The Challenges and Struggles Behind the Scenes of Star Trek: The Next Generation

Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) was a groundbreaking series that brought a new generation of fans and continues to captivate audiences today. However, the early seasons were riddled with challenges and struggles that impacted the cast and crew heavily. This article delves deep into the issues that plagued the series and how they eventually led to its beloved classic status.

Pressure and Expectations

The cast and crew of TNG knew they had big shoes to fill. Star Trek had already gained a massive following with its original series, which had been broadcast and rerun nearly unceasingly since the original 1969 finale. An animated series that, despite poor animation quality, offered sophisticated storylines, added to the series' legacy. Paramount's plans to launch a fourth network also set high expectations, culminating in the creation of the Star Trek: The Motion Picture series. Furthermore, with over four films, novels, comic books, and fan fiction, Star Trek was a cultural phenomenon. However, this looming prestige weighed heavily on the cast, who felt constant pressure to live up to the standards set by the original series.

Comparisons to the Original Series

When TNG was announced, many fans were dissatisfied with the new series, arguing that they would miss the characters from the original series, especially Captain Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and others. Gene Roddenberry, the visionary behind the original series, brought his own set of challenges. Despite his efforts to maintain creative control, his own health deteriorated, leaving a challenging work environment for the crew. Additionally, the production team was in conflict, leading to toxic working relationships.

Behind-the-Scenes Turmoil

The early seasons of TNG were riddled with low-quality episodes. The premiere episode, "Encounter at Farpoint," was mediocre at best. The following weeks saw rehashed episodes from the original series, followed by one of the most controversial episodes of the series, "The Last Outpost." This episode introduced the Ferengi as the new nemesis of the crew, but their portrayal was laughably bad and eventually became comic relief in later series. Other standout episodes includedData trying to learn humor from a holographic comedian, and the problematic portrayal of a planet with skimpily clad people who were nearly nudists under more relaxed broadcast standards.

Poor Character Development

Another significant issue was the poor character development. Gene Roddenberry's vision for the future involved evolved humans with no internal conflicts, leading to two-dimensional, two-dimensional, naive characters. This lack of conflict hindered the dramatic narrative and made each episode feel shallow. Furthermore, the ensemble cast faced limited opportunities to showcase their talent. Denise Crosby, who played Tasha Yar, became frustrated with this and eventually left the series.

Discomforts and Health Concerns

The costumes and makeup in the earlier seasons were also poorly designed. The jumpsuits made of Spandex were uncomfortable and did not breathe, making daily washing ineffective. Patrick Stewart's chiropractor even advised him to sue Paramount due to the Spandex causing back pain. In the third season, the principal cast received two-piece uniforms made from different materials to alleviate the discomfort. The extensive makeup and hot studio lights required actors to arrive early and endure the heat.

Friendly Tensions

Despite the numerous issues, the actors eventually developed a strong bond. Patrick Stewart, initially a serious actor, became frustrated with the lightheartedness on set. However, over time, he and the other actors developed a close friendship, leading to the beloved classic we know today.

Star Trek: The Next Generation faced numerous challenges in its early seasons but eventually became a beloved classic. The cast and crew overcame their difficulties and contributed to one of the most iconic series in television history.