I recently decided to finally sign up for Netflix, mainly because I wanted to watch Star Trek. I watched some of the Next Generation when I was younger, but I never really caught it on a weekly basis. I always had an affinity for the technology on the show, and any character who was part technology really piqued my interest. I guess you could imagine that Data was my favorite character.
At any rate, I've been watching through the episodes more avidly even than when I could see them on Spike TV. I knew I had episodes that I loved, but I had forgotten that there were so many that were so capable of being the favorite of any viewer. Some episodes weren't my favorites, but not because of the writing or characters, simply because my favorites were just that: my favorites. Just about every story had valid philosophical goals or exciting interaction with the unknown. Still, I wanted to share my favorites, curious as to the favorites of others.
Encounter at Farpoint
The series kicks off in a purposeful exposure of just what to expect in the series: You're introduced to the new crew of the enterprise, making it clear that times have changed since the original series. While you can expect all your favorite pieces of technology in the Star Trek universe, they have all received their own upgrades since you last saw them. And while some things are quite familiar, others are new. This new captain is bald and less reckless than the one we remember. There's a Klingon back there! This episode also introduced one of my favorite characters in all of Star Trek: Q. His type is nothing new to Star Trek; the original crew had come across omnipotent creatures who would force them to play sadistic games. Hey! Look: philosophical questions and diplomatic dealings with alien races. So, this new Star Trek may look a bit different, but I feel nice and at home here. I can't wait to see what comes of this series.
The Naked Now
This episode goes to show that Star Trek can have a sense of humor and a grown-up sensibility. It's only two episodes in, and we learn that Data can have sex, plus he's programmed with multiple techniques. A character is explored who we never dreamt that we would see the end of. A disease is being spread by touch that makes everyone drunk and horny. Who isn't infected by the end of the show? Worf, the Klingon that no one wants to have sex with. Re-watching this episode becomes poignant when you later learn the fate of Tasha Yar and the effect of her encounter with Data.
11001001
This episode introduces us to a race very peculiar to us. They are literally integrated with their computers, and there is no individual in the species, rather pairs who live their lives together in an inseparable fashion. They are here to upgrade the Enterprise's computer system, and the crew is given some time off for the duration of the procedure. Riker becomes entranced with a simulated woman on the Holodeck, and Picard is lured there to see the sight for himself. The only thing is, it's a trap to distract the two while their ship is hijacked. Learning just what it is that these aliens want and why they needed Picard and Riker is a fun mystery, and you also learn that some threats aren't always what they seem.
Home Soil
A group of scientists is terraforming a lifeless planet when the crew of the Enterprise is sent to check in on the progress. In this episode we learn that our preconceived notions about life aren't correct. There is in fact life on this planet, albeit existing in a way that we never knew possible. When the terraforming efforts come close to eradicating the species, the crystaline creatures declare war on the ship and its crew. Picard is forced to come to peaceful terms with a race that doesn't understand us and is unwilling to listen.
Conspiracy
It's what you would imagine to be the season finale. There have been rumors so far of an unknown threat infiltrating the Federation, now it is clear that a true threat exists. Still, what is it? This episode has the right mix of build-up, action, fear, and alien creepiness to serve as the ultimate installment of the first year with this crew. However, there is one more show to go before the end, and it serves as a cliff-hanger for things to come. While Conspiracy is higher in my favor than the next episode The Neutral Zone, I do admire the effect of the giant climax followed by the ominous final episode leading into the return of the Romulans for future seasons.
There are definitely many more moments in this season that are dear to my heart. I never would have guessed that Tasha Yar's death would have such an impact on me, for one. Seeing that the slightest miscalculation in the creation of a being like Data could have terrible consequences. Plus, another of my favorite characters is introduced: Lwaxana Troi. Something about characters that test Picard's nerves with eccentricities makes me smile. Still, these have got to be my favorite episodes from the first season. What are yours?
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