History Heartwarming / StartrekTheNextGeneration

** While trying to get things organized with the Enterprise crew from the past, has a brief chat with O'Brien. The smile in his voice when he mentions their common interest in model ships (something that O'Brien won't mention for another few years), and on his face when O'Brien looks up at him confused, is just adorable.

* There's a moment in "The Royale" where the crew find a long dead American astronaut from centuries earlier -- indicated by his diary, and the fact he's wearing a uniform with a US flag -- living in the illusory Hotel Royale. It turns out that the aliens who accidentally destroyed his vessel and killed his crew created the Hotel in an attempt to repent for their actions. They unintentionally trapped him in ''a badly written hell'' for the rest of his life, but their intentions were good, and the colonel holds no malice towards them.

[[folder:Meta]]
* The main cast become very good friends over the course of the show , to the point that they consider each other family. This is notable among the Star Trek series as they are the only cast to have fallen into this (To be fair to the other casts, there is nothing wrong with not being friends with your coworkers). They constantly tell stories about the fun they had with each other making the show. And over 35 years later they are still great friends.
[[/folder]]

** The end shows a very subtle but still heartwarming moment. To explain, Riker has just turned himself in for being part of an immoral captain's actions in his early days in Starfleet. Picard later walks into his cell in the brig and has a talk. Essentially, he realized Riker had made a rookie mistake: JustFollowingOrders when he didn't realize the orders were immoral. He then assures Riker that while he made a mistake, he ''owned up'' to that mistake once he realized the implications. This means he's really a just man, and given that, Picard is willing to trust Riker to keep the Starfleet code from here out and then ''lets him out''.

** Even before that, he still follows her request to return to the Starbase with only her possibly questionable word to convince him: because '''"your word has always been enough for me."''' Deanna too objects to her guilt: it doesn't MATTER to them whether or not she's going crazy. She's still their colleague and friend and she's acting in the best interests of everyone she loves.

** Worf swallows his pride and tells Dr. Crusher about his wrist aching because despite feeling that a warrior should not complain about physical discomfort, he wants to be thorough and report ''anything'' out of the ordinary. This is ultimately an important clue in unraveling the mystery presented in the episode.

** There's a meta level to all of this - in the years since the episode first aired, it's becoming more documented that [[DoubleStandard women are not as believed]] when reporting things like abuse and harassment (to say nothing of victim blaming). In this episode, the only person who ever suggests that Crusher is perhaps hallucinating the crew steadily decreasing, vanishing from existence as if they'd never existed, is Crusher herself, about halfway through, only because she's unsure if she is when there's no evidence. And on top of that, even when she does, Deanna immediately shuts down the idea that she is crazy for having done so.
--->'''Crusher:''' Deanna, I've delivered babies that no longer exist. No one else remembers them. Yet I can close my eyes, and see their faces as clearly as I see yours now. What if it's not some huge conspiracy? What if it is just me?\\
'''Troi:''' What if it is just you?\\
'''Crusher:''' Then I've delayed a mission, frightened a lot of people including myself.\\
'''Troi:''' So what? You've acted in the best interest of your ship and crew. What more could you ask of yourself? If it turns out to be a mistake, then we'll be a little late arriving at Durenia Four. That's all.

[[folder:Meta/General]]
* The main cast became very close with each other during filming and have remained friends during the years. They always speak of what fun they had during filming and how much they enjoy being with each other.
[[/folder]]

-->'''Riva:''' It's a blessing to understand we are special, each in his own way.

'''Picard:''' You had a helping hand in getting me out of this.\\
'''Q:''' I was the one who got you into it. A directive from the Continuum. The part about a helping hand... was my idea.

* In "Genesis", Worf ends up butting heads with Data, who has been made acting captain with Picard and Riker kidnapped. Data pulls Worf aside and tells him that he's being a terrible acting First Officer and he needs to shape up or just return to Tactical. When Worf agrees that he's being terrible and agrees to shape up, Data sends him on his way before calling out and apologizing for possibly ruining their friendship. Worf admits he was the one to jeopardizing their friendship and if Data can overlook his mistakes, he wants to keep being friends, which Data agrees to.

* The end of the first episode, "Encounter at Farpoint" when the two aliens are reunited. Awful episode but damn, that scene was heartwarming (even with Troi's sappiness and the cheesy music.)

*** It's even more sad/heartwarming considering this was Creator/DeForestKelley's final appearance in any Star Trek television series.
*** Also, the story of how it came about. The episode's director was having lunch with [=DeForest=] Kelley and casually joked about him possibly making a cameo. Kelley leaped at the idea and even did it for a standard day player's paycheck rather than the much higher amount he could well have demanded.

** When Troi later succumbs to the effects, she throws herself at Riker, overwhelmed by both the intoxication and the emotions of the crew, but Riker stolidly insists that he take her to sickbay instead (although this does result in Riker, Crusher, and Picard all getting infected as well).

** It's particularly moving in what it shows about humans in general in the Star Trek Universe: we don't dismiss this please as "making illusions" or "tricking us." We say whatever we think BECOMES real. Asides from Picard meeting his mother, we also see a female crewman dancing as a ballerina, a man happily enjoying playing the violin with a group of fellow musicians. Worf sees his childhood pet. The normally straightforward and serious Tasha meeting her cat was lovely (well, at least until it turned into a Flashback of Turkana 4). All these possibilities and not ''one of us'' wished for power, or control, or did anything to harm others. Like Picard, we know that, still with us or not, actually ''existing'' or not, these things and people matter, and are always with us.
* In "Hide and Q", Riker (gifted with [[AGodAmI Q powers]]) gives their blind navigator Geordi real sight for a few moments. The first thing Geordi does is turn to look at Tasha and delivers a line that would've been {{Narm}} if it came from anyone else.
-->'''Geordi:''' ...You're even more beautiful than I imagined.
** Also from this episode, Tasha is stuck on TheBridge with Picard, with Q using it as a "penalty box" and any additional penalties resulting in her falling into nonexistence. While explaining this to Picard, she starts to tear up, and immediately chastises herself for doing so, leading to Picard instituting a new standing order: while in the penalty box, tears are permitted. This successfully gets Tasha to smile a bit, despite the situation.

* The sheer fact that they gave Data clothes to wear. Granted it was because "some of the colonists objected to having an anatomically correct android" running around naked. But look at it this way, they did it out of decency which is also a ''human'' behavior. Something which Data holds in high regard and fascination.

* In "Coming of Age", Wesley forms a friendship with another one of the Starfleet candidates, Mordock, who is exceedingly talented but struggles with certain confidence issues at points in the exam. During one test, Wesley provides him with supportive words that allow Mordock to not just finish it, but finish it in the fastest time of anyone in the class (and second-fastest overall). At the end of the episode, Mordock is the one chosen as the class representative to join the Academy, and he expresses frustration at being picked over Wesley when the latter sacrificed some of his own time to help him during the testing. Wes assures Mordock that he earned his placement regardless and that it doesn't matter because they both know Mordock would have helped Wesley if the situations had been reversed.

** Even if you hate Wesley, Picard reassuring him that he didn't pass his test the first time either is still a very sweet moment.
* "Arsenal of Freedom" has the moment when Riker, Yar, and Data find Capt. Picard and Dr. Crusher trapped in a deep underground cave. When Riker notes that they can't climb down, Data suggests that he would be of more help if he simply jumped down to the injured officers. At that, Riker and Tasha protest that doing so would required falling 11.75 metres, which risks Data being seriously damaged. At that scene, there is no thought of Data being an expendable tool, but as a friend who appears to be taking a serious risk. Fortunately, Data reassures them that his structure can take the impact and, with Riker's permission, he does so, ready to lend a hand below.

* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPE2yaNP9hY Tasha's Memorial Service]] in "Skin of Evil". Could've been bad. Could've been [[{{Narm}} really corny]], but they pulled off with just the right tone, made especially poignant by Data's ultimate confusion about the whole thing, and Picard having to tell him that he hadn't missed the point at all.
** The line that got DummiedOut gets extra points (you can tell where they cut it; they kept Geordi's eyebrow-raising reaction shot)
-->'''Tasha:''' Data? It ''did'' happen.
** Also in the episode: When Deanna Troi responds automatically to the bitter and twisted Armus's question about how much she is willing to give to save her crew. ''Any'' member of the crew: ''Everything''.
** Tasha discovering that Worf bet on her to win the Martial Arts tournament on the ship in "Skin of Evil". This seems like more of a "heh, sweet" moment (or an incredibly clumsy ShipTease) than a SugarWiki/{{Heartwarming Moment|s}}, until you realize this is the episode where she dies and she won't be ''in'' the tournament. Then it becomes a bit of a TearJerker.
** The fact that Tasha left a holo-message for her friends. Her time on the Enterprise was, effectively, her first time with a family who cared about her as an individual, and, knowing that she'd likely die in the line of duty, left them this message, presumably to give them a sense of closure that they couldn't have due to whatever death she would suffer.
** Denise Crosby would say that had she been given more scenes like that, she might not have left so suddenly.

-->'''Data:''' The purpose of this gathering confuses me.
-->'''Picard:''' Oh? How so?
-->'''Data:''' My thoughts are not for Tasha, but for myself. I keep thinking how empty it will feel without her presence. Did I miss the point?
-->'''Picard:''' No, you didn't, Data. You got it.

* Speaking of Troi and Data, in "The Child" When Troi goes into labor, Data offers to stay with her. [[DrJerk Dr. Pulaski]] objects, stating that she needs human contact and Data is nothing more than a machine. Troi defends him and personally asks him to stay with her while she gives birth.
** Not to mention his expressions and voice afterward. When Data thanks Troi for allowing him to participate, he sounds so ''awed''.

* "Loud As A Whisper." Riva, a deaf negotiator - with his [[PowerTrio "chorus"]] in tow - is being introduced to the bridge crew, and when he meets [[BlindBlackGuy Geordi]], they have a ''wonderful'' bonding moment.
-->'''Geordi:''' It is my pleasure to meet you, sir.
-->'''Riva:''' What is that you're wearing?
-->'''Geordi:''' A [=VISOR=]. It interprets the electromagnetic spectrum and then carries the readings to my brain.
-->'''Riva:''' And without it, can you see?
-->'''Geordi:''' Without it, I'm as blind as a stump.
-->'''Riva:''' Then your visor serves the same function as my Chorus, [[{{Telepathy}} which interprets my thoughts and translates them into sound?]]
-->'''Geordi:''' Yes.
-->'''Riva:''' And you don't resent it?
-->'''Geordi:''' The [=VISOR=] or being blind?
-->'''Riva:''' Either.
-->'''Geordi:''' [[IAmWhatIAm No, since they're both part of me, and I really like who I am, there's no reason for me to resent either one.]]
-->'''Riva:''' What is your position on the ship?
-->'''Geordi:''' I'm the [[TheEngineer Chief Engineer]], sir.

-->'''Geordi:''' Yes. ''Yes,'' that's the way I feel ''exactly!''
** Also, Data being amazing and learning ''all'' known sign language, in a matter of ''minutes,'' just for Riva.
* [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YzxgzxH8UCs The final scene]] of "The Measure of a Man" when Data comes to the briefing room to cheer up Riker. Riker was still kicking himself about [[CruelToBeKind the role he was forced to play]], the prosecutor that could have condemned the android. Data simply tells him that he is not only well aware that Riker had no choice in the matter, but will never forget that making that sacrifice gave him his one chance to win his freedom:
-->'''Data:''' Sir, there is a celebration on the Holodeck. \\

* The crew cheering Data on in "Peak Performance" during the Stratagema game. More so when he wins and quips "I did not win. I busted him up." Yes!
** Adding to that heartwarming is that all through the episode, one person has persistently been Data's biggest supporter - Doctor Pulaski. She pushes him to play the first time, she tries to get him out of his funk, and she goes to Picard to get him to talk some sense into him. Over the course of the season, she went from treating him like a tool to his biggest cheerleader.

* In "Up The Long Ladder" Pulaski saves Worf from embarrassment from catching a childhood illness, so he brings her a Klingon tea ceremony. She knows what it is and what it means, and thanks him for the honor.
* While most people tend to focus on the Wesley/Salia relationship in "The Dauphin", the one between Anya and Worf is Heartwarming in its own way. Unlike many visiting aliens who tend to look down on Worf (or the other way around), the two show each other respect even when they temporarily are at odds. At the end Worf comes to escort her home, and they part on good terms and with the hope that the next time they fight, it will be on the same side.

** This extends to the rest of the senior staff. Neither Worf nor Data discourages Wesley even though both have a vested interest in ensuring the mission's success and ship's security by avoiding this potential diplomatic disaster. Even Picard ''asks'' Wesley to back off, he doesn't order because he admits that it isn't his place. It's only when Anya's shapeshifting puts the ship in danger that he makes a request, not an order.
* A minor one, but during the scene where the ship is malfunctioning and in danger in "Contagion", Riker and Troi can briefly be seen holding hands on the bridge.
** He also sends her to prepare the crew for an evacuation, a plan he admits is purely for the sake of giving the crew something to focus on rather than the threat of the Iconian programming rewriting the ship’s computers. She hesitates, citing if Riker may need her in his efforts with Taris, with an undercurrent that she wants to stay with him in case things go poorly and the Enterprise is destroyed. But he says that the crew needs her more than he does.

* In "Pen Pals", Picard has ruled that the ship can't assist the aliens of the week because of the Prime Directive. Then Data prepares to shut down his communications with the planet, leading to the bridge crew hearing the alien child he's been talking to pleading for her life...and Picard, for all his distaste for children, for all his dedication to the Federation's laws, can't bring himself to turn his back on them now. It doesn't take long before the Enterprise openly flouts the Prime Directive and saves the planet.

* The plot hijacks the scene by the end in "Contagion," but Wesley coming to Captain Picard because of his difficulty with dealing with the destruction of the Yamato, the Enterprise's sister ship. He's struggling to process the fact that roughly a thousand people died in a senseless accident, and wants to know how the officers around him can accept it. Before being distracted by the plot, Picard is already giving him the start of [[PatrickStewartSpeech a speech]] on how we can handle these events but it is still valuable to be affected by it.

* "The Bonding": Jeremy Aster is still shellshocked by the death of his mother. Cue Captain Picard (who is not comfortable with kids) reassuring him with this:
-->'''Picard''': Jeremy, on the starship ''Enterprise'', no one is alone. ''[takes his hand]'' No one.

*** This is particularly heartwarming, because it shows that there is no actual villain in this episode. No one has any malice or bad intentions. Every single character is concerned only with doing what they think is best for Jeremy's sake to get him through this painful time.
* The ending of "Who Watches the Watchers" is very heart-warming. And tear-jerking. And so awesome.
-->'''Nuria''': You have taught us there is nothing beyond our reach.\\

** Picard keeps the cloth and uses it as a cover for the headrest on the chair in his ready room, a place it will keep on the ''Enterprise''-E up until it disappears in Nemesis.[[note]]The director never watched an episode and unfortunately disregarded things of significance and continuity.[[/note]]

* "Yesterday's Enterprise" sees one from Guinan. They've just experienced a hellish AlternateTimeline where Guinan sees Tasha Yar alive and well, despite the fact that Tasha was supposed to have ''died'' before Guinan joined the ship. Once the timeline is restored and Tasha gets a HeroicSacrifice fate instead, Guinan sits down in the original Ten-Foward with Geordi, and asks:
-->'''Guinan:''' Tell me about Tasha.

* In the episode "The Offspring", when Data creates a daughter named Lal (which means "Beloved" in Hindi), there are a few aaaww moments. One that really stands out is when Lal observes how humans hold hands to show affection. When she next sees her father, they just hold hands for a while.
** This also happens at the end when [[spoiler:Lal fails. Data says she "so enriched his life" that he couldn't just forget her and he took her memories and put them into his positronic brain, saying she'd always be with him]].

-->'''Crusher:''' Just help her realize that she's not alone, and be there to nurture her when she needs love and attention.
-->'''Data:''' I can give her attention, Doctor. But I am incapable of giving her love.
-->'''Crusher:''' Now, why do I find that so hard to believe?

* At the end of the episode "Deja Q", Q's expressions of gratitude to the crew of the ''Enterprise'' were mostly viewed as annoyances, but Q giving Data a moment of laughter was purely heartwarming.
** The fact that the crew took him in and gave him protection at all after all he had done to them was fairly heartwarming and a complete subversion of HumansAreBastards. And they do all get rewarded in the end, in a sense: from then on, Q acts as a TricksterMentor to them instead of an antagonist.

** Despite all the insults being slung about, the crew works to protect Q even though it would be much easier to just let the aliens take him, and Q sacrifices himself for them instead of hiding away. [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther Aw look they really do sort of care about each other]]!
** Q’s willingness to sacrifice his life to save the crew from Calamarain becomes even more significant after watching Voyager’s “Death Wish”, in which it becomes clear that not only is death for the Q more terrifying as they are immortal and never had to deal with it, but suicide is also viewed as the greatest crime for them to commit (the view which Q himself especially argues in that episode). For him to not only be willing to die but to in essence break that taboo and commit suicide in “Deja Q” speaks volumes of his changed feelings for Data and the crew as a whole.
* In "Sins of the Father," Worf explains his situation and asks Picard for a leave of absence. Picard refuses.
-->'''Picard:''' If I understand correctly, a Starfleet officer, a respected member of my crew, could be charged with a capital crime. Your actions on this matter will reflect on this ship, and on the Federation. Therefore, it seems only appropriate that your captain should be at your side while you make your challenge. I'm sure you would do no less for me."

* Kind of weird how many SugarWiki/HeartwarmingMoments Data gets, being the TinMan of the crew. Perhaps Riker put it best in "The Most Toys":
-->'''Riker:''' For an android with no feelings, he sure managed to evoke them in others.
** Geordi refusing to accept Data's apparent death, going over every scrap of evidence repeatedly looking for some proof that his friend is still alive. Finally, he [[EurekaMoment remembers the audio logs]] and discovers [[OutOfCharacterAlert something that Data would never have done]] (specifically, not announcing his departure from Fajo's ship) and uses that to build an argument that Data is alive.
* At the closing of "Sarek", Picard's exchange with Sarek's wife.
-->'''Picard''': He loves you, very much.\\

* The ending of "Tin Man", when Data talks to Counselor Troi about the disappearance of her friend Tam. There's a rare moment between the two of them (who are literally the most different characters in the show on an emotional level), when Data actually takes a step towards understanding emotions--not just defining them, or explaining how they affect people, but actually ''understanding''. They end with Data turning to the viewscreen, in as close to contentment as he ever gets, and Deanna leaning against him. D'awww.
-->'''Troi:''' Data... you ''do'' understand.\\

* In "Hollow Pursuits", Captain Picard is informed by Riker and Geordi about how Reg Barclay isn't living up to ''Enterprise'' standards, derisively referring to him as 'Broccoli' while doing so. Picard immediately tells them to stop using the nickname, and that he won't give into the easy solution of having Barclay transferred. Instead, he has Geordi find a way to help Barclay live up to ship standards. Best part is, it works: Barclay goes on to become one of the best members of the engineering staff (and one of the best in Starfleet), and years after leaving, he still considers his time aboard the ''Enterprise'' as the best of his career. Knowing everything that comes later for Barclay makes Picard's early support very HeartwarmingInHindsight.
* "Transfigurations" has one John Doe who [[LaserGuidedAmnesia doesn't remember his former life]]. He's a very kind man who grows close to Dr. Crusher and the Enterprise crew. Despite Sunad's accusation that he's a violent criminal, John ultimately learns he's not only a good person, but that he and his kind are on the verge of a evolving beyond the physical plane.

* In "The Best of Both Worlds: Part II", [[WhoopiEpiphanySpeech Guinan's speech to Riker]] [[DareToBeBadass urging him to stop worrying about being stuck in Picard's shadow and be a badass captain himself]].
* The episode "Family" tugged on the heartstrings a bit, but the defining moment was the conclusion, in which Captain Picard gets into a fight with his brother over past differences, breaks down about his experience with the Borg (which was essentially a MindRape and he hadn't come to terms with it yet), and then they get crazy drunk together, finally reconciled after decades.

** Worf's adopted parents in general. They can be a bit much(as all parents can be), but they are genuinely kind, sweet people who love their son unconditionally. While they are not entirely understanding of what Worf is going through with his discommendation, they know they have to be there for him to make sure he's doing okay. They cap it off by telling him just how proud they are of him. All while Worf despaired the whole time that he had "dishonored" them
-->'''Worf:''' I must bear my dishonor ''alone''.
-->'''Sergey:''' That is not true.
-->'''Helena:''' I'm sorry if this is too human of us but, whenever you are suffering, you must remember we are with you.
-->'''Sergey:''' And that we're [[SoProudOfYou proud of you,]] and that we love you.
-->'''Helena:''' You're our son. (Worf smiles and holds their hands)

** The fact that these two, despite being human, did their best to support Worf's desire to embrace his heritage, up to and including cooking Klingon meals for him, despite not having the stomach for Klingon cuisine themselves.

-->'''Marie:''' He's still out there... dreaming about starships and adventures. It's getting late...
-->'''Robert:''' Yes...but let him dream.

** This is even more emotional for modern viewers who have seen ''Nemesis'' and [[FanonDiscontinuity reluctantly choose not to blanch its existence from their minds]]. [[spoiler: Turns out, everybody ''does'' die after all.]]

* This is a small moment, but when Picard helps Beverly up from the floor after she crashes through the vortex in "Remember Me", Beverly hugs him. A proper squeeze, too, and Captain "no-touching-I-am-dignified" Picard ''squeezes back''. This was the only time out of two that they've hugged on the show (the second being in "The Host"), while not possessed, drunk, or impersonated by aliens.
** Wesley gets a hug too. TheScrappy he may be, but a son reuniting with his mother, both convinced they'd never see each other again earlier, can always tug the heartstrings.

** There's a meta level to all of this - in the years since the episode first aired, it's becoming more documented that women are not as believed when reporting things like abuse and harassment (to say nothing of victim blaming). In this episode, the only person who ever suggests that Crusher is perhaps hallucinating the crew steadily decreasing, vanishing from existence as if they'd never existed, is Crusher herself, about halfway through, only because she's unsure if she is when there's no evidence. And on top of that, even when she does, Deanna immediately shuts down the idea that she is crazy for having done so.

* "Legacy." Picard thanks Tasha's sister, Ishara, for helping them on the planet, only for Ishara to bitterly reply "I don't run away when things get tough, like some people," referring to her late sister. Of course, Picard ain't havin' that.

* Worf spends the majority of "Reunion" refusing to acknowledge Alexander as his son, due to the ramifications of Worf's discommendation and wanting to shield him from them. But at the end of the episode, after K'Ehleyr has been murdered by Duras, and Worf has slain Duras in response, leaving Worf as Alexander's only remaining family, aside from Worf's adoptive parents (who take Alexander in until the following season), he accepts the responsibility of fatherhood.
-->'''Alexander:''' Are you my father?\\

* In "Future Imperfect", where Riker wakes up 16 years in the future with no memory of what happened, he finds out that he has a son. He offers to bond with the boy and recreate their father-son relationship.
** Once Riker realizes he's in a holographic world, he starts acting aggressive to all of his “crew members”. The only one he spares is Troi, whom he merely warns to back off. He may have discovered the world was fake, but he would never talk harshly to Troi.

* "The Loss." Troi struggles to cope with the sudden, well, loss, of her empathic abilities. She doesn't cope well at all, and even snaps at Picard at one point, refusing to be condescended to or [[DontYouDarePityMe pitied]], and asks to resign. But Picard brings her into his office a second time, wanting her to try and help Data make contact with a cluster of beings enveloping the ship before they're all pulled into a cosmic string. Picard makes it abundantly clear that she's TheHeart, with or without her abilities, and his request ends with this heartfelt line:

* The end of "Data's Day" is quite uplifting, but Captain Picard visiting the newborn baby and telling him "Welcome aboard" is wonderful.

-->''There are still many human emotions that I do not fully comprehend. Anger, hatred, revenge. But I am not mystified by the desire to be loved, or the need for friendship. These are things I do understand.''

* A couple in the episode (not [[Film/StarTrekFirstContact the movie]]) "First Contact" between Picard and Chancellor Durken, who woke up that morning as the leader of a whole world and now finds that his world is only one of many: "But I think it was a good day." Later, when he learns that the Federation has been covertly observing his people, Durken angrily confronts Picard... and then admits he might have made a similar error in Picard's place, and it actually pleases him to know the aliens are not infallible. Picard wryly observes that he has made "some fine [mistakes] in my time."

** Data would rather suffer a court martial and be "stripped down to [his] wires" to find out why he's lying to Captain Picard than endanger the lives of the crew.
* At the end of "Night Terrors," the way Data gently orders Picard and the rest of the crew to bed, in his last act as acting captain.

* "Identity Crisis" puts Geordi's life in danger, and while Data insists he is incapable of worry, he admits that he is "strongly motivated" to come up with a solution.

* "The Drumhead": [[AFatherToHisMen Picard stands up for Simon Tarses]] against [[KnightTemplar Norah Satie]]'s accusations after Tarses admits his grandfather wasn't Vulcan, but Romulan.

* "The Host" swung back and forth between this and TearJerker, but one of the sweetest scenes ever to hit ''Franchise/StarTrek'' occurred between Beverly Crusher and Odan (hosted at that time in Will Riker's body). She'd walked away from her relationship with Odan because she couldn't deal with him essentially living inside someone she'd basically considered a brother for years, but when she sees the rosebud Odan gave her blooming on her desk, she goes to where he's staying, resulting in this sexy, adorable dialogue (which also proved that Gates [=McFadden=] and Jonathan Frakes could fucking '''act'''):
-->'''Beverly''': [on how to administer anti-rejection medications in the middle of diplomatic talks] You could schedule a series of breaks...\\

** Guinan sticking up for Ro Laren, vouching for her with Picard and naming her a friend...a woman she only just met. Made even more heartwarming when Picard states, "Guinan is very selective about whom she calls a friend."

* In "Darmok", there is the growing friendship between Picard and Dathon, the captain of the Tamarian vessel. They cannot understand each other, not truly, for most of the episode, but nevertheless forge a bond nonetheless. The scene where Picard [[spoiler: having worked out that the Tamarians communicate through metaphorical cultural references - which he does not understand, but whose meaning he begins to decipher - tells the dying Tamarian the Tale of Gilgamesh]] is one of beauty. [[spoiler: Dathon obviously doesn't understand all of what Picard is saying, but starts to see the similar themes between Gilgamesh and his own species' hero, the titular Darmok. He slips away, smiling, knowing that his efforts in bringing the Federation and his people closer together was not completely in vain.]]

* At the end of the episode "Disaster", the three children Picard shepherded through danger by deputizing them as officers present him with an adorable plaque. The real CMOH comes when he gives the bridge to "Number One" and both Riker and the eldest girl respond.
** Picard and the children singing “Frère Jacques” as they climb up the turbolift shaft.
* The look on Spock's face when he mind-melds with Picard at the end of "Unification." He FINALLY finds out his father, Sarek, [[SoProudOfYou loved and respected him for all these years and gets the closure that he needed]].

** Listen to the way Spock speaks. (Most notably when he is first speaking to Picard, "You cannot remain here, Captain Picard!", or later, Sela, "I'm afraid I don't know too much about Romulan disruptor settings.") His voice no longer exudes a neutral, logical tone. He seems to have found a balance between his human and Vulcan sides, which is later shown in ''Film/StarTrek2009'' [[spoiler:when he meets his alternate self face-to-face in the alternate timeline.]]

* The moment in "New Ground" which introduces Alexander when Riker and Worf save the endangered animals. It wasn't anything big, it wasn't anything anyone would have noticed...they did it because a little boy begged them not to leave them behind.
** Worf's interactions with his Adopted Mother, fussing over him, pointing out a touch of grey in his beard. Notice his warm smile as she does this even as he squirms away.
* "Hero Worship": Pretty much all of Data's interactions with Timothy, the ten year old boy who was the sole survivor of his destroyed vessel. He pretty much latches onto Data, going so far as wanting to be an android himself. This is also partly TearJerker as the ''real'' reason he wants to be an android is because they don't have emotions, and ergo, he wouldn't have to feel the grief and guilt of [[SurvivorsGuilt losing his entire family]].
* The usually stoic and unyieldingly stubborn Worf accepting his son Alexander's help (indeed, ''asking'' for it) in relearning how to walk at the end of the episode "Ethics".

** When Geordi is explaining why friendship is so important and valuable to non-Borg species, Hugh thinks it over for a moment and then says, "Like Hugh and Geordi," seeming pleased with himself that he understands what friendship is. Geordi's response of surprise that Hugh already considers him a friend is touching.

* The episode [[http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/The_Inner_Light "The Inner Light"]] is made of this trope, but it reaches an all-time high at the end when Picard discovers he still knows how to play Kamin's tune of the flute... ''[[TearJerker sniff]]''

* The first part of "Time's Arrow" has one after the crew find evidence that Data is going to die (i.e. his severed head buried underground in San Francisco... it's a time paradox thing). The reaction of the crew is, in Deanna's words, like discovering someone you love has a terminal illness, and people start acting ''awkward'' around him (like stopping conversations whenever he enters a room). The fact that the entire crew, including ''the captain'', spends the best part of the episode trying to keep him away from any incidents that might result in his predestined death is heartwarming enough, but by far the sweetest moment is when Data confronts Deanna and Will about their behavior and Riker quotes:

* The second part of "Time's Arrow" has one after one of the aliens escapes through the time vortex back to the 24th century. While the rest of the crew go after him, Picard stays behind with the younger Guinan (who was injured).
-->'''Picard:''' You were hurt. I had to make sure you were all right.\\

* Scotty toasting the recreation of the ''Enterprise'' (no bloody A, B, C, ''or'' D, thank you!) bridge, and [[ToAbsentFriends the memory of his former shipmates]], in "Relics."
-->'''Scotty:''' Here's to ye, lads.

* Picard smiling ''and laughing'' when he gets stabbed in the heart at the end of "Tapestry", knowing his life would be restored to its normal timeline.
** There's a callback here to when he was discussing the accident with Wesley in an episode years earlier - Picard ''remembers'' laughing out loud, though at the time, he didn't know why. Read a certain way, it seems Q has been having a hand in helping Jean-Luc out for much longer than it seems.

** Just heartwarming that Q did all this just to teach Picard that the parts of his past he didn't like shaped him into the man he is, freeing him from those regrets.

* In "Rascals" Ro is dismayed (even more than the others) at being a child again, as she had a horrifying childhood. Guinan, also turned into a child, tries to coax her into playing, and introduces her to the simple joy of jumping on the bed. Ro, in spite of herself, has a lot of fun for probably the first time in her life.

---> And though you are not sentient, Spot and do not comprehend\\

* In ''Interface'', Geordi disobeys Captain Picard's orders to not use the interface to try and use the interface to save his mother due to the risk it posed to Geordi's life. Data tries to stop him but ends up helping when Geordi gives him an ultimatum and is forced by Geordi to remove the safety limits on the interface. Without giving away anything other than Geordi surviving, Picard tells Geordi that this will be put in his permanent record. Either right before Picard actually says this or right after, Geordi accepts this and that he takes full responsibility for the incident. Picard (and the viewer knowledgeable about Geordi and Data's friendship) see right through this, but HW points to Geordi to take the heat for Data after putting the android in, in Data's words, "in a difficult position."

* The end of "[[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS7E11ThePegasus The Pegasus]]" shows a very subtle but still heartwarming moment. To explain, Riker has just turned himself in for being part of an immoral captain's actions in his early days in Starfleet. Picard later walks into his cell in the brig and has a talk. Essentially, he realized Riker had made a rookie mistake: JustFollowingOrders when he didn't realize the orders were immoral. He then assures Riker that while he made a mistake, he ''owned up'' to that mistake once he realized the implications. This means he's really a just man, and given that, Picard is willing to trust Riker to keep the Starfleet code from here out and then ''lets him out''.

* In the episode "Inheritance", when Data meets Juliana, who is essentially his "mother", there's a touching ContinuityNod to "The Offspring" when she finds out about Lal, and exclaims, equal parts ecstatic and heartbroken, "I had a ''granddaughter''?"

** There are so many moments in the episode that stand out, but there's something oddly sweet about the fact Juliana has embarrassing childhood stories, that she and Soong actually had arguments about whether he'd be male or female, that she's so interested in finding out about his life and experiences. It means Data actually HAD a childhood.

* In "Parallels," Worf keeps shifting into different realities. The last one is fairly idyllic - he's first officer, married to Troi and has two children with her. However, in this reality, Alexander doesn't exist and such a thought saddens Worf.
** In that reality, the events of "The Best of Both Worlds" ended instead with Picard dying and Riker staying captain. When events allow for this alternate Riker to speak to our Picard, he tells him (with a wistful sadness), "It's good to see you again, Captain. It's been a long time."
** In the same installment, in earlier quantum reality, Worf asks Troi to be Alexander's Soh-chIm, which would make her the human equivalent of a stepsister. Troi considers a great honor, but notes that it would make her mother his stepmother. After a double-take, Worf decides it is a risk he is "willing to take."
** At Worf's birthday party Troi gives Worf Alexander's gift as Alexander is currently on Earth visiting Worf's foster parents. It's a clay molding of the ridges on his forehead, Worf smiles fondly at the gift and proudly calls it "the ridges of a Warrior".

* The final scene in [[http://memory-alpha.org/en/wiki/All_Good_Things "All Good Things"]], when Picard finally joins in on the crew's poker game.
-->'''Picard''': I should have done this a long time ago.\\

** From that same episode, Q actually congratulating Picard for figuring out the puzzle, and in the larger context, proving humanity was worthy to continue its trek through the stars. And Picard actually ''thanking'' Q. Both sentiments of course were ''very'' begrudged. Not to mention, Q goes on to acknowledge that it was his doing that got Picard into the whole mess, a level of personal responsibility Q is not typically inclined to express.

** When Picard returns to Troi's quarters in the present from the past, he says that he'd just been with Tasha. He doesn't use the more formal Lieutenant Yar, or clarify that it specifically was Tasha Yar, just expects that when he says 'Tasha,' Troi knows he means their fallen friend. Six years after her death, she's still remembered and loved by the crew.

* Meta heartwarming - Creator/GatesMcFadden left the show after season 1 due to being underutilized, not to mention some sexual harassment from head writer Maurice Hurley. Her surprise return in the season 3 premiere [[Recap/StarTrekTheNextGenerationS3E1Evolution "Evolution"]] (which was after Hurley left), was ''warmly'' welcomed by Trekkies. To say nothing of her seriously awesome new hairdo.
* As with all the Trek series, the TNG cast became close friends over the years. And even Denise Crosby, [[WeHardlyKnewYe despite leaving during season one]], is still included among them at conventions.

-->'''Worf:''' Yes. I am your father.\\

-->"Will Riker, your First Officer! He's... he's ''very'' good at playing poker, loves to cook; he-he listens to jazz music, plays the trombone. Commander Data, the android who sits at Ops. ''Dreams'' of being human. Never gets the punchline of a joke. Deanna Troi, your ship's counselor, half-Betazoid, loves chocolate; the arrival of her mother makes you shudder. O'Brien, Geordi, Worf. Wesley, my ''son''! They all have been the living, breathing heart of this crew for over three years! They deserve more than to be shrugged off... brushed aside, just pinched out of existence like that. They all do. They deserve ''so much more''."

-->'''Crusher:''' Deanna, I've delivered babies that no longer exist. No one else remembers them. Yet I can close my eyes, and see their faces as clearly as I see yours now. What if it's not some huge conspiracy? What if it is just me?
-->'''Troi:''' What if it is just you?
-->'''Crusher:''' Then I've delayed a mission, frightened a lot of people including myself.
-->'''Troi:''' So what? You've acted in the best interest of your ship and crew. What more could you ask of yourself? If it turns out to be a mistake, then we'll be a little late arriving at Durenia Four. That's all.

* Worf spends the majority of "Reunion" refusing to acknowledge Alexander as his son, due to the ramifications of Worf's discommendation and wanting to shield him from them. But at the end of the episode, after K'Ehleyr has been murdered by Duras, and Worf has slain Duras in response, leaving Worf Alexander's only remaining family, aside from Worf's adoptive parents (who take Alexander in until the following season), he accepts the responsibility of fatherhood.
-->'''Alexander:''' Are you my father?
-->'''Worf:''' Yes. I am your father.

** Once Riker realizes he’s in a holographic world, he starts acting aggressive to all of his “crew members”. The only one he spares is Troi who he merely warns to back off. He may have discovered the world was fake, but he would never talk harshly to Troi.

-->'''Troi:''' I really would rather be alone right now.
-->'''Riker:''' Too bad. ''*pulls her into a hug*''

* The genuine friendship that’s developed between Barclay and Geordi and Troi by the time of “The Nth Degree,” to the point that Troi seems to be Barclay’s biggest supporter (which carries over to ''[[Series/StarTrekVoyager Voyager]]''). Truly a far cry from “Broccoli” and the Goddess of Empathy.

-->'''Deanna:''' What I wouldn't give to hear those songs again.

-->'''Picard:''' Beverly. Whatever else I may be to you, I'm your friend. I can only imagine what you're going through [right now]. And I just want you to know that... I'm here for you.

--->'''Worf:''' Permission to return to duty, sir.\\

** Another Lwaxana moment: In "Dark Page," when the telepath is describing Lwaxana's image of Deanna. "She has an image of you. It's even more beautiful." As exasperated as Troi often is with her mother, and as irritating as the woman can be, Llwaxana positively adores her daughter.

* The end of "The Pegasus" shows a very subtle but still heartwarming moment. To explain, Riker has just turned himself in for being part of an immoral captain's actions in his early days in Starfleet. Picard later walks into his cell in the brig and has a talk. Essentially, he realized Riker had made a rookie mistake: JustFollowingOrders when he didn't realize the orders were immoral. He then assures Riker that while he made a mistake, he ''owned up'' to that mistake once he realized the implications. This means he's really a just man, and given that, Picard is willing to trust Riker to keep the Starfleet code from here out and then ''lets him out''.

** It even pays off during the episode itself - when Picard is pushing back on his current orders, demanding that he relocate a colony of Native Americans, find the historical parallels too uncomfortable to simply ignore, he makes a plea to the admiral, and, with noticeable sorrow and regret, Nechayev admits that she made the same arguments to Starfleet Command and the Federation Council, and had them dismissed. It's a moment that shows that she DOES fully understand the difficulty that Picard is going through in this mission, and sympathizes, even if she can't do anything about the orders he's been given and must push him to carry them out.