Behind the Scenes: Hidden Drama in Star Trek: The Next Generation
Behind every iconic show is a web of stories, some known, and some hidden. Star Trek: The Next Generation, or TNG, is no exception. Just as the show gained massive popularity and worldwide recognition, its production was fraught with behind-the-scenes drama and intrigue. This article uncovers some lesser-known stories about the early production of TNG, focusing on character casting, original ideas, and the management of the show.
Original Concepts and Philosophical Inspirations
Star Trek: The Next Generation was not just a colorful space adventure; it was also deeply rooted in philosophical concepts and themes. Gene Roddenberry, the visionary behind this show, had many ideas that he wanted to explore, including a pair of dualistic characters, headlined by the bold and passionate Tasha Yar and the empathic and sensitive Deanna Troi.
According to TNG's origins, Roddenberry was inspired by a philosophical interest partly shaped by the work of his fellow writer D.C. Fontana. Dorothy Fontana, who had previously worked on the original Star Trek (OTR), was well-known for her exploration of dualism, the concept of two opposing but interdependent aspects. She drew her inspiration from Eastern philosophies such as Taoism and Confucianism, incorporating these ideas into her writing.
Deep Casting Struggles
One of the most surprising and complex aspects of the early production was the casting of these dualistic characters. For Tasha Yar, the Head of Security, Roddenberry had initially considered Jenette Goldstein. Goldstein, a name that carries significant weight in the industry, had notable roles in iconic films such as "Aliens" and "Titanic."
Interestingly, Goldstein was not just a fan of the Star Trek franchise; she had also played a character in the 1994 film "Star Trek: Generations." However, she didn't end up playing Tasha Yar for the TV series because of a contract conflict. Her intended role went to Marina Sirtis, who then took over the dualistic nature of the character by replacing the role designed for Tasha Yar.
Denise Crosby and the Challenges
The story of Denise Crosby, the initial choice for the role of the ship's counselor, Deanna Troi, is a poignant one. Crosby, a Hollywood royalty with her grandfather being the legendary Bing Crosby, had been lured to the role by the compelling story Roddenberry outlined. However, the roles were switched, and Crosby was relegated to a secondary character. This shift was not well-received, and Crosby ultimately left the series.
Management and Influence: The Maurice Hurley Incident
The management of the TNG production was subject to significant changes and controversies. Early on, the series was led by Maurice Hurley, who took control after Roddenberry’s initial work. Hurley, a fierce campaigner for the show’s success, took some tough decisions. One of these was the firing of Dr. Beverly Crusher, played by Gates McFadden, at the end of the first season.
As time progressed, Hurley's influence grew, and concerns about the treatment of certain actors and the focus on creating pivotal characters for certain others led to his eventual departure after the show's second season. His exit was part of a larger shake-up that saw Roddenberry pass the utive producer role to Michael Piller and Rick Berman.
Legacy and Impact
These behind-the-scenes drama and the decisions made during the early production of TNG highlight the human side of the show's creation. Despite the challenges, the series went on to become one of the most beloved in the Star Trek franchise, celebrated for its rich storytelling and deep philosophical explorations. The way in which these characters and decisions unfolded laid the foundation for the enduring appeal of Star Trek: The Next Generation.