On why he left Star Trek: The Next Generation: Basically because I found the work frustrating. I felt there wasn't enough conflict within the characters. I felt that the types of stories we could've done were limited. Humor was not encouraged. Just in terms of the work itself, it was unfulfilling. So I left. They offered me a two-year pay or play commitment, but I still left. I guess I really wanted to go. But I still remained friendly with Michael Piller and he was able to convince me to come back to the fold for DS9.