10 Best Episodes of ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’

Over a span of three seasons and 79 episodes, ‘Star Trek: The Original Series‘ pioneered fundamental themes and characters that significantly impacted science fiction for years to come. The escapades of Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Dr. McCoy, and the Enterprise crew transported viewers from nerve-wracking confrontations on the frontier of explored space to ethical dilemmas that remain relevant today.

This collection spotlights ten remarkable episodes, often praised by fans and scholars for their storytelling power, world creation, and influence on the ‘Star Trek’ series as a whole. Each entry provides a brief summary of the plot, production information, notable guest appearances, and how each episode left a lasting impact on the broader ‘Star Trek’ universe.

In this version, I aimed to make it more conversational and easier to read while preserving the original meaning and structure.

The City on the Edge of Forever

In simple terms, Kirk, along with his companions Spock, find themselves chasing an unintentionally drugged McCoy through a mysterious time gateway called the Guardian of Forever. Their unexpected destination is Depression-era New York City. Here, Kirk encounters Edith Keeler and comes to understand that preserving her life means altering their own future. This tough decision ultimately leads them back to the original timeline.

The episode was penned by Harlan Ellison and steered by Joseph Pevney, featuring Joan Collins as a special guest star, Edith Keeler. It unveiled the Guardian of Forever, garnered significant science fiction accolades, and continues to be a benchmark for subsequent portrayals and references in ‘Star Trek’ productions.

Balance of Terror

In their exploration, Starship Enterprise examines the wrecked settlements located near the Neutral Zone boundary. There, they find themselves locked in a nerve-wracking game of chase with a Romulan warship, resembling a bird in flight – the Bird of Prey. On board, the resemblance between Romulans and Vulcans stirs doubts among the crew, while Captain Kirk and his Romulan counterpart engage in strategic maneuvers across the vastness of space, probing each other’s strategies.

In this rendition, the episode was scripted by Paul Schneider and helmed by Vincent McEveety. It marked the debut of the Romulans, the Neutral Zone, and an early instance of a cloaking device. Mark Lenard played the Romulan Commander in it, who would later be known for his role as Sarek, thereby establishing a significant connection between the two civilizations that the series went on to delve into further.

Amok Time

In simpler terms, Spock is going through a powerful emotional event known as pon farr which requires him to return to Vulcan for an age-old ritual. This ritual could result in his union with his chosen partner or trigger a fierce contest instead. To everyone’s surprise, Kirk finds himself matched against Spock in this ceremonial battle, with the outcome holding significant consequences for both their lives.

Theodore Sturgeon penned the script, Joseph Pevney took charge of the production, and Celia Lovsky portrayed T’Pau, while Arlene Martel played T’Pring. This particular episode showcased the first on-screen visit to Vulcan, introduced key Vulcan rituals like their salute and farewell phrase, and established cultural elements that influenced later ‘Star Trek’ series and movies – all in this groundbreaking piece of television.

Mirror, Mirror

An unexpected transport mishap during a violent ion storm leads to Kirk, Uhura, McCoy, and Scotty exchanging places with their counterparts from an extremely hostile alternate dimension called the Mirror Universe. The crew must disguise themselves as these doppelgängers while they seek a means of return, all under the watchful eye of Mirror Spock with his distinctive beard.

In simpler terms, Jerome Bixby wrote an episode and Marc Daniels directed it, setting the blueprint for Mirror Universe stories in ‘Star Trek’ that continued for many years. This concept introduced the Terran Empire and inventions like the agonizer, establishing a consistent alternate timeline within the franchise filled with unique politics and symbolism.

The Trouble with Tribbles

At Space Station K7, The Enterprise receives an urgent message and encounters trouble-causing creatures called tribbles that multiply rapidly, overwhelming the station’s spaces and interfering with its functions. As these furry pests take over, they inadvertently expose a saboteur who was secretly trying to sabotage grain shipments destined for Sherman’s Planet.

The episode was penned by David Gerrold and helmed by Joseph Pevney. William Campbell portrayed Klingon captain Koloth, and the episode debuted quadrotriticale as a disputed freight. Later installments in the ‘Star Trek’ chronology revisited these events, and tribbles, a distinctive species within the franchise, made their first appearance.

Space Seed

The team uncovers the SS Botany Bay and reawakens Khan Noonien Singh, a ruthless tyrant genetically created in Earth’s past. Khan conspires with historian Marla McGivers to take control of the Enterprise, causing Kirk to outsmart him and make a decision about his destiny instead of sending him back to Earth for trial, avoiding any potential danger.

The Wrath of Khan’. This connection between the series and film was established.

The Doomsday Machine

In my journey, encountering the USS Constellation leaves me shocked by the destruction it’s suffered. I learn of a cosmic menace-a planet-devouring device-traversing space, leaving ruin in its wake. Commodore Matt Decker, driven by an unyielding determination, becomes consumed with destroying this monstrous machine. Captain Kirk, ever the courageous leader, puts the Enterprise at risk to thwart this advancing peril.

As a movie critic, let me say that in this particular episode, Norman Spinrad penned the script while Marc Daniels took charge behind the camera, with William Windom gracing our screens as Decker. This tale provided one of the most indelible starship standoffs in the series, established the Constellation as a fleet legend, and sparked numerous sequels and allusions within subsequent ‘Star Trek’ productions on television and in literature.

Journey to Babel

At the Enterprise, a diplomatic meeting takes place where disagreements flare up between Andorians, Tellarites, and other representatives. During these discussions, a secret agent from Orion is attempting to disrupt the peace talks, while Spock grapples with a personal predicament as Sarek needs an operation that only he can assist with.

In this episode, D. C. Fontana was the writer, while Joseph Pevney took the director’s seat. This is where we first met Spock’s parents, Sarek and Amanda, played by Mark Lenard and Jane Wyatt respectively. The plot of the episode significantly enlarged the political landscape of the Federation to include Andoria and Tellar as significant member worlds. Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for the family dynamics that would play a crucial role in shaping Spock’s character throughout ‘Star Trek’.

The Devil in the Dark

As a miner on the distant planet of Janus VI, I found myself face-to-face with an enigmatic creature that left its mark in our tunnels – burned passageways and corrosive residue were the unsettling signs we encountered alongside the bodies of my fellow miners. An investigation ensued, leading us to a startling discovery: a silicon-based lifeform known as the Horta was fiercely guarding its nest. After thorough deliberations, we decided to negotiate instead of continuing the conflict, thus preserving both our lives and their home.

Gene L. Coon penned the episode, while Joseph Pevney was in charge of directing. Notably, the Horta’s suit effects and Spock’s mind meld were the highlights. The storyline focused on discovering and interacting with non-human life forms, a concept frequently emphasized as a crucial aspect of exploration within ‘Star Trek’.

The Menagerie

Spock navigates the Enterprise towards Talos IV, carrying an severely injured Captain Pike. Later, he faces a military trial to justify his decision. During the tribunal, it is disclosed that Pike had previous dealings with the Talosians and Spock thinks it’s best for Pike to be on Talos IV.

Gene Roddenberry combined elements from an unbroadcast pilot titled ‘The Cage,’ which was directed by Marc Daniels, to create a two-part narrative. This unique two-part episode aired in ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ and received significant accolades in the science fiction community. Moreover, it introduced Talos IV as a forbidden world that left an enduring impact on subsequent series.

Kindly jot down some of your preferred scenes from these ‘Star Trek: The Original Series’ episodes in the comment section below, and don’t forget to let us know which hour-long episode you believe is most worthy of inclusion!

2025-09-08 22:39