Star Trek: TNG’s top thriller episode aired 35 years ago in October 1990, delivering fans an unforgettable Beverly Crusher story. The Season 4 episode, "Remember Me," focuses on Crusher as she becomes trapped in a warp bubble that causes people in her life to disappear from the memories of others.
A brilliant metaphor for aging, the episode is often ranked among the finest of The Next Generation and Star Trek as a whole. Its captivating mix of sci-fi and horror, paired with metaphorical storytelling, elevates it even further. It also features one of Gates McFadden’s most remarkable performances on the show.
Dr. Beverly Crusher’s heroic episode received actress Gates McFadden’s enthusiastic approval.
In the Star Trek: TNG season 4 episode "Remember Me," Dr. Beverly Crusher meets her son Wesley at a Starbase while the Enterprise undergoes repairs. She also reconnects with her mentor, Dr. Quaice, but soon realizes that none of the crew remember him boarding the ship or acknowledge his existence.
As time passes, more members of the Enterprise vanish, leaving only Dr. Crusher and Captain Picard. However, Picard, too, eventually disappears, leaving Crusher completely alone. She then discovers that she has been trapped in a vortex accidentally created by Wesley.
Gates McFadden in Star Trek: TNG | Credits: Paramount
The episode showcases Gates McFadden's talent as an actress, as she navigates the stressful situation with poise and a scientific approach. She described it as a beautiful episode and felt it highlighted her heroism effectively (via Looper).
I thought of it as a very strong, heroic episode for Crusher, because she was alone. And rather than going into any panic, she was staying very scientific about it. And it never really got talked about, but I thought there was a connection almost happening between she and Wesley, that there’s two minds. These minds that had been forged, growing together when they were young, that wasn’t really dealt with.
She also noted how Picard’s reaction to what he perceives as a manic episode from Crusher was handled with patience and kindness. This episode, celebrating its 35th anniversary in October 2025, stands as part of Star Trek's rich tradition of remarkable horror stories.
Episodes Like Remember Me Show How Well Star Trek Has Cracked Horror
Anson Mount in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds | Credits: Paramount+
The episodic nature of the Star Trek franchise has allowed it to explore a variety of genres and intriguing thought experiments. While sci-fi is its main focus, the show seamlessly incorporates numerous sub-genres, creating a well-rounded experience. It particularly excels when delving into the horror/thriller genre.
The Star Trek: TNG episode "Remember Me" is a prime example of horror done right. From the original series to the latest, Strange New Worlds, many episodes have used fear as a central theme. The TOS episode "Galileo’s Seven" revealed that not all threats are visible, while "Miri" gave us haunting visions of a possible future.
The Strange New Worlds episode "All Those Who Wander" explores body horror, placing the Enterprise crew in an Alien-like scenario aboard an abandoned ship stalked by a Gorn attacker. Meanwhile, the TNG episode "Remember Me" delves into psychological horror, serving as an allegory for aging within the episode's context.
Which do you think is the best horror-themed Star Trek episode? Share your thoughts below.
Star Trek: TNG is available for streaming on Paramount+.
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