Between the several television series of Star Treks spanning over 60 years, quite a number of
characters were either in a starring role or a recurring role (three or more episodes of appearance).
Everyone would rank those characters, from Favorite to Least Favorite, in a different order. Here is my list.
FAVORITES
These characters were simply fun to watch whenever they appeared.
They enhanced the shows in which they were in (nearly half are non-regular stars of their series).
Jean Luc Picard [TNG-regular,DS9,PIC-regular]
Christopher Pike [TOS,DSC,SNW-regular]
Wesley Crusher [TNG-regular]
Cmdr. Data [TNG-regular,PIC]
Q [TNG,DS9,VOY,PIC]
Elim Garak [DS9]
Mora Pol * [DS9]
Guinan [TNG,PIC]
Worf [TNG-regular,DS9-regular]
Saru [DSC-regular]
Nog [DS9]
Quark [DS9,TNG-regular,VOY]
Boothby [TNG]
Chakotay [VOY-regular]
James T. Kirk [TOS-regular,SNW]
Ben Sisko [DS9-regular]
Jordi LaForge [TNG-regular]
Gowron [TNG,DS9]
Reg Barclay [TNG,VOY]
Time Traveler [TNG]
Ro Laren [TNG]
Doc Phlox [ENT-regular]
Dukat [DS9]
Sarek [TOS,TNG,DSC]
K'Ehlyer * [TNG]
*The two characters with an asterisk are in the list because the actor played a number of interesting and important
Star Trek characters although none of their characters appeared in more than two episodes. James Sloyan is my #1 favorite actor, period. He played
characters in TNG, DS9 and VOY. Suzie Plakson played K'Ehlyer so well plus she played three other characters in Next Generation, Voyager and Enterprise.
F Y I - Several other impactful Star Trek characters were in only two episodes such as Dr. Leah Brahms [TNG], K'mpec [TNG plus the actor played Klingon
General Korrd in movie Star Trek V], Duras [TNG], Toral [TNG]
INTERESTING
These characters added to the episodes in which they appeared.
Kurn [TNG,DS9]
Miles O'Brien [TNG,DS9-regular]
Spock [TOS-regular,TNG,DSC-regular,SNW-regular]
Odo [DS9-regular]
Jonathan Archer [ENT-regular]
Joseph Sisko [DS9]
Travis Mayweather [ENT-regular]
Doc Bashir [DS9-regular,TNG]
Harry Kim [VOY-regular]
Professor Moriarty [TNG, PIC]
Nellix [VOY-regular]
Jake Sisko [DS9-regular]
Montgomery Scott [TOS-regular,TNG]
Tom Paris [VOY-regular]
Rom [DS9]
Jadzia Dax [DS9-regular]
Thy'lek Shran [ENT]
General Martok [DS9]
Vic Fontaine [DS9]
Malcolm Reed [ENT-regular]
Tuvok [VOY-regular]
Michael Eddington [DS9]
Opaka Sulan [DS9]
Cmdr. Jett Denise Reno [DSC]
Hugh [TNG,PIC]
Captain Gabriel Lorca [DSC]
Kes [VOY-regular]
Kate Janeway [VOY-regular]
Lt. Erica Ortegas [SNW-regular]
Alexander Rozhenko [TNG]
Helena Rozhenko [TNG]
Sergey Rozhenko [TNG]
Degra [ENT]
Elnor [PIC-regular]
Captain Cristobal Rios [PIC-regular]
Morn [DS9,TNG,VOY,DSC]
Enabran Tain [DS9]
Zefram Cochrane [TOS,ENT]
Tora Ziyal [DS9]
Cmdr. Tomalak [TNG]
Rafaella [PIC-regular]
Captain Phillippa Georgiou [DSC]
Alyssa Ogawa [TNG]
Major Harris [ENT]
Gul Evek [TNG,DS9,VOY]
Lt. George Samuel Kirk [SNW]
Alynna Nechayev [TNG,DS9]
Lt. Cmdr. Keyla Detmer [DSC]
La'an Noonien-Singh [SNW-regular]
Lt. Cmdr. Hugh Culber, M.D. [DSC-regular]
Vash [TNG]
William Riker [TNG-regular,DS9 but great director]
Jack Crusher II [PIC]
Lt. Hemmer [SNW]
SO-SO INTERESTING
These characters made little positive impact when they appeared, that is, the character just
never became fully developed and interesting, or, the character was a minor role (i.e. bridge officer or short-timer).
Admiral Katrina Cornwall [DSC]
Noonien Soong [TNG,PIC]
Damar [DS9]
Kor [TOS,DS9]
Weyoun [DS9]
Maihar'du [DS9]
B'Elanna Torres [VOY-regular]
Beverly Crusher [TNG-regular]
Hoshi Sato [ENT-regular]
Deanna Troi [TNG-regular,VOY]
Soval [ENT]
Leonard McCoy [TOS-regular,TNG]
Federation President Laira Rillak [DSC]
President T'Rina [DSC]
Leeta [DS9]
Jannar [ENT]
Captain Marie Batel [SNW]
Trip Tucker [ENT-regular]
Naomi Wildman [VOY]
Samantha Wildman [VOY]
Vorik [VOY,TNG]
Icheb [VOY]
Mr. Homn [TNG,DS9]
Hugh [TNG]
Seven of Nine [VOY-regular,PIC-regular]
Ezri Dax [DS9]
Nurse Christine Chapel [TOS,SNW-regular]
Hikaru Sulu [TOS-regular]
Pavel Chekov [TOS-regular]
Nyota Uhura [TOS-regular,SNW-regular]
William Ross [DS9]
Maxwell Forrest [ENT]
Admiral Charles Vance [DSC]
Elizabeth Cutler [ENT]
Narek [PIC]
General Diatta Ndoye [DSC]
Ramdha [PIC]
Zhaban [PIC]
Soji [PIC]
Talas [ENT]
Kang [TOS,DS9,VOY]
Koloth [TOS,DS9]
Shakaar Edon [DS9]
Gabriel Burnham Jr. [DSC]
Captain Liam Shaw [PIC]
Owen Paris [VOY]
Future Guy [ENT]
Vice Admiral Nakamura [TNG]
Ensign Hadley [TOS]
Lt. Ronald B.A. Bryce [DSC]
Kimara Cretak [DS9]
Security Officer (played by Dexter Clay, 29 episodes) [TNG]
Ensign Felton [TNG]
Mila [DS9]
Rebi [VOY]
Mezoti [VOY]
Azan [VOY]
Daniels [ENT]
Dr. Kovich (aka. Daniels) [DSC]
Admiral Robert April [SNW]
Ayala [VOY]
Dr. Joseph M'Benga [SNW-regular]
Lt. Cmdr Paul Stamets [DSC-regular]
J. Hayes [ENT]
Erika Hernandez [ENT]
Cmdr. Williams [ENT]
Ensign Tess Allenby [TNG]
Ensign McKnight [TNG]
Ensign Gates [TNG]
Lt. Cmdr. Airiam [DSC]
Lt. Sidney La Forge [PIC]
Xindi-Primate Councilor [ENT]
Number One Una Chin-Riley [SNW-regular]
Lt. DeSalle [TOS]
Lt. Brent [TOS]
Lt. John Farrell [TOS]
Lt. Galloway [TOS]
Lt. Kelowitz [TOS]
Lt. Kyle [TOS]
Roger Lemli [TOS]
Lt. Leslie [TOS]
Ensign Bennett [TNG]
Lt. Diana Giddings [TNG]
Lt. Darien Wallace [TNG]
Wright (male nurse) [TNG]
Ensign Youngblood [TNG]
Broik [TNG,DS9,VOY]
M'Pella [DS9]
Lt. Joseph Carey [VOY]
Blu del Barrio [DSC]
Ensign Hogan [VOY]
Kashimuro Nozawa [VOY]
Nurse Jabara [DS9]
Chief Kylea [SNW]
Timothy Lang [VOY]
Corporal Chang [ENT]
Corporal F. Hawkins [ENT]
Cmdr. Kelby [ENT]
Lt. Tracy Pollard, M.D. [DSC]
Koss [ENT]
R. Richards [ENT]
Michael Rostov [ENT]
R. Ryan [ENT]
RUkiya [SNW]
V'Las [ENT]
W. Woods [ENT]
Lt. Cmdr. Nilsson (actress also played Lt. Airiam in the series) [DSC]
Jenna Mitchell [SNW]
Lt. Joann Ososekun [DSC]
Lt. Evan Connolly [DSC]
Lt. Albert Kim [DSC]
Lt. Andre Haynes [DSC]
Lt. Cmdr. Gen Rhys [DSC]
Cmdr. Ellen Landry [DSC]
La Sirena Computer [PIC]
Laris [PIC]
Lt. Narissa Rizzo [PIC]
Chief Jay [SNW]
Gray [DSC]
DISLIKE
These characters make me grateful for fast-forward.
Lt. Ash Tyler (half Klingon) [DSC]
Engineer Pelia [SNW]
Michael Burnham Jr. [DSC-regular]
Booker [DSC]
Commodore Oh [PIC]
Dr. Altan Inigo Soong [PIC-regular]
Jaro Essa [DS9]
Lt. Sylvia Tilly [DSC]
Gul Rusot [DS9]
T'Pau [TOS]
Janice Rand [TOS]
Luther Sloan (Section 31) [DS9]
Captain Leland (Section 31) [DSC]
Brunt [DS9]
Rionoj [DS9]
Jal Culluh [VOY]
Female Shapeshifter [DS9]
T'Pol [ENT-regular]
Dahj [PIC]
The Doctor [VOY-regular]
Natasha Yar [TNG-regular]
Sela [TNG]
Lursa [TNG,DS9]
B'Etor [TNG,DS9]
Dolim [ENT]
Silik [ENT]
L'Rell [DSC]
Arik Soong [ENT]
Angela Martine [TOS]
Michael Jonas [VOY]
Bariel Antos [DS9]
Kira Nerys [DS9-regular]
Terran Empress Phillippa Georgiou [DSC]
Ishka Moogie [DS9]
Zek the Negus [DS9]
Kasidy Yates [DS9]
Sutra [PIC]
Keiko O'Brien [TNG,DS9]
Lore [TNG]
Sarah Sisko [DS9]
T'Pring [TOS,SNW]
Seska [VOY]
Harry Mudd [TOS,DSC]
Xindi [ENT]
Viidians [VOY]
Borg [TNG,VOY]
Borg Queen [VOY]
Captain Vadic [PIC]
Dr.Agnes Jurati [PIC-regular]
Winn Adami [DS9]
Lwaxana Troi [TNG,DS9]
Katherine Pulaski [TNG-regular]
Ranking the Series
TNG (Star Trek: The Next Generation, 1987-1994) - Best acting and by far the most 'Best' episodes but they had quite a number of really bad episodes too (they blame it on the writers' strike during the first season which did have the most "bad" episodes of all seven seasons although the last season came close). Bottom Line: over a span of six decades, this is my #1 favorite television show, period (but second best television show to M*A*S*H).
DS9 (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, 1993-1999) - Excellent acting by the guest actors, good stories although the arcs got old
TOS (Star Trek: The Original Series, 1966-1969) - Started it all, Kirk remains bigger than life, well over half a century later they are often quoted
VOY (Star Trek: Voyager, 1995-2001) - Few really bad stories but almost no really good stories either; too little to work with being stuck so far from the rest of Starfleet
SNW (Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, 2022- - I had already liked the newer version of Captain Pike during his stint in "Discovery". He is even better in this series and is starting to challenge Captain Picard as my #1 favorite Trek character across all series. Great to see more character development to Uhura, Chapel and Number One who otherwise were pretty "hollow" from the original series. The series started out similar to Voyager and Enterprise -- the series opener was excellent. However, this series started being like season #1 of The Next Generation - really idiotic story lines going on. (sigh!)
DSC (Discovery, 2017-2024) - First season was so-so but things improved greatly in season two (but then dropped back down for season 3 then back up again for season 4), and with Captain Christopher Pike no less! I have a tough time warming up to the main character, Burnham, despite her fine acting, even if she does much of her dialogue with a very tilted head. The character Saru is one of my very favorite characters in the entire Star Trek universe. All that said, and, having grown up watching first showings of the Original Star Trek series and seen everything Star Trek since then, Discovery is "way out there" compared to all that we long-time Star Trek fans are used to seeing. Most of the characters are uninteresting, especially after the departure of the first four captains of the ship Discovery (although Saru stayed around) and their admiral.
ENT (Enterprise, 2001-2005) - Based on the series opener, this series appeared to have better potential than any other series but fellow watchers agreed that watching paint dry was more fun than watching this series. The arcs killed the show (Captain ARC-her's fault?), but, at least they explained (1) how Velcro came to be, and, (2) why Kirk's Klingons looked that way.
PIC (Picard, 2020-2023 - Great to see Captain/Admiral Picard back in action but this series was just too lowkey as if it reflected the slower speed of the elderly Patrick Stewart
Ranking the Best Episodes of Each Television Series
These were the episodes per series that were "extra good".
They are worth watching over and over and over, and remain great.
They were the best due to the acting, the story or just plain fun.
Interesting how Next Generation's first and last seasons were bad and the five seasons between had many great episodes.
On the other hand, Voyager was sort of the opposite in that their middle seasons (three, four, five) were bad and the first and last seasons were good.
Deep Space had a wonderful group of guest actors to make many good episodes throughout the entire series.
Poor Enterprise only had a couple of good episodes, and both of them were in the first season. Then the arc stories just made this less and less interesting.
The first two seasons of Picard were too lame and slow-paced and has yet to have even a mildly good episode. In fact, except for seeing John de Lancie back as Q, the second season was a complete waste of time watching. The third and final season finally got it right!
Discovery thus far peaked in the second season. Most of the characters are uninteresting to watch, I do much fast-forwarding.
Strange New Worlds, like Voyager and Enterprise, had a great series opener but then things slid from there. Captain Pike and Ensign Uhura are the only true Trek Characters worth watching. I did enjoy the ending of one episode where Lt. James Kirk, Ensign Uhura and Spock were sitting at a table chatting, little knowing their famous futures together.
The newer series (i.e. after 2015) seem to make a season, or seasons, be one long story with a "commercial break" in between episodes. That gets quite confusing and is hard to follow the stories much less pick favorite episodes. Makes me miss episodic series.
The Original Series [TOS]
Trouble with Tribbles [TOS #045 FUN] The #1 most fun episode of all Star Trek series. "...and second, close that door!".
A Piece of the Action [TOS #047 FUN] Spock having to ad lib as a gangster. Fizzbin was explained, my family still often plays the game!
Balance of Terror [TOS #015 STORY] Kirk's cool head for command with a gift for outwitting an opponent, we first meet the future 'Sarek'
Tomorrow Is Yesterday [TOS #020 FUN] The stories of going back in time are usually fun. I enjoyed how the jet pilot so quickly fit into his new 'life' among the Enterprise crew, and, he got to learn he will have a son.
The Ultimate Computer [TOS #054 ACTING] The computer inventor is a wonderful actor, the Daystrom Institute meets its namesake
Let That Be Your Last Battlefield [TOS #071 STORY] We find out what a great actor Frank 'Riddler' Gorshin really is, story was good
The Next Generation [TNG]
Inner Light [TNG #125 ACTING,STORY] Absolutely THE finest episode I have ever seen on ANY television series, period. EXCELLENT story well told. And the ending...WOW. That flute song is often heard in the background of the DVD interviews with the cast and crew. The "real" Star Trek theme song? This episode won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation. And Wikipedia says "The episode is widely considered by critics and fans as one of the best episodes of the entire Star Trek franchise". Amen to that!
Tapestry [TNG #141 ACTING] We learn about young Picard and how he became the person that is the Captain. I memorized Q's speech near the end of the episode to Picard.
Family [TNG #078 ACTING] We see a different side of Picard and Worf. Only TNG episode where the Enterprise bridge was not shown
Loud as a Whisper [TNG #032 ACTING] The diplomat had such a stage presence. Data had me believing that Riva was speaking. "Thank you. Ah. Thank me".
Darmok [TNG #102 ACTING] What great acting and a clever storyline. "Great shooting" Riker says. "Shakah, when the walls fell".
Rascals [TNG #133 FUN] Those four kids really had me believing that they were who they were supposed to be. Amazing. Fun.
The Measure of a Man [TNG #035 STORY] Excellent story. Data finally becomes sentient. Very well acted by all.
The Bonding [TNG #053 STORY] Michael Dorn made Worf such an important part of Star Trek. This was one of his finer moments.
Final Mission [TNG #083 STORY] Wesley is my second favorite of all Star Trek characters so this episode was bittersweet. Fun to see him figure out how to get the water. He and Picard bonded.
Lower Decks [TNG #167 STORY] Fun to watch the contrast and comparisons of the two levels of officers. We see most of those young officers in other episodes. Great acting.
The Defector [TNG #058 ACTING] James Sloyan is my #1 favorite actor and this was his first of several appearances in three Star Trek series.
The Enemy [TNG #055 ACTING] We get to learn much about Jordi. His Romulan counterpart starred in another TNG episode. So cool how Jordi knew that the signaling device was Wesley's idea.
All Good Things [TNG #177-178 STORY] Put Picard and Q together and things usually are fun and interesting.
Half a Life [TNG #096 ACTING] Playing opposite David Odgen Stiers, this was the only time I could actually tolerate Lwaxana (my second LEAST favorite of all Star Trek characters). Great story.
Journey's End [TNG #172 STORY] Another milestone in the life of my second favorite Star Trek character, Wesley. The Traveler is always good.
Thine Own Self [TNG #168, STORY] Very well told story, it was fun to see Data bring some new ideas to that society, and, make a little friend.
The Perfect Mate [TNG #121 STORY] First time I ever saw Famke Janssen. She played that role so incredibly well. The bond she and Picard formed was amazing to see.
The Best of Both Worlds [TNG #074-075, STORY] Okay, okay. I know this is the #1 favorite episode of a large number of TNG fans. But it was more action and special effects than acting or story than the ones listed above this one had, and, is always my preference to see. Still, it was entertaining and had some great scenes. My favorite scene was near the end when Shelby tells Riker she would be proud to serve with him anytime.
Elementary, Dear Data [TNG #029, ACTING] Fun to watch Data in such a role. The acting by Daniel Davis made this episode.
A Fistful of Datas [TNG #134 FUN] Come on. How could this be anything less than BIG FUN to see the TNG characters in the Old West.
Reunion [TNG #081, STORY,ACTING] The Klingons in TNG add much to the series. Worf, Kurn, K'ehlyer and K'mpec all played their roles so well. Plus, this puts Picard into the core of the Klingon society and his respect for Worf rises.
Skin of Evil [TNG #022 ENDING] The story was okay but that final scene of Yar's farewell brings a tear to my eye every time I see it. Truly one of the best scenes I have ever watched, anywhere, anytime. But, one must already know about the main characters for the scene to have an emotional impact.
11001001 [TNG #016 STORY] Interesting story. Minuet was such an amazing character here. And Wesley got his only time to be in command of the Enterprise bridge.
Sarek [TNG #071 ACTING] Mark Lenard always did such a great job playing Sarek in multiple Star Trek series. It was fun to get to see some of the main characters arguing with each other, something we normally do not get to see. But the best part was Patrick Stewart as Picard running through the onslaught of Sarek's emotions after their mind-meld.
First Contact [TNG #089 STORY] Several Star Trek "first contact" stories have been told. This one was the best. Gives a strong glimpse into how Earthlings might react to being on the receiving end of a first contact. Picard comes across as the perfect diplomat. Loved the facial expression of Carolyn Seymour (in 3 TNG episodes and 2 VOY episodes) face upon her learning that she can leave with the Enterprise. That would have to be a near-overwhelming feeling.
Next Gen, my #1 favorite of all television series since 1960, had many (28 of 178) "Bad" episodes too. By season, they were (usually featuring Lore, Troi or Lwaxana):
1. (8) Naked Now, Code of Honor, Last Outpost, Lonely Among Us, The Battle, Datalore, Too Short a Season, Symbiosis
2. (3) The Royale (#1 worst TNG episode!), Up the Long Ladder, Manhunt
3. (3) The Price, The Most Toys, Menage a Troi
4. (2) QPID, Drumhead
5. (3) The Game, Violations, PowerPlay
6. (3) Man of the People, Schisms, Frame of Mind
7. (6) Liasions, Interface, Phantasms, Masks, Genesis, Emergence (second worst TNG episode)
Deep Space Nine [DS9]
Duet [DS9 #019 ACTING] Yulin Harris did a fantastic job of acting that made this high acclaimed episode the best of the DS9 series. Excellent.
The Visitor [DS9 #075 ACTING] What an outstanding story. And again, the guest actors did such a wonderful job. Tony Todd was amazing in his roles. And, it is so fun to know that Nog will make captain someday.
Trials and Tribble-ations [DS9 #104 FUN] A 'remake' of the original episode that was the most fun of all Star Trek episodes. The photography tricks made this episode, so hats off to those behind-the-scenes wizards.
Explorers [DS9 #068 STORY] Loved this father and son story. Dukat even gave the Sisko's a fireworks show.
Little Green Men [DS9 #080 FUN] It is so good to know the 'real' story behind the Roswell mystery. Thanks for clearing it up for us.
The Way of the Warrior [DS9 #073-074 STORY] Worf is one of the most imporant characters in all of Star Trek. It was great to see him come to DS9 and added much to the series.
The Alternate [DS9 #032 STORY] A very good story that again featured my all-time favorite actor, so how could this episode be anything less than great.
Take Me Out to the Holosuite [DS9 #154 FUN] This reminded me of another fun episode, the softball game on the show 'WKRP in Cincinnati'. Only, in this episode, some actors had to wear alien makeup. Pure fun.
Captive Pursuit [DS9 #006 STORY] A good story in which it was fun to see a creature so alien to our culture form a friendship with O'Brien.
Past Tense [DS9 #057-058 STORY] An important social story to tell of what might some day actually come to past. Drama played well here.
The Ascent [DS9 #107 STORY] Quark and Odo had an odd friendship and a mutual respect for each others' skills and talents. This story shone a spotlight on their relationship.
Heart of Stone [DS9 #060 ACTING] Two main story lines here. The one of Odo and Kira (later seen as one of the Founders) was boring. But the other story: Nog attempts to convince Sisko to sponsor him to Starfleet Academy (Aron Eisenberg did an amazing scene of acting in a (too) rare time he got to do a big scene in Deep Space Nine -- "I have my father's hands and my uncle's tenacity. I know I have something to offer. I just need the chance to prove it.". Wow!). It was thanks to this episode, and future stories concerning Nog (including "The Visitor" where we find Nog will someday be a Starfleet Captain), that made him one of my Top Ten favorite Star Trek characters.
Defiant [DS9 #055 STORY] Jonathan Frakes as, initially, Cmdr. Will Riker and later as Lt. Tom Riker, hijacks the Defiant to attack a Cardassian shipyard in the name of the Marquis. It was fun watching Sisko and Dukat working together to stop the Defiant.
Discovery [DSC]
New Eden [DSC #17 STORY] I always like stories where people discover something entirely outside of their original beliefs. That was the case with the former Earthlings who escaped over a century earlier and had lost track of the days on Earth. One of them figured out that the Discovery team were space travelers.
An Obol for Charon [DSC #19 ACTING] Saru is my favorite Discovery character. The story of his dying, especially what he and Michael believed were his final moments, were amazing!
The Sound of Thunder [DSC #21 STORY] Saru gets to go back to his home planet, a place he had assumed he would never get to see again once he left to join Starfleet. Fun to see him as a brave one for a change.
Project Daedalus [DSC #24 STORY] Nice that the actress playing Airiam got to actually do some "real" acting just before she gets shot out of an airlock. The actress, on an interview on the end of the DVD, thought it was awesome to do some "action scenes on Star Trek". The actress did get to soon return to Discovery as a totally different character.
Picard [PIC]
(none) [PIC #000 ...] I am a big fan of Patrick Stewart with his Captain Picard being my #1 favorite of all Star Trek characters. His Next Generations series is my #1 favorite television show, period (going back to the late 1950's!) but the episodes in this series are boring, especially season 2. Whereas the Star Trek movies evolved to almost no dialogue in favor of face-paced action, the first two seasons of this series went overboard in the opposite direction -- too much dialogue that was uninteresting and seemed more like time-fillers just to give the elder Stewart something to do on-camera. They got it right in the third seasons. And so FUN to see the entire main cast (except Wesley, whose name got mentioned a couple of times) plus some of the semi-regulars. Only ones I missed were O'Brien, Guinan and Barkley. We even got the Enterprise-D back -- the behind-the-scenes crew, as usual, did a meticulously outstanding recreation job.
Voyager [VOY]
Jetrel [VOY #015 ACTING] Yet another episode with my #1 favorite actor as the star guest actor. The scenes of, and emotions conveyed between, he and Neelix were fantastic. This probably was Ethan Phillip's best episode for acting.
37's [VOY #017 STORY] Just like DS9 cleared up the Roswell mystery, this episode finally tells us what happened to Amelia Earhart. I always enjoy the episodes of people "out of time" and how they react and adapt to the situation.
Homestead [VOY #169 STORY] This story pays tribute to all that Neelix has contributed to the Voyager crew. I love the ceremony when someone that is very much respected leaves the ship and the crew lines the hallways as the person walks to the shuttle area or transporter room. To top it off, Tuvok gives Neelix the ultimate tribute the Vulcan can give, a small yet poignant dance step. Pretty cool.
One Small Step [VOY #128 STORY] A tribute to the first brave astronauts who lead mankind into space. It was fun to see the reactions of Chakotay and Paris plus the appreciation that Seven gained from the experience (and I loved her ending line: "Yankees in six" which was in response to the recorded message of the early astronaut saying his one regret was not hearing who won the World Series of 2032, it made Paris smile).
Caretaker [VOY #001-002 STORY] An excellent series opener. Unfortunately, the series rarely came up with a better story, thus, mostly downhill from here. (sigh!)
Blink of an Eye [VOY #132 STORY] The stories where the crew meet someone totally out of their time are usually fun and touching. This episode lived up to that. They make me want to see the sequel or follow up years later.
Ashes to Ashes [VOY #138 STORY] Interesting story of how the Voyager crew gets an unexpected visit from a crew member they thought had died some time ago. An alien race is able to regenerate a recently-deceased body and change the DNA to be like their own race. That is what happened in this story. But, Ensign Lyndsay Ballard, played by Kim Rhodes, has her humanity pushing her to return to Voyager. Harry Kim had had a crush on ensign Ballard and was glad for her return. It was fun to see Harry with a love interest for a change. And Kim Rhodes did a wonderful job of making her character so likeable and so much more of an extrovert than Harry will ever be.
Tuvix [VOY #140 ACTING] Fun to see the combination of two beings that are very, very different individually. The actor playing Tuvix made that character very likeable while blending traits from both Tuvok and Neelix. As for the story itself, it did present a different way of thinking about our own individuality.
Strange New Worlds [SNW]
Strange New Worlds [SNW #1 ACTING] Anson Mount has turned the original Captain Pike into someone that has a strong presence. Yet, this Pike listens to his crew, asks for their input for decisions, assures they believe they are doing okay, and, encourages them while pointing out their strengths. Fun to see how Uhura started as a cadet. Nurse Chapel character is a bit strange -- she is often handling, on-screen, the role that the chief medical officer should be doing. Spock is Spock, as we have seen that character nearly everywhere in all the series and movies -- it seems that all Spock actors understand the need to play the role "The Leonard Nimoy way". It will take a while for the other characters to develop but Pike has this series cruising at "warp speed" right out of space dock.
Enterprise [ENT]
Broken Bow [ENT #001 STORY] After seeing this series opener, I thought the series was going to be a great new addition to the Star Trek franchise. Unfortunately, only one person wrote another even semi-good episode for this series. Thus, cancelled before the seven years were up. Story arcs just get very old and tiresome after a few episodes unless they are really, really, really good. The arcs for Enterprise fell way, way short of that level.
Carbon Creek [ENT #027 STORY] Interestingly, this was a very well told story (like TNG's 'Inner Light') that did not have any of the series regulars as a part of the story. What does that say about this series?
Ranking the Movies
The Wrath of Khan [1982, #2] This is the Star Trek movie from which all others are judged. Ricardo Montalban is the main reason this movie is the best of the Star Trek movies. And that opinion seems to be widespread. People do not give him enough acting credit. For an example, see the second season opener for the television series "How the West Was Won" where he played the Chief in an episode titled "Buffalo Story".
The Voyage Home [1986, #4] aka. 'Save the Whales'. It is always fun to watch this crew go back in time. They even encountered their naval counterpart, 'Enterprise'.
Evolutions [2009, #11] Very interesting to see the oh so familiar characters played by their new actors. All but Kirk and Uhura were very believable. As with most movies made in the past twenty years or so, more emphasis is placed on 'action' rather than 'acting' and 'story'. But, it was fun to see the new actors.
The Search for Spock [1984, #3] We knew Spock would somehow return from the dead. Got to see Kirk's son and learn about how Kirk hates to lose.
Generations [1994, #7] How much better can you get than Kirk and Picard working together. Knowing Shatner's fondness for riding and showing horses, those were fun scenes. Making his horse step sideways is a difficult maneuver for a horse.
First Contact [1996, #8] Learning about 'The Rest of the Story' of how Cochrane made the first warp engine (and Why!) was good (although Riker and Jordi should not have historically been a part of that first ride). But we had to put up with the Borg yet one more time. Yawn. And getting Picard to see what he was leading his ship and crew into was more of the duties of Guinan rather than a 21st century resident.
Into Darkness [2013, #12] I am still trying to get used to the new actors playing familiar roles. Most are believable except Kirk and Uhura. This movie was waaayyy too much action and hardly any dialogue. And most of that was one-liners (e.g. "You have the bridge. Steady as she goes. Open the door. Duck."). Paramount altered the movie to appeal to European audiences who prefer action. So this movie was mostly chases and explosions..
The Undiscovered Country [1991, #6] Although stories involving Klingons are usually worth watching, this one bordered on boring. But this was better than the remaining movies.
Star Trek: The Motion Picture [1979, #1] Finally, we get the Enterprise crew back in action. While the story was only so-so (a 50-minute movie crammed into 136 minutes of viewing), it was good to be 'home' again in the Star Trek world.
Nemesis [2002, #10] This was only mildly entertaining. Some action scenes helped keep it ranked above the remaining movies.
Insurrection [1998, #9] While the inhabitants of the planet were somewhat interesting (with yet another Picard love interest), the rest of the story was unworthy. Yet one more Starfleet admiral goes bad (unbelievable how many of them do, so it is good that Kirk was demoted back to Captain and Picard never got that promotion, but, oops, Janeway did).
Beyond [2016, #13] Of all the Star Trek series episodes and movies, this was the first that I did not see at the theater or in its original first season. Glad that was the case when I got the DVD because that gave me a chance to fast forward through much of it. Boring. The usual mostly action and special effects. The actors probably like these type scripts since they have so few lines to memorize, and then, it is rarely more than a sentence or two at a time! Sigh! I miss the old days when movies had much dialog and character building and drama based on relationships instead of just fighting the bad guys.
The Final Frontier [1989, #5] I hope nothing in Star Trek ever sinks this low. This is about as bad as it can get.
Humor within Deep Space Nine
Some Further Thoughts Concerning Star Trek The Next Generation
Enterprise D was "the newest and most advanced" starship in the fleet. Then it went on missions for over seven years (including movies). During that time, StarFleet apparently never built a better, more powerful star ship to become the new Starfleet flag ship.
Enterprise D often had some problem (i.e. in a battle, encountered some phenomenon in space) that caused the ship to lose power, weapons, communication, scanners, warp drive, hull integrity, etc. But never, once, did the system providing artificial gravity ever go on the blink leaving the crew floating around the decks. Same could be said for The Defiant and USS Voyager.
If Enterprise D could travel many times faster than the speed of light (warp One is the speed of light, warp Two is 10x speed of light, and so on), that would render communications worthless since it can only travel at the speed of light. Scanners would likely have the same limitation.
Enterprise D could separate the saucer section from the battle bridge section. That means that there must be at least two sets of engines aboard along with two sets of weapons. When one is damaged or has some problem, the other one should be available for usage.
Shuttlecraft (except Voyager's Delta Flyer) could travel at only about half Warp One. Thus, if people get in a shuttlecraft, Enterprise D would either need to stay in the area or come back later to let the shuttlecraft return to the mother ship.
One thing that would really be surprising is that when humans do travel to other solar systems that they find intelligent lifeforms that they are humanoids, particularly at the same time period we are in. Any humanoids on other planets might have lived millions of years earlier, or, have yet to evolve there. Any intelligent life we might find would be more along the lines of different type beings such as the Horta or Gorn or Excalbian.
Final Comments about Beings in Star Trek
Star Trek had to take some "liberties" with aliens because it otherwise would be more expensive and more confusing to the audience. However, it is probably a safe bet to say that if we ever encounter sentient beings from other worlds, the one way they will NOT look like are humnanoids -- head, torso, two arms and two legs. Earth itself is made up of countless types of living things and humans and apes are a very small percentage of that count.
Also, those other sentient beings likely could communicate in ways other than language that we can translate to English (or Spanish or German or Greek etc.). They might communicate in some fashion similar to dogs, ants, bees, whales, birds, etc. or even telepathy.
Then there is the thing of Time. We humans live in this time period. Other worlds with sentient beings could have already lived, thrived and went extinct eons ago. Or, it may be millions or billions of years from now when they become sentient beings. Thus, we never get to communicate with either of these sentient beings.
Given the technology we in in 2020's have available to us (i.e. voice-controlled devices and AI in its infancy), and, what is soon expected from AI, it would seem logical that the 24th century time should have starships that require little to no crew to run then. But, who would want to watch a TV show with just ships.