Star Trek: 10 Greatest Jeri Taylor Episodes
4. The Outcast
The Outcast remains one of the most discussed episodes of The Next Generation to this day. It attempted to tackle LGBTQIA+ issues, particularly those concerned with conversation therapy, though it has been judged under par. While modern views may be a little kinder to the episode's intentions, it received backlash on airing. There were those who didn't want to hear a single word regarding conversion therapy or same sex attraction, while still others felt the episode didn't go far enough.
Taylor wrote the teleplay for The Outcast, eager to create something that she knew would be controversial. As a writer, she knew that drama was the best way to touch people's hearts and minds, rather than playing it safe. She wanted to get the conversation underway.
She also, though not a gay woman herself, understood what it meant to be disenfranchised. As a woman, she felt that she was in a particular minority, so she could identify with some of Soren's struggle - even if she was coming at it from a different direction.
Ultimately, The Outcast set out to get people talking about issues they may not have been all that comfortable with. In that respect, it is a resounding success.