Star Trek: The Next Generation

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Season 1
Season #: 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1
User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 115 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 98 out of 115
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 115
  3. Negative: 7 out of 115
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User Reviews

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  1. Necromus
    Oct 18, 2012
    10
    "Shakespeare in space" is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of how to describe this series. To this day this is my favourite TV series of all time. It was based on the universe created by Gene Roddenberry in the original great Star Trek series, but it went on to expand that universe and its optimistic vision for the future of man, err... humankind (the speech at the beginning"Shakespeare in space" is the phrase that comes to mind when I think of how to describe this series. To this day this is my favourite TV series of all time. It was based on the universe created by Gene Roddenberry in the original great Star Trek series, but it went on to expand that universe and its optimistic vision for the future of man, err... humankind (the speech at the beginning changed 'man' to 'one' to be more politically correct so I have to due the same ha ha..). The first season was a little shaky when the cast did not fully know their characters or the direction the show would head yet, and there were a few corny episodes spread over the seasons, but there were many, many high-quality episodes that were Hollywood movie quality. I liked this series best since it had really good character development of the regular crew and it was also thicker with subplots than the later watered-down spin off series. The show kept up with the times by having topics based on the latest theoretical science theories. This show was also more overtly intellectual than the original series which was mostly battles and fist fights. Of course TNG does have its share of battles and fist fights, but it is more about using wits and diplomacy to solve problems rather than brute force. Once the main characters knew their characters well the acting was really good too. Overall a great series and with the exception of The X-Files and the 2003 remake of Battlestar Galactica there has not been a Sci Fi series to match its quality since, including the Star Trek TNG spin-offs. Definitely a 10/10.… Expand
  2. skantea
    Sep 9, 2011
    9
    One of my favorite shows of all time which featured some of the best episodes ever broadcast. My favorites were the philosophical arguments played out as sci-fi melodrama. Favorite season were 2-5 which was the sweet spot between when the show found it's legs and when it went soft. Favorite episode, "Inner Light." If the writing, editing and acting in that one don't impress you, you'reOne of my favorite shows of all time which featured some of the best episodes ever broadcast. My favorites were the philosophical arguments played out as sci-fi melodrama. Favorite season were 2-5 which was the sweet spot between when the show found it's legs and when it went soft. Favorite episode, "Inner Light." If the writing, editing and acting in that one don't impress you, you're not a true geek. Lot's off hot actresses got their big break in episode one offs, including Teri Hatcher and Famke Jansen. Great catalog for your collection.… Expand
  3. Aotom
    Jan 17, 2013
    10
    Possible the best scifi show of all times. The theme of all seasons is moral. An intellectual discussion about how an Utopian society meets, treats and handles space exploration in a very populated universe. At times a bit pretentious but its hardly a fault that changes its review score.

    The show should not be judged on its first season because its awkward and the actors are all finding    Possible the best scifi show of all times. The theme of all seasons is moral. An intellectual discussion about how an Utopian society meets, treats and handles space exploration in a very populated universe. At times a bit pretentious but its hardly a fault that changes its review score.

    The show should not be judged on its first season because its awkward and the actors are all finding their place. It also feels very dated visually in the first season. After that it just gets better and better.    … Expand
  4. dam1730
    Jun 28, 2015
    8
    I realize this review is supposed to be for just season 1, but to really appreciate this show, it must be examined as an entire series. A common criticism of this series is that each episode is more-or-less independent. I understand this criticism, and can see how it could cause some people to dislike this series. However, there is a connection between the episodes, it is just notI realize this review is supposed to be for just season 1, but to really appreciate this show, it must be examined as an entire series. A common criticism of this series is that each episode is more-or-less independent. I understand this criticism, and can see how it could cause some people to dislike this series. However, there is a connection between the episodes, it is just not extremely apparent in a traditional story line. Instead, it comes in the form of the development of relationships between the characters and in the development of the characters as well. In TNG, the development does not occur in leaps and bounds, but rather, it is more gradual, which in my opinion makes it more believable.

    In my opinion, this series has the best acting/cast out of any of the Star Trek TV series. While some would argue that the original series to be better, I find the acting of Chris Stewart and company to be much stronger overall than that of the original series.

    Another common criticism of this series is that it reuses the same challenges over and over. This is one reason why this show doesn't get a 10 for me. However, I do understand why they chose to repeat some of these elements. The first reason is to "tip the cap" to the original series. This is a relatively common thing in any type of franchise. The second reason is that major intra-crew conflict was all but banned by Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry. Also, the fact that it is a StarFleet crew makes conflict within the crew really out of character and unsatisfactory. This ultimately forces writers to rely on outside influences to create conflict. However, I do think this could have been done a little better. I think more interaction with the Borg could definitely improved the series. To have such a powerful enemy go so unused harmed the series is my opinion. Every episode would not have to be dedicated to fighting a single enemy, however I think finding a more central enemy in the series would have increased cohesiveness between the episodes for those who desire that quality.

    Compared to modern sci-fi series, this is a much "lighter" show. It does not take itself too seriously. For those of you looking at this for Netflix, I think this is a good show to "binge watch" because it will allow you to see the character development more clearly.    … Expand
  5. Lokathor
    Dec 11, 2013
    4
    Season 1 TNG is a lot of ups and downs, and it's obvious that they didn't really know where they were going with a lot of the characters this early on. That's fine, sci-fi shows always have a rocky first season basically. As first seasons go, this one has some very solid episodes and some really bad ones. You get introduced to a bright and shining future world where things might be betterSeason 1 TNG is a lot of ups and downs, and it's obvious that they didn't really know where they were going with a lot of the characters this early on. That's fine, sci-fi shows always have a rocky first season basically. As first seasons go, this one has some very solid episodes and some really bad ones. You get introduced to a bright and shining future world where things might be better than they are today. I think it's kinda nice to go back and have that from time to time, because a lot of sci-fi since Star Trek has turned towards being more and more dark and dystopian.… Expand
  6. bcollins39302
    Sep 1, 2013
    6
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I can see why many critics who wrote their reviews after only seeing the first episode did not like the show. The first episode was pretty boring, the series did have its moments however.

    Most of the part 1, part 2 episodes were very interesting, and had story arc implications that affected the entire series. Like the Original Series however, most of the show failed to establish an overall story arc, the ideas and happening of all of the 45min episodes were never readdressed (except for maybe one or two), and they were all totally unrelated to each other.

    The main problem I have with this show is that it started the nonsensical practice of recycling the plots of old episodes. Every single Star Trek series to date has had at least one episode where the crew gets their bodies hijacked by aliens; TNG did not only have one of these episodes, I think it had at least four! TNG also recycled a few time travel plots here and there, but overall the series was good.    … Expand
  7. mathcat
    Jun 28, 2014
    10
    All the critics reviews are bogus to the nth degree. The characters are great, the graphics were great, and the story is amazing. If you love great movies watch this.
  8. drlowdon
    Apr 9, 2019
    6
    Resurrecting a long dead franchise, particularly one with a cult following like Star Trek, was a hugely risky proposition but in The Next Generation that gamble paid off and found arguably as big a following as the original series.

    To be honest a number of the episodes, especially those in this first season, have not dated well but thanks to an impressive ensemble cast (lead by the    Resurrecting a long dead franchise, particularly one with a cult following like Star Trek, was a hugely risky proposition but in The Next Generation that gamble paid off and found arguably as big a following as the original series.

    To be honest a number of the episodes, especially those in this first season, have not dated well but thanks to an impressive ensemble cast (lead by the legend that is Patrick Stewart) and a number of intelligent, well written episodes it mostly still makes for an enjoyable watch.    … Expand
  9. Kai82
    Jun 14, 2020
    7
    While the whole series is great and a 10/10 for me the first 2 seasons are a bit weaker. It is more that they have to find their style, improve the performance and the actors have to develop their characters. Also this is a common complain by many. Again I must mention that this means not that it is garbage. It is inferior to the later seasons. Story wise it started with good ideas andWhile the whole series is great and a 10/10 for me the first 2 seasons are a bit weaker. It is more that they have to find their style, improve the performance and the actors have to develop their characters. Also this is a common complain by many. Again I must mention that this means not that it is garbage. It is inferior to the later seasons. Story wise it started with good ideas and interesting episodes. There are of cause exceptions and some poor choices. Design wise there are also some sets, costumes and practical effects that look fake or poor. The characters improve as they develop their characteristics, interactions and edges. The special effects have surprisingly aged well. Overall the stories and continuously development or small improvements kept me engaged. There are many good episodes and the good outweighs the bad. My favorite episodes are: “Encounter at Farpoint” for Q and the resolve (Without those it would be unremarkable), “The Last Outpost” for its setting, lore and resolution, “Hide and Q” for the idea, temptation and Q (Also Riker is an idiot as he could have it all), “Datalore” cant spoil, “Too Short a Season” for story and idea, “Home Soil” for the dileama, solution and showing the cracks in the Federation, “The Arsenal of Freedom” for the set up and intensity, “Symbiosys” for the moral dilemma and resolve and “Conspiracy” for the plot that should be increased. Remark it was increased outside the TV series in books.… Expand
  10. Vlad1990
    Sep 26, 2015
    7
    First Season even being with mixed episodes makes up with Picard and his crew acting, engaging combat and setting. Even though first season isn't great, it provides character development and insight into new Star Trek franchise. What fascinates me by fact if this season is "wildly" considered as average, because of it's uneven episodes, however as I mentioned it flaws overall paste paceFirst Season even being with mixed episodes makes up with Picard and his crew acting, engaging combat and setting. Even though first season isn't great, it provides character development and insight into new Star Trek franchise. What fascinates me by fact if this season is "wildly" considered as average, because of it's uneven episodes, however as I mentioned it flaws overall paste pace is full of engaging combat, thrills and decent acting, especially from Patrick Stewart, it emerges beginning of one of the greatest sci-fi series.… Expand
  11. YorkMan
    Jan 9, 2016
    7
    Star Trek TNG is a seminal show in the Sci-Fi genre. Spanning 7 Seasons between 1987 to 1994 it was Gene Roddenberry's update on the 'Wagon Train in Space' premise that was the crux of the original 1960's TV show that started the whole thing off.
    At its best it was gripping, in every sense. From the writing, the direction, the acting (although the quality of the main cast, as well as the    Star Trek TNG is a seminal show in the Sci-Fi genre. Spanning 7 Seasons between 1987 to 1994 it was Gene Roddenberry's update on the 'Wagon Train in Space' premise that was the crux of the original 1960's TV show that started the whole thing off.
    At its best it was gripping, in every sense. From the writing, the direction, the acting (although the quality of the main cast, as well as the guest stars was, shall we say.... Debatable!), the famous opening theme, the (for the time) special effects.
    At its worst is was almost car-crash TV. Lazy writing, monster of the week, Ex-Machina story conclusions, pointlessly over the top acting.... The list goes on and on.

    So, in order to arrive at some kind of general 'score', you have to weigh all those factors together, as well as looking at how the show progressed over the years. How some things were written in, but never spoke of or referenced again... To the allies/enemies who have become an intractable part of the Star Trek 'universe'. How the main characters developed (or didn't really develop at all). How many things have since become iconic, or cringeworthy!

    It's no shock to know that over 20 years after it finished, and over 13 years since the final 'TNG' movie was released, that it's still one of the most watched/syndicated shows in the world. This alone proves that there is more 'good' than 'bad'.
    However, for every really top drawer episode (especially in the later seasons), there is an absolute piece of crap episode (generally in the earlier seasons), so there is a balance to find.
    I would suggest that because we live in a world where you can dip in and out of the show with ease, you can nudge the needle a little bit closer to a higher score because it's so simple to just avoid the crap, and seek out the brilliant.    … Expand
  12. VendonJura
    Jan 4, 2019
    10
    This is my 4th fav. Star Trek series. I also can't remember how often I've been watching the whole series and am still loving it how the crew handles all the situations here. Data is the best Android of all time :)
  13. Kamelion99
    Oct 17, 2018
    6
    I need to say right off the bat that I enjoyed the Original Series quite a bit. I wasn't quite as fond of the Next Generation, however. A lot of my problems stemmed from a cast I largely didn't enjoy. Geordi La Forge and Worf are excellent characters, but all the rest of the crew are not on the same caliber as those of the original series. Picard I found to be especially irritating, oftenI need to say right off the bat that I enjoyed the Original Series quite a bit. I wasn't quite as fond of the Next Generation, however. A lot of my problems stemmed from a cast I largely didn't enjoy. Geordi La Forge and Worf are excellent characters, but all the rest of the crew are not on the same caliber as those of the original series. Picard I found to be especially irritating, often seeming arrogant, hypocritical, and ineffective. Way to much time is wasted on the crew's rather dull relationship problems. Additionally, the political metaphors are very poorly done, and seem tacky and out-of-place rather than thought-provoking. There's still a fair amount to like, though, with a decent number of interesting stories and neat concepts. It's definitely worth watching if you're a sci-fi fan, but be warned it is often a long, difficult, and-dare I say, stifling-journey filled with technobabble and boring relational drama.… Expand

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 8 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 8
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 8
  3. Negative: 2 out of 8
  1. Newsday
    Reviewed by: Marvin Kitman
    Jul 12, 2013
    60
    I like the old "Star Trek" better than the new. I also think the new show is somewhat boring and derivative. ... The new "Star Trek" tries to make the characters "realistic," and they turn out to be unbreakably plastic. [3 Jun 1988]
  2. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Clifford Terry
    Jun 25, 2013
    60
    Trekkies, beware. ... Nothing, but nothing, could match the 1966-69 original, right? Those of us who have been less diligent in our viewing habits, though, may see the spinoff as energetically entertaining sci-fi stuff, an alternately spirited and silly piece. [30 Sep 1987]
  3. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Howard Rosenberg
    Jun 25, 2013
    40
    The new cast is fine (Stewart is a very interesting actor) and the story, although not very deep, inspired or mind-melding, has a nice payoff. But getting there takes much too long. ... Although handsome, this is a slow, thudding two hours badly in need of energizing.
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