Where to head to after TNG ?
- Thread starter medwatt
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Given that the episodes of DS9 are highly serializes, it's difficult to give an answer without spoiling the whole. In general, DS9 had the most expansive cast, regular and recurring, of all the Trek series. Secondary characters were more likely to be the focus of attention than in TNG. Indeed, the leads in "It's Only A Paper Moon" were recurring characters. Consequently, Sisko was less often the focus of individual episodes than Picard was in TNG. If I am not mistaken, Brooks had the smallest share of the dialogue in his series than the other "captains." Nevertheless, Avery Brooks personality affected the whole, both in the seriousness of his demeanor and in his desire to create of positive portrayal of the African American family (which lent to a more sophisticated portrayal of family than any of the series).
That said, Sisko is more at the center of DS9 than Picard. Star Trek tends to show people reacting to problems; DS9 still reflects this. However, Sisko makes major decisions, as a religious and political leader, that lead the direction of the overall narrative. Given the level of serialization, the consequences of those decisions are explored over multiple episodes, if not entire seasons. There may be less of Sisko than Picard, but his presence is greater.
DS9 is kind of its own beast though I could see where one might like it or not. I almost think one could watch DS9 S1 and Voyager S1 and then decide for themselves how to proceed.
If you have access to Netflix streaming you can watch them both without having to invest much.
If you have access to Netflix streaming you can watch them both without having to invest much.
I would have recommended going back to TOS next, but it seems you've already decided against that. In that case I'd strongly recommend DS9, then skip VGR and ENT and head straight to nuBSG.
I find that simply alternating discs is close enough for that. There's no great amount of detailed continuity going on between the shows.Since you're through season 5, do what we did in 1993 and 1994. Watch TNG season 6 and DS9 season 1 together, back and forth, followed by seasons 7 and 2.
Oh, make sure the episodes of the corresponding shows match up perfectly. Consult the original airing dates to make it exact.
I did that once but woudn't do it again.
The disc changing after every episode can get quite annoying if you watch several eps in a row.
I recommend buying a second player for that experience.
One might argue that if somebody likes TNG, they should avoid the TNG movies...or at least stop at First Contact.
Avery Brooks definitely has command presence, but isn't quote the virtuoso actor that Stewart is. DS9 more than makes up for this by having by and far the richest ensemble cast of the Trek series (including recurring characters).
Excellent suggestion, Reeborg! STAR TREK: The Next Generation is entertainment that satisfies to the very core. And best of all? It's got Gene Roddenberry's stamp all over it. TNG bridges the gap between mere escapism and the realm of possibility. When compared to the rest of the franchise ... The Next Generation stands alone! As I'm watching it, as I often do, I find myself ... transfixed! Only the love of a good woman could ever eclipse and surpass my infatuation with this series - it's such complete intoxication! Everything about this show is so RIGHT - from the casting, to the elegant and stately Enterprise-D, not to mention the engaging stories - it all comes together and makes a statement:
Frakes knew the better gig was on the USS USS Ben Sisko's Motherfucking Pimp Hand (which is why is stole it).
I like The Original Series and TNG. I have both complete on DVD and that is all.
DS9 and VOY have very little to do with TNG and virtually nothing in common thematically or with TNG, so I would think in terms of that rather than chronology. Personally, I think DS9's highs are probably higher than Voyager's highs, but there's a lot of action and brooding and so on. Voyager is just kind of forgettable, imho, with alien of the week, shipboard problem of the week, and other really outlandish stories.
Finally, no one compares to Picard - not close, which I think has all to do with Patrick Stewart and the excellent writing. He really grew into that role as the show progressed.
DS9 and VOY have very little to do with TNG and virtually nothing in common thematically or with TNG, so I would think in terms of that rather than chronology. Personally, I think DS9's highs are probably higher than Voyager's highs, but there's a lot of action and brooding and so on. Voyager is just kind of forgettable, imho, with alien of the week, shipboard problem of the week, and other really outlandish stories.
Finally, no one compares to Picard - not close, which I think has all to do with Patrick Stewart and the excellent writing. He really grew into that role as the show progressed.
I'm afraid I am forced to agree with regards to Sir Patrick Stewart's incomparable acting skills. Without a doubt, his talents and abilities took The Next Generation - and by extension, STAR TREK as a whole - to The Next Level. As I've always understood it, until the Game Changer Reboots came along, Jean Luc Picard was everybody's favourite starship captain, according to various polls and whatnot on STAR TREK's Official Site, which is run by CBS. And I must say, I'm not a bit surprised at these polls findings. Picard's brought a little of everything to the table -- with his swashbuckling Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, where he rescues his one true love Vash from Q's clutches, to a 1940's Private Eye in the Holodeck, to Locutus the Borg, where he was assimilated and aided the Borg's destruction of half the STARFLEET -- truly a wholly remarkable character! An amazing achievement ... one which, quite frankly, still remains to find its equal in the STAR TREK franchise!
Looks like Riker's Crotch Fu class is really taking off....
The problem with an entire season of any series ($ave TNG) is that you get the many mediocres, the several bads, and the few good episodes. Unfortunately, those "Fan Favourite" compilations don't always cut it, either. Like I have this one for Picard and it's got THE BIG GOODBYE on it for some bizarre reason, when there are so many other better Picard shows. I don't get that. It's just so frustrating trying to go the OFFICIAL route, only to feel shortchanged, somehow, because they wanted to rush a product out, last minute and market it.
However ... if I were to advise anyone on an episode basis, outside of TNG, I'd have to recommend VOYAGER's 2 parter "Future's End." Well written, well directed, well produced and well acted! This episode is one of the best in the entire saga and I rank it at least as high as any of the Classics you could think of, like CITY on the EDGE of FOREVER. At least that high. This is STAR TREK at it's finest - Gene Roddenberry would be proud! And the guest star - the incomparable Sarah Silverman - plays Rain Robinson to perfection. A truly memorable character and I personally rank her very high amongst all of the STAR TREK women. Just everything you could ask for ... this entire episode is that way.
However ... if I were to advise anyone on an episode basis, outside of TNG, I'd have to recommend VOYAGER's 2 parter "Future's End." Well written, well directed, well produced and well acted! This episode is one of the best in the entire saga and I rank it at least as high as any of the Classics you could think of, like CITY on the EDGE of FOREVER. At least that high. This is STAR TREK at it's finest - Gene Roddenberry would be proud! And the guest star - the incomparable Sarah Silverman - plays Rain Robinson to perfection. A truly memorable character and I personally rank her very high amongst all of the STAR TREK women. Just everything you could ask for ... this entire episode is that way.
I'm a fan of all the shows. I'm unusual in that I like all of these equally, although for different reasons: TOS, TNG, DS9, Voyager. Enterprise isn't quite as good for me, but there are still some classic episodes there.
I do see what you mean in your comparison of Picard vs. Kirk, but please don't give up on TOS entirely. At least watch some of the best episodes. Why? It's the birth of Trek. It all started here. And some of the episodes of the original series are still, imho, equal to the best of later trek.
Try to let go of your hang up of comparing Picard to Kirk. It's fine that you like Picard best, but just don't get too caught up in comparing apples and oranges. I think the characters from TOS that you might like are Spock and McCoy.
Another reason to go with TOS for a while is how spoiled you've been by the blu-rays of TNG. DS9 and Voyager, I hate to say it, are blurry, muddy, messes in comparison. Hope they get blu-rays at some point, but it's not looking good right now. But TOS, like TNG, is in full HD and looks great.
Anyway, here are my top 15 episodes from the first season of the original Star Trek, in original order, for you to consider trying. They are available in HD streaming from Netflix and Amazon Prime.
Where No Man Has Gone Before
The Corbomite Maneuver
Balance of Terror
What Are Little Girls Made of?
Dagger of the Mind
The Conscience of the King
The Galileo Seven
The Menagerie I & II (first ever Star Trek movie)
Shore Leave
Arena
A Taste of Armageddon
Space Seed
This Side of Paradise
The Devil in the Dark
The City on the Edge of Forever
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