Summary
AlthoughThe Next Generationhas been entertainingStar Trekfans for over 30 years, its heroes are rarely described as complex. Indeed, creator Gene Roddenberry’s mandate that interpersonal conflict should be avoided at all costs hardly lends itself to strong characterization for those inStar Trek.
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The android Data is at least intentionally emotionless; Doctor Crusher and Counselor Troi are merely painfully underwritten, despite some strong performances by their respective actresses. It’s fan wisdom that Wesley Crusherinspires annoyance rather than charm. As such,TNG’s strength lies in its high-concept science fiction storytelling rather than in its characters. Nonetheless, some do stand out—particularly the series' villains.
8Eric Pressman
TheStar Trekfranchise isno stranger to villainous admirals, and Eric Pressman is no exception. When Commander Riker’s former captain visits theEnterprise-D in “The Pegasus”, it is revealed that Pressman broke the law to develop a cloaking device. He now hopes to recover the prototype and enlists Riker’s help to this end.
Pressman’s hold over Riker is the source of this classic episode’s core dilemma: should Riker come clean to Picard about the true purpose ofEnterprise-D’s mission? That Riker does not immediately is evidence of Pressman’s charisma. However, Riker does see sense, alerting Picard to the situation.
7Admiral Jarok
Season 3’s “The Defector” places the crew of theEnterprise-D amid a spy drama when a Romulan officercrosses the Neutral Zoneto defect. The titular defector, Jarok, brings troubling news: the Romulans are planning a massive invasion. TheEnterprisecrew must determine if their captive is telling the truth or if this is a ploy to lure the Federation into a trap.
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Jarok, masterfully played by James Sloyan, keeps both the characters and viewers guessing throughout the episode. One moment he is convincing; the next he is suspicious. Is Jarok a patriot who dreams of a better future, or a cog in the Romulan war machine? One thing is clear: he is as charming as he is unnerving.
6Lwaxana Troi
AlthoughThe Next Generation’s female stars were often sidelined, this neglect is somewhat compensated for by the bombastic Lwaxana Troi. Majel Barrett’s theatrical performance, coupled withsome truly unhinged storylines, guarantees that while the character may irritate fans, Lwaxana can never be accused of being dull.
Within theStar Trekuniverse, Lwaxana’s flirtatious nature leads to multiple marriages and relationships, suggesting that her charm offensive often pays off. Nonetheless, her powers of seduction have their limits, as Captain Picard remains seemingly immune to Lwaxana’s allure.
5Jean-Luc Picard
As the captain of aGalaxy-class starship, Jean-Luc Picard is responsible forthe lives of over 1000 people. The faith that these individuals place in their captain is justified, as Picard routinely beats the odds thanks to his measured command style. However, Picard is far from outgoing: he only sits down to play poker with the rest of the crew at the very end ofTNG.
Picard’s brusque nature is further exemplified by his uncomfortable relationships with theEnterprise’s younger occupants—as evidenced by his personal nightmare of being stuck in a turbolift with a group of children during the episode “Disaster”. Such a personality is perhaps the result of a near-death experience as a cadet and certainly does not diminish his accomplishments. Nonetheless, for all of his diplomatic prowess, it is hard to describe Jean-Luc Picard as especially charming.
4Edward Jellico
Edward Jellico is one of theStar Trekfranchise’smost divisive captains. Introduced inTNG’s “Chain of Command” two-parter, Jellico takes command of theEnterprise-D following Captain Picard’s reassignment. Jellico clashes with Riker as he implements a new regime aboard the Federation’s flagship, from introducing a new shift pattern to ordering Troi to wear a proper uniform (a change that actress Marina Sirtis was grateful for).
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Jellico’s command style may be more outwardly militaristic than the diplomatic Picard’s, but he can win the respect of a hostileEnterprisecrew. Even the petulant Commander Riker is forced to recognize Jellico’s talents, demonstrating that despite his tough love approach, Jellico is a charismatic character.
3Guinan
The addition of Whoopi Goldberg to the recurring cast ofThe Next Generationgave the showa much-needed boost. As the bartender in theEnterprise’s Ten Forward lounge, Goldberg’s Guinan is ideally placed to listen to the various trials and tribulations of the starship’s crew.
There is far more to Guinan than meets the eye. She is centuries old, has been married over 20 times, and has had dealings with the powerful Q. Despite her easygoing attitude, there is a darkness to Guinan, as her people were once attacked by the Borg, turning her into a refugee.
2William T. Riker
Although he is below Captain Picard in terms of rank, it is safe to say that Commander Riker (Jonathan Frakes) outperforms his superior officer in terms of charisma. Riker’s bountiful supply of charm and good humor makes him ideal for the role of first officer aboard theEnterprise-D, as his personable attitude allows him to act as a conduit between captain and crew.
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Riker is as willing to challenge orders as he is to carry them out, a trait that brought him to the attention of Picard. As a member of the senior staff, Riker is a consummate professional, yet he is also willing to guide junior crew members. His skills even earn himthe respect of a Klingon crewwhen he takes part in an officer exchange program.
1Q
Few fans would claim thatTNGhits the ground running, but one component is immediately solid: the mischievous Q (John de Lancie). The godlike trickster plagues the crew ofEnterprise-D (and particularly her captain) throughoutThe Next Generation. Q’s shenanigans involve giving Picard anIt’s a Wonderful Life-esque glimpse of an alternate timeline andhurling theEnterpriseright into the path of the Borg.
Q’s misdeeds are numerous and have even spread to several other entries in theStar Trekfranchise. Yet the character’s playful attitude (coupled with de Lancie’s charismatic performance) means that no matter what stunt the entity pulls, fans will never tire of his antics.
