https://www.cinemablend.com/television/2556457/the-star-trek-the-next-generation-episode-that-gene-roddenberry-apparently-hated
To tell the truth I never liked that episode very much either. The only episode of Trek where you never even see the bridge. Roddenberry was probably right.
Wasn't a fan of the episode as well, especially seeing the whole surroundings looked like something out of the early 1900's, not in the 24th century. But i do liked how it fit in with how Picard handled the psychological issues after he was a Borg.
shareIt was apparently quite controversial for the writing team; From what I have read there was a push to add an SF story to the episode. I glad they didn't. Family was a brilliant episode which defied the usual status quo of failing to follow up on traumatic experiences by the crew.
I respect Roddenberry's vision, but his concepts for the 24th century of TNG were naive and in complete defiance of human nature; as well as making it difficult to write episodes. He was firmly of the belief that humanity (as well as most of our close non-human neighbors) would no longer suffer from any personal or emotional conflict. Characters without conflict make for boring writers.
Luckily, the actual writers were able to inject necessary character into the show. Family was one of the most important, not just for Picard, but for Worf and, to a lesser degree, Wesley.
I can see why. Nobody got raped during that episode..