Star Trek began its continuing mission with these 20 great episodes of the Original Series.
But the truth is far more simple:Star Trek: The Original Seriesis really, really good.
but these 20 episodes best demonstrate howStar Trekbecame the cultural force it is today.
Its always fun to see Kirk play figurative three-dimensional chess with both his enemies and his crew.
External qualities aside, The Galileo Seven presents an excellent test of Spocks morals and of larger Federation ideals.
Sometimes, it enhances the storys moral force, which is certainly the case with A Taste of Armageddon.
Instead of conducting their battles with weapons, their citizens run computer simulations to determine the outcome of battles.
Citizens of the losing side willingly enter disintegration chambers to pay the cost of their defeat.
Thanks to these performances, our own real-world wars look no more reasonable than the computer games Kirk detests.
The Enemy Within (Season 1, Episode 5)
Yes, William Shatner overacts.
If that bothers you, then abandon trying to watchTOSat all.
However, discussions of Klingon evolution too often forget how good the aliens first appearance really is.
Case in point, The Doomsday Machine, written by Norman Spinrad and directed by Marc Daniels.
However, the drama comes from Deckers struggle with survivors guilt after the planet destroyer robbed him of purpose.
But theres a reason that Nicholas Meyer chose Khan as theTOSvillain to bring back for a movie.
Its because Space Seed is a really, really good episode ofStar Trek.
Lt. Marla McGivers (Madlyn Rhue).
You must either embrace the over-the-top nature of the tropes or you must skip the episodes altogether.
Obviously, Arena isnt the all-time best episode, but it does have most ofStar Treks defining qualities.
The Trouble With Tribbles (Season 2, Episode 15)
Not everyone loves it whenTrekgets goofy.
But even those who hate Bride of Chaotica!
As is always the case with sillyTrek, The Trouble With Tribbles wouldnt work without an incredibly game cast.
Its also the steadfast belief that even aliens can learn to co-exist.
As its title suggests, Journey to Babel is all about differences and communication.
Add in some quality McCoy grumpiness, and youve got everything great aboutStar Trek.
The investigations reveal a Horta, a hideous looking monster lurking in the caves.
That woman was Edith Keeler, the compassionate and crusading social worker played by Joan Collins.
