This scary The Next Generation episode is exactly what modern Star Trek needs more of

A fear Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode with Commander William Ricker (Jonathan Frakes) proves that Star Trek Could benefit from more horror or thriller stories. Since the 1960s, Star Trek was a staple in sci-fi and is often even credited as pioneering many of the genre’s popular tropes. While Star Trek‘s science has matured and modernized over the decades, the core concept of its sci-fi roots has remained fairly unchanged. however, one Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode pushed the boundaries of the genre and incorporated horror and psychological thriller aspects into his chilling narrative.

Star Trek: The Next Generation Often dedicated entire episodes to the development of a single character, and one such example for First Officer Commander Will Ricker was in TNG Season 6, Episode 21, “Frame of Mind,” which features aspects of the horror and thriller genres. Often considered one of Star Trek: The Next Generationbest episodes, “Frame of Mind” is one of the darkest stories of the franchise. Covering topics such as kidnapping, psychological abuse, physical torture, and emotional manipulation, Commander Riker encounters some of Star TrekIt’s worst – and best – horror aspects that should make a return to the franchise.

Star Trek should follow the horror example of the TNG Riker episode

Commander Riker’s chilling experience in “Frame of Mind” was an exciting change for Star Trek

Star Trek: The Next Generation‘s “Frame of Mind” is widely considered one of Commander Will Riker’s best episodes, and it’s obvious why. Jonathan Frakes is at his best, showing off his impressive and diverse acting ability by portraying Riker as not only unsure of his sanity, but also as questioning his surroundings at all times. Through the physical and emotional trials that the episode puts him through, Commander Riker’s mental stability is tested. Although it is not Star Treks only horror-themed episode, “Frame of Mind” comes in a less direct form of thriller that suits the franchise.

Star TrekThe darkest episodes usually have stories responding to real-life struggles, like the consequences of inequality and the real cost of war. What “Frame of Mind” does is highlight how Star Trek Can incorporate darker themes and even body horror in a sci-fi setting Without losing the suspension of belief. Commander Riker not only suffers mental injuries, but he is also physically tortured by the inhabitants of Tylonus IV. His health is a major cause of concern throughout the episode, adding to a sense of edge-of-the-seat tension that makes the episode even more appealing.

Why Star Trek needs more horror

Sci-fi and horror can go hand-in-hand to bring an exciting new aspect to Star Trek

In recent years, Star Trek Added a few more horror-like stories to his growing list of episodes. The revival of the yarn in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds provided some full-on horror Star Trek Episodes. however, The Gorns lack a nuanced approach to horror – They are monsters, but they do not provide much psychological thrill. This thriller aspect is what could give Star Trek A real edge in the increasingly competitive streaming market. Mixing sci-fi and horror can also modernize many of Star TrekIt’s more dated stories to hook younger fans, just like the ones in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

Star Trek: The Next Generations explore in horror has a sneak peek at scary elements that would appear in the future Star Trek projects, but the franchise did not include real, unhindered horror. While the occasional shiver and jump scares are not entirely unusual in modern Star TrekThe aspect of actual mental, and even physical, horror is yet to be explored. The underlying vein of suspense, the psychological torture, and the well-written plot twists at every turn make the episode “Frame of Mind” a perfect example of how Star Trek Can – and should – include horror to appeal to a younger audience to the franchise.