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)  

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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.