Star Trek The Next Generation: Every Season One Episode Ranked From Worst To Best
12. Symbiosis
This episode featured many firsts and lasts for Star Trek. It features Merritt Buttrick and Judson Scott, both of whom had appeared in the Wrath of Khan as David Marcus and Joaquin respectively. It was also the last episode filmed featuring Tasha Yar in season one, though Skin of Evil was aired afterwards due to production schedules.
While the episode has strong performances from all around, there was a sense of quiet chaos on set. There were scenes featuring characters acting in contradictory ways from one moment to the next. There is a conversation between Wesley and Tasha that echoed the Reagan era message of 'Just Say No' to drugs, which was generally reviled by fans.
It was the final appearance by Merritt Buttrick in Star Trek before his death due to AIDS related complications in 1989. His image would later be used in Star Trek VI, as Kirk puts a portrait of him down on his desk in tribute.
On the last day that Denise Crosby filmed for the series, director Win Phelps agreed to a small tribute to her fans. He positioned her in the extreme background of a scene as Picard and Crusher move to leave the cargo bay. As the doors close behind them, Crosby can be seen waving enthusiastically in the distance. This was done as a thank you to the fans that supported her.
While the episode has some clunky set pieces, it is nevertheless a solid entry in the first season, challenging Picard's adhereance to the Prime Directive.