Highlights
- Star Trek: The Next Generation 's strength lies in its high-concept science fiction storytelling rather than in its underdeveloped characters.
- Villains like Eric Pressman, Admiral Jarok, and Q stand out due to their charisma and complex motivations.
Although The Next Generation has been entertaining Star Trek fans for over 30 years, its heroes are rarely described as complex. Indeed, creator Gene Roddenberry's mandate that interpersonal conflict should be avoided at all costs hardly lends itself to strong characterization for those in Star Trek.
The android Data is at least intentionally emotionless; Doctor Crusher and Counselor Troi are merely painfully underwritten, despite some strong performances by their respective actresses. It's fan wisdom that Wesley Crusher inspires annoyance rather than charm. As such, TNG's strength lies in its high-concept science fiction storytelling rather than in its characters. Nonetheless, some do stand out—particularly the series' villains.
8 Eric Pressman
The Star Trek franchise is no stranger to villainous admirals, and Eric Pressman is no exception. When Commander Riker's former captain visits the Enterprise-D in "The Pegasus", it is revealed that Pressman broke the law to develop a cloaking device. He now hopes to recover the prototype and enlists Riker's help to this end.
Pressman's hold over Riker is the source of this classic episode's core dilemma: should Riker come clean to Picard about the true purpose of Enterprise-D's mission? That Riker does not immediately is evidence of Pressman's charisma. However, Riker does see sense, alerting Picard to the situation.
7 Admiral Jarok
Season 3's "The Defector" places the crew of the Enterprise-D amid a spy drama when a Romulan officer crosses the Neutral Zone to defect. The titular defector, Jarok, brings troubling news: the Romulans are planning a massive invasion. The Enterprise crew must determine if their captive is telling the truth or if this is a ploy to lure the Federation into a trap.
Jarok, masterfully played by James Sloyan, keeps both the characters and viewers guessing throughout the episode. One moment he is convincing; the next he is suspicious. Is Jarok a patriot who dreams of a better future, or a cog in the Romulan war machine? One thing is clear: he is as charming as he is unnerving.
6 Lwaxana Troi
Although The Next Generation's female stars were often sidelined, this neglect is somewhat compensated for by the bombastic Lwaxana Troi. Majel Barrett's theatrical performance, coupled with some truly unhinged storylines, guarantees that while the character may irritate fans, Lwaxana can never be accused of being dull.
Within the Star Trek universe, Lwaxana's flirtatious nature leads to multiple marriages and relationships, suggesting that her charm offensive often pays off. Nonetheless, her powers of seduction have their limits, as Captain Picard remains seemingly immune to Lwaxana's allure.
5 Jean-Luc Picard
As the captain of a Galaxy-class starship, Jean-Luc Picard is responsible for the lives of over 1000 people. The faith that these individuals place in their captain is justified, as Picard routinely beats the odds thanks to his measured command style. However, Picard is far from outgoing: he only sits down to play poker with the rest of the crew at the very end of TNG.
Picard's brusque nature is further exemplified by his uncomfortable relationships with the Enterprise's younger occupants—as evidenced by his personal nightmare of being stuck in a turbolift with a group of children during the episode "Disaster". Such a personality is perhaps the result of a near-death experience as a cadet and certainly does not diminish his accomplishments. Nonetheless, for all of his diplomatic prowess, it is hard to describe Jean-Luc Picard as especially charming.
4 Edward Jellico
Edward Jellico is one of the Star Trek franchise's most divisive captains. Introduced in TNG's "Chain of Command" two-parter, Jellico takes command of the Enterprise-D following Captain Picard's reassignment. Jellico clashes with Riker as he implements a new regime aboard the Federation's flagship, from introducing a new shift pattern to ordering Troi to wear a proper uniform (a change that actress Marina Sirtis was grateful for).
Jellico's command style may be more outwardly militaristic than the diplomatic Picard's, but he can win the respect of a hostile Enterprise crew. Even the petulant Commander Riker is forced to recognize Jellico's talents, demonstrating that despite his tough love approach, Jellico is a charismatic character.
3 Guinan
The addition of Whoopi Goldberg to the recurring cast of The Next Generation gave the show a much-needed boost. As the bartender in the Enterprise's Ten Forward lounge, Goldberg's Guinan is ideally placed to listen to the various trials and tribulations of the starship's crew.
There is far more to Guinan than meets the eye. She is centuries old, has been married over 20 times, and has had dealings with the powerful Q. Despite her easygoing attitude, there is a darkness to Guinan, as her people were once attacked by the Borg, turning her into a refugee.
2 William T. Riker
Although he is below Captain Picard in terms of rank, it is safe to say that Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) outperforms his superior officer in terms of charisma. Riker's bountiful supply of charm and good humor makes him ideal for the role of first officer aboard the Enterprise-D, as his personable attitude allows him to act as a conduit between captain and crew.
Riker is as willing to challenge orders as he is to carry them out, a trait that brought him to the attention of Picard. As a member of the senior staff, Riker is a consummate professional, yet he is also willing to guide junior crew members. His skills even earn him the respect of a Klingon crew when he takes part in an officer exchange program.
1 Q
Few fans would claim that TNG hits the ground running, but one component is immediately solid: the mischievous Q (John de Lancie). The godlike trickster plagues the crew of Enterprise-D (and particularly her captain) throughout The Next Generation. Q's shenanigans involve giving Picard an It's a Wonderful Life-esque glimpse of an alternate timeline and hurling the Enterprise right into the path of the Borg.
Q's misdeeds are numerous and have even spread to several other entries in the Star Trek franchise. Yet the character's playful attitude (coupled with de Lancie's charismatic performance) means that no matter what stunt the entity pulls, fans will never tire of his antics.