My Top 10 ST:TNG Episodes

I became aware watching Star Trek: The Original Series. I enjoyed Star Trek: The Motion Picture. I nearly worshiped Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan. I loved Star Trek III: The Search for Spock and Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home. Then when I was 13 Star Trek: The Next Generation premiered. I was hooked. Every Saturday night at 10:30pm, I was in front of the TV. I watched each episode carefully noting the title, the writers, directors and even guest stars. Here are my favorites.


1) The Inner Light

Picard lives an entire life on an alien world in twenty five minutes. A moving story about memory.


2) The Ensigns of Command

Data has to convince settlers that they will be slaughtered if they don’t relocate. Finely acted, finely written and finely directed.


3) The Measure of a Man

Data is put on trial to see if he has the right to choose. Powerful and thought-provoking this episode is capped off with a tour-de-force performance by Patrick Stewart.


4) Q Who?

Q introduces the Enterprise to the Borg. And nothing will be the same again. A terrifying challenge to human arrogance.


5) Conspiracy

Homage to 50’s sci-fi paranoia, this episode was scary when I first watched it. Parasitic aliens almost undo the whole of Starfleet.


6) Brothers

Simply excellent. An expertly crafted story of two sets of brothers trying to figure out what being brothers mean. Brent Spiner plays three roles to perfection.


7) Contagion

Picard rushes to solve a mystery that destroyed his friend’s ship and crew. An exciting adventure that leads the Enterprise into the Neutral Zone and to a world with remains of a people long dead.


8) A Matter of Honor

Riker serves aboard a Klingon vessel and has to face the Enterprise in battle. A nice glimpse into Klingon culture featuring the wonderful guest star, Brian Thompson.


9) Heart of Glory

Another great episode about Klingons. A fantastic look at Worf’s character early in the series with several cool fight scenes.


10) Tin Man

What’s with all the Tin Man hate? A Google reveals people all across the internet saying that this is a bad episode. Have they not seen The Game or The Royale? Or any episode in seasons six or seven (except Lower Decks)? The story is exciting and unique. It also features a musical score that is haunting and adds immensely to the atmosphere.

Honorable Mentions:
Reunion, The First Duty, Deja Q, Legacy, Datalore and Home Soil

My Top 10 ST:TOS Episodes

Every fan of Star Trek has their favorite episodes, so I thought I’d throw out mine. I don’t like to mix series, so all of these will be from Star Trek: The Original Series.


1) A Taste of Armageddon

I’m breaking with tradition here. Usually, The City on the Edge of Forever is ranked as the best episode. But there is something about this episode that stands out. This was made when science fiction still had an edge. This episode cuts deep and makes you think. What TV show can say that? The message: only the horrors of war teach us the pleasures of peace.


2) Balance of Terror

Essentially, a World War II story set in space. This episode teaches us about prejudice and foolishly seeking glory.


3) The City on the Edge of Forever

Usually, number one pick this episode is certainly a well crafted and moving story. Love and time collide forcing us to remember that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.


4) The Devil in the Dark

Given a hard time for dated special effects this episode still raises above many others. The arrogance of man is coupled with the fear of the unknown. Something lurks in the dark mines. Is it friend or foe? Or do we even ask?


5) Operation: Annihilate

An underrated gem this episode is a classic science fiction tale of terror. Alien parasites destroy all life, including Kirk’s own brother. In a battle for survival only one side can win.


6) Space Seed

Two words: Ricardo Montalban.


7) A Piece of the Action

A send up to gangster movies, this episode proves to be a rowdy good time.


8) Amok time

A look into Vulcan culture as Spock’s dark, illogical side emerges. An arranged marriage goes sour and Spock is forced to fight Captain Kirk to the death.


9) The Trouble with Tribbles

A hilarious romp that doesn’t let up for a second complete with Klingons, fuzzy alien creatures, barroom brawls and spies. What else do you need?


10) Journey to Babel

A visit from Spock’s parents is complicated with an assassin on the loose.

Honorable Mentions:
Court Martial, Arena, Mirror, Mirror and The Galileo Seven

Watch most of the ST:TOS episodes at CBS.com for free.