Best of Star Trek The Next Generation: Encounter at Farpoint

Posted By on January 16, 2013

ea_tng25_fullcast

Encounter at Farpoint

Originally aired September 28, 1987

When talking about the best of Star Trek: The Next Generation, I feel I should start with the first episode, “Encounter at Farpoint.” My reasoning partly is because it was the pilot episode that almost never happened. Gene Roddenbury had turned down previous ideas of a Star Trek sequel, agreeing to one only after he was told it was probably not possible to do a sequel. The episode begins with the newly built USS Enterprise NCC-1701-D and her crew on their way to investigate the starbase Farpoint, a space station created by the Bandi people and being offered to Starfleet. Immediately they are intercepted by a unique being that is known simply as Q, played by John de Lancie. Q’s arrogance is evident from the beginning as he mocks Captain Picard (Patrick Stewart) and warns him to go back to where they came from or die. He then begins accusing humans of being savages that should be put on trial.

Picard attempts to outrun Q only to realize it is not possible and orders for the Enterprise to separate from the saucer section. This is something that I thought was pretty cool because it gives the Enterprise the ability of becoming two ships, a possible tactical advantage against enemy ships. Picard uses this as way to distract Q and allow the majority of the crew and passengers in the saucer section to escape his grasp. Picard and his remaining crew are placed on trial for the crimes of the human species. The captain pleas for his crew to allow them to be tested so they may prove they are not the savages that Q claims. Q agrees to allow Picard and his crew to continue their mission to Farpoint as that very test.

Commander Riker, played by Jonathan Frakes, is on Farpoint and while awaiting the arrival of the Enterprise he begins to notice some strange things occurring at the space station. The Enterprise arrives at Farpoint still separated from the saucer section, and Riker is beamed aboard. I got the feeling from the beginning that Riker is strict about regulations but also a bit of a maverick. Once the saucer section arrives, Picard orders Riker to manually dock with the saucer section and everyone, including Data (Brent Spiner), has a look of concern. I realized after the successful dock that Riker is also a bit of a bad ass.

One of the coolest things about the new Enterprise is the holodeck. I can’t remember how many times I wished I had one of these in real life. It is a room in the ship that is a virtual reality that is actually real, well according to Data. He states the holodeck is based on the same science that the transporter uses by taking matter, breaking it down, and putting it back together. So the matter produced by the holodeck is real, allowing the user to create any environment they wish.  You know exactly what I was thinking as a young man, that’s right, an unlimited toy collection.

Encounter at Farpoint

The crew of the Enterprise is now reunited and continues investigating the strange occurrences happening on Farpoint. The Enterprise is soon approached by a strange alien ship that begins firing on the Bandi city below. It quickly becomes apparent that something is odd with the alien ship as well as the Farpoint station. Once again Q interferes in one last attempt to cause Picard to fail in his test that humans are evolved and not savages. The alien ship reveals itself in it’s true form, not a ship but an actual living space creature. The Farpoint station is in fact not a station, but the creature’s mate. The Enterprise is able to help the mate gain enough energy to transform from the Farpoint station to its true form and is reunited with its mate. Picard and the crew of the Enterprise pass the test but Q hints strongly to Picard that this may not be the last time they see each other.

For Star Trek fans, the cameo by DeForest Kelley as Admiral Leonard McCoy was a real treat. Although he only had a brief appearance, for me, it gave a little validation and acceptance for a series sequel. This episode set the pace for the various encounters and missions the Enterprise and her crew would face in their future.

Related posts:

Review: Stumptown #5
The Best of Adult Swim: Robot Chicken
Being Human 3.3: Off on the Wrong Foot of You Killed Me
Lost Girl 3.9: This Ain't No Bat Mitzvah
Supernatural 8.18: Third Time's a Charm, Mr. Rogers
Game of Thrones 3.1: All Men Just Got Served

Comments

Leave a Reply

Please note: Comment moderation is currently enabled so there will be a delay between when you post your comment and when it shows up. Patience is a virtue; there is no need to re-submit your comment.


About the Author

Dean Self
Dean is a Star Wars and Star Trek fanatic that enjoys science fiction as well as action, comedy, and history related topics. He spends some of his spare time working on various personal projects and is an avid online gamer. He cut his teeth on games like Asteroids, Defender, and Galaga, he loves racing games and first person shooters. You can follow him on twitter; @CURNtheNERD