a better-known actor than may of his older cast mates, having made a huge splash as the lead in Rob Reiner's Stand By Me . He has since become Star Trek's de facto master of ceremonies as the host of the aftershow The Ready Room as well as numerous podcasts and other social media series.

Wesley is perhaps The Next Generation's greatest salvage job. He stumbles badly in Season 1, acting as a de facto stand-in for franchise creator Gene Roddenberry and often solving crises as a deus ex machina. Subsequent seasons improve his standing greatly, turning him into a talented but questioning apprentice to the rest of the crew. He departs with a being called The Traveller to explore higher planes of existence at the end of Season 7, though he returns for a brief cameo in Picard Season 2.

RELATED: The Next Generation's USS Enterprise-D Was Star Trek's Best Hero Ship Upgrade

Denise Crosby Is Lieutenant Tasha Yar

Tasha Yar is The Next Generation's great "what if" and the Enterprise's original security chief who was ignominiously killed off at the end of Season 1. Denise Crosby left the show for many of the same reasons McFadden did, and unfortunately, she never received a proper mulligan like Doctor Crusher did. The actor went on to prominent roles in Miracle Mile and the first Pet Sematary, as well as a long line of guest appearances on prominent sci-fi series.

Thankfully, The Next Generation finds places to bring her back, most notably in the now-classic "Yesterday's Enterprise" in Season 3. That leads to her half-Romulan daughter Sela, who becomes one of the Enterprise-D's chief foils in Season 4 and 5. Her absence haunts her former crewmates as they never quite shed the pain of her passing, and keeping her out of Picard Season 3 is still one of that series' biggest mistakes.

Colm Meaney Is Chief Miles O'Brien

Before serving as chief engineer on Deep Space 9, Miles O'Brien was the Enterprise-D's stalwart transporter chief. Colm Meaney, who played O'Brien throughout both The Next Generation and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , rocketed to prominence on the role after eking out a few brief TV roles here and there. Afterwards, he starred in a long string of high-profile movie roles: starting with Stephen Frears' The Commitments and others like Con Air, Under Siege and The Snapper.

O'Brien himself is a holdover from Montgomery Scott, the redoubtable Chief Engineer from The Original Series . He's also Star Trek's first semi-official "Lower Decks" character , representing the ship's rank-and-file crew members. Diligent and hard-working, he dotes on his wife Keiko and is always ready at the transporter when the away team needs a quick pick-up.

RELATED: Star Trek Theory: Why the Borg Queen Didn't Appear in The Next Generation

Whoopi Goldberg Is Guinan

Goldberg is a self-confessed Trekkie, having famously grown up admiring Nichelle Nichols' performance on The Original Series . Her own film career launched with a bang when she starred in Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple based on the Alice Walker novel. She joined The Next Generation in Season 2 as Guinan, the ship's bartender who has a long history with Picard and an uncanny knack for good advice. Her presence is credited with helping the show turn things around after the disastrous Season 1, and she returned for a brief appearance in the second season of Picard .

Guinan makes a sterling example of The Next Generation's strong line of supporting characters. The show doesn't use her unless the plot calls for it, making every appearance a meaningful one (and freeing Goldberg to pursue what became an Oscar-winning movie career). In that sense, she exemplifies part of Gene Roddenberry's formula for The Original Series' success: write meaty parts for a small number of episodes in order to attract top-notch actors who don't want to be tied down in a single series.

Dwight Schultz Is Lieutenant Reg Barclay

Schultz made a big splash on the 80s classic The A-Team , where he played deranged pilot "Howling Man" Murdock throughout its successful run. Reg Barclay is the exact opposite of Murdock: timid, uncertain, painfully shy and another early example of Star Trek's Lower Deckies. An inherently unpopular member of the engineering staff, he first appears in Season 3, Episode 21, "Hollow Pursuits," where he lives vicariously through inappropriate holodeck programs designed around his real-life crewmates.

While ostensibly a holographic expert, Barclay quickly evolves into the ship's Everyman: appearing in the likes of Season 4, Episode 19, "The Nth Degree" and Season 6, Episode 12, "Ship in a Bottle," as well as making a cameo in Star Trek: First Contact . He eventually becomes attached to the efforts to reach the U.S.S. Voyager in the Delta Quadrant, leading to several prominent appearances on Star Trek: Voyager as well.

RELATED: How Picard Cemented This Couple as Star Trek's Best

Diana Muldar Is Katherine Pulaski

Star Trek's "forgotten doctor" appears in the second season of The Next Generation , replacing the departing Gates McFadden. Unlike Crusher, Pulaski is plain-speaking, blunt and a little stand-offish. Critics note that she resembles Leonard McCoy a little too closely (both characters share a phobia about transporters, for example) and she lacks the chemistry with the rest of the crew that McFadden enjoyed. She departs the series at the end of season 2, never to be seen again.

Actor Diana Muldar was already a success when she played Dr. Pulaski, with a long string of television appearances stretching back to the 1960s. That included two episodes of The Original Series : Season 2, Episode 20, "Return to Tomorrow" and Season 3, Episode 5, "Is There in Truth No Beauty?" After her run on The Next Generation , she earned a pair of Emmy nominations as the villainous Rosalind Shays on L.A. Law . Batman: The Animated Series fans know her as Dr. Leslie Thompkins, which marked the first appearance of the character outside of the comics.

Michelle Forbes Is Ro Laren

Ro Laren arrives on the Enterprise in Season 5, Episode 3, "Ensign Ro." She introduces the Bajorans to the Star Trek universe, which is a religious species who have become insurgents and refugees after the Cardassians occupy their world. She becomes a stand-in for the oppressed and neglected, as well as demonstrating the limits of Starfleet's power and morality. She and Picard form a bond, which she betrays when she joins the terrorist Maquis in Season 7, Episode 24, "Preemptive Strike." She returns in Picard Season 3 to warn her old mentor about the Changeling threat before sacrificing herself in one of the new series' most celebrated plotlines.

Forbes spent two years on the soap opera Guiding Light before joining the cast of The Next Generation . Ro Laren was intended to be one of the leads on Deep Space Nine , but the actor declined, fearing she would be typecast in the part. The role was rewritten and became Nana Visitor's Kira Nerys. Forbes went on to star in numerous film and television projects, including Homicide: Life on the Street, 24, Battlestar Galactica, Kalifornia , and The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Characters, Ranked in Order of Awesomeness

Engage! Star Trek: The Next Generation has long been arguably the favorite series for Trekkies, and these are the TV show's best characters.

Following on from the seminal original series' diverse cast of characters and thought-provoking storylines, Star Trek: The Next Generation would up the ante in every aspect. On screen from 1987 to 1994, and the first live-action follow-up to Star Trek , Next Generation ran for the course of seven series and four feature-length films, helmed behind the scenes by the mind of the original series, Gene Roddenberry, and charismatically on screen by Patrick Stewart.

Trekkies and critics alike would appreciate the show in equal high measure too: Next Generation won 18 Emmy Awards throughout its run, and was ranked 37th on Empire Magazine's list of the "50 Greatest Television Shows." Fronted by the extraordinary Patrick Stewart, Next Generation gave fans incredible storylines based on unity, race, sex and war. It was a smart science fiction prime time series that refused to dumb itself down for the sake of a quick click.

Diana Troi's mother and Wesley Crusher thankfully do not appear anywhere on this list.

8 Worf, Son of Mogh (Played by Michael Dorn)

With Worf came all the background and religious elements of the Klingon empire. Formerly just deformed villains in the original series, Worf humanized the warrior race above simply savage antagonists (despite that Worf seemingly never won a fight). While acting as Chief of Security, he would bring his forceful approach and battle skills to the role, which he later applied to his own parenting skills. A popular character, fans have often expressed interest in a Worf spin-off TV series .

7 Guinan (Played by Whoopi Goldberg)

Forget the Mos Eisley Cantina, Guinan is the definitive space bartender. The El-Aurian would stand in as a shoulder to cry on and dish out valuable advice to anyone who would seek it. When The Enterprise first encounters The Borg, Guinan is an invaluable resource for the crew when detailing that The Borg wiped out her entire race. Whoopi Goldberg's performance is excellent, and Guinan returns in the second season of Star Trek: Picard.

6 The Borg Queen (Played by Alice Krige)

YAAS, BORG QUEEN! Featured as the main antagonist in First Contact , The Borg Queen is equal parts villainous as she is seductress. The Queen gave the homogeneous Borg a new voice. She is conniving and sexualized, willing to manipulate and use her male opposites for the good of Borg universal domination, as she did with Data. Her introduction, as her head and shoulders are lowered into a torso, remains tremendously creepy. Another Borg Queen recently featured in Series Two of Picard .

5 Q (Played by John de Lancie)

A metaphysical trickster. A flim-flam artist. The boy with a magnifying glass. A god. With a self professed IQ of 2005, " Q " is an all-powerful being who lives to only cause mischief at the expense of The Enterprise and its forever frustrated captain. As a returning antagonist throughout the Next Generation , Q is one of the few characters on this list to appear in multiple Star Trek series: The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, and Voyager .

Related: How William Shatner Could Return for the Next Star Trek Movie

Picard can only greet Q with a groan, as he appears at the most inopportune moments to mess with the team for his own curious desires. A fan of the theatrical and prone to multiple costume changes per episode, Q directly questions the human race while quoting Shakespeare with Picard. It's amazing that a character with unlimited power uses it to solely mess with people.

4 Geordi La Forge (Played by LeVar Burton)

Blind from birth, Geordi La Forge is forced to view the world through a futuristic visor covering his eyes. As another example of how diverse and forward-thinking the Next Generation (and Star Trek in general) was, Geordi La Forge showcases a young Black man excelling in his chosen field, and is forever likable while played by the overtly charismatic LeVar Burton. La Forge's almost brotherly relationship with Data really lets the series shine in the quieter moments.

3 Jean-Luc Picard (Played by Patrick Stewart)

Performed by high-profile English theater actor Patrick Stewart, who brought gravitas to this role, Picard had a cunning mind and a diplomacy with him, captaining his ship with an air of zero BS - and a penchant for earl grey tea. Picard is one of the enduring science fiction characters and the out-and-out leader of a crew of characters. His typical episodes would usually focus on games of wit, honor, and procedure, often showing that the Federation and its old guard have many cracks. Stewart's performance as Picard may have reached its zenith in the episodes "Chain of Command Pts I & II," when Picard is taken prisoner and tortured by a cardassian. Offered escape by giving in to the torturer's lie, an exhausted Picard refuses.

2 Data (Played by Brent Spiner)

Data (played by a pitch perfect Brent Spiner) remains one of the best on-screen androids ever committed to screen in a playful take on Wizard of Oz 's Tin Man. One of the best parts of Star Trek , over the course of the seven seasons, Data is seen to actually grow and learn.

Related: Wil Wheaton Responds to The Next Generation Reunion Snub in Picard

As a cutting edge piece of technology, with his distinctive chalk-white skin and yellow eyes, Data would learn and question the goings-on of the human race all while evolving himself. Sweet and childlike, while studious and imbued with otherworldly strength and speed, Data represents a future we can only aspire to achieve (when he hasn't malfunctioned and runs amok, that is).

1 William T. Riker (Played by Jonathan Frakes)

As a combination of the best and worst parts of both Picard and Kirk, Riker is a suave gentleman and lothario in equal measure. With his broad chest, and beard in season two, we as fans were robbed in never getting a Riker-exclusive iteration series of Star Trek . The will-they-or-won't-they push and pull of Riker and Diana (Miranda Sirtis) always kind of dragged, but when let loose, Riker is a backwards sitting, manspreading, trombone-tooting playboy. Captaining the ship when his captain was taken prisoner by The Borg, Riker's calmness in war would be needed to keep Earth safe. The best Number One a captain could ever ask for, he works hard, but plays harder.

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Characters / Star Trek: The Next Generation

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As the page was getting long, it was broken up into multiple pages to keep things more manageable.

• Cpt. Jean-Luc Picard
• Recurring Crew and Dependents note  Lt. Reginald Barclay, Guinan, Keiko O'Brien, Transporter Chief Miles O'Brien, Molly O'Brien, Nurse Alyssa Ogawa, Dr. Katherine Pulaski, Ensign Ro Laren, Alexander Rozhenko
• Other recurring characters note  Duras, The Duras Sisters, Gowron, Homm, Hugh, Cpt. Edward Jellico, K'Heleyr, K'mpec, Kurn, Lore, Gul Madred, Prof. James Moriarty, Alynna Nechayev, Q, Cmd. Sela, Noonian Soong, Ambassador Spock, Cmd. Tomalak, Lwaxana Troi

Alternative Title(s): Star Trek The Next Generation William Thomas Riker , Star Trek The Next Generation Worf , Star Trek The Next Generation Deanna Troi , Star Trek The Next Generation Miles Edward O Brien

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• Star Trek: The Next Generation - Main Characters

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‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’: Ranking the Crew, From Picard to Pulaski

Liz shannon miller.

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Thirty years ago, “Star Trek” proved it wasn’t just a story about Kirk and Spock; it was a story universe rich with possibilities, including a whole new cast of characters.

Ranking the men and women of “ Star Trek: The Next Generation ” is a far more brutal task than initially anticipated because, as the series kept telling us the whole time, this wasn’t a crew. This was a family. That said, let’s be honest. Family might inspire love on an equal playing field, but when it comes to actually spending time with people, favorites do emerge.

This is strictly limited to those who served as actual crew members (sorry, Q and Lwaxana Troi) because one of the best things about “Trek’s” approach to a military structure is how it still allows the show to celebrate individual personalities. Because as much fun as space travel is, a “Trek” series lives or dies by its characters.

17. Dr. Katherine Pulaski

For the record, this is not actor Diana Muldaur’s fault. When Gates McFadden left “Next Generation” at the end of Season 1 (for  a variety of complicated reasons ), the ship needed a new doctor. But while the idea of bringing in a new female character over the age of 40 (Pulaski dated Riker’s dad once!) was conceptually a fresh approach for the genre — hell, for television in general — Dr. Pulaski never gelled with the rest of the crew, and McFadden’s return in Season 3 was a welcome relief.

16. Lieutenant Reginald Barclay

On a ship full of humanity’s best, Barclay was decidedly flawed. In fact, he was set up as essentially a parody of nerd culture (which is pretty rude, considering that “Next Generation” featured a passionate, perhaps even “nerdy” fanbase). More importantly, he caused way more problems than he solved and was never much of a sympathetic character despite his lighter moments.

15. Tasha Yar

A character inspired by Vasquez (Jeanette Goldberg) from James Cameron’s “Aliens,” Yar was the ship’s muscle for much of the first season… until Denise Crosby decided to leave the show. She was essentially replaced by Worf in this regard, which could be seen as an improvement, except that there could always be more badass women in science fiction, especially on “Trek.”

14. Keiko O’Brien

A botanist we first meet as she’s about to marry Miles O’Brien (an in media res sort of move that we have a lot of respect for), Keiko was an interesting example of how the show was able to build a world beyond each week’s missions.

13. Miles O’Brien

Colm Meaney made semi-regular appearances for six seasons of “Next Generation” before becoming a regular on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.” While on that show, the character’s full potential was truly revealed. But while on “TNG” O’Brien had some charming moments, there’s a reason why  one of the best webcomics ever made  is based on the ennui that he must have experienced, humbly operating that transporter pad.

12. Ensign Ro Laren

This tough-as-nails Bajoran officer was our initial introduction to the Bajor-Cardassian conflict, which would be a fundamental foundation of “DS9.” Unfortunately, because Michelle Forbes was infamously skittish about signing up for ongoing series during the ’90s, Ro never got the character development enjoyed by other folk. That said, the episode “Rascals,” where she learned how to have fun as a child was… um. Fun.

11. Ensign Alyssa Ogawa

A very minor character, in theory, but the show’s erstwhile nurse made 16 appearances during the show’s run and had her own arc, with a romantic life that eventually led to her becoming a mother. Nurse Ogawa was always a pleasant presence and much appreciated.

10. Wesley Crusher

Wesley was, um,  a polarizing figure for sci-fi fans at the time , given the fact that as a teen genius who was perhaps rightly labeled as a Marty Sue, he could be a bit grating. But Wesley was also a nice, decent kid, and “TNG” showcased him best by letting that side peek out. The episode where he makes out with Ashley Judd will always be a classic.

9. Deanna Troi

Playing an “empath” is an odd requirement for an actor, and Troi had to deal with a lot of odd storylines. But she occasionally got some meat to chew into, especially given the fact that her rank as a Starfleet officer meant that she was technically more integrated into the military aspects of the series than expected. And she wore some fun jumpsuits! Troi was great.

Continue Reading: ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’: Ranking the Crew, From Picard to Pulaski Next »

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Alexander Rozhenko

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Alexander Rozhenko , also known as Alexander, son of Worf , was the son of Starfleet then- Lieutenant Worf and Federation Ambassador K'Ehleyr ; thus he was three-quarters Klingon. He was a member of the House of Mogh and the House of Martok . ( TNG : " Reunion ", " New Ground ")

• 1 Early life
• 2 Aboard the Enterprise -D
• 3 Service to the Empire
• 4 Personal interests
• 5.1 K'Ehleyr
• 5.3 Deanna Troi
• 6 Alternate realities and timelines
• 7.1 Appearances
• 7.2.1 Portrayals
• 7.2.2 Aging
• 7.2.3 Production notes
• 7.3 Apocrypha
• 7.4 External links

Early life [ ]

Alexander was conceived during a brief encounter between Worf and K'Ehleyr when, in 2365 , the ambassador came aboard the USS Enterprise -D in an effort to defuse a potential crisis presented by the return of a Klingon K't'inga -class battle cruiser , the IKS T'Ong , that had been dispatched decades before as a sleeper ship . ( TNG : " The Emissary ", " Reunion ") After the crisis was successfully resolved, K'Ehleyr departed the Enterprise . ( TNG : " The Emissary ") She concealed her pregnancy and the birth of Alexander from Worf. ( TNG : " Reunion ") Alexander was born on the forty-third day of Maktag , stardate 43205 . ( TNG : " New Ground ") Worf later stated to Miles O'Brien that he never saw his son when he was a toddler, and that it was " something I will always regret. " ( DS9 : " Business as Usual ")

Alexander's conception and birth were finally revealed to Worf by K'Ehleyr approximately one year later, when she returned to the Enterprise as part of a contingent representing K'mpec in his efforts to persuade Jean-Luc Picard to act as the Arbiter of Succession for the Klingon Empire . Until that point, Alexander had lived with his mother, not knowing who his father was.

Despite a coy attitude meant to antagonize Worf, K'Ehleyr wanted Worf to acknowledge Alexander as his son. Worf was reluctant to do so because of his recent discommendation and the dishonor that Alexander would be forced to share as a result. However, despite his concerns, Worf was forced to acknowledge the relationship of K'Ehleyr and Alexander to him when K'Ehleyr was killed by Duras because she had been investigating the circumstances surrounding the Khitomer Massacre and Worf's discommendation.

Although Worf took custody of Alexander following K'Ehleyr's death, he was sent to live on Earth with Sergey and Helena Rozhenko , Worf's adoptive parents, who were identified as his grandparents . ( TNG : " Reunion ")

Aboard the Enterprise -D [ ]

Alexander in 2367

Alexander was brought back onboard the Enterprise -D one year later by Helena Rozhenko. During his time on Earth, Alexander had had problems adjusting. Though smart and high-spirited, he was not always truthful and was sometimes difficult to control. Helena and Sergey believed that Alexander's behavior problems were not unusual for a boy of his age, but could only be solved by the presence of his father. Helena also admitted that the two of them were too old and ill-equipped to raise a Klingon child, even one who was ¼ Human . ( TNG : " New Ground ")

Alexander wasn't a "typical" Klingon child, considering that he had lived with Humans for most of his life. Initially, the adjustment to living on the Enterprise was very difficult. Much to his father's dismay, Alexander displayed tendencies toward telling lies and even was guilty of small instances of theft . Even after his father disciplined him, Alexander's behavior was a problem in school, causing Ms. Kyle to report to Worf that his defiance, along with continued theft and lying, was disrupting the class. His disobedience to Worf and disregard for the instructions of his elders and ship's regulations eventually came to a head when Alexander was nearly killed in a fire in the ship's biolab. ( TNG : " New Ground ")

Alexander eventually settled into life on the ship and made friends, but the adjustment took time. Deanna Troi took a special interest in the child and his difficulties adjusting to the ship and his father. The two developed a strong relationship, so much so that Worf asked the counselor to be Alexander's guardian when it appeared he might die following a dangerous medical operation. ( TNG : " Ethics ") Alexander was also friendly with Counselor Troi's mother, Lwaxana Troi , who came aboard the Enterprise in 2368 to be wed to Campio . In their brief time together, Alexander and Lwaxana spent time together on the holodeck and became good friends, much to his father's dismay. ( TNG : " Cost Of Living ")

While onboard the Enterprise , Alexander at one point developed a Deadwood holodeck program with the help of Reginald Barclay in 2369 . Despite his efforts to find extra duties for himself, Worf agreed to participate in the program as a means of interacting with his son and improving their relationship. To his surprise, Worf enjoyed the program, especially his role as the sheriff with Alexander as his deputy . Initially, the program was too easy and Alexander was disappointed, so he ordered the difficulty level be reset to four, forcing his father to expend more effort in apprehending the criminal characters. At the same time, Lieutenant Commanders Geordi La Forge and Data were conducting an experiment which went awry and influenced the program. The main characters took on the appearance and abilities of Data, and the holodeck safeguards were removed, making the 19th century firearms lethal and placing Alexander in jeopardy. Alexander eventually escaped, but he worried that the episode would mean his father would never again visit the program. His father assured him that, if the town of Deadwood were to be threatened again, they would need a sheriff … and a deputy . ( TNG : " A Fistful of Datas ")

In 2369 , Alexander helped Captain Picard and others regain control of the ship from DaiMon Lurin . The captain, along with Ro Laren , Keiko O'Brien , and Guinan , had passed through a molecular reversion field that had reverted them to a stage of physical youth. Blending in with the ship's civilian children, they re-took the ship. Alexander participated in their plan by distracting several of their guards and stealing items from sickbay . ( TNG : " Rascals ")

Alexander and his counterpart from the future

In 2370 , an adult Alexander, who had traveled back in time from forty years in the future , made contact with Worf and Alexander, posing as K'mtar , gin'tak to the House of Mogh. In an attempt to change history, he tried to convince Worf that his young counterpart needed to be trained in the ways of a Klingon warrior . When it became apparent that his counterpart was not willing to do so, however, he attempted to kill him, only to be stopped by Worf. He explained to Worf that, in his time, Worf had been assassinated on the floor of the High Council , due to Alexander's attempts at bringing peace to the Empire . Wishing to prevent this future, he had traveled back in time in an attempt to ensure that his counterpart would not grow up to be a diplomat, but rather a warrior who could fight at his father's side. Worf told him that, now that he had disrupted the flow of history, his death was no longer a certainty, and that he would be proud of his son no matter what path he chose to follow. After hearing these words, the adult Alexander departed, but not before expressing his love for his father. ( TNG : " Firstborn ")

Following the destruction of the Enterprise -D in 2371, Worf sent Alexander back to Earth to live with his foster parents while he journeyed to Boreth during an extended leave from Starfleet. Upon returning to active service, he chose to leave Alexander on Earth, believing he was far happier there than he was living with him. ( DS9 : " The Way of the Warrior ")

Service to the Empire [ ]

In 2374 , after years of avoiding Klingon culture, Alexander enlisted in the Klingon Defense Forces at the height of the Dominion War . He was given the rank of bekk and assigned to the IKS Rotarran under General Martok and Worf, where he manned the ship's sensor console . He had severe trouble serving with other Klingons, as he was unskilled as a warrior and displayed many Human traits that the other crew members found soft and disgusting.

Alexander's adjustment to life among Klingons was difficult. He was unable to offer a full explanation for his change of heart to either Worf or Martok but seemed to recognize, as he reached Klingon maturity, that his path lay with his people. Though none questioned his commitment, his combat skills were sorely lacking, and his lack of knowledge of Klingon customs hurt his standing on board. Upon being reunited, Alexander was emotionally cold towards Worf and was resentful and bitter at being abandoned by his father. Alexander also corrected Worf in conversation when Worf referred to his adoptive parents as Alexander's grandparents. ( DS9 : " Sons and Daughters ")

Moreover, his presence on the vessel proved a trial for Worf and a source of resentment among the crew. At Martok's urging, Worf attempted to mend his relationship with Alexander, both as a father and a first officer . Martok advised Worf to let matters essentially tend to themselves; that Alexander would find a place on the ship, and by extension, learn about Klingon culture along the way. Though he might suffer some broken bones, as well as other injuries, he would survive. When Alexander forgot to clear a battle simulation from the sensors, he called an alert, believing they were under attack. When the mistake was realized, the crew laughed. Martok told Worf the crew had accepted Alexander, and Worf replied yes, as the ship's fool.

Tension continued between Alexander and Worf when Martok agreed to Worf's request to have Alexander transferred off the ship at the next opportunity, due to Alexander's inability to master basic combat skills and his ongoing resentfulness towards Worf, which clouded his judgment as well as his lack of a real answer when Martok challenged his motivations. All of these made Martok believe Alexander unfit for battle. Alexander accused Worf of never accepting him. The Rotarran was attacked shortly after. While attempting to make repairs, Alexander managed to lock himself into a corridor, the ship's fool once again. When Worf observed the affection the crew held for Alexander and his own graceful acceptance of the role, Worf changed his mind about transferring Alexander off the ship, telling Alexander, " I cannot fix the mistakes I have made, but from now on I will stand with you. I will teach you what you need to know to be a warrior, and you will teach me what I need to know to be a father. " Alexander challenged Worf by saying, " Let's see if you mean it. " Eventually, the two reached a full reconciliation that led to Alexander joining the House of Martok . ( DS9 : " Sons and Daughters ")

Alexander continued his service aboard the Rotarran and strengthened his relationships with his fellow Klingons. He continued to make mistakes, such as flooding an entire corridor with superheated hydraulic fluid. This did not strain his position within the ship, however, as the crew considered him a good luck charm; the more mistakes Alexander made, the fewer they would make in battle. Later that year, along with most of the Rotarran 's crew, he transferred to the IKS Ya'Vang , where he hoped the goodwill toward him would continue. ( DS9 : " You Are Cordially Invited ")

By 2375 , Alexander had been made the Ya'Vang 's weapons officer due to their being shorthanded. ( DS9 : " Penumbra ")

Personal interests [ ]

Alexander in his "Deadwood" holoprogram

Worf considered Alexander to be more Human (in personality and interests) than Klingon and tried desperately to change him. ( TNG : " Reunion ", " New Ground ", " Cost Of Living ") It wasn't until the revelation that K'mtar was actually an older Alexander from an alternate future that Worf began to accept his son for who he was. ( TNG : " Firstborn ")

Alexander had a fondness for jazz music due to the influence of William T. Riker , and much to the annoyance of his father. ( TNG : " Phantasms ")

Alexander also had a fondness for the Wild West and often played in holodeck scenarios. ( TNG : " A Fistful of Datas ")

Although clumsy with a bat'leth , Alexander had some proficiency with the d'k tahg when dueling with rival Klingon officer Ch'Targh . ( TNG : " Firstborn "; DS9 : " Sons and Daughters ")

K'Ehleyr [ ]

Alexander only knew his mother briefly, but his love for her, and hers for him, remained with him his entire life. Likewise, her death marked him forever. It was the first time Alexander had seen death, and the powerful image of Worf over the bloody body of K'Ehleyr was particularly difficult for him. ( TNG : " Reunion ")

Many years later, the fear of losing his father in the same way that he had lost his mother haunted Alexander and drove him to travel back in time in order to prevent his father's death. ( TNG : " Firstborn ")

Worf and Alexander

From the beginning, Worf had a hard time adjusting to the presence of Alexander in his life. He was particularly distressed that K'Ehleyr had not taught the child anything of Klingon tradition before her death. His distress was made even more acute by Alexander's continued insistence that he had no desire to become a warrior. ( TNG : " Reunion ")

After Alexander came to live on the Enterprise , Worf was shocked to discover his son lied often and even stole objects. Despite his efforts to teach his son the values of Klingon society through traditional stories, such as the story of Kahless and Morath , Alexander did not take readily to the lessons. For a brief time, Worf considered sending Alexander away from the Enterprise to a Klingon school. Eventually, he decided against this, unable to part with his son, and offered Alexander the greater challenge of remaining onboard with him. ( TNG : " New Ground ") Still, it was the thought of his son that caused Worf to abandon thoughts of ritual suicide in 2368 and choose a risky surgery when he was paralyzed in an accident. ( TNG : " Ethics ")

In 2372 , Worf brought an image of Alexander to starbase Deep Space 9 when he was stationed there. ( DS9 : " The Way of the Warrior ") However, Alexander's relationship with Worf had not improved and he elected to live on Earth with the Rozhenkos rather than join his father on DS9.

That decision haunted both Alexander and his father. Alexander felt that, because he had not been the son that Worf wanted, he had been rejected, and Worf acted as if he had no son. This rejection continued to divide father and son when Alexander came aboard the Rotarran . He declared that he had no family or House and that any honor earned would be his own. Worse, his obvious lack of combat skill and previous declarations to never be a warrior led Worf to accuse him of being ill-suited for life during the war, and eventually tried to transfer him off the ship. Alexander refused, and the confrontation between the two was only resolved after the rest of the Rotarran crew began to accept Alexander. ( DS9 : " Sons and Daughters ")

Not long after, the two continued to mend their relationship, when Worf asked Alexander to act as his Tawi'Yan , or swordbearer, during his wedding to Jadzia Dax . Alexander was honored, even more so because it was clear that the couple had altered their plans in order to include him in the wedding before he transferred to the Ya'Vang . ( DS9 : " You Are Cordially Invited ")

Deanna Troi [ ]

During his stay on the Enterprise -D, Alexander looked up to Counselor Troi, and Worf had considered her to be the closest thing to a mother that Alexander had. Worf asked the Troi of an alternate quantum reality to be Alexander's Soh-chIm , which meant that, if anything were to happen to Worf, Troi would take custody of Alexander. ( TNG : " Parallels ")

The elder Alexander, as K'mtar, suggested to the younger Alexander that he had female cousins around his age on Qo'noS , possibly the daughters of Kurn , as K'mtar said he had no male heirs. ( TNG : " Firstborn ")

Alternate realities and timelines [ ]

In 2370 , when Worf returned from a bat'leth tournament on Forcas III , Worf encountered a quantum fissure and began switching places with other versions of himself in alternate quantum realities. In some of the realities experienced by Worf, Alexander didn't exist. ( TNG : " Parallels ")

Alexander Rozhenko from 2410 , as K'mtar

In 2410, Alexander traveled back in time forty years into the past, made contact with Worf and Alexander, posing as K'mtar, gin'tak to the House of Mogh. In an attempt to change history, he tried to convince Worf that his young counterpart needed to be trained in the ways of a Klingon warrior. When it became apparent that his counterpart was not willing to do so, however, he attempted to kill him, only to be stopped by Worf. He explained to Worf that, in his time, Worf had been assassinated on the floor of the High Council, due to Alexander's attempts at bringing peace to the Empire. Wishing to prevent this future, he had traveled back in time in an attempt to ensure that his counterpart would not grow up to be a diplomat, but rather a warrior who could fight at his father's side. Worf told him that, now that he had disrupted the flow of history, his death was no longer a certainty, and that he would be proud of his son no matter what path he chose to follow. After hearing these words, the adult Alexander departed, but not before expressing his love for his father. ( TNG : " Firstborn ")

Appendices [ ]

Appearances [ ].

• " Reunion " (Season 4)
• " New Ground " (Season 5)
• " Cost Of Living "
• " Imaginary Friend "
• " Rascals " (Season 6)
• " A Fistful of Datas "
• " Firstborn " (Season 7)
• " The Way of the Warrior " (only in a picture) (Season 4)
• " Sons and Daughters " (Season 6)
• " You Are Cordially Invited "
• " Change of Heart " (only in a picture)

Background information [ ]

Portrayals [ ].

Alexander was portrayed, in all, by five different actors: Jon Steuer ("Reunion"), Brian Bonsall (seven episodes from TNG Season 5 through TNG Season 7), James Sloyan ("Firstborn"), unknown actor (in a photograph: "The Way of the Warrior" and "Sons and Daughters"), and Marc Worden ("Sons and Daughters", "You Are Cordially Invited", and in photograph: "Change of Heart").

According to the call sheet , Alexander's makeup in The Next Generation episode "Cost of Living" was applied by makeup artist Tania McComas .

For the adult alternate future version of Alexander, Rick Berman and Michael Piller were hesitant to cast James Sloyan in the role in "Firstborn", coming as it did so soon after the actor's first appearance as Doctor Mora Pol in the DS9 episode " The Alternate ". However, Jeri Taylor convinced them that the Klingon makeup would hide this fact, making Sloyan less recognizable. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 292))

As was also seen with another Klingon, Toral , this serves as an example of the phenomenon commonly referred to as Soap Opera Rapid Aging Syndrome . Being portrayed by four different actors over an eight-year period, the presentation of Alexander appears to establish that Klingon youths mature more quickly than Humans do.

In his first appearance in the mid-Season 4 episode "Reunion", Alexander was described in the script as "a Klingon boy", specifically, "the boy should look about five human years old." It should be noted that Alexander was conceived a year and a half prior, near the end of TNG Season 2 . The Alexander's future self (in "Firstborn") from recalled that he had been three at the time of his mother's death, alluding to the fact that one Earth year was roughly equal to about three Klingon years.

His later appearances, beginning in mid-Season 5 through Season 7 , he grew at a "normal" rate. His age was not specifically addressed in any of these episode's scripts, with exception to a note in the mid-Season 7 episode "Firstborn", which stated that his friend, Eric Burton , as "about Alexander's age"; Burton was previously established in the script for " Masks " as being twelve years old.

Alexander then served on the Rotarran (in DS9), appearing to be the size of a mid-teenager, despite actually being age eight. In fact, according to the script, he was described both a "whiskerless youth" and as a "tall, thin, beardless young Klingon […] on the cusp of manhood." Ronald D. Moore directly addressed the seeming age discrepancy while talking about "Sons and Daughters": " We're pegging Alexander as being roughly the equivalent of a thirteen to sixteen-year-old Human male, although his actual age is much younger. Hey, Klingons mature faster, okay? " ( AOL chat , 1997 )

From an alternate production standpoint, Steve Oster explain that " [t]he role demanded a lot of time on the set. And the amount of time you have with a minor is very restrictive. Add to that the fact that Klingon actors need to go through three hours of makeup in the morning, and suddenly you have very little time with your actor. So his age was important. Also, we kept in mind the fact that if the actor was too young, Worf would seem too harsh. He'd come off like an abusive father, rather than a father who wants the best for his son. " ( Star Trek: Deep Space Nine Companion  (p. 490))

Production notes [ ]

Alexander was further referenced in the first draft script of the DS9 Season 4 episode " Body Parts ", where Worf remarked that, since he was sent back to Earth, " He is happier. I am happier, and there is much less noise. "

Apocrypha [ ]

The novel A Time for War, A Time for Peace established that, upon Worf's return to Starfleet, he nominates Alexander to succeed him as Federation ambassador to the Klingons. When Alexander asks why, Worf simply tells him that he once had a vision of Alexander's future (referencing "Firstborn") and Worf says Alexander's service to the galaxy will be one worthy of song. Alexander also appears in the two novels of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - The Left Hand of Destiny .

In Star Trek Online , set in 2409, players of the KDF faction encounter Alexander (under his "K'mtar" alias) on Rura Penthe , where he was imprisoned while attempting to discover a conspiracy against the House of Martok. With the player's aid, Alexander discovers that the House of Torg, whose members included the warden of Rura Penthe, were the masterminds of the conspiracy, aided by Romulan agents of the Tal Shiar . After Alexander and the player bring the evidence to the Klingon High Council, Chancellor J'mpok discommendates Torg and his entire House on the spot. When Torg attempts to kill Worf in revenge, Alexander sacrifices himself to save his father, thus preventing the fate that K'mtar had warned of in "Firstborn".

In Star Trek (IDW) , Alexander, frustrated with Worf's seeming ignorance of him, joins Kahless II's god-killing cult and pitting him against his father and other Starfleet members. Ultimately, Worf is able to rescue his son, but is left with a bitter frustration. His story continues in Sons of Star Trek as he, Jake Sisko and Nog are transported to an alternate universe by Q Junior to help put their problems in order.

External links [ ]

• Alexander Rozhenko at StarTrek.com
• Alexander Rozhenko at Wikipedia
• Alexander Rozhenko at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• Alexander Rozhenko at the Star Trek Online Wiki
• 3 Ancient humanoid

Star Trek: Discovery’s TNG Connection Explained - "The Chase" & Who Are The Progenitors?

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episodes 1 & 2!

• Star Trek: Discovery season 5 continues the story of the Progenitors discovered by Captain Picard 800 years ago.
• Captain Burnham embarks on a treasure hunt to uncover the Progenitors' technology with potential for peace or conflict.
• The legacy of the Progenitors in Star Trek: Discovery raises questions of power, unity, and morality in the 32nd century.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is a surprising sequel to the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "The Chase", continuing the story of the enigmatic Progenitors 800 years after they were discovered by Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart). As Discovery is set 800 years after the TNG era, it can often feel forced when the show tries to marry up these two ends of the Star Trek timeline . However, the magnitude of Picard's discovery about the Progenitors justifies the secret being hidden for centuries, and it could have fascinating implications for the future of Star Trek 's 32nd century.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 1, "Red Directive" opens with Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) exploring an 800-year-old Romulan scout ship at the behest of Dr. Kovich (David Cronenberg). Kovich was less forthcoming than usual with information about the USS Discovery's "Red Directive" mission , forcing Burnham to seek help from Lt. Sylvia Tilly (Mary Wiseman) in learning more. Tilly uncovered recordings left by the Romulan scientist Dr. Vellek (Michael Copeman), revealing Discovery 's links to Star Trek: The Next Generation 's original Progenitor treasure hunt, led by Captain Picard.

Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 Returning Cast & New Character Guide

Picard’s original progenitor treasure hunt in tng explained.

In Star Trek: The Next Generation season 6, episode 20, "The Chase", Picard's former archeology teacher, Professor Galen (Norman Lloyd) asked the Enterprise captain to join him in solving a 4.5 billion-year-old mystery. Picard initially declined Galen's offer, but circumstances forced him to reconsider when his mentor's shuttle was attacked. Galen left behind files that contained huge blocks of numbers that were indecipherable without further information . Picard had the Enterprise retrace Galen's journey in the hope of finding out more about the archeology professor's strange code.

"The Chase" was directed by Jonathan Frakes, who returned to direct the penultimate episode of Star Trek: Discovery season 5.

Eventually, Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) discovered that the numbers refer to DNA strands of multiple different alien species. The combined strands form a shape that resembles an algorithm, a program implanted in the DNA of multiple species, for reasons unknown . It quickly became clear that Picard was not the only person seeking answers about Galen's mystery, as the Cardassians and Klingons also sought to understand what this ancient program could be. Negotiating a truce between the two factions, Picard and Crusher gained enough information to lead the Enterprise, Cardassians, Klingons, and Romulans to the planet Vilmor II, where they make a monumental discovery.

TNG’s Progenitors Created All Humanoid Life In The Star Trek Universe

The treasure on Vilmor II was knowledge about life itself, delivered via a holographic message left behind by an ancient humanoid species. The sole humanoid species in the universe, these aliens wanted to leave a lasting legacy after their own extinction. And so, 4.5 billion years earlier, the ancient humanoids seeded their DNA across multiple planets in the Star Trek universe , influencing the evolution of countless species. Star Trek: Discovery reveals that since Picard revealed his findings, Starfleet have been calling the ancient humanoid species The Progenitors.

The Ancient Humanoid in Star Trek: The Next Generation was played by Salome Jens, who would go on to play the Female Changeling in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine .

Not unlike the broken treasure map from Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 2, "Under the Twin Moons" , the Progenitors' message was broken into fragments and contained within multiple alien species' DNA. The Progenitors' intention was that, upon coming together to piece the fragments together, the disparate alien races would unite under their common origins. Sadly, this wasn't the case in Star Trek: The Next Generation , as the Klingons and Cardassians refused to believe that they could possibly originate from the same species . However, the Romulans were more thoughtful, setting up Discovery 's season 5 premiere.

Star Trek: Discovery's Huge Season 5 TNG Connection Explained By Showrunner

Discovery’s romulan scientist and his tng link explained.

At the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation 's "The Chase", Captain Picard discusses the Progenitors' message with a surprisingly open-minded Romulan commander. The message has had an effect on the Romulan, who tells Picard that he hopes to one day stand alongside humanity as friends. Star Trek: Discovery reveals that one of the members of TNG 's Romulan landing party, Dr. Vellek, continued to research the Progenitors and eventually found where their ancient technology was hidden. However, Vellek was very aware that such technology could be as deadly as it is profound, and went to extraordinary lengths to hide his findings .

Both the crew of the USS Discovery and intergalactic outlaws Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis) have access to Vellek's journals. However, both parties have very different intentions for the Romulan scientist's life's work. Captain Burnham hopes that recovering the Progenitors' technology will provide a sense of meaning, while Moll and L'ak are attracted by the price tag . Vellek remained hidden for 800 years, until his corpse was discovered in Star Trek: Discovery season 5, which proves just how desperate he was to keep the location of the Progenitors' technology a secret.

What Does Star Trek: Discovery’s Progenitor Link Mean For Its Final Season?

In Star Trek: The Next Generation , the Progenitors had hoped the truth about humanoid life in the galaxy would bring a new era of peace and understanding . However, rather than become inspired by their commonality, the Klingons and Cardassians instead feud with each other, disgusted that they could be somehow genetically related. 800 years later, and in the wake of the hostilities caused by The Burn, the Progenitors' message could be the very thing that finally unites the galaxy in Star Trek: Discovery 's finale . However, it may not be that simple.

For one thing, Star Trek: Starfleet Academy will continue the story of the 32nd century, and the Progenitors' message of commonality will dramatically reduce any sense of conflict in the universe. More interestingly, Dr. Kovich seems to want to get his hands on the technology, not the message. The Progenitors' technology would allow Starfleet to influence the evolution of other species , power that would set them up among the gods. This feels like too much power for a shifty character like Kovich to possess.

Whoever possesses the Progenitors' tech in Star Trek: Discovery season 5 has the very building blocks of life itself. In the right hands, that could lead to profound discoveries that lead to renewed peace and prosperity for the Federation in the 32nd century. In the wrong hands, enemies of the Federation could use those building blocks for their own nefarious purposes. That's a huge concern as Burnham and the crew of the USS Discovery continue their treasure hunt. Sooner or later, Captain Burnham will have to make a choice about how she deals with the legacy of Star Trek: The Next Generation 's Progenitors.

Star Trek: Discovery streams Thursdays on Paramount+

Star Trek: Discovery

Star Trek: Discovery is an entry in the legendary Sci-Fi franchise, set ten years before the original Star Trek series events. The show centers around Commander Michael Burnham, assigned to the USS Discovery, where the crew attempts to prevent a Klingon war while traveling through the vast reaches of space.

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation is the third installment in the sci-fi franchise and follows the adventures of Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the crew members of the USS Enterprise. Set around one hundred years after the original series, Picard and his crew travel through the galaxy in largely self-contained episodes exploring the crew dynamics and their own political discourse. The series also had several overarching plots that would develop over the course of the isolated episodes, with four films released in tandem with the series to further some of these story elements.

TNG Character Relationships - 1986 The Trek Files: A Roddenberry Star Trek Podcast

• TV & Film

The Trek Files revisits an early document from Star Trek: The Next Generation's development. David Gerrold sketched out a guide to how the main characters would relate to each other, and in this excerpt, focuses on Deanna Troi's special talent as a telepath. Ben Robinson joins us to look back at the Trek that might have been! See the documents: facebook.com/thetrekfiles Visit the Trekland site for behind-the-scenes access and exclusive merchandise.

• Episode Website
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• © Roddenberry Entertainment

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'Star Trek: The Next Generation's Biggest Cliffhanger Changed Television Forever

These three episodes dared to do something new, and it paid off.

The Big Picture

• Serialized storytelling became dominant in TV thanks to shows like Hill Street Blues , which normalized season-long arcs and character development.
• Star Trek: The Next Generation broke TV rules with its two-part Season 3 finale and Season 4 premiere, which introduced the first true cliffhanger and a mind-blowing twist involving the Borg.
• The episodes "The Best of Both Worlds" and "Family" showcased the evolution of TV storytelling by prioritizing character development and exploring emotional fallout, setting a new standard for dramatic tension and flawed, evolving characters.

A long, long time ago, one-off episodes were the law of the land. Series were episodic in nature regardless of genre. Sometimes, characterization moments carried over and returning characters popped in and out for flavor's sake, but serialized narratives and character arcs didn’t creep into play until 1980s game-changers like Hill Street Blues . The drama from creators Steven Bochco and Michael Kozoll was a powerhouse risk-taker and an instrumental force credited for normalizing season-long arcs. Slowly but surely, serialized stories became dominant enough that episodic shows are now a rarity.

Star Trek: The Next Generation , the floundering sequel to the 1960s original, underwent a similar evolution. The Next Generation already had a lot to prove when it hit the airwaves in 1987. The glories of syndication had turned Star Trek: The Original Series into a cult classic, but the space-faring title was still far from global phenomenon status. Would the follow-up to a canceled series have enough bite to kickstart a franchise? Eight more shows, thirteen films, and a thriving fandom later, the answer's a resounding yes — but not before The Next Generation broke all the established TV rules in the summer of 1990 . A gut punch as staggeringly effective as its impact on the franchise's modus operandi is lasting, The Next Generation 's two-part Season 3 finale and Season 4 premiere sliced up audience expectations with the finesse of a butcher's meat cleaver and drop-kicked the television landscape into a new universe — dare we say, to "where no one has gone before."

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.

"The Best of Both Worlds" Prioritizes Character and Story Arcs

Despite strong ratings, The Next Generation 's early seasons saw conflict between creator Gene Roddenberry and the cast and crew over dialogue , costumes , and thematic content . Not only did The Next Generation follow the Star Trek formula of one-and-done episodes, but Roddenberry was insistent humanity had evolved past interpersonal flaws. It’s a nice thought, but utopian ideals make for dull, repetitive stories. After all, conflict is the heart of all drama. The more Roddenberry stepped away from The Next Generation , the more freedom the writers had to develop the Enterprise crew into dynamic, humane characters instead of stock figures fulfilling the plot-of-the-week's requirements. Those attempts catalyzed when Season 3 senior writer Michael Piller invoked a new scripting Prime Directive: every Season 3 episode had to prioritize character development .

Appropriately, the Season 3 finale and Season 4 premiere "The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1" and "Part 2" exist in applauded infamy as Star Trek's first true cliffhanger. You see, Season 2 had planted a dangling plot seed when the capricious entity Q (the perpetually delightful John de Lancie ) flung the Enterprise into uncharted space in a fit of pique — straight into the path of entities called the Borg. These hominids' sole purpose was to "assimilate" all in their path, stripping species of individuality, memories, and free will. The Enterprise quickly realized they were hopelessly outmatched by the Borg's technological superiority. Restored to a safe quadrant of space by the episode's end, the crew is left with a sense of looming dread. It was only a matter of time before the Borg declared war on humanity in ways Romulans, Cardassians, and Klingons could only dream of mimicking.

"The Best of Both Worlds, Part 1" wastes no time leaping head-first into "aw, crap" town. Every aspect feels starkly ominous, from the cold open where the crew confirms a populous Federation colony was annihilated by the Borg to a Starfleet strategy meeting detailing just how underprepared the galaxy is against this new enemy. Combined with an unsettling score and some understated performances, the expertly crafted tension lends the situation credence.

Smartly, Michael Piller's script interweaves naturalistic character beats between plot advancements and set pieces. In one corner, the normally unflappable main characters are tossed into introspection and self-doubt . In the other, the Enterprise crew enjoys their weekly poker nights. The tonal shifts between growing unease, predatory self-reflection, and breezy joke-swapping are smooth as butter and as complimentary as butter on fresh toast. Fans don't need exposition to know how close this group's grown as a triad of crew, people, and friends. The emotional stakes matter as much as the "threat against all humanity" stakes.

'Star Trek: The Next Generation's Biggest Cliffhanger Was Unprecedented

Captain Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) , the man of the hour (the decade, the century, the millennia), said psychological stakes are stratosphere-high. Against such a monolithic threat as the Borg, an enemy that can't be intellectually reasoned with, Picard's out of his element. And it shows, the strain oscillating through Stewart's restless physicality. In a quietly potent scene, he and his long-time confidant Guinan ( Whoopi Goldberg ) discuss the tradition of a captain touring his ship before a hopeless battle. Picard has no qualms about sacrificing his life as long as civilization stays protected. There's hardly a better way to underscore just how stinking good of a man Picard is than through his selfless, courageous resolve. When it comes to morals, Picard is the most indefatigable Starfleet officer one could ask for.

Moments later, two Borg appear on the Enterprise bridge and kidnap Picard. Excuse me? Abducting the hero was just not done , y'all; not in Star Trek, and certainly not in normal episodic television. Everything that follows is a nightmare building toward the moment Beverly Crusher ( Gates McFadden ), part of a rescue team infiltrating the Borg cube, recognizes Picard through the haze of phaser fire. The lumbering figure she sees, however, is no longer Jean-Luc Picard. Attired in black Borg regalia with multiple limbs and one eye swapped out with mechanical parts, the Borg have brainwashed him into acting as their voice and their greatest weapon against the Federation.

Previous alien villains were still human-esque and therefore surmountable. Even Star Trek deaths were a cultural meme (hi, red shirts). In 1990, something capable of corrupting a cultured, impassioned captain into a mindless husk was unimaginable. When Borg!Picard promises the Federation's doom, all the Enterprise crew can do is listen. The atmosphere breathes and builds , ensuring the situation's horror is inescapable and that the crew's individual — yet, ironically, collective — grief is palpable. The floor has been wrenched out from under their feet as much as the viewers'.

Just as unheard of is the franchise's first cliffhanger , accompanied by a "To Be Continued..." screen and a "dun-dun-dun" score worthy of John Williams gravitas. In a lovely anecdote from Patrick Stewart (via his costar Jonathan Frakes ) , the actor shared how fans shouted at him, "[You] ruined our summer!" The world spent a long, torturous three months waiting to see if Picard was dead and gone. That kind of cultural anticipation pre-dated Game of Thrones and was something no money could buy.

‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Broke the Television Mold for the Better

If "Part 2" lacks its predecessor's impact, well, that was a tough act to follow. The Enterprise crew rescues Picard with gritty flair; teamwork outsmarts a Borg hive mind that's unable to think beyond its compulsion to conquer. One then expects an all's well that ends well in proper TV tradition. Yet between the mournful music cues and Stewart's soulful silences, it's obvious Picard remains haunted. Those dangling emotional threads immediately culminate in the next episode, "Family," penned by future Battlestar Galactica and Outlander showrunner Ronald D. Moore . As Picard prepares to visit his family home, he assures Deanna Troi ( Marina Sirtis ) that "The injuries are healing." She responds, "Those you can see in the mirror."

Picard's estranged brother Robert ( Jeremy Kemp ) also doesn't buy Picard's cautious avoidance. Old fraternal tensions rise until the two duke it out, and Picard, covered in mud, once again does something revolutionary for the untouchably dignified captain: he weeps, agonized and ugly. Not only does he feel violated, he blames himself for the innocent lives lost to the Borg. "Family" is a character study, allowing Picard to be a terrified, flawed, and furious mess who grapples with his trauma in viscerally basic human ways. Scars aren't resolved in sixty minutes. Picard's experiences will shape his life, but rather than try to escape those ramifications into happy ending TV land, he must learn to live with them. (Ironically enough, Gene Roddenberry strongly objected to "Family.")

Dramatic events in The Original Series rarely saw emotional fallout. Even the best characters remained static. That isn't inherently faulty given the era, but television's gradual shift toward long-form storytelling demanded more from The Next Generation . The character-based risk that was "The Best of Both Worlds" and "Family" paid off in dividends. Sure, the series remained largely episodic outside of two-parters and season finales. Yet The Next Generation overcame its creative impasse enough to run for four more seasons , secure the franchise's future, and set the bar exponentially high with regard to dramatic tension and flawed, ever-evolving characters. The rules were shattered, the boundaries pushed.

In The Next Generation 's wake, up cropped serialized shows as prestigious as The West Wing . By the 2000s, The Sopranos , The Wire , and Breaking Bad confirmed the new norm. At the same time serialized television stretched out its first feelers, this little sci-fi show that could left a mark equal to influential prestige dramas like Hill Street Blues . The sheer daring of "The Best of Both Worlds" and "Family" truly explored strange new worlds: the kinds of stories television could tell and the groundbreaking way it could tell them.

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

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Star trek: how old every tng bridge character was at the start & end.

The bridge crew in Star Trek: The Next Generation were together on board the Enterprise for six years. Here’s how old they all were during that time.

Star Trek: The Next Generation ran for seven seasons between 1987 and 1994 and its characters grew to be older and wiser during that time. The crew went through so much on their missions to explore strange new worlds that it may come as a surprise what their actual ages were during the first and last seasons of the show. TNG features many of the best characters from Trek history, including Captain Picard, Data, Wesley Crusher, and more.

Unlike in Star Trek: The Original Series , where Kirk's original crew were around the same age , the eight main bridge characters on Captain Picard's Enterprise came together at very different stages in their lives. The in-universe date at the start of TNG was the year 2364 and by the end of the series, it was the year 2370. Over this time period, Picard's Enterprise crew were together for weddings, the birth of children, deaths, and birthdays. Here's how old they all were during their initial six-year run together on the Enterprise.

Related: Star Trek: Why Picard Is So Uncomfortable With Children

Jean-Luc Picard

Captain Picard was born on July 13, 2305. He was 59 at the start of TNG and 65 by season 7. He was originally intended to be about a decade younger but Patrick Stewart's characteristic baldness may have contributed to the decision to age the character up. Patrick Stewart was 47 when he started playing Picard and 54 by the time TNG ended.

William T. Riker

Commander Riker was born in the year 2335. He was 29 during season 1 of TNG and 35 during the final season. He'd originally planned to become Captain by age 35, but he didn't accept the position until 2379 when he was 44. Jonathan Frakes was 35 at the start of TNG and 42 at the end.

Lieutenant Commander Data was created around the year 2336, which made him 28 at the start of TNG and 34 at the end. He was in his early forties when he sacrificed himself in Star Trek: Nemesis . Brent Spiner was 38 at the start of TNG and 45 at the end.

Geordi LaForge

Lieutenant LaForge was born on February 16th, 2335. He was 28 at the start of TNG and 34 by the end. LeVar Burton was 30 at the start of the series and 37 in the final season.

Related: Star Trek: TOS Subtly Set Up TNG's Worf In Starfleet

Lieutenant Worf was born in 2340. He was 24 at the start of TNG, and he celebrated his 30th birthday with the crew in the season 7 episode "Parallels." Michael Dorn was 35 when he began playing Worf and 42 when TNG ended, although he continued to play Worf in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine , creating the record for most Star Trek appearances . By the time DS9 ended Worf was 35 and Dorn was 47.

Deanna Troi

Counselor Troi was born on March 29, 2336. She was 28 at the start of TNG and 34 by the end. Marina Sirtis was 35 when TNG began and 42 in its final season.

Beverly Crusher

Doctor Crusher was born on October 13, 2324. She was 40 during the first season of TNG and 41 when she left in the second season to become Head of Starfleet Medical. She was 46 at the end of season 7. Gates McFadden was 38 at the start of TNG and 45 by the end.

Wesley Crusher

Wesley (Wil Wheaton) was born on July 29, 2348, making him only 15 years old when he first came aboard the Enterprise. He was 21 in the final season, although his last regular appearance on the show was before he left for Starfleet Academy in season 4 when he was 18. Wil Wheaton was 15 in the first season and 22 in the final season of Star Trek: The Next Generation.

More: Why Troi & Riker Is Star Trek's Best Love Story

Why ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Built Season 5 Around a Classic Episode From a Legacy Series

By Adam B. Vary

Adam B. Vary

Senior Entertainment Writer

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SPOILER ALERT: This story discusses major plot developments in Season 5, Episode 1 of “ Star Trek : Discovery,” now streaming on Paramount+.

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Kovich’s explanation evokes the classic “ Star Trek: The Next Generation ” episode “The Chase” from 1993 in which Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) — along with teams of Romulans, Klingons and Cardassians — learn that all humanoid life in the galaxy was created by a single species that existed billions of years earlier, and seeded thousands of planets with the DNA to pass along their legacy. (Along with presenting a profound vision of the origins of life, the episode also provided an imaginative explanation for why almost all the aliens in “Star Trek” basically look like humans with different kinds of forehead ridges.)

Kovich tells Burnham that the Romulan scientist was part of a team sent to discover exactly how these aliens — whom they call the Progenitors — made this happen; the object they’re seeking winds up being one part of a brand new “chase,” this time in the 32nd century, to find the Progenitors’ technology before it can fall into the wrong hands. 

“I remember watching that episode and at the end of it just being blown away that there was this huge idea where we all come from,” Paradise says. “And then they’re going to have another mission the next week. I found myself wondering, ‘Well, then what? What happened? What do we do with this information? What does it mean?’”

Originally, Paradise says the “Discovery” writers’ room discussed evoking the Progenitors in Season 4, when the Discovery meets an alien species, the 10-C, who live outside of the galaxy and are as radically different from humans as one could imagine. “As we dug deeper into the season itself, we realized that it was too much to try and get in,” Paradise says.

Instead, they made the Progenitors the engine for Season 5. “Burnham and some of our other characters are on this quest for personal meaning,” Paradise says. Searching for the origins of life itself, she adds, “feels like a big thematic idea that fits right in with what we’re exploring over the course of the season, and what our characters are going through.”

That meant that Paradise finally got to help come up with the answers to the questions about “The Chase” that had preoccupied her when she was younger. “We had a lot of fun talking about what might’ve happened when [Picard] called back to headquarters and had to say, ‘Here’s what happened today,’” she says. “We just built the story out from there.”

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