New Beginnings

STAR TREK IV: THE VOYAGE HOME grossed more than one hundred and ten million dollars at the American box-office, and buoyed by this success Paramount Pictures returned to the idea of a successor television series in 1986. Gene Roddenberry was offered creative control of the project and a new syndicated television series, STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION was born.

It was decided that the new show should not be a re-hash of the original series but should feature a totally new cast with new adventures set eighty years later. Roddenberry also decided on a truly science-fiction approach, rather than the 'space western' style which had characterised many of the original series episodes. Instead of shoot-outs between baddies and goodies, the new series would favour a pacifist, intellectual approach to problem-solving. Roddenberry also wanted to recruit an ensemble cast, any one of whom might star in one episode and return to a supporting role in the next. This literal family of characters would include husbands, wives and children, and in this respect STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION was closer to the idea of 'a wagon train to the stars', a notion which had featured in the discussions around the concept of the classic series.

STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION first appeared on American television screens in late 1987. Seven seasons were produced and the series is currently being screened by both British terrestial and satellite television.

(10k) Next Generation Crew.

The series was launched by a two-hour pilot episode, 'Encounter at Fairpoint', in which seasoned veteran Starfleet Captain, Jean-Luc Picard, takes command of a brand new Galaxy class starship, the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. On their first mission the crew encounter an omnipotent being, 'Q', played by actor John DeLancie, who makes it clear that he will continue to monitor their actions to determine whether or not the peoples of the Federation should be allowed to survive. One hundred and seventy-six episodes later, they encounter 'Q' again, and the resourceful Picard has to piece together a puzzle in three different time zones in order to prevent the extinction of all humanity.

(8k) Picard with Q.

Shakespearean actor Patrick Stewart was cast as Captain Picard, and he came to the role with a notable portfolio of work in quality television. Stewart and Picard's love of Shakespeare is obvious in the series as appropriate quotes from the Bard delivered to great effect. In Picard, the U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC1701-D) has an enlightened and mature leader whose convictions of honour are only surpassed by his wisdom and experience. Gone are the days of a girl alien in every galaxy, and the death or glory approach that worked so well for James T. Kirk. Picard is truly a captain for our times.

(17k) Reflections of a Starfleet Captain.

The role of Picard's second in command, Commander William T. Riker, is played by Jonathan Frakes. Riker's job is to provide the U.S.S. Enterprise with the best prepared crew possible and his easy-going manner belies something of a more military bearing than the other characters in the show. This natural leader and highly decorated officer has been offered his own commands but he has preferred to remain as Number One aboard the flagship of the Starfleet.

The demanding role of Lieutenant Commander Data is played by Broadway actor Brent Spiner. Data was found by the starship U.S.S. Tripoli and is believed to be the unique creation of a now-dead eccentric scientist who devoted his life and genius to the creation of a perfect android. Data possesses a computer-like brain and super-strength which led to his graduating from Starfleet Academy, but has no emotions. For all his abilities, Data is an innocent abroad, trying to understand human behaviour in an attempt to become human himself. He is STAR TREK's proverbial 'tin man', always searching for a heart.

Other crew regulars include:

• Chief Engineer Geordi Laforge, played by LeVar Burton, is the U.S.S. Enterprise's engineering wizard. Blind from birth this Starfleet engineer 'sees' through the use of his VISOR (Visual Input Sensor,/ Optical Reflector), which he wears over his eyes. This device sends information directly to his brain enabling Geordi to see things that other humans cannot.
• Counsellor Deanna Troi, played by British actress Marina Sirtis. The half-human/half-alien psychologist possesses extra-sensory perception and a fond memory of a passionate love affair with Commander Riker.
• Chief Medical 0fficer Beverley Crusher, played by Gates McFadden, the widow of a Starfleet officer who gave his life in a mission serving under Captain Picard. The Tragedy marked the tentative beginnings of a relationship with Jean-Luc.
• Wesley Crusher, played by Wil Wheaton. No character developed more over the seven seasons of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION than Dr. Crusher’s son Wesley, from his beginnings as an over-eager boy to a responsible Starfleet Cadet. Although the character ceased to be a series regular after the fourth season, Wesley has resumed several times in guest roles.
• Security Chief Tasha Yar, played by Denise Crosby. A refugee from the incredibly violent planet of Turkana IV, Tasha brings the wit to survive and fighting abilities to her Starfleet post. Killed in the line of duty during the first season of the series, her position was taken by Lieutenant Worf, played by Michael Dorn. This Klingon graduate of the Starfleet Academy was adopted by human parents after his family were killed in a Romulan attack. He constantly struggles to balance his human upbringing with his Klingon heritage.(17k) Romulan 'Warbird'.
• The mysterious Guinan, played by Academy Award winning actress Whoopi Goldberg, a second season addition to the cast. At least several-hundred-years-old, Guinan hails from a planet decimated by the Borg. Worldly-wise, she is the hostess of the U.S.S. Enterprise's lounge, 'Ten-Forward', and is always ready to dispense advice to her customers.
  (12k) Whoopie Goldberg as the mysterious Guinan.

Star Trek: The Exhibition Included:

• Model of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D. Used for photography in STAR TREK, THE NEXT GENERATION.
• Model of the U.S.S. Stargazer NCC-2893. The constellation class ship commanded by Picard before he was given the U.S.S. Enterprise.
• Transporter Room set. One of the set pieces of the exhibition, the Transporter is used to convert people and objects into energy and to beam that energy to another location, and to reassemble it in its original form.
• The chair used by 'Q' when judging humans in the pilot episode of STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION.
• Counsellor Deanna Troi’s costume.
• Lieutenant Commander Data's costume.
• Command rank uniform worn by Captain Jean-Luc Picard.
• PADD (Personal Access Display Device). Small hand-held computer used aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise D.
• Dr. Crusher’s Medical Kit and instruments.
• Comm Badges. 24th century personal communicators built into the Starfleet Insignias worn on each crew member's uniform.
• Ferengi alien prosthetic head.
• Cardussian costume.
• Bojoran PADD. Used by Major Kira, the Bojoran First Officer on Deep Space Nine.

(7k) Star Trek: The Next Generation Tricorder
(5k) Star Trek: The Next Generation Communicator

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