10 Star Trek Episodes That Are Perfect For A Good Cry

1. The Inner Light

star trek the next generation the inner light picard's flute
Paramount

The Inner Light is a seminal episode, one that clearly strikes chords with so many fans. True, it did find its place on a recent list of overrated episodes, but that doesn't disqualify its power to break the viewer into tiny little pieces. There are so many moments in the episode that combine to devastate, but that final scene. Whoa.

Picard, standing in his quarters, barely able to understand what has just happened to him, is handed the small box by Riker. Opening it, he lets his number one know with the tilt of his head that he needs to be alone, then reveals the flute that he had spent so many years learning to play.

Those closing notes over this episode, floating like a dirge through space, are enough to get the waterworks going on any Trekkie, whether they be long-term fans or first timers. The Inner Light often finds itself turning up on so many lists so for many reasons - but today, let it be the episode that warms, breaks, and then carefully mends your heart - all in one go.

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Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"