Star Trek: The Next Generation - 10 Best Episodes Not About The Main Cast

With seven seasons and 178 episodes to its name, Star Trek: The Next Generation had ample room to explore the stories of those who were not a part of the main cast of characters. While Picard, Riker and Data may have received the bulk of screen time on the show, the does not mean that the guest stars didn't shine bright.

From episodes featuring nearly omnipotent gods to officers dealing with the pain of PTSD, the Next Generation handled many, many different topics with grace and ease. Some of the guest stars would go on to return several times, thanks to a combination of the actors' strengths and the writing of their stories.

With Star Trek: Lower Decks showing the audience that there are fantastic stories that can be told through the eyes of the people that make the ship tick, these episodes of the Next Generation prove that, if one looks beyond the core characters, there were entire ship-loads of people who were ready and able to carry the dramatic arcs of episodes on their own shoulders.

Several entries on this list see returning guest stars as, though never main players, there was more than one guest who would make such an impact that their story simply could not be left unfinished.

By Star Trek: The Next Generation's third season, John de Lancie's Q had already been established as the near-omnipotent trickster, yet one who had a clear interest in Humanity His last appearance before this episode saw him introduce the Borg to the crew of the Enterprise, with deadly circumstances.

So, his appearance, floating naked on the bridge was sure to raise a few eyebrows.

Stripping Q of his powers allowed for a complete change in the dynamic between him and the rest of the characters, setting the scene for one of the most fun episodes featuring the character. Particular highlights include his exchange with Guinan - one that results in his hand being impaled by a fork, just to test that he really is without power!

Though he of course regains his power by the end of the episode, he also gains something of a better understanding of humanity. For his part, his friendship and loyalty to the crew is secured - even if it doesn't feel the same in return!

The close of the episode, featuring one of the most satisfying belly laughs ever heard in Star Trek, is one of the most heartwarming finishes to an episode in canon.