How was season 1 received at the time?

[ALF]

I wasn't a TNG fan until S4 but I recall my mother's extended family (all the aunts and uncles) watched Star Trek TNG religiously in its first season because they didn't expect the series to last, and wanted to enjoy new Trek while it was still on.

After that, it was less religious because the series seemed to survive S1 and the thought was, 'it's another hit, it'll be accessible for years to come.' Which of course it was/is. They all used to croon the opening to TOS when that was on, too.

My mom still hates Star Trek, though.

 

[cgervasi]

Season 1 is generally regarded today as being pretty weak compared to later TNG, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the general opinion was different then than now.

I remember people being afraid they'd try to re-create a Kirk-Spock-Bones relationship. Star Trek, people said, is really about those three. You would have to re-create them, but you cannot re-create them, so maybe they shouldn't make a new Star Trek series.

I recall people being relieved that the characters were completely different. The science officer tried to be more human instead of less. The captain was more big picture and less inclined to get directly in the action.

 

[Captrek]

Season 1 is generally regarded today as being pretty weak compared to later TNG, but I was wondering if anyone could tell me if the general opinion was different then than now.

I remember people being afraid they'd try to re-create a Kirk-Spock-Bones relationship. Star Trek, people said, is really about those three. You would have to re-create them, but you cannot re-create them, so maybe they shouldn't make a new Star Trek series.

I recall people being relieved that the characters were completely different. The science officer tried to be more human instead of less. The captain was more big picture and less inclined to get directly in the action.

I recall hearing a rumor that the new series would be called "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and feature the adventures of the children of the characters from the original series.

 

[BillJ]

I recall hearing a rumor that the new series would be called "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and feature the adventures of the children of the characters from the original series.

There were many rumors flying around prior to concrete information about the series coming out. I remember someone announcing the series and calling it "Star Trek: A New Generation", complete with a logo based on the TOS series logo.

 

[Christopher]

I remember people being afraid they'd try to re-create a Kirk-Spock-Bones relationship. Star Trek, people said, is really about those three. You would have to re-create them, but you cannot re-create them, so maybe they shouldn't make a new Star Trek series.

I recall people being relieved that the characters were completely different. The science officer tried to be more human instead of less. The captain was more big picture and less inclined to get directly in the action.

Ironically, though, the main TNG characters were just a rehash of the plans for the Phase II characters. Picard was the older, more seasoned Kirk, an established legend now adopting more of a mentor role. Riker was Will Decker, Troi was Ilia, and Data was Xon, Spock's replacement, a full Vulcan who explored his emotional side to relate better to humans. (Merged with the android title character from Roddenberry's The Questor Tapes pilot.)

 

[Lance]

I wasn't a TNG fan until S4 but I recall my mother's extended family (all the aunts and uncles) watched Star Trek TNG religiously in its first season because they didn't expect the series to last, and wanted to enjoy new Trek while it was still on.

After that, it was less religious because the series seemed to survive S1 and the thought was, 'it's another hit, it'll be accessible for years to come.' Which of course it was/is.

My big brother was the same. He watched it all the way through season 1 because it was new and interesting at the time (and he still recalls fondly season 1 episodes he's only ever seen the once, way back on first transmission!), but when season 2 rolled around he kind of started to dip in and out, and certainly he wasn't watching it regularly in 1994 (although we did watch 'All Good Things' and all the TNG movies together). He isn't what I'd call a massive Star Trek fan, but he was acutely aware of season 1, while less so the subsequent seasons.

I do wonder how many of the overall viewership were the same? Casual viewers who really watched season 1 intently, but kinda dipped in and out for the rest of the run?

 

[2takesfrakes]

It surprises me how someone once exposed to The Next Generation could ever waiver on watching it. Yes, there were a few dud episodes, some misfires, but overall, it's truly one of the most satisfying works of science fiction ever created. Gene Roddenberry's stamp is all over it and it's the most successfull of all of the STAR TREK spinoffs, as a result. Season One has its growing pains, there's no doubt of it. But the care and attention that the first season had is evident. Those involved took great pains to give it its own identity, its own flavour and texture, and for that alone, I'm very proud of Season One. It's so unlike anything else in the STAR TREK franchise ...

 

[Therin of Andor]

It surprises me how someone once exposed to The Next Generation could ever waiver on watching it.

There were a lot of TOS fans very angry and resentful that Paramount and Roddenberry had seemingly abandoned the Kirk/Spock/McCoy dynamic. I know quite a few fans who refused to watch any TNG beyond "Encounter at Farpoint" and they had thousands of reason to justify ignoring it. Takei, Doohan, Nichols and Koenig were very critical of TNG in its formative years and even Nimoy doubted that Roddenberry could "catch lightning in a bottle" a second time. Then (after the huge success of "ST IV: The Voyage Home" - which had created the opportunity for TNG to even exist) along came the (to many) disappointing "ST V: The Final Frontier".

Luckily, TNG garnered its large audience from both the ranks of diehard TOS (and TOS movie) fans and the general public. Many TNG fans actually knew very little of TOS, and currently we see the remnants of those opinions, where many 24th-century Trek fans loudly mourn the loss of that era as the franchise goes back to the well of TOS with JJ's movies.

 

[Maurice]

It surprises me how someone once exposed to The Next Generation could ever waiver on watching it...

I almost gave up after Season 2, made it through season 3, which improved, but by season 4 I realized I didn't care and stopped watching. TBOBW Part 2 was the beginning of the end for me, because they couldn't even dramatically pay off the previous season cliffhanger moment. In general I mostly didn't care about the characters and the writing was pretty flat.

That's how I felt. If other enjoy it, bully for them.

 

[2takesfrakes]

That's how I felt. If other enjoy it, bully for them.

Yay!!! Bully, for me, then!

There were a lot of TOS fans very angry and resentful that Paramount and Roddenberry had seemingly abandoned the Kirk/Spock/McCoy dynamic. ... Takei, Doohan, Nichols and Koenig were very critical of TNG in its formative years and even Nimoy doubted that Roddenberry could "catch lightning in a bottle" a second time.

That's very interesting to know, actually, how the Second Bananas of TOS disliked the idea of TNG! Especially in light of how DeForest Kelley seemed to be so supportive of it. I can only imagine that the others didn't care about the idea of a STAR TREK spinoff, so much, as how it might affect the "demand" for their appearances at conventions and whatnot. Naturally, Doohan and Nimoy would show up on TNG, later on. But what can you do, you know? Maybe Roddenberry even did it just to reclaim some of his past glory? Who knows. As for the fans hating on TNG, when it first came out ... history has so repeated itself, here, with the reboot movies. Dissatisfied fans are only too happy to carpet bomb official sites with their words of hate. Even Shatner's badmouthed it. Meanwhile, the movies rake in tons of money, accolades and awards ...

 

[Hawkeye_90]

It surprises me how someone once exposed to The Next Generation could ever waiver on watching it.

There were a lot of TOS fans very angry and resentful that Paramount and Roddenberry had seemingly abandoned the Kirk/Spock/McCoy dynamic. I know quite a few fans who refused to watch any TNG beyond "Encounter at Farpoint" and they had thousands of reason to justify ignoring it. Takei, Doohan, Nichols and Koenig were very critical of TNG in its formative years and even Nimoy doubted that Roddenberry could "catch lightning in a bottle" a second time. Then (after the huge success of "ST IV: The Voyage Home" - which had created the opportunity for TNG to even exist) along came the (to many) disappointing "ST V: The Final Frontier".

Luckily, TNG garnered its large audience from both the ranks of diehard TOS (and TOS movie) fans and the general public. Many TNG fans actually knew very little of TOS, and currently we see the remnants of those opinions, where many 24th-century Trek fans loudly mourn the loss of that era as the franchise goes back to the well of TOS with JJ's movies.

I've have to say that I am one of those TNG fans who knew nothing of TOS. I didn't see TOS untill I was 16 where as I was watching TNG on reruns starting in about 1999-2000 at the age of 9. I still would like to see TNG come back for a reunion or something.

 

[MakeshiftPython]

That's how I felt. If other enjoy it, bully for them.

Yay!!! Bully, for me, then!

There were a lot of TOS fans very angry and resentful that Paramount and Roddenberry had seemingly abandoned the Kirk/Spock/McCoy dynamic. ... Takei, Doohan, Nichols and Koenig were very critical of TNG in its formative years and even Nimoy doubted that Roddenberry could "catch lightning in a bottle" a second time.

That's very interesting to know, actually, how the Second Bananas of TOS disliked the idea of TNG! Especially in light of how DeForest Kelley seemed to be so supportive of it. I can only imagine that the others didn't care about the idea of a STAR TREK spinoff, so much, as how it might affect the "demand" for their appearances at conventions and whatnot. Naturally, Doohan and Nimoy would show up on TNG, later on. But what can you do, you know? Maybe Roddenberry even did it just to reclaim some of his past glory? Who knows. As for the fans hating on TNG, when it first came out ... history has so repeated itself, here, with the reboot movies. Dissatisfied fans are only too happy to carpet bomb official sites with their words of hate. Even Shatner's badmouthed it. Meanwhile, the movies rake in tons of money, accolades and awards ...

Hopefully history does repeat itself, meaning that quality wise nuTrek in the future vastly improves after the first two films just as TNG did after the first two seasons.

 

[Christopher]

That's how I felt. If other enjoy it, bully for them.

Yay!!! Bully, for me, then!

Meh, you can have it. I had enough bullies in grade school.

That's very interesting to know, actually, how the Second Bananas of TOS disliked the idea of TNG! Especially in light of how DeForest Kelley seemed to be so supportive of it.

I seem to remember Shatner and Nimoy being quite skeptical of the idea as well.

I can only imagine that the others didn't care about the idea of a STAR TREK spinoff, so much, as how it might affect the "demand" for their appearances at conventions and whatnot.

Not just conventions, but screen productions. They were afraid that if a new Trek cast caught on, the old one might not get work anymore. Getting two more TOS movies made while TNG was on the air probably eased their initial concerns, though.

As for the fans hating on TNG, when it first came out ... history has so repeated itself, here, with the reboot movies. Dissatisfied fans are only too happy to carpet bomb official sites with their words of hate. Even Shatner's badmouthed it. Meanwhile, the movies rake in tons of money, accolades and awards ...

It has always been thus. The animated series, the first few movies, TNG and its spinoffs, Enterprise -- they were all denounced as "not real Star Trek" when they were new. Heck, back when there was only TOS, a lot of fans denounced its third season.

 

[2takesfrakes]

It has always been thus. The animated series, the first few movies, TNG and its spinoffs, Enterprise -- they were all denounced as "not real Star Trek" when they were new. Heck, back when there was only TOS, a lot of fans denounced its third season.

Thank you, for providing such a complete and thorough answer, sir. I just ... I just love talking about STAR TREK! Especially, The Next Generation ...

 

[2takesfrakes]

Hopefully history does repeat itself, meaning that quality wise nuTrek in the future vastly improves after the first two films just as TNG did after the first two seasons.

Interestingly enough, I happened to be looking up something in the dictionary. Out of curiousity, I typed in the word "satisfy," just at random, to see what its origins were. And pictured right beside the definition, I saw TNG: Season One! Exhibit A:

 

[Dankokoro]

It surprises me how someone once exposed to The Next Generation could ever waiver on watching it. Yes, there were a few dud episodes, some misfires, but overall, it's truly one of the most satisfying works of science fiction ever created. Gene Roddenberry's stamp is all over it and it's the most successfull of all of the STAR TREK spinoffs, as a result. Season One has its growing pains, there's no doubt of it. But the care and attention that the first season had is evident. Those involved took great pains to give it its own identity, its own flavour and texture, and for that alone, I'm very proud of Season One. It's so unlike anything else in the STAR TREK franchise ...

Hey, right on.. Season 1 definitely has it's own flavour that i personally really enjoy. I actually think Encounter at Farpoint is one of my favourite eps. It has some totally forgettable moments and certain aspects of the characters obviously didn't work and were subsequently changed/abandoned, but the story itself is brilliant imo.. Just the whole mystery of Farpoint station and the Q's impending punishment if they F up..and the music.. I'm only 29 so obviously don't remember when it premiered, but i'm pretty sure I would've loved it at the time..

I don't think even episodes like Code of Honour would've turned me off.. I mean, i was pretty obsessed with Stargate SG-1 from the age of 13 on, and watching that again, god there were a lot of crap episodes in the first season.. (and all other seasons)

I think age would be a big factor. I imagine a few TOS fans that glorified the original series would've hated on a few things.. but looking back on it (and i'm actually re-watching right now) i just don't see much to hate about it (besides a few stinkers).

Also, I'd rather watch season 1 five times over than watch the second half of season 6 and then season 7..

 

[2takesfrakes]

The very first episode offered so much potential, not only story-wise, for its own needs, but the potential that was there for the series, as a whole. Without the addition of Q, the Farpoint Station aspects, themselves are just "OK." That whole plotline with the Space Jellyfish being kept captive - and used - was a wonderful metaphore for Sea World or anyplace like it, where they capture wild animals and use them for entertainment and, to a lesser degree, supposedly "educational" purposes. But somehow, it's just not "enough" to herald in a new era in STAR TREK. The Q elements really add so much and the combination of the two really gives a good idea of what's to come. And The Next Generation certainly survived its First Season, despite the naysayers! Going on to become the best, damn STAR TREK series ever made! That was a great post, Dankokoro ...

 

[Christopher]

Funny, I think the Q subplot feels entirely tacked on -- which it was, since it was only added to pad what was conceived as a 90-minute pilot out to 2 hours. Q shows up periodically and makes some pompous speeches and threats, and claims he's judging the crew on their performance at Farpoint, but he doesn't really have any effect on the story as a whole. He pops up in the climax to heckle Picard, but it's all empty bluster and doesn't really have any impact on events. It's really rather obvious that he was an afterthought.

The only thing that ever made Q work as a character was John DeLancie's performance. Conceptually, the Q were just a warmed-over '60s-SFTV cliche, the godlike aliens sitting in judgment.

 

[BillJ]

Funny, I think the Q subplot feels entirely tacked on -- which it was, since it was only added to pad what was conceived as a 90-minute pilot out to 2 hours. Q shows up periodically and makes some pompous speeches and threats, and claims he's judging the crew on their performance at Farpoint, but he doesn't really have any effect on the story as a whole. He pops up in the climax to heckle Picard, but it's all empty bluster and doesn't really have any impact on events. It's really rather obvious that he was an afterthought.

Farpoint would've been flat terrible without deLancie.

 

[The Old Mixer]

I never disliked "Farpoint" as much as some seem to. I thought it did a good job at the time as a pilot episode/TV movie, introducing the characters, ship, and mission and whatnot.