> we might some day see something even better than TNG.

We already saw that. http://www.startrek.com/page/star-trek-deep-space-nine

Oh really? I haven't watched much of DS9. Perhaps I should give it another look.

DS9 has longer plot arcs than TNG. In TNG, something nearly cataclysmic could happen in one episode, and everything would be back to normal in the next episode. Picard is my captain, and TNG is what I think of when I think of Trek. But, DS9's writing was in a different league.

The way the characters and the plot developed together was great. Some of the episodes were uncharacteristically dark for the Star Trek universe (introduction of Dukat's daughter, Garak and Odo, etc.)

In TNG, the only credible existential threat was the Borg, and you really only felt that for a couple of back-to-back episodes. The Borg were awesome, but DS9 had greater sustained dramatic tension.

And the camp episodes! When DS9 did silly, they did it up right--with frickin' evil mirror universe characters and tribbles!

DS9 is different in tone to TNG but every bit as good, it explores what happens when the idealism of the Federation runs smack into an equivalently advanced technologically civilisation that has a horrible social structure.

It's very good.

I think it also delves deep into belief systems of different kinds and how that motivates people. It even asks questions around "if you have no choice but belief, is it still belief?"

It takes a little while to get going, but the story is probably one of the finest arcs on TV.

Absolutely, its a slow burner but so many stand out episodes in stand out seasons, it also benefit from been able to jump into the world of TNG which definitely had its teething pains at certain points (and Wesley Bloody Crusher).

I didn't like DS9 when I was a kid. Same for Babylon 5. However gave it a try three years ago and watched all seven seasons. Enjoyed it much. Especially the last seasons are very good. There are also single episodes with very unique stories.

Also don't forget star trek: voyager, my personal favorite.

Just stop before the last season, for the love of god.

I loved Stargate Universe! It was just getting really good when the series was cancelled. :(

Did you ever read the virtual third season?

https://empeopled.com/p/31640

Was a fairly descent wrap up if you're looking for some closure.

Ah - thanks for sharing this. Some fiction I may actually read..

I thought it was a god awful wannabe BSG.

Interesting, as a kid, all I saw in ST was ... bureaucracy. It looked like my father's office, except post modern.

Movies and TV shows will not get (much) cheaper. It's not equipment that's expensive. It's people. I mean, equipment is expensive, but that can be mitigated. People can't. You need highly skilled labour in-front and behind cameras as well as material and (again, skilled) labour to build sets. Lots of people for lots of hours. Skilled people. Hours. Lots!