The best episodes of Star Trek TNG wouldn't have been made if Gene Roddenberry had his way.

Important points

• Fans Saved Star Trek from Cancellation, Leading to The Animated Series and the First Movie
• Paramount wanted to separate Roddenberry from The Next Generation (TNG), but eventually brought him back.
• Despite the strict rules at first But Roddenberry's TNG limitations were eventually broken to better the plot.

when Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) It was canceled in 1969. Fans of the show thought they might never see the crew of the Enterprise again, but fans themselves made sure that never happened. The series was so popular in syndication that Paramount developed a second installment. star trek set: Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS)– although กท It only lasted half a season and there is continued interest. star trek This led to the development of a second live performance. This eventually became the first. star trek film, Star Trek: The Movie.

As the 20th anniversary of the show's 1986 premiere approached, Paramount decided to release a brand new product. star trek Set. According Star Trek: The Next Generation — Continuing MissionParamount wanted to develop a new show without franchise creator Gene Roddenberry at the helm. The studio had always struggled to work with Roddenberry. who is very protective of his creative vision and his personal lawyer who is known as the most ruthless shark. After careful consideration The studio decided it was impossible to do. star trek Without Roddenberry So they brought him on board for a new series that would become Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)

Roddenberry's Law

Roddenberry took creative control of the new show as soon as the ink was dry on his contract. ensuring that the new show will carry his vision to his high standards. Roddenberry therefore brought in many of his loyal writers from TOS To help develop the performance

When a writer's guide for Star Trek: The Next Generation It's complete, with several pages of rules about what's not allowed to be displayed. In a show that has been informally dubbed Roddenberry's Rule, several writers working on TNG said that any script would be a “no-go.” Those that do not comply with Roddenberry's rules will be immediately rejected. Regardless of the quality of the script. This led to a lot of conflict in the writers' room. Especially because even Roddenberry's most loyal writers disagreed with some of his rules on the show.

It turns out there was good reason for the conflict. If the writer follows Roddenberry's rules to the letter, Some of the most beloved episodes of TNG will not actually exist

Rule #1: No. TOS characters or their descendants

One thing Roddenberry was particularly adamant about was not including characters from that story. original series– at TNG–S The Writer's Guide states:

As much as we love our original cast […] We wanted the audience's attention centered on our new character.

Roddenberry believed that guest appearances by original characters would be overshadowed. TNG character and he is confident that this will bring the new series to an end. This belief is baseless. Trekkies have made it clear that they are not happy with the new stuff. star trek with different character sets They are very dissatisfied. When news of a new program leaks They came together at Paramount Studios, and Trek fans are nothing if not dedicated. So all the familiar faces from TOS banned from TNG Story – Even if Roddenberry breaks his own rules TNG At first when Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy guest

avoid TOS Superstars might be needed early in the season, when Trekkies meet and learn to love the new characters. But it didn't make any sense when the show was created. Luckily, the writers realized this and started writing scripts for the people they loved most. TOS If it weren't for that, fans would never have gotten great episodes like “Sarek”, “Unification Part 1 & 2”, and “Relics”.

Rule 2: No Vulcans.

It is in the same spirit as the prohibition. TOS This Roddenberry Rule character is processed in a very clear statement:

We strive not to duplicate ourselves and believe there will be other interesting aliens out there. In a galaxy filled with billions of stars and planets

That feeling is right. No need to argue about that point. Without relying on the story that the Vulcans wrote. TNG Forced to imagine an incredible new species. until now More than 300 alien species have been seen or mentioned in the franchise. But this happens even with some Vulcan-centered episodes. And it is clear that the principle “Don't copy yourself” only applies to characters because there are several first episodes of TNG Get a remix of TOS section

at TNG The author follows this rule quite well and TNG is star trek Shown with minimal Vulcan. But they broke the rules for the aforementioned “Sarek” and “Unification Part 1 & 2,” and fans are glad they did.

Rule 3: No conflict with Klingons or Romulans.

Roddenberry did not ban Klingons and Romulans entirely. TNG Just like he did with the Vulcans. But he insists that writers avoid stories about the Federation's conflict with these species. Although this prohibition is partly due to the fact that it does not rely on the same concept as TOSMore inspired by Roddenberry's utopian vision of the 24th century, he believed that by that time, 100 years after the Enterprise's first crew, The Federation would not engage in large-scale conflicts with entire races. Especially familiar species like the Klingons and Romulans.

However, the author broke this rule early on. At least for one of these species. Because the Klingons were allied with the Federation in the 24th century, and there were Klingons on the bridge of Enterprise-D. The Klingon cannot therefore be the main enemy. TNG– But the Romulans did. And they make such good villains. Therefore, the ban on conflict with the Romulans was soon lifted. TNG First season

By the third season The ban on conflict with the Klingons was also lifted. Although they are still allies of the Federation. But several notable episodes also feature tense confrontations with the Klingons. This suggests that peace is precarious.

List of episodes that will be cut TNG If you follow this rule, it will be great. Some of the best movies include “A Matter Of Honor,” “Redemption Parts 1 and 2,” “Birthright Parts 1 and 2,” “The Mind's Eye,” “The Defector,” and “Face Of The Enemy.”

Rule 4: Follow the Prime Minister's orders.

Roddenberry was adamant that Starfleet should avoid interfering with the natural development of species and cultures on other worlds. This practice is mentioned but rarely followed in TOS. in TNG, Roddenberry was adamant, though, that it should be upheld. In fact, he was so adamant that the cosmic law formerly known as General Order One became Prime Order.

But the mind behind TNG It was soon discovered that forcing the Enterprise's crew to decide whether or not to follow the Prime Minister's orders made for an interesting story. Should the crew follow the Prime Minister's orders? If that meant letting the entire world be destroyed? Should they violate it to prevent genocide? In the second season, the Prime Directive often caused a lot of tension. TNG The episodes and Captain Picard have decided to transgress with surprising frequency.

The writers made the right decision by breaking this Roddenberry rule. If they hadn't, fans would have missed out on great episodes like “Pen Pals,” “Who Watches the Watchers” and “Homeward.”

Roddenberry, though, has clear reasons for most of his strict rules about what's not allowed. TNGUltimately, the writers proved that most of them could be broken without jeopardizing the success of the show, and fans ultimately benefited from that decision.

Source: Writer's Guide for Star Trek: The Next Generation– Star Trek: The Next Generation — Continuing Mission