‘Star Trek: The Next Generation’ Retro Recap – ‘All Good Things…’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

There are a great many benefits to revisiting the stories that captivated us in our youth. Such as the fact that they serve as an emotional time machine. Wherein we are transported back to the days we enjoyed that story the first time around, allowing for us to be filled once again with the emotions that story originally sent our way. But the benefits go far beyond feeling like a kid once again, because we also find ourselves garnering a newfound appreciation for said story. Because our young minds don’t always latch onto what that story was trying to accomplish or all of its commentary. So, being able to revisit it again with life experiences and education under our belt, lets that wash over us and allows for us to hold the story in a higher regard. 
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The kind that gives it new life and new gravity in our hearts and well, that’s relevant today… because that’s precisely the kind of experience this writer went through when rewatching the series finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation. For back in 1994, when ‘All Good Things…’ hit the airwaves, my high school student mind, could only focus on what was in front of me. In that, this was the end of an era, of a seven-year journey that meant the world to me, and at that age, all I could think about was how much I was going to miss weekly adventures with the crew of the Enterprise, and while I would enjoy some Deep Space Nine, it just wasn’t going to be the same. But now, years later… decades even, this massive rewatch of the series and its grand finale, absolutely offered up some newfound appreciation for the show and its ending and the incredible depth present within its story.

Which means, we won’t be spending a lot of time discussing the plot, and rightfully so. Because its epic nature and everything in between has been fawned over by more websites and podcasts, and writers, than any of us can count. Because it is in fact, a stellar plot through and through. One that impressed in 1994 and has held up in the years since. Courtesy of the wonderful coda it provides the series with via Q’s return and through some stunning acting. Since everyone sells the various ages, they are playing in various eras, with Patrick Stewart leading the way of course, since he does all the heavy lifting in this story and his seamless transition from the man Picard was, the man he is, and the man he will be is hopefully being taught in acting classes around the globe now.

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But that aside, what matters more… is the new perspective that one garners when watching this finale years later. Such as the fact that this doesn’t quite feel as final as it did twenty-nine years ago. Because the four motion pictures that were to follow, and the now three seasons of Picard, make it clear that this was nothing more… than the closing of a single chapter in the lives of these characters, and that adds an interesting gravity to this tale. Because now it allows for TNG to serve as… act one of a grand trilogy if you will. Allowing for us to see how this group came together and grew and became great friends and a great crew. One that would defy greater odds in years to come and eventually reunite to enjoy their true ending in the upcoming final season of Picard.
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However, the wonder of this finale extends well beyond how we view it now and how time has changed its meaning within the Star Trek Universe. Because as mentioned before, a lot of the deeper stuff went over my head and the heads of others back in the day, and a rewatch of this finale, added incredible meaning to this story. Because this is at its core, a journey designed to remind us… to appreciate every moment of life we are given and to cherish the important relationships that come into our lives. Simply because moments come and go so quickly, and a single one can change the course of our lives and the lives of the people we love. And if we don’t appreciate what and who we have in our lives… the kind of transition most of the characters go through here… can happen, and we might lose touch and lose ourselves. For the greatest friends we receive in life, transform us, and challenge us to be our best selves. 

Which makes this, a powerful finale about life… and how quickly time flies and well… that added incredible depth to this rewatch and made this story beautiful and meaningful in ways that an inexperienced teenage mind outright missed and well, that truly brings forth a newfound appreciation for this finale and for the journey in general. Which sadly… has come to its end. For there are no more TNG episodes to fawn over and analyze. There is just that final image of the U.S.S. Enterprise NCC-1701-D heading into tomorrow to appreciate, and warm memories to reflect upon, and a true finale to look forward to, courtesy of the final season of Star Trek: Picard, and well… in the end, I certainly hope you enjoyed going back through this series as much as I did. Because it was a real treat to revisit all the ups and downs of an iconic series that remains a fan favorite today, courtesy of its wonderful world view of a future where mankind finally unlocked its true potential.

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