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Star Trek: The 14 best episodes of The Next Generation, ranked

By Camila Domingues

Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured: Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATIONScreen grab: ©1990 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured: Patrick Stewart as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATIONScreen grab: ©1990 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. /
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3. “The Inner Light” (season 5, episode 25)

“The Inner Light”, first aired in the fifth season of TNG, takes viewers on an emotional rollercoaster through the eyes of Captain Jean-Luc Picard. In a dazzling display of storytelling, the episode introduces a mysterious alien probe that beams Picard into the life of an entirely different man on the planet Kataan.

What makes this episode shine is its brilliant execution of character development. We witness Picard experiencing a lifetime within the span of minutes, living as Kamin, a humble ironweaver. As Kamin, Picard learns to play the flute, finds love, and witnesses the passage of generations. The emotional impact is profound, leaving audiences reflecting on the brevity of life and the power of memory. Sir Patrick Stewart’s top-notch performance adds an extra layer of authenticity to this unforgettable journey, solidifying “The Inner Light” as a standout episode in the series.

The episode’s exploration of cultural preservation and the passing down of knowledge is both essential and thought-provoking. The flute, a symbolic link between Picard’s two lives, becomes a tangible representation of the profound impact of this alien encounter. As Picard returns to the Enterprise, the audience is left with a lasting impression of the beauty and fragility of the human experience.

“The Inner Light” not only serves as a testament to the creative brilliance of the show’s writers but also exemplifies the series’ ability to seamlessly bring together science fiction with deep philosophical and emotional themes. Its unique narrative structure and exceptional performances of the cast bring “The Inner Light” to the upper ranks of Star Trek greatness, making it a must-watch for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series alike. And that is why it earns the bronze medal as the third-best episode throughout the whole show’s run.

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