Okay, so technically, this one doesn’t have an answer yet, but watching in syndication, I could always tell by whether Saturn was opaque mustard colored or dark orange with glowy spots, that it was a very early show or not. (The other major clue of course being the uniforms: tight-fitting with diagonal lines on shoulders or sturdier with more blocked black on shoulders. And OMG I forgot they actually had some attempts at the old-school mini skirt uniforms in early seasons. Even stuck one on Counsellor Troi for some reason). What I can confirm is that all of season 1 has classic mustard Saturn (and the uniforms are still the skin-tight bellboy numbers from season 1).

2. How long did Tasha Yar last?

I always found it odd that such a major character as Tasha died in such a cheap-looking episode, but did she make it past season 1? The answer is no. She bites the dust with only 3 episodes till the end of the season. And frankly, I was fine with that. For a Federation Starfleet officer, she was incredulously intolerant and judgemental of other cultures and it annoyed me. (I didn’t notice this till re-watching).


3. When does Dr. Polaski replace Dr. Crusher?

I forgot I had this question until BOOM, season 2 premiere, there’s Dr. Polaski. I’m only 4 episodes into season 2, so I don’t know when she’ll dissapear or how they’ll explain Dr. Crusher deciding to quit her job as head of Starfleet Medical, but I do know that I just plan hate Dr. Polaski. Sorry world. And sorry Diana Muldaur. Your status as an Original Series actor makes you cool, but Polaski’s caustic attitude and sense of superiority over Data make her the Debbie Downer of NCC-1701-D.

4. OMG the heat between Picard & Crusher!

This is more a realization than a question, but I’ve discovered that from episode 1, the writers were being none-too-shy about shipping Captain Picard and Beverly Crusher. I’ve always known they had important history regarding her dead husband, and that they were close, but by S1/E2 “The Naked Now” (ahem) you’re bsically expecting their wedding to be the season finale. While I don’t know the nuance of how they further deflect or develop their relationship, I’m pretty confident that it was toned down to a mutual respect, not mutual turn-on, by later seasons.

4. When does Guinan show up?

This one was a shocker. I’ve always associated Guinan with the second half of the series (in my mind the stronger half of its run). But BAAM, first episode of season 2, there she is! AND this made me realize that 10-Forward never appears in the first season; it’s presence as the social center of the Enterprise debuts in season 2. Which, as far as I can discern, makes it possible to believe that Guinan has been there from the get go, we just never were in 10-forward to see her. I like that.

5. When does Geordi Laforge become Chief Engineer?

Another visual marker of early shows is LeVar Burton’s red uniform rather than his engineer-gold. Answer: Season 2 episode 1 (lots of changeover occured-all for the better I think). There’s no explanation for why he got promoted but we hear that his promotion was recent.

6. When does Worf become Chief of Security? (and when does he starting looking like a Klingon instead of a Q-tip?)

After Tasha’s death in season 1, Worf is made acting security chief but wears red till the end of the season. But season 2, he’s finally in his classic gold look. Also, S2/E1 is when his traditional Klingon thing he wears changes from fringed gold fabric to baddass silver metal. What remains to change is letting his hair grow out like a normal klingon instead of his current, unfortunate golf-sock look.



7. The Beard?

When does Riker become a man? Again, the goodness that is the passing into season 2/Episode 1 brings Riker into the facial-haired First Officer we all know and love, not that smooth-faced-loose-cannon-Kirk-knock-off from season 1.

8. Chief O’Brien, whereart thou?

Oddly enough, he’s in the series pilot. He’s in a red uniform, and pretty much just one of the many random officers doing stuff in random episodes. But he pops up from time time. He gets a bit more focus by S2/E1, though still just a reoccurring fellow officer. But what does occur is an odd stream of north country transporter chiefs, most notable being Lt. Commander Argyle. Was this the one area where they wanted to do homage to TOS- Scottie, Argyle, and eventually (but when?) O’Brien? Weird.

8. How the hell did Wesley Crusher earn the right to fly the Enterprise?

Don’t get mad. I too love dear little Wesley Crusher, but seriously, how did they justify having a 14-year-old at the helm of Starfleet’s flagship? Well, there it is in S1/E5 “Where No One Has Gone Before”. The Traveller, a character I was surprised to see appeared so very early on, has a nice chat with Picard to tell him how Wesley’s special yet-to-be-revealed abilities need encouragement and training, thus leading Picard to give the child prodigy the status as acting-ensign. It works, and that’s one character arc (what the Traveller knows that we don’t yet) I like knowing was there from the beginning.

General Thoughts After Season 1

It’s interesting to realize what episodes are premieres or finales, that I always thought were just run-of-the-mill episodes: did you know that the random Counsellor Troi having a baby episde was a season premiere? I didn’t.

Further, I didnt give it a special note, but I am paying close attention to Deanna Troi’s transormation from weridly-coiffed gray jumpsuit wearing exotic Imzadi, to fluffy-haired, uniformed, friendly Deanna that I actually like. (yes, I know the episode where she tests for officer status, but I don’t know when it happens of course). As of season 2, her non-Starfleet outfits look more business-appropriate and her hair is thankfully down more than it is up.

I’m sure there’s more, but these are the AHA moments I’ve been having while watching in 23 minutes blocks while I eat lunch in front of my my computer. And, no hyperbole intended, the days where I wake up knowing that today is a day I get to eat lunch while watching Star Trek, are days I sigh inwardly and say “I’m so lucky to be alive.” TNG has always been a home away from home. I love the beige walls and mahogany paneling of those hallways more than I love most foods. FACT.


**The existence of this largely fandom-hewn post is most likely the result of my passion for this blog, whose author unfortunately will probably not read this post because of the TNG spoilers. Tragic interweb irony at its best.

For the House Candles, they had to fit the House colors, evoke an essence of the House Founder, but mostly, fit the atmostphere of the common rooms. (Yes, Ravenclaw is a Hanukkah candle, but I think the scent is perfect).


Gryffindor
Mulled Wine:
A seasonal favorite the inviting aroma of Fruit with a touch of clove and other spices warms the spirit.









Hufflepuff
Golden Spiced Pear:
A savory blend of warm pears, cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla bean.








Ravenclaw
Festival of Lights:
A blend of savory spices, rich cinnamon and sweet potpourri to celebrate the season.









Slytherin
Rainforest:
Fresh, slightly moist air with hints of exotic flowers and greenery.








Argus Filch
Moonlight Harvest:
Hints of pumpkin and spice from the kitchen window float on the cool breeze of an autumn night.




Madame Poppy Pomfrey
Country Linen:
Imagine a weekend at a cozy bed and breakfast with warm sunshine, crisp cotton sheets, and the sweet scent of spring flowers.






Professor Pomona Sprout
Beautiful Day:
Life is good with this happily enchanting mix of sunny fruits, pretty flowers and spicy herbs.







Cedric Diggory
Sun and Sand:
A tropical beach breeze of sweet orange flower, lemony citrus, fresh lavender and powdery musk.







Victor Krum
Siberian Silver Fir:
From snow-covered arctic peaks, discover the unique crisp freshness of pure Siberian silver fir oil.






Seamus Finnegan
Root Beer Float:
The delicious aroma of old-fashioned spicy sweet root beer and creamy rich vanilla ice cream.