Which three episodes to introduce TNG

[mswood]

When I wanted to get my boyfriend to watch TNG with me, I introduced him to four episodes. I choose four episodes that would be a sampler of what to expect for the majority of the show (this occurred near the end of season 6).

Ie not something that is a great episode, because great episodes are rare, they aren't the norm. Nothing from seasons 1-2, as the production and even writing changed dramatically for the majority of the shows history. Nothing heavily action, because TNG wasn't an action show, nothing that's a period piece, because the show isn't a period drama.

So I just decided to show the first four episodes of season 3. Nothing great about those episodes, but nothing out of the ordinary for those episodes either.

He then watched the show in order, and had said if I went with the really great material of TNG he would have never made it past the first season, as he really hated the first season (and about 2/3rd os the 2nd), and that huge drop off it quality would have put him off the show. By using average material, that quality difference wasn't so huge and was able to plow through those two seasons, enjoy the few gems and then enjoy what he really felt was TNG in its prime (his view seasons 3-5) are the only full seasons of TNG he would recommend as really good television for TNG. He loved episodes in each season, but the number he actively disliked was larger in season 6, even larger in 7, and even worse in seasons 2, and then 1.

 

[Gil T.Azell]

I showed a female friend "The Offspring" (she had a basic understanding of all the characters) and she loved it.

That one would be a good one as would
Measure of a Man
probably three of the best scenes in the episode ( if not the Series)

[Picard and Guinan are talking about the significance of the creation of multiple Datas]

Guinan: Consider that in the history of many worlds, there have always been disposable creatures. They do the dirty work. They do the work that no one else wants to do because it's too difficult or too hazardous. And an army of Datas, all disposable... You don't have to think about their welfare, you don't think about how they feel. Whole generations of disposable people.
Capt. Picard: You're talking about slavery.
Guinan: Oh, I think that's a little harsh.
Capt. Picard: I don't think that's a little harsh, I think that's the truth. But that's a truth that we have obscured behind a... comfortable, easy euphemism: 'Property'! But that's not the issue at all, is it?

[Commander Maddox has proposed to construct thousands of androids modeled after Data]
Capt. Picard: [sighs] A single Data - and forgive me, Commander - is a curiosity. A wonder, even. But thousands of Datas - isn't that becoming... a race? And won't we be judged by how we treat that race?

[last lines]
[Riker feels guilt about acting as Data's prosecutor and almost sealing his fate]
Lt. Commander Data: Is it not true that, had you refused to prosecute, Captain Louvois would have ruled summarily against me?
Commander William T. Riker: Yes.
Lt. Commander Data: That action injured you, and saved me. I will not forget it.
Commander William T. Riker: [smiles] You're a wise man, my friend.
Lt. Commander Data: Not yet, sir. But with your help, I am learning.

and
The Inner Light.

 

[Maurice]

Farepoint is a bore because it tries to shoehorn two stories into one. The opening scenes with the chase through the trial move along at a brisk pace, then they arrive at the planet and everything grinds to a halt.

 

[Biffette]

I would pick any three episodes at random. The odds of getting three stinkers are very low, and this method will allow for a variety of subjects and give the new viewer a "slice of life" for the show as a whole.

 

[lisa]

Ew, two episodes with Q. I really couldn't stand him.

That explains why you found Farpoint to be a "bore." Personally, I love Q, and I think a large majority of the TNG fanbase really likes him, that's why introducing a new viewer to a Q episode is such a great idea. Q is such a witty and comical character that it's hard not to love him.

I just want to say that I love Q, but if I were introducing someone to trek (which I am trying to do with my best friend) I would not go with Q. I didn't like Q at first. Couldn't stand those episodes, but I love them now. I think part of what I enjoy so much is watching the interaction between Picard and Q. I couldn't appreciate the humor until I understood the rest of the cast. Maybe that's just me....

And i'm not sure what episodes I will pick, but I definitely will stay away from Worf episodes, which still trends to bore me most of the time. I'm all about anything data. Maybe because he's my favorite. :-)

 

[Lt_Rowy]

Encounter at Farpoint was the first TNG episode I watched and I loved it...
I would probably follow that with Hide and Q and then Q Who??
As you can tell I love Q cos hes just so erm Q...

 

[Anika Hanson]

Encounter at far point - Introduces the show nicely
Cause and effect/ Yesterday's enterprise- Nice episode about time loops or parallel universes
Best of both worlds/ Chains of command - Federation enemies.

 

[Balrog]

I'd stay away from a good amount of the first season. It's more a novelty than anything.

Stay away from the more preachy or whiny episodes like Tin Man.

I think you can't go wrong with the typical fare: BOBW, Inner Light, Measure of a Man, Yesterday's Enterprise.

 

[AmishHacker]

There are so many great episodes and it's really hard to pick three of them. I would probably go for these:

1. Q Who?
2. Galaxy's Child
3. Genesis

 

[LOKAI of CHERON]

Definitely include Encounter At Farpoint - wonderful Star Trek from TNG's best season.

 

[AFEK ESLCAFE W]

My picks are:

Encounter at Farpoint
The Best of Both Worlds, Parts I and II
Tapestry

 

[Balrog]

Start them off with 'Encounter at Farpoint'.

Next, introduce them to the Borg with 'Q Who'

Then hit 'em with 'The Best of Both Worlds Part I', and leave them wanting more.

 

[DataLoreSpock]

Start them off with Elementary,Dear Data
Then, Encounters At Fairpoint
Then Q-Who?
(That is how my dad started my brother, sister and me