Before its premiere in 1987, the concept of Star Trek: The Next Generation was met with skepticism by many longtime Trekkies. For twenty years, the crew of Captain Kirk’s Enterprise had defined what Star Trek meant, with their presence felt through endless reruns of the original show, animated series, novels, and feature films. However, creator Gene Roddenberry believed that a new series could find success, provided that it did not attempt to replicate the original characters or their distinct relationships.
The inaugural season experienced a challenging start, featuring subpar episodes such as “Code of Honor,” which addressed issues of race but did so in a problematic manner. However, as the series progressed into Season Two (despite the controversial decision to temporarily remove Dr. Crusher), it began to gain momentum and reached a peak of brilliance by Season Three. While some might argue that Season Seven had its share of questionable moments—such as the relationship between Worf and Troi, which felt reminiscent of Joey and Rachel’s late-season romance in Friends—the series overall is considered a significant achievement.
As we celebrate the 40-year anniversary of TNG, we present a quiz aimed at testing the knowledge of even the most dedicated fans.
Score Ranges
Zero to 30 percent correct: It may be time to subscribe to Paramount+. Prepare for a comprehensive journey through Star Trek: The Next Generation across its seven seasons. While the series has its inconsistencies and some lower points that can be difficult to watch, the standout episodes are profoundly impactful. If “The Inner Light” does not elicit an emotional response from you, it may suggest a lack of emotional connection.
31 to 60 percent correct: Well done. Your familiarity with the series is evident, indicating you have likely experienced it at least once or twice. To deepen your understanding, consider reading The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years: From The Next Generation to J. J. Abrams: The Complete, Uncensored, and Unauthorized Oral History of Star Trek, by Edward Gross and Mark Altman. This title is lengthy, but it captures the complete saga with compelling insights.
61 to 100 percent correct: Congratulations, you have achieved a high level of expertise! While there may be little we can add to your knowledge, you might enjoy William Shatner’s 2014 documentary, Chaos on the Bridge, which delves into the tumultuous early seasons of the series. Additionally, the 1994 documentary Journey’s End: The Saga of Star Trek: The Next Generation provides a broader overview of the entire narrative.
Though we would like to recommend the sequel series Star Trek: Picard, it unfortunately falls short of expectations. Nonetheless, the brief reunion of the entire TNG crew aboard a restored Enterprise D at the end is a moment that nearly redeems the series.
Share this story