10 Most Hated Star Trek: The Next Generation Episodes

[@joeldfisher]

Worf smashing Geordi's lute against a tree and his whole demeanour in the episode is one of the funniest things in Star Trek. The episode's production is meant to homage Errol Flynn's version of Robin Hood and be a light episode. Vash being shocked at Picard not telling his crew about their relationship is meant to be a bit of light hearted banter. I am not a Merry Man!

[@edwardbloecher4563]

Actually the lute being smashed according to cast was an homage to John Belushi in Animal House. That part is Not an homage to Flynn. Picard's costume is though.

[@mooniejohnson]

I'd be lying if I said I didn't say "I am *not* a merry man!" frequently.

[@joeldfisher]

@@edwardbloecher4563 yeah I just meant the whole production really

[@edwardbloecher4563]

@@joeldfisher I gotcha and you're correct there. The sets especially looked like the Eyroll Flynn Robin Hood set. The only thing missing was technicolor lol. Sorry I didn't mean to be argumentative toward you. 😀

[@edwardbloecher4563]

The I am not a merry man line rocks! Lol It's right up there with "Definitely feeling aggressive tendencies Sir!" From Insurrection. Lol

[@Jarv1s1973]

Worfs line of 'Captain, I am not a merry man' in Qpid is one of the greatest lines in all of Star Trek.

[@correlis]

Ditto smashing Geordi's lute.

[@BrowncoatFairy]

also, "....sorry."

[@johnringwald955]

along with Data's "Baby needs a new pair of shoes" line from the Royale

[@jjohnson4474]

That line alone disqualifies this episode from being on this list.

[@AvengingMule]

That was literally my senior quote when I graduated from high school.

[@sinswhisper9588]

using Data as a third wheel was perfect ... because Picard knew that data wouldn't shut up ... thats why he invited data along

[@SlimThrull]

"Sir, I protest. I am NOT a merry man!" Probably one of the best lines in all of Star Trek.

[@germanshepherdguy]

I've always had a soft spot for, The Royale. It always felt like an episode from the second season of TOS. The episode could easily play out like it did with Kirk, Spock, and McKoy being the ones trapped in the Royale.

[@DuncanDTV]

The Royale is one of the best episodes of the series. TNG was meant to carry some of the spirit of TOS - and it clearly did so here.

[@devcybiko]

I always thought of it as Hotel California... in space.

[@KittyStarlight]

@@devcybiko It was fun in its own way. Not one of my *most* favorites but there was not that much wrong with it.

[@KittyStarlight]

@Account NumberEight According to another video on KZbin, that is exactly what Patrick Stewart thought was going to happen. He was almost totally sure that the series would die an early death in its infancy. Knowing now how many weird reboots of good original series we have had since (and some of those reboots *did* die an early death) I can now see where he was presumably coming from. But this was *before* we had Charmed reboot, Roseanne reboot, Fuller House and so on and so on and so on. Fans first perceived Star Trek: The Next Generation as a tribute to their beloved original show and then just fell absolutely head over heels in love with it in its own right. It was one of my favorite shows ever, before the first season was over, and I never had felt that way about original Star Trek at all. Original Star Trek was a decent science fiction show but I just never loved it nearly as much. And it already ended before I ever started watching it, whereas Next Generation was new every week. It also helped that a lot of Next Generation was part fantasy and part tribute to other shows and so on. And they always played it like they *cared* about that aspect and *understood* that aspect. For those of us who were young fans, it helped too that they featured a few children in it at least once or twice per season and that they had a young boy (Wesley) as part of the show/one of the regulars. The Next Generation...had more in it *for* the next generation...which was probably one of the main reasons why it did *not* die early. But yeah, apparently Patrick Stewart at first expected it to die very young. But instead, it kept going and actually did really well. ^_____^ As with most Star Trek shows, this one apparently knew how to "live long and prosper". ^___^

[@KittyStarlight]

@Account NumberEight They needed to be their own show, and eventually, they were. Even some of the episodes in the first season still show that. I remember just knowing pretty early on that the show had its own certain *something* that no other show had, or had *ever* had. (Picard, Riker, Data, Geordi...etc. And Beverly and Deanna were always two of my favorites also. ^___^)

[@rainydayman2k]

I would put "Up the Long Ladder" on the list above "Manhunt" or "Qpid". The idea of one colony ship seeding two disparate types of colonies - one agrarian, one technologically advanced - is an interesting idea to be sure, but the overly stereotypical Irish country bumpkins were way over the top, the clone colonists came off as unsympathetic, and the solution was just... bad.

[@calimann83]

I am actually really surprised that one wasn't on the list.

[@Thechezbailey]

Oh damn, yeah definitely among the worst.

[@prismpyre7653]

I liked that one as far as early series episodes go. Not weird to think two groups would share a ship in the early days of space colonization. It wasn't great but it certainly doesn't belong on the top 10 worst.

[@benjaminolson7206]

Very much agree (though I feel like that episode has been thoroughly roasted in other TrekCulture videos, so they might have just been trying to mix things up a little). The thing that makes it terrible is that the Hollywood stereotype of Irish people is also 19th century Irish people, which makes their existence in the 23rd century baffling. But I suspect given that they largely pass over the racism of Code of Honor in this list that they are trying to not pick on episodes for being problematic but for just being flat out bad, and I think the argument can be made that offensive stereotyping of the Irish aside that was actually a more fun episode than most on this list. I think you have to hate Vash to put it ahead of Qpid though.

[@antney7745]

It was nice of Picard and Riker to unilaterally decide for the other 150+ people on board the ship that NO CLONING ALLOWED instead of asking *literally* *anyone* *else* if they would be willing to donate some cell samples to be cloned from.

[@agrippa.the.cosmonaut-wiz]

How can people dislike the Robin Hood episode!? It's merry good fun!

[@BuhurtUK]

The writer is not a merry man? 🤔

[@andrewmurray1550]

the haters are not merry people.

[@jeremysaint]

I liked it back in the day but as a middle age man I prefer my star trek more grounded and really dislike all the magical cosmic beings

[@OnlyTwoShoes]

I protest! I am NOT A MERRY MAN!

[@DeMan59]

A matter of preference. It wasn’t awful like some of the first season shows but it was also kinda stupid. I expect more out of a Q episode.

[@TinySpiny]

I was really shocked to see Royale on this list. I find it one of the funniest episodes of TNG, and deliberately calling out the cliches was really nice.

[@bestoftrekworstoftrek]

The fact that it pokes fun at itself is it's most redeeming quality.

[@ericbundy1747]

Don’t care what this list says Royale is a good episode.

[@ComradePhoenix]

Honestly, it was my first episode of TNG (and Trek in general), and I fell in love with it.

[@jasonjimerson7046]

Out of all on the list, The Royale definitely doesn't belong. I can see why some would hate it, but I find it overall amusing.

[@JamieAllen1977]

Also, the finest set of breasts in all of broadcast t.v. I say.

[@ocietucker744]

I actually really love Qpid. It's great lighthearted fun, and John de Lancie is always amazing. What do you mean no laughs? "Sir, I protest. I am NOT a merry man!" Though I agree Cost of Living isn't a great episode, and Alexander is a little annoying, I certainly don't think he deserves all this hate. I don't think he's even that bad. He's not a model child by a longshot, but who can blame him? His mother was brutally murdered (she died before his eyes), and he had to go live in a new place with this father he never knew, who struggles to connect with him. It disturbs me to hear you say that you "want to slap him", even though you probably meant that as a joke. Sub Rosa is ridiculous, but it's not actually as bad as everybody makes it out to be. The episode is supposed to be cheesy, and it's more fun to watch than a lot of stuff from S1 and S2. It's a shame that Gates McFadden didn't get better episodes to feature in, but she still does a great job with what she's given, and is always fun to watch.

[@beepboop204]

so you think that kid playing Alexander took all that backstory into mind when he crafted this deep and moving acting of his?

[@ocietucker744]

@@beepboop204 I guess it depends on if we're focusing on whether Alexander's behavior makes sense in-universe (which I was mainly speaking about) in light of what has happened to the character, or the out-of-universe factors (what you're talking about), namely the talent of the actor. To that, I'd argue that he's a child actor with a small role, and on this basis I think he did a fine job. Honestly, he was probably just following direction. Alexander's character was used to create friction and contrast with Worf, because the two of them are so different. I don't think Alexander would be on anyone's list of favorite characters, but I don't think he was bad either.

[@beepboop204]

@@ocietucker744 good child actors is a relatively recent thing

[@alakani]

@@beepboop204 Well at the time, Brian's favorite book was A Clockwork Orange in real life, so maybe he's not the one lacking depth here and perhaps there's some reason other kids of the 80s related to him

[@cmedtheuniverseofcmed8775]

I agree. I loved Qpid. It was still a fun episode with Q, regardless. :)

[@johnmoss4624]

The Royale is one of my favorite episodes. It's like an escape room episode. They are trying to push the limits of the simulation to see where the cracks emerge.

[@BCBaron]

Not sure I'd call it one of my favorites, but it's definitely one of those episodes where if I accidentally stumble across it while channel surfing, I usually watch all the way to the end. The fact that the stakes were lowered and the away team was not in any immediate danger makes it relaxing and enjoyable. Plus, Brent Spiner kind of stole most of the scenes he was in.

[@pdonettes]

This isn’t my list. Someone hates Lwaxana!

[@leiatyndall8648]

I think of that episode as Star Trek: Hotel California, so to speak.

[@alakani]

@@Totttty55 To me her character always came off as a bit of a rapist in TNG. The complete lack of boundaries and empathy were more viscerally disturbing than funny. I can't help but wonder how those interactions would have turned out had she gone after someone less prepared than a Starfleet captain. Qpid was hilarious. Lwaxana was much less creepy in DS9

[@GR-bn3xj]

@@BCBaron definitely me too. If I stumbled across this one, I watch it for sure. Royale is awesome

[@jpicard81]

I loved the Robin hood episode. When worf smashes Geordi's little guitar is hilarious. Also when troi accidentally shoots data with the arrow. Any Q episode is good

[@startrekker6913]

I totally agree that guitar bit is one of my favorite clips of star trek

[@user-zh4vo1kw1z]

I havent seen this 10 things yet but had to say that my immediate response was 'so what does that have to do with most people's favorite episode?' "Sir, I protest! I am NOT a merry man!" is one of those perfect lines: funny with or without context, so perfectly fitting the character that it just... belongs there and delivered with utter sincerity. And yeah, even though that guitar scene was lifted directly from Animal House, Dorn and Levar deliver it so dryly it is almost the better version of that gag. Especially the slightly apologetic-but-not-really shrug afterwards (seems so Klingon: "sorry you didn't like it, but what did you expect? To annoy me and NOT have me get agressive? Smashing the guitar was me being polite!")

[@startrekker6913]

@@user-zh4vo1kw1z Completely agree

[@johnbockelie3899]

"Cost of living" should be titled " Auntie Maim ". It's down right terrible. The only thing good about the Robin Hood episode is Worf claiming" I am not a merry man !!".

[@nancyomalley6286]

@@startrekker6913 Lute. And I believe it's a homage to "Animal House" when Belushi's character did that to someone else during a toga party

[@CamMcGinn1981]

To be fair to Lwaxana, the going to her wedding naked is because that's the Betazoid custom. It WAS powerful of her to show that she wasn't going to hide who she was just because that wasn't part of her fiancé's culture. And Alexander's grin with noone trying to hide it from him was an amazing moment and lesson of acceptance Aside from that, the episode bored me. LOL

[@jasonjimerson7046]

With that kind of custom, you would think there were more Ferengi/Betazoid weddings out there.

[@CamMcGinn1981]

@@jasonjimerson7046 can't argue that. LOL

[@GrandInfernoElite]

I usually find lwaxana episodes fun, but this episode was pretty boring. And the circus characters are kind of creepy, reminds me more of the evil clown in voyager

[@bradfilippone7064]

@@jasonjimerson7046 Betazoid nudity is an acceptance that the body is a natural thing and should not always be covered in public. Ferengi nudity is a way of controlling their woman. So the two cultures would not get along very well.

[@daphnewilson7966]

I thought the commentary had a flavor of some old Victorian or Calvinist child upbringing uptightness: should it be portrayed as sympathetic that the child is being influenced to defy his father! That, to my mind, is the meat of Trek! Question authority! Explore! Discover and respect yourself! "Cost of Living" is one of my favorites!

[@mikeseymour9114]

I’m not sure why this list of most hated episodes contains Q-Pid (“the Robin Hood one”) which is loved by many fans (myself & many other commenters included).

[@danielwolf1673]

I agree, and I have to believe that it was on there only because the person making up the list did not like it. I doubt this is a consensus worst ten episode among TNG fans. I don't love it, but I like it.

[@Thathumanoverthere1701]

It was a really fun episode, I thought. I wasn't meant to be a Picard epic speech and moral lesson episode. Nice palette cleanser.

[@jadeblatz]

Although I agree with many of the choices on this list I must disagree about The Royale and Q-Pid. I've always liked Q-Pid and I think it is one of their best funny lighter episodes, while not a great episode I don't think it derserves to be called hated. The Royale is one of my favourite TNG episodes, it's great, it's funny and I think their are many more episodes that deserve to be on this list than either of these.

[@milehighmegs]

Totally!!! Qpid was an homage to the Errol Flynn version of Robin Hood, and yes, while it was a *bit* cheesy, it was all in good, light-hearted fun. The Royale has one of my absolute favorite Data moments: "Baby needs a new pair of shoes." And then rolls those dice like a BOSS. CLASSIC!!!

[@devinoni]

I enjoyed The Royale, and I disagree about Gates' performance in Sub Rosa - I think she really went for it. I also like Cost of Living, I know it gets criticized but I found it sweet and funny - probably my favorite Lwaxana episode.

[@startrekker6913]

I can agree with The Royale but Cost of living isn't great and I do find it boring

[@crookeymonster1]

I loved the royale episode

[@kroome111]

Always enjoyed The Royale, amazed how it always appears on worst episodes list. Hopefully because all other episodes are so great and they need something to fill the list

[@jackroyaltea5034]

Gates McFadden can do no wrong.

[@johnmorris7735]

"Cost of Living" was basically "Mame "in space 🤣🤣🤣...

[@JennyEverywhere]

What, "The Child" didn't make the list? The Star Sperm that knocks up Troi is bad enough, but the throwaway line Data gives about Eichner radiation, that it is generated by "certain cyanoacrylates," aka Krazy Glue should have earned it a Razzie award.

[@Thechezbailey]

You could easily make a 25 worst episodes list, unfortunately.

[@MarisaP1978]

I still liked that Data was there for the birth tho. It was a really sweet scene.

[@JennyEverywhere]

@@MarisaP1978 Bah. He was easily sterilized, being nonorganic life. So there was no reason to exclude him if Troi was okay with it. It'd be like having the microwave in the room, except it can talk. So...maybe not a microwave, but a Talkie Toaster. "I have to ask how you feel about the child...do you think he'll like some toasted brioche?"

[@JennyEverywhere]

@@Thechezbailey Oh, so VERY easily. Such as the Wesley episode where he accidentally creates a nanoscale sapient race from a botched school experiment, giving us the unbelievably bad image of "ugly bags of mostly water". *shudder* What we endured because of the writers' strike...oy!

[@MarisaP1978]

@@JennyEverywhere no, I disagree. Data by that time was a friend and since he had helped her that far, there was no reason why he couldn't be there. She trusted him as a friend. Data was always more than the sum of his parts and if you don't see that, then you're not really a fan in my eyes, because it shows that you don't really understand what was going on. Talk about ignorant!

[@jmpopov]

I liked The Royale. Qpid was one of my favorite eps. What I can’t get over is how Genesis didn’t make this list. Ugh! Oh and one more thing: The higher, the fewer!

[@tetravega567]

Ha! HA! It is the laughing hour. HA! Ha! HA!

[@MonCappy]

In like Genesis quite a bit, as it's a fun, creepy episode, but there is a lot wrong with it. Particularly the portrayal of evolution, atavism and how those work. Simply awful understanding on the part of the writers. More importantly, than that is Doctor Crusher blithely telling Barclay that a disease she created with her carelessness (and resulted in dead crew members, Troi being assaulted by Worf, and the massive trauma caused to the crew) not being court martialed and cashiered out of Starfleet. I like Doctor Crusher as a character, but this episode makes her carelessly incompetent.

[@allisonbergh4429]

@@tetravega567 I ate my worlds 🥺

[@troylowe814]

I am NOT a merry man! That line justifies the entire Robin Hood episode.

[@twocvbloke]

"Shades of Gray" was an unfortunate consequence of a big ol' writers' strike, so they had to go clip-show as there was nothing else they could do to make that episode, given it was the season finale, so they had to put something out to avoid missing scheduled airing, and sadly, that was what we got as a result, poor dialogue, set dressing lacklustre, and of course, clip clip clip, so was doomed from the outset...

[@justfadingaway]

that and they were out of money for the season.

[@dennykeaton9995]

The 1988 screenwriter's strike happened before the season started, though.

[@justfadingaway]

@@dennykeaton9995 right and at the time Paramount was making sure their shows stayed within budget. So when they blew their load on Elementary, Dear Data and Q Who. They had very little left for the season ending, hence why the clip show.

[@devcybiko]

Yes. This.

[@nicholasperrin3241]

Season 2 Episode 1 "The Child" So horrible, not only did Ellie not list it, everyone else in the comments forgot it existed too.

[@BuhurtUK]

I mean she didn't write the list, she just reads it. But yeah I'd take the Royale off and put that one on in a heartbeat 😂

[@Donnagata1409]

Definitely hate that one! Should be at the top of the list.

[@nathanieldoyle1746]

Sub Rosa and The Child are the top worst. I'm not sure which should be number one and which two.

[@Parasmunt]

I enjoyed it. I liked the virus element even though the alien element was ridiculous and boring.

[@user-ed4fv9nd3b]

Journey's End is by far the stupidest episode of Star Trek TNG. It taught us that all you have to do to stop time is yell "NOOOO!" real loud.

[@phillychick]

What...no Skin of Evil? Tasha Yar getting killed by a pool of tar was one of the lowest points of the awful first season, although that isn't saying much. And Qpid was hilarious: "Sir, I must protest. I am NOT a Merry Man!" What did irritate me about that episode was that during the big fight scene in the end (with the REALLY bad sword play), Troi and Crusher's only contribution was smashing pots on a couple heads. Even Marina Sirtis and Gates McFadden complained about not being given any proper action scenes.

[@m.l.tankesly2665]

I prefer to think of Skin of Evil as a horrid nightmare. For the love of sanity couldn't they of just transferred the woman?

[@corbinmcnabb]

During the first season (in my opinion), there was a lack of tension. If the Binars had stolen the ship, for example, they would have given it back and little harm done. With the death of Yar, you get serious issues, get rid of a character, and prepare for bigger challenges.

[@tetravega567]

@@corbinmcnabb As much as I hated her death, it does the point of reminding us that death can be sudden & empty/pointless. Not everyone dies an epic hero/villain death in real life. Shit happens.

[@stevenlitvintchouk3131]

@@tetravega567 If that didn't ruin the episode for you, the ridiculous makeup wound on Yar's head from being attacked by the Petroleum Creature should have done it.

[@tetravega567]

@@stevenlitvintchouk3131 lol yeah *random grease smear

[@mattbillington4602]

10: code of honour 9: code of honour 8: code… and so on 😂

[@QuintusAntonious]

Folks, I love TrekCulture and you do a lot of great content...but, maybe don't criticize the repetitive score of an episode when almost all of your content has the same song playing in a loop in the background. It's one of the most annoying things about your otherwise fantastic videos.

[@NoahStew]

Damn I love Lwaxana Troi as a character. She's always trying to do what she thinks is morally right while still being able to keep the crews of the enterprise and DS9 on their toes. She makes Picard more uneasy than even the Romulans

[@vanmoody]

She could read his mind and knew he really wanted her. lol"Jean Luke??"

[@bigneon_glitter]

The Lwaxana Troi episodes are great. She's like a street-level Q - messing with the crew's heads to make them better people.

[@vtmarik]

And like many other characters really came into her own on DS9, her whole time with Odo was fantastic. She could be herself around him, completely free of pretension.

[@Thechezbailey]

@@vtmarik I came back to this video and comment just to say this, and you already had, so thank you. Her friendship with Odo is lovely. Touching, believable, just well written.

[@terri5608]

I LOVE Luxana trois eps. I loved how she always chased Picard. 😂

[@JosephBHenry]

QPid, really? I attended a Convention in Hamburg/Germany in 1991. We saw 'QPid' for the first time and afterwards, John de Lancie entered the room, and got an enthusiastic standing ovation. It was one of my most memorable convention experiences ...

[@benjaminquan3247]

how could anyone disklike Qpid? It was different and humorous but I guess to each their own

[@nabbar]

I'd put Skin of Evil at the top of the list of hated episodes. Killing a major character in a way that has no point other than illustrating how evil a monster is provides reasons to hate the episode that go far beyond just being uninteresting or at times somewhat annoying.

[@MonCappy]

I suspect that the pointlessness of her death was a result of Diane Crosby wanting to leave the show. I suspect there was little lead time between her decision to leave and the writers having to cobble together something to write her off the show.

[@BTScriviner]

@@MonCappy I always thought the reason they killed Tasha off that way was to spite Denise Crosby for wanting to quit.

[@MonCappy]

@@BTScriviner That's entirely plausible. Probably a better explanation than mine all things considered. On the other hand, I think it's unlikely she would've ever returned to the show if they did do it out of spite.

[@BTScriviner]

@@MonCappy Then again, time and money have a way of changing minds. 😉 "Yesterday's Enterprise" is one of the best Trek episodes ever. Who would turn down a chance to appear in it despite previous bad experiences?

[@robertclark6349]

@@BTScriviner I believe that too. This was also around the time that Gates McFadden was not coming back for the second season. Denise Crosby, Gates McFadden, and Marina Sirtis have all commented on how poorly the female characters were treated during the first two seasons.

[@cmedtheuniverseofcmed8775]

I actually feel Justice is an episode that feels like a throwback to TOS for some reason and still interesting. I actually remember liking the idea that a society is clean, paradise, and perfect, but the punishment for deviation is absolutely serious while dealing with anything. I don't think it's a bad episode (not amazing either), especially coming from Season 1 of TNG which was plagued with problems behind the scenes as it was. I do agree that Shades of Gray was just horrible (truly skippable) and made during a writer's strike causing the episode to be repeat clips of past episodes.

[@daviddrake5991]

Seasons 1 and 2 are TOS with TNG paint job. Season 3 is when TNG takes off and becomes its own show.

[@timothyvreeland7477]

Yeah that episode and Code Of Honor, give me huge TOS vibes.

[@chad1901]

It was also the beginning of the idea of the planet Risa

[@w415800]

Should have nuked the planet from orbit, what a worthless race of people.

[@s47industries]

The Royale will always have a special place in my heart. I believe it was one of the first episodes of TNG I ever saw.

[@tonebonebgky2]

Sorry royale was horrible 😆😂

[@timothyvreeland7477]

@@tonebonebgky2 I liked that episode

[@danroth7260]

@@tonebonebgky2 It can both be a bad episode and also have a special place in someone's heart as they first TNG episode they saw.

[@mikes7423]

Mine was Skin of Evil. Great episode.

[@kyledrury6396]

I think Cost of Living might be Lwaxana’s best episode. I love the way she teaches Alexander to seize life, thereby teaching it to herself as well.

[@Sephiroth144]

Of course, she's teaching her lesson explicitly at Worf's expense. I mean, nothing a single parent likes better than a work friend's mom swooping in and telling your kid to ignore you...

[@sunspot42]

Half a Life is Lwaxana’s best episode. It’s the first time they don’t play her as a joke, and winds up being more powerful as a result.

[@AdamEspersona]

@@sunspot42 Dark Page was also good.

[@headrockbeats]

Half a Life is easily her best episode, starting with the fact that, unlike the others, it's _an actually good episode._ There's also the DS9 episode where she gets Odo to open up to her, but that b-plot is surrounded by an absolutely _awful_ a-plot, so it gets a distant second place at best.

[@Ahmed-qu1mp]

Half a Life blows it out of the water.

[@danielwolf1673]

If you are going to come out with videos like "The Ten Most..." I think you owe us an explanation as to who is deciding this. This is a terrible list. Manhunt is not one of the best episodes, but it is not one of the worst either. Qpid is a fun episode. John de Lancie is always excellent, and the Q episodes always have far more depth than they appear. I don't usually say stuff like this, because everyone has their own opinion, but if you created this list, then you should own it. Do not pretend that this is somehow a consensus list put together after asking thousands of Star Trek fans. This is your list, so call it, "My List of 10 Worst Episodes."

[@jupamoers]

Geordi killed one of the Changelings, sent by the Dominion...he caused the Dominion War

[@joelellis7035]

Damn it! He should have stuck to reading books!!

[@jupamoers]

@@joelellis7035 or falling in love with holograms

[@ratboygenius]

It would be amazing and hilarious to see a presentation and argument for why these might be some of the 10 best episodes. The characters, locations, scenarios, etc. could all look pretty awesome through a sci-fi television lens. . .

[@Rybagz]

Encounter at Farpoint could almost make it here as well. The miracle of ST: TNG is that it made it past the 2nd season, there were some real bad eps early on.

[@johnmorris7735]

Mick Fleetwood playing a fish made "Manhunt" worthwhile...

[@christopherg2347]

I actually liked those Episodes. They were character centric and I found the characters acted whole believable - very human and relateable in the sources of their conflicts. And some wierd cultures were in there to boot. Except Shades of Gray. It's only contribution was making up lost time and budget from two very critical previous Episodes. According to memory alpha: Director Rob Bowman commented, "It was Paramount saying, 'We gave you more money for "Elementary, Dear Data" and the Borg show. Now do us a favor and give us a three-day show.' So that's what you do. It's an accepted part of the medium."

[@BOTHthosearetaken]

Minor point in Code of Honor: She's dead enough to dissolve the marriage automatically but not so dead as to trigger inheritance. Even as a child that seemed awfully specific to me

[@kirkmorrison6131]

I love the Robin Hood episode especially the line" I am not a merry man" by Worf

[@startrekker6913]

That line is perfect

[@user-zh4vo1kw1z]

The writer of this list obviously didn't like the more comedic episodes

[@kirkmorrison6131]

@@startrekker6913 I always thought so, it is also hilarious as it comes from a Klingon Warrior

[@andrewmurray1550]

and for some reason Picard/Stewart makes the perfect Robin Hood and Vash the perfect Marion (except she's less the damsel-in-distress and more the (referencing Star Wars) Leia-taking-charge kind of woman.

[@TheWhizKid007]

Here’s the thing… Every episode about the Prime Directive makes the Prime Directive seem optional!

[@geoffroi-le-Hook]

except the one with the drug addict planet

[@Caspar67]

I loved the cost of living episode, "Oh I exposed you to all sorts of mixed messages at that age you still turned out deadly dull." LOL they were trying to have fun

[@danielwolf1673]

I agree. This is an episode about growing older, and there is a lot of humanity along with the humor. Perhaps not as sexy as some other episodes, but not one of the ten worst.

[@Caspar67]

@@danielwolf1673 I know right? They were having fun, I get what they meant but sometimes it's nice to just have a fun episode can't be super serious all the time, that goes to the reimagined BSG

[@jasonmeadors3524]

Well.... there was the one where the crew devolves, kills each other, the ship goes dead and floats through space without apparent reaction from Starfleet about its flagship gone dark And the one where a Mayan temple of sorts is built in the ship and takes it over. And Skin of Evil. And the one where the stereotypical drunken Irishman is the center of the plot, saved only by the line "Send in the Clones." Nottingham Forest is tame by comparison to these uglies.

[@troylowe814]

Let's just pick any nine episodes from the first season and the episode where Riker falls for the alien she-man and call it a day.

[@Plush.Hunter]

I wonder why Enterprise was allowed to contact so many pre-warp species. The Edo, the Ligonians, Angel One... guess the Prime Directive wasn't active during season 1.

[@tetravega567]

Maybe they already had contact with other aliens? IIRC they were told about the Edo by another race, plus the "Edo God" interdimensional space station in orbit. One would assume they already knew about aliens. How did they know the Ligonians had a vaccine, who told them?

[@chbu7081]

The inhabitants of Angel One were already aware of alien civilizations and the Enterprise crew didn't really interfere, so there was no violation of the Prime Directive there.

[@djcruiselover3827]

I never understood what people kept on talking about the prime directive with this episode for the last 30 years the prime directive does not have any bearing on this episode whatsoever

[@koelekahuna9370]

QPid has Worf's greatest/ funniest line ever.

[@jmpopov]

2 funniest. Don’t forget “Nice legs…… for a human”

[@Super_Middleman]

Any of the episodes where a crew member is "possessed" by an entity has my vote. Every time they made one of those episodes it was so painfully clear that they were pinching pennies and cutting corners on their production budget.

[@paulshuttleworth6261]

The one where the devolve sue some kind of “intron virus” utter guff.

[@werideatdusk]

Power Play is good

[@adamgoss3638]

I unapologetically love "The Royale" tho it could have used more tension and less crappy dialogue from the book. As for "Justice", yeah, suuper awkward episode but I would argue there was common ground reached - it just wasn't reached with the Edo. Picard (and Riker) reach it in a one-sided conversation with the Edo's god. First the deity-entity prevents them from beaming up, but when Picard addresses them, backed up by Riker, the Edo's god lets them beam away, giving a clear non-verbal agreement with Picard's assessment of the Edo's chosen system of justice. Had the Edo's god disagreed, they'd still be stuck on the planet and we wouldn't have Wesley appearing in Star Trek: Picard. As for hated episodes in general, my personal worst from TNG is "Imaginary Friend". It's so bad that I cannot stand to include it when I re-watch the series. The little girl form the alien takes is not only creepy as hell but I think poorly written and poorly directed (and possible poorly acted but I don't want to pick on the girl they cast as she was just a kid doing what she was told to do). She's too obvious a threat to be dismissed even by the human girl who mistakes her for her imaginary friend. The whole thing is just badly telegraphed, cliche and unpleasant even as a "fun creepy episode".

[@Bakamoichigei]

As much as I absolutely _loathe_ Justice as an episode, I _do_ ever so love Picard's "Seems the Edo Lord agrees with you, Number One." as they dematerialize. Like, he doesn't turn to the Edo and say "LOOKS LIKE YOUR GOD SAYS 'SUCK IT', LOSERS!" but he doesn't _not_ do it, ykwim? 😂

[@TrekkieChannel]

7 of these 10 "most hated" episodes belong to my FAVORITE episodes. People are weird. Manhunt - brilliant comedy, one of the funniest episodes of all franchise QPid - masterpiece. One of the best Trek episodes ever. Angel One - great parody of feminism, other than that it's pretty stupid. Aquiel - absolutely love it The Royale - a great combination of creepy and funny, love it. Cost of Living - I don't love it, I think it's OK, I totally don't get why it's on the list Justice - OK, this is pretty dumb, but at least has attractive actresses Sub Rosa - I absolutely love this one Code of Honor - OK, this one sucks Shades of Grey - complete waste of time

[@chancellorjake]

Damn. Ellie insulting Lwaxana as one of the most annoying characters is the worst thing I've ever heard on this channel. The Daughter of the Fifth House is a great character and Cost of Living is essentially Star Trek's version of Auntie Mame. It's silly, but not a bad episode.

[@Makman1994]

Inheritence; Everyone lying to Dr. Juliana Tainer about her being an android, was horrible and obnoxious, since they left her vulnerable to the trauma of discovering that she's an android and unaware of the advantages of being an android. Remember when Picard told Wesley that "The first duty of every Starfleet officer is to the truth, whether it's scientific truth or historical truth or personal truth! It is the guiding principle on which Starfleet is based." Yet in this episode, they completely go against all of this, because they can't be bothered to help her cope with and adapt to being an android for both her own wellbeing and for others, not to mention putting other people into a hard position. Ironically in the Star Trek Voyager episode "Once upon a time" (Another bad episode that centers on a character lying about something important) Neelix's lie (while bad) is less of a bad call than what Data, the TNG crew and Soong did to Dr. Juliana Tainer. Awful episode!

[@anthonyx916]

I thought most of the episodes on the list had some redeeming elements or qualities, with the exceptions of "Shades of Gray" and "Code of Honor". That said, I found much of the first season and parts of the second season cringeworthy to varying degrees, "The Naked Now" particularly so. I think the biggest flaw in season 2 was Dr. Pulaski; her character seemed jarring as was much of her dialogue. Yeah there were clunker episodes sprinkled throughout the entire run of TNG, but yes, amazing the show survived its first two seasons.

[@countluke2334]

The Naked Now definitely deserves 2nd or 3rd place. Disagree about Pulaski, though, she is really quite awesome. I would have liked her to stay. Beverly is much more boring as a person, especially since that slight Picard/Crusher romance never got anywhere.

[@karenchristinewise7833]

Shades of Grey was made because the budget was blown on the previous episodes. The writers strike was also on meaning that there was no no scripts. A lot of shows re-used old scripts and/or footage.

[@sureshmukhi2316]

I was expecting Ellie to mention the writer's strike but she didn't.

[@sinswhisper9588]

i have come to realize that Georgi was basically TNG's version of DS9's Miles O'Brian (in that bad shit always happened to him throughout the series)

[@BuhurtUK]

So true

[@Akira625]

Kidnapped by Pakleds, brainwashed by Romulans, tossed around like a rag doll by a malfunctioning turbolift.

[@werideatdusk]

At least OBrien gets laid

[@Stardust_7273]

I would agree Geordi could have discovered something in Aquiel, but I think it as a good episode and had an ending one wouldn’t see coming. Also, Llxana being naked for her wedding wasn’t disgusting, it was a clear message saying, I’m gonna be myself.”

[@Aezetyr]

I had a visceral reaction when I saw that 'Code of Honor' was #2 on the list. Then I saw that 'Shades of Gray' was #1, and that kinda makes sense in the fact that it barely got made; calling it a shoestring budget was stretching it, and I think there was a looming writers strike at the time. Truthfully though... 'Code of Honor' is the absolute worst TNG episode, and was the worst Trek episode up until 'A Night in Sickbay' was made. I'd watch 'Threshold' 10 times (pun completely intended) before watching 'Code of Honor' or 'A Night in Sickbay' ever again. There's an apocryphal story about Garrett Wang; getting the part of Harry Kim and wanting to go back and watch TNG. Each time he stepped into an episode, it was 'Code of Honor'.

[@MarisaP1978]

I honestly liked A Night in Sickbay. It had some really funny parts to it and it was really sweet to see Archer so concerned about his dog.

[@BCBaron]

@@MarisaP1978 I totally agree. I'd much rather watch it again than either Code of Honor or Threshold.

[@MarisaP1978]

@@BCBaron yeah, those were not the best episodes.

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

Episodes like these are kind of a test that reveals who truly loves Star Trek. My advice is: Lighten up! Embrace the silliness of these awkward, tentative, early first steps in a journey that grew and expanded into something truly awesome. Something of a parallel in the original series is "Spocks Brain". The loathing for this episode is nearly universal among the scowling, humourless, wet blanket types. With immortal lines like "They are the bringers of pain...and delight." and "Brain and brain, WHAT IS BRAIN??", it is an absolute masterpiece. I feel a bit sad for whoever made this joyless and point-missing critique, and urge them to smoke an immense joint, preferably of a good, old school Sativa

[@startrekker6913]

I love QPID its amazing and although zash is annoying I love it and it had Q so its automatically awesome

[@jimmyryan5880]

I liked the royal. The weirdness of this place that exists yet doesnt exist was interesting.

[@proto-geek248]

I liked the Twilight Zoniness of it.

[@startrekker6913]

Trek Culture Sort this OUT QPID IS AMAZING AND EVERYONE THINKS SO

[@warpdriveby]

In all honesty, I don't hate ANY episode of TNG. My parents were fans (not trekkies, just fans, but trekkie parents would've been fun) so reruns of TOS and the cartoon of TOS were my first exposures, followed closely by TNG that I grew up on. There are indeed weaker episodes, but I've happily watched them all many times and wouldn't turn any of them off or skip one. Of course I have a rather romantic bias, and freely admit that. For me, TNG is the bar that I hold all but TOS to. So far my take on Strange New Worlds is really pleased and hopeful, I think it has presented many traits in homage to the best of Trek, I hope they keep it up!

[@Capt.Marco-Hawk-L.L.A.P]

"Sir I protest I am not a merry man" Love that line and the episode. some are not the best episodes but I don't hate any of them.

[@pappapiglet]

The entire point of the episode of "Justice" is that the Edo are simplistic and they do not question their god. The whole idea of a race in orbit around their planet guiding them and controlling them was extremely interesting. Oddly the crew never delve very deeply into this since they were simply planning to leave when the whole Wesley dilemma came up. But it is interesting How the Edo are simply meant to stay fit and multiply. Wonder if the aliens from V are the ones in orbit???

[@darkguardian1314]

14:14 Issue with the first two years, Picard always seems to kiss up to the aliens and be run over. Instead of having mutual respect, it is a one-way domination of the alien species over Starfleet at the risk of offending them. Doesn’t matter if the fire on the ship or kidnap the crew.

[@dinomonzon7493]

Jim Kirk & Spock over Picard & Riker any day. Surprised Q-Pid was on the list. While it’s not what I’d call a ‘classic’, it’s far more watchable than Shades of Grey. By his own admission, John DeLancie noted in a Starlog interview that Hide and Q was the Q episode he didn’t particularly like. My own Top 10 Worst TNG episodes are: Shades of Grey, Manhunt, When the Bough Breaks, Lessons, Sub-Rosa, Cost of Living, Aquiel, Child’s Play, The Neutral Zone, and The Dauphin.

[@timothyvreeland7477]

I love The Royale. Its like one of those episodes I wasnt sure if I had dreamed it up or its was real. The atmosphere is so surreal. Its kind of mysterious and foreboding in a way. Theres just some kind of magic thats hard to put into words. Something I would have only seen in that era of TV.

[@rayceeya8659]

I'm sorry, but any episode that features Majel Beret is GOOD in my book. She was such a lovely woman who poured her heart into Trek. She Truly was Gene Rodenberry's soul mate and that is a beautiful thing.

[@psykkomancz]

Qpid is the most hilarious episode for me. On the other hand, I find criticizing Sub Rosa for being B-movie horror episode it was actually intended to be kinda weird. To each their own, I guess.

[@Deraphim]

I know a lot of this was early season 1 stuff, but I still insist Season 1 (and 2) as a whole shouldn't be skipped

[@BreadApologist]

The bit where laxana goes to the wedding nude isn’t bad, it’s explained in the episode that it’s betazoid tradition.

[@sagigi22]

Whoever wrote the narration for this episode was tasked with making a list of 10 most hated episodes. And because he didn't find any he made up reasons to hate any 10 episodes. Instead of achieving the goal, he came out stupid as if he didn't understand the episodes at all.

[@spookerredmenace3950]

i loved the Robin Hood ep as well, it was funny and well acted , Code of Honour was terrible in ALL ways! , sex Ghost was silly and funny and over the top. The Royale was different and fun, a lot of season 1 was meh. Aquiel was average, shades of grey is just as bad as code of Honour

[@josefschiltz2192]

I like the Sub Rosa episode.

[@spookerredmenace3950]

@@josefschiltz2192 ya it was fun and silly

[@dono42]

Code of Honor and Angel One were terrible. But the rest weren't too bad. Qpid is a favorite.

[@525Lines]

4:28 How many times have we seen this cityscape? Gotta be over 10 times.

[@plantsoverpills1643]

Hating on a show whose episodes were created 29-36 years ago is illogical. There are always going to be favourite episodes. That doesn’t mean the rest are hated.

[@ChrisReise]

I was surprised that "The Royale" was #6. I thought for sure it was going to make #1 least favourite. Some of the episodes, I disagreed with. I actually loved "Code of Honor". And although "Shades of Gray" had a weak storyline, I DID like the editing towards the end of the episode...even if they slipped in a clip from "Star Trek III: The Search For Spock" LOL

[@countluke2334]

Code of Honor is racist to the core.

[@EatSleepEmpire]

As someone who just binged TNG for the first time, I can’t agree with really any of these because each one has great elements or are just so charming.

[@bonserbob]

The Royale has actually always been one of my favorite episodes.

[@raylastname5864]

Vash being mad about Captain Picard not telling his crew about her in Qpid is hands down the most Realistic event ever in Star Trek. how do i know this you ask, I am a veteran. the civilian significant others in the lives of the men and women in the military are 90% batshit crazy.

[@andrewhggj3695]

Alexander is a Saint, you *must* be an older sister! Seriously though this commentary made me laugh out loud quite a few times!

[@Holden308]

Literally the funniest thing about Qpid was Worf protesting that he was not a jolly man, then smashing Geordi's lute against a tree (you could see the smile on the face of Gates McFadden in the background like she was trying not to laugh hard).

[@mcarp555]

Oh, gosh, the one where Riker falls for an androgynous being (neither male or female). Totally out of character for a skirt-chaser like Will Riker. "The Game" where everyone goes nuts for a new video game and they end up forcing Wesley to try it until Data saves the day. The two-parter where Jelico takes command of the Enterprise because Picard is being tortured by a Cardassian. Jelico is a hardass for no particular reason, you know he'll be gone by the end anyway, and I find Picard's torture difficult to watch. I'm sure I could name more.

[@Troy729]

Jelico was right. He was captain and Riker should have been court martialed. He was also right in how he handled the Cardassians.

[@robertclark6349]

@@Troy729 It showed how complacent the crew has become. Especially Riker.

[@werideatdusk]

Those are all great episodes. Fail.

[@milehighmegs]

I agree with most of this list, but not all of it. 'Qpid' was a light-hearted tribute to the old Errol Flynn movies, and 'The Royale' has one of the best Data moments ever: "Baby needs a new pair of shoes." And then he rolls those dice like a BOSS. Classic!!! Since I haven't seen anyone else do this, I offer up my personal '15 Worst TNG Episodes,' aka the ones I skip on my yearly re-watch, in chronological order: 15: Code of Honor 14: The Neutral Zone 13: The Schizoid Man 12: Manhunt 11: A Matter of Perspective 10: Menage a Troi 9: In Theory 8: Hero Worship 7: Cost of Living 6: Imaginary Friend 5: The Birthright (just part 2; part 1 was awesome because of Data's dreams) 4: Descent Pt 1 3: Descent Pt 2 (with the notable exception of the return of Hugh; I did like that part) 2: Liasons 1: Homeward

[@seanwasch439]

Up the long ladder would've been on my list. I enjoyed qpid and manhunt.

[@crankychris2]

The 'Mick' blood in me is proud that we beat the Fed's to the stars. Every character kept their word and behaved honorably. "Every moment of pleasure must be paid by a moment of pain".

[@callicordova4066]

I love "Qpid." Warf's "merry man" line is the best. I also love Data's line in "Haven," about the "petty bickering."

[@ViroVV]

The 3 that come to mind right off the top of my head are A: Up the long ladder. B: The carbon copy of UTLL that sees Wesley lead a group of children in passive resistance against being taken for "infusion of genetic material" C: Skin of Evil. No.. Wait... the episode where both troi's and Riker are kidnapped. There are quite a few more. Predominantly in seasons 1 & 2. In hind sight it really is amazing that TNG survived those first two years. Also. Moral to the story is ... Troi episodes are always terrible. Regardless if its Luxana or Diana.

[@lyricsfromsweden]

Face of the Enemy is really good.

[@robertclark6349]

That episode was menage a trois.

[@haweater1555]

10:00 The "B-plot" of the metal parasite in "Cost of Living" is one of the most contrived plot devices of TNG. Here, the ship is in peril and the lives of everyone on board, including the entire wedding party, are in serious jeopardy. Data saves the day and right afterwards the wedding ceremony proceeds as if nothing has happened . The only real good moment was when Worf entered the holodeck and, annoyed by the multicoloured bubblehead; him slapping it away.

[@ajaiiz]

Qpid was good! Worf protesting that he's not a merry man makes this episode a classic.

[@proto-geek248]

Yes, it's a goofy episode. It's SUPPOSED to be a goofy episode. Shouldn't be on the list.

[@proto-geek248]

Yes, it's a goofy episode. It's SUPPOSED to be a goofy episode. Shouldn't be on the list.

[@TheDawnofVanlife]

Geordi being a semi-creepy stalker projecting feelings on someone he doesn’t know is….pretty standard. Aquiel at least had some feelings for him in the end.🤣

[@BTScriviner]

Geordi is much creepier when he starts to fall in love with the holographic Leah Brahms and the real Leah discovers it.

[@Sephiroth144]

Yeah, Geordi... Geordi is not smooth. Methinks he didn't date a lot in school/the Academy, and never caught up. Seriously, Riker, take that boy under your wing.

[@AllYouHaveToDoIsBeHonest]

What..? No stop motion beetles from the episode 'Conspiracy?' lololol.

[@AWriterWandering]

2:34 Season one may not have been great in terms of writing, but it did have a lot more creative makeup and costumes than later seasons (presumably for budgetary reasons)

[@Pureevil01]

We are men the men in tights....! Laaa lalalala la la lalalala la la lalalala la...

[@scottmantooth8785]

*knights of the round table...something something it's just a flesh wound...mostly(ish)*

[@louiscostanzo8772]

While I agree with most of number 5 cost of living, I think there was something that was very glaringly over missed. I personally like mrs. Troi , while I just can't stand Alexander. However go ahead somebody try and convince me that the touching scene in The Transporter when she was talking about the death of her husband and being alone, tell me she wasn't exactly talking about Gene Roddenberry. And to leave that part out of your anslysis is actually kind of sad.

[@bigneon_glitter]

Lookin' at _you,_ Season One. And the sex ghost episode. Pulaski wouldn't have had time for that nonsense.

[@scottmantooth8785]

*absolutely*

[@killwalker]

Shakar is a kinky ghost

[@spookerredmenace3950]

oh come on Sex ghost was awesome! lol

[@startrekker6913]

@@spookerredmenace3950I disagree he was hilariously terrible

[@spookerredmenace3950]

@@startrekker6913 it was over the top over acting awesome :P he best kind of acting

[@ToesToJesus]

Data plays a game of Craps, not a card game, in the Royale? Also, it could have been made better if the dramatic or comedic music could have become part of the scene? Worf, Riker and Data start looking around and commenting on music only they can hear!

[@theshadowdirector]

Also, the racism of Core of Honour was so apparent that even the cast and crew were all too aware when making it.

[@albanui6354]

I've heard people say that before, but honestly can't see it. Is it because their culture is a stereotypical/generic African culture? Definitely felt outdated, like something from the 60s; certainly shit, but not really racist. Maybe I'm missing something though

[@williammerkel1410]

Even though there are some cultures and people that Code of Honor is not an unfair depiction of (for example many of the tribes encountered on the Lewis and Clark expedition had for centuries stolen and kidnapped from each other as part of a complex honor system), it is not something that either can or should be made into a Star Trek episode unless it is dealt with more tactfully.

[@theshadowdirector]

@@albanui6354 it's a planet of entirely black people in portrayed in the vein of old fashioned stereotypical African tribes.

[@albanui6354]

@@theshadowdirector Would you consider the episodes with Irish and Scottish stereotypes racist too? Because they are hardly flattering portrayals either. I feel all three examples are less racist, and more just really lazy/uninspired writing

[@GKOALA7]

From this list: BEST Episode -- QPid WORST Episode -- Sub Rosa Actually, you should remove Qpid from this list. Data as Friar Tuck is pure genius!

[@keithcoyne]

Honestly I loved some of these ones people hated

[@MultiMackD]

Ehhh art is subjective

[@keithcoyne]

@@MultiMackD ehh sure is

[@MultiMackD]

@@keithcoyne but I think we can ALL agree Code of Honor is all kinds of wtf in hindsight

[@startrekker6913]

Yeah QPID especially its brilliant and, Q... awesome

[@TacticalBunnyCA]

I do not agree with Q-pid on this list. While it's not a great episode it's certainly is within line of some of the TOS episodes as well as having one of the funniest moments in all of TNG where wolf takes the gitter out of jordi's hands while he is very badly tryi g to play it and smashes it then handing it back to him.

[@madscientist8286]

Is it not that "Shades of Gray" resulted from a writer strike that time?

[@O4FUXACHE]

Yes, it was cobbled together just to keep things turning over . . . I don't think they did anyone any favours making this

[@PaulZebraski]

I strongly disagree with the inclusion of Manhunt, the Cost of lLving, and Justice. The most annoying character was Wesley, followed by some of the reoccurring holo characters . Lwaxana and Alexander, we're not annoying to me. In fact, I found Lwaxana to be very entertaining, and she made her episodes very memorable. The nudity thing was just her people's custom. Not flaunting. 2nd Justice was meant to show that diplomacy doesn't always work!! Maybe Starfleet shouldn't go all willy-nilly without checking the laws first. Does no one remember when Kirk had to pretend he was dead. In both cases, diplomacy failed. The world is not always perfect. Very deep episode shows that looks can be deceiving