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
Family (Star Trek: The Next Generation) away from the Picard story. James Van Hise and Hal Schumer in "The Complete Trek: The Next Generation" also criticized the Wesley and Worf stories for the same reason, but called "Family" one of the best "The Next Generation" episodes as it "bravely deals with human issues rather than galactic conflict." The duo suggested that it may have been considered for awards if the writers had concentrated solely on the Picard plot. In 2010, Zack Handlen gave "Family" a rating of A for "The A.V. Club". He said it was "one of the best hours "TNG" has ever done", saying