Star Trek: All 8 captains ranked from worst to best

7. Captain Rachel Garrett (USS Enterprise-C)

Appeared in: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Captain Rachel Garrett may have graced our screens for just a blink in yet another episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, this one titled “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” but she did leave an impression.

In a universe filled with larger-than-life captains, it’s not always the quantity of episodes that counts, but the quality of character. And Garrett had character for days. In the brief time we spent with her, she showcased not just great leadership, but also an immense willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good. Not every captain would make such a call, and that speaks volumes about her and her dedication to duty.

But, while her valor is commendable, she’s up against some of the biggest Starfleet giants. When you’re ranking captains who’ve had seasons to grow, evolve, and woo us with their adventures, it’s a tough crowd. Captain Rachel Garrett’s short appearance doesn’t give us the luxury of getting to know her quirks, her backstory, or seeing her tackle a plethora of challenges.

So, while she undeniably shines bright on this list of captains, she’s a brief yet brilliant spark in the longstanding flames of other captains.