Star Trek: 10 Times Opening Credits Spoiled The Surprise

For the finale of The Next Generation, audiences were treated to several returning faces from the show's run. We saw Colm Meaney appearing in his first season red spandex suit, while John de Lancie bookended the great trial of humanity in his judge's robes. One of the sweeter guest spots was filled out by none other than season one cast member Denise Crosby, returning to play Tasha Yar for (to date) the last time.

Though Crosby had appeared in Yesterday's Enterprise, Redemption, and Unification, this was her big return as prime timeline Tasha, even with a bit of Q timey-timey trickery going on. There is a moment, not long after the opening credits finish, that Picard turns his head in the future to find himself on the Shuttle Gallileo with Tasha herself, now en route to taking his position as captain of the Enterprise.

It was a moment that was clearly written and directed to shock fans and bring smiles to faces, only slightly defeated by seeing her name in the guest starring credits. There was no ambiguity either - it wasn't simply a case of 'Denise Crosby' but rather it was spelled out in no uncertain terms that it was Yar she was playing.

Still, having O'Brien, Q, and Yar return for All Good Things helped to round out The Next Generation perfectly, aiding in crafting what could be called the greatest finale in Star Trek history.