Star Trek TOS vs TNG: A Personal Journey Through Space and Time

Introduction

When it comes to the vast expanse of Star Trek, two series stand out with their unique episodes and characters: Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) and Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG). As someone who grew up with both, I will delve into why TNG resonates more with me.

My Preference for TNG

Personally, I find TNG more enjoyable to watch. While TOS might have been groundbreaking and game-changing, I often feel disconnected from the characters and their stories. It didn't quite capture my heart the way TNG did. Having grown up with TNG, starting with its first broadcast around the age of 3-4, it has become a part of my life.

However, the first two seasons of TNG were a struggle. Roddenberry's ideals had become somewhat skewed, and some of the early episodes felt like reheated leftovers. But after season 3, the characters evolved into more nuanced and relatable individuals, and it became my version of Star Trek.

Mood-Driven Viewing

These days, my preference for one series over the other can be influenced by my mood and what’s happening in my life. Watching select episodes of TOS feels like revisiting memories of wonder and imagination from my childhood. On the other hand, TNG prompts deeper analysis and consideration. While TOS is guaranteed to make me feel good, TNG can sometimes leave me unsatisfied, but its depth can also be incredibly rewarding.

Age and Perception

As an adult, I have a higher tolerance for the datedness of TOS. While I’ve enjoyed some of the episodes, like “A Piece of the Action” and “The City on the Edge of Forever,” I’ve found that most of the others are a bit of a blur. In contrast, TNG includes some standout episodes like “Tapestry,” which stands as one of the best in Star Trek and all of television.

While TNG has seen some episodes that I don’t enjoy, particularly those filled with "treknobabble," the cultural impact and storytelling in TNG can’t be overstated. Episodes like “Tapestry” were groundbreaking, introducing concepts that filled me with wonder and imagination.

The Legacy of TOS

It would be remiss not to acknowledge the legacy of TOS. It is the blueprint for everything that has come after. Without TOS, TNG wouldn’t have existed. Both series have their strengths and flaws. TNG’s writing, particularly in its later seasons, can be incredibly nuanced and thoughtful, while TOS had better characterization, especially with the iconic power trio of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy.

TOS laid the groundwork for TNG, but TNG built upon that foundation, offering a more mature and detailed exploration of the Star Trek universe. Both are great in their own right, and both remain flawed but undeniably influential in the annals of science fiction.