After a tumultuous first season, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) showed signs of improvement in its second installment, although it still contained several episodes that could easily be omitted. This season continued to follow Captain Jean-Luc Picard (played by Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D, where glimpses of the series’ ultimate brilliance began to emerge. For instance, “The Measure of a Man”deeply influenced character dynamics while standing out as an exceptional episode. Additionally, “Q Who”introduced the formidable Borg, setting the stage for some of TNG’s most compelling narratives.
Notably, due to the Writers Guild of America strike in 1988, Season 2 of Star Trek: The Next Generation consisted of only 22 episodes, deviating from the customary 26. The disruption also pushed back the start of pre-production, compelling the writers to recycle ideas from the abandoned Star Trek: Phase II for the season opener, “The Child.”
While “The Child”establishes a new baseline for the season and introduces memorable characters like Dr. Katherine Pulaski (Diana Muldaur) and Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), it lacks engagement. Viewers looking to enhance their experience can easily skip the following seven episodes without missing critical plot developments.
7 “Where Silence Has Lease”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 2
“Where Silence Has Lease”opens with the Enterprise crew encountering an enigmatic void in space, leading to perplexing events. Captain Picard employs a bluff involving the self-destruction of the ship to outmaneuver the alien entity Nagilum, resulting in their eventual release. Despite its entertaining moments, the episode offers little insight into the crew’s mission and feels reminiscent of plots from Star Trek: The Original Series, making it forgettable and skippable.
6 “Unnatural Selection”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 7
Upon their arrival at the Darwin Genetic Research Station on Gagarin IV, the crew discovers its staff mysteriously aging. A group of genetically enhanced children remains unaffected, which introduces complications to the existing Star Trek continuity regarding genetic manipulation, especially in light of the events surrounding Khan Noonien Singh. This episode attempts to explore heavy themes but ultimately muddles established narrative guidelines within the franchise.
5 “The Dauphin”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 10
“The Dauphin”centers on Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton), who finds himself infatuated with Salia (Jaime Hubbard), a shape-shifting alien transported by the Enterprise. While this narrative could have explored deeper themes of identity and growth, it mainly revolves around a lackluster romantic subplot and fails to add substance to Wesley’s character development, thus rendering it skippable.
4 “Samaritan Snare”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 17
In this episode, Captain Picard undergoes heart surgery at a starbase while Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) faces off against the bumbling Pakleds, who kidnap Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton). Although there’s an opportunity for character depth and humor, the episode misrepresents Riker and his crew as noticeably incompetent. One redeeming scene features Picard sharing a poignant story of his past injury, which is later explored in depth in the sixth season but does not justify the overall lackluster execution of the episode.
3 “Up the Long Ladder”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 18
Continuing the trend of racially insensitive storytelling, “Up the Long Ladder”features the Enterprise crew rescuing two sets of colonists with glaringly stereotypical portrayals. The often cringeworthy humor fails to engage and highlights the outdated views presented within the narrative, ultimately rendering it unworthy of viewing.
2 “Manhunt”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 19
In “Manhunt,”Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett) finds herself in a stage of heightened sexual desire, compelling her to pursue Captain Picard. While the premise offers comedic potential, it lacks depth and character development. Instead of enhancing Lwaxana’s portrayal, the episode ultimately fails to leave a lasting impression, making it an easy episode to skip.
1 “Shades of Gray”
Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 22
Regarded as one of the worst episodes in the franchise, “Shades of Gray”features Commander Riker’s battle for survival as Dr. Pulaski uses his dreams to maintain his brain activity. The episode primarily consists of recycled footage from past episodes, lacking any genuine contribution to character arcs or narrative progression. Consequently, this episode stands as a prime candidate for omission from viewers’ watchlists.
In summary, while Season 2 of Star Trek: The Next Generation does showcase some stronger storylines, these selected episodes can be rightfully skipped for a more streamlined viewing experience.