Star Trek: The Next Generation

10 Best Episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation - Season 3

Calling all Trekkies! If you're a fan of sci-fi and space exploration, then you're in for a treat with "Star Trek: The Next Generation." This iconic TV show takes you on intergalactic adventures with Capt. Jean-Luc Picard and his loyal crew aboard the all-new USS Enterprise NCC-1701D. Since its first airing in 1987, this beloved series has captured the hearts of millions of viewers with its captivating storytelling and groundbreaking special effects. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newbie to the Star Trek universe, get ready to be transported to new worlds and encounter fascinating alien species.

With a whopping eight seasons under its belt, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" has no shortage of incredible episodes that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From thrilling space battles to thought-provoking moral dilemmas, each episode offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Whether you prefer action-packed adventures or philosophical explorations, there's something for everyone in this groundbreaking series. So grab your favorite Star Trek mug, settle onto the couch, and prepare to embark on an epic journey through the cosmos.

Thanks to syndication, "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is easily accessible for fans old and new. Whether you're binge-watching from the comfort of your living room or catching an episode during your lunch break, you'll find yourself immersed in the rich universe created by Gene Roddenberry. So dust off your tricorder and set your phasers to stun, because "Star Trek: The Next Generation" is ready to transport you to new frontiers and leave you eagerly anticipating the next episode.

Written by Sophie and last updated on nov 30, 2023.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E11

#15 - The Hunted (Season 3 - Episode 11)

Stardate: 43489.2 A potentially new member of the Federation enlists the help of the Enterprise to track down a wanted criminal who has a reputation for his excessive violence. However, the fugitive's actions may not be of his own will.

The episode was rated 7.55 from 492 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E18

#14 - Allegiance (Season 3 - Episode 18)

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Stardate: 43714.1 Picard is secretly abducted and switched with an alien double. The crews' suspicions are raised when he starts exhibiting unusual behaviour, and is relieved of command.

The episode was rated 7.57 from 499 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E21

#13 - Hollow Pursuits (Season 3 - Episode 21)

Stardate: 43807.4 A nervous and insecure officer, Lt. Reginald Barclay, places the Enterprise in great danger when he neglects his duties in Engineering, and instead spends his time acting out his fantasies on the holodeck.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 457 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E3

#12 - The Survivors (Season 3 - Episode 3)

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Stardate: 43152.4 The Enterprise discovers a planet that has had all life eradicated, except for two mysterious residents and their home, which has been left in perfect condition.

The episode was rated 7.62 from 529 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E7

#11 - The Enemy (Season 3 - Episode 7)

Stardate:43349.2 A blind Geordie is trapped on a hazardous planet with a paranoid and severely injured Romulan. In orbit, a Romulan Warbird is preventing the Enterprise from attempting a rescue mission.

The episode was rated 7.65 from 478 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E20

#10 - Tin Man (Season 3 - Episode 20)

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Stardate: 43779.3 The Enterprise encounters a 'living' ship in the Neutral Zone, and risks breaking the Romulan Federation alliance in order to bring it into contact with a Betazoid emissary.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 481 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E22

#9 - The Most Toys (Season 3 - Episode 22)

Stardate: 43872.2 The crew are shattered by the apparent death of Data in a shuttle explosion, and are prevented from carrying out a detailed investigation when Starfleet gives them orders for a new mission elsewhere. However, the crew don't realize that he was actually abducted and placed on display as part of a collection of rare and valuable items held by a disreputable character.

The episode was rated 7.70 from 485 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E23

#8 - Sarek (Season 3 - Episode 23)

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Stardate: 43917.4 Spock's Vulcan father, Sarek, boards the Enterprise to negotiate political relations with the Legaran. However, Sarek has contract Bendii syndrome, which causes a Vulcan to gradually lose control, and become overpowered with emotions.

The episode was rated 7.80 from 463 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E4

#7 - Who Watches the Watchers (Season 3 - Episode 4)

Stardate: 43173.5 An away team inadvertently breaks the Prime Directive and reveal themselves to a primitive culture on Mintaka III, causing the inhabitants believe that Captain Picard is a God.

The episode was rated 7.85 from 528 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E17

#6 - Sins of the Father (Season 3 - Episode 17)

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Stardate: 43685.2 Worf is reunited with his long-lost brother when their father is charged with treason for helping the Romulans. Together they make an appeal to the Klingon High Council to challenge the charges, and have them revoked.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 486 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E10

#5 - The Defector (Season 3 - Episode 10)

Stardate: 43462.5 A defecting Romulan warns the Federation about an impending attack by the Romulans, who are secretly establishing bases within the Neutral Zone.

The episode was rated 7.96 from 552 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E16

#4 - The Offspring (Season 3 - Episode 16)

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Stardate: 43657.0 Data becomes a father when he creates a Soong-type android in the form of a daughter named Lal. Issues are complicated when Lal starts showing signs of a more evolved consciousness, including the ability to feel emotions, which attracts the attention of Starfleet scientists who want to take her away from Data and examine her advanced systems.

The episode was rated 8.02 from 528 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E13

#3 - Déjà Q (Season 3 - Episode 13)

In the Star Trek: The Next Generation episode "Déjà Q," the mischievous and all-powerful Q finds himself stripped of his powers and transformed into a human as a punishment for his past antics. This unexpected twist opens up a whole new world of story possibilities and allows the episode to explore the implications of going from an immortal being to a vulnerable lifeform. As Q struggles to adapt to his newfound humanity, he begins to understand the value of compassion and selflessness, thanks to the kindness and charity shown to him by his hosts aboard the Enterprise. This episode is not only filled with humor and clever dialogue, but it also delves into deeper themes of mortality, vulnerability, and the potential for personal growth.

The relationship between Q and the android Data is a highlight of "Déjà Q," as these two characters, who are on opposite sides of becoming human, provide a unique perspective on what it means to be human. The episode examines the foibles and merits of humanity through their interactions, culminating in a powerful moment where Data risks his life to save Q, ultimately teaching him the true meaning of selflessness. This episode showcases the incredible performances of John DeLancie as Q and Patrick Stewart as Captain Picard, with their dynamic serving as a constant source of entertainment throughout the series. Overall, "Déjà Q" is a standout episode that not only adds new dimensions to Q's character but also explores the capacity for change and growth in even the most self-centered beings.

While some viewers may feel that the resolution of the episode comes too easily and that Q's transformation ultimately has little impact, "Déjà Q" still offers plenty of enjoyable moments and humor. The interactions between Q and the other crew members, such as Riker, Guinan, Worf, Geordi, and Dr. Crusher, provide a variety of reactions to Q's humanization, showcasing the diverse personalities and perspectives of the Enterprise crew. Additionally, the episode manages to balance its comedic elements with the high stakes of a planet in danger and the threat of revenge from the powerful Calamarian. Despite its light-hearted moments, "Déjà Q" ultimately delivers a powerful message about the potential for personal growth and the importance of compassion, making it a standout episode in the Star Trek: The Next Generation series.

The episode was rated 8.07 from 560 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E15

#2 - Yesterday's Enterprise (Season 3 - Episode 15)

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Stardate: 43625.2 A rift in the space/time continuum brings the U.S.S. Enterprise - C forward into the 24th Century, and alters the timeline. In this future, the Federation is at war with the Klingons, Tasha Yar is on the bridge, Worf did not join the Federation, and only Guinan's unique perception of reality may restore the timeline.

The episode was rated 8.40 from 680 votes.

Star Trek: The Next Generation - S3E26

#1 - The Best of Both Worlds (1) (Season 3 - Episode 26)

In the iconic Star Trek: The Next Generation episode, "The Best of Both Worlds" (Part 1), the Enterprise faces a new and terrifying threat: the Borg. As a Federation colony mysteriously disappears, Lt. Cmdr. Shelby, an expert on the Borg, joins the crew to investigate. However, the situation takes a dark turn when Captain Picard is abducted and assimilated into the Borg Collective. Now, it's up to Commander Riker to lead a daring rescue mission and save his captain.

This episode is a fan-favorite, and for good reason. The tension is palpable as the crew realizes that their usual technological prowess may not be enough to defeat the relentless Borg. The guest character, Shelby, may be a bit overzealous, but she leaves a lasting impression. Meanwhile, Riker is faced with a difficult decision: whether to take his own command or continue serving as the Enterprise's first officer. The episode delves into Riker's personal struggles and his growth as a leader.

"The Best of Both Worlds" is a turning point for the series, establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. The Borg, though their appearance may seem dated now, add an imposing presence and raise the stakes for our beloved characters. With the cliffhanger ending, viewers were left eagerly anticipating the resolution. This episode showcases the show's ability to balance action, character development, and thought-provoking storytelling, making it a standout installment in the Star Trek universe.

The episode was rated 8.69 from 647 votes.

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