The Essential Star Trek: The Next Generation

What episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation are must-sees? I went through the entire series to pick out which ones are essential!
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[@Calzaki]

Now do Deep Space Nine, the most underrated trek show

[@Jennifer_Elliott]

The Defector in Season 3 is also an all time great with Picard pulling the ultimate boss move at the end, with the help of 3 cloaked Kilgon ships, and delivering the line "Shall we die together?".

[@bradhend]

I grew up watching this show with my dad. It is literally the only Star Trek experience I have, but it holds a special place

[@racheln8563]

I realize the status quo has to prevail on a show like this, but as a disabled person myself, I dislike “miracle cure” stories that magically erase disabilities. It would have been nice to see Worf have to deal with a permanent injury, and struggle with his self-worth and identity as a Klingon as a result.

[@JaredCollins87]

May I add S6E21 Frame Of Mind in which Riker is both playing a mental patient in a play on board the enterprise while also becoming convinced that he is truly suffering from delusions.

[@ctkairos]

OK, I'm getting yelled at by my kid for getting too hyped while watching this.😂

[@TheOneWithTheManyZs]

Dan, you need to get into Stargate. The shows, not the movie.

[@toddfroggs]

If anyone wants an enjoyably bad episode “A Fistful of Data’s” is hilarious!

[@matthewmcneany]

Q isn't 'bad' his morality is beyond the comprehension of us mere mortals.

[@3faltigeralexandro]

I would suggest "Ensign Ro" (for introducing the Marquis, the Cardassians and showing that even the Enterprise crew isn't always morally justified) and "Ship in a Bottle" (revisiting Moriarty and posing some interesting questions regarding the rights of holographic beings).

[@keipfar]

"Half a life" is my favorite episode with Majel; it's about Love, death, suicide, euthanasia, and how two cultures can view these topics in a very different manner. It is both very philosophical and emotional. In general, when I try to convince people that star trek tng is about more than just lasers and spaceships (which is cool), I lead with this one.

[@irian42]

Episodes that are missing in my opinion are: The Defactor (one of the best Romulan and SciFi stories in general), The Most Toys (an episode that explores Data's characters way more than most other Data episodes, especially when looking at the ending) and Face of the Enemy (the essential Troy episode)

[@d.a.baracus1438]

Redemption part 2 has one of the best, arguably the best Data scene in the entire series... For all of Data's amazing abilities & the numerous times that he has saved the ship & crew, the episode reveals Picard's unconscious bias against putting Data in command of a starship. When confronted by this, Picard recognizes his bias, & places Data in command. Once in command, his subordinate questions his ability to lead based only on his own prejudice against Data. Of course, Data rises to the occasion and saves the day.

[@platoaugur]

I love Sub Rosa, it's pure pulp, I want a cheap painted cover with that bare chested ghost holding Beverly, hair flowing dramatically in the wind.

[@Siansonea]

In my headcanon, Brent Spiner's character in "Night Court" is a distant ancestor of Noonien Soong.

[@Vader47000]

Missing "The Wounded," introduction of Cardassians, great O'Brien episode and a fantastic story about the attitudes that linger after war. Spiritually the first DS9 episode and as far as I'm concerned that entire series is Essential.

[@Sazime]

"Probably, literally," Dan? No, literally, literally. Riker is the best Kirk since Kirk, and he's one of the Kirkiest in that way.

[@pauloleary99]

I am curious about your take on DS9. For me it is the best of the Star Trek shows with the best writing, cast, character development as well as dealing with real world issues.

[@danstaples4734]

Missed "The Nth Degree" (Best Barclay episode IMHO, big props for including Darmok.

[@MDOReilly]

"Probably literally." Made me laugh too loudly.