I have started watching Star Trek: The Next Generation because I've never seen more than one or two episodes. As a Star Wars guy, I've got to say that I don't understand the rivalry, but it's a pretty decent show so far.
Also, I am seriously concerned about my soon-to-be roomie's social skills and I am beginning to understand why our other friend (with whom my roomie lives now) has made certain comments over the years.
ST:TNG episode "The Inner Light" is one of my favourite pieces of tv, ever. Enjoy.
Another great one is Data's trial, that's pretty early on as I recall. The one where he's required to defend his personhood; some great commentary on what it is to be 'human'.
As a kid I didn't "get" Data at all or the subtexts throughout, but it's definitely got me hooked for the moment. I still haven't seen the original Star Trek (very much of it, anyway) and I know there are a bunch of other series. Any idea on how I should approach them (or should I)?
You can make it. It may not be pleasant and you may find yourself spending less time at home than usual if things get bad, but you can make it. If you haven't lived with roommates in a while I advise you to address conflicts non-passionately but with immediacy. If you have, then you know what you're doing and you'll be fine.
I wish I had a good story! The dude is nice enough, he just... gives me teh heebie jeebies. He walks around super quietly all the time and has a strange gait, and these super dead eyes and smile that make it hard for me to look at him. Like... he's not smiling, it's a totally neutral expression, but his lips naturally curl just slightly. he also has the most unsettling voice I've ever heard. It's deeper than it should be for how he looks, but it isn't a deep voice, and for some reason, it's extremely soothing, but in a way that my brain doesn't take it as a relaxing sound, it immediately tells me "FUCKING RUN."