Lwaxana Troi.

Captain Jean-Luc Picard faced down Romulan warbirds, Cardassian guls, and Borg drones ... but he met his match when it came to Lwaxana Troi, the daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed. Ms. Troi, later named an ambassador representing her home planet of Betazed, provided moments of embarrassment for her daughter Deanna. However, she brought a unique mother-daughter relationship to The Next Generation, as well as portraying a "woman of a certain age" with a healthy sexual attitude. From her appearances in "Haven," "Manhunt," and "Ménage à Troi," Troi brought doses of humor and spontaneity.  

Lwaxana served more than comic relief, though - her struggles in "Half a Life," "Cost of Living," and "Dark Page," provided a more dramatic turn for her character. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip discuss this TNG character who appeared throughout the seven years of the Enterprise-D on television. Join Earl Grey as they hit a gong in appreciation for Lwaxana Troi, daughter of the Fifth House, holder of the Sacred Chalice of Rixx, and heir to the Holy Rings of Betazed.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Chief O'Brien.

Husband. Father. Soldier. Bored transporter chief. He goes by many titles, but Chief Miles Edward O'Brien made an impression on Next Generation viewers from the first moment he piloted the stardrive section of the new flagship in "Encounter at Fairpoint." Even though Miles changed from red to gold (and changed ranks even more often!), this secondary character was a vital part of the Enterprise-D crew. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip lay out a character profile that follows Miles from his wedding to Keiko, to the birth of his first child Molly, and all the way until his last moment in Transporter Room 3, before he disembarked on a seven-year adventure on Deep Space Nine.

Join Earl Grey as they go through Chief O'Brien's many episodes, analyzing his "every man" role, his unique role as a Starfleet non-commissioned officer, and how his reactions to "boldly going where no one has gone before" made the series even stronger. So cuddle up with your pet spider, get your ship ready to be placed in a bottle, and enjoy this character profile on Chief O'Brien.  

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

TV vs. Movie Picard. 

The transition from the small screen of a television series to the big screen of movies was done by the actors/characters of The Original Series and The Next Generation. Kirk and his enterprising crew had the benefit of years passing before they reprised their roles on the big screen, while Next Gen had a few weeks. In this episode of Earl Grey, Daniel, Darren, and Phillip discuss the differences between Captain Jean-Luc Picard during his seven seasons of the television series versus his portrayal in the four Next Gen feature films. 

There is a fan opinion that "movie Picard" is more action hero than diplomat. The trio take a second glance at "TV Picard's" characteristics and what made him our favorite captain. Earl Grey then examines the trials and tribulations that Picard went through in Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, and Nemesis. They debate whether there were "off-character moments" in these films or whether the character was simply evolving through the decades. So finish your workout at the gym, grab a phaser rifle, and join Earl Grey as they look for any differences between TV v. Movie Picard. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Associate Producer
Stephen Boyd

Will Nguyen

Family.

The writers of Star Trek: The Next Generation created dramatic backstories for the crew of the Federation's flagship. Many of the TNG characters dealt early in their lives with the loss of one or both parents, conflicts and grudges with parents and siblings, and other unresolved issues that are addressed later in specific episodes. Daniel, Darren, and Phillip look at the family origins for Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his officers, examining the "daddy" and "mommy" issues for each characters, and how their familial background led them to become they people they are.

Earl Grey also examines how the Enterprise-D crew came together as a family of their own choosing. The trio looks at what role each person played in this new "family structure," as well as the behind-the-scenes "family" relationship of the Next Gen actors. They discuss how The Next Generation actors are the closest of all the other series' crew, and how that translates to their on screen portrayals and what tone it sets for fans. So gather around with your fellow TNG brothers and sisters, and join in this family affair, as Earl Grey discusses the family aspect to Next Gen. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Q-like Beings.

Captain James T. Kirk and the NCC-1701 crew were not that impressed with aliens posing as "gods," from Apollo to Vaal. However, it turns out that, a generation (or so) later, Captain Jean-Luc Picard and the NCC-1701-D encounter just as many awesome creatures. Q sets the standard in "Encounter at Farpoint," but The Next Generation features other "new life" that seems beyond human understanding. 

In this episode, Daniel, Darren, and Phillip look at the Q-like beings of TNG. From Nagilum and his magic maze ("Where Silence Has Lease") to the Edo Guardian (#Justice!), the Enterprise-D was forced to look at the galaxy in an entirely new way. Earl Grey also examines The Traveler ("Where No One Has Gone Before," et. al.), The Great and Powerful Kevin ("The Survivors"), and even Mr. Green Screen, John Doe ("Transfigurations"). The number of "light beings" is added up in this episode, leading the Next Gen trio wondering why there was not a Blu-Ray fan disc release of "The Light Beings of Next Gen." So get ready to raise your consciousness, move beyond your corporeal being, and join Earl Grey as they discuss the Q-like beings in The Next Generation. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Beverly Crusher.

The pilot episode of The Next Generation, "Encounter at Farpoint," introduced the newest doctor of the U.S.S. Enterprise - Dr. Beverly Crusher, a widow and single mother. Throughout the first season, viewers saw this woman cure diseases, have an "interesting" relationship with her old friend Captain Jean-Luc Picard, and raise her ship-saving son, Wesley. And then she disappeared for season two. However, Dr. Crusher's return in season three, and her constant presence through the end of TNG and the four feature films, showed an in-depth character that Darren, Daniel, and Phillip analyze in this episode.

Earl Grey focuses on the (good) Crusher-centric episodes like "Remember Me," "Ethics," "Suspicions," and "Attached," discussing how Beverly came across as funny, professional, and an "in-charge" Starfleet commander. They also examine Dr. Crusher's relationships with other characters, her many artistic hobbies, and her many turns in the captain's chair. So put on your blue coat, put a hypospray in your pocket just in case, and listen to Earl Grey's character profile of Dr. Beverly Crusher.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Yar/Sela.

Star Trek: The Next Generation was not the first, nor the last, Trek series to kill off a main character. Lieutenant Natasha Yar, the first tactical officer of the NCC-1701-D, appeared in 22 episodes of season one before being unceremoniously killed off, due to conflict between Denise Crosby and the studio. However, Yar (and Crosby) did not end her TNG journey with "Skin of Evil." Phillip, Darren, and Daniel are joined by Andi VanderKolk and Jarrah Hodge (co-hosts of Women at Warp) in a character profile of Lt. Yar, as well as her half-Romulan daughter, Commander Sela.  

Yar is a surprisingly complex character, introduced with perhaps the most definite backstory of all the main crew in "Encounter at Farpoint." However, season one did not give Yar many character-focused stories, and the episodes that did focus on Yar are probably best not mentioned. However, Yar's memorable appearances in two outstanding episodes, "Yesterday's Enterprise" and "All Good Things...", provided the audience and Crosby with a more complete Tasha Yar. Earl Grey explores Yar's role in Data's development, the best/worst Yar moments, and if Crosby's portrayal of Commander Sela ("The Mind's Eye," "Redemption, Parts I and II," and "Unification, Part II") added anything to Next Gen. Put on your skin tight yellow unitard, open hailing frequencies, and join Earl Grey (along with Women at Warp 2) as they discuss their character profile of Lt. Tasha Yar. 

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests
Andi VanderKolk
Jarrah Hodge

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Executive Producers
Norman C. Lao, Matthew Rushing, & C Bryan Jones

Will Nguyen

Troi.

The introduction of a counselor to the bridge of U.S.S. Enterprise, NCC-1701-D was seen as a product of the therapy-happy 1980s. The character of Deanna Troi went through many changes during her seven seasons on television and four feature films - from wearing a blue skant in "Encounter at Farpoint" to a wedding dress inStar Trek: Nemesis. Troi's role as a bridge officer often fluctuated from merely stating the obvious to making a significant contribution to the conflict du jour. Phillip, Darren, and Daniel discuss the evolution of the character from an accented, "exotic" empath to an in-charge uniform-wearing commander. They discuss her relationships with her Imzadi Commander William T. Riker, her mother Lwaxana, her captain and patient Jean-Luc Picard, and her brief boyfriend, Worf. The trio also struggles with why the writers ignored and "victimized" Troi on far too many occasions. So replicate your favorite chocolate concoction, avoid anything called "tequila," and join Earl Grey for a character profile of Counselor Deanna Troi.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Reginald Barclay.

There are few characters who achieved success in more than one Star Trek series. Lieutenant Junior Grade Reginald Barclay was introduced in The Next Generation's season three episode "Hollow Pursuits" and would appear in four more episodes of TNG, in addition to a cameo in the feature film Star Trek: First Contact. 

However, when Mr. Barclay appeared in the Star Trek: Voyager episode "Projections," fans may have thought it was a one-time TNG special appearance on the sister show. However, Reg would eventually become an honorary member of the Voyager crew by establishing himself as their lifeline to the Alpha Quadrant. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip fire up the Pathfinder Project and beam aboard "To the Journey" co-host Charlynn Schmiedt to discuss Starfleet's most neurotic lieutenant. So pull yourself away from the Holodeck and join Earl Grey as they do an in-depth character profile of Mr. Broccoli.    

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guest
Charlynn Schmiedt

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Production Manager

TNG Ranks & Promotions. 

Star Trek has created a universe where Starfleet personnel have recognizable ranks and positions. The Next Generation promoted several characters and moved others to various ship positions, while at the same time left certain officers in the same rank through all seven seasons and four feature films. Darren, Daniel, and Phillip examine the career paths of the TNG crew, how the Starfleet promotion system on the Enterprise fits into the greater canon of the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th centuries, and discover a surprising conspiracy concerning those with full commander rank.

Hosts
Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Editor / Producer
Darren Moser

Women in TNG.

From the pilot "Encounter at Fairpoint," The Next Generation signaled that it wanted to update the way Star Trek would handle gender roles - it was no longer "where no man had gone before" but "where no one had gone before." The first season featured three female characters - Security Chief Tasha Yar, Counselor Deanna Troi, and Dr. Beverly Crusher. However, two of those three characters did not return in the second season. The full run of TNG and the feature films contain many female characters, both primary cast and guest stars, and created episodes that focused on women, from "The Child" to "The Perfect Mate." @FirstTimeTrek Andi VanderKolk joins Daniel, Darren, and Phillip to discuss the successes and disappointments in how women were portrayed in TNG.

Hosts

Daniel Proulx, Phillip Gilfus, & Darren Moser

Guests

Andi VanderKolk

Production Manager

Richard Marquez

Content Coordinator

Will Nguyen

Chapters

Is TNG Better in It's Portrayal of Women? (00:05:00)  

Where No ONE Has Gone Before (00:12:02)  

Tasha Yar (00:22:10)  

Deanna Troi (00:29:28)  

Ro Laren (00:34:10)  

Dr. Leah Brahms (00:36:30)  

Lal (00:41:00)  

Admiral Nechayev (00:46:21)  

Mae Jemison (00:50:20)  

Kathryn Janeway (00:53:27)  

Lwaxana Troi (00:57:58)  

Closing (01:02:22)  

Send us your feedback!

Twitter: @trekfm

Facebook: http://facebook.com/trekfm

Voicemail: http://www.speakpipe.com/trekfm

Contact Form: http://www.trek.fm/contact

Visit the Trek.fm website at http://trek.fm/

Subscribe in iTunes: http://itunes.com/trekfm

Support the Network!

Become a Trek.fm Patron on Patreon and help us keep our shows coming to you every week. We have great perks for you at http://patreon.com/trekfm

Guinan.

During the TNG's second season, viewers were introduced to a new character who may have seemed more like the ship's counselor than Troi. Played by comedy superstar Whoopi Goldberg, the sage-like bartender Guinan provided the series with an outside perspective on Starfleet, the Enterprise, and our characters. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx talk all about Ten Forward and its insightful barkeep, who always has an ear to lend, and a pint to offer.

Wesley Crusher.

There are few characters on The Next Generation as "debated" as Wesley Crusher. Often criticized for simultaneously filling the young child role and super genius, many people found the character tough to accept. On this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx delve into the character to see what they like, hate, and tolerate. From his pre-Starfleet days, to his numerous attempts at joining the academy, all the way to Star Trek Nemesis. So join us for this wunderkind-sized cup of Earl Grey!

Geordi La Forge.

In the first season of The Next Generation, we came to know a wise-cracking blind pilot named Geordi. But over the course of seven seasons he became much, much more than just a guy at the helm. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx discuss the man who would finally stop the Enterprise-D's revolving door of chief engineers. We take a look at Geordi La Forge's career in Starfleet—from gold to red—as well as his VISOR and cybernetic enhancements, his strikeouts with the ladies, and more.

Q.

From the very first episode of The Next Generation to the very last, we were periodically visited by a very interesting character—the omnipotent Q. In a special episode of Earl Grey, Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx are joined by fellow Trek.fm hosts Tristan Riddell and Charlynn Schmiedt of To The Journey to discuss all things Q. We delve into the character as a villain vs. companion, his relationships with the crew, and our favorite Q moments. So join us for this excellent cup of Earl Grey with two scoops of To The Journey.

William T. Riker.

Commander Riker went through a long and interesting development process, from the beardless version in Season One all the way through to captain of the Titan at the end of Nemesis. In this episode of Earl Grey, hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx discuss the 24th-century ladies’ man and all around charming second-in-command, William T. Riker. From relationships to career aspirations and pitfalls, we discuss all aspects of the character. We also consider his future, and find out just what it is about him that we all like so much.

Katherine Pulaski.

In Season Two, after Gates McFadden left the show, the audience was introduced to a new doctor—Katherine Pulaski. A very different character from Gates's Crusher, Muldaur’s Pulaski has since gained a limited-but-fierce loyalty amongst fans. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Phillip Gilfus, Darren Moser, and Daniel Proulx discuss all things Pulaski, including what we liked, what we hated, her various relationships, and what simply makes her different.

Data.

When The Next Generation launched, it only made sense to create a Spock-like character. Though initially intended as such, Data grew to be much more than a shadow of the famous Vulcan and became one of the most popular characters on the show. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx discuss all things Lieutenant Commander Data, from favorite scenes and moments to his extended family—including how to fix the death of this exciting and long-lived character. 

Jean Luc Picard.

When The Next Generation was launched, many people expected a captain similar to Kirk. Instead we were given a middle-aged bald Frenchman played by an English actor. It may sound odd, but this proved to be a successful gamble as Captain Picard became a huge part of TNG's appeal. In this episode of Earl Grey hosts Darren Moser, Phillip Gilfus, and Daniel Proulx discuss their favorite captain and how he has inspired them. Philosopher and poet, artist and explorer, all aspects of the character are considered including what didn't work as well as why Picard is Earl Grey's official skipper.