The Next Generation

Ok, so I grew up watching Star Trek: The Next Generation. I must admit I was hooked on Star Trek after watching The Motion Picture (I know, the most boring of all the movies), but TNG was what I had my constant diet of when I was little. And yet I remember so few episodes. I bought seasons one and two long ago and watched them early on in college. I had a hard time getting a hold of season 3 until this past fall and now I am only missing season 5 from my collection. This weekend, being sick, I cleared out my DVR and needed something else to watch. So I chose TNG Season 3. And all I can saw is WOW! I'm halfway through it and I hope to keep going as much as I can around the chaos that will make up the next couple of weeks.

So my memory of 1 & 2 may be a bit vague but I remember the sadness near the end of Season 1 with Tasha's death, and I remember the absence of my beloved Dr. Crusher, much as I respected Dr. Pulaski who should have been made a main character (only sitting out for about four season 2 episodes), but season 3 I think is when the series began to click. Riker and Troi got over each other and could pursue their own love lives without jealousy (although I am still glad they eventually will end up together). Worf got more complex, Geordi became more likeable, O'Brien began showing up more and more, the Bevely / Picard love thing began to blossom, although I am still disappointed nothing will ever come of it. Picard's interaction with the crew became more charming, and yes, Wesley got annoying. We get the first of many, many guest appearances by James Cromwell (who will play a variety of characters), we get plenty of Romulans, Tasha returns with the Enterprise-C (haven't seen that episode but will make it that far before bed tonight!), and the season will end with the second best season cliffhanger in Star Trek (I think DS9 losing the station wins best, especially when it turned into a 7 parter). I am of course referring to The Best of Both Worlds. Yes, Season 3 is bliss. It renews my love for a series I honestly often think of as 'okay'. Perhaps my judegment was clouded with my extreme obsession for DS9, but I can definitely appreciate TNG. I feel like I just renewed my vows with it. :)

Qop!
"I'll have ten hot fudge sundaes."
"I have never seen anyone eat ten chocolate sundaes."
"I'm in a really bad mood. And since I've never eaten before, I should be very hungry."
~Q and Data, TNG: Deja Q, after Q is made mortal and follows Troi's suggestion to feel better