Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, August 30, 1994 TAG: 9408310003
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: 2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ian Spelling
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
These, according to the readers of Inside Trek, were among the most enterprising moments of ``The Next Generation's'' seven-year television voyage.
Based on the hundreds of letters received in response to a poll in which readers were asked to list and describe (in two sentences or less) their favorite ``Next Gen'' hours, here are the top five episodes:
1. ``Yesterday's Enterprise,'' which marked the return of Tasha Yar (Denise Crosby) and introduced viewers to the Enterprise-1701-C.|
``One thing `Next Gen' did better than any other show on TV was combine big, epic stories with very personal, intimate dramas,'' writes John Papadopoulos of Scarborough, Ontario, Canada. ``It doesn't get much better than this - a screwed-up time line and Tasha's dilemma, combined together with great skill.''
2. ``The Best of Both Worlds, Parts I & II,'' in which Picard (Patrick Stewart) was ``Borgified'' and Riker (Jonathan Frakes), who was in command of the Enterprise, made several crucial decisions.|
``This is definitely `Next Gen' at its best,'' writes Chris Campbell of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. ``(They had) an outstanding story, award-winning FX (special effects) and the best cliffhanger since `Who shot J.R.?' (on ``Dallas''). Two sentences is not enough for these episodes.''
3. ``All Good Things ...,'' the series finale, during which Q(John de Lancie) guided Picard back and forth through time in an effort to save humanity ... essentially from Picard.|
``(That) was my favorite episode because it gave me an insight into what the `Next Gen' crew will be like in the future and how the future will be changed by the events that happened,'' writes Tiera Huffman of Newton, N.C. ``It was a great way to end the show.''
4. ``The Inner Light,'' in which Picard lives more than 30 years (as a decidedly non-Starfleet husband and father) in less than 30 minutes.|
``This is the most emotionally satisfying of the `Next Gen' episodes,'' writes Laurie R. Weaver of Houston. ``The last scene, where Picard plays that hauntingly beautiful music, brings tears to my eyes each time I see this episode.''
5. ``Darmok,'' in which Picard and Tamarian captain Dathon (Paul Winfield) learn to communicate with each other despite a huge language barrier.|
``Paul Winfield was wonderful and it was a truly imaginative story,'' writes Rosemary Heilemann of Glenview, Ill. ``It was also a totally fresh idea and a heart-rending tale of sacrifice.''
Some other results:
There was a four-way tie for sixth place with the episodes ``Relics,'' ``The Offspring,'' ``Lower Decks'' and ``Family.''
Forty-eight other episodes received at least one vote.
To the many who asked to know my personal favorites, they are, in order: ``The Offspring,'' ``The Inner Light,'' ``Yesterday's Enterprise,'' ``Relics'' and ``Darmok.''
Thanks to everyone who made this first poll a huge success.
Trek specs
When the Kellie Martin-Tyne Daly family-oriented series ``Christy'' returns to CBS as a midseason replacement, former ``Next Gen'' star LeVar Burton will be a regular. ... Rumor - again rumor - has it that Amanda Pays (``Max Headroom'') and John Saxon (``Battle Beyond the Stars,'' 1980) will be among the stars of the upcoming ``Voyager'' series. ... ``Gene Roddenberry: The Last Conversation,'' chronicles the late ``Trek'' creator's thoughts on life, love, morality, sexuality and what it means to be human. Written by Yvonne Fern, who spent a year with Roddenberry before his death, ``Last Conversation'' (University of California Press) is in bookstores now. ... Nichelle Nichols' autobiography, ``Beyond Uhura,'' is set to be published by Putnam on Oct. 19. ... William Shatner's ``Star Trek Movie Memories'' is scheduled to be published in November to coincide with the release of the ``Generations'' film. ... The new season of ``Deep Space Nine'' begins the week of Sept. 26.
Con calendar Sept. 9-11
Shorecon at the Sheraton in Eatontown, N.J. (Call 908-530-5211.)
Trekfest at the Holiday Inn Medical Center in Houston, featuring Grace Lee Whitney. (Sept. 10 only; write to Starbase Houston, P.O. Box 981701, Houston, Texas 77098-1701.)
Creation at the Community Center in Sacramento, Calif., featuring Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes. (Sept. 11 only; 818-409-0960.)
Creation at the Stouffer's Austin in Austin, Texas, featuring Armin Shimerman. (Sept. 11 only; 818-409-0960.)
Trek/sci-fi alert
If you have Trek or science-fiction news or trivia to share - or if you have questions relating to ``Star Trek'' - write to Ian Spelling, in care of the Features Department, Roanoke Times, P.O. Box 2491, Roanoke, Va. 24010-2491. Be sure to enclose a self-addressed, stamped envelope if you would like a reply.
by CNB