How would you change or Re-Write TNG?

[Maurice]

In the original pilot, the security personnel DID have a separate insignia, which was later dropped for the show. There was also a separate 'away team' uniform (grey), which SNW has at least given a nod to (and I believe Enterprise also may have done this at least once), and originally, every ship was supposed to have its own uniforms and insignia-badge (not the insignia itself - just the shape of the badge - only Enterprise was supposed to have that boomerang-looking one), but all of that was dropped to simplify things (but it does explain why we see so many different uniforms and insignia around - it was actually meant to be that way from the beginning). As for the now missing insignia for security - its the one that looks like a 'C' in this pic, and you can see it on the 'bridge guards' in The Managerie.

Um, no.

The meaning of the "C" badge in "The Cage" was never spelled out. The fact that the guy who stands next to Pike's chair with a clipboard wears one might suggest it was a "crewman" insignia.

In "The Cage" they wore field jackets over their regular uniforms. They did not have separate landing party uniforms.

And, no, each starship was not intended to have it's own badge, let alone uniform. That was a production mistake and when Bob Justman saw it in the dailies of "The Omega Glory" he verified it with Roddenberry and then told Theiss not to do it again. The emblems and uniforms of the Antares crew were more like merchant marine. Starship crews get the delta/Flying-A, Starbase personnel get the gold sunflower badge, cadets a smaller silver version of that sunflower.

We covered all this in our Fact Trek article Emblem-atic. Of starship crews on TOS only Commodore Decker, Capt. Tracey and his CMO from the Exeter are seen with alternate insignia. Other non-Enterprise crew seen in the bar in "Court Martial" and on the Defiant in "The Tholian Web" wear the same insignia as the Enterprise crew.

 

[somebuddyX]

I guess if this was some kind of superficial alternate TNG Remastered thing, then for me I think it would be cool if most of the TOS-film era ships and stations were replaced by TNG-era ships like the ones from the Battle of Wolf 359, or say the Pegasus used the original design that maybe was an Ambassador-class contemporary. The K'Vorts could be replaced by a unique design that only appeared in "Yesterday's Enterprise" alternate timeline. The Stargazer would remain the same and you could have the odd Excelsior or Miranda show up. Starbase 74 is some new design. Maybe the boring soundstage planets from Season 1 like in "Hide and Q" get replaced.
I think the only things I would change about the actual show pertain to OHS. The bridge on the top could get sliced right off by some dumbass who got their ship too close to the Enterprise. Anybody can get to the bridge without issue. That 20th Century guy in "The Neutral Zone" could have shot Picard in the back of the head. The security guys have no protection from anything. Give them a vest or a helmet at least. There's no privacy in the sickbay or the brig. The shuttles only have one bigass door at the back. Troi sent holo-Geordi into that tube to die but she could have given him some protective gear to wear while his retinas dissolved.
Oh and they should have made more an effort to have gay crew members. If they'd done "Blood and Fire" or something similar in Season 1 or at least the barest token acknowledgment somewhere in TNG's run then they could have built on that over subsequent seasons or shows.
I think it would be fun to see a completely different TNG in an alternate universe, kinda sorta based on some original concepts or speculation, like one where Patrick Bauchau is Julien Picard, Bill Ryker is first officer, Leslie Crusher appears and is played by someone like Jamie Hubbard, Michael Dorn is Sgt. Worf the Klingon Army exchange officer to the Enterprise due to the recent signing of a peace treaty between the Federation and Klingons, Science Officer Data was built by some alien race and functions similar to how the Ilia probe acted as an emissary of V'Ger, Dr. Deanna Troi is the therapist and community leader, Macha Hernandez is security chief, the new antagonist race that turns up in Season 2 are the Insectoids, Q is not just one individual but the embodiment of the entire continuum, and they did that story in the start of Season 2 "Return to Forever" where Leonard Nimoy appears as two versions of Spock. Also Leonard Maizlish is run over in the parking lot.
But I have a soft spot for how the real TNG turned out so to be honest if I could change it back then I probably wouldn't.

 

[Dukhat]

I take your point about Starbase 173, though... it shouldn't have been justified as brand new, and perhaps should have been explained as having been towed their from somewhere else instead (refitted rather than newly constructed).

Unfortunately the scriptwriter has no control over which filming model the VFX department chooses to use. Cases in point: the USS Lantree from ‘Natural Selection’ was clearly meant to be a much newer and smaller ship than the Reliant filming model they ended up using. And the Tsiolkovsky was supposed to have been contemporary to the Enterprise-D, its dedication plaque stating that the ship was built the same year as the Enterprise. Instead they used the Grissom model for that.

Conversely, the production also made some odd choices where models were concerned. For ‘Justice,’ the VFX department built this huge new space station for the ‘Edo God’ and then proceeded to film it in such a way that you could barely make out that it was a new model at all. Why didn’t they just use that expensive new space station model as Starbase 173 the following season? Answer: because it was cheaper to use stock footage of an 80 year old out of scale space station rather than filming a new model they already had in their stock inventory.

 

[WAMTNG]

For ‘Justice,’ the VFX department built this huge new space station for the ‘Edo God’...

Do you know the size of the Edo god/space station model by any chance...? I have this in the WAM in two weeks time for "Justice", but wasn't able to source any dimensions for the studio miniature. (And I agree - this was a super weird choice of model for that role, which in fact could have used an ad hoc SFX technique so the model could have been saved for something more suitable).

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Off the top of my head:

- Eliminate the ship's counselor. I have nothing against Deanna, as such, but it seems clear that she was only there because of the fruity psychobabble that Gene was into when he was creating TNG.

- No ing skant. I'm sorry, I just never liked it. Totally unprofessional. It's like walking into a Fortune 500 board meeting wearing a tutu.

- No families on board.

- Eliminate the uniforms from the first two seasons, i.e. the ones without collars. Also unprofessional, though nowhere near as bad as the skant.

- Have Tasha and Worf be tactical officers only. All actual shipboard security would be handled by Starfleet Marines. Oh yes, I went there.

- Actually do a mirror universe episode.

- Cut the crap about no money. Not only is it complete horseshit on its face, but we know that Federation credits are actually a thing...

 

[Wally]

I would certainly keep the episodic television aspect, the "cruise line" aesthetic. I would double-down on how humanity has changed in the future (though this would be constrained by 80's-90's television standards) , but first biggest would simply be rejiggering the crew.

Commanding Officer - Capt. Picard . No change here. Even in my wildest re-imaginings I simply cannot imagine a better option. The only possibility would be at some dying or being promoted out of the role later in the series.

Security Chief - Lt. Deanna Troi. So often Troi had nothing to do. Here her empathic powers would actually be put to tactical use and I could imagine many times they would be useful. Plus, this is the 24th century, and though Sirtis certainly is capable of more aggressive and physical roles - it is not necessary for the character. You don't need to be giant athlete and skilled knife fighter to be a security chief. Just aim a phaser.

Chief of Engineering - Lt. Cmdr Worf. Rewatching TNG (before his character got much better serviced on DS9) I'm shocked at how he was just grumbly big guy. His job was 'warrior' and his personality, interests and entire species were just... 'warrior'. TNG Season 1 showed that Worf was actually fairly well rounded and was capable of most anything. So, stick him in engineering. Having the big man play a little against type and gruffly keep all of his engineers in line and sometimes scarying the beejesus out of them.

Counselor/Contact Specialist - Lt Cmdr Riker. Yup. I'm getting rid of the XO position. Realistically it needs to exist somewhere but is pointless to has the full time position on the bridge at the same as Picard. Instead it would be rotating guest star roll for Beta shifts and the like. Riker will still be Picard's right hand man and be the trained expert in handling first contacts and studying alien customs (he always was most game for it anyways), plus for Will Riker that puts him at the forefront of studying alien women upclose as well.. ifyouknowwhatImean.

CONN - Crewman Data. Okay, so why was a respected officer, third in command of the Flagship of the Federation, so discriminated against that it was common storylines of people not wanting to take orders from him or denying personhood etc. it makes no sense. Seems odd to have gotten so far when it is not even until Season 2 where Starfleet begrudgingly had to admit he was alive and not office equipment. Doesn't seem like someone you would make an officer. So, start him as an underdog occupying much the space as how Wesley did. The supremely overqualified android that will have to fight his way for approval and acceptance to eventually become a CPO.

Chief Medical Officer - Dr. LaForge. Guy had to have grown up around doctors. It just makes sense. While keeping his biting sarcasm he is otherwise portrayed here as the most friendly and likeable guy on the crew, which makes a good contrast with what him being the head of life sciences, the biggest critic of whether crewman Data is alive or not.

Science Officer - Lt. Cmdr Beverly Crusher. Getting her on the bridge and into the working environment far more often may make more tension with Picard that otherwise fizzled out after the few episodes in TNG.

 

[Dukhat]

Do you know the size of the Edo god/space station model by any chance...? I have this in the WAM in two weeks time for "Justice", but wasn't able to source any dimensions for the studio miniature. (And I agree - this was a super weird choice of model for that role, which in fact could have used an ad hoc SFX technique so the model could have been saved for something more suitable).

Here’s a pic I found of the model with someone standing in the background. Not the best measure of scale, but unless someone has a better pic, this is the best we’ve got:

https://www.ex-astris-scientia.org/reports/worldtour/edogod.jpg

 

[WAMTNG]

Here’s a pic I found of the model with someone standing in the background. Not the best measure of scale, but unless someone has a better pic, this is the best we’ve got:

You're the best, Dukhat! Many thanks! I'll see if this will fit into the "Justice" newsletter, and I'll be sure to mention you in a 'thank you'.

PS: I had to recompress it, but I got it to fit! Newsletter for "Justice" runs on 3rd August 2022. Feel free to check it out on the WAMTNG website after that date, or sign up for a free subscription and you'll get it in your inbox. Truly appreciate the assist!

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

SETTING:
The U.S.S. Enterprise-D is a new breed of deep space ship, designed to head out into deep space for years and make history with every light-year. She therefore needs to operate as an explorer, a science ship, a battlecruiser, and a diplomatic pleasure craft all rolled into one, with a vast array of specialists onboard to carry out its wide array of missions, as well as carry family members and even Starfleet Academy training facilities given that missions are expected to last ten years or more beyond the Federation border. Due to this mission profile, the ship being recalled to Earth would only be in the most dire of situations, whilst dealing with situations that arise inside UFP space would be for other (less glamorous) ships to deal with.

CREW:
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: One of Starfleet's most decorated CO's, his command of the Stargazer is the thing of legends with him earning numerous distinctions and commendations for his time onboard, including how he gallantly remained at his post when seriously injured resulting in him having several artificial body parts.
Commander Winona Riker: A bright up-and-coming young officer, someone who is believed to be in line for a command of her own well before she's 35, so her taking on a long-term posting like the Enterprise (though one of great prestige) is somewhat baffling, but the chance to be a proper explorer is too good an opportunity to pass up.
Commander Data: The ship's senior diplomat and first contact specialist. Built by aliens to preserve a doomed Federation colony, he retains the collective knowledge of the colonists, despite this he yearns to know what it is to be truly human. Though easily the most intelligent onboard, his origin has inspired him to dedicate his existence to building better relationships between the UFP and alien civilisations.
Commander Beverly Crusher: She is in charge of the Academy training facilities onboard, ensuring that all the wannabe new crewmen and cadets who come of age from the civilians the ship carries meet the standards Starfleet requires. She and Picard have a history, with her late husband having served under him at the time of his death, something that causes some unease between the two of them.
Lt. Commander Worf: Though born Klingon the ship's Science Officer was raised by humans after his parents were killed in a massacre. The strong, silent type, he has often been underestimated for his intellect and abilities because he is Klingon, but in truth he is one of Starfleet's most brilliant minds, the sort of person who will ensure their deep space mission is a success.
Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge: He has been with the Enterprise since construction began and now gets to test out just what his ship can do. No one onboard knows the ship's systems better than he does. Unfortunately, he is better with engines than he is with people, which is partly why he sees Data as his best friend.
Lt. Commander Selar: The Vulcan Chief Medical Officer. She is highly regarded as much for her research work as she is for her skills as a surgeon, though her cool, calm, logical exterior can make her bedside manner somewhat cold and distant.
Lieutenant Ro Laren: Ship's security weighs on the shoulders on this Bajoran. With a harsh and brutal life under Cardassian oppression, she was lucky to escape and make a new life for herself within Starfleet. It is because of all the horrors she has witnessed and endured that she fights tooth and nail to keep those she serves with safe.
Lieutenant Deayn Troi: The Betazoid helmsman is one of the best in the fleet, with an intuitive gift for navigation. A power telepath and empath, he often knows what his Captain's orders are before they are issued, a handy insight especially in the midst of an emergency. He and Riker share a complicated past.
Cadet Wez'li and Cadet Lex'li: These alien twins are two of the best trainees onboard, hoping to graduate soon and take their place among the officers of the Enterprise. Both brilliant in their own way, but whilst Wez is more interested in research Lex prefers shipboard operations.

 

[dupersuper]

Better made uniforms that you don't have to tug on

You would deny us the Picard maneuver?

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I'd be OK with getting rid of saucer separation. I totally get why they dropped it. It slowed down the action to a crawl.

 

[Bry_Sinclair]

I'd be OK with getting rid of saucer separation. I totally get why they dropped it. It slowed down the action to a crawl.

Keep the separation just don't give it the TMP treatment and film every stage of it from every angle. Announce the saucer separation, the designated crew hurry off screen, cut to external shot of the ship breaking apart, then back inside to the two bridges as the action continues.

 

[haddie moonfall]

You would deny us the Picard maneuver?

so true.. i will now continue my re-watch with a lighter heart, thanks for shifting my perspective

 

[TOMFAN]

I'd get rid of Yar, and just have Worf as security chief from the start (with the long hair from S6).

Pulaski as CMO, maybe her husband died under Picards command, so they have a history, but no romance.

With no Crusher there'd be no Wesley.

Troi as conn officer (ditch the counselor character), still a Betazed, and still with a history with Riker, maybe actually have them become a proper couple during the show.

O'Brien as chief engineer - not sure where that leaves Geordie though, maybe at ops?

Have the two side stations on the bridge, as in Generations, and have one be the science station with Data as chief science officer, and have a less beige colour scheme for the bridge as well, perhaps something darker like the Ent-E.

Keep the smarter, less baggy, uniforms that they had at the beginning of S3.

 

[Kor]

Make future humans substantially different from contemporary people, instead of pompously pontificating about how advanced they are even though they really aren't. Include more of Roddenberry's ideas about "evolved humanity" along the lines of the TMP novelization. "New humans" with their weird shared telepathic experiences or whatever the deal was. And let's not forget the love instructors.

Kor

 

[Dukhat]

Basically, I would scrap the entire 24th century setting. I would put the show on board the "A", immediately after The Voyage Home. It would have all the new style TNG technology, holodecks, etc, but maintain aesthetics slightly more with the movie ship. (This whole concept started because I think its a shame we never got to see the gorgeous refit model in a weekly series.)

Actually, that wouldn't have happened. ILM hated filming the TMP Enterprise model because it was so large and unwieldy and hard to get a camera around. There definitely needed to be a newer model built for the hero ship.

 

[Phoenix219]

Actually, that wouldn't have happened. ILM hated filming the TMP Enterprise model because it was so large and unwieldy and hard to get a camera around. There definitely needed to be a newer model built for the hero ship.

No one would have known the difference if they just built a smaller, more filmable version of that same design. I just want to see more of that ship! More Shatner and TOS-ness is always better. I would have rather had another series with them. I keep returning to the 23rd century, but have never felt the urge to revisit the 24th.

 

[Dukhat]

No one would have known the difference if they just built a smaller, more filmable version of that same design. I just want to see more of that ship! More Shatner and TOS-ness is always better. I would have rather had another series with them. I keep returning to the 23rd century, but have never felt the urge to revisit the 24th.

Don't get me wrong: I love the refit Enterprise as well and would have loved to see more of it on the small screen. It's my favorite Enterprise design besides the Enterprise-D.

And yes, I suppose they could have built a newer smaller model of the ship for easier filming. But that wasn't the problem. They wanted to continue making feature films with the TOS cast, and you can't do that if the TNG crew are using the same ship. And Shatner was so adamantly against a new Star Trek television show that wasn't about the TOS cast (or that didn't revolve around him and Nimoy) that even if he had been given cameo roles, he wouldn't have done it.

Or are you implying that you would rather have had the TOS crew and the Enterprise-A be the stars of the new show? That wouldn't have lasted long. TFF showed quite clearly that this cast was getting too old to be doing films, much less a weekly tv show.

 

[Turtletrekker]

I would have liked to have seen some Andorians and Tellerites in supporting roles.

 

[Phoenix219]

Don't get me wrong: I love the refit Enterprise as well and would have loved to see more of it on the small screen. It's my favorite Enterprise design besides the Enterprise-D.

And yes, I suppose they could have built a newer smaller model of the ship for easier filming. But that wasn't the problem. They wanted to continue making feature films with the TOS cast, and you can't do that if the TNG crew are using the same ship. And Shatner was so adamantly against a new Star Trek television show that wasn't about the TOS cast (or that didn't revolve around him and Nimoy) that even if he had been given cameo roles, he wouldn't have done it.

Or are you implying that you would rather have had the TOS crew and the Enterprise-A be the stars of the new show? That wouldn't have lasted long. TFF showed quite clearly that this cast was getting too old to be doing films, much less a weekly tv show.

Y

Don't get me wrong: I love the refit Enterprise as well and would have loved to see more of it on the small screen. It's my favorite Enterprise design besides the Enterprise-D.

And yes, I suppose they could have built a newer smaller model of the ship for easier filming. But that wasn't the problem. They wanted to continue making feature films with the TOS cast, and you can't do that if the TNG crew are using the same ship. And Shatner was so adamantly against a new Star Trek television show that wasn't about the TOS cast (or that didn't revolve around him and Nimoy) that even if he had been given cameo roles, he wouldn't have done it.

Or are you implying that you would rather have had the TOS crew and the Enterprise-A be the stars of the new show? That wouldn't have lasted long. TFF showed quite clearly that this cast was getting too old to be doing films, much less a weekly tv show.

Yeah, my original post details how I would integrate portions of the TOS cast with portions of the TNG characters (adapted to a post Voyage Home setting), with Shatner starring. Uhura and Chekov would get overdue exposure, Pulaski would be related to McCoy, he and Spock would just do guest appearances, and Geordi would take over engineering after a season with Doohan aging out. I would add on to what the movies were doing and keep the aesthetics and world building of TOS rather than flush it all and pretend it didn't exist for years. The show would have still launched in '87, after the last movie wrapped up the trilogy and reset the status quo with Captain Kirk and the Enterprise A. Maybe peace with the Klingons would finally come after the Borg invasion or something, but the political state of the galaxy at the end of IV would have produced a lot of good stuff for an ongoing show, and the stuff that Kirk has been through over the course of the movies, could provide lots of dramatic material to build on as the show progresses.