The Best and Worst ST Bridges

[jamestyler]

I was quite fond of Relativity too, simply for the change in layout - nothing was symmetrical and the helm was in a weird but nice position.

I couldn't pick one, but the TUC version was great visually with the grey and red design; the Generations version was wonderfully complex which made it look a hell of a lot better compared to the spartan series design; And against opinion the E-E with the large consoles at the side - though I do like a previous design sketch for it a lot better.

For worst the Grissom set, the set used for DS9's Saratgo and seveal others and the worst compilation of set pieces... the E-C. I hated two sets of consoles in front of the captains chair, it looked way too cluttered.

 

[dreadpiraterose]

my fav has to be the intrepid class bridge without a doubt. spacious, functional, i love how the ops and tactical stations arranged. only down side is, ive always loved the classic captains chair bang in the middle but nevermind

my least fav bridge has to be the galaxy class (before the generations refit) it look likes a living room, tidy, comfortable, do love the wooden curved tactical station though. but the whole thing is just to bright, the lcars displays are boring, dosnt look all that exciting in a red alert eviroment either. The refit bridge is a much better improvement. darker, side stations added,more going on with the lcars displays. those steps are pretty cool too.

LOL. I never thought of the Enterprise D bridge like that, but you're right!

I liked the Defiant's bridge, small as it was. But the Intrepid's was pretty good too.

 

[Praetor]

Really?? They took that transporter part from the Voyager science lab set though didn't they? That's a pretty impressive transformation.

 

[2 of 10]

For myself I would have to go with the worst bridge being TOS, just because in the mid to late sixties the production values were not up to the task in setting up what would be a 22nd century starship bridge. I loved the series and the bridge was good for the time TOS came out.
The best would have to be Intrepid Class (Voy) not to spacious, not cramped, and I liked the way that the Capt and XO get to share a common space on the bridge. However, why don't Tuvok or Harry have chairs in front of their stations??

 

[Anwar]

I thought the Alternate Ent-D bridge from "Yesterday's Enterprise" was excellent. Really conveyed that it was a Battleship.

Worst? I dunno...I never liked VOY's "two captain's seats" thing.

 

[clint g]

I would have to say the Ent-Es is my favorite with the TOSs being my least favorite

 

[KaiClark]

My favorite is the Defiant bridge. It's compact yet efficient. It's a single chair clearly defining who's in command. It had a submarine feel to it more so than any other until ENT.

The worst for me is a toss up between the Son'a bridge and the Reman bridge, both were fantastically lame although the Son'a bridge's captains chair was padded and completely useless so that just might be the pick. Where as the Reman Bridge was more of a auditorium

 

[dreadpiraterose]

My favorite is the Defiant bridge. It's compact yet efficient. It's a single chair clearly defining who's in command. It had a submarine feel to it more so than any other until ENT.

The worst for me is a toss up between the Son'a bridge and the Reman bridge, both were fantastically lame although the Son'a bridge's captains chair was padded and completely useless so that just might be the pick. Where as the Reman Bridge was more of a auditorium

Submarine, exactly. Great way of putting it actually.

 

[2 of 10]

Then the is the Jem-Hadar bridge no chairs and no viewscreen, now that really sucks!!!

 

[Marie1]

The Jem'Hadar don't need chairs. The Vorta has one at a desk, scene in "In the Cards."
And they don't have an health centre either. That sucks even worse!

But I love the displays, especially the one for piloting the ships- it makes more sense to me than the SF ones.

I'd really like to know why the Scimitar's bridge looked the way it does. As has been pointed out, its this big dark cavernous thing. Why? It serves no purpose that I can see other than to look insane.

 

[jamestyler]

I'd really like to know why the Scimitar's bridge looked the way it does. As has been pointed out, its this big dark cavernous thing. Why? It serves no purpose that I can see other than to look insane.

Stuart Baird mentions it in the commentary. But as he's as dull as my toe I don't want to listen to it again to get a quote.

I don't remember what he said (something about it being big and dramatic - the same logic as the steps in Shinzons first scene) but I do remember thinking he achieved what he wanted to achieve - it just looked more like a starbase ops centre than the bridge of a ship.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

I'd really like to know why the Scimitar's bridge looked the way it does. As has been pointed out, its this big dark cavernous thing. Why?

The ship had a mostly Reman crew, and Remans like the dark. It's how they live. They can't stand bright light.

 

[Bryan316]

Best:
Generations Enterprise-D for the reasons mentioned already (extra stations, raised command chairs).
New Frontier's Excalibur (Ambassador-class) designed/developed by Mike Collins for the Double Time one-shot. Based on the Enterprise-C's bridge, but with real chairs for the main stations along the back wall, a version of the Galaxy-class rail instead of the metal framing and ramps instead of steps, Voyager's dual command seat, and a conference room door and second turbolift door, along with the reverse-hinged conn and ops and that extra floating console in front of the viewscreen.

Worst:
Grissom's rather barren bridge, even though it was just a redress.
Stargazer, with two main stations being standing-only and facing the back wall. I see that its a redress of the TNG battle bridge with some parts moved around and some TUC stations and TMP chairs, but ouch.

 

[Nardpuncher]

I may be in the minority here, but my favorite bridge is from TFF. To me, it combines the functional efficiency of the TOS/TMP bridges with the warmth and comfort of the TNG bridge. It has the carpeting, the wooden railing, the soft colors, but it still has the efficient and functional design that was so good that the Navy wanted to study it.

My least favorite bridge? Hmm... probably the Enterprise-E. I suppose the layout is fine, but aside from hating that dark lighting scheme they went to in the movies, the thing looks like the Fisher-Price version of a bridge. Everything just looks flimsy.

I was going to say the TFF bridge too.
My problem with it is that it was too easy to see the edges of the TVs they used as the bridge monitors.

 

[Hambone]

My favorite is the original, from "The Cage". The layout is terrific and the color scheme is nice and military. Lose the goosenecks and it would be perfect.

My least favorite is the TNG Enterprise bridge. It reminds me of a hotel lobby.

 

[Marie1]

I'd really like to know why the Scimitar's bridge looked the way it does. As has been pointed out, its this big dark cavernous thing. Why? It serves no purpose that I can see other than to look insane.

Stuart Baird mentions it in the commentary. But as he's as dull as my toe I don't want to listen to it again to get a quote.

I don't remember what he said (something about it being big and dramatic - the same logic as the steps in Shinzons first scene) but I do remember thinking he achieved what he wanted to achieve - it just looked more like a starbase ops centre than the bridge of a ship.

Thanks for the heads up... if its dull, I'll try and find a transcript. LOL!

I'd really like to know why the Scimitar's bridge looked the way it does. As has been pointed out, its this big dark cavernous thing. Why?

The ship had a mostly Reman crew, and Remans like the dark. It's how they live. They can't stand bright light.

I get the Dark part, the ones in the show were underground working. But you don't need something that big for... anything. It was just space. And wouldn't the Remans like warmth? That space would be harder to heat... not that that'd be hard with the technology, but still.