Note: This Blog was originally posted on July 7th 2024. It has since been updated twice, first on August 2nd 2025, and then on September 22nd 2026. This is the latest iteration.
Hello my friends, and welcome back to my blog.
Today I wanted to share my first Watch Order with you all, and its one I have actually spoken about previously on the podcast, although I am elaborating a bit on it.
What you will find below is a list of all the episodes of classic Star Trek set in the 24th Century, namely the films and episodes of The Next Generation, and the episodes of Deep Space Nine and Voyager. However what I have done is elaborate a bit on how essential each episode is both in context to its own show and to the shows that air alongside it, as well as for later series, including Lower Decks, Prodigy, Picard and Discovery, as well as for both the Star Trek: Online MMORPG, modern video games, and the Pocketbooks novels and IDW comics that forged their own timelines.
I’ll include notes for important character and status quo developments as necessary, as well as highlighting episodes where important recurring characters reappear. However I will do my best to avoid any major spoilers, as I also want to encourage people to watch these shows. I have also tried to highlight some of the best episodes to introduce someone to the series, or even to the Star Trek franchise as a whole.
EDIT: I have done a similar Watch Order for the 23rd Century set shows and films, which can be found on this blog. This blog was also updated as of September 2026.
For those nerds like me that like to know the in-universe timeline, Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 1 begins in the calendar year 2364, and Season 7 ends in 2370, with films following in 2371, 2373, 2375 and 2379. Deep Space Nine begins in 2369 and ends in 2375, and the seven season run of Voyager takes place between 2371 and 2378. As a result there is some overlap between the various series and films, but I have tried to keep the various shows in blocks of episodes in that case rather than a complete chronological order, as I believe that this makes for a better watching experience.
So lets begin shall we?
Star Trek: The Next Generation
101/102 Encounter at Farpoint
The 2 part pilot. Its not the best episode of TNG for a new viewer as a lot of things would change over the years, but does introduce the entire cast. The story is a decent Star Trek adventure with a fun little mystery. First appearance of Q, and it directly ties into the finale episode.
103 The Naked Now
Essentially an episode redoing a plot idea from the Original Series, but notable for an encounter between Data and Tasha Yar that is referenced later on.
104 Code of Honor
An episode with a depressing amount of racist stereotypes. Feel free to skip.
105 The Last Outpost
The episode that introduces the Ferengi, but not a great first impression. Skip.
Although if you are interested in Star Trek: Resurgence, this game is where the Tkon Empire first appear and are mentioned.
106 Where No One Has Gone Before
The introduction of the Traveller, and a big early episode for Wesley Crusher, so if you like that character its worth a watch.
107 Lonely Among Us
Not essential, but a decent sci-fi concept. I think it does introduce the idea of Data becoming a fan of Sherlock Holmes though, which becomes a notable character trait.
108 Justice
One of the horniest episodes of Star Trek ever made, but only really notable for Picard breaking the Prime Directive. A minor joke references it in Lower Decks.
109 The Battle
Introduces Daimon Bok as a Ferengi nemesis for Picard, but he’s only seen once more. A decent epsiode though. Also establishes the Stargazer, Picard’s previous command.
110 Hide and Q
Q’s second appearance, but it tries to pair him with Riker, which is not as fun as his interactions with Picard. Probably the easiest Q episode to skip.
111 Haven
The introduction of Lwaxana Troi, a notable recurring character. Also some good early stuff with Troi and Riker. Is out of order on some services, appearing earlier in the run.
112 The Big Goodbye
The first real Holodeck episode, and introduction of Picard’s Dixon Hill novels
113 Datalore
The introduction of Lore, and the “Shut Up Wesley” episode. A highlight in a muddled season.
114 Angel One
Skippable. In fact I might stop saying that. Assume if no other notes you could easily skip. A lot of old Trek was very episodic. However if you like Star Trek I do still think many of them are worth watching, as even bad Star Trek is still pretty enjoyable sci-fi action adventure, and if I feel an episode is truly terrible or exceptional then I will mention it. The most notable thing here is its the first mention of the Romulans in this era.
115 11001001
Fun but not essential. Does tie into a later episode and some of the Titan books though.
116 Too Short A Season
117 When the Bough Breaks
118 Home Soil
119 Coming of Age
Wesley does an Academy entrance exam, while the crew is investigated by Dexter Remmick, setting up a plot for later. Remmick mentions several previous episodes’ events, but not in a way you would be lost if you watched it out of order.
120 Heart of Glory
First time we get proper Klingons back in TNG, but they are introduced better elsewhere in my opinion.
121 The Arsenal of Freedom
122 Symbiosis
123 Skin of Evil
The death of Tasha Yar at the hands of Armus. If you’re skipping episodes to get a cliff notes of TNG then stick with this one. Her funeral scene especially is quite lovely. Armus later appears briefly in Lower Decks.
124 We’ll Always Have Paris
125 Conspiracy
This is the episode that pays of Remmick’s appearance in Coming of Age. I quite like this one, and I was hoping the cliffhanger would get answered in Picard at some point. As it is Star Trek: Online and the Pocketbooks novels both have their own respective follow-ups to this.
126 The Neutral Zone
First contact of Romulans and Federation in decades. Very important for later Romulan episodes, the plots of which will inspire elements of Picard‘s first Season.
201 The Child
Dr Beverly Crusher has left the show and been temporarily replaced with Dr Pulaski, who I like a lot more than most. Worf becomes the new security chief and Geordi LaForge becomes the Chief Engineer. Wesley becomes the helmsman. Also introduces Guinan.
202 Where Silence Has Lease
203 Elementary, Dear Data
The debut of the self-aware Moriarty hologram, who later appears in Picard as well as once more here.
204 The Outrageous Okona
Okona does reappear in Prodigy, and has a cameo in Lower Decks.
205 Loud As A Whisper
206 The Schizoid Man
Introduces Dr Selar, who becomes a major character in Peter David’s New Frontier novels.
207 Unnatural Selection
I think this is Pulaski’s best episode, and also features her antagonistic relationship with Data. The day is also saved by Chief O’Brien, who obviously goes on to be a central character in Deep Space Nine, so this is also a great early episode to highlight him and his intelligence.
208 A Matter of Honour
The best episode to introduce the Klingons in my opinion, and a good Riker episode as well. Several of the Klingons introduced here have big roles in some of the novels.
209 A Measure of A Man
ESSENTIAL. One of the best Data episodes ever, and a very great introduction episode to the Next Generation. Very good central moral question, with Guinan boiling it down perfectly. Great performances from Picard, Riker and Data. References Data and Tasha’s encounter from The Naked Now. Also introduces Bruce Maddox and his research, so becomes essential for watching Picard Season 1.
210 The Dauphin
211 Contagion
An episode featuring the Romulans. However this episode is most notable for introducing the Iconians, who become a key part of Star Trek: Online. The Romulan Commander Taris is also a key character in the novel timeline.
212 The Royale
213 Time Squared
214 The Icarus Factor
A great episode for Riker and Worf. Lots of good stuff exploring their connections to others, including Deanna, O’Brien, Data and Geordi. If you like those two characters I’d make this a priority.
215 Pen Pals
A great Data episode anyway, and a pretty good introduction episode to be honest, however I want to highlight it because Sarjenka becomes a main character in the SCE novellas.
216 Q Who
ESSENTIAL. The return of Q, some great stuff with Guinan, and the introduction of the Borg. Works really well as an engaging first episode as most backstory is easily picked up by context. Also features Sonya Gomez, who returns in the novels and Lower Decks.
217 Samaritan Snare
This is the only episode featuring the Pakleds before Lower Decks, where they become a main antagonist. Also introduces Picard’s artificial heart.
218 Up the Long Ladder
219 Manhunt
Return of Lwaxana and the development of her interest in Picard.
220 The Emissary
VERY important episode for Worf’s development, introducing K’Ehleyr.
221 Peak Performance
Return of the Ferengi. Shows the Federation starting to take action to the Borg threat restablished in Q Who.
222 Shades of Grey
The only clip show Star Trek ever did and for very good reason – it was awful! Avoid like the plague! Last episode with Pulaski though as Beverly returns for the rest of the show.
301 Evolution
302 The Ensigns of Command
303 The Survivors
304 Who Watches the Watchers
305 The Bonding
306 Booby Trap
Introduction of Leah Brahms via her hologram. Gets a sequel later on that makes Geordi look terrible in hindsight, but character flaws can be fun.
307 The Enemy
First appearance of Tomalak, a recurring Romulan character. An interesting one for Worf as well, showing his disdain for the Romulans and expanding on his family’s deaths.
308 The Price
Features the Ferengi and the introduction of a wormhole. The two Ferengi here will reappear in Voyager.
309 The Vengeance Factor
310 The Defector
More Romulan intrigue, and the return of Tomalak. Jarok’s daughter, while only mentioned here, goes on to be a major recurring character in Star Trek Online.
311 The Hunted
312 The High Ground
An episode banned on the BBC for years due to a line about the Irish Reunification of 2024. Otherwise unremarkable.
313 Deja Q
A comedic episode featuring Q, creating a very different type of interaction between him and Picard. One of my favourites, and a great introduction to Trek in my opinion.
314 A Matter of Perspective
315 Yesterday’s Enterprise
Another great introduction episode. Features the return of Tasha Yar and an alternate history. One of the best episodes in TNG as well.
316 The Offspring
A great Data focused episode, as he creates a child. Builds on ideas from Measure of a Man, and is a precursor to ideas seen later in Picard.
317 Sins of the Father
ESSENTIAL. The first real episode in an important Klingon arc that runs for years. Features the introduction of Kurn and Duras, and is an important episode for Worf.
318 Allegiance
319 Captain’s Holiday
Introduction of Vash.
320 Tin Man
321 Hollow Pursuits
The introduction of Reginald Barclay, one of the best supporting characters in Star Trek, and someone who becomes very important in Voyager. Kieran Duffy also goes on to become a character in the SCE novellas.
322 The Most Toys
A fantastic Data focused episode, and the only appearance of one of the most despicable villains in the franchise.
323 Sarek
The return of Spock’s father from the Original Series leads to an important bit of development from Picard that I think is essential to who he becomes in the Picard series.
324 Menage A Troi
More Lwaxana, Picard reciting Shakespeare and becoming a meme, and more Riker and Deanna development. Also sees Wesley get a promotion to wear a full uniform.
325 Tranfigurations
326/401 The Best of Both Worlds
ESSENTIAL. As essential as it could be. Sees the return of the Borg, and the assimilation of Picard into Locutus, leading to the Battle of Wolf 359, which we won’t get to see properly until the opening of Deep Space Nine‘s pilot. I think every member of the cast gets a chance to do something here, and it makes for one of the best episodes. If you want to watch Deep Space Nine or Picard then this is a must-watch. Shelby also reappears in Picard, and is a central character in the New Frontier novels.
402 Family
Almost an epilogue to Best of Both Worlds. Lots of great character work for Picard and Wesley, as well as some development for Worf. I’d recommend watching it.
403 Brothers
The return of Lore and the introduction of Noonien Soong, creator of Data. Introduction of Data’s emotion chip.
404 Suddenly Human
405 Remember Me
A great episode for Beverly, who doesn’t get many chances to shine so I’m highlighting this one. Also features the return of the Traveller as he helps Wesley.
406 Legacy
Features Tasha’s sister. An interesting epilogue of sorts to Tasha’s death.
407 Reunion
ESSENTIAL. A Worf focused episode. Sees the introduction of Gowron and Worf’s son Alexander, as well as the return of Duras and K’Ehleyr. Continues the Klingon arc.
408 Future Imperfect
If you want to watch this you must watch 11001001 first.
409 Final Mission
Wesley leaves to attend the Academy.
410 The Loss
411 Data’s Day
Told entirely from Data’s perspective as he writes to Maddox. Sees the wedding of Chief O’Brien and Keiko. Also some more Romulan spycraft shenanigans.
412 The Wounded
ESSENTIAL. An episode that focuses on O’Brien and introduces the Cardassians, who go on to be the central antagonists of Deep Space Nine for the majority of its run. Gul Macet will go on to reappear as a recurring character in the DS9 relaunch novels.
413 Devil’s Due
414 Clues
A mystery episode that works as a great introduction episode. Also first appearance of Nurse Ogawa, who becomes a regular recurring character in sickbay, and a main character in the Titan novels.
415 First Contact
416 Galaxy’s Child
Follows on from Booby Trap with the introduction of the real Leah Brahms.
417 Night Terrors
418 Identity Crisis
419 The Nth Degree
Barclay’s second episode.
420 Qpid
The return of Vash and Q, and sees the crew placed in a Robin Hood adventure.
421 The Drumhead
A tense episode with a great central Picard performance. The character of Simon Tarses is developed more in the novels. Otherwise a great episode showing the paranoia over the Romulan cold war.
422 Half a Life
Lwaxana returns for what is probably her best episode in TNG.
423 The Host
The first appearance of the Trill, but seems to conflict with some later information about them in Deep Space Nine and Discovery. Bear that in mind if watching.
424 The Mind’s Eye
If the Romulans were used to tell Cold War style spy stories in this era then this is the Manchurian Candidate for Star Trek. Features Klingons and Romulans. Also features the shadowy debut of Sela.
425 In Theory
Data tries a relationship. Important for his overall development I think.
426/501 Redemption
ESSENTIAL. This is the episode that culminates many of the building Klingon and Romulan plotlines. Brings back Gowron and Kurn, introduces the Duras Sisters Lursa and B’Etor, as well as Duras’s son Toral, and has Worf leave Starfleet to fight in a Klingon Civil War. Full introduction of Sela, who has an interesting past, and the second part features some great development for Data as he takes his first command.
502 Darmok
One of the best premises for an episode Star Trek ever had in my opinion. I highly recommend this one.
503 Ensign Ro
ESSENTIAL. While some elements introduced here change as ideas evolve for Deep Space Nine, this episode introduces the Bajorans, and the idea of the Cardassian Occupation of their world. Also introduces the character of Ro Laren, who will recur throughout the rest of TNG and will reappear in Picard, as well as the novels.
504 Silicon Avatar
505 Disaster
While this episode is most notable for the birth of Molly O’Brien, the Chief and Keiko’s daughter, it is also a great episode for Deanna Troi, and goes on to influence some of her later character development as she gets a chance to command. Ro and O’Brien also feature, and every character gets something fun to do.
506 The Game
Wesley returns for an adventure, and guest character Robin Lefler is highlighted. She goes on to be a main character in the New Frontier novels.
507/508 Unification
ESSENTIAL. This episode features Data and Picard going to Romulus to find the missing Ambassador Spock, the return of Sela, and raises the idea of Romulan and Vulcan reunification, something that is explored in Discovery, as well as the novels and Star Trek: Online. Also features the death of Sarek, following on from his earlier episode.
509 A Matter of Time
510 New Ground
Alexander returns to the Enterprise to live with his father.
511 Hero Worship
512 Violations
513 The Masterpiece Society
514 Conundrum
515 Power Play
An interesting one for O’Brien and Keiko’s development, as he is possessed.
516 Ethics
Worf contemplates suicide after his paralysis. Some interesting changes to his relationships with Alexander and Deanna.
517 The Outcast
Riker falls in love with a queer member of an alien race.
518 Cause and Effect
One of my personal favourites, and introduces recurring novel character Morgan Bateson, who also reappears in Lower Decks. I think this would work very well as an introductory episode – has a mystery tone with a real sci-fi edge.
519 The First Duty
While this episode is mainly focusing on Wesley and Picard after an incident at the Academy, it introduces both Sito Jaxa and Nick Locarno, who both become more notable in Lower Decks. Features another great speech from Picard.
520 Cost of Living
Lwaxana arrives for a wedding and bonds with Alexander. Not great. More development of Worf and Deanna’s relationship though.
521 The Perfect Mate
522 Imaginary Friend
523 I Borg
ESSENTIAL. The first Borg story since Best of Both Worlds, and one that introduces the idea that the Borg can develop beyond the Collective as demonstrated by Hugh, who returns in Picard. Great stuff for Picard and Guinan here as well.
524 The Next Phase
A good development episode for Ro, who has appeared a few times since her debut, exploring the Bajoran faith for the first time, and features more Romulan intrigue.
525 The Inner Light
ESSENTIAL. Widely regarded as one of TNG’s best episodes, and a central episode for Picard’s own development. Also the story that feels the least like Star Trek in some ways, making it a great introductory episode.
526/601 Time’s Arrow
Of all the Season cliffhangers TNG produced this one is probably the least impactful, but does have some fun stuff with Guinan. Inspired a mission chain in Star Trek: Online.
602 Realm of Fear
Barclay’s third episode.
603 Man of the People
A good episode for Troi and one that shows more of her relationship with Riker.
604 Relics
The return of Scotty from the Original Series. A great standalone episode to introduce people to, and one with some really quite poignant moments.
605 Schisms
A really fun and tense horror episode. Also the best introduction for recurring character Ensign Rager, who goes on to be a cast member in the Titan novels. The unnamed enemies in this episode return as the Solonae in Star Trek: Online.
606 True Q
Another comedic Q episode, and one that feels to conflict with later Q episodes in Voyager. I feel safe saying this episode could easily be skipped.
607 Rascals
A fun little adventure with Keiko, Ro, Guinan and Picard all being de-aged and the crew having to deal with the Ferengi. Some fun stuff for O’Brien, and significant for Ro.
608 A Fistful of Datas
Worf continues to be a shitty dad, but it continues to show Deanna helping him.
609 The Quality of Life
Introduction of the Exocomps, one of whom becomes a recurring character in Lower Decks.
610/611 Chain of Command
ESSENTIAL. This is it, the final big Cardassian episode to set up Deep Space Nine. Features some incredible actor performances, and introduces Captain Jellico, who will reappear as an Admiral in several episodes of Prodigy. Both parts feel separate in tone and story in some regards while still having connections between them, something that later shows would also start to do.
From this point on Deep Space Nine begins. Now while the two shows tended to air concurrently, as did DS9 and Voyager later on, I will try not to jump between them too much. I can’t think of anything more annoying in a watch order than being told to change shows every other episode, however your mileage may vary, and if that works better for you so that you don’t forget ongoing plots than that is your perogative, but unlike more serialised shows like the Arrowverse, Buffy and Angel, or the MCU’s Defenders Saga, the more episodic nature of Star Trek makes watching them in blocks a lot easier. As a result I will try to divide the shows in the best way I can, while keeping them relatively in line with their chronological order. However previous rules apply – if there are no notes under an episode just assume its fairly standard and serviceable Star Trek, which is great to watch, but can be easily skipped if you don’t feel like watching it. Of course unless explicitly stated as a crossover then feel free to watch all of a particular season before the other one if you prefer – for example there is very little preventing you watching whole seasons of DS9 before a whole season of Voyager and vice versa.
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
101/102 Emmissary
ESSENTIAL. The pilot is a great episode and introduces many of the elements that run throughout the series. Has an opening that shows the Battle of Wolf 359 from Best of Both Worlds. I think this is the best Star Trek pilot overall, so I would definitely recommend it, and works well as an introduction as well. Introduces the Bajoran Wormhole, the Prophets, and establishes the Cardassian withdrawl from Bajor. Jadzia Dax also works as a great introduction to the Trill, who return in Discovery as well.
103 Past Prologue
The first episode featuring one of DS9’s best recurring characters, the simple tailor Garak. Also features the Duras sisters setting up their return to TNG.
104 A Man Alone
A great focus episode on Odo establishing this very interesting character. Also sees Keiko form a school, and starts the friendship with Jake and Nog. Recommend.
105 Babel
106 Captive Pursuit
featuring the first travellers from the Gamma Quadrant coming through the wormhole.
107 Q-Less
Last appearance of Vash, and Q’s only appearance on DS9.
TNG
612 Ship In a Bottle
The return of Moriarty. Also sees Barclay come back.
613 Aquiel
A really good episode for Geordi.
614 Face of the Enemy
An episode that follows up on some of the ideas introduced in Unification, and gives Troi a great central role.
615 Tapestry
A secret Q episode. One of Picard’s best episodes as well as he gets a do-over on one of the most impactful moments in his history to avoid getting his artificial heart.
616/617 Birthright
Bashir guests in the first part for a B-story with Data. The majority focuses on Worf looking for survivors of the massacre that killed his parents.
DS9
108 Dax
Jadzia has to deal with a crime that a previous host is accused of. It’s a good episode to explain more of Trill society, but not as great of an insight into Dax herself as you might expect from the title.
109 The Passenger
110 Move Along Home
Widely regarded as the worst episode of DS9, but I think it has a quaint charm, and has some fun scenes between Quark and Odo. YMMV.
111 The Nagus
First appearance of the Ferengi Grand Nagus, Zek.
112 Vortex
113 Battle Lines
An important episode for Kai Opaka, who was introduced as very important for Bajor.
TNG
618 Starship Mine
Basically Picard doing Die Hard as he fights terrorists on the Enterprise alone. A very good introduction episode.
619 Lessons
620 The Chase
An episode that introduces the idea of a common ancestor to a lot of races, which got some more exploration in the final season of Discovery.
621 Frame of Mind
Riker goes through a lot of mind-bending experiences. A very strong episode.
622 Suspicions
A Beverly focused episode that leads to some advancements for her in the two-parter that bridges to the next season.
DS9
114 The Storyteller
This is the episode I really feel is the weakest of Season 1, feeling like it was made of two TNG pitches that weren’t quite enough for a full episode. Does link back to some of the DS9 Relaunch novels however.
115 Progress
116 If Wishes Were Horses
117 The Forsaken
Lwaxana Troi arrives on DS9 and gets interested in Odo. She’s better in DS9 in my opinion, possibly because I think Odo reacts better to her than Picard ever did.
118 Dramatis Personae
119 Duet
An absolutely incredible episode focusing on Kira and looking quite starkly at some of the darkest parts of the Occupation. Very heavily recommended.
120 In the Hands of the Prophets
Sees the introductions of Bariel and Winn, two Bajoran religious figures that will be very important recurring characters for the show.
TNG
623 Rightful Heir
Features Gowron, but doesn’t really tie in to the main Klingon arc, nor pay off its potentially universe changing ideas in later Klingon stories.
624 Second Chances
Gives Riker a transporter created duplicate, an idea Lower Decks will revisit.
625 Timescape
References many of the previous Romulan focused episodes of TNG, as the crew investigate another potentially deadly Romulan threat.
626/701 Descent
Final episode with Lore. Also sees the return of the Borg and Hugh. A lot of the cast gets some great stuff to do, and Data gets his emotion chip back, but doesn’t install it yet.
702 Liasions
703 Interface
An episode focusing on Geordi, whose mother is missing.
DS9
201 The Homecoming
202 The Circle
203 The Siege
DS9 does a lot of multi-part stories like this, where the parts have different names. This is the only three part story, and features some interesting changes for Bajor.
204 Invasive Procedures
An important one for Dax, and shows her relationship with Sisko especially.
205 Cardassians
Features the return of Garak and Dukat, and explores more Occupation fallout.
TNG
704/705 Gambit
A fun little two-parter, but relatively self-contained. Has some great moments for several of the cast however.
706 Phantasms
Data explores dreaming, leading to some very interesting visuals and a nice mystery.
707 Dark Page
Final TNG Lwaxana episode. Quite dark compared to her previous ones. A great one for Deanna as well. Recommend.
708 Attached
Highlights the relationship and history between Beverly and Picard, which will pay off in the finale and the Picard series.
709 Force of Nature
DS9
206 Melora
Introduces Melora Pazlar, who joins the Titan novels.
207 Rules of Acquisition
An interesting one for the Ferengi development. Zek returns. First mention of the Dominion.
208 Necessary Evil
Gives us a chance to see Bajor and DS9 during the Occupation for the first time.
209 Second Sight
210 Sanctuary
211 Rivals
TNG
710 Inheritance
711 Parallels
Introduces alternate realities and sets up the Worf/Deanna romantic relationship, which impacts the finale. I don’t think its a great development, but it is a good episode.
712 The Pegasus
An important one for Riker. The final Enterprise episode, These Are the Voyages, supposedly takes place offscreen here as Riker uses the Holodeck to use those events to inform his own decisions. Also explains why Starfleet don’t have cloaking devices.
Enterprise
422 These Are the Voyages
Takes place offscreen during the previous episode in the Holodeck. Features Riker and Deanna in primary roles.
TNG
713 Homeward
714 Sub Rosa
A very bad episode this late in the run. Kind of so bad its fun though.
715 Lower Decks
Sito Jaxa returns, and this episode is called back to by Lower Decks.
DS9
212 The Alternate
We get to meet Mora Pol, the scientist who studied Odo, as he searches for his people.
213 Armageddon Game
The episode that I feel really starts to develop the friendship between Bashir and O’Brien, which will go on to be one of the central ones in the show, and possibly one of the best friendships in the franchise.
214 Whispers
The first real “O’Brien must suffer” episode, a trope that DS9 goes back to at least once a year.
215 Paradise
216 Shadowplay
Second mention of the Dominion, and a much more ominous one.
TNG
716 Thine Own Self
Data does Frankenstein in many ways, and a slowly unfolding horror of sorts.
717 Masks
An acting showcase for Brent Spiner, but the writing isn’t the best. YMMV.
718 Eye of the Beholder
719 Genesis
Barclay has a key role here, and the episode is quite fun, but isn’t his best.
720 Journey’s End
A new treaty between Cardassia and the Federation sees a colony told to evacuate. Wesley appears for the final time, and leaves Starfleet to join the Traveller. Important for Picard and Prodigy, as well as an upcoming development in DS9.
DS9
217 Playing God
A great episode for Dax, and a brilliant one to explore what goes into being a Joined Trill.
218 Profit and Loss
Star Trek does Casablanca, and we get the idea of a civilian rebellion on Cardassia. Garak gets a great role in this one as well.
219 Blood Oath
Sees Klingon characters Kang, Kor and Koloth return from the Original Series to team up with Dax. A really strong episode for her.
220/221 The Maquis
Abandoned colonies near Cardassian space form a rebellion called the Maquis, making enemies of Cardassia and the Federation.
222 The Wire
A Garak focused episode that expands on his past. Introduces spymaster Enabran Tain.
TNG
721 Firstborn
An episode focusing on Alexander. Probably his best episode. Also has a Quark cameo and an appearance from the Duras Sisters.
722 Bloodlines
Daimon Bok returns to menace Picard.
723 Emergence
724 Preemptive Strike
Ro Laren is sent undercover to investigate the Maquis. Sees a major shift in her relationship with Picard, which is elaborated in different ways in the novels and Picard.
725/726 All Good Things
ESSENTIAL. The final episode of TNG. Very focused on Picard as he travels between past, present and future while dealing with Q. I’d say this is absolutely essential if you plan to watch Picard, and as its one of my favourite TV finales ever made I’d recommend it anyway. The rest of the TNG entries are films.
DS9
223 Crossover
The first of several Mirror Universe episodes in DS9.
224 The Collaborator
An important one for Bajor, with Winn and Bariel as well as Opaka being involved.
225 Tribunal
O’Brien is accused of working with the Maquis and put on trial by Cardassians.
226 The Jem’Hadar
This is the episode that introduces the Jem’Hadar, the soldiers of the Dominion, and establishes them as an important new threat for the Federation. However…
301/302 The Search
ESSENTIAL. This two-parter is the one I would mark as the more essential one. DS9 is goven a warship, the Defiant, which has a Romulan cloaking device, and is sent to find the Dominion leaders. We also meet Odo’s people, led by the Female Changeling, and Starfleet officer Michael Eddington, who joins the crew of DS9. A big change for the show and the universe.
303 The House of Quark
Introduces Grilka, a Klingon ally for Quark. Also Gowron in his first DS9 appearance. Keiko closes the school and O’Brien gets her botany work on Bajor.
304 Equilibrium
A very good episode for Dax, and important reveals for the Trill as a whole. Possibly worth watching before watching the later seasons of Discovery.
305 Second Skin
Progresses the idea of the Cardassian civilian rebellion. Introduces Illiana Ghemor, a key character in the DS9 relaunch novels, and Tekeny Ghemor, who returns later.
306 The Abandoned
Some important development for the Jem’Hadar.
Star Trek: Voyager
Season One of Voyager was cut short, with four of its episodes held for Season 2. As a result these blocks may be smaller for a bit. Also Voyager tends to be a lot more episodic overall than DS9 and so I may have far fewer notes for a lot of these episodes. I will however be highlighting the episodes that serve as the basis for missions in the video game Across the Unknown, and I will say that watching those episodes will serve as a very good speedrun of sorts for the major character and story beats of the entirety of Voyager.
101/102 Caretaker
ESSENTIAL. A very strong pilot. Sees a Maquis crew and a Starfleet crew trapped across the galaxy and forced to work together. I’m not the biggest fan of Voyager, but most of it is perfectly serviceable Star Trek, and Prodigy returns to the Delta Quadrant a lot. Quark cameos.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
103 Parallax
The crew really come together as half-Klingon Maquis soldier B’Elanna Torres becomes chief engineer over Starfleet officer Joe Carey, whose actor had a cameo in TNG Justice as possibly the same character. Shows the two crews slotting together. Debut of Seska.
DS9
307 Civil Defense
Garak and Dukat get some great scenes here highlighting their emnity as DS9 does its own take on TNG’s Disaster. A very good introductory episode.
308 Meridian
309 Defiant
Riker guest stars, and we get some interesting progressions in plots concerning the Maquis and the Cardassian Obsidian Order, who have been a part of several previous episodes including The Wire, Profit and Loss, Tribunal, and Second Skin.
310 Fascination
Lwaxana comes in for one of the funniest episodes of DS9 in my opinion.
311/312 Past Tense
I’m hesitant to suggest this as essential, but it is a very pertinent episode, and has a look at the early 21st Century in Star Trek, something we do see again in Picard. Definitely one I recommend.
Voy
104 Time and Again
105 Phage
Introduces the Vidiians, one of the better recurring factions in early Voyager, and provides focus on Neelix and the Doctor.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
106 The Cloud
Neelix and Kes start to find their roles among the crew.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
DS9
313 Life Support
Bariel is gravely injured while working with Winn on a Cardassian treaty.
314 Heart of Stone
While the A-story focuses on Odo’s feelings for Kira, for me the highlight here is the B-story, as Nog asks Sisko to sponsor him to be the first Ferengi in Starfleet.
315 Destiny
316 Prophet Motive
Zek returns, as do the Prophets, and Quark and Rom have to save the Ferengi.
317 Visionary
318 Distant Voices
319 Through the Looking Glass
Second episode of a loose trilogy of sorts in the Mirror Universe. Mirror Jennifer is introduced as “our” Sisko is recruited to help a Terran rebellion.
Voy
107 Eye of the Needle
The crew try to contact home using a wormhole link to a Romulan ship.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
108 Ex Post Facto
A good early one for both Tuvok and Tom.
109 Emanations
An early focus episode on Harry.
TNG
Star Trek: Generations
The first TNG film. Sees Picard meet Kirk to help stop a madman. Final appearance of the Duras sisters. Also sees the destruction of the Enterprise-D. Picard’s family from Family are mentioned in an important moment. The film also gives some answers about some mysteries for Guinan, as this is her only real film appearance. Data also installs his emotion chip and struggles with the rush of emotions. Not a bad film, but not essential.
Voy
110 Prime Factors
A side mission in Across the Unknown
111 State of Flux
Seska is revealed to have been a Cardassian spy, and joins the Kazon.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
112 Heroes and Demons
113 Cathexis
DS9
320 Improbable Cause
321 The Die is Cast
ESSENTIAL. Odo and Garak uncover a plot between the Cardassian Obsidian Order and the Romulan Tal Shiar to attack the Dominion’s Founders. Features Tain and Eddington.
322 Explorers
A great episode for Sisko and Jake, and the first mention of Kasidy Yates. Debut of Leeta. Also introduces Elisabeth Lense, who reappears in the novels.
Voy
114 Faces
A good episode for B’Elanna as the Vidiians split her into two people.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
115 Jetrel
A Neelix focused episode that spotlights a foundational part of his past.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
116 Learning Curve
Tuvok trains some Maquis crew who are struggling with life on a Starfleet ship.
DS9
323 Family Business
Introduction of Kasidy Yates, Ishka, and Brunt. Some interesting Ferengi stuff too.
324 Shakaar
Introduction of Shakaar, who becomes an important character for both Kira and Bajor.
325 Facets
A very good Dax focused episode, as she gets to “meet” her past selves.
326 The Adversary
A very important development in the ongoing Dominion plotline.
Voy
203 Projections
The first appearance of Barclay on Voyager, and an episode that focuses on the Doctor.
204 Elogium
A Kes focused episode.
206 Twisted
201 The 37s
The above are the leftover Season 1 episodes, listed in production order, however you could easily watch all of them in any order alongside the following two episodes.
202 Initiations
A side mission in Across the Unknown
205 Non Sequitur
This one sees Tom and Harry on Earth rather than on Voyager. An interesting idea and reveals what Starfleet thinks happened to Voyager.
DS9
401/402 The Way of the Warrior
ESSENTIAL. A key part of both the Klingon and Dominion arcs. Brings Worf onto DS9. Features Gowron and introduces Martok. A civilian government has taken over Cardassia as well, building from the plotlines there. Garak and Dukat are featured here.
403 The Visitor
One of DS9’s best and most emotional episodes, and one of a few that focuses on Jake.
404 Hippocratic Oath
Bashir focused episode that reveals more about the Jem’Hadar.
405 Indiscretion
An important episode for Dukat, featuring Kira, and first appearance of the Breen. Introduces Ziyal.
406 Rejoined
Another good look at Trill society through Dax, which may be good for Discovery. Also a standout episode for Dax herself, and probably the best queer episode that Star Trek did in this era.
Voy
207 Parturition
Explores the tension between Neelix and Tom over Kes.
208 Persistence of Vision
209 Tattoo
Adds spirituality to Chakotay, but unfortunately the real world source for this info was a fraud. YMMV.
210 Cold Fire
A big development for Kes’s growing mental powers and a direct sequel to Caretaker.
A DLC mission in Across the Unknown
211 Maneuvers
Seska returns and Chakotay confronts her. Sets up the next key part of her plot.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
DS9
407 Starship Down
Introduction of the Karemma, who return in Lower Decks. Another episode similar to the style of Disaster, giving good moments for all characters.
408 Little Green Men
Nog travels to Earth to join Starfleet Academy.
409 The Sword of Kahless
Kor and Toral return.
410 Our Man Bashir
Star Trek does James Bond. A very fun episode and a great introductory episode.
411 Homefront
412 Paradise Lost
Dominion infiltration nearly causes a Starfleet civil war. Sisko and Odo are on Earth trying to help Starfleet find ways to spot the Founders, along with Jake. Get to see Nog as a cadet, as well as meet Sisko’s father Joseph.
Voy
212 Resistance
213 Prototype
A side mission in Across the Unknown
214 Alliances
Introduces Michael Jonas, and continues to develop the building Kazon plotlines.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
215 Threshold
Considered by the fandom to be one of the worst episodes in the franchise, but features a reference in Lower Decks, so might be worth a watch.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
216 Meld
Debut of Lon Suder, and a great episode for Tuvok.
DS9
413 Crossfire
Kira and Shakaar start a relationship.
414 Return to Grace
An important step for Dukat, the first real episode focusing on Ziyal, and the debut of Damar, who becomes very important later.
415 Sons of Mogh
In an epilogue of sorts to Way of the Warrior, Kurn returns.
416 Bar Association
A great episode for Rom, as he starts the first Ferengi strike, and joins the engineers.
417 Accession
Keiko and O’Brien learn they are expecting. The Prophets reappear.
418 Rules of Engagement
A fantastically shot episode, as Worf is put on trial for destroying a Klingon transport.
419 Hard Time
Possibly the very best O’Brien must suffer episode, as he has to deal with the experience of twenty years in prison.
420 Shattered Mirror
Third Mirror Universe episode. Return of Mirror Jennifer.
Voy
217 Dreadnought
While B’Elanna deals with a Maquis weapon Jonas and Seska start work to sabotage Voyager.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
218 Death Wish
Q comes to Voyager for the first time, and we get to see the Q Continuum.
219 Lifesigns
Continues the Jonas and Seska plotline with the Kazon, while Vidiians return with the character of Denara Pel, who the Doctor is determined to help.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
220 Investigations
Concludes several of the plotlines over previous episodes, with Jonas being exposed.
221 Deadlock
A great episode featuring the return of the Vidiians, but most important to the status quo is the birth of Naomi Wildman, who’s mother Samantha learned she was pregnant in the Delta Quadrant.
DS9
421 The Muse
Lwaxana’s final episode as she seeks help from Odo.
422 For the Cause
Kasidy is suspected of helping the Maquis, but Eddington betrays Sisko as well.
423 To The Death
Another episode with Iconian technology, but also the debut of the character of Weyoun.
424 The Quickening
A brilliant Bashir focused episode, as he deals with a Dominion virus.
425 Body Parts
Keiko’s baby has to be carried by Kira due to sci-fi shenanigans. Quark loses his business license after tangling with Brunt.
426 Broken Link
Odo is punished by the Founders for the actions of The Adversary.
Voy
222 Innocence
A great episode for Tuvok with a fun sci-fi twist.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
223 The Thaw
An episode with an incredible one-off villain.
224 Tuvix
Heavily referenced in a Lower Decks episode, and one of Janeway’s most controversial episodes, as Tuvok and Neelix are merged into a brand new being.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
225 Resolutions
Focuses on Janeway and Chakotay’s relationship, and sees the brief return of Denara Pel.
226/301 Basics
The culmination of Seska’s arc, and the last major appearance of the Kazon. Also brings back Lon Suder who redeems himself.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
302 Flashback
Tuvok relives memories of his time on the Excelsior during the events of Star Trek VI.
303 The Chute
304 The Swarm
Some important developments for the Doctor.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
DS9
501 Apocalypse Rising
Martok and Gowron return as the crew try to stop war with the Klingons.
502 The Ship
Sisko claims salvage on a crashed Jem’Hadar ship.
503 Looking for par’Mach in All the Wrong Places
Grilka returns and Worf and Dax start a relationship.
504 Nor the Battle to the Strong
A great episode for Jake on the frontlines against the Klingons.
505 The Assignment
Keiko is possessed by a Pah-Wraith, the devils to the Prophets’ angels, and uses O’Brien, and by extent Rom, to try to attack the Wormhole.
506 Trials and Tribble-ations
The crew ends up time-travelling to the events of Original Series episode The Trouble With Tribbles, and have to prevent changes in the background of those events.
Voy
305 False Profits
The Ferengi from The Price return in the Delta Quadrant.
306 Remember
A really good B’Elanna focused episode.
307 Sacred Ground
Janeway takes measures to help Kes.
308/309 Future’s End
Introduces the character of Braxton, a captain from the future who has a grudge with Voyager, leading to time travel adventures that see Voyager arrive on 90s Earth. The Doctor also gets his mobile emitter, a piece of 29th century technology.
310 Warlord
An important episode for Kes, expanding her powers further. Neelix and Kes break up not long after this.
311 The Q and the Grey
Q returns to get Janeway’s help to stop a Q civil war.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
312 Macrocosm
Another one referenced in Lower Decks. A fun action episode though. In fact I’d say it would make a good introduction episode for action fans.
DS9
507 Let He Who Is Without Sin
Leeta ends her relationship with Bashir, which I’m telling you so you can skip this one. The plot is terrible, as Worf gets tricked into helping an eco-terrorist group. Seriously when the episode’s sole highlight is that Dax spends the majority of it in a swimsuit you know its bad. Skip it. You aren’t missing much.
508 Things Past
An interesting one showing Odo during the Occupation.
509 The Ascent
A great highlight of the emnity Quark and Odo have, as they have to rely on each other to survive. Also sees Nog return to the station and move in with Jake.
510 Rapture
Bajor is in final talks to join the Federation, but Sisko starts receiving cryptic visions. Kasidy is also released from prison after helping the Maquis.
511 The Darkness and the Light
Another one dealing with fallout of the Occupation, as Kira’s resistance comrades are targeted by a serial kliller.
512 The Begotten
Mora Pol returns to help Odo with an infant changeling. Kira gives birth.
513 For the Uniform
Sisko chases Eddington to bring him to justice.
TNG
Star Trek: First Contact
ESSENTIAL. This film is essentially a sequel to The Best of Both Worlds, with the introduction of the Borg Queen and Picard obsessively confronting the Borg. Also features a time travel story that sheds light on a key part of Starfleet history. Barclay cameos. Geordi has new artificial eyes. Amazing action sequences including the Defiant being part of a space battle. Lots of great stuff for Data as well.
Voy
313 Fair Trade
The Ship starts travelling through a strange area of space that causes strange effects on the crew in several subsequent episodes. Also an important one for Neelix.
314 Alter Ego
315 Coda
316 Blood Fever
Vulcan crewmember Vorik goes through pon farr, and we get hints that Voyager is approaching Borg space.
317 Unity
The Borg appear on Voyager for the first time. They will become a bigger threat soon.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
DS9
514 In Purgatory’s Shadow
515 By Inferno’s Light
ESSENTIAL. A huge status quo shift for DS9 and the entire Alpha Quadrant as the threat of the Dominion looms larger than ever. Guest roles from Martok, Gowron, Tain, Garak, Dukat and Ziyal, and the reveal that one of the crew has been a Dominion imposter for quite some time…
516 Doctor Bashir I Presume
An important reveal for Bashir, a pivotal change for Rom and Leeta, and a guest role from the inventor of Voyager’s EMH Doctor, Lewis Zimmerman.
517 A Simple Investigation
518 Business as Usual
519 Ties of Blood and Water
Return of Tekeny Ghemor and Weyoun.
520 Ferengi Love Songs
Ishka and Zek start a romance, and Brunt ends up giving Quark his license back.
Voy
318 Darkling
319 Rise
A side mission in Across the Unknown
320 Favourite Son
321 Before and After
An interesting time travel story, first mention of the Krenim, and one of Kes’s highlights.
322 Real Life
A great episode for the Doctor as he creates a family. Wish it had more lasting impact, but well worth a watch – Gets called back to in Starfleet Academy. Great standalone episode.
DS9
521 Soldiers of the Empire
Worf and Dax join Martok as he takes command of the Rotarran. Important for Worf’s overall story and the best look at life on a Klingon ship.
522 Children of Time
Kira learns about Odo’s feelings for her, but as a result of time travel shenanigans.
523 Blaze of Glory
As the Dominion exterminate the Maquis, Eddington and Sisko join forces to save them.
524 Empok Nor
525 In the Cards
Bajor signs a non-aggression pact with the Dominion.
526 Call to Arms
ESSENTIAL. Rom helps create mines to block the Wormhole, stopping the Dominion supplying troops to Cardassia. This kickstarts the Dominion War, and Weyoun and Dukat take the station. Jake, Odo and Kira remain, along with Quark, Rom and Leeta, while the Starfleet and Klingon crews leave on the Defiant and Rotarran. When we next pick up with DS9 six months will have passed.
Voy
323 Distant Origin
This episode introduces the Voth, who become an important faction in Star Trek: Online. Also sees a callback to Basics.
A DLC mission in Across the Unknown
324 Displaced
325 Worst Case Scenario
Tuvok and Paris deal with a little surprise that Seska left onboard the ship.
326/401 Scorpion
ESSENTIAL. Voyager encounters both the Borg and new enemy Species 8572, who return in Star Trek: Online as the Undine. Debut of Seven of Nine, who goes on to become a key character going forward. Janeway gets a chance to shine, as does Chakotay, and some important developments happen for Kes.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
402 The Gift
Kes’s final episode as a main cast member. She uses her powers to push Voyager a large part of the way through Borg space. Seven is de-assimilated and joins the crew.
403 Day of Honor
Paris and B’Elanna start their relationship.
404 Nemesis
405 Revulsion
406 The Raven
One of the more important episodes for Seven as we learn how she was assimilated.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
407 Scientific Method
DS9
601 A Time to Stand
602 Rocks and Shoals
603 Sons and Daughters
604 Behind the Lines
605 Favor the Bold
606 Sacrifice of Angels
ESSENTIAL. While all six episodes contribute to a single story arc, with the Dominion in control of the station and the Starfleet and Klingon forces fighting, only the last two episodes are really essential, as they try to retake the station and stop the Dominion bringing down the minefield. Features one of the best battle sequences in the franchise, and has guest roles from many characters across these six episodes, including Dukat, Weyoun, Damar, Rom, Leeta, Martok, Alexander, Admiral Ross, the Female Changeling, the Prophets, Nog and Ziyal. A lot of dynamics are changed going forward from this storyline. The Vorta Keevan is captured early on as well.
607 You Are Cordially Invited
Worf and Dax get married, with guests including Martok and Alexander. A lighter story after the recent high stakes drama.
Voy
408/409 Year of Hell
The appearance of the Krenim. A great episode in its own right and a sign of things Voyager could have done. A lot of references to this in Star Trek: Online. Also a good one for Chakotay.
410 Random Thoughts
411 Concerning Flight
412 Mortal Coil
413 Waking Moments
414 Message in a Bottle
Finding a way to send the Doctor to the Alpha Quadrant, where he stops Romulans stealing a new Starfleet warship with the help of another EMH, the crew is able to finally tell Starfleet they are alive and across the galaxy.
DS9
608 Resurrection
The fourth Mirror Universe episode. Really easy to recommend skipping this one though.
609 Statistical Probabilities
Introduces a group of genetically engineered humans to work with Bashir, and they try to stop the war with Starfleet’s surrender as they think the Dominion will win.
610 The Magnificent Ferengi
The Dominion capture Ishka, so Zek gets Quark to exchange Keevan for her.
611 Waltz
A huge evolution in Dukat’s character arc building from Sacrifice of Angels. Recommend.
612 Who Mourns For Morn?
613 Far Beyond the Stars
ESSENTIAL. While not a pivotal part of the war storyline I am calling this one essential because its is easily one of the best episodes of television ever made, never mind Star Trek. Has a powerful and important message that I think everyone should see, and is an incredible standalone making it easy for anyone to watch.
Voy
415 Hunters
First appearance of the Hirogen, and Voyager gets letters from home.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
416 Prey
A side mission in Across the Unknown
417 Retrospect
418/419 The Killing Game
The Hirogen take over Voyager.
420 Vis a Vis
421 The Omega Directive
A very interesting one for Janeway and Seven and their evolving relationship.
A DLC mission in Across the Unknown
DS9
614 One Little Ship
615 Honor Among Thieves
616 Change of Heart
An important one for Worf and Dax and their relationship.
617 Wrongs Darker Than Death or Night
Kira learns some dark secrets about her mother during the Occupation.
618 Inquisition
The introduction of Section 31, as Sloan investigates Bashir, suspecting him of being a traitor to Starfleet. References several recent episodes.
619 In The Pale Moonlight
ESSENTIAL. Sisko and Garak manipulate events to bring the Romulans into the War on Starfleet’s side. A great episode and important to overall dynamics.
620 His Way
Introduction of hologram character Vic Fontaine, who helps Odo to woo Kira.
Voy
422 Unforgettable
423 Living Witness
Actually set in the far future with the Doctor on an alien planet.
424 Demon
Introduces the Silver Blood.
425 One
A good episode for Seven and the Doctor.
426 Hope and Fear
Another important one for Seven and Janeway’s development, and deals with ramifications of Voyager‘s brief alliance with the Borg in Scorpion. Debut of the slipstream drive and the Dauntless, both of which return in Prodigy.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
DS9
621 The Reckoning
A Prophet and a Pah-Wraith clash on the station after possessing Kira and Jake.
622 Valiant
An episode focused on Jake and Nog as they encounter a group of cadets in charge of a ship.
623 Profit and Lace
Sees some important changes for Ferengi society, but has some problematic elements in its execution as Quark has to become a woman briefly.
624 Time’s Orphan
625 The Sound of Her Voice
626 Tears of the Prophets
ESSENTIAL. Dukat uses a Pah-Wraith to close the wormhole, Cardassia suffers a major defeat in the War, and Jadzia is killed, although Dax survives. Sisko leaves DS9.
Voy
501 Night
Echoes back to a lot of ideas from Caretaker. Introduces both Paris’ Captain Proton holo-program and the Malon.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
502 Drone
A great episode for Seven as her nanites lead to a drone being born from the Doctor’s mobile emitter.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
503 Extreme Risk
A good episode for B’Elanna as she deals with survivor’s guilt over the deaths of the Maquis. Also the debut of Delta Flyer.
504 In the Flesh
Return of Species 8572
505 Once Upon a Time
A good episode for Naomi’s development.
506 Timeless
A good time travel story for the hundredth episode featuring a slipstream drive, and a cameo from Geordi.
DS9
701 Image in the Sand
702 Shadows and Symbols
ESSENTIAL. Debut of Ezri Dax, and sees the return of Sisko and some developments for the Prophets and Bajor. Also a good Romulan story as well.
703 Afterimage
An episode that focuses on Ezri and Garak, with some great developments for both.
704 Take Me Out to the Holosuite
A really good focus episode for Sisko that is much lighter in tone than many of his others. Also features Kasidy and Rom in prominent roles.
705 Chrysalis
Return of Sarina and the other genetically engineered humans. Important for her later development in the novels.
Voy
507 Infinite Regress
Another Seven focused episode.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
508 Nothing Human
A side mission in Across the Unknown
509 Thirty Days
Paris ends up demoted and spends 30 days in the Brig.
510 Counterpoint
A side mission in Across the Unknown
511 Latent Image
A great episode for the relationship between the Doctor and Janeway.
512 Bride of Chaotica!
The best episode to show off the Captain Proton program and the villain Chaotica, who returns in Lower Decks.
DS9
706 Treachery Faith and the Great River
Weyoun gives Odo some important information about the Dominion, and Nog has a great role in the B-story.
707 Once More Unto the Breach
Final appearance of Kor as he joins Martok and Worf for a mission.
708 The Siege of AR-558
An important episode for Nog.
709 Covenant
The return of Dukat as the leader of a Pah-Wraith cult.
Voy
513 Gravity
514 Bliss
Seven and Naomi team up to save Voyager.
515/516 Dark Frontier
ESSENTIAL. The most essential Borg focused Voyager episode. Focuses on Seven and gives more of her history, including showing her family. Features the Borg Queen.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
517 The Disease
518 Course: Oblivion
The return of the Silver Blood, and the wedding of Paris and B’Elanna.
TNG
Star Trek: Insurrection
This movie has a pretty decent central moral question, and we get to see the cast doing some fun things, but the villains are a bit weak. I think its still pretty fun overall though. The biggest status quo shift is that Riker and Deanna get back together.
DS9
710 Its Only A Paper Moon
An episode that takes place over quite a long time as Nog recovers from his injury with the help of Vic. A highlight in Nog’s character arc, which is one of the strongest.
711 Prodigal Daughter
712 The Emperor’s New Cloak
The final Mirror Universe episode, that sees Zek, Quark and Rom crossing over. Has an inconsistency with an earlier episode set there, but its fun enough.
713 Field of Fire
Ezri deals with the Trill lives that Dax gave her while hunting a serial killer. A good sequel to Equilibrium.
714 Chimera
The introduction of changeling Laas, who goes on to be a key part of Star Trek: Online.
715 Bada-Bing Badda-Bang
Another light-hearted episode before we get to the end of the series, as the crew come together to help Vic.
716 Inter Arma Enim Silent Leges
ESSENTIAL. This episode, near the end of the War, is probably the best one to set the tone of the Federation and Romulan relationship going in to Picard, and features Sloan and Section 31 trying to affect that relationship.
Voy
519 The Fight
520 Think Tank
A side mission in Across the Unknown
521 Juggernaut
A side mission in Across the Unknown
522 Someone to Watch Over Me
A nice one featuring Seven and the Doctor that works well to advance their characters.
523 11:59
524 Relativity
Braxton returns using time travel to seek revenge on Janeway.
525 Warhead
DS9
717 Penumbra
718 Til Death Do Us Part
719 Strange Bedfellows
720 The Changing Face of Evil
721 When It Rains
722 Tacking Into The Wind
723 Extreme Measures
724 The Dogs of War
725/726 What You Leave Behind
ESSENTIAL. The end of the Dominion War. So many plotlines come to a conclusion here, as beyond the main cast of Sisko, Jake, Kira, Odo, Bashir, O’Brien, Worf, Ezri and Quark these stories also feature Rom, Nog, Dukat, Garak, Winn, the Prophets, Kasidy, Leeta, Zek, Brunt, Weyoun, the Female Changeling, the Breen, Damar, Gowron, Martok, Sloan, Admiral Ross, and Vic Fontaine. Features huge shifts for the Federation, Cardassia, the Dominion, Bajor, the Klingon Empire and the Ferengi that affect stories in the novels, in Star Trek: Online, in Picard, in Lower Decks, and Discovery.
Voy
All Voyager from here on until the very end when we get the last TNG film.
526/601 Equinox
Voyager encounters the Equinox, another Federation ship stranded in the Delta Quadrant that has made very different choices in its journey. Not essential but very good.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
602 Survival Instinct
A very good episode for Seven as she confronts a decision she made as a drone.
603 Barge of the Dead
604 Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy
First appearance of the Hierarchy, who return in Star Trek: Online.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
605 Alice
606 Riddles
607 Dragon’s Teeth
Only appearance of the Vaadwuar, who become a major faction in Star Trek: Online, along with Gaul, who first appears here.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
608 One Small Step
A side mission in Across the Unknown
609 The Voyager Conspiracy
610 Pathfinder
Barclay and Deanna return, as Barclay is a member of the Pathfinder project, a Starfleet group trying to get in touch with the Voyager.
611 Fair Haven
Introduces the Fair Haven Holodeck program. Referenced in Lower Decks.
612 Blink of An Eye
Another episode with a terrific sci-fi premise, and a great introductory episode. very much recommended.
613 Virtuoso
614 Memorial
615 Tsunkatse
guest-starring Dwayne Johnson in one of his first non-WWE roles.
616 Collective
Introduction of Icheb, who becomes a major part of Seven’s life and returns in Picard.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
617 Spirit Folk
A good followup to Fair Haven, as the Holodeck characters become aware of the crew.
618 Ashes to Ashes
Only appearance of Jhet’Laya and the Kobali, who are a major faction in Star Trek: Online. Also features some interesting stuff for Seven and Icheb.
619 Child’s Play
Another important one for Seven and Icheb.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
620 Good Shepherd
A side mission in Across the Unknown
621 Live Fast and Prosper
A side mission in Across the Unknown
622 Muse
623 Fury
Final appearance of Kes. Features time travel as well. Not bad, but The Gift is a better send-off for the character in my opinion.
624 Life Line
An important one for the Doctor as he is sent to the Alpha Quadrant to help Zimmerman. Also features Deanna and Barclay.
625 The Haunting of Deck Twelve
626/701 Unimatrix Zero
A connection Seven makes to some other Borg allows Janeway a chance to strike at the Borg Queen. Sets some ideas for the Borg that are similar to ideas approached in Picard.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
702 Imperfection
An important episode for Seven and Icheb as the other Borg children leave the ship.
703 Drive
A big one for Paris and B’Elanna’s relationship.
704 Repression
705 Critical Care
706 Inside Man
Barclay and Troi return as Pathfinder works with Voyager again.
A DLC mission in Across the Unknown
707 Body and Soul
708 Nightingale
A side mission in Across the Unknown
709/710 Flesh and Blood
The Hirogen return and Voyager has to deal with the ramifications of their last meeting.
711 Shattered
After Chakotay ends up injured he ends up back in the events of several other episodes, including Macrocosm, Bride of Chaotica, Basics, Scorpion, and Caretaker.
712 Lineage
B’Elanna learns that she is pregnant.
713 Repentance
714 Prophecy
B’Elanna’s child may be a Klingon religious figure. Star Trek: Online followed up on thsi plotline.
715 The Void
716/717 Workforce
As I usually highlight the 2-parters, this one is okay. The crew end up with new identities on a alien planet.
718 Human Error
An emotional development episode for Seven as she explores relationships.
719 Q2
Q drops his son on Voyager to teach him discipline. A good role for Icheb here.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
720 Author Author
Similar to Measure of A Man, with the Doctor fighting for his rights after a holonovel he wrote is stolen. Has some callbacks to Life Line.
721 Friendship One
Voyager is given its first official mission from Starfleet, with some dark twists.
A side mission in Across the Unknown
722 Natural Law
723 Homestead
Neelix finds some other Talaxians and leaves Voyager.
A DLC mission in Across the Unknown
724 Renaissance Man
725/726 Endgame
ESSENTIAL. The end of Voyager. Sees An older Admiral Janeway trying to change the past to bring Voyager home earlier. The Borg Queen returns, and the final confrontation with her affects a lot of the following stories featuring them in the novels especially. Also sees the birth of Miral Paris, daughter of Tom and B’Elanna, and a look at her future.
A story mission in Across the Unknown
TNG
Star Trek: Nemesis
ESSENTIAL. I’ll be honest, Nemesis is not a great film, however it is essential for several character arcs in Picard as well as the Novels. A big change for the Romulans, and introduces the character of Donatra who becomes a major one in the Novels. It sees Riker and Deanna marry and move to the Titan as Riker finally becomes a Captain, and both reappear in Lower Decks as well as Picard, and of course there are a whole series of Novels on the Titan. And finally there is a big change for Data that inspires a lot of Picard, especially in Season 1.
So from here you have a few options, as there are a couple of different ways to experience the rest of Star Trek.
The most obvious progression from here is the new streaming shows. Nemesis is set in 2379 in the Star Trek Universe. Lower Decks follows it in 2380, with the five seasons released taking place over the next two to three years, with the characters also appearing in an episode of Strange New Worlds. Prodigy then begins in 2383, with its two seasons ending around the same time as the flashbacks in Picard Season 1 occur, tying in with the Short Trek episode Children of Mars, set in April 2385. The Romulan star going supernova in 2387 sends Spock and Nero back in time to create the so-called Kelvin Timeline, consisting of the film trilogy Star Trek (2009), Into Darkness, and Beyond, which take place in an alternate 2250s. Picard itself then takes place between 2399 and 2402. Finally seasons 3-5 of Discovery take place centuries after this in the 32nd Century, a hundred or so years after a devastating event known as The Burn, and spinning off plot threads into the film Section 31 and the series Starfleet Academy.
While I am planning a more precise Watch Order for all of Modern Star Trek‘s releases in a future blog, if you wanted the most immediate follow-ups to what was listed above as a Watch Order then I suggest you use the following:
- Lower Decks 101-110
- Lower Decks 201-210
- Lower Decks 301-308
- The flashbacks in the opening of Picard 303 Seventeen Seconds take place here.
- Strange New Worlds 207 Those Old Scientists
- Lower Decks 309-310
- Lower Decks 401-410
- Lower Decks 501-510
- Prodigy 101-120
- Prodigy 201-220 (except for the final scenes of 220)
- Picard 102 Maps and Legends opening scene
- Short Treks Children of Mars
- Picard 104 Absolute Candor opening scene
- Picard 103 The End is the Beginning opening scene
- Prodigy 220 Ouroboros Part II final scenes
This will serve to set the groundwork for the main events of Star Trek: Picard to conclude this era.
However Star Trek also has a large expanded novel timeline published by Pocket Books, which started with the tie-in novels to TNG, DS9 and Voyager as they were airing, before spreading out to new original series, that all gradually started to connect. Comic legend Peter David wrote the excellent New Frontier series designed as a new series of Star Trek just for the Novels. There was the Starfleet Corps of Engineers novellas released online. David Mack led the DS9 relaunch beginning with the novel Avatar after that series ended with several plotlines still unresolved, starting in 2376, the year after the end of the Dominion War. Voyager later got a relaunch of its own, beginning with the novel Homecoming, and the Nemesis prequel novels the A Time To… series bought together several 24th Century characters to build a new status quo for the TNG relaunch novel Death in Winter after that film, with Riker spinning off into the Star Trek: Titan novel series as well. Eventually these series all connected with the Destiny Trilogy, a series of novels bringing Picard, Riker and new Captain Ezri Dax together as the Federation dealt with a full-scale Borg invasion. The Novel timeline continued on from there and eventually got the chance to come to a proper conclusion as a result of the new shows, ending in the Coda Trilogy, and establishing the Novel universe from First Contact onwards as taking place in the First Splinter Timeline. However despite the timeline being closed there are a lot of great books here, and some incredible characters that get introduced, as well as some interesting ways of ending certain storylines, such as the fate of the Mirror Universe and the evolution of the Borg.
There’s also a series of connected Star Trek comics that were recently published by IDW, which starts an ongoing adventure in 2378 after the end of Voyager, bringing a diverse range of characters together to tell its story, including Sisko, Data, Scotty, Beverly, Worf, Spock, Lore, Sela, Ro, Tom Paris, B’Elanna, and even Shaxs from Lower Decks. I’ve not read much of them yet but I have heard very good things. They will all fit into the timeline between Voyager’s Endgame and Star Trek: Nemesis. Future connected series will follow the ending of Picard, and will focus on a cast of characters including Seven of Nine, Raffi Musiker, and D’Vana Tendi six years later.
The final option to experience Star Trek from here is the Star Trek Online MMORPG, starting in 2409. A lot of notable Star Trek actors have lent their voices to this game, and it tried to provide its own answers to several unresolved plotlines from across the franchise. Like most MMORPGs your mileage may vary, and the combat loop can become a bit repetitive, however the story is generally a highlight of the game, and it features a very different take on the universe, with a new war between the Federation and Klingon Empire, a greatly diminished Romulan Empire, and plenty of new threats manipulating events, leading to a War against the long thought extinct Iconian race. As the game has continued alongside the new streaming shows it has begun to incorporate elements from them, to mixed results, and this has created some inconsistencies with earlier parts of the game, however the original story of the game at least up until the conclusion of its Iconian War arc was very interesting, with some incredible building tension, and saw many returning characters in prominent roles, such as Sela, Tuvok, Worf, Nog, Tom Paris, Seven of Nine and Harry Kim. There was also a very good DS9 expansion that saw Martok, Kira, Quark, Rom, Leeta, Odo, Garak and Bashir returning, as well as several other surprising inclusions, as well as adding the Dominion as a playable faction. Recent episodes are still continuing the storylines of the game in high-production releases, and have seen the return of more great characters of this era including Janeway, Beverly Crusher, Wesley, and Ezri Dax. The people behind the game have also leant several of their ship designs to the creators of Star Trek: Picard, including the Enterprise-F, which first appeared here. Once again though the game’s timeline is probably incompatible with the current shows, but if you have a modern console or PC and want to hang out on DS9, or spend time with the Voyager characters, or fly into battle with the Enterprise, then this is the way to do it, and its free.
So I hope you all found this useful. I’ll probably do more Watch Orders here soon, but as I can think of at least 3 or 4 Podcast episodes that I can link to this then I thought this was the best one to release first. I’ll sign off for now but as always please look after yourselves out there, especially your mental health.
Until next time, my friends. Bye for now.
______
Garhdo
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