This Star Trek: The Next Generation Season 5 Episode Was So Good, Patrick Stewart Declared It His Favorite

Patrick Stewart's favorite Star Trek: The Next Generation episode is a classic that has truly withstood the test of time. Patrick Stewart starred in all seven seasons of TNG as Captain Jean-Luc Picard, the unflappable captain of the USS Enterprise-D. Picard and his crew ushered in a golden era for the Star Trek franchise and introduced a new generation of fans to the universe Gene Roddenberry created. Although TNG got off to a rocky start in its inconsistent first season, the show went on to deliver some of the best science fiction television of all time.

Patrick Stewart's take on Captain Picard played a big role in Star Trek: The Next Generation's success, and he delivered some truly incredible performances throughout the show's run. Like Star Trek: The Original Series, while TNG was definitely a sci-fi show, it also tackled relevant social commentary and explored what it means to be human. While some episodes included epic space battles and strange aliens, others told quieter stories that revealed something about the show's characters. Stewart's favorite episode was one of those quieter ones that nevertheless had a big impact — TNG season 5, episode 25, "The Inner Light.

"The Inner Light" Is Patrick Stewart's Favorite Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode & It's Easy To See Why

"The Inner Light" Really Is As Great As Everyone Says

"The Inner Light" may seem like an obvious choice as a favorite, but there's a reason the episode makes it onto so many lists of the best Star Trek episodes. The story begins when an alien probe strikes Captain Picard, rendering him unconscious on the bridge of the Enterprise. As Dr. Beverly Crusher (Gates McFadden) and the crew try to wake Picard, the Enterprise captain experiences an entire lifetime as a Kataan villager named Kamin​​​​​​. Picard eventually learns that Kamin and his family actually lived centuries ago, and their people sent out the probe so they would not be forgotten.

"The Inner Light" is truly a beautiful episode that more than earns its glowing reputation. The story allowed Captain Picard to live a domestic life far different from his own, and the experience had a profound effect on the Enterprise captain. In a 2023 interview, Patrick Stewart spoke about filming "The Inner Light," saying that he enjoyed portraying a different version of Picard. He also talked about working with his son, Daniel, who played Kamin's son in the episode. As usual, Stewart delivered a brilliant performance in "The Inner Light," and it's not surprising the episode became a classic.

"The Inner Light" Still Holds Up When Rewatching Star Trek: The Next Generation Today

Many Episodes Of TNG Hold Up Surprisingly Well

Just as some episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series feel outdated today, some episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation have not aged well. "The Inner Light," however, remains just as good and can be enjoyed apart from the series. While viewers will likely get more out of the story if they are already familiar with Captain Picard and his crew, "The Inner Light" has a strong enough arc to stand on its own. The episode follows a simple premise, but it remains one of the most affecting Star Trek episodes for both the characters and the viewer.

While living as Kamin, Picard learned how to play a Ressikan flute, and the probe on the Enterprise contains the instrument. The final scene of "The Inner Light" shows Picard alone in his quarters, playing the flute, and the Enterprise captain has never seemed so lonely. It's still a powerful scene today, and Star Trek: Picard revealed that Jean-Luc has kept the flute among his most prized possessions for decades. Star Trek: The Next Generation was often at its best when it focused on its characters, and "The Inner Light" remains one of Captain Picard's most powerful moments.