Best Long Story Arcs In Star Trek

Key Takeaways

Lengthy arcs can be used to further character growth and explore complex themes.
Some story arcs have remained impactful throughout the Trek universe.
The re-emergence of past characters makes for an interesting plot device.

As a long-time Trekkie with memories stretching back to the original series, I can’t help but marvel at the profound impact certain storylines have had on the Star Trek universe. Among these unforgettable arcs, three stand out as particularly transformative for both characters and viewers alike: Picard’s assimilation by the Borg, Seven of Nine’s struggle to regain her humanity, and Q’s ongoing fascination with Captain Picard.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve been hooked on “Star Trek” for years now. It’s not just about one-off adventures; it delves deeper, using multi-episode plots that provide rich world-building and tackle complex moral conundrums faced by Starfleet captains and crews. These arcs, often spanning three or more episodes, offer writers the opportunity to flesh out characters and delve into deep themes without compromising due to time limitations.

From the ongoing struggles of the Federation to out-of-this-world characters, long story arcs enhance emotional investment in the plot and are a staple of the sci-fi franchise. However, some arcs have a bigger impact than others on the series and show overall; here are a few big hitters across the world of one of sci-fi’s longest-running shows.

10 Nova One – Star Trek: Lower Decks

Locarno’s Revenge

One of the biggest ongoing mysteries of Lower Decks Season 4, the Nova One’s appearance spans eight episodes, and despite only a quick glimpse at the end of most of them, it caused a lot of destruction. The ‘whodunnit’ ends in the episode ‘The Inner Fight’ with the return of Nick Locarno.

For enthusiasts of “Star Trek: TNG,” this recurring enigma is delightful since it brings Robert Duncan McNeill back as his initial character, even after achieving fame in a more prominent role, as a fallen pilot, in “Star Trek: Voyager.” It’s satisfying to catch up on Nick’s character and learn the fate of the one who was expelled from Starfleet – though he makes a comeback with a fierce determination.

9 Vulcan Society – Star Trek: Enterprise

Room To Grow

In Star Trek: Enterprise, a significant theme revolves around humans being hindered in their progress by both Vulcans and Captain Archer learning to embrace them more. Yet, an equally crucial yet less often explored aspect is the development of trust that Vulcans gain towards humanity as a whole.

As the series unfolds, Archer and his team facilitate spiritual transformations, expose Romulan intruders, and serve as peacekeepers with the Andorians, thereby preventing and resolving countless conflicts and wars. It’s essential not to undervalue the Vulcan’s development when reflecting on the significance of this television series within the franchise.

8 Pike And The Talosians – Star Trek: The Original Series/Star Trek: Discovery

The Fate Of Captain Pike

In the initial, unreleased episode of TOS (Star Trek: Original Series), Captain Pike and the team onboard the USS Enterprise crossed paths with the Talosians, an advanced race boasting telepathic powers capable of generating highly convincing illusions. This race resurfaced later in the series during episodes featuring Spock, when he transported a wounded Captain Pike back to them following his accident, a narrative thread that has continued across three shows and almost six decades.

Due to the profound impact that Captain Pike’s return in Star Trek: Discovery had on fans, a whole new series titled Strange New Worlds emerged. Although we were already aware of the conclusion to Pike’s story, the lasting impression left by those initial three episodes has led to an exciting new phase for the show.

7 Species 8472 – Star Trek: Voyager

Janeway’s Decision

One of Captain Janeway’s debatable actions was allying with the Borg to destroy another species, a move that eventually led her crew back home. However, this choice came back to haunt her when 8472 threatened to wage war against the Federation, revealing insights about Earth while disguised as humans. This is a moment she would have to confront squarely in the future.

Janeway’s first move deviates from the typical behavior expected of a Starfleet Captain. This action establishes an uncertain boundary for Voyager’s crew and the Prime Directive in the Delta Quadrant, leaving viewers pondering where that line lies. Though they feature infrequently in episodes, Species 8472 have significantly impacted both “Star Trek” video games and “Star Trek Online.

6 The Emissary – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Sisko And The Prophets

For enthusiasts of “Deep Space Nine”, the query that towers above all others is – What became of Captain Sisko? The transformation into the Emissary of the Prophets marked a crucial juncture for Benjamin Sisko, and this plot point is woven intricately throughout the series. The enigma surrounding his fate after joining the Prophets continues to tantalize viewers (with numerous theories emerging over time), but it has also sparked curiosity in-universe, as evidenced by a season 3 episode of “Star Trek: Lower Decks”.

Although there’s no definitive explanation regarding post-season 7 events, the persistence of this question over time underscores the enduring impact of the Bajoran Emissary on viewers.

5 Nog – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

The First Ferengi In Starfleet

Nog’s growth from a carefree child to a war hero is entertaining but also, at times, harrowing and provides some of the best episodes of the series. The topic of Nog’s disability and PTSD is difficult to watch but is handled with care and consideration. By becoming the first Ferengi to join Starfleet, Nog defies his family and naysayers, becoming an integral member of the USS Defiant.

Among all recurring characters, Nog features in 45 episodes of Deep Space Nine, and as of Star Trek: Discovery, a ship carries his name. Nog’s tale and character growth aren’t confined to Deep Space Nine; instead, they echo throughout the Star Trek universe.

4 The Dominion War – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

A Darker Side Of Star Trek

Initially, DS9 was criticized for its serialized storytelling format, as this wasn’t typical of Star Trek at the time of its original broadcast. One of the longest continuous storylines in the show is the Dominion War saga. Although this controversial war storyline was initially viewed as too gloomy by co-creator Rick Berman, it has since become an essential part of Star Trek history.

The somber tones in “Deep Space Nine” significantly enhance its narrative, making it both impactful and thought-provoking. It offers a fresh perspective on Starfleet, revealing the challenging choices they must make to protect the Federation. This sometimes leads viewers to scrutinize the actions of the series’ protagonists.

3 Locutus Of Borg – Star Trek: The Next Generation

Picard’s Assimilation

In the course of his association with the Collective, Picard experiences deep psychological strain, not just from actions taken while with the Borg, but also from the brink of actions he nearly took. This revelation shatters his traditional composure, causing him to make choices that may have been unimaginable pre-assimilation. The way Picard handles ‘Hugh’ is unusually compassionate, a trait that seems out of character for him. It takes facing Hugh’s struggle with his own humanity to bring about a change in Picard’s perspective.

Despite being a brief storyline spanning just three episodes, the impact of this assimilation arc on Picard and his associates resonates throughout various Star Trek series. Thirty-three years after the original revelation, Picard is compelled to confront the consequences of his time as Locutus of Borg in Star Trek: Picard, underscoring the profound influence those early episodes have had on the broader Star Trek universe.

2 Seven Of Nine – Star Trek: Voyager

Finding Her Humanity

Originally tasked for collaboration with Voyager under enforced alliance with the Borg, Seven of Nine was seized by Captain Janeway, breaking her connection with the Collective, marking the start of her challenging and agonizing journey from drone to human – a transition that exposed her to novel emotions, sensations, and resistance.

In a unique and extended portrayal, Seven of Nine is not just the initially rescued human from assimilation but the one we witness undergo such an extensive process over four seasons. The audience sees not only her growth as a character but also the raw, challenging aspects that make her development poignant. She earns her place as a respected crew member and establishes romantic relationships, friendships, and even maternal connections, adding layers of depth and complexity to her persona. Her return in Star Trek: Picard demonstrates the enduring affection for this character, prompting online petitions almost instantly for a new series focusing on Captain Seven of Nine’s adventures aboard the newly titled USS Enterprise-G.

1 Q And Picard – Star Trek: The Next Generation/Star Trek: Picard

Even Gods Have Favorites

A long-lasting bond, at times enjoyable, but more frequently challenging, characterized Q’s unpredictable visits aboard the USS Enterprise. These encounters stirred excitement among fans yet provoked tension for the crew, particularly Captain Picard who serves as Q’s emissary for humanity’s test. The initial encounter between Q and Picard sets off a series of events that trace both characters through multiple episodes and two series, culminating in Star Trek: Picard. Q’s presence introduces one of Starfleet’s most formidable adversaries, causing chaos and sorrow.

The ripple effect from this action is visible across multiple shows in the series and affects more than just the crew of the USS Enterprise. Despite never truly knowing his intentions, Q’s fascination with Picard helps the latter learn and grow while teaching Q about humanity’s persistence and why they are worthy of saving.

2024-10-30 19:35