Star Trek: The Next Generation struggled in its first season and so did Patrick Stewart
All fans of Star Trek: The Next Generation can admit that season one was not its finest. There were far more bomber episodes (here’s looking at you Code of Honor) than winners, but though the series struggled, it managed to get a renewal, and season two was slightly better. And the seasons took off after that, leading The Next Generation to become one of the most popular Star Trek series. Alas, the series itself wasn’t the only issue, according to two of the actors.
Patrick Stewart had a problem with his portrayal of the Captain Jean-Luc Picard in the first season. He told Deadline that season one was a huge learning experience for him. As a theater actor, he wasn’t used to being in front of the cameras. The third season of Star Trek: Picard had Stewart watching old episodes of The Next Generation, and the talented actor said he wasn’t happy with a lof of the work he did.
"“I’ve watched quite a lot of it in the past few months as we’ve been talking about Picard, and I must say I’m not happy with a lot of the work I did in that first season. It was a little artificial, not spontaneous, not being in the moment. Not all of those things that are now fundamental to whatever we do. It got better as it went on.”"
Star Trek: The Next Generation had a lot of learning curves for everyone, not just Patrick Stewart.
In the same interview with Deadline, Jonathan Frakes said he felt physically uncomfortable watching those earlier episodes, and he feels that it showed onscreen.
"” I had the exact same reaction to watching those early shows. I felt physically uncomfortable — and I look it. I was clearly nervous. I wasn’t centered, and wasn’t relaxed, despite appearances.”"
I dare say that what Stewart and Frakes saw in themselves onscreen, a lot of fans didn’t see. We were there for the story, for a second chance at watching a Star Trek show, and while we certainly cringed at some episodes (now we’re looking at Angel One), we liked the series enough to return for season two. And Stewart is right about one thing—it got better as it went on.