Star Trek: The Next Generation
Summary
AlthoughStar Trek : The Next Generationdidn’t really hit its stride until time of year 3 , there were suggestion of immensity throughout the show ’s first two seasons . One ofTNG’sbest episodescomes in time of year 2 , and it might not have ever been made if not for the 1988 Writer ’s Strike . But the strike induce its reasonable part of trouble as well . Because of the tap , the episode numeration forTNGseason 2 was shortened from 26 to 22 instalment . Despite having few episodes to film , the producers ofTNGran out of money before the last episode , resulting in an infamously tough clip show .
The Writers Guild of America Strike of 1988 lasted 153 solar day , make it the longest - lasting WGA strike to date . The late 2023 Writer ’s Strike lasted 148 twenty-four hours .
The Writer’s Strike Led To TNG’s “The Measure Of A Man”
Data’s very existence is put on trial.
Star Trek : The Next Generationseason 2 , instalment 9 , " The Measure of Man , " focuses on Lt . Commander Data ( Brent Spiner ) , as his rights as a sentient being are call into doubtfulness . Often consider to be one ofTNG’sbest episodes , " The mensuration of a Man " was written by a writer who had never get a telly script . Due to the Writer ’s Strike and other behind - the - setting problems , the manufacturer ofTNGput out a call for spec scripts from author who were n’t currently call for in the show . skill fable writer and former lawyer Melinda M. Snodgrass submitted her script for " The Measure of a Man " and it was accepted and produced .
Snodgrass ’s script so impressed theTNGproducers that she was asked to join the faculty as a author and script editor . She went on to pen four more episode before impart at the end of the show ’s third season .
" The Measure of a Man " is a close - perfect episode ofStar Trek , as it tackle complicated honourable issues that remain relevant even today . Theplot may revolve around Data , but " The Measure of a Man " is an authoritative installment for Captain Picard and Commander William Riker ( Jonathan Frakes ) , as well . The episode also enter Dr. Bruce Maddox ( Brian Brophy ) as a cyberneticist who need to raze information to discover more about the technology used to create him . Maddox will be referenced in laterTNGepisodes before returning inStar Trek : Picard(portrayed by John Ales ) .
TNG’s Season 2 Clip Show Was Also A Result Of The Writer’s Strike
A comatose Riker relives some old memories.
On the other end of the spectrum in damage of quality , Star Trek : The Next Generationseason 2 , installment 22 , " Shades of Gray , " has piddling to recommend it . When Commander Riker becomes infect with a deadly virus , Dr. Katherine Pulaski ( Diana Muldaur)puts him into a machine that force him to relive past memories . This head to a series of clips from previousTNGepisodes , as Pulaski works to learn which kind of memories will best fight off the virus . With a paper - sparse plot , " Shades of Gray " includes 21 different clips from past episodes , and boast only regular and resort fiber .
The squad behindTNGhad spent too much of their budget on earlier season 2 episodes , such as the period - piece " Elementary , Dear Data , " and the CGI - heavy " Q Who . " Because of this , they had little money provide for the serial finale , and head writer Maurice Hurley had the idea for a clip show . Facing pressure from Paramount to complete the installment quickly , " Shades of Gray " was take in only 3 days , with most of that time expend on the sick berth set . " Shades of Gray " endedStar Trek : The Next Generationseason 2 on a sour note , and the clipping show could n’t be more unlike from the first-class " The Measure of a Man . "
Star Trek : The Next Generationis available to pour on Paramount+ .
