Star Trek: 10 Most Underrated Characters

Replacing Beverly Crusher as the Enterprise-D's Chief Medical Officer for The Next Generation's second season, Dr. Katherine Pulaski had big shoes to fill, to say the least.

That's not to say Crusher was especially well-utilized during The Next Generation's first season, but taking over from an existing character was always going to be a difficult prospect.

Fans resented the loss of Crusher, and Pulaski sadly bore the brunt of those frustrations, although we suppose calling Data an "it" and mispronouncing his name didn't help the matter.

Still, there was a lot to like about Pulaski from her short run about the Enterprise. Sure, she could be brash at times, but her direct approach was refreshing next to the constant politeness of her fellow crewmates. She just never really clicked with the rest of the cast.

On the bright side, Pulaski did flex her medical chops on more than one occasion, performing heart surgery on Picard in "Samaritan Snare" and saving the captain's life, much to his embarrassment.

"Unnatural Selection", in particular, highlighted Pulaski at her best. Risking her life to learn more about a virus causing rapid aging, Pulaski's actions helped save the staff of an infected research station. She did good.