Herbert J. Wright (9 November 1947 – 24 August 2005; age 57) was the writer or co-writer of four episodes of Star Trek: The Next Generation. He was also a Co-Producer during the show's first season, (from "Encounter at Farpoint" to "Skin of Evil"), and a producer on six episodes of the fifth season (from "The Masterpiece Society" to "Cause and Effect").

After he graduated from Yale with honors, Wright moved to Hollywood to begin working in the filmmaking industry. He also studied in Japan as an exchange student, during which he met with legendary director Akira Kurosawa, and begin his lifelong study of martial arts.

Wright wrote the episode "The Last Outpost", which introduced the Ferengi. He also wrote the second Ferengi episode, "The Battle". Because of this, he has been dubbed the "Father of the Ferengi". As a joke reference, a character (Herb Wright) named after him was listed in a Starfleet office directory in TNG: "Violations".

Wright wrote the second draft of David Gerrold's controversial, unproduced episode, "Blood and Fire", which he retitled "Blood and Ice". Wright kept the same basic adventure, but removed the allegedly gay characters and the AIDS allegory. Despite the rewrite, this version remained unfilmed as well. Wright left the show near the end of the first season due to disagreements with other staff members, Maurice Hurley in particular, although he later made a brief return to the show as a producer for part of the fifth season.

Wright previously worked with Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry when the latter was developing the film The Questor Tapes. The project fell through, however, as Roddenberry left the production due to creative differences with the studio. Wright was an associate producer on the television series McCloud, which starred Diana Muldaur. Other TV series he produced include The Six Million Dollar Man, Night Gallery, and Hunter. He also wrote for the latter series.

Wright passed away on 24 August 2005. He was 57 years old.

Writing Credits Edit

• TNG:
  • "The Last Outpost" (teleplay)
  • "The Battle" (teleplay)
  • "Heart of Glory" (story)
  • "Power Play" (teleplay)

External link Edit

• Herbert J. Wright at the Internet Movie Database