I kept waiting for it to be a discussion by it was just one guy giving his take while his daughters listen and maybe nod. I’d have been really interested in hearing how they saw things.

I liked it because, among other reasons and being a child at the time with the appropriate level of humor, Picard got away with saying "Merde" several times in the early seasons.

Damn good writing, special effects, and the characters connected with the audience. Everyone loved the characters...while there was an agenda...and it got a little preachy when Jeri Taylor tookoff...it was subdued and as a light as a feather. Also, even that struggling 2nd season had some good episodes. The Ferengi, Kardashians, and the Jem'Hadar were horrible villans.

The propaganda and meddling with tv shows and movies were pretty prominent in the 80’s but had slightly deviated in the 90’s probably because it was rejected and didn’t sell like we’re experiencing now. The mere fact of Whoopi Goldberg being in this show at all shows there wasn’t complete creative freedom around even then

I disagree. It's because it was good sci fi. That's it. No extra sauce needed.