star trek next gen drinking game

Star Trek: The Next Generation Drinking Game Rules

Are you a die-hard Star Trek fan looking for a fun way to enhance your viewing experience? Look no further! We have compiled a list of exciting and entertaining drinking games specifically designed for Star Trek: The Next Generation. Get ready to embark on an intergalactic adventure filled with laughter, camaraderie, and of course, your favorite classic Star Trek characters. Grab your preferred beverage and get ready to boldly go where no one has gone before with our unique and enjoyable Star Trek: The Next Generation drinking game rules. Let the festivities begin!

Star Trek: The Next Generation Drinking Game Rules:

• Take a sip every time the ship's name, Enterprise, is mentioned.
• Take a sip when Captain Picard says "Make it so."
• Take a sip whenever Commander Riker sits down in a chair by swinging his leg over instead of stepping in.
• Take a sip anytime Data attempts to understand a human emotion.
• Take a sip when Counselor Troi senses someone's feelings.
• Take a sip whenever Worf gets angry or shows signs of Klingon culture.
• Take a sip when Geordi La Forge mentions his VISOR or any other engineering-related tech.
• Take a sip every time a "redshirt" character dies.
• Take a sip whenever the holodeck malfunctions or creates unexpected problems.
• Take a sip if Q appears and causes trouble for the crew.
• Take a sip when someone says "Engage" or "Warp speed."
• Take a sip when Captain Picard takes a dramatic pause before delivering a speech.
• Take a sip every time Dr. Crusher treats a patient or references medical technology.
• Take a sip when Wesley Crusher saves the day.
• Take a sip whenever the Borg are mentioned or appear.
• Take a sip anytime someone gets transported using the transporter.
• Take a sip if someone quotes Shakespeare or references a literary work.
• Take a sip when the crew encounters a new alien species.
• Take a sip whenever Data does a self-diagnostic.
• Take a sip whenever someone uses a tricorder for scanning or analysis.

About the Movie

Title: Star Trek: The Next Generation

Released: 26 Sep 1987

Rated: TV-PG

Runtime: 44 min

Genre: Action

Plot: Set almost 100 years after Captain Kirk's 5-year mission, a new generation of Starfleet officers sets off in the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on its own mission to go where no one has gone before.

Language: English, Klingon, French

More Movies

The Next Generation Drinking Game

Alright all you Star Trek fans. Here is a really fun Next Generation drinking game. Get all you friends together, grab a drink, pop on an episode of TNG and let the good times roll.

Select a random episode to watch with the TNG Random Episode Generator .

When each item on the list happens take a shot, swig your beer, or sip some wine. Your choice, but drink responsibly! You can get buzzed quick following these rules – Mystic Waffle is not responsible for the consequences 🙂

• Picard tugs on his uniform shirt
• The turbo lift ride is the same length as the conversation
• Deanna Troi senses something
• Worf says "nine"
• The crew picks up a distress signal
• Picard asks the replicator for Earl Grey Tea
• The Enterprises goes on Red Alert!
• Geordi takes his visor off
• Doctor Crusher uses a tricorder
• Captain Picard says "engage" or "make it so"
• Data emulates human behavior or emotion
• Picard says "on screen"
• Drink if Whoopi Goldberg appears in the episode
• Someone goes into the holodeck
• Worf mentions Klingon honor
• The star date ends with a 2 or a 9
• O'Brien says "beam" or "transport"
• Drink anytime anyone other than Picard records a crew log
• William Riker gets some - you know what we mean :)
• Every time they play cards
• And the final rules is: You have to add at least 1 rule every time you play!

Suggest more rules in the comments. Cheers.

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TNG drinking games

Discussion in ' Star Trek: The Next Generation ' started by foxmulder710 , Dec 7, 2008 .

foxmulder710 Lieutenant Commander Red Shirt

Someone describe some good TNG drinking games to play. OK, of course I'll drink every time Deanna "feels something important" or Picard says "Engage" or Riker lays an alien... But I want more creative ideas. Give me some!  

LeadHead Director of Comedy Premium Member

Worf says the word "Honor" Anyone says "Red Alert"  

Bacl Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

foxmulder710 said: ↑ Someone describe some good TNG drinking games to play. OK, of course I'll drink every time Deanna "feels something important" or Picard says "Engage" or Riker lays an alien... But I want more creative ideas. Give me some! Click to expand...

Thank you both.  

c0rnedfr0g Commodore Commodore

how about anytime Picard or Riker (picard more so) stands up then yanks on his uniform to pull it down tight across his chest  

scottydog Admiral Admiral

Anytime either Data or the holodeck malfunctions.  

ndcarlin Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

New to the boards...Hiya! I was in college when TNG started. I remember a few that were popular at that time... Everytime the self-destruct sequence is initiated (Happens a LOT in 1st and 2nd seasons) Everytime Geordi gets used as a human tricorder Everytime Data babbles Everytime Picard blathers on about France Everytime Yar gets in a fight  

Quagmire58 Lieutenant Red Shirt

Picard says, "Number One", take a drink. Even better, you can't go to the bathroom unless Picard says "Number One".  

jamestyler Commodore Commodore

I tried one where every time Picard was bald, I'd take a shot of tequila. I don't know how that episode ended.  

AdmiralGarak Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

Picard quotes the Bard. Riker hits on a woman. ---Two drinks if it's Troi. Data finds something "intriguing". The Enterprise disables a foe with one shot. ---Two drinks if that shot is not seen by the viewer. An heirloom from a previous episode is seen. (ie- Ressikan flute, Mintakan tapestry, Kurlan naiskos, etc...) Ogawa gets a line. ---Two drinks if she gets dialogue not related to work. ---Three drinks if she speaks to someone other than Crusher. Selar is mentioned. (Schizoid Man excluded)  

Mott the barber Commodore Commodore

LeadHead said: ↑ Anyone says "Red Alert" Click to expand...

ChickenPug! Lieutenant Red Shirt

drink anytime, at least in season two, when Riker swings his leg over the back of a chair to sit down.  

Nardpuncher Rear Admiral

Another Riker one: Whenever he exits a doorway but turns his head and looks the opposite way that he's headed. Does anyone know what I mean?  

ALF Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

Nardpuncher said: ↑ Another Riker one: Whenever he exits a doorway but turns his head and looks the opposite way that he's headed. Does anyone know what I mean? Click to expand...

Kick The Donkey Ensign Newbie

Quagmire58 said: ↑ Picard says, "Number One", take a drink. Click to expand...

Plomeek Broth Commander Red Shirt

Any two characters are in Ten Forward having a conversation over drinks and they either take one sip of their drink or none at all before they get up and leave.  

Take a drink when: Someone gets advice from Troi. ---Two drinks if they didn't ask for it. ---Three drinks if they didn't want it. ---Four drinks if the advice is useless. ---Five drinks if someone goes to Guinan for advice instead of Troi. Q resorts to childish name calling. ---Two drinks if it's "Microbrain". A door waits to open until the character standing in front of it has finished talking. The ship's sensors don't detect something until it's in visual range. ---Two drinks if a ship gets within firing range before it's detected. The number 47 is referenced. ---Two drinks if the number 74 is referenced instead. Gowron's eyes bug out. Picard makes a French reference. The episode reuses the shot where the Enterprise is flying alongside an Excelsior-class ship. The crew slams 20th Century humans or religious people. ---Two drinks if it's Picard. Five drinks if Riker puts his leg on Data's console, with his crotch placed uncomfortably close to Data's head. ("Cause and Effect" will be rough.) Five drinks if a crewman in a skant appears. ---Twenty drinks if the crewman is male.  

AdmiralGarak , I love the avatar.  

That's the idea!  

SPCTRE Badass Admiral

Everytime Picard gets up and straightens his uniform. Edit: A Cosby Christmas said: ↑ And the Picard Manuver (tunic adjust) is great as well. Click to expand...

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Star Trek: The Next Generation

How to play.

The basic premise of this game is to watch any number of episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation and take the appropriate number of drinks whenever a condition is met from the list below. You may decide to choose just a number of these conditions, otherwise you may spend more time reading the list than watching the show!

General Actions

• A bad fight scene occurs (1 drink)
• A bridge officer is seen in dress uniform (1 drink)
• A Captain's Log entry is made by someone other than Picard (2 drinks)
• A crewmember drinks (outside of 10 Forward) (1 drink)
• A crewmember straightens their uniform (1 drink)
• A desk hologram is seen (2 drinks)
• A female crewmember has flawless makeup after she's been put through the ringer (1 drink)
• A guest appearance is made by someone from TOS (3 drinks)
• A log entry is made (1 drink - 2 if it's not made by Picard)
• A member of the bridge crew looks WAY too pleased with themselves (1 drink)
• A member of the bridge crew takes over a by pushing someone else out of the way (2 drinks)
• A new alien has differently shaped hands (1 drink)
• A new alien has latex on its forehead (1 drink - 2 if it DOESN'T have latex)
• A new alien ship is revealed (1 drink)
• A poker game is shown (1 drink)
• A principle character is put on trial (1 drink)
• A probe is launched (1 drink)
• A shuttlecraft appears unsafe (1 drink)
• A shuttlecraft is launched (2 drinks)
• A sound effect from TOS is heard (1 drink)
• A stardate is mentioned - not in a log entry (1 drink)
• A succession of five face close-ups with no dialogue (1 drink)
• A token alien is shown in the background and has no lines (1 drink)
• An "expendable" is killed (1 drink)
• An "Old Earth Saying" is brought up (1 drink)
• An Old Earth Date is mentioned (2 drinks)
• Ancient alien technology screws things up (1 drink)
• Another Captain or Starfleet Command officer is shown (1 drink)
• Bridge command is handed over (1 drink)
• Communications malfunction/go out (1 drink)
• Communicators are out of range (2 drinks)
• Dialogue in the turbolift (1 drink)
• English is spoken by Klingons when they are alone and have no reason to speak English (2 drinks)
• "Ensign Ethnic" or "Ensign Buxom" gets a line (1 drink)
• First names while sexual tension present (2 drinks)
• Harmonics are changed in shields/phasers/etc. (1 drink)
• Intruder Alert (3 drinks)
• Klingon is spoken (1 drink)
• Mention of dilithium crystals (1 drink)
• Nobody leaves the ship, but we still see more than one room of the alien ship/planet/etc (2 drinks)
• Part of a set is destroyed in a fistfight (2 drinks)
• Phasers are used for a different function than intended (e.g. overload, power a transporter, etc.) (1 drink)
• Picard or Riker order a course change by exact X, Y, and Z coordinates, rather than something like "Set course for Starbase 8" (3 drinks)
• Readings go off the scale (1 drink)
• Red Alert (2 drinks)
• Security alert or request (1 drink)
• Someone adopts a persona (Dixon Hill, Sherlock Holmes, etc.) (1 drink)
• Someone alludes to a work/person/event/etc. that hasn't been made/existed/happened yet (1 drink)
• Someone brings up the matter/antimatter ratio (1 drink)
• Someone changes their pronunciation of a word within the same scene (1 drink)
• Someone gives their communicator to a non-crewmember so they can communicate with the Enterprise (3 drinks)
• Someone implies that 10 Forward is a Happening Place (1 drink)
• Someone is referred to by their first name (1 drink)
• Someone is seen out of uniform (in civvies) (2 drinks)
• Someone is transported to somewhere other than a transporter room or sickbay from somewhere other than a transporter room (2 drinks)
• Someone mentions Jack Crusher (2 drinks)
• Someone other than Picard preaches the P.D. (2 drinks)
• Someone places their communicator on something so it can be beamed away or destroyed (2 drinks)
• Someone preaches about "Humanity's Unique Potential" (1 drink)
• Someone preaches the Prime Directive (1 drink)
• Someone quotes Shakespeare, etc (1 drink)
• Someone reads a book (1 drink)
• Someone receives a shot (1 drink)
• Someone receives a shot from a non-medical officer (2 drinks)
• Someone removes their communicator (1 drink)
• Someone requests that an image on the main viewer be magnified (1 drink - 2 drinks when it's painfully obvious that it's necessary)
• Someone stops the countdown (2 drinks)
• Someone throws/is hit by/etc. styrofoam props (1 drink)
• Someone uses the episode's title in a sentence (2 drinks)
• Someone wakes up from a nightmare (1 drink)
• Someone who normally pronounces "sensors" as "SEN-sers" pronounces it as "SEN-sohrs" (1 drink)
• Something escapes the sensors (1 drink)
• Something escapes the sensors and they use the word "interference" as an excuse (2 drinks)
• The auto-destruct sequence is activated (3 drinks)
• The battle bridge is used (1 drink)
• The battle bridge is used with the saucer section still attached (2 drinks)
• The bridge crew contemplates mutiny (3 drinks)
• The camera pans > 90 degrees to show how BIG the ship is (1 drink)
• The computer makes that "I'm listening" chirp (1 drink)
• The Enterprise actually fights (shots must be fired) (2 drinks)
• The Enterprise avoids a conflict rather than using force (1 drink)
• The Enterprise docks at a starbase (3 drinks)
• The Enterprise encounters an unknown energy form (1 drink)
• The Enterprise is boarded by hostiles (2 drinks)
• The Enterprise is captured in a nebula/cloud (1 drink)
• The Enterprise is hurled somewhere by another force (Q, Tin Man, etc.) (2 drinks)
• The Enterprise is taken over (1 drink)
• The holodeck appears in its "natural" state (2 drinks)
• The same matte painting of an alien planet is used after each commercial break (1 drink)
• The sarcophagus is used in sickbay (2 drinks)
• The ship/crew is seconds away from disaster (1 drink)
• The token alien is a Vulcan (2 drinks)
• The transporter room can't lock on to someone (1 drink)
• The transporter room pulls someone through after their ship explodes (2 drinks)
• The warp engine light goes really fast (2 drinks)
• The weapons are rendered useless (1 drink)
• There is a countdown (1 drink)
• They contact someone via communicator or intercom without activating it (1 drink)
• They fade to commercial playing the "ominous horns" (1 drink)
• They fade to commercial with a soap-opera-like close up on someone's face (1 drink)
• TNG contradicts a fact stated in TOS (2 drinks)
• Transporter goes down (1 drink)
• Transporter Room 3 is used (1 drink)
• Yellow Alert (1 drink)

General Quotes

• "Acknowledged" (1 drink)
• "Belay that order" (1 drink)
• "Eastern/Western/Southern/Northern Continent" (2 drinks)
• "Energize" (1 drink)
• "Hell", "Damn" and other swearing (1 drink)
• "Impossible" (1 drink - 2 if they say it whilst watching the "impossible")
• "It's not like anything I've ever seen before" (1 drink)
• "Just a little more time...!" (1 drink)
• "Medical emergency" (1 drink)
• "On screen" (1 drink)
• "Open hailing frequencies" (1 drink)
• "Priority One" (1 drink)
• "Set phasers on..." (1 drink)
• "Shut up, Wesley" (3 drinks)
• "The Klingon Home Planet" or other reference without actually giving it a name (2 drinks)
• "Understood" (1 drink)

Picard Actions

• Accident or attack draws blood (3 drinks)
• Appears uncomfortable (around women, children) (1 drink)
• Calls a meeting (1 drink)
• Calls a meeting in the middle of a crisis (2 drinks)
• Cries (entire drink)
• Demonstrates knowledge of a foreign language (1 drink)
• Drinks (2 drinks)
• Drinks tea (3 drinks)
• Drinks tea identified as Earl Grey (4 drinks)
• Has an accident or is attacked (2 drinks)
• Is called upon to mediate a dispute (2 drinks)
• Is possessed (4 drinks)
• Is seen on the bridge out of uniform (2 drinks)
• Leaves the bridge during a crisis to talk with Dr. Crusher or Guinan (1 drink)
• Leaves the ship (1 drink)
• Leaves the ship to lead an away team (2 drinks)
• Makes a speech that saves the day (1 drink)
• Quotes Shakespeare, etc. (2 drinks)
• Requests a Level One Diagnostic (1 drink)
• Straightens his uniform (2 drinks)
• Straightens his uniform before giving a speech (3 drinks)
• Surrenders (1 drink)
• Swears/hurls an insult in a foreign language (2 drinks)
• Takes a communique from Starfleet in his ready room (1 drink)
• Takes the helm in a tricky situation (3 drinks)
• Talks about death to Dr. Crusher (1 drink)
• Tries to avoid Lwuxana Troi (1 drink)
• Wears chest-revealing bedwear (2 drinks)

Picard Quotes

• "Captain's Log" (1 drink)
• "Captain's Log, Supplemental" (2 drinks)
• "Come" (1 drink)
• "Come" (in personal quarters) (2 drinks)
• "Engage" (1 drink)
• "Make it so" (1 drink)
• "Number One" (1 drink)
• "Proceed" (1 drink)
• "The boy" in reference to Wesley (1 drink)

Data Actions

• Affects a human mannerism (e.g. Sherlock Data) (2 drinks)
• Brent Spiner breaks character for comic effect (1 drink)
• Corrects somebody's grammar (1 drink)
• Does that little head twitch (1 drink)
• Gets kissed, etc. (3 drinks)
• Gives a list of synonyms for the term he did not understand (1 drink)
• Gives an "approximation" out to several decimal places (1 drink)
• Has to have "An Old Earth Saying" explained (2 drinks)
• Innards are revealed (1 drink)
• Innards are revealed other than his head (2 drinks)
• Is "used" to save the ship, beam down, or hang around infected people because the situation is too dangerous for humans (3 drinks)
• Is able to interpret/use alien technology in no time (1 drink)
• Is cut off during a list of synonyms (2 drinks)
• Is cut off mid-sentence (1 drink)
• Is told that he's more human than he thinks (2 drinks)
• Stops himself during an inappropriate speech (2 drinks)
• Uses a contraction (entire beverage)
• Uses a new colloquialism (1 drink)
• Uses his strength (1 drink)
• Uses his strength and shows up Worf (2 drinks)
• Uses his superior android speed (1 drink)

Data Quotes

• "Accessing" (1 drink)
• "Fascinating" (1 drink)
• "I am an android" (1 drink)
• "I cannot feel emotions", etc (1 drink)
• "Increase speed" (1 drink)
• "Inquiry" (1 drink)
• "Intriguing" (1 drink)

Worf Actions

• Actually wins a fight (2 drinks)
• Asks for an explanation of a human term/custom (1 drink)
• Fusses about his discommendation (2 drinks)
• Gets beaten up (1 drink)
• Has a suggestion shot down offhandedly (2 drinks)
• Makes a reference to his sexual prowess (2 drinks)
• Mentions or participates in some bizarre Klingon ritual (2 drinks)
• Says something with a tilt of his head/nod (1 drink)
• Throws someone in the brig/Arrests someone (1 drink)
• Uses the word "human" in a sense meaning puny, weak, or otherwise unklingon (2 drinks)

Worf Quotes

• "Admirable" (1 drink)
• "Grrrrr" (A simple sneer qualifies) (1 drink)
• "Human women are too fragile" (2 drinks)
• "I am a Klingon" (1 drink)
• "Impressive" (1 drink)
• "Klingons do NOT..." (1 drink)
• "Security Override!" (2 drinks)

Riker Actions

• Acts blatantly like Kirk (1 drink)
• Gets that annoying smirk on his face (1 drink)
• Gets the girl (1 drink)
• Gets the girl for no apparent reason (2 drinks)
• Pronounces a word in a way that does not match his heritage (e.g. charade=shur-AHD) (2 drinks)
• Stands with his feet more than 2 feet apart (1 drink per foot beyond 2 feet)
• Thrusts his chin out with a smug look (1 drink)
• Walks forward as if he's trying to knock an imaginary door down with his forehead (1 drink)

Riker Quotes

• "Hell" (2 drinks)
• "What the hell is going on?" (entire drink)
• "With pleasure, sir" (1 drink)
• "You are personally responsible for the Captain's safety" to Worf (2 drinks)

Beverly Actions

• Appears without her lab coat (1 drink - 2 drinks if she's in sickbay at the time)
• Beams directly to sickbay or orders someone to be beamed directly to sickbay (1 drink)
• Can't figure out some bizarre medical problem (1 drink)
• Diagnoses something really obvious (1 drink)
• Is seen in a sweater (2 drinks)
• Is seen on the bridge for no apparent reason (1 drink)
• Loses a patient (2 drinks)
• Performs major surgery (2 drinks)
• Shows maternal instinct (2 drinks)
• Uses one of her ridiculous 24th century medical terms (1 drink)
• Uses the word "stumped" in regards to problem (2 drinks)

Beverly Quotes

• "He's dead " (1 drink)
• "He's gone..." (2 drinks)
• "Nothing yet, but we're working on it" (1 drink)
• "This man is dying!" (3 drinks)
• "This shouldn't be happening" (1 drink)
• "This won't hurt a bit" (1 drink)

LaForge Actions

• Interacts with a woman (real or not) in the holodeck (2 drinks)
• Is used as a "human tricorder" (1 drink)
• Sees with his own eyes (VISORless) (entire drink)
• Tweaks the warp engines/shields/tractor beams (1 drink)
• VISOR is taken or knocked off (1 drink)
• Wishes he had human vision (1 drink)

LaForge Quotes

• "...lost a lotta good people down there..." (1 drink)
• "I'm workin' on it!" (1 drink)
• "Maybe not" in response to "Impossible" (2 drinks)

Wesley Actions

• Appears to be hitting on someone (1 drink)
• Creates some spiffy new science project (1 drink)
• Gets that "I'm not just a kid" attitude (1 drink)
• Gets that annoying "impish" grin (1 drink)
• Has his life threatened (2 drinks - party like it's 1999 if he actually dies!)
• Is seen with a girl (other than when on duty) (3 drinks)
• Saves the day (1 drink - 2 if nobody thanks him)
• Saves the day and nobody understands his pseudoscientific babbling (2 drinks)
• Swallows really hard (1 drink)
• Talks back to his mom (1 drink)

Wesley Quotes

• "It's easy!" (or "simple", etc.) (1 drink)
• "Wow", "Gee", "Ooh", etc. (1 drink)

Deanna Actions

• Can't shut out all the feelings (1 drink)
• Cries (2 drinks)
• Gives us Betazoid insight into something really obvious (2 drinks)
• Is hit on (1 drink)
• Rolls her eyes (1 drink)
• Senses (and lists) more than one emotion (1 drink)
• Senses something really shocking (1 drink)

Deanna Quotes

• "Are you troubled?" (when they obviously are) (1 drink)
• "Mother! Please...!" (1 drink)
• "What do YOU think about that?" or other quote reminiscent of ELIZA (1 drink)

O'Brien Actions

• Disables a weapon during transport (1 drink)
• Has a line in a first or second season episode (1 drink)

Lwuxana Troi Actions

• Is referred to in an episode in which she does not appear (1 drink)
• Reads Picard's mind (or pretends to) (1 drink)

Lwuxana Troi Quotes

• "Little One" in reference to Deanna (1 drink)

Yar Actions

• Decks someone (1 drink - 2 if she does it just to show her strength)
• Shows sexual desire (3 drinks)
• Suggests that the Enterprise fight, upon meeting another ship, etc. (1 drink)

Guinan Actions

• Makes someone sigh at the end of a talk (1 drink)
• Talks about "her people" (1 drink)

Pulaski Actions

• Calls Data "it" or accuses him of being unable to do something because he's an android (1 drink)
• Cuts Picard off (1 drink)
• Mispronounces Data's name (1 drink)

Continue reading here: Bunny

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Star Trek: Generations Drinking Game

• Anyone says “Enterprise”
• Anyone says “Captain”
• Anyone says “Soren”
• Anyone is beamed or transported
• You see the light ribbon
• You see the exterior of the Enterprise

“What we leave behind is not as important as how we lived.”

– captain jean-luc picard, you might also like:.

• Cast & crew
• User reviews
• Episode aired Oct 26, 1991

Wesley Crusher returns to the Enterprise on vacation from the Academy only to discover a mysterious alien game infiltrating and controlling the crew. Wesley Crusher returns to the Enterprise on vacation from the Academy only to discover a mysterious alien game infiltrating and controlling the crew. Wesley Crusher returns to the Enterprise on vacation from the Academy only to discover a mysterious alien game infiltrating and controlling the crew.

• Corey Allen
• Gene Roddenberry
• Brannon Braga
• Susan Sackett
• Patrick Stewart
• Jonathan Frakes
• LeVar Burton
• 30 User reviews
• 11 Critic reviews

• Captain Jean-Luc Picard

• Commander William Thomas 'Will' Riker

• Lieutenant Commander Geordi La Forge

• Lieutenant Worf

• Dr. Beverly Crusher

• Counselor Deanna Troi

• Lieutenant Commander Data

• Ensign Robin Lefler

• Chief Miles O'Brien

• Nurse Alyssa Ogawa

• Wesley Crusher
• (as Diane M. Hurley)

• Enterprise Computer
• Crewman Nelosn
• (uncredited)
• Crewman Garvey
• Crewman Martinez
• Ten Forward Waitress
• All cast & crew
• Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

Did you know

• Trivia Though Molly O'Brien was born in the previous episode Disaster (1991) , she is first named in this episode.
• Goofs Since the game uses a visual interface, and works through the eye, and optic nerve, Geordi should have been immune to its affects, since his eyes and optic nerves don't work, and the game could not have been altered to work through his VISOR. However, the game is sending information to the brain, via the optic nerve. The VISOR 'sees' the same visible portion of the spectrum as others' eyes and sends the information to his brain. There is therefore no reason why the device shouldn't affect him too.

[Wesley has asked Picard about the initials 'AF' carved into an elm tree]

Captain Jean-Luc Picard : Wesley, if you meet someone, whose initials you might want to carve into that elm tree, don't let it interfere with your studies. I failed organic chemistry because of AF.

• Connections Featured in WatchMojo: Top 10 Fictional Video Games in TV (2015)
• Soundtracks Star Trek: The Next Generation Main Title Composed by Jerry Goldsmith and Alexander Courage

User reviews 30

• Apr 16, 2017
• October 26, 1991 (United States)
• United States
• Official site
• Paramount Studios - 5555 Melrose Avenue, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA (Studio)
• Paramount Television
• See more company credits at IMDbPro

Technical specs

• Runtime 45 minutes
• Dolby Digital

Related news

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More to explore

Recently viewed

The Game (episode)

• View history
• 1.2 Act One
• 1.3 Act Two
• 1.4 Act Three
• 1.5 Act Four
• 1.6 Act Five
• 1.7 Log entries
• 2 Memorable quotes
• 3.1 Story and script
• 3.2 Production
• 3.3 Cast and characters
• 3.4 Sets, props, special effects, and costumes
• 3.5 Continuity
• 3.6 Reception
• 3.7 Video and DVD releases
• 4.1 Starring
• 4.2 Also starring
• 4.3 Guest stars
• 4.4 Co-stars
• 4.5 Uncredited co-stars
• 4.6 Stand-ins and photo doubles
• 4.7.1 Library computer references
• 4.7.2 Deleted references
• 4.8 External links

Summary [ ]

" What is this? " " It's a game. "

Commander Riker is on shore leave on Risa , where he's been spending time with a Ktarian woman named Etana . In his room at the resort he is staying at, she teases him by taking his combadge , and then, to his disbelief, throws it out a window. While they lie down together, Etana introduces to him a game involving a device that fits over the ears and projects signals into the eyes. This creates in the wearer's field of vision an image of discs going into funnels. When a disk goes into one of said funnels, the player is "rewarded" by receiving pleasure signals from the device. Etana says that the game can go as far as the player will take it, and Riker decides to continue playing.

Act One [ ]

Riker enters the bridge and notices that things are starting to get busy around the Enterprise . He says that five new science teams have just beamed in from the USS Zhukov with quarters filling fast. Captain Picard adds that on top of everything else, they only have two weeks to complete the exploration – something that Riker doesn't like, as he thought they had five weeks. This is due to the recent addition of a diplomatic mission to Oceanus IV to the agenda. Picard tasks Riker to ensure that all the science teams have an equal chance to complete their research, which would be a tough juggling act, says Riker. Picard also tells the first officer that they also have a scheduled rendezvous with a shuttle carrying Wesley Crusher , who is on vacation from Starfleet Academy and could provide some much-needed extra help.

In Engineering , Chief Engineer Geordi La Forge is up to his neck in observation schedules and explains to Riker the biggest hurdle would be sensor availability, a task made more difficult since two new exobiologists and three stellar cartographers transferred from the Zhukov . Getting down to the business of availability, La Forge tells Riker that the lateral sensors are booked solid for planetary observation, and the gamma ray scanners are being reprogrammed by Ensign Robin Lefler . La Forge compliments her work in engineering, remarking that she's the specialist for this mission. Lefler explains to Riker that they're increasing the available bandwidth of the sensors so more science teams can use the sensors at once. This is done by multiplexing the array, and Lefler assures the first officer that it will be done before they arrive at the Cluster. Riker tells La Forge that he's brought something back from Risa that he has to try. La Forge reluctantly takes a pass as he is running a full sensor recalibration in ten minutes but promises to see Riker about it later.

In Ten Forward , Riker enters and immediately eyes Deanna Troi , who is sitting at a table enjoying a large chocolate sundae . Jokingly, he asks if she's depressed, to which Troi replies, " I'm fine, Commander. " She offers him a spoonful, but he politely declines, saying he doesn't like fudge . Troi smiles and tells Riker she never met a chocolate she didn't like. Getting technical, she describes the experience by explaining the best way to eat it and enjoy it, a detailed ritual which amuses Riker. " Chocolate is a serious thing ", she informs him. He then tells her about the game he brought back from Risa, which he promises would be " better than chocolate ".

Act Two [ ]

The Enterprise makes a rendezvous with the USS Cochrane , and Wesley is transported aboard and greeted by Chief O'Brien . He congratulates him on the recent birth of his daughter . O'Brien says that she's the spitting image of her father. He informs Wesley that the senior officers are currently in a meeting, and that Wesley can go to his mother 's quarters . At Wesley's request, O'Brien hails the bridge and confirms that it's all right for Wesley to drop into the observation lounge to say hello. Worf tells O'Brien that he supposes that that would be acceptable. Wesley thanks O'Brien and leaves the transporter room with a confused look on his face.

A darkened room awaits Wesley, who looks around in confusion. The lights go on and Doctor Beverly Crusher greets her son with a big hug, followed by Picard. He speaks to him in Latin and Wesley responds back; Picard credits that his Latin has improved. Troi compliments the uniform as he is looking handsome, and La Forge says the uniform probably "drives the girls wild". Worf offers him a Tarvokian pound cake which he made himself. Data then asks if their attempts to make him uncomfortable were effective. Wesley admits they were, having wondered if he was on the wrong ship. Riker asks Wesley to assist the crew with the Phoenix Cluster survey, a request that Wesley accepts without hesitation. La Forge wants him to settle in first and then to see him in engineering to get started. Beverly then asks Troi about the game, and she invites the doctor to come by her quarters to check it out.

Wesley and Data talk about his time at the Academy, which Wesley found surprisingly challenging, as there's much more to know there than starship operations . Data recounts his awkward early days at the Academy, during which his lack of Human understanding put him at a social disadvantage. One example was practical jokes , of which the android was a victim of several. Wesley completely understands and shares a practical joke that was played on him by fellow cadet Adam Martoni . Another social obstacle was the Academy's annual Sadie Hawkins Dance . It was an awkward experience for both. Wesley admits he's not a dancer, and Data shares that he personally learned to dance thanks to Beverly, a talented former dancer. He offers to share what he learned with Wesley.

Getting right to work, Wesley begins to modify the planetary scans while keeping the datalines open for the stellar physicists . Seeing that he's having difficulties with the sensors, Lefler walks over and gives him a hand. They introduce themselves, but before they can chat, Lefler points out that Wesley's neutrinos are drifting, leaving Wesley scrambling to get back to work. Wesley looks at her as she leaves, then turns back to his work. Lefler takes a look back at him as well.

Conflicts arise between the stellar physicists and the planetary evolution team, with both of them wanting to be the first to use the thermal imaging array , Data reports. La Forge suggests they flip a coin , as they won't be able to finish the mission without working together. Data is then called away to sickbay by Beverly, who needs assistance. As he enters, she is working on an experiment using bioactive silicon and needs her tricorder modified to a certain specification. Data agrees to help, but as he works on the tricorder, Beverly shuts him off. Troi and Riker enter sickbay and Riker carries him to a bio-bed , and has the computer secure the doors. Beverly then takes a cutting tool , opens a panel on the back of Data's head, and begins to work on the android.

Act Three [ ]

Enjoying some tea with Picard, Wesley details his instructors at the Academy: Novakovich for anthropology , Walter Horne for creative writing . Picard is pleased to hear that Wesley met Boothby his first week, as he had suggested the year before . When asked how he was doing and mused that Boothby may have told Wesley some stories about Picard in his Academy days, Wesley admits Boothby didn't remember Picard until he saw an old yearbook picture. Boothby was very proud that Picard had become captain of the Enterprise and showed Wesley a grand tour of the gardens – the very same tour Picard got when he was at the Academy. Wesley then asked about the initials "A.F." that Boothby caught Picard carving in his prized elm tree , which Picard admits was an old acquaintance of his. His preoccupation with her cost him a passing grade in organic chemistry . Picard advises Wesley that whenever he meets someone whose initials he would carve in that elm tree, it should not interfere with his studies. Picard is then summoned to sickbay by Beverly.

Beverly explains to the captain that Data was complaining about a servo malfunction , and although her scans came up negative, he collapsed. La Forge determines that his higher signals are intact, but none of them are entering the rest of his body through his positronic brain , leaving him in an almost comatose state. Picard wants to be kept up-to-date on the situation.

In Data's quarters, Riker and La Forge end up with a dead end with no evidence to support a shutdown. The personal , diagnostic , and duty logs all show normal and a standard security sweep shows nothing out of the ordinary. Riker assures the troubled La Forge that Dr. Crusher has everything taken care of, and suggests that La Forge takes a break to unwind. La Forge agrees, which opens the opportunity for Riker to introduce him to the game.

Still working on the sensors, Lefler shares with Wesley her view of conduit configuration quoting her personal Law #36: " You have to go with what works ". The laws are her personal rules: whenever she learns something new, she makes a law so as not to forget it. To date, she has 102 laws . She credits Wesley's reputation for being good. Wesley realizes that Lefler knows more about him than he realizes. She admits she's heard about him from a few friends at the Academy. She also wants to know about the revenge prank he played on Adam Martoni. Wesley mentions there is another side to the story, and then Lefler inquires about his birthmark . Wesley complains he is at a disadvantage, as he hardly knows Lefler. While he needs to work on the sensor relays, he offers a chance to even the score. He invites her to meet him for coffee , but she counters with a dinner proposal, which he accepts.

Beverly clears a challenging level of the game in her quarters , but is interrupted by Wesley, who inquires about it. Embarrassed, she concedes that the game was meant for him, but she couldn't resist trying it out. When offered a chance to try it, Wesley passes and instead asks about Data's condition. She says La Forge has everything under control, and stops Wesley from going to help out, reminding him he's on vacation. Running late for his date with Lefler, Wesley promises his mother he will have time to spend with her while he's on board. She then becomes adamant for her son to try one round of the game, but he insists he needs to get ready for his date. She tells Wesley to have a good time and sets the game down on a table.

Lefler begins to talk about her life in Starfleet ; her childhood involved frequent moving, as her parents were highly in demand as plasma specialists . As a child, she enjoyed playing with a tricorder , as Wesley did with a warp coil . She concedes her parents didn't have much time to spend with her, even when she needed them, which prompted her to make her first law: You can only count on yourself . They begin to discuss the game. Lefler says everyone in engineering are going crazy over it. They glance over at a crewman at another table playing the game in a trance-like state. Lefler dismisses it as a fad, but Wesley wants to find out more before playing it. They team up to look into it, and as they leave Ten Forward, another crewman in a command red uniform begins playing while seated at the bar .

The two begin to study the game, and what it does to the brain . The highest concentration of activity is in the pleasure center of the brain, a key component in the game: it's addictive. Another unusual reading comes from the prefrontal cortex , which handles reasoning. Wesley concludes he needs to inform the captain about this discovery.

In the captain's ready room , Wesley explains to Picard what he and Lefler discovered, having concluded that the game is psychotropically addictive. Picard is even further concerned when he learns the game affects the brain's reasoning center. Picard says that he'll start an investigation immediately, and thanks Wesley for bringing it to his attention, mentioning how good it is to have him back. As soon as Wesley leaves, he turns around, picks up the game he had hidden when Wesley arrived, and resumes playing.

Act Four [ ]

By now, the game has spread through most of the ship. Wesley meets Lefler in Ten Forward and the two discuss how they're constantly being approached by people who are almost desperate to get them to try the game, as Chief O'Brien had a moment ago. Wesley tells Lefler that he's told the captain, however a crewmember interrupts asking them why they're not trying the game and is about to force hers onto Lefler's head before the two leave, but not before deducing that only Data would be immune to the game and how convenient it was that he suffered a mysterious "malfunction" just after it arrived. Wesley and Lefler look over Data's systems and determine that someone has severed a connection between his positronic brain and the rest of his body. Wesley is disturbed and tells Lefler that only two people on board the Enterprise have the training and experience to disable Data in this way: La Forge and his mother. They deduce that he has been deactivated to be kept out of the way so that the game could be spread throughout the rest of the susceptible crew.

The Enterprise arrives at some designated coordinates, and Picard sends the senior staff to see to it that the few unaffected crewmembers left are introduced to the game, reminding them not to forget about Wesley. Worf and Beverly go to see to it that Wesley plays the game, only to find that he and Lefler have already seemingly succumbed to it. Satisfied, they leave, only for Wesley and Lefler to return to normal, having replicated dummy devices to fool the rest of the crew. They agree that no one can be trusted now, however Robin has to leave to report for duty, knowing that her absence could arouse suspicion. Wesley asks her to access the codes for the security tracking system as he has a plan, and she tells him to watch his back.

Now believing the entire crew has played the game, Captain Picard summons all the senior offices to the bridge. Worf tells Picard that an alien ship is approaching and is hailing the Enterprise . Picard asks Worf to put the message on the video screen. It is Etana Jol, the woman from Risa who originally gave the game to Riker during his shore leave . She is in fact a Ktarian commander, and she now asks Captain Picard for a report. Picard answers " The Enterprise has been secured. We await further instructions ".

Act Five [ ]

Etana is delighted with Picard's response, and it is now apparent that her encounter with Riker back on Risa was designed to be more than just a romantic interlude but was part of her plan to addict Riker to the game to the point that he would bring it back to the ship. Over time, the game's addictive and mind control properties would allow Etana to gain control of the Enterprise and its crew. The true intention of the game is also clear now: it is part of a Ktarian "expansion project" and a plot to help the Ktarians take over the Federation . She now orders various members of the crew to visit nearby Federation outposts and installations to distribute the devices there, and also to make sure that all other ships in the sector get the game. In a reference to Wesley, Picard also informs Etana that they may be able to get the devices to Starfleet Academy. Etana closes the transmission by saying the crew will all be rewarded when the "expansion" is completed.

Nurse Ogawa playing the game

Wesley meets up with Lefler in Engineering, where he tells her he's prepared a site-to-site transporter program in case of an emergency and asks how she's been doing with the security system. However, he then notices that she's staring at him blankly. He realizes something is wrong as Lefler reveals she's been exposed to the game and tells Wesley it's his turn. Riker and Worf have been hiding in order to perform an ambush. Wesley manages to escape from engineering and makes a run for it with Riker and Worf in pursuit. When further progress is blocked by a force field , he activates the transport program. He is beamed to Transporter room 3, on Deck 6. In order to prevent the crew from tracking his whereabouts, Wesley ditches his combadge and deactivates it as he flees the room.

After working through some of Wesley's sabotage , the crew tracks him to deck six and traps him with force fields. Wesley takes out a type-1 phaser and sets it to randomly fire on the force field. This activity is detected, tricking the crew into thinking he was trying to cut through it and buying him time to get away. He escapes into the Jefferies tubes , but they scan for his body heat in that quarter of the saucer section . Knowing where he's going, Worf and Riker corner Wesley in a Jefferies tubes junction and capture him. Even though he grabs onto a grate to anchor himself, they eventually manage to drag him to the bridge, struggling the entire way.

Held down into the captain's chair , he is forced to use the game device, his head held still and at Picard's encouraging, his eyes forced open by Riker and Worf. Wesley still fights them while his mother encourages him to just relax and let the game play itself. In fact, the game does play itself: Wesley refuses to throw the disks into the funnels, but the funnels stretch toward the disks and pull the disks into themselves, triggering the same effects that would have been triggered if Wesley had voluntarily thrown the disks into the funnels. It would seem that he is now addicted – and Ktarian control of the Enterprise is now complete.

Data foils the Ktarian plot.

At that moment, the lights on the bridge go out, plunging the room into darkness. Data appears from the turbolift and, using a palm beacon , flashes an optical burst pattern into everyone's eyes which disrupts the games effects and returns everyone to normal. He has the lights turned back on before telling Worf to lock onto the Ktarian ship with the tractor beam . As Worf goes to do so, Data asks Picard if he is alright, and the shaken captain says "I think so, Mr. Data."

As soon as Etana's ship is captured, she angrily hails the Enterprise , demanding an explanation. When Picard says that her plot has failed, she threatens to open fire on the Enterprise , but Worf scans her ship and pointedly reports that with her ship's limited defenses, she is not a threat at all. After making it clear to Etana that she cannot escape, Riker closes the channel on a speechless Etana.

Riker is curious of how Data is working again despite being disabled. Wesley explains that he had managed to reconnect Data's positronic matrix before he went to Engineering. After learning of the situation, Data had set to work in finding a way of counteracting the game's mind control (eventually modifying the palm beacon), while Wesley distracted the crew for as long as possible with his wild goose chase. As for the rest of the crew, Data had programmed the computer to send the same coded burst patterns to all of the display screens, work stations, and terminals throughout the ship, which should cure everyone. With the conspiracy over, Picard decides to take the Ktarian ship to the nearest starbase .

Lefler is helping Wesley prepare to leave the Enterprise . His vacation is over – back to the Academy and his studies. Riker informs Wesley that his ship is waiting, and he should report to the transporter room. Wesley acknowledges that he'll be there shortly. But first he and Lefler say their goodbyes to each other, they kiss , and she gives Wesley a going-away gift – a copy of her 102 laws written down. Wesley decides to add "Law 103… A couple of light years can't keep good friends apart". She nods her approval and Wesley is transported to the USS Merrimac that will return him to Starfleet Academy. Lefler watches Wesley longingly as he leaves.

Log entries [ ]

• Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701-D), 2368

Memorable quotes [ ]

" You see the disk and the cone? " " Yeah. " " Concentrate. Make the disk go into the cone. " " How do I do that? " " Just let go. "

" Would you like me to leave the two of you alone? "

" I never met a chocolate I didn't like. "

" Chief O'Brien to bridge. " " Bridge here. " " Wesley Crusher has arrived and wants to know if he can stop by the observation lounge to say "Hi." " " I suppose that is acceptable. "

" Wesley… Tarvokian pound cake . I made it myself. "

" Chocolate is a serious thing. "

" No, thanks. I don't like fudge. "

" Quomodo tua Latinitas est? " (Translation: " How's your Latin? ") " Praestat quam prius. " (Translation: " It's better than before. ") " Oppido bonum. (Translation: " Very good. ") Your Latin has improved. "

" Report. " " Welcome, Etana. The Enterprise has been secured. We await your further instructions. "

" Your neutrinos are drifting. "

" It's your turn. Play the game, Wesley. "

" Geordi, a conflict has started between the planetary evolution team and the stellar physicists. Each wishes to be the first to use the thermal imaging array. " " Well, tell 'em to flip a coin . We've got to work together on this mission otherwise we're never gonna get it done. " " A coin. Very good. I will replicate one immediately. "

Background information [ ]

• Final draft script: 23 August 1991 [1]
• Filmed: 28 August 1991 – 6 September 1991
• Additional day of second unit filming: 3 October 1991
• Premiere airdate: 28 October 1991
• First UK airdate: 25 January 1995

Story and script [ ]

• Like " Darmok ", the story for this episode had a somewhat tumultuous path to the screen. It had originally been pitched by Susan Sackett and Fred Bronson during the fourth season . However, as Ronald D. Moore recalled, " 'The Game' kicked around for quite a while and went through lots of permutations. " Many writers had taken many approaches to the story, including two drafts that were abandoned. ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230-1)
• Bronson recalled, " It was based on the fact that I had a Tetris game on my computer at home. Whenever I wanted to […] distract myself I would play Tetris and it was very addictive. " ( Starburst Special #29, p. 58)
• Michael Piller was convinced the premise couldn't be saved. However, Rick Berman reminded Piller that he had been concerned about the lack of science fiction premises on the show. Berman thus suggested giving the story to Brannon Braga , as his first assignment after joining the writing staff. Braga took the pitch in a darker direction, summarizing his treatment as " Wesley's come home and his family's out to get him. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230-1; Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181))
• Braga compared the plot of this episode to Invasion of the Body Snatchers . ( Intergalactic Guest Stars , TNG Season 5 DVD special features) Jeri Taylor commented, " Through an evolutionary process – without really intending to ape that movie – this insidious spread of a game had its origins in kids being addicted to video games now, and what happens to them. That was the original intent and that's what drove the final story and script. That insight followed the development. " Braga added, " It's ironic to have the adolescent come back to find all the adults are addicted to a game which is something you'd expect the other way around. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230)
• Braga observed, " We were going for fun and high concept. It's an atypical show in some ways and a lot of people had trouble believing Picard would become addicted and all these people would get hooked, but that's the story. Either you tell it or you don't. Not that we didn't give a lot of thought to how the characters became addicted. The characters only become addicted because they were getting the game from people they trusted, which is exemplified in the notorious chocolate scene, which had a very mixed reaction, but I had a lot of fun writing it. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230)
• Braga saw this episode as a chance to make the character of Wesley Crusher "a little hipper", by giving him a girlfriend and by showing him to be a cadet capable of pulling practical jokes. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181)) Braga remarked, " When I was writing the teleplay, I tried to relax him a little bit and took the opportunity to make him a more relaxed character with some personality and some spunk. He's more savvy because he was at the Academy and has gone through some changes and he'll pick up on Robin Lefler. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230)

Production [ ]

Director Corey Allen instructing Brent Spiner and Wil Wheaton

• "The Game" was filmed between Wednesday 28 August 1991 and Friday 6 September 1991 on Paramount Stage 8 , 9 , and 16 . On Monday 2 September 1991 , the production was off for Labor Day Holiday. An additional day of second unit filming was on Thursday 3 October 1991 on Paramount Stage 9 and 16.
• While at Dragon Con 2011, Brent Spiner recalled that during production of this episode, the scene wherein Data is deactivated by Dr. Crusher and falls down onto a bio-bed, Spiner actually hit the bed so hard he cut his chin and had to go to the hospital. After returning to the set, director Corey Allen immediately asked Spiner to do the scene again. [2]
• On Thursday 29 August 1991 , a camera crew from CBS This Morning visited the set and interviewed the cast members.
• "The Game" was the first episode to air following Gene Roddenberry 's death on 24 October 1991 .

Cast and characters [ ]

• This was the second and last appearance of Ensign Robin Lefler ( Ashley Judd ). After her first appearance, in " Darmok ", the writers had been looking for a vehicle for her return, and this story was seen as a perfect fit. ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181))
• Wil Wheaton fondly remembered working with Judd, noting that he was Judd's first on-screen kiss. ( Intergalactic Guest Stars , TNG Season 5 DVD special features)
• Brannon Braga admitted that he hit on Judd during filming, and was "dutifully ignored". ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 227)

Sets, props, special effects, and costumes [ ]

The optical extension of the Jefferies tube behind Worf

• The headpieces for the Ktarian game were created by property master Alan Sims , using telephone headsets . ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 226)
• A suite on Risa , as it appeared in " Captain's Holiday ", was recreated for this episode. It has the same architecture and similar decorations (including a horga'hn ) as Captain Picard's room and even features the Risian ocean, seen through the window.
• The engineering laboratory is a re-use of the sickbay lab, also seen as the tactical laboratory . It includes the star chart seen behind Dexter Remmick in " Conspiracy ".
• The Ktarian vessel is a re-use of the Zalkonian warship , which itself was a redress of the Tarellian plague ship .
• Several parts of the bridge of the Ktarian ship, including the chair and the viewscreen, also appeared on Romulan ships.
• This is the first appearance of Wesley Crusher 's cadet -style Starfleet uniform . The Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181) notes that Wesley's cadet uniform lacks pips, as was later established in " The First Duty ".
• The blue-grey shirt that Wil Wheaton wore as Wesley in this episode was sold off on the It's A Wrap! sale and auction on eBay. [3] [4]
• This is the first appearance of a matte painting as optical extension of the Jefferies tube . The call sheet features the note "Art/Graphic – translight backing of tube".

Continuity [ ]

• Data references the events of TNG : " Data's Day " when he tells Wesley that his mother recently taught him how to dance. This also means that Data broke his promise to Doctor Crusher that he keeps this fact between the two of them.
• Deanna Troi 's love of chocolate was established in " The Price ".
• Wesley and Picard also discuss Boothby , who was first mentioned by Picard in TNG : " Final Mission ".
• While in a turbolift , Nurse Alyssa Ogawa comments to Wesley that she is on level 47 of the Game, repeating the theme of including that number in the series.
• This episode was the second time the sonic shower was referenced and the first to mention it by name, though it was several years before one was seen again, on Star Trek: Voyager .

Reception [ ]

• Michael Piller commented, " I thought it was a great episode. That was an episode that dealt with my fascination in watching my two sons with their obsession for video games and doing a show that dealt with a non-world shattering issue but people's obsession, almost addiction, to certain types of games. " ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 230) Piller praised Braga's efforts, and thought it showed that he had promise as a writer. " He delivered that script and did some wonderful things. He wrote scenes that didn't depend on action but went straight to character; and a two minute scene with Troi and a chocolate sundae which was wonderfully written. He has an extraordinary talent to find the moments in [a] script where you can throw in character development and spend the time doing that for the sheer delight of getting to know the character better – and not interrupting the flow. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation Companion  (2nd ed., p. 181))
• Brannon Braga remarked, " It was corny, even at the time. But I enjoyed writing it. It was fun to realize that Picard had been seduced by the game, and it was fun to watch Beverly Crusher attempt to entice her son. The script was produced exactly as I wrote it, so it was an extremely positive experience for me. " ( Star Trek: The Next Generation 365 , p. 227)
• Jonathan Frakes also enjoyed "The Game", commenting, " That's a fun episode… It was like O.D.'ing on Nintendo . " However, he was disappointed with the computer graphics used to depict the Ktarian game , stating " They told me it was going to be this incredible graphic, and all it was… was a tuba on a checkerboard ". ( Captains' Logs: The Unauthorized Complete Trek Voyages , p. 231)
• Writer Marc Scott Zicree was not impressed by how this episode developed the character of Wesley Crusher. Commented Zicree, " He falls in love with a girl and they share chocolate mousse – give me a break. " ( The Fifty-Year Mission: The Next 25 Years , p. 106)
• A mission report for this episode by John Sayers was published in The Official Star Trek: The Next Generation Magazine  issue 18 , pp. 38-41.

Video and DVD releases [ ]

• Original UK VHS release (two-episode tapes, CIC Video ): Volume 53, 5 October 1992
• UK re-release (three-episode tapes, Paramount Home Entertainment ): Volume 5.2, catalog number VHR 4761, 22 July 2002
• As part of the TNG Season 5 DVD collection

Links and references [ ]

Starring [ ].

• Patrick Stewart as Capt. Jean-Luc Picard
• Jonathan Frakes as Cmdr. William Riker

Also starring [ ]

• LeVar Burton as Lt. Cmdr. Geordi La Forge
• Michael Dorn as Lt. Worf
• Gates McFadden as Dr. Beverly Crusher
• Marina Sirtis as Counselor Deanna Troi
• Brent Spiner as Lt. Commander Data

Guest stars [ ]

• Ashley Judd as Robin Lefler
• Katherine Moffat as Etana
• Colm Meaney as Miles O'Brien
• Patti Yasutake as Alyssa Ogawa
• Wil Wheaton as Wesley Crusher

Co-stars [ ]

• Diane M. Hurley as Woman
• Majel Barrett as Computer Voice

Uncredited co-stars [ ]

• Arratia as Alfonse Pacelli
• Rachen Assapiomonwait as Nelson
• Joe Baumann as Garvey
• Cece Bell as command division officer
• Bowman as civilian
• Michael Braveheart as Martinez
• Camara as operations division officer
• Victoria Cameron as Ten Forward waitress
• Max Cervantes as operations division officer
• Cullen Chambers as command division officer
• Tony Cruz as Lopez
• Denise Deuschle as science division officer
• A. Flores as science division officer
• Goldie Ann Gareza as civilian
• Keith Gearhart as science division officer
• Melba Gonzalez as command officer
• Eben Ham as operations division ensign
• Linda Harcharic as command division ensign
• Grace Harrell as operations division officer
• Melanie Hathorn as sciences officer
• Gary Hunter as science division officer
• Joly as command division ensign
• Kast as command division officer
• Alex Landi as operations division officer
• Mark Lentry as science division lieutenant
• Debbie Marsh as command division ensign
• Michael Moorehead as science division ensign
• Randy Pflug as Jones
• Greg Poole as civilian
• Bill E. Rogers as operations division officer
• Noriko Suzuki as operations division ensign
• Curt Truman as command division officer
• Guy Vardaman as Darien Wallace
• Dru Wagner as Daniels
• Christina Wegler Miles as civilian
• Garvey (voice)
• Male civilian
• Ten Forward waiter #1
• Ten Forward waiter #2

Stand-ins and photo doubles [ ]

• David Keith Anderson – stand-in for LeVar Burton
• Cameron – stand-in for Gates McFadden
• Foster – stand-in for Wil Wheaton
• Debbie Marsh – stand-in for Marina Sirtis
• Tim McCormack – stand-in for Brent Spiner , Wil Wheaton , and Colm Meaney
• Lorine Mendell – stand-in for Gates McFadden , Katherine Moffat , and Ashley Judd
• Diane Reilly – stand-in for Ashley Judd
• Richard Sarstedt – stand-in and photo double for Jonathan Frakes and stand-in for Colm Meaney
• Dennis Tracy – stand-in for Patrick Stewart
• Guy Vardaman – stand-in for Wil Wheaton
• Dana Vitatoe – photo double for Brent Spiner
• Steve Voboril – photo double for Wil Wheaton
• James Washington – stand-in for Michael Dorn
• Anne Woodberry – photo double for Gates McFadden
• Diane York – photo double for Katherine Moffat

References [ ]

" a juggling act "; A.F. ; access code ; addiction ; advice ; alien ; announcement ; anthropology ; antimatter regulator ; astronomical survey ; bandwidth ; bearing ; bioactive silicon ; biosystem ; birthmark ; blade ; body ; Boothby ; bow ; brain ; brain activity ; bypass ; cadet ; calibration ; cat ; chance ; cherry ; chili sauce ; chocolate ; chocolate chips ; chocolate fudge ; chocolate ice cream ; chocolate sundae ; Cleon system ; Cochrane , USS ; coffee ; coin ; coma ; communicator ; computer ( main computer ); conduit ; cone ; coordinates ; corridor ; cortex processor ; course ; course (education); Creative Writing ; Crusher One ; dad ; damage ; dance ( dancing ); " Dancing Doctor, The "; data line ; date ; deception ; deck ; depression ; detector ; device ; diagnostics ; dinner ; diplomatic mission ; disc ; display screen ; duty logs ; ear ; effect ; elm ; Endeavour , USS ; engineering laboratory ; " even the score "; event ; exobiologist ; experience ; experiment ; expert ; explanation ; exploration ; exposure ; eye ; fad ; Federation ; feeling ; first year cadet ; " flip a coin "; friend ; forcefield override ; frontal lobe ; fun ; gadget ; Galaxy class decks ; gamma ray scanner ; gift ; " give me the creeps "; grass ; hail ; higher functions ; higher reasoning ; holodeck ; horga'hn ; Horne, Walter ; Human ; hundred ; ice cream ; illumination ; information ; initials ; instruction ; intercept course ; internal security sensors ; investigation ; Jefferies tube ; junction ; kiss ; Ktarians ; Ktarian game ; Ktarian vessel ; lateral sensor ; Latin ; Lefler's Academy friends ; Lefler's parents ; Lefler's parents' sector ; lesson ; light ; light year ; location ; long-range array ; luggage ; malfunction ; Martoni, Adam ; medical program ; medical team ; meeting ; Merrimac , USS ; Midsummer Night's Dream, A ; minute ; mission ; mission specialist ; mom ( mother ); mud ; multiplexing ; name ; nervous system ; neural output ; neurochemical analysis ; neurological behavior program ; neuroreceptor ; neutrino ; Novakovich ; nurse ; O'Brien, Molly ; Oberth -class ; observation schedule ; Oceanus IV ; online ; opportunity ; optical burst pattern ; optical sensor ; Organic Chemistry ; palm beacon ; panel ; partner ; personal logs ; phenomenon ; Phoenix Cluster ; photo ; physics lab ; place ; planetary evolution team ; planetary observation ; planetary scanner ; plasma specialist ; playing field ; positronic brain ; positronic link ; positronic matrix ; power cell ; practical joke ; prefrontal cortex ; processor ; problem ; psychotropic drug ; quarters ; region ; rendezvous ; research ; reticular formation ; Risa ; ritual ; Robin's Laws ; rumor ; Sadie Hawkins Dance ; scan field ; Science department ; science team ; sculpting ; section 23 ; section 25 ; section 29 ; section 52 ; security alert ; security containment field ; security sweep ; security tracking code ; security tracking system ; senior officer ; senior staff ; sensor array ; sensor pad ; sensor recalibration ; sensor relay ; septal area ; serotonin ; serotonin cascade ; servo ; shutdown ; shuttlebay ; shuttlecraft ; side effect ; signal breach ; signal flow ; site-to-site transport ; site-to-site transporter program ; size ; sleep ; social gathering ; sonic shower ; spoon ; specification ; Spot ; starbase ; Starbase 67 ; Starbase 82 ; starboard ; Starfleet ; Starfleet Academy ; starship operations ; status ; stellar cartographer ; stellar physics ; stellar physicist ; story ; subcommand ; subprocessor ; subroutine ; survey ; synapse ; synaptic activity ; tactical analysis ; Tarvokian pound cake ; taste ; tea ; teaching ; terminal ; testing ; " the spitting image "; thermal imaging array ; thermal sensor ; threat ; three-dimensional chess ; tour ; tractor beam ; tradition ; transporter room 2 ; transporter room 3 ; transporter system ; tricorder ; " try it on for size "; turbolift ; unconsciousness ; understanding ; " up to my neck in "; vacation ; victim ; viewer ; warp coil ; " watch your back "; weapons system ; week ; work station ; year ; yearbook ; Zhukov , USS

Library computer references [ ]

• Federation Star Chart ("The Explored Galaxy") : Aldebaran ; Alfa 177 ; Alpha Carinae ; Alpha Centauri ; Alpha Majoris ; Altair VI ; Andor ; Ariannus ; Arret ; Babel ; Benecia ; Berengaria VII ; Beta Aurigae ; Beta Geminorum ; Beta Lyrae ; Beta Niobe ; Beta Portolan ; Camus II ; Canopus III ; Capella ; Daran V ; Delta Vega ; Deneb ; Eminiar ; Fabrini ; First Federation ; Gamma Canaris N ; Gamma Trianguli ; Holberg 917G ; Ingraham B ; Janus VI ; Kling ; Kzin ; Lactra VII ; Makus III ; Marcos XII ; Manark IV ; Memory Alpha ; Mudd ; Omega IV ; Omega Cygni ; Organia ; Orion ; Pallas 14 ; Phylos ; Pollux IV ; Psi 2000 ; Pyris VII ; Regulus ; Remus ; Rigel ; Romulus ; Sarpeid ; Sirius ; Talos ; Tau Ceti ; Theta III ; Tholian Assembly ; Vulcan

Deleted references [ ]

External links [ ].

• " The Game " at Memory Beta , the wiki for licensed Star Trek works
• " The Game " at Wikipedia
• "The Game" at StarTrek.com
• " "The Game" " at MissionLogPodcast.com , a Roddenberry Star Trek podcast
• "The Game" script  at Star Trek Minutiae
• 3 Ancient humanoid

5 'Star Trek' Cocktails to Try Now

Gulpable galactic-themed drinks for your next sci-fi party.

John deBary is a New York City bartender, writer and consultant with more than a decade of experience working in award-winning bars and restaurants.

Liquor.com / Tim Nusog

If you're a Star Trek fan, chances are your loyalties lie in one era of the canon: "The Next Generation," "Voyager," "The Original Series," maybe even "Picard"? The sci-fi franchise spans half a century and throughout its decades has featured a rich beverage culture with a cast of characters packed full of memorable bartenders. And yet, it’s light on actual cocktails.

Whether your dream intergalactic drinking spot is Quark's, 602 Club or The Quantum Café, surely you've wondered what such establishments might really serve. To remedy that, enter these five original creations, optimal for those who live happily in the center of the Venn diagram of Trekkie and cocktail nerd. Drink well and prosper!

Samarian Sunset

“Conundrum,” the episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in which everyone gets their memories erased and Data thinks he’s a bartender, is one of the series’ best. He makes this drink for Troi after losing a game of 3D chess. The cocktail goes from clear to green to red in the blink of an eye. The technology doesn't yet exist to recreate that marvel, but it can be mimicked using a trick with red-cabbage-infused rum. The drink will turn from purple to red with the addition of the fruit juices.

Get the recipe.

Irish Raktajino

The infamous Klingon coffee from “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” is the base for this Irish Coffee riff. It’s a beverage one might imagine Miles O’Brien and Worf concocting once the blood wine runs out. The whiskey and espresso come together to give this drink kick and bite, the milk adds silky viscosity and the smoked paprika imparts an earthy, spicy hit. Smells like Kronos!

Kanar Sazerac

Cardassians seem like a bitter people who crave a stiff drink. So a Sazerac might be their go-to after a long day of selling your soul to the Dominion, especially one dosed with sharp, herbal Fernet-Branca. Remember: The original Sazerac is made with cognac, and these guys are probably old-school when it comes to their booze choices. This variation is, too. The salt rim balances the bitterness of the liqueur and seems fitting for a species that throws back fish juice for breakfast.

Romulan Ale Fizz

Romulan Ale is banned in the Federation, but that shouldn’t stop you from enjoying a Gin Fizz in characteristic cobalt. The spacey hue comes from blue curaçao; orange blossom water takes it to an ethereal level. Give it a shake before you add ice to get the egg white to fluff enough to float on the drink like a cloud of stardust. By all accounts, the Romulan Ale is quite strong, but don’t be shy about the navy-strength gin. You don't want to appear sheepish in the face of one of the galaxy's oldest rivals.

Get the recipe

Plomeek Tea

Vulcans were probably not huge on intoxicants, which is why this recipe for a mentally invigorating iced tea contains solely a blend of three teas with verjus, the nonalcoholic juice of unripe wine grapes. The Plomeek Tea is a great way to get refreshment before a smug, self-satisfied meditation session. No need to stay stone-faced as you sip, though: Contrary to popular perception, members of the stoic Vulcan species do smile. Sometimes.

Screen Rant

Star trek: discovery finally reveals what happened after tng’s “the chase”.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 provides new details on what happened after Captain Picard saw the Progenitor in Star Trek: TNG's "The Chase."

Warning: SPOILERS for Star Trek: Discovery Season 5, Episode 3 - "Jinaal"

• Discovery season 5 continues the chase for Progenitors' technology, introduced in TNG's "The Chase".
• Janaal reveals how Federation handled Progenitor discovery, keeping technology hidden for peace.
• The Federation's past missteps led to hesitation in trusting Starfleet with powerful technology.

Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Chase" introduced some big ideas to the Star Trek universe that Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is finally following up on. Discovery season 5 involves a literal chase in Star Trek 's 32nd century, as Captain Michael Burnham (Sonequa Martin-Green) and the crew of the USS Discovery race to find the Progenitors' treasure before the villainous Moll (Eve Harlow) and L'ak (Elias Toufexis). Although unnamed at the time, the Progenitors were first introduced in TNG season 6, episode 20, "The Chase," when Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) helped uncover a message left by one of the ancient humanoids.

In Star Trek: Discovery season 5, episode 3 , "Jinaal," written by Kyle Jarrow and Lauren Wilkinson and directed by Andi Armaganian, Captain Burnham and her crew continue to gather the puzzle pieces that will presumably lead them to the Progenitors' technology. This journey takes the USS Discovery to the planet Trill, where Dr. Hugh Culber (Wilson Cruz) acts as a host for the consciousness of an 800-year-old Trill named Jinaal Bix. Jinaal reveals more information about what happened after Picard received the Progenitors' message in the 24th century. While "The Chase" explained why many Star Trek aliens are humanoid, the implications of Picard's discovery were never fully explored.

Star Trek: Discovery’s TNG Connection Explained - "The Chase" & Who Are The Progenitors?

Star trek: discovery finally updates what happened after tng’s “the chase”, the federation didn't ignore captain picard's discovery..

When Captain Picard unlocked the Progenetors' message in Star Trek: The Next Generation's "The Chase," the Cardassians, Klingons, and Romulans also had representatives present. In the message, the ancient humanoid (Salome Jens) revealed that Progenitor "scientists seeded the primordial oceans of many worlds," meaning all humanoid life originated from a single ancestor. The Progenitors hoped this information would bring peace among humanoid species, but the Cardassians and Klingons reacted negatively to the message. Nevertheless, the United Federation of Planets and many other species would undoubtedly be interested in these Progenitors and the technology that allowed them to create all humanoid life.

The Federation President during Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was Jaresh-Inyo (Herschel Sparber), and he may have been who oversaw finding the Progenitors' technology.

Star Trek: Discovery season 5 is finally addressing this mystery, and Janaal reveals more about how the Federation responded to the discovery of the Progenitors. The Federation President secretly assembled a team of six scientists from different Federation and non-Federation worlds, including Janaal and the Romulan Dr. Vellek (Michael Copeman) , to research the Progenitors and the message Picard found. This team eventually found a technology "beyond anything [they had] ever seen," but one of the scientists was horribly killed when he tried to activate it. The scientists then made a pact that they would do everything in their power to keep the Progenitors' technology hidden until some future date when the galaxy was at peace.

Janaal does not reveal the names of the other scientists, and he says that they removed their names from "every database [they] could access." This explains why these characters and their mission have never been mentioned in Star Trek before.

How “The Chase” Tied Into DS9’s Dominion War & Star Trek: Insurrection

Why didn't jinaal give the progenitor technology to the federation.

After Jinaal reveals how he and his fellow scientists hid the Progenitor technology, Captain Burnham asks why they didn't give it to the Federation. Jinaal responds that Star Trek: Deep Space Nine 's Dominion War was raging at the time, so "everyone saw an enemy in everyone else." Despite the trust Michael places in the Federation and Starfleet, these organizations have not always been above reproach. During the Dominion War, there were fears that Changelings could infiltrate the Federation even at the highest levels, but it wasn't just Changelings that posed a threat. In Star Trek: Deep Space Nine season 4, episode 11, "Homefront," and episode 12, "Paradise Lost," for example, Admiral Leyton (Robert Foxworth) staged a coup against Federation President Jaresh-Inyo.

Starfleet could not be trusted with technology as powerful as the Progenitors'.

Leyton's plan to initiate a military takeover of Earth ultimately failed, but it proved that Starfleet could not be trusted with technology as powerful as the Progenitors'. In Star Trek: Insurrection , another Starfleet flag officer, Admiral Dougherty (Anthony Zerbe), attempted to forcibly move the peaceful Ba'ku people in order to access the healing properties of the area of space known as the Briar Patch. The Federation of the 32nd century in Star Trek: Discovery seems better prepared to safeguard the Progenitors' technology, but the high-stakes treasure hunt still has everyone on edge.

New episodes of Star Trek: Discovery air Thursdays on Paramount+.

Star Trek: Discovery

Star trek: the next generation.

Why ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Built Season 5 Around a Classic Episode From a Legacy Series

By Adam B. Vary

Adam B. Vary

Senior Entertainment Writer

• ‘Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ Renewed for Season 4; ‘Lower Decks’ to Conclude With Season 5 (EXCLUSIVE) 1 day ago
• ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Getting Bloody, Live-Action Film ‘The Last Ronin’ 2 days ago
• Why ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Built Season 5 Around a Classic Episode From a Legacy Series 1 week ago

SPOILER ALERT: This story discusses major plot developments in Season 5, Episode 1 of “ Star Trek : Discovery,” now streaming on Paramount+.

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Kovich’s explanation evokes the classic “ Star Trek: The Next Generation ” episode “The Chase” from 1993 in which Capt. Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) — along with teams of Romulans, Klingons and Cardassians — learn that all humanoid life in the galaxy was created by a single species that existed billions of years earlier, and seeded thousands of planets with the DNA to pass along their legacy. (Along with presenting a profound vision of the origins of life, the episode also provided an imaginative explanation for why almost all the aliens in “Star Trek” basically look like humans with different kinds of forehead ridges.)

Kovich tells Burnham that the Romulan scientist was part of a team sent to discover exactly how these aliens — whom they call the Progenitors — made this happen; the object they’re seeking winds up being one part of a brand new “chase,” this time in the 32nd century, to find the Progenitors’ technology before it can fall into the wrong hands. 

“I remember watching that episode and at the end of it just being blown away that there was this huge idea where we all come from,” Paradise says. “And then they’re going to have another mission the next week. I found myself wondering, ‘Well, then what? What happened? What do we do with this information? What does it mean?’”

Originally, Paradise says the “Discovery” writers’ room discussed evoking the Progenitors in Season 4, when the Discovery meets an alien species, the 10-C, who live outside of the galaxy and are as radically different from humans as one could imagine. “As we dug deeper into the season itself, we realized that it was too much to try and get in,” Paradise says.

Instead, they made the Progenitors the engine for Season 5. “Burnham and some of our other characters are on this quest for personal meaning,” Paradise says. Searching for the origins of life itself, she adds, “feels like a big thematic idea that fits right in with what we’re exploring over the course of the season, and what our characters are going through.”

That meant that Paradise finally got to help come up with the answers to the questions about “The Chase” that had preoccupied her when she was younger. “We had a lot of fun talking about what might’ve happened when [Picard] called back to headquarters and had to say, ‘Here’s what happened today,’” she says. “We just built the story out from there.”

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The Star Trek “Origin” Movie Is Finally Going Into Production

The new Star Trek prequel movie is set to be revealed on the big screen. Probably.

For 30 years — from 1979 to 2009 — the longest wait between new Star Trek feature films was seven years. And, for most of that period, from the release of Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979) to Star Trek: Nemesis (2002), there was almost always a new Star Trek movie in theaters every two to four years. But after the wildly successful J.J. Abrams-directed reboot film in 2009, the release clip for Trek movies went from maximum warp to impulse power, to glacially slow. And now, by the time the next Star Trek movie hits theaters, it will have been about 10 years since the previous one — Star Trek Beyond — beamed into cinemas in 2016.

Since that time, for Trekkies, updates of a new Star Trek film have been very similar to the game football Lucy plays with Charlie Brown; just when a hypothetical movie sounds real, it gets snatched away. But now, there’s a glimmer of hope. Thanks to reports out of CinemaCon 2024, it looks like, the next Trek film is scheduled for release in either 2025 or 2026. But what’s it about? And will it really happen?

Star Trek 14 is “an untitled origin story”

The new “origin story” will be set before the 2009 reboot. But how many decades before?

During CinemaCon 2024, Paramount confirmed several in-development projects including a live-action GI Joe / Transformers crossover (teased in 2023’s Rise of the Beasts ), a hardcore Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles live-action movie, a remake of the sci-fi thriller The Running Man (from Edgar Wright), the confirmation of an Avatar trilogy, and the assertion that a new Star Trek feature film will go into production this year, with a release date soon to follow.

Since 2016 to now, there have been at least five different attempts to make a new Star Trek film, either as timey wimey direct sequel to Beyond (“Star Trek 4”) a one-off space mobster movie (Quentin Tarantino’s script) or something else entirely (Noah Hawley and Matt Shakman’s attempts that remain undisclosed). But now, although Paramount is reportedly developing a sequel to Beyond — which would feature the reboot cast from the 2009 film one last time — the next Star Trek movie is not that sequel, but instead, as previously reported , an “origin story” that “takes place decades before the 2009 Star Trek film that rebooted the franchise.” This movie has been confirmed to be directed by Toby Haynes ( Andor, Doctor Who ) with a script from Seth Grahame-Smith ( The Lego Batman Movie , Abraham Lincoln, Vampire Hunter) .

Wait? Wasn’t the 2009 film an “origin story?” While the answer to this question is technically a “yes,” the 2009 film (just titled Star Trek ) was also partially a time-travel sequel to the canon established in The Next Generation , and literally everything else in the Trek franchise up until that point. By saying the new prequel film takes place “decades before” the first reboot, this could hypothetically mean that the movie takes place in both the Prime and Kelvin timelines simultaneously.

TLDR: The Trek timeline diverged in the first reboot movie, beginning in the year 2233, so, a story set even a few decades before that divergence, in the 2210s or 2220s or earlier, would be consistent with all versions of Trek's future history. Presumably, the “origin story” won’t take place in the two decades between the prologue of the 2009 film (2233) and the main story (2258), because honestly, even for hardcore Trekkies that’s a big canon headache. So, sometime in the early 2200s, but before the 2230s is probably the best bet. And, even if the movie was set a bit earlier than that — say in the late 2180s or 2190s — we’d still be dealing with a very early point of Starfleet history that has never been depicted and that we know almost nothing about. Hence, if you squint — and don’t think about the prequel series Enterprise (2151-2161) too much — then yes, we’re looking at an origin story in which pretty much anything could happen.

Star Trek “origin” movie release date

One of the earliest shots of the USS Enterprise — from the 1964 Star Trek pilot episode “The Cage.” The new prequel film will likely be set half a century before this moment.

While some tweets out of CinemaCon seemed to indicate that the new Star Trek movie could hit next year in 2025 , TrekMovie confirmed that the “Untitled Star Trek Origin Story,” is on the Paramount slate for 2025 or 2026. TrekMovie also predicted that 2026 is more likely, writing, “If Paramount can move fast enough they could get the origin movie into theaters by 2026 — in time for Star Trek’s 60th anniversary.” Then again, 2025 is not impossible, it’s just cutting it a little close.

It should also be noted that the entire corporate entity of Paramount is reportedly close to a merger that would see it purchased by Skydance Media, the same production company behind the three existing J.J. Abrams-produced Star Trek reboots. If that deal is finalized soon, then, yes, this Star Trek feature film might actually happen very quickly. And if it doesn’t, there will still be plenty of new Star Trek shows streaming , not to mention the first direct-to-streaming standalone Star Trek movie, Section 31 , starring Michelle Yeoh, which will hit Paramount+ sometime later this year.

All the reboot Star Trek films (2009-2016) are currently streaming on Paramount+. The previous ten films (1979-2002) are all on Max.

Ryan Britt's new book on the history of Star Trek's biggest changes. From the '60s show to the movies to 'TNG,' to 'Discovery,' 'Picard,' Strange New Worlds,' and beyond!

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Drinking Game / Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Edit locked.

• Drink for every mention of baseball.
• Drink every time Odo and Quark banter.
• Take one sip every time Garak exchanges quips with Bashir, says something evasive, says, " There's hope for you yet ", or refers to someone as " The good [profession]. "
• Drink whenever Garak claims to be a simple tailor. Take two drinks when he specifically denies his past in the Obsidian Order.
• Take a sip for every prank Jake and Nog pull, every girl they fawn over, every time they sit on the Promenade balcony, and every reference to their Interspecies Friendship .
• Drink every time Sisko steeples his fingers.
• Take two sips whenever Sisko makes up an expression or plays on an existing one.
• In seasons 6 and 7, drink when Sisko discusses wartime strategy with Ross and/or Martok.
• Whenever a Bajoran prophecy is brought up, take a sip if it comes true (even with a Prophecy Twist ) and drain your glass if it doesn't.
• Take a drink whenever Jadzia Dax eats off someone else's plate or is called "Old Man" by Sisko.
• Take one sip for every time Rom is mistaken for an idiot.
• Whenever Bashir, Gul Dukat or Quark acts like a pervert, take a sip.
• Take one drink for every darts game that O'Brien and Bashir play.
• Take a sip every time the O'Briens flirt by saying mundane things in a romantic voice.
• Drink every time Kira insults Quark or Gul Dukat.
• Drink whenever Bashir plays sports.
• Take one sip every time someone wins at dabo and drain the glass if they lose.
• Drink for each mention of self-sealing stem bolts or Cardassian voles.
• Take a sip every time someone complains about the station's Cardassian beds. Drain the glass if, conversely, Garak complains that the station's too cold.
• Drink whenever Kira clasps her hands together and uses them like a club. Two sips if someone else does it.
• Take a drink whenever one of these foods or beverages is mentioned: raktajino, kanar, yamok sauce, hasperat, prune juice (two sips if someone besides Worf drinks it).
• Take one sip if Kai Winn calls someone "child".
• Drink whenever Kai Winn engages in Passive-Aggressive Kombat .
• In mirror universe episodes, drink whenever mirror universe Kira behaves lustfully or mirror universe O'Brien is called "Smiley".
• Drink whenever you see Morn. Finish your drink if he does something besides sitting at the bar.
• Take a sip whenever one of the Ferengi eats bugs or the Grand Nagus takes his "beetle snuff".
• Take a sip every time Sisko's status as the Emissary is brought up, and an extra drink if it makes him uncomfortable.
• Drink whenever Bashir's genetic enhancements are seemingly foreshadowed (before "Doctor Bashir, I Presume?") or exploited (afterwards).
• Drink whenever Sloan shows up. Take an extra shot for every "the ends justify the means" vs "we must do what's right" debate he and Bashir engage in.
• Drink for every moment of Ho Yay between Bashir and either O'Brien or Garak.
• Take a drink whenever a character outperforms another character at a task or ideal that their race are known for - such as honor for Klingons, logic for Vulcans, and earning profit for a Ferengi - and the former not being a member of a race known for this.
• Drink whenever Kira's past in the Resistance comes back to haunt her.
• Drink whenever Quark brings up one of the Rules of Acquisition.
• Drink whenever Sisko says "YOU'RE DAMNED RIGHT."
• Drink whenever anyone says "I'm going to hold you to that."
• Drink whenever Quark wants to pull some "profit" zany-scheme, down the glass when he gets his comeuppance.
• Drink whenever Curzon Dax comes up in a conversation between Sisko and Jadzia. Take an extra shot if it involves that girl that Sisko doesn't want Dax to tell anyone else about.
• Drink whenever someone complains about another character's "smug, superior attitude."
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Star Trek: Discovery’s Final Adventure Tackles an Iconic Narrative From The Next Generation

U pgrading the level of excitement and intrigue from the time-hopping adventures encountered in “Discovery” season 2, to the unraveling mystery of the dilithium “Burn” in season 3, and the galactic jeopardy introduced by a highly advanced alien species in season 4, the show’s creators sought to elevate the narrative even further in the final season. Their direction: delving into the very dawn of existence, laying the groundwork for an epic conclusion.

It wasn’t until the final moments of season 5’s opening episode that the scope of the storyline began to solidify, providing viewers with a gripping hook. The mysterious scavengers who seized an artifact of paramount importance to Starfleet, in fact, stole something deeply ingrained in “Trek” mythology: the ancient Progenitor technology responsible for seeding humanoid life across the cosmos. Why revisit this particularly undervalued chapter from “The Next Generation”? During the SXSW “Discovery” premiere, producer Michelle Paradise offered insights:

“The episode ‘The Chase’ resonated deeply with many of us due to its exploration of profound themes such as our origins and the genesis of life. Following its airing, it left us riddled with questions… it was a single episode that introduced this monumental concept to the ‘Star Trek’ lore and then moved on.”

The challenge of addressing such fundamental questions, even within the sci-fi realm of “Star Trek,” is daunting. The decision for a standalone 1990s episode to suddenly introduce a drastic alteration to the franchise’s canon was bold; “Discovery” choosing to embrace and expand upon this narrative is even bolder. Paradise notes that this decision was led by a desire to further develop characters and underlying themes.

FAQ Section

What is the classic next gen storyline that discovery is exploring.

“Discovery” is revisiting the storyline of “The Chase,” an episode from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” that reveals the origins of humanoid life in the universe.

Why did the producers choose this specific narrative for the final season?

Producer Michelle Paradise explained that the episode addressed “huge ideas and huge themes,” such as the creation of life, which left the team with many questions that they wanted to explore further.

Is this storyline a significant change to the “Star Trek” canon?

Yes, the storyline introduced in “The Chase” was a major addition to the “Star Trek” universe and exploring it in “Discovery” deepens the impact of that change.

As “Star Trek: Discovery” embarks on its final season, the show continues to push the boundaries of storytelling within the Star Trek universe by revisiting and expanding upon one of “The Next Generation’s” most profound and underexplored narratives. The decision to explore the origins of humanoid life not only poses existential questions but also allows for a depth of character development and thematic richness that has been a hallmark of the series. This ambitious narrative choice promises to provide a fitting and thought-provoking conclusion to “Discovery’s” voyage.

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Published Apr 2, 2024

The Final Frontier in Flavorful Coffee is Here

Pop Culture Coffee boldly launches new Star Trek coffee brand for fans and coffee connoisseurs alike!

StarTrek.com

Pop Culture Coffee , an innovative new company with unique collaborations with popular franchises, has announced the launch of its highly anticipated Star Trek branded coffees. This extraordinary collection, made under license from Paramount Consumer Products, aims to cater to coffee connoisseurs, Star Trek fans, and collectors alike, bringing together the love for the beloved franchise and the art of brewing the perfect cup of coffee. Customers can purchase the official Star Trek coffee in the U.S. directly from www.popculturecoffee.com , and the product will also be available soon at select specialty retailers and conventions nationwide.

The new Star Trek branded coffees by Pop Culture Coffee seek to celebrate the spirit of the legendary franchise by offering a flavorful array of carefully curated coffee blends inspired by the various aspects of the Star Trek universe. Each of the limited-run collectible coffee blends is adorned with stunning artwork featuring iconic Star Trek characters, cultures, and starships.

Pop Culture Coffee

Launching first will be CAPTAIN’S CHOICE — a smooth medium roast featuring The Original Series ' Captain James T. Kirk on the bag, as well as VULCAN VANILLA — a full-flavored Madagascar vanilla roast featuring Mr. Spock.

Following up will be a dark KLINGON RAKTAJINO brown sugar roast, featuring The Next Generation 's Worf. Not far behind, and to celebrate First Contact Day, will be the FEDERATION FRENCH ROAST featuring Captain Jean-Luc Picard and a light BORG BEANS roast highlighting the Borg Queen from Star Trek: First Contact on the bag. More coffee profiles will be released throughout the year.

But it's not just about the packaging — Pop Culture Coffee is committed to delivering an exceptional coffee experience. All of the company’s coffees are triple-picked by hand, ethically sourced from unique origins all over the world, 100% organic Arabica beans, and small-batch craft roasted to ensure a rich and flavorful cup of coffee with every brew. Beyond the cup, Pop Culture Coffee has an entire department dedicated to meticulously pairing natural flavors for explosive great-tasting flavor-fusions. The end result? Fans will have the opportunity to enhance their coffee-drinking experience while showcasing their love for Star Trek .

Pop Culture Coffee’s founder Ethan Terra shares his vision behind the creation of Pop Culture Coffee, "My lifelong passion for movies, pop culture, collectibles, and coffee led me to establish Pop Culture Coffee. We are driven by a singular purpose — to fuel people’s passions. Whether it’s art, movies, anime, music, gaming, sports, or celebrity icons, we all have something we’re enthusiastic about, and that enthusiasm should be championed. In a world where millions rely on coffee to kick start their day, we believe that coffee should be nothing short of extraordinary."

With its fusion of sci-fi fandom and coffee culture, Pop Culture Coffee is set TO BOLDLY GO WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE. Pop Culture Coffee invites coffee connoisseurs, fans, and collectors alike to embark on a journey of taste and imagination, bringing together two passions in a truly innovative and enjoyable way. So grab a mug, set your tastebuds to stunned, and indulge in the flavors of the Star Trek universe with every sip.

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‘Star Trek: Discovery’s Connection to ‘The Next Generation’ Explained

...And it involves a new crew.

The Big Picture

• The USS Discovery embarks on a red directive mission with ties to Star Trek lore, focusing on the Progenitors' technology.
• New faces join the crew on a mission to uncover an artifact related to the Progenitors in the Next Generation era.
• The technology to create life poses a powerful threat if misused, as Moll and L'ak aim to sell the artifact to the highest bidder.

The first two episodes of Star Trek: Discovery Season 5 are finally available on Paramount+, putting Captain Michael Burnham ( Sonequa Martin-Green ) and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery back on the boldly going business. This time, they're not going another 800 years into the future, but instead, their mission has a connection to another time: the Star Trek: The Next Generation era. Back then, Captain Jean-Luc Picard ( Patrick Stewart ) once led the U.S.S. Enterprise-D on a mission that uncovered the secrets of life itself as we know it . It may have been a one-episode story, but it's now getting the proper arc it deserves; the time has finally come to learn the secrets of the Progenitors.

Star Trek: Discovery

Taking place almost a decade before Captain Kirk's Enterprise, the USS Discovery charts a course to uncover new worlds and life forms.

The Discovery Is Given a Red Directive Mission by Dr. Kovich

The final season of Discovery starts off with its foot on the door, with ties to past Star Trek lore and the return of Dr. Kovich ( David Cronenberg ), which always means business for the Discovery crew. This time, his mission is so important that it interrupts a Starfleet event, but can't be disclosed because it's a red directive (a mission of a highly classified and dangerous nature that takes precedence over all other tasks) . Captain Burnham doesn't like the idea of keeping secrets from her crew, but since the Discovery is the only ship that can take this mission thanks to its spore drive, she accepts it.

The secretive mission introduces some new faces to Discovery , including couriers, Moll ( Eve Harlow ) and L'ak ( Elias Toufexis ), as well as U.S.S. Antares Captain Rayner ( Callum Keith Rennie ). The mission was to retrieve an artifact from a Romulan science ship that had been adrift for 800 years, but Moll and L'ak beat them to it, then take the artifact to the planet, Q'mau, where the synthetic antique dealer, Fred ( J. Adam Brown ), opens it up and reveals a diary written by the Romulan scientist, Vellek ( Michael Copeman ). Even though Moll and L'ak have escaped Starfleet in Q'mau, Admiral Charles Vance ( Oded Fehr ) helps officer Sylvia Tilly ( Mary Wiseman ) obtain information on Vellek.

As it turns out, Vellek was once part of a group that—under the leadership of Captain Jean-Luc Picard —attempted to solve the mystery of the planet Vilmor II. There, they found out about a race of humanoid aliens known only as the Progenitors , who have created life in its humanoid form and are the common link between all present humanoid species in the galaxy. The Discovery's mission, however, isn't about the Progenitors themselves, but rather about the technology they used to do what they did.

The Progenitors’ Story Comes From a Single Episode in ‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’

Season 6, Episode 20 of The Next Generation , "The Chase," is one of the wildest in the entire series. For the first time ever, a Star Trek episode shows Humans, Klingons, Romulans, and more together in the same scene. That's all thanks to one of the most interesting plots in the franchise, which sees these races coming together to discover the secret of their common origin. Unfortunately, The Next Generation didn't carry on with this plotline, but Discovery is finally giving it the sequence it deserves.

"The Chase" starts off with Captain Picard meeting his old mentor, Professor Galen ( Norman Lloyd ), aboard the Enterprise-D. The scholar is there to recruit Picard for a long-term mission that will result in the most important scientific discovery of their time, but Picard can't give up his post on Starfleet. Picard decides to take the Enterprise-D and finish what Galen started. He begins by analyzing the data his mentor had gathered (large blocks of numbers laid out in a sort of sequence). Following this trail, he eventually discovers that the numbers are actually a DNA sequence. On the planet, Loren III, Picard intervenes and mediates their conflict upon learning that both of them are there for the same reason the Enterpreise-D is, calling for them to analyze the combined DNA strands they have. They learn that those are all part of a puzzle, with each sequence complementing one another, but that there are still missing pieces.

The Enterprise-D follows the Cardassians to Vilmor II with the Klingon emissary on board, and they find out the planet has lichen growing on the dried-up ocean floor. Discreetly, Dr. Beverly Crusher ( Gates McFadden ) inserts all the DNA samples they now have onto her tricorder, which then projects the recording of a humanoid woman ( Salome Jens ). Thankfully, everyone stops arguing to listen to the projection, as the woman explains that she belonged to a race of ancient aliens from 4.5 billion years earlier. Her species eventually came to terms with their extinction, but they sowed pieces of their own DNA on many planets where life could grow across the galaxy as a way of ensuring a lasting legacy . Their intention was for all those future species to come together upon discovering their shared ancestry . Cardassians and Klingons immediately resume their bickering, unable to accept that they have anything in common. Later, Picard ponders with the Romulans that one day, in the future, perhaps all species will learn to coexist for the sake of their shared ancestry.

Where Does This Leave Captain Burnham and the Discovery Crew?

The race of ancient humanoids is never named onscreen, but they are referred to as the Progenitors from then on. With Discovery finally finishing this loose thread in Star Trek lore, it's important to ponder that the Progenitors must have used powerful tech to sow their DNA across the galaxy, which is what the overall plot of the season is going to be. The technology to create life is powerful by definition , and can be used for terrible things if it falls in the wrong hands. Right now, Moll and L'ak have the diary, but they're unwilling to cooperate with the Federation after a failed negotiation attempt by Cleveland "Book" Booker ( David Ajala ). However, they're looking to sell the diary to the highest bidder.

After the events of the first part of the season premiere , "Red Directive," Captain Rayner has been discharged from his command of the U.S.S. Antares. As sad as it is to see an officer of 30-plus years being discharged, it's also very serendipitous, as Captain Burnham is in need of a new number one for the Discovery as Saru ( Doug Jones ) is about to take a new diplomatic post for the Federation. During their chase on Q'mau, Rayner mentions that he has history chasing Moll and L'ak, which will surely come in handy . Also, Book finds out he has a past connection to Moll that makes them all but family, which is another potential lead to finding her.

Star Trek: Discovery is available to watch on Paramount+ in the U.S.

Watch on Paramount+