There have been a few posts lately about missed opportunities when it came to character crossovers (especially considering the different series overlapped). I was reading about 'These are the Voyages...' yesterday, and it got me thinking about all of the instances when TNG characters have appeared in other Trek shows. I've listed them below, but I haven't in fact seen all of these episodes. I'm really interested to hear everyone's opinions.
How would you rate each of these appearances? Did they add anything to the character? Were they creative, pointless, or somewhere in-between? Did any of these instances strike you as being out of character?
There are other things to be talked about as well. Why do you think Gates McFadden never appeared in any of the other Trek series, while other actors had some memorable moments (Frakes playing Thomas Riker again, etc.)
Picard
DS9: 'Emissary'
For me, the most dramatic use of a TNG character outside of TNG. It set up DS9 so well, and it was really interesting to see a protagonist have genuine reasons for NOT liking Picard.
Riker
DS9: 'Defiant' (as Thomas Riker)
I thought it was incredibly creative to have Frakes come back to play Thomas Riker. Having the audience believe Frakes was Will - only to reveal him as Tom - was an awesome moment.
Voyager: 'Death Wish'
Liked the episode. The idea of Riker randomly appearing (via Q) was pretty cool.
Enterprise: 'These are the Voyages...'
Haven't seen it (I never got into 'Enterprise'). I have watched some of the Riker scenes on YouTube, and it seems forced to me. I just don't buy that Riker watching a holodeck program is what inspired him to talk to Picard. I thought 'The Pegasus' was a very strong TNG episode, and it didn't need additional background. If anything, it took away from the episode.
Data
Enterprise: 'These are the Voyages...' [voice only]
Seems a little odd that Spiner was called up to have a voice-only role. In some ways, I guess it's a cool fan moment. I've read what he said, but I haven't seen it in live-action. Worth it or not? Seems a little wasted.
Worf
DS9: seasons 4-7
Yeah, this doesn't quite count as a cameo, but I'd still like to hear what people think. I thought Worf fit in well on DS9. His conversation with O'Brien about the glory days on the Enterprise really stands out to me as a TNG moment. I think he was well-developed in DS9.
Geordi
Voyager: 'Timeless'
I haven't seen this episode, so comments are definitely welcome. Considering this is Geordi's only appearance outside of TNG, I'd like to hear what your reaction was.
Troi
Voyager: 'Pathfinder,' 'Life Line,' and 'Inside Man'
Again, I haven't seen these episodes (I've only watched the first 3 seasons of 'Voyager').
Enterprise: 'These are the Voyages...'
See my previous comments about Riker.
Crusher
None! Did writers just have a creative block in how to integrate her into an episode or was there something else at work there?
How would you rate each of these appearances? Did they add anything to the character? Were they creative, pointless, or somewhere in-between? Did any of these instances strike you as being out of character?
There are other things to be talked about as well. Why do you think Gates McFadden never appeared in any of the other Trek series, while other actors had some memorable moments (Frakes playing Thomas Riker again, etc.)
Picard
DS9: 'Emissary'
For me, the most dramatic use of a TNG character outside of TNG. It set up DS9 so well, and it was really interesting to see a protagonist have genuine reasons for NOT liking Picard.
Riker
DS9: 'Defiant' (as Thomas Riker)
I thought it was incredibly creative to have Frakes come back to play Thomas Riker. Having the audience believe Frakes was Will - only to reveal him as Tom - was an awesome moment.
Voyager: 'Death Wish'
Liked the episode. The idea of Riker randomly appearing (via Q) was pretty cool.
Enterprise: 'These are the Voyages...'
Haven't seen it (I never got into 'Enterprise'). I have watched some of the Riker scenes on YouTube, and it seems forced to me. I just don't buy that Riker watching a holodeck program is what inspired him to talk to Picard. I thought 'The Pegasus' was a very strong TNG episode, and it didn't need additional background. If anything, it took away from the episode.
Data
Enterprise: 'These are the Voyages...' [voice only]
Seems a little odd that Spiner was called up to have a voice-only role. In some ways, I guess it's a cool fan moment. I've read what he said, but I haven't seen it in live-action. Worth it or not? Seems a little wasted.
Worf
DS9: seasons 4-7
Yeah, this doesn't quite count as a cameo, but I'd still like to hear what people think. I thought Worf fit in well on DS9. His conversation with O'Brien about the glory days on the Enterprise really stands out to me as a TNG moment. I think he was well-developed in DS9.
Geordi
Voyager: 'Timeless'
I haven't seen this episode, so comments are definitely welcome. Considering this is Geordi's only appearance outside of TNG, I'd like to hear what your reaction was.
Troi
Voyager: 'Pathfinder,' 'Life Line,' and 'Inside Man'
Again, I haven't seen these episodes (I've only watched the first 3 seasons of 'Voyager').
Enterprise: 'These are the Voyages...'
See my previous comments about Riker.
Crusher
None! Did writers just have a creative block in how to integrate her into an episode or was there something else at work there?
