Star Trek: The Next Generation season 5 is frequently celebrated as a standout season in the iconic franchise. The series continues to follow Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D, and by this point, the show reached new heights of popularity. This surge in acclaim led Paramount and the show’s executives to embark on creating a spinoff series, which would later be known as Star Trek: Deep Space Nine.
In the context of this exceptional season, we have compiled a list of the ten most notable episodes from season 5:
10 “The First Duty”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 19
Although Ensign Wesley Crusher (portrayed by Wil Wheaton) may not be the most beloved character in TNG, his journey yielded noteworthy episodes. After his departure from Starfleet Academy, Wesley made a brief appearance in season 5’s “The Game.”However, “The First Duty”serves as a deeper exploration of his life at Starfleet Academy.
Following the tragic death of a teammate during a training mission, Wesley initially resorts to dishonesty. In a pivotal scene, Captain Picard encourages Wesley to reveal the truth regarding the hazardous maneuvers that led to the tragedy. This episode not only sheds light on the dynamics at Starfleet Academy but also plants seeds for future story arcs.
9 “Ensign Ro”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 3
Introducing a new character so late in a series can be challenging, but “Ensign Ro”succeeds, with Michelle Forbes delivering a compelling performance as Ro Laren, the first Bajoran featured on screen. Ro, previously court-martialed after a tragic incident, joins the USS Enterprise-D to investigate a supposed Bajoran terrorist attack.
Her affiliation with the Maquis later causes tension, which Captain Picard confronts in Star Trek: Picard season 3. Ultimately, it is revealed that the Cardassians orchestrated the attack, leading Picard to offer Ro a position on the ship. This episode skillfully introduces conflicts and themes that resonate throughout Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, showcasing Ro’s unique dynamic with the crew.
8 “Disaster”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 5
“Disaster”offers a fresh narrative style by scattering the crew throughout the ship amid a major systems failure. Captain Picard finds himself trapped in a turbolift with three children, while Counselor Troi is left commanding the bridge. Elsewhere, Commander Riker and Lt. Commander Data scramble to regain power in engineering, and Lt. Worf unexpectedly assists in a childbirth.
This episode shines as it allows characters to step out of their usual roles, providing entertaining moments that keep viewers engaged from start to finish.
7 “The Next Phase”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 24
The episode features an intriguing transporter mishap that leaves Ensign Ro and Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton) out of phase with reality. As they navigate this predicament, the crew believes they’ve perished. The duo manages to communicate with each other while struggling to alert their shipmates about an impending danger posed by the Romulans.
This fascinating concept, filled with clever writing and strong character development, highlights the series’ creativity.
6 “Redemption, Part II”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 1
In this gripping opener of season 5, Captain Picard supports Gowron (Robert O’Reilly) as the new Chancellor amid a brewing civil war sparked by the Duras sisters, who join forces with Commander Sela (Denise Crosby), the half-Romulan daughter of Tasha Yar. As the battle unfolds, Picard establishes a blockade to prevent Romulan support for the Duras.
Data’s command skills are tested, revealing the alliance between the Duras sisters and the Romulans, which ultimately helps quell the civil conflict. This episode effectively illustrates the complex political landscape of the Klingon Empire, positioning characters like Worf, Picard, and Data front and center.
5 “Unification, Parts I & II”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episodes
In “Unification, Part I,”Captain Picard journeys to Romulus to locate the missing Ambassador Spock (Leonard Nimoy). Alongside Data, who poses as a Romulan, they uncover Spock’s involvement with a movement advocating for reunification between Vulcans and Romulans.
The storyline continues in “Unification, Part II,”where Spock’s efforts align with Picard and Data’s against a Romulan invasion threat. This two-parter masterfully showcases the intersection of significant characters and themes of peace, echoing through Star Trek lore as Spock transcends his own struggle for identity.
4 “I, Borg”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 23
When the USS Enterprise-D encounters a lone Borg drone, Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) advocates for his recovery and treatment. Initially hesitant due to his past experience with the Borg, Captain Picard eventually witnesses Hugh (Jonathan Del Arco) begin to forge his personal identity.
Although Hugh contemplates returning to the Collective to avoid endangering his friends, the episode raises profound questions about individuality and humanity, showcasing the potential for even the most feared adversaries to be redeemed. This nuanced portrayal of the Borg deepens the emotional core of the series.
3 “Cause and Effect”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 18
Opening with a dramatic sequence, “Cause and Effect”captivates viewers as the USS Enterprise-D is destroyed in a time loop. Reliving the same day repeatedly, the crew experiences déjà vu while trying to avoid the catastrophic event.
With the help of Data’s quick thinking, they ultimately break free from the cycle and discover the other ship involved is the USS Bozeman, missing for nearly a century. This episode is not only a remarkable exercise in storytelling but also a captivating example of science fiction at its best.
2 “Darmok”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 2
In an exemplary hour of storytelling, Captain Picard and the USS Enterprise-D encounter the Tamarians, a race that communicates exclusively through metaphors. This unique communication barrier prevents effective dialogue, necessitating a creative resolution as Picard gets beamed down with Captain Dathon to a dangerous planet.
As they confront the challenges of their situation, Dathon’s fate becomes a poignant moment. Picard learns to appreciate the Tamarian culture, achieving a breakthrough in communication. “Darmok”is an essential episode that combines rich character development with thematic depth.
1 “The Inner Light”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5, Episode 25
“The Inner Light”frequently ranks as one of the greatest episodes in Star Trek history. It portrays Captain Picard experiencing an immense life journey, all within a span of 25 minutes, after being struck by a probe. During this time, he lives as Kamin, experiencing a full life complete with family, personal struggles, and his planet’s fate.
Patrick Stewart delivers a powerful performance that resonates long after the episode concludes. The Ressikan flute becomes a symbol of his experience and is treasured in future narratives within the franchise. This episode is an extraordinary representation of the storytelling prowess of Star Trek: The Next Generation.