Star Trek: TNG Season 1 – Encounter at Farpoint

Link to StarTrek.com Episode Guide - Part 1
Link to StarTrek.com Episode Guide – Part 2

It was really impressed upon me when we started watching season 1, how quickly some of the main Star Trek themes assert themselves. I think one of my favourite recurring themes of the show is the evolution of humanity and its emphasis on the never ending process of self-improvement. Even Data is always trying to push his own limits, learn to whistle, and more closely emulate true humanity. In the trial, one of Picard’s main arguments is that we are always moving forward and bettering ourselves.

One of the best parts of this series are how they developed instant charisma and sexual tension from the very first episode. Several of the crew members already knew each other and the past relationship between Deanna and Riker is established from their very first scene together. I think that had some of these kinds of relationships been established in Voyager or Enterprise, those series would have had a bit more draw for me.

Cool Gadgets: As this was the first episode of the new series after quite a long break, it was clear that they were showing off some of the new advancements in technology. Most notably . . .

• LaForge’s visor
• New and improved transporter
• Personal communicators (though their use of them is a bit spotty and inconsistent at this point in the series: clicking too frequently or not using them at a perfectly logical time, etc.)
• Separating ship
• Holodeck
• Photon Torpedoes
• Phasers

*Edited to add: Completely forgot to mention that they introduced an awesome villain and plot device in the very first episode! Another great casting choice with John de Lancie!