Well Im done with season 1. I got a bit bored towards the end- not sure if it was because of tired scriptwriting in later episodes or my viewer fatigue. The last two episodes capped it off pretty damned well. The conspiracy episode had a very dark undertone running through it and was surprisingly violent, and the final episode was also solid. The introduction of the Romulans at the very end felt like a very arbitrary way of setting up their role in future seasons, but I liked seeing the resurrected cryogenic patients perspective of the future- it could have been shit but was executed reasonably well.
I am a bit tired of Star Trek for the moment and will take a break before returning for season 2. I describe the viewing experience as entertaining but not addictive. TV shows these days are all about cliff-hanger endings and rampant speculation over loose plot points, but I remain appreciative of what TNG contributed to the development of Sci-Fi on television.
Characters I like:
Picard: Patrick Stewart stands head and shoulders above the rest of the cast. Hats off to the man for his consistency, even when sharing scenes with painfully ordinary actors. Effectively carries the show for the first half of season 1. His lines could be garbage but his delivery would still be stellar and he understands the role completely.
Data: For a robot, the character arrives pretty much fully-realised from the first episode, and has a lot of input into key scenes. By no means my favourite character, but is consistent and it is a role/character that could have been completely ruined by a lesser actor very easily.
Troi: Probably best kept as a second-tier character. I only realised when reaching the last few discs of season 1 that there are whole episodes where she doesnt have a single line, and others where she is completely absent! Whenever the emphasis of an episode is on Troi and shes not just providing counsel (like the episode she was supposed to get married), its apparent how one-dimensional and plain her acting is. But she was introduced as an advisory character early on- a role I prefer her in and which she should probably stick to. Most of her acting involves just looking wistfully about the set, and providing a supportive arm around the shoulder of people feeling glum, but I still like her. A good set of tits helped her win my favour early on, although on closer inspection
this is probably the cunning work of sticky-tape and a costume with a low neck-line.
Riker: In earlier episodes, his facial expressions of respect and admiration for Picard were all a bit too much- every time he smiled it looked like he wanted to tongue-kiss Picards bald head each time he was impressed with his actions. Was a bit too flimsy in the first half of season 1 but has become much bolder. Kudos to the man for having his fair share of sex with multiple partners, but I didnt like his falling for the ginger chick from the Jazz bar in the Holodeck- I thought hed be more sensible than that. Needs to be more badarse but hes a great all-round character.
Characters that have yet to win me over:
Worf: Still a bit flat. Not sure what his exact role is, although he made a few gains in the episode Heart of Glory
Geordi: He is at best when paired with Data, ironically providing the eyes for Data when they are making investigations. The two characters make an interesting team- Geordi provides Data with his observations, who then makes interpretations against his own repository of information. He seems to understand Datas strengths and usefulness better than the rest of the crew. I like the character, but they need to do a lot more with him.
Dr Crusher: Probably the most down-to-earth and human role on the deck, given her role as a mother. Shes not entirely convincing as a doctor, and needs to do more than just squeeze plastic props against the crewmembers necks in order to convince me otherwise. She improved heaps towards the end but is still a bit simple. I expect theyll find plenty for her to do after her return in season 3.
Characters I dont, and probably wont ever like:
Wesley: Not as annoying in later episodes when he has his rainbow sweater and tidier haircut. A fucking pain in the arse in any episodes you see him wearing that stupid XXXXL-sized knitted sweater. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the episode Coming of Age- partly because I got to see a conventional part of Federation training and lifestyle, but hes still a fucking geek.
Yar: Boring and unattractive. I welcome her absence from the show, and she was hardly missed in the final episodes.