Coming of Age (Star Trek: The Next Generation) Coming of Age (Star Trek: The Next Generation) "Coming of Age" is the 18th episode of the American science fiction television series "". It first aired in broadcast syndication on March 14, 1988. Sandy Fries originally wrote the episode, but Hannah Louise Shearer performed an uncredited re-write. It is the only episode of the series directed by Mike Vejar, who went on to direct episodes of "", "" and "". Set in the 24th century, the series follows the adventures of the Starfleet crew of the Federation starship "Enterprise"-D. In the episode, Wesley Crusher (Wil Wheaton) takes a Starfleet Academy
Star Trek: The Next Generation plots being resolved by the "deus ex machina" of Wesley Crusher saving the ship. However, Patrick Stewart's acting skills won praise, and critics noted that characters were given greater potential for development than those of the original series. Both actors and producers were unsure whether Trekkies loyal to the original show would accept the new one, but one critic stated as early as October 1987 that "The Next Generation", not the movies or the original show, "is the real "Star Trek" now". While the events of most episodes of season one were self-contained, many developments important to the show as