Poll of the Week: Best Male Character of the Series - TNG

[Jona ch'Ranni]

Running from 1987 - 1994 and in reruns for decades after, Star Trek The Next Generation set a new standard for the sci-fi franchise. With each episode we could tune in to see Picard and company tackle new foes and explore new regions of space. Over seven glorious seasons (yes, even season two) we came to know these characters in and out and grew to love them.

But which character of the series is the best?

Are you a Picard fan? His keen intellect and moral fortitude left us with little doubt that he was a giant among men. Even the Klingons respected the man and made him the Arbiter of Succession! Whether he was staring down the Borg, battling wits with Q, or confronting the accusations of treason from Admiral Satie in the episode "The Drumhead" - Picard was the epitome of a stalwart and resolute leader.

Were you more of a Will Riker admirer? The day-to-day running of the ship rested on his broad shoulders and he was up to the task. His loyalty to the ship was unquestioned and he stuck with the Enterprise far longer than those around him thought was good for his career advancement. He was a friend that you could get a drink with in Ten-Forward but also the man you wanted leading your away team.

Data was Pinocchio come to life. He maintained an innocence and curiosity about everything he encountered. Through his eyes we got to see the world from the viewpoint of child which made his new experiences all the more enjoyable for the audience.

Worf was such an intense and flavorful character. Living among humans, but not one of them, this Klingon tried so hard to mesh two cultures into one. We watched as he struggled to raise his son, Alexander, develop a love interest in Deanna Troi and then later Jadzia Dax on DS9, and come to terms with a debilitating injury in the episode "Ethics". Something about this character must speak to people as Worf has appeared in more episodes across the Star Trek franchise than any other!

[Blake]

Is there any particular reason La Forge was left out of this poll? Seems like a glaring oversight of best bro.

[Samira Neathler]

Mister Riker, for the exact reasons, Mister ch'Ranni mentioned above. 🙂

Although Mister Picard follows closely.

Edited October 18, 2020 by Samira Neathler

[Eleanor]

Data 100%. I was never a big TNG fan, but my kids watched a couple of episodes and they got absolutely hooked on Data. A character who experienced the world the way they do was great for them to see. Some of them still watch TNG with me, just so we can talk about Data.