Season 3 is the year the show found its footing and season 4 is probably my favorite overall. But if you're looking for the year that contains my favorite individual episodes, season 5 of Star Trek: The Next Generation may be the winner.

After all, this is the season that introduced Ensign Ro Laren (in the appropriately-titled "Ensign Ro"), one of the best TNG characters ever. She was fierce, prickly and hated authority. Oh, and she paved the way for Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Major Kira Nerys. What more could you want? Other great hours include "Darmok," an excellent showcase for Patrick Stewart and guest star Paul Winfield; "The Inner Light," one of the greatest Trek eps of all time; and "Disaster," which is slight, but lots of fun (how can you beat Worf telling Keiko O'Brien that she "may now give birth"?). And let's not forget Spock's appearance in the "Unification" two-parter ...

Add this one to your collection — the DVD set also includes the usual variety of special featurettes.

[Sarah]