While the writers and producers managed to create a satisfying ending to the series, one that tied the finale to the series premiere episode, the seventh season suffered from a great deal of uneven writing and some generally terrible episodes. In hindsight, the show was running out of gas and had already had its best season. Despite a weariness in the show, there were still some bright spots along the final journey.
Gambit
The final mid-season two part episode is one of the best. Picard is thought to be dead, but turns out to be undercover on a renegade ship that is searching for an ancient Vulcan weapon. When Riker stumbles aboard, he and Picard must feign hatred of each other to protect Picard's cover. Fan favourite Robin Curtis who had played Saavik in two Star Trek movies returns to play a Vulcan who is undercover as a Romulan.
Parallels
Worf returns from a Bat'leth tournament only to find that details of his life on the Enterprise keep changing. Various versions of reality show Worf what life could be like were he to pursue a relationship with Deanna Troi and he gives in to the impulse when he finally returns to his own reality. One of the series best episodes.
The Pegasus
Riker must wrestle with the question of duty vs. conscience as his old commanding officer comes on board to lead a salvage operation. The vessel in question is equipped with an illegal cloaking device and Riker is forced to choose between his old commander's orders and his loyalty to Picard. The episode was used as a template for the finale of the Star Trek: Enterprise series, but despite that mistake it is still an excellent episode.
Lower Decks
The experiences of four junior officers take center stage as the regular cast become supporting players for this episode. Superbly written, the episode references a season 5 episode in which Wesley Crusher and his comrades attempted to cover up their negligence in a fatal accident. The four young actors portraying the lower ranks rise to the occasion and turn in excellent performances.
All Good Things
The penultimate episode ties the seventh season of Star Trek: The Next Generation neatly to the first season. By having Picard travel through time to both his past and the future, Q gives him the tools required to solve a mystery that could conceivably destroy all life on Earth before it has a chance to begin. As always, Patrick Stewart turns in a superb performance and carries the entire two hour finale on his shoulders. Excellent writing, direction and acting provided fans with a most memorable and satisfying ending for one of science fiction's greatest creations.
James Richardson - James Richardson is a freelance writer of fiction and non-fiction. He is the resident critic and recap writer of the television show LOST ...
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