10 Star Trek Episodes That Are Perfect For A Good Cry
7. The Bonding
Jeremy Aster's story is one of not just a single loss, but two, as his deceased mother does come back to him, in a way. Lt. Marla Aster is killed on an away mission by a remnant of a long-ended war, making her death pointless. Feeling the guilt of this, the world's inhabitant attempts to recreate the happiness that Jeremy felt with his mother, though through illusion.
Jeremy's initial utterance of the words 'I'm all alone now' is enough to break even the most hardened hearts, but Picard's assurance that on the Enterprise, no one is alone, will definitely do the trick.
The episode raises a poignant question - what choice do the families of Starfleet officers really have when it comes to the danger of space travel? Jeremy certainly never chose to be in a position of mortal danger. Lt. Aster, on the other hand, would know the risks that come with the uniform.
Worf's attempt to bond with Jeremy by the end does offer some hope for the boy's future and only confirms Picard's promise. Though Jeremy wouldn't return again in The Next Generation, this episode was a strong attempt to show how grief would be handled in the 24th century.