7 Star Trek TNG Season 2 Episodes You Can Skip

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In its second season, Star Trek: The Next Generation displayed some enhancement over its inconsistent first season, yet there were still a few episodes that could be skipped. Continuing the journey of Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and his crew aboard the USS Enterprise-D, TNG’s second season started to show glimpses of the series’ true promise. Episodes like “The Measure of a Man” significantly impacted the characters while also standing out as an exceptional installment in its own right. Another noteworthy episode, “Q Who,” introduced the Borg and set the stage for some of TNG’s most compelling stories to come.

As a result of the 1988 Writers Guild of America strike, Star Trek: The Next Generation’s second season consisted of just 22 episodes, rather than the standard 26 episodes per season. This strike also caused a delay in pre-production, forcing the writers to draw inspiration from an earlier Star Trek: Phase II concept for the season opener titled “The Child.

While ‘The Child’ episode isn’t overly impressive, it does lay the groundwork for the new series flow in the second season and introduces Dr. Katherine Pulaski (played by Diana Muldaur) and Guinan (portrayed by Whoopi Goldberg). However, if you want to jump straight into the action without watching ‘The Child’, you can comfortably skip the following seven episodes.

7. “Where Silence Has Lease”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 2

The story “Where Silence Has Lease” commences as characters from The Next Generation stumble upon an enigmatic emptiness in space, where unusual occurrences transpire without logical explanation. A mysterious figure called Nagilum (Earl Boen) emerges and expresses his curiosity about death, intending to study the Enterprise-D crew as subjects. Picard feigns a threat by initiating self-destruct sequence on the Enterprise, causing Nagilum to eventually release the ship and its team from his grasp.

The episode titled ‘Where Silence Has Lease’ isn’t necessarily poor, and there are some enjoyable moments, but it doesn’t provide any unique insights into the crew or the Enterprise-D’s mission. With its dominant alien and redshirt casualty, this installment seems reminiscent of episodes from Star Trek: The Original Series. While this isn’t problematic in itself, it leads to an episode that is easily forgettable and can be safely skipped.

6. “Unnatural Selection”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 7

Upon reaching the Darwin Genetic Research Station on Gagarin IV, they discover that the staff are unexpectedly succumbing to an abrupt onset of old age. The research facility houses a group of genetically advanced adolescents who seem unaffected by this mysterious ailment. Dr. Pulaski ventures in a shuttle to investigate one of these teens, but eventually catches the aging disease herself.

In the end, Star Trek: The Next Generation’s crew finds a method to employ transporters to rescue Pulaski and the station team, yet genetically enhanced children are required to live in seclusion forever after. Similar to several episodes of season 2, “Unnatural Selection” revisits concepts from the original series, resulting in an unremarkable and easily forgettable narrative. However, it does offer some engaging scenes featuring Dr. Pulaski, despite this.

5. “The Dauphin”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 10

Wesley Crusher, portrayed by Wil Wheaton, wasn’t always the most beloved character in “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” but not every episode focusing on him was skippable. However, the episode titled “The Dauphin” fails to provide much reason for viewing. In this installment, the Enterprise team encounters a future ruler of Daled IV, a young woman named Salia (played by Jaime Hubbard). Interestingly, Wesley becomes smitten with Salia, who is revealed to be a shape-shifting alien.

In simpler terms, “The Dauphin” primarily focuses on Wesley’s romantic pursuits and Salia’s protective role over him, with little to no development of the characters beyond this. The narrative does not present any fresh or intriguing insights about Wesley or other characters. While there’s nothing particularly wrong or offensive with “The Dauphin,” it’s not essential viewing as you can easily move on without missing much.

4. “Samaritan Snare”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 17

When Captain Picard departs for a nearby Starbase to undergo heart surgery, Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) finds himself grappling with a vessel of Pakleds who abduct Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge (LeVar Burton), requiring his expertise to fix their malfunctioning ship. Although there is some intrigue in “Samaritan Snare,” the plot seems to depict Riker and the Enterprise crew as unnecessarily inept.

In a strange and implausible turn of events, Riker sends Geordi to the Pakled ship on his own, disregarding Counselor Deanna Troi’s concern that something was amiss. Later, during Captain Picard’s surgery, it turns out there’s no one capable of saving him at the Starbase, forcing Dr. Pulaski (originally scheduled to perform the operation) to step in. This entire sequence feels out of character and nonsensical, making “Samaritan Snare” an episode that might be best skipped over.

3. “Up the Long Ladder”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 18

Following the less than impressive “Code of Honor” in season 1, Star Trek: The Next Generation felt compelled to release one more racially insensitive episode, paving the way for its eventual greatness. In “Up the Long Ladder,” the crew of the Enterprise encounters a group of colonists from Bringloid V, who are descendants of an ancient Earth freighter crew. These Bringloidi individuals appear as outdated caricatures, reminiscent of Irish stereotypes that have long since lost their relevance.

I found that the narrative involving another colony derived from the freighter, boasting sophisticated technology yet plagued by a limited gene pool of clones, didn’t quite align seamlessly with the main storyline. Humor was attempted but often felt awkward and uncomfortable, rather than genuinely amusing. Additionally, Riker’s behavior veered from flirtatious to somewhat inappropriate, which is definitely not the character’s strongest suit.

2. “Manhunt”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 19

In a different perspective, Lwaxana Troi, Deanna Troi’s mother (portrayed by Majel Barrett), often receives unfair criticism, and episodes like “Manhunt” show why. The narrative primarily revolves around Lwaxana, who is experiencing a phase unique to Betazoids called “the Peak,” during which her sexual desires intensify significantly. This leads her to express interest in Captain Picard, causing him to seek refuge in the holodeck. Although it’s entertaining to witness Picard’s Dixon Hill program on the holodeck, the episode could have explored this aspect more deeply.

Later episodes of TNG and her appearances on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine will show Majel Barrett transforming Lwaxana into an intriguing and compassionate character, but the episode “Manhunt” does not do her justice. The plot leads nowhere, and the Antedean ambassadors (who reveal themselves as assassins) fail to make a lasting impact. If you’re craving more of Lwaxana, I recommend watching season 4’s “Half a Life” instead of this season 2 misstep.

1. “Shades of Gray”

Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2, Episode 22

In a somewhat legendary fashion, “Shades of Gray” is often regarded as one of the poorest “Star Trek” episodes ever produced. Although it may hold some truth, its most glaring flaw lies in its lack of necessity for being made. Essentially, the plot revolves around Commander Riker battling for his life, with Dr. Pulaski striving to maintain his consciousness, leading him to reminisce about past voyages on the Enterprise.

The majority of the episode’s duration consists of footage from earlier episodes due to budget constraints following expensive productions such as “Elementary, Dear Data” and “Q Who.” In essence, there seems to be no purpose behind “Shades of Gray,” and there’s little incentive for viewers to watch it. Compared to other clip shows in television history, this Star Trek: The Next Generation installment falls short on numerous aspects.

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2025-05-18 03:48