10 Star Trek Episodes That Are Perfect For A Good Cry

4. Pathfinder

Data Lal Star Trek TNG Next Generation Offspring
CBS

The closing scenes of Pathfinder offer one of the most instantly memorable tearjerking reunions in Star Trek history. In an episode that fits the theme of this article perfectly, Voyager finally makes direct two-way contact with Starfleet Command.

The choice to focus on Barclay for the bulk of the episode belies the emotional hit that comes from the signal reaching the Delta Quadrant. His struggles are a fascinating look into the life of a man obsessed, much as the audience may have found itself becoming. The addition of Commander Troi adds that note of familiarity to proceedings - something that fans could enjoy before that last scene.

Admiral Paris telling his son, thousands of light-years away, that he's proud of him, and that he misses him, never fails to break even the stoniest of hearts. Tom Paris's tumultuous relationship with his father had been teased for the show's run, so seeing this one moment was enough to reduce the audience to tears.

Keeping a docking bay open for us.

Magic.

 
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Writer. Reader. Host. I'm Seán, I live in Ireland and I'm the poster child for dangerous obsessions with Star Trek. Check me out on Twitter @seanferrick