It’s a bit unconventional but it’s necessary to review the most Relatable™ character in Next Gen. Lt. Reginald Barclay appears in only five episodes throughout the entire series, playing just a minor role in the Star Trek universe. However, Barclay’s unique personality resonates with fans and his interactions with the primary characters on the Enterprise D bring an unforgettably awkward comic relief.

Introduced in the Episode “Hollow Pursuits”, Barclay shocks viewers with his brazen confidence and apparent drunken state. Only a few seconds into the episode a conflict breaks out between other beloved characters and this strange, balding lieutenant. A bewildering two minutes ensues as Barclay strikes Geordi La Forge and William Riker before confidently approaching a captivated Deanna Troi, but is is soon revealed that Barclay was in the holodeck the entire time and, thankfully, none of the interactions were real. Barclay’s assuredness falls away and he leaves his simulated fantasy to return to work aboard the Enterprise. The entire episode is full of similar holodeck interactions where Barclay reinvents his sheepish personality to act out what he sees as a more authentic version of himself. Unsurprisingly, having multiple fantasy lives to cope with mild discontent concerning current real-world situations resonates with some viewers. Barclay’s escape from reality is one of the most Human things in Star Trek. Yes, the main characters are heroic and essential to moving plot lines, but Barclay’s episodes are the first time a genuine response to life is depicted. Most people take naps, browse the internet, or watch TV to get away from daily responsibilities, but Barclay interestingly demonstrates how the same habits evolve with available technology in the 24th century. Also, his escapades fascinatingly prove that the holodeck can be programmed to act out original stories rather than just simulations of literary characters.

Another compelling aspect of Lt. Barclay is his intelligence and character development even while dealing with a measure of social anxiety. He suffers from extreme timidity, lack of social graces, and nervous habits such as a stutter and hand ticks, all of which give him an empathetic appeal to fans of the show. His distressed confession to “being afraid all the time… you can’t know” and admission that fantasy people are more real to him than everyone he knows hit close to home for people who have social difficulties (“Hollow Pursuits”). Yet, even with those troubles, Barclay is knowledgeable about the Enterprise and is a valuable addition to the crew. He saves the ship from destruction multiple times due to his technical expertise and determination (“Hollow Pursuits”, “The Nth Degree”, “Realm of Fear”). In the Episode “The Nth Degree”, Barclay is affected by a probe that gives him temporary brilliance. In this state, Barclay grows confident and begins to wonder why he’s been limiting himself. At the episode’s conclusion, it is revealed that Barclay’s psyche had been selected for study by an ancient and hyper-advanced alien race, and Barclay is returned to normal. Initially disappointed that his self-assuredness is gone, Barclay receives heartwarming assurance from Geordi that he is a valued friend and member of the crew.

Barclay’s kindness is exemplified through Spot, Data’s cat, who tolerates only her owner and Barclay. If Spot likes Barclay, everyone should.