Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 2 Episode List
After seeing countless threads in /r/startrek debate watch guides for TNG, I thought that I’d actually write mine down. The goal of the episode list is to give “a complete experience” as it relates to the entire show. It includes what I consider to be the best episodes while also including episodes that follow some of the non-regular but still recurring characters to fill in what would otherwise be storyline gaps.
Watch These Episodes
Elementary, Dear Data
This is a “Holodeck Run Amok” episode which to me can be hit or miss. I enjoy it and it also sets up some key recurring character elements for Data while also introducing a memorable character.
The Schizoid Man
There are some laugh out loud moments in this episode as Brent Spiner shows off some great range as an actor.
A Matter of Honor
A solid Rikersode with some really memorable moments around the dinner table. Another important episode in fleshing out the Klingons in the TNG era.
The Measure of a Man
Probably a top ten TNG episode all-time, this one grapples with some important issues and has a really powerful message. Picard and Riker both shine in this episode and Guinan really begins to distinguish herself as Picard’s confidant.
Contagion
Introduces the Iconians and their gateway technology, lore that gets mined well beyond TNG. It also does a lot to establish that even a Galaxy-class ship isn’t as safe as you’d assumed.
The Royale
A guilty pleasure but also archetypal Trek: crew beams down to a new planet, things get weird and they need to figure some things out. Some great Data moments too.
Q Who
One of the most consequential episodes of TNG, introducing the Borg, one of the franchise’s greatest villains. I still remember how unsettled I was at age nine watching this episode for the first time.
Peak Performance
A great Rikersode that makes the case for him as a commander better than any episode before it. The Data subplot about losing and what to do afterward is quietly one of the show’s best.
Honorable Mentions
Pen Pals
A nice Datasode that has a lot of heart.
Time Squared
Moody and genuinely eerie, with a fun guest star.
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