Ranking the Best Multi-Episode Story Arcs in Star Trek Series

Essential Insights

Extended story arcs serve to enhance character development and delve into profound themes.
Select narratives have maintained their significance throughout the Star Trek franchise.
The return of previous characters adds an intriguing dynamic to the storyline.

Over the years, Star Trek has leveraged multi-episode storylines to enrich its universe and address the moral quandaries faced by Starfleet’s captains and crews. These narratives, spanning three or more episodes, provide writers ample opportunity to deepen character arcs and examine intricate themes without the confines of standard runtime limits.

From the persistent challenges of the Federation to characters that stretch the imagination, these lengthy narratives foster a deeper emotional connection to the story and have become essential to the iconic sci-fi series. However, certain arcs leave a more substantial mark on the overall series; let’s explore some of the standout stories in this long-standing saga of science fiction.

10 Nova One – Star Trek: Lower Decks

Locarno’s Retribution

The mystery surrounding Nova One in Season 4 of Lower Decks spans eight episodes, with only fleeting glimpses at the end, leading to considerable chaos. This enigma is ultimately resolved in the episode “The Inner Fight,”which marks the return of Nick Locarno.

This playful mystery resonates well with fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation, as it reunites Robert Duncan McNeill with his original character, who previously achieved significant success in a larger capacity as a disgraced pilot in Star Trek: Voyager. Seeing the continuation of Nick’s storyline provides closure on his fate post-Starfleet dismissal – though he returns with a fierce intent.

9 Vulcan Society – Star Trek: Enterprise

Space for Progress

A recurring theme in Star Trek: Enterprise is the struggle of humans hindered in their progress by Vulcans, along with Archer’s journey toward greater acceptance of them. Equally important yet often overlooked is the evolution of trust that Vulcans develop towards humanity as their societies evolve.

Over time, Archer and his team orchestrate a kind of spiritual awakening, unearth Romulan infiltrators, and mediate with the Andorian race, ultimately staving off various conflicts. The progression of the Vulcans is a critical aspect of the show’s relevance in the wider Star Trek universe.

8 Pike and the Talosians – Star Trek: The Original Series/Star Trek: Discovery

Captain Pike’s Destiny

The unaired pilot of The Original Series presented Captain Pike and the USS Enterprise crew’s interaction with the Talosians, an alien race capable of creating vivid, complex illusions. Their storyline reappeared later when Spock returns a badly injured Pike to them after his tragic accident, linking three shows and nearly six decades of Trek history.

Although his reappearance in Star Trek: Discovery is brief, it resonated powerfully with the audience and catalyzed the creation of Strange New Worlds, presenting a new chapter while acknowledging Pike’s earlier fate.

7 Species 8472 – Star Trek: Voyager

Janeway’s Choice

Captain Janeway’s controversial decision to assist the Borg against a rival species stands out among her many choices to navigate her crew home, particularly as she later confronts 8472 when they seek direct conflict with the Federation, seeking to understand more about Earth through human impersonation.

This choice deviates from standard Starfleet ethics and sets a complex precedent regarding the Voyager crew’s adherence to the Prime Directive while in the unexplored Delta Quadrant. Although Species 8472 has limited appearances, they have become a notable part of the Star Trek gaming universe, including Star Trek Online.

6 The Emissary – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

Sisko and the Prophets

For DS9 enthusiasts, a lingering question remains: What became of Sisko? His acceptance of the role of Emissary for the Prophets is a significant aspect of his character and a core element throughout the series. The enigma surrounding his fate after he joins the Prophets provokes curiosity, leading to numerous theories and even in-universe references in episodes of Star Trek: Lower Decks.

While an official answer may never surface regarding his story post-season seven, the enduring interest in Sisko’s journey reveals the profound mark he left on the Star Trek narrative.

5 More – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

The Pioneer Ferengi in Starfleet

Nog’s transformation from a carefree youth to a decorated war hero showcases a captivating arc filled with both heartwarming and heart-wrenching moments. His battle with disability and PTSD, while challenging to observe, is treated with sensitivity and depth. Becoming the first Ferengi to join Starfleet against his family’s expectations, Nog establishes himself as an essential member of the USS Defiant.

With 45 episodes featuring him, Nog holds the record for the most appearances of any recurring character in DS9 and, as noted in Star Trek: Discovery, even has a ship named in his honor. His character growth resonates beyond DS9 and has implications across the broader Star Trek narrative.

4 The Dominion War – Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

The Grim Reality of Star Trek

DS9 initially garnered criticism for its serialized storytelling, deviating from the traditional episodic format of Star Trek. One of its primary narratives, The Dominion War, was fraught with controversy, with co-creator Rick Berman initially viewing it as too grim; nevertheless, it has since become a cornerstone of Trek lore.

The darker themes of the war enhance the show’s appeal, presenting a side of Starfleet and forcing viewers to grapple with the ethics of the characters’ decisions aimed at safeguarding the Federation.

3 Locutus of Borg – Star Trek: The Next Generation

The Assimilation of Picard

Picard’s experience with the Borg leaves a profound psychological impact, altering not only his actions during his time within the Collective but also influencing his behavior afterward. This trauma disrupts his previously composed demeanor, prompting him to make choices that starkly contrast with his usual conduct, particularly in his interactions with Hugh, where confronting his humanity prompts a significant change in perspective.

While this assimilation storyline spans only three episodes, its repercussions resonate throughout the series and continue to affect Picard in Star Trek: Picard. This narrative has undeniably laid the groundwork for significant developments across the Star Trek universe.

2 Seven of Nine – Star Trek: Voyager

Rediscovering Her Humanity

Initially, Seven of Nine’s association with the Voyager crew occurred during her enforced allegiance with the Borg. Captain Janeway’s intervention severed her ties to the Collective, setting off a challenging and painful journey for her to regain her humanity, confronting new emotions and reactions.

While she’s not the first former drone to return to humanity, her transformation is depicted in extraordinary depth over four seasons. Through her struggles, she establishes herself as a fully integrated crew member, forming meaningful relationships and connections that add complexity to her character. Her re-emergence in Star Trek: Picard highlights her enduring popularity, sparking petitions for a new series featuring Captain Seven of Nine aboard the USS Enterprise-G.

1 Q and Picard – Star Trek: The Next Generation/Star Trek: Picard

Even Gods Have Preferences

This dynamic between Q and Picard spans many years, often characterized by a mix of humor and tension, making Q’s unpredictable appearances both entertaining and challenging for the crew, especially for Captain Picard, who finds himself as Q’s proxy for humanity’s trials. Their interactions initiate transformative events that resonate through numerous episodes and across two series, culminating in Star Trek: Picard.

Through Q’s machinations, Picard encounters some of Starfleet’s most formidable threats, causing great emotional upheaval. The consequences of these events ripple throughout the franchise, affecting a wide array of characters beyond just the USS Enterprise crew. Despite the ambiguity surrounding Q’s motivations, his fascination with Picard ultimately fosters personal growth for both characters, revealing the resilience of humanity and affirming their worthiness of protection.

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