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

4. Relics

Picard Scotty TNG
Paramount

This sixth season episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation (and the 130th episode of the series) featured the return of James Doohan to the franchise, stepping back into the role that made him famous.

Scotty is rescued from a transporter buffer-induced stasis after 75 years, leading him to become a fish out of water. His technical expertise is suddenly hopelessly out of date, leading him to have run ins with Geordi LaForge, who feels he is getting in the way.

If for no other reason, the scene that Scotty shares with Picard on the holodeck is one of the most touching scenes in the show. They bond over a drink as the lights and noises of the old Constitution Class Enterprise surround them.

The episode has its excitement (the escape from the Dyson Sphere is wonderful) but in truth, it is all about watching Doohan shine again and again. He is sadly missed, yet this episode is a fantastic tribute now to his memory and to Scotty overall.

In this post: 
Star Trek
 
Posted On: 
Contributor
Contributor

Seán is the host and head writer/presenter for TrekCulture, as well as a writer/presenter on WhoCulture and WhatCulture Horror. He has authored two novels, dozens of short stories, and hundreds of articles for WhatCulture. He holds a Master of Arts in Creative Writing from University College Dublin. As part of his work with TrekCulture, Seán has been invited to participate in collaborations with Roddenberry Entertainment, as well as contributing to several Star Trek community projects. An avid fan of Star Trek, Doctor Who, and the horror genre at large, Seán's expertise has helped develop these channels to the successes they are today. As host of the Ups & Downs series on TrekCulture, Seán has become internationally recognised for his positive yet critically informed approach to reviewing every episode of modern Star Trek, ensuring he is one of the go-to voices in the Trek community. Favourite Quote to describe himself: "I'm serious about what I do, just not always about the way that I do it"