While “Star Trek: The Original Series” characterized the pop culture scene of the 1960s, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” played a similar role in the 1980s with enthralling Borg narratives and a dynamic crew, including the friendship of Commander Will Riker (Jonathan Frakes) and Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart).

Devoted fans have their top picks from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” episodes, including Stewart, who revealed on the subreddit r/IAmA that his favorite is Season 5’s “The Inner Light,” also a favorite on Looper’s list. The actor shared, “It was a beautiful script, which for me was almost entirely located away from the Enterprise– and its crew! And because I was given the chance to perform what Picard would have been like if his life experience had been different,” mentioning that his son, Daniel Stewart, also appears in the episode.

“The Inner Light” revolves around Picard’s consciousness being transported to another planet, outside of Federation space, affording him a respite from his captaincy as he inhabits the life of a man in a tranquil community, while building a family with his wife. The episode allows Picard to introspect on his present and rue the past as he constructs an alternative future he yearns for, providing a fresh insight into the normally composed captain’s character.

At the outset of Season 5, Episode 25, “The Inner Light,” Captain Jean-Luc Picard appears on the USS Enterprise bridge with an unzipped uniform jacket, an unusual sight for a typically meticulous leader. This subtle detail suggests that Picard may be weary of his duties, potentially explaining why the Ressik community of Kataan chooses to bring him to their world via probe.

The probe shifts Picard into the persona of Kamin, a man recovering from a fever with his wife beside him. Initially reluctant to live Kamin’s life, Picard gradually adapts to the role of a family man, growing attached even as danger looms. The Kataan residents disclose they selected him to preserve their legacy, prompting Picard to grin as he recalls his Starfleet purpose, deftly maintaining stability aboard the Enterprise within “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

“Star Trek: Picard” begins by indicating that Captain Picard sought to recapture the serenity he experienced on Kataan, with Season 3 exploring his continued pursuit of family life. The inaugural episode, “Remembrance,” features Picard relishing his family’s French vineyard, reminiscent of Kataan’s scenic vistas and its homey atmosphere. Although satisfied with the peaceful setting, Picard still longs for Starfleet’s thrills, a desire that initially deferred familial aspirations post-“The Inner Light” revelations. Yet in “Star Trek: Picard,” his journeys ultimately converge with the family he’d envisioned.

“Star Trek: The Next Generation” often hinted at a romance between Picard and Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden), and “The Inner Light,” adds weight to that when Picard automatically clings to Dr. Crusher after awakening her from the probe in the premiere of Season 3. “Star Trek: Picard” also quickly puts the revelation that Picard is the father of Dr. Crusher’s son, Jack (Ed Speleers), in its second episode. Eventually, “Star Trek: Picard” gives a definite answer about their relationship, wrapping up one of the biggest questions fans had about “The Next Generation,” and offering Picard a second chance at the family he always wanted.