The 8 Best Deanna Troi Moments in Star Trek: The Next Generation
To celebrate the birthday of Marina Sirtis, I’m counting down my favorite moments with Deanna Troi in the Star Trek universe. As a baby nerd growing up watching the show, she was one of my favorite characters, and it was always cool to see a woman-centered episode of a sci-fi series.
As ship’s counselor, Deanna often highlighted the emotional aspects of a plotline, but not enough praise is given to the actress’s comedic prowess. Anyone who has seen Sirtis on a panel or in an interview knows how hilarious she is, and that humor definitely carries over into small, delightful moments of the show and movies. These are the scenes–and whole episodes–where she gets to shine.
Explore more of Star Trek fandom with three documentaries, streaming free on Tubi:
Trekkies: Denise Crosby of Star Trek: The Next Generation hosts this often hilarious documentary about the Star Trek fan-nomenon.
Trekkies 2: In the sequel to Trekkies, the filmmakers will visit Star Trek fans abroad, among them a man who is the self-avowed Spock of Germany and a Londoner who transformed his flat into a starship and put it up for auction on eBay for $2 million. The film will also check in on some of those who were originally profiled seven years earlier to see what they are doing now.
Trek Nation: This tribute follows Gene Roddenberry’s son, Rod, as he explores the deep impact of his father’s singular vision for the future. Through interviews with fans, including George Lucas, J.J. Abrams, Seth MacFarlane, and many notable Star Trek alums, Trek Nation chronicles a son’s journey to discover his father’s work that helped define science fiction.
8. “I’m just trying to blend in!”
In an effort to talk to James Cromwell’s Zefram Cochrane, Deanna has to drink “three shots of something called tequila” and more, when she’s far more used to synthehol.
7. “Durango! I’m called Durango!”
In one of the shows many holodeck-gone-awry episodes “A Fistful of Datas,” Deanna fully gets into character as Deputy Durango, and is annoyed by Worf’s lack of investment in the fantasy. She gets bonus points for her Texas accent, swagger, and cigar smoking
6. “Muzzle it.”
Though Deanna is largely known for her softer side, this brief moment in the Lt. Barclay showcase “Hollow Pursuits” allows her to display a bit more of an edge. When she encounters her counterpart, “The Goddess of Empathy,” in Barclay’s holosuite fantasy, her response is…less than empathetic.
5. “I don’t sense anything. Not out there, not in here.”
Season four’s “The Loss” finds Deanna (temporarily) losing her empathic powers–and results in her losing her mind on everyone around her. This Deanna-focused episode really allows Sirtis to stretch and dive more deeply into the character.
4. “Chocolate is a serious thing.”
Star Trek: The Next Generation featured many love scenes between Deanna and chocolate, but her sharing her elaborate ritual of enjoying a sundae in “The Game” is probably my favorite. And now I’m hungry.
3. “My mother is a little…eccentric.”
How can I choose just one moment between Deanna and Lwaxana Troi (Majel Barrett)? There’s exasperation, embarrassment, and affection between these two, and the performances of both actresses really elevate each interaction from the frustrations of “Haven” to the anguish of “Dark Page.” All that to say: I can’t pick just one.
2. “I am now commander of this ship. You will take orders from me and no one else.”
In one of the better Deanna-focused episodes “Face of the Enemy,” she is forced to go undercover as a member of the Tal Shiar. This is basically an hour of Deanna being amazing and not having to fall in love with someone to move her plot forward. Did I fist pump when watching this clip? Yes, I did.
1. “Yuck!”
While under the influence of the Ba’ku planet in Star Trek: Insurrection, Deanna and Will rekindle their romance (leading to their wedding in Star Trek: Nemesis), but their first kiss with Riker in a beard (did she forget about kisses with Thomas Riker?) results in a reaction of disgust from the counselor.
For more Sirtis on Tubi, check out the thriller Trade Routes and the horror movie Little Dead Rotting Hood.
Explore more of the Star Trek universe with Trekkies, Trekkies 2, and Trek Nation, all streaming free on Tubi.
Updated to add new Tubi films.
