10. Picard, His Eyes Open
Episode: Darmok (5.02)
While this far from a bone-chilling moment, it’s incredibly satisfying watching the brilliantly diplomatic Picard learn the basics of a new language under extreme duress.
Best Moments of TNG: 12, 11
12. Riker Dines With Klingons
Episode: A Matter of Honor (2.08)
This episode was probably the best in the series for the development of Riker’s character, which is a shame, since it was all the way back in season two. He does a brilliant job as first officer aboard the Klingon vessel. He researched the hell out of the position and put aside all of his humility to own it. My favorite part is mealtime, where he manages to impress the hell out of everyone in the room, both in humor and philosophy.
Best Moments of TNG: 14, 13
14. Wolf 359
Episode: Best of Both Worlds (4.01)
One reason I enjoy the second half of this episode is that despite everyone knowing that the Borg wasn’t going to take over the entire federation, the writers didn’t limit the damage to just a few deaths. For the Borg to remain a formidable enemy, they needed to cause some massive destruction. And they do. And it’s all shown with very little dialogue. Dropping the name of the ship that Riker turned down was a nice touch.
Best Moments of TNG: 16, 15
16. Psychotic Riker
Episode: Parallels (7.11)
This whole episode is filled with little great moments as Worf jumps from one reality to another. My favorite moment, though, has to be when they encounter a reality where things are going so badly for the Federation, that Riker himself has lost all his values and is willing to more or less destroy the universe to escape death. Plus, the beard!
Best Moments of TNG: 18, 17
18. Can Data Murder?
Episode: The Most Toys (3.22)
After getting kidnapped to be a trophy, Data utilizes passive resistance to try to foil his captor. But things change when his captor murders one of his associates in cold blood. Data then has to decide whether or not ending his captor’s life (who is not threatening his life in any way) would fit into his programming. More great character development for him.
Best Moments of TNG: 20, 19
20. Data Wins at Stratagema
Episode: Peak Performance (2.21)
One of a few moments on the list that isn’t a climax. After Crusher unwittingly saves the day again (heh, adults) to survive the Ferengi, Data accepts a rematch with Kolrami after he impossibly loses a game of Stratagema. It’s one of many points of character development for the android, who is beginning to learn how he can positively affect the humans around him.
Best Moments of TNG: 22, 21
22. Is That Tasha?
Episode: Redemption (4.26)
The first half of Redemption is a pretty decent foray into Klingon/Romulan politics, and we think the cliffhanger is that Worf is resigning his commission to join the Klingon Civil War. But then we get slammed with the real cliffhanger.
Best Moments of TNG: 24, 23
24. Saucer Separation and Reattachment
Episode: Encounter at Farpoint (1.01)
There was a lot wrong with the show’s pilot. The characters were mostly stiff, the lighting was off, and Troi was in too much pain. But the music was fantastic, and showing off their entire special effects budget with the all-new saucer separation and reattachment was a brilliant idea. Both of these moments still give me chills.
Best Moments of TNG: 26, 25
26. Picard Regrets Adultery
Episode: The Perfect Mate (5.21)
Picard, ever the diplomat, struggles with the rights of a woman who was bred specifically to be a gift to a warring neighbor. The first person she mates with, she becomes permanently bonded to, able to provide them immense pleasure. In a moment of weakness Picard allows himself to be bonded to her, one night before her wedding. The end result in heartbreaking.
Best Moments of TNG: 28, 27
28. Barclay’s Holodiction
Episode: Hollow Pursuits (3.21)
They had to have an episode where somebody uses the holodeck for unseemly purposes. They kind of chickened out and brought in a new character without a reputation to sully; thankfully, they wrote the character very well and we were treated to many episodes with Reginald Barclay. Below is the moment he gets caught by Riker and Troi. Priceless.
Death By Troggles 
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