The Best Of...Star Trek: TNG

A personal favourite episode…

by Sunday Simmons

Space, the final frontier… From these first opening lines spoken in Patrick Stewart’s inimitable voice, to the soaring orchestral intro, Star Trek: The Next Generation had this teenage sci-fi fan hooked. A soap opera in space, like a galaxy class version of The Love Boat, this phenomenal series has permanently wedged itself in the heart of millions across the globe. And each and every one of us has a personal favourite episode. Whilst some haven’t aged well (Code of Honour, I’m looking at you), and some have become the butt of social media ridicule (Sub Rosa, need I say more?), it’s undeniable that there are some absolutely brilliant episodes across all 8 seasons.

As someone who has struggled to relate to her fellow human for her entire life, it was a breath of fresh air to meet a character like Lt Commander Data. Not since Mork of Ork had there been a character so desperate to understand and become more ‘human’, and for that reason, any Data-centric episode has a place in my heart. Whether it’s the strong message behind Picard’s fight for Data’s sentience and free will in Measure of a Man or learning that Data has some wicked dice throwing skills in The Royale, there’s no denying his popularity with fans. And it’s for that reason, that my favourite Star Trek episode, is episode 16 of season 3 – The Offspring.

This outstanding 45 minutes of sci-fi brilliance revolves around Data’s quest to feel less alone, and more human – and what could be more human than bringing a new life into the world? This new life, in the form of Lal (Hallie Todd) even gets to choose her own identity, gender, and race – yet another reason why Star Trek remains one of the most forward thinking science fiction franchises. As Data’s daughter grows in knowledge and skills, we get so see a little of what it may have been like for her father during his early days of sentience, and just like any human parent, Data also grows as he embraces fatherhood. For a being incapable of feeling, he sure could’ve fooled me.

Brent Spiner (Data) never fails to give anything less than 100% to this role – and to the multiple other roles he took on during the series and beyond - but the way he handles his character in The Offspring is the most poignant of all. When faced with the removal of his child, and the subsequent heartbreak that follows, Data shows ‘love’ in the way only he can. In his determination to keep Lal safe with him on the Enterprise, in his understanding of what it means to be a father - which seems lost on the human antagonist - and ultimately in his desperation to save her life.

It’s worth noting that this episode not only explores parenthood and Data’s longing to be more human, but also the concept that ‘it takes a village’ to raise a child. As all the crew chip in to help this adolescent offspring navigate life, they prove The Enterprise is more than just a Starship, it’s a home, a family, and no episode confirms this more than The Offspring. For this fan, Star Trek TNG is my go-to comfort show, like a warm hug and a cosy blanket. The crew aren’t just characters, they’re old friends I’m reliving adventures with. And The Offspring will always be one of my most poignant adventures.