Is Star Trek: The Next Generation's End a Legend?
There is a persistent urban legend surrounding the end of Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) that claims the series was intentionally left on a cliffhanger without a formal cancellation. This story has found its way into the realms of fan discourse and internet lore, but is it based in truth?
Understanding the Difference between 'Cancelled' and 'Ended'
The distinction between when a show is cancelled by the network and when it is simply ended by the production studio can be crucial in understanding the ending of TNG.
Cancelled: This occurs when the network or syndicator no longer wants the show. There is no further continuation of the series.
Ended: This happens when the production company decides to stop producing the show for their own reasons, even if the network is still willing to air it.
The confusion often arises from the fact that TNG was not officially cancelled by the network but rather ended by the production studio, Paramount Pictures.
The Myth of a Deliberately Poor Season 8
A specious claim often made in fan forums is that the intentionally poor quality of Season 8 proves that the series was deliberately left unfinished. However, this theory is easily debunked:
Season 7 was structured in a way to clearly conclude the series, with the final episodes making it evident that they were the last. The first episode, La Souffrance, laid the groundwork for the series finale, Generations. It would be economically impractical to produce episodes costing more than a million dollars that are of poor quality, especially for a high-profile series like TNG. Actors are not conscripts and are generally not bound to a show beyond their contracts. Producers can negotiate contracts to allow for continuation of the series, which is exactly what happened with TNG.The Truth Behind the End of TNG
The reality is that Paramount, owning the rights to the franchise, decided to bring the series to a conclusion, but not because the ratings were poor. Instead, the decision to end the show was likely driven by business interests and the desire to transition the franchise into other formats, such as films.
According to John Frakes, the situation was complicated, as he stated in a TV interview:
Aaron, in speaking for the production group, said he felt bitter about it ending and that “I wish I knew why it was being canceled.” The term “cancel” is typically reserved for the network ending a show, rather than the production studio ending it. Despite the high ratings, it was the production studio, Paramount, that made the final decision to end the series.
It's plausible that Frakes was not privy to the full reasons behind the decision, as the information was kept secret by the studio. While the network was willing to air the show, it was the production studio's decision to end it, based on their own business strategies.
Conclusion
The urban legend of Star Trek: The Next Generation’s mysterious end is a perfect example of how misunderstandings and misinformation can persist in the fan community. While the series was indeed ended, it was a strategic decision by the production studio rather than a cancellation by the network. This distinction highlights the importance of clear communication and understanding in the entertainment industry.