[such12]

Can you give an example of the kind of conflict you thought was pointless? Early TNG seemed like a new age cult to me, and then it became more real without losing the positivity.

[pencilguin]

It really was a New Age cult. The writers tried what they were told to do, but it was obvious they were just going through the motions.

Mostly they were glad to have work.

[liveoneggs]

early TNG, literally, re-used TOS problems and solutions (aka plots). It was like a best-of playlist. Absolutely ridiculous as a television show.

[Aloha]

This isn't uncommon in TV series. How many I Love Lucy plots were recycled later on? All in the Family? I can go on, but great writing and plots are often reused later.