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There is one more episode that really deserved to be mentioned. "Sins of the Father" brings us Worf's brother, lies about his father and his family, more incites into Klingon culture, political intrigue, and Worf's discommendation. Because of it, we got some later good and great episodes of both TNG and DS9 that delved further into Worf's family, his storyline and his interactions with other Klingons including the new Chancellor Gowron, his mate K'Ehleyr, his son Alexander, and his rivals the Duras family, and Picard's interaction with the Klingons for being the Arbiter of Succession and involvement during the Klingon Civil War in which the Romulans showed their sneaky interactions with the House of Duras.

Yesterday’s Enterprise is, by far, one of the most maturely written STNG episode I enjoyed. Just well done, even as you mentioned, the changes in the uniforms and the bridge.

"His hands...were moving faster than I could see, trying to stay ahead of each breakdown. He refused to give up. He was remarkable..." One of the most touching moments of the entire franchise.

‘Sins of the Father’ is a key episode you didn’t mention. Basically the catalyst for most of Worf’s story arc in the rest of TNG and much of DS9.

I think Yesterday's Enterprise is one of the best episodes of Star Trek, period. Sure, it's more military centric, but that's a reality of this universe, there will always be conflict. The story about the Enterprise C sacrificing itself in the past and how that sacrifice helps create the present we see now, I just love it. I love even more that idea that's discussed with Tasha. Go down fighting, changing history, helping a cause, instead of dying a meaningless death elsewhere.

Season 3 really had TNG firing on all cylinders. So many great episodes. I remember watching Yesterday's Enterprise when it first aired, and it really was an enthralling episode. Tasha appearing on the bridge was genuinely jarring at the time.

The most memorable episode for me was "Ensigns of Command". Not so much with the B plot of Picard vs. the Sheliac, but the story of Data trying to convince an entire colony of Humans to abandon their generations old home, gives a very good lesson on freedom of speech. Initially the leader of the colony Gosheven disregards Data's warning having no respect for him given that he's just a machine, but Data finds a helpful advocate in a young woman named McKenzie who is fascinated by him specifically because he is an android. When Data publicly warns the colonists that they must leave the planet to avoid being wiped out by the Sheliac, Gosheven argues for staying and defending their home to honor the numerous sacrifices of their ancestors who made the colony possible. However the debate does not go in Gosheven's favor. When he realizes that a lot of people are seriously considering abandoning the planet and that this is not a debate he can win, he eventually forbids any further discussion on the matter, telling everyone that they're going to stay and fight. Data and McKenzie are forced to host a secret discussion with those who are interested in hearing more of what Data has to say, but the discussion is interrupted when Gosheven intrudes and uses a weapon to deactivate Data, and again he forbids anyone from discussing the matter further. Fortunately McKenzie is able to repair and reactivate Data, who finally comes to the realization that diplomacy is not going to resolve the issue and that he must resort to violence. Data has McKenzie warn Gosheven that he is going to destroy the colony's aqueduct. Gosheven then arms several people to defend the aqueduct, but Data easily makes short work of them, and proceeds to destroy the aqueduct after telling them "That was the stun setting... This is not." (God I love that line). Having effectively demonstrated their inability to defend themselves from an attack, Data finally convinces everyone, including Gosheven, that they have no chance of surviving an attack from the Sheliac, and that they must leave to build a new home elsewhere. This episode is a brilliant lesson on freedom of speech. It effectively demonstrates how when people realize that they cannot win a debate, they may resort to oppressive and even violent means to force their views on others. Under such circumstances it may be necessary to resort to violence just to be able to voice your own opinions, but Data's particular use of violence in this situation was extremely tempered and precise to ensure no loss of life. This episode also gives us one of my favorite lines of all time: "Do you consider your position so weak, that it cannot withstand debate?". This is a lesson that the world is sorely in need of today, as we see so many people with weak indefensible opinions and views who resort to shrieking and threats of violence and actual violence to get their way, much like petulant children. Meanwhile people who stick to sensible arguments and debating in a civilized manner, get drowned out by the screaming and shouting of their opposition who can't even think up rational statements to support their side of the argument. And they utterly refuse to consider for even a moment that their views might be wrong. Or if they do, they don't care, and continue shrieking because they just want to win the argument any way they can. It also demonstrates that those whose opinions are suppressed do not go silent, but rather seek out safe spaces with likeminded individuals to discuss their views free of oppression. This is why "Sunlight is the best disinfectant". By allowing free open discourse on all subjects, bad ideas can have their flaws exposed for all to see. While good ideas that are capable of withstanding scrutiny, can be allowed to thrive and be shared.

I rewatched all of TNG between late 2020 and early 2021. You're right about season 3; virtually every episode broke new ground, gave great performances. I remember watching season 3 when it first aired, I was in middle school. Every week my tweenage mind was just being blown, with every episode being a classic in its own right.

The final scene in offspring always gets me when the admiral reveals that Lal is doomed and praises Data's efforts to save her "his hands were moving faster than I could see"

Mr Worf. Fire. The greatest cliffhanger in TV history.

The Best of Both Worlds was a legitimate cliffhanger, as the “prevailing wisdom” among fans was that Riker’s character was only there to possibly take over for Picard, in the event that Star Trek fans didn’t like having an old bald guy who wasn’t big on action being the captain of the Enterprise. So there was a real possibility that this might happen and Patrick Stewart might be gone forever.

TNG S3 and on were good stuff for sure - also nice to get Beverly back

Also "The Defector", a good story that expands Romulan Lore and has a great performance by the guest star Romulan General...

One line from this season I always remember, in “The Survivors” when Kevin Oxbridge is explaining what he did to the invading aliens: “You do not understand the scope of my crime. I didn’t kill just one Husnock, or 100, or 1000. I killed them all. ALL Husnock, EVERYWHERE.” And then Picard’s reaction…chilling.

"Riker's Beard" became known as the trope for this phenomenon which I always found very apt. That's more of a reference to season 2 though -- you're right, season 3 was the one that cemented the show as truly great to the point where I was planning my schedule around when the next episode was coming out

Interesting note: the old guy playing the "Dowd" (Doud?) had actually lost his real wife in the weeks before shooting, so his performance is partially due to that.

I thought the actress who played the captain of the Enterprise C was excellent - shame there was no way we could ever get to see any more of her!

I miss the era in which aliens thought Picard was a god. No alien race would think current year Picard is a god.

This season is transcendent not only for the enduring quality of the episodes but the creation of so many recurring subplots and characters that would wind their way through not only TNG but DS9 and Voyager as well. The ability of the writers to return again and again to aspects of the third season stories and continue to find inspiration and not just re-hash previous ideas is a testament to the strength of Star Trek and TNG in particular.

Season 3 was just gold. Lal's final moments was one of the saddest scenes on a tv series.

Rich Evans on Red Letter Media astutely points out that The Best of Both Worlds is, at its core, a Riker episode. “The best of both worlds” refers to Riker being a captain AND being on the Enterprise, something that was impossible with Picard around. The two parter ultimately had Picard upstaging Riker but really it’s an episode about the hard career choices people have to make in their lives.

"She can't stop hearing the music in her head and it's driving her crazy." The song: Baby shark, doo doo doodoo doodoo.

Yesterday's Enterprise is one of the best hours of television ever made.

“Sarek” is one of my favorite episodes. I always loved when the Original Series bled into TNG. Seeing Sarek’s affinity towards human women was interesting. I like the fact that Perrin is not Amanda. I think at one point she says she doesn’t even like Spock because she’s protective of her husband and those two really don’t get along. Growing up in a household with a step-mother (a tense relationship at best) I can relate. But it was great to see that his son and former wife still are in his thoughts and affect him. Still bothers me seeing the background crew wearing the old uniforms while only the main cast and special guests git the new.

Season 3 is my go-to for “comfort food” episodes. “The Vengeance Factor”, “The Hunted”, and “The High Ground” aren’t the best of Season 3, but they’re much better and feel more like a “typical TNG episode” than anything in Seasons 1 or 2.

The Defector is the quintessential Romulan episode to me, seeing both their reasonable, relatable side in the form of the titular defector, alongside their classically duplicitous and devious side in the form of Tomalak. And that resolution is a perfect example of Picard politics winning the day.

"Dave, you're not supposed to be here" -Guinan

_The Offspring_ is one of my all time favorite TNG episodes. Brent Spiner's portrayal of Data in that episode is fantastic. Having kids of my own, the idea of one of them dying before me is horrific, so to watch Data be unable to mourn his daughter while simultaneously _knowing_ he "should" mourn but is completely unable to do so is heart-wrenching.

The final scene of the defector is perfection. Picard and Tomalak lock in battle of wits to see who comes out on top. Mesmerising. Loved every minute of it.

Yesterday's Enterprise was awesome. Maybe one of the top 10 TNG episodes off all-time.

This season was so good that it even spawned the trope "growing the beard" as an inverse of "jumping the shark" from Happy Days. This season is when Riker grew his beard, and the surge in quality was so noticeable, that when a TV show goes from mediocre and middling, to finding its footing and growing into the quality show it was meant to be, that show is said to have "grown the beard".

I would like a review of the infamous Troi and Crusher stretching scene.

Looking at this, great video by the by, it really makes me sad that new trek exists. Star trek really has been dumbed down. It died after Enterprise was canceled which also maked me sad as it was just getting going. Ah well. The times we live in.

I can’t believe all these episodes were in Season 3! Some of my favorites 😎

“Who watches the watchers” is one of the best examples of all Star Trek. Season 3 is excellent.

"The Survivors" is one of my favorite ST: TNG episodes. A PR person for ST:TNG spoke at a convention I attended in the 90s and said that the original story would have had Kevin Uxbridge turn out to be an Oraganian. However, the show-runners didn't want to do a call-out to TOS. So, they took that part out.

"The Enemy" is a good episode. It shows the personality of LaForge. Yes he's kinda unsecure nerd who have bad luck with the ladies. But he never treats anyone bad.

Good list for season 3, I also find "The Ensigns of Command", "Captain's Holiday" and "The Most Toys" to be excellent episodes. The Ensigns of Command is a good Data episode and a great lesson in the scientific method. Captain's Holiday is a fun episode that introduces the planet Risa and the recurring character of Vash. The Most Toys is IMO an important Data episode that develops the character and shows the audience much more of what Data is capable of.

Not only changed the franchise, but changed television with that up-to-that-point unprecedented cliffhanger season finale.

I think Riker grew as a character in the best of both worlds. He saved the entire Quadrant. That’s why I was so pissed off when in that later episode where that jackass captain jellico takes over as captain that lady admiral tells riker they needed someone who could handle the cardassians and that person wasnt him. Riker should have said something like “well if could save the Quadrant from the borg I think I could handle a negotiation with some dumbass cardassians”

You mentioned the second time Vash would appear on TNG. I know most will likely not believe me but, I had a key roll in that appearance. I attended a Star Trek convention in Cincinnati, Ohio where Majel Barrett and John de Lancie were the "Special Guests". After it ended, I found myself on the down escalator just behind Mr. de Lancie. I took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with him where I asked if when we could expect to see Vash again. Mr. de Lancie indicated he seriously doubted that she would return and stated, "I think we've seen the last of Vash." I expressed my disappointment since I thought there could possibly be a meeting of Vash and Q that could make for a wonderfully entertaining episode. The wheels began turning in Mr. de Lancie's head as he got a Q-like gleam in his eye. He told me that he would do what he could to make something along those lines happen. When I saw the episode, the moment Vash showed up, I thought, "this must be the one." When Q popped in, I knew it was. Mr. de Lancie had asked me what type of credit I would want. I assured him that just the knowledge that I had a hand in it would be enough for me. Qpid will always be my favorite episode of TNG.

Good memories. What a stark difference to the current day Star Dreck.

Yeah, there are too many excellent episodes to go into this season. Great Trek beings! One of my favorites from this season is "The Ensigns of Command" It's a great episode for Data and the story is clever and dramatic. Pillar and Moore coming on to create stories that our characters played more into was an excellent change in the quality of the stories we got. Not sure why you just didn't tell us what happened to the aliens in "The Survivors". That was a holy spit moment.

Definitely rate The Defector as more than an honourable mention. Suspensful and full of intrigue, it also humanises the Romulans through the remourseful defector Jarok, I think.

John De Lancie was brilliant as Q in all of the seasons, but the third one is where it really took off. It was a role he would decades later reprise in spirit as Discord in the vastly popular fourth generation of My Little Pony. This character is an omnipotent, immortal creature of pure chaos that enjoyed being constant thorn in the side of the protagonists while also often prodding them in the right direction, thus helping them in his own twisted way; sound familiar?

Booby Trap is an example of a common template in TNG. The Enterprise is caught in an anomaly that threatens their lives. They discover another ship which had been caught in that anomaly but never escaped. Sometimes they find a survivor (although not in this case). Eventually they escape.

Season 3 was the point where TNG really started to shine. They started to figure out the character dynamics and , while there were still a few strange episodes, its where the show's stories really started popping off.

Yeah I must admit I did really enjoy this season, it was the first time I'd heard earths solar system being call 'Sector 001' which I thought was very clever

I'm surprised you didn't mention the fact that the uxbridge alien admitted to committing genocide against an entire species in its rage, and Picard dwelling on the fact that the crime it had committed was one the Federation had no means of bringing it to justice for. The regret he had showed that while he was powerful, that power had its limits as the ability to return life was beyond its abilities.

That Q episode where he becomes human was a funny one. When Q is in the brig, and in detail, describes to Picard, this hyperbolic harrowing episode of him losing life, losing consciousness, and Picard simply saying "you fell asleep" lol. Also his interactions with Data were really good too.

"How is a this thing"

Season 3 of TNG is where the Starfleet uniforms also changed because some of the cast complained that uniforms from the first two seasons were uncomfortable to wear, although the uniforms from the first two seasons were still being worn by crew members that were not a part of the main cast.

Deja Q I think was my mom’s favorite episode. She laughed and was tickled all the way through it. She always liked it when Q showed up, but this was her favorite

Season three was the season that was just mind blowing. You had episodes that were just simply awesome and the season finale is just the cherry on top.

SEASON 3 TNG; LET'S GO!!! This is when I started getting into the new era, watched daily at my neighbour's who had SkyTV - 5 to 6pm, then dinner; good times.

They showed TNG deries one on Sunday nights here in Australia when it first came out at 7:30PM and it was fun at the time. Then they moved it to 10:30 on a tuesday night from there on out. When it got to series 3 it was definitely worth skipping you homework and staying up late to watch it. Great video Dave, thank you for sharing this one!

I was always a bit disappointed that instead of finding a better way to 'deal' with Deanna's psychic powers, the writers essentially just completely sidelined her for that episode. Although at least it shows that the producers were actually considering ALL of the details of the characters, and someone realized that if Troi was around she would have immediately just been able to discover that the guy wasn't human and the whole thing was just simply illusion. If it was 'new trek' they probably wouldn't have even addressed the possibility, and it would have just left a big plot hole. :)

The Survivors episode blew my mind when it aired. I was 9 when it aired. That line Picard says at the end "We have no Law for your crime." Just did something to my brain that never let it go back to how it was before. That people were or possibly capable of actions so grievous or large scale that normal people would never even consider them in the first place altered my perception of people. It's served me well in my life as I've allowed myself to think of horrible possibilities individuals or certain groups could or would engage in that most people would find too horrible to think they could be real. Nine times out of Ten (especially over the past 10 years) I've been correct whereas other people are shocked and caught off guard by it all.

The collars looked way better than the season 1 uniforms

Best line in Star Trek, *ever*: Q: "What can I do to convince you that I'm human??" Worf: "Die." Q: "Oh very good, Worf. Eat any good books lately?"

I always liked that at the end of season 7, in the episode "Best of Both Worlds, part 2", Picard asks Geordi about his wife...named Leah.

The thing I don't understand is when I see on IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes, that the new tv show Picard gets an 86% positive rating

Best of Both Worlds was some of the best TV I've ever seen.

"Yesterday's Enterprise" is my favorite TNG episode.

Hmm... I've been trying to think of what to binge... Thanks.

"The Defector" needs more attention. They packed so much into a single episode, and that climax was so good

The literal peak of Star Trek.

Q - What must I do to convince you people? Worf - Die.

Good lord Dave. I do decree this is one of your finest ever videos 🖖😀

Why can't they make star trek like this anymore

I'm kind of impatiently waiting for you to get to Inner Light and Darmok. Two of my favourites.

I remember watching season 3, you could almost literally watch the show’s quality getting better and better each week. It clearly was hitting its stride, just so far above and beyond the first two seasons. And then the most amazing season finale ever seen in any Star Trek series. I kept looking at the clock trying to figure out how they were going to wrap this up. And then those three terrifying words: to be continued. 😮

The Offspring .... absolutely beautiful episode.

Not to mention that Riker's beard got better.

Watching Sarek I was convinced Patrick was ready to leave the show and Best of both Worlds seemed perfect as an Exit then it's like they changed their minds but I love 4x02 Family

I remember as a kid watching that Best of Both Worlds episode and cliff hanger and then I forgot to tune in for the conclusion and I was devastated. It was such a different world then for media consumption.

I liked Star Trek as a young kid. I even had the Mego Star Trek Enterprise play set with the transporter and the six action figures (5 crew members and 1 Klingon), but the show I watched religiously at about the same time in the 1970s was Space: 1999, which was on Saturday nights at 6 pm. It wasn’t until season 3 of Star Trek that I really sat up and took notice of the show. First, I was glad to see Gates McFadden return as Dr. Beverly Crusher, then I saw The Ensigns of Command, an excellent Lieutenant Commander Data episode, and I was hooked. TNG was on during the same time slot as Space: 1999 once was and suddenly there was a show that I really enjoyed watching, and I couldn’t wait to see next week’s episode. Season 3 is the season that saved TNG and made that show a worthy successor to the original Star Trek.

Thank you, I am enjoying your journey and perspectives on Star Trek. While we might not have the same opinions on certain aspects (new Trek;)) your analysis is always insightful and fair. I have to make mention of something of the first episode you described with the alien being, 'Kevin'. What got me in the show was his guilt, truly a shocker and twist I did not see coming. Keep up the great work!

Love that you started with The Survivors. One of my favorites.

Season 3 and 4 are definitely where tng hit its stride and became the absolute classic show it is.

I have just started Season 3 for the first time and just finished the episode "The Defector " (the one with Admiral Jarok). Damn, what a great episode. Really starting to see why Season 3 is regarded as TNG hitting its stride. Every episode I've seen so far is a complete banger. I hope it gets better.

I think you do the Survivors an injustice in this because the best part about this episode is the reveal at the end where the god-like alien admits he exterminated the entire race of the people who attacked his planet and killed his wife, and submits himself for Picard's judgement, who - and this is the best part because he nails it - says he is not qualified to judge a being of such incomprehensible power. It's a moment that really sets the tone for the rest of the franchise moving forward, and truly separates TNG from TOS. Brilliant writing.

Wonderful video. Thanks. Hope more to come to review the remaining seasons.

" The High Ground" Was also a great episode. Really nicely paced episode with a tight script and good performances

RIP Michael Piller! They could have REALLY benefited from his input on all the 'new trek'...

TNG Season 3 made modern Trek (up to NuTrek anyway). Oddly enough, I first started watching TNG consistently with “Yesterday’s Enterprise”, which was definitely a way to hit the ground running with modern (at the time) Trek. Seasons 4 and 5 are pretty strong as well. We saw the loss of composer Ron Jones in Season 4 though, and the memorable music of TNG went away. Still, season 3 TNG is when it became a force in its own right, and this paved the way for DS9, VOY, and all to follow. Up there in the annals of great Sci Fi and great television in general. This video is a great service to it! Though why no mention of the episode “Tinman”? That was another strong season 3 episode.

You said Leonard Nimoy was in the first TOS character in Encounter at Farpoint. I'm pretty sure it was Deforest Kelley.

I always loved the look of Enterprise C

I have started watching Enterprise. I think it is a great series with great writing and characters. TNG is great, grew up watching this series.

The best thing that happened to TNG is Gene Roddenberry getting sick. He and his lawyer could no longer rewrite other peoples scripts. The show’s writing became much more focused and mature. While there were occasional stinkers like Captain’s Holiday, the overall quality of the season was pretty consistent. I tend to think hit its peak during seasons 3 and 4. By season 7, it was clear the writers were out of ideas. Sadly, these same writers would go on to work on Voyager, which explains why that show was poorly written right from the start.

One of my favourites was picard been tortured under the lights. And he is on a planet with some one talking babble

My heart would always sink whenever I realized that this week's episode was a Q episode: "OK, let's just get through this. Normal service will be resumed next week."

this was the year I really got into trek. 10th grade. I even went to a Star Trek convention that year where we talked about Best of both worlds cliffhanger.

Never really realized how awesome this season was, thank you!

Star Trek rule of thumb: Season 3 is always make or break.

The best part of season 3 is that Tasha Yarr was no longer a part of it. Dr Pulaski too

Seasons' 3-5 had more of what they needed to do, Yesterday's Enterprise probably the best of season 3. Or The Defector.

Great overview! Miss this era of tv sci-fi.

Awesome video Dave