this post was submitted on 13 Jul 2023
94 points (100.0% liked)

Star Trek

10619 readers
32 users here now

r/startrek: The Next Generation

Star Trek news and discussion. No slash fic...

Maybe a little slash fic.


New to Star Trek and wondering where to start?


Rules

1 Be constructiveAll posts/comments must be thoughtful and balanced.


2 Be welcomingIt is important that everyone from newbies to OG Trekkers feel welcome, no matter their gender, sexual orientation, religion or race.


3 Be truthfulAll posts/comments must be factually accurate and verifiable. We are not a place for gossip, rumors, or manipulative or misleading content.


4 Be niceIf a polite way cannot be found to phrase what it is you want to say, don't say anything at all. Insulting or disparaging remarks about any human being are expressly not allowed.


5 SpoilersUtilize the spoiler system for any and all spoilers relating to the most recently-aired episodes, as well as previews for upcoming episodes. There is no formal spoiler protection for episodes/films after they have been available for approximately one week.


6 Keep on-topicAll submissions must be directly about the Star Trek franchise (the shows, movies, books etc.). Off-topic discussions are welcome at c/quarks.


7 MetaQuestions and concerns about moderator actions should be brought forward via DM.


Upcoming Episodes

Date Episode Title
11-21 LD 5x06 "Of Gods and Angles"
11-28 LD 5x07 "Fully Dilated"
12-05 LD 5x08 "Upper Decks"
12-12 LD 5x09 "Fissue Quest"
12-19 LD 5x10 "The New Next Generation"

Episode Discussion Archive


In Production

Strange New Worlds (2025)

Section 31 (2025-01-24)

Starfleet Academy (TBA)

In Development

Untitled comedy series


Wondering where to stream a series? Check here.


Allied Discord Server


founded 1 year ago
MODERATORS
 

I'll start.

For Guinan: I loved that her character was that classic trope of the "bartender / therapist" who was always around, but never got too involved in the main plot. She would give casual advice, but wasn't officially an "advisor", so it served the show well for the main characters to share what they were thinking.

For Quark: He was unquestionably the better developed character, with his own wants and desires that frequently intertwined with the main plot. He also served as a sort of foil to the values of the federation, which let the viewers see how greed was incompatible with the best interests of the people.

I love both. Which was your favorite? Which approach did you like better for the "bartender" character?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] MdRuckus@lemmy.world 25 points 1 year ago (2 children)

It's apples to oranges. They served two totally different roles. If you've seen Picard you understand she played a much move pivotal role in time and events than Quark. He was a great character, but didn't hold the power to change life altering events like Guinan. Personally, I like Quark's character better though.

[–] Nmyownworld@startrek.website 4 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago)

Apples to oranges was my first thought. Guinan is good at listening, helping to sort out someone's thoughts, and if needed saying that there is a path for someone to follow. Quark is about that profit, and when he gives advice it is direct, not subtle. Sometimes accompanied by an insult. I think both are good characters, but Quark is definitely more well-rounded and developed. Over time, little is learned about the El-Aurians from Guinan. A lot is learned about the Ferengi from Quark.

[–] Datas_Cat_Spot@startrek.website 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I still need to see Picard. I honestly have only watched TOS, TNG, and DS9 a billion times for some reason, and I have a lot of catching up to do.

[–] BaroqueInMind@kbin.social 4 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Do yourself a favor and skip the entire first two seasons of Picard.

[–] Datas_Cat_Spot@startrek.website 3 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I'd heard it had mixed reviews... I'm someone who will power through the stinkers if I have to though.

[–] Captain_Ender@kbin.social 2 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (1 children)

I'm the same, but. holy. fuck.

Season 1 is bearable, and has some neat things like The Borg 2.0 and go a little deeper into Data's story. But season 2 is absolute fucking garbage. I tired for months to get through it and finally quit on the last 2 episodes. Holy fuck it's honestly one of the worst seasons of any TV show ever not just Trek. I'm not gonna lie it kinda ruined the ironic character I grew up watching a little for several months.

So yeah if you don't want that, skip to 3. Finally went back to see it, they must have fired the whole writing staff because it's so much better. Still not amazing but they basically salvaged the best characters in the franchise.

[–] Datas_Cat_Spot@startrek.website 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That's so disappointing, but at least I know going into it now.

I feel like a key interview question for a writer/director/etc should be "are you a fan of star trek?" Like, there are a ton of hardcore trek fans out there. Sure some of them are writers and can do the characters justice.

[–] Captain_Ender@kbin.social 3 points 1 year ago

The ego of some showeruners thinking they know best and no one gets them can be staggering. Combine that with negligent execs who only see an IP's $$$ and you get a hellbrew of no one questioning anyone.

[–] electric@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago

Definitely worth the stink when you get to season 3 and the final scene with Q. Good luck!

[–] Acamon@lemmy.world 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

I watched the first episode and noped out of it, but I was tempted to skip first season. Do you think starting with season three would work? I'm not particuarly completionist, and I'm sure I can fill in the blanks...

[–] lxskllr@mastodon.world 3 points 1 year ago

@Acamon @BaroqueInMind

No problem starting with s03. There's very little continuity between seasons, and the parts that call back to earlier seasons are fleeting and non crucial. Each season can be watched out of order, but within seasons, they need to be watched serially.

FTR, I liked the whole series, but I'd have trouble recommending s01-02 generally.