Ep 1. Encounter At Fairpoint (Part 1 & 2)

In the two-part pilot episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, titled "Encounter at Farpoint," the U.S.S. Enterprise – commanded by Captain Jean-Luc Picard – is tasked with investigating the mysterious Farpoint Station. Upon arrival, they are greeted by an omnipotent alien lifeform named Q, who puts humanity on trial as representatives of the human race.

Captain Picard and his crew must prove that humanity is worth saving, with Q as their judge, jury, and executioner. Meanwhile, the crew starts to get to know each other, and we get introduced to the main cast of characters.

We learn that the second-in-command is Commander William Riker, who previously served under Picard. The ship's counselor is Deanna Troi, who has empathic abilities that allow her to sense emotions and pick up on moods. The chief engineer is Geordi La Forge, who is blind but can "see" using his visor. The ship's doctor is Beverly Crusher, whose husband was previously Picard's first officer on another ship.

As the crew investigates Farpoint Station, they begin to uncover a strange secret about the powerful alien entity that created it. Along the way, they encounter a race of jellyfish-like beings called the Bandi, who seem to be hiding something.

Throughout the episode, we see the crew problem-solve and work together in order to traverse obstacles. Picard, ever the diplomat, tries to reason with Q to save humanity and plead humanity's case. However, Q remains unimpressed and continues to test humanity's worth as the episode goes on.

As we near the end of the episode, the crew discovers the true nature of Farpoint Station, which acts as a sort of giant egg for the Bandi's godlike entity who has enslaved them. The crew must work together to destroy the station and free the Bandi from their captivity.

In the end, Q is not entirely convinced of humanity's worth, but he agrees to give them a chance to prove themselves in the future. The crew of the Enterprise heads off into the stars, ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

"Encounter at Farpoint" serves as a strong introductory episode to the series, setting up the major themes and conflicts that would continue on throughout its seven-season run. We see the crew work together to solve problems and overcome obstacles, and we get to know the characters and their various quirks and abilities. At the same time, the episode introduces some major ideas about the nature of humanity and our place in the universe, setting the tone for the series as a whole.