Few television series — if any — have had the cultural impact of Star Trek. Somehow, a show from the 1960s that lasted only three seasons remains relevant.
This weekend, Star Trek Beyond – the 13th movie based on Gene Roddenberry’s creation – will be released. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Original Series. CBS plans a reboot with new episodes beginning next year.
If you haven’t seen the Original Series, you’re missing out. No worries. You can catch every episode on Netflix. Yes, the special effects are dated, some of the fight scenes are laughably bad and William Shatner’s Shakespearean cadence deserves mockery.
Still, the show stands the test of time because of the storytelling. Here are five episodes you should definitely watch:
5. Mirror, Mirror
These days, the concept of having an evil twin is played out and has become clichéd. Back in 1966, the idea was still a fairly new storyline. How different would the polar opposite of you be? Would there be any commonalities? How horrified would you be?
“Mirror, Mirror” attempts to answer some of those hypotheticals. Due to a transporter malfunction, Captain Kirk, McCoy, Scotty and Uhura are thrust into a savage parallel universe. Instead of the Federation being a force for good, it’s an evil empire.
The story focuses on Kirk and the gang trying to blend in because the evil Enterprise crew is unaware of what has happened. In this universe, Spock has a goatee, Sulu is a sexual harasser (Watch out, Uhura!) and officers kill their superiors to get promoted.
The good guys have to work fast to get back to their universe before the evil crew realizes what’s going on. The best part of the episode is the surprise help he gets at the end.
Quote: “Jim, I think I liked him with a beard better. It gave him character. Of course almost any change would be a distinct improvement.”
4. Amok Time
Most of us have friends with different religions, different belief systems. Sometimes, they are hard to comprehend. We don’t understand why they follow a faith that either deeply contradicts our own or seems out of touch. But if we value the friendship, we respect the differences.
This is the core of “Amok Time.” Spock must attend a religious ceremony on his home planet of Vulcan – or die. The most logical member of the Enterprise is irrational and angry and he tries to get to Vulcan but is reluctant to tell Kirk why.
Basically, Spock is in heat and it’s time to get married. But in an unexpected twist, his bride-to-be commands that Spock physically fight for her – against Kirk. Kirk accepts, thinking that it’ll be relatively stress-free. It’s only after that he has accepted the challenge that he realizes it’s a battle to the death.
It seems barbaric,but that is the Vulcan way and Kirk can’t back out.
Quote: “She is yours. After a time, you may find that having is not so pleasing a thing after all as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.”
3. Space Seed
This episode spawned a movie sequel: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan — one of the best science fiction films ever made.
There are many ethical questions surrounding genetic engineering: What will happen when someone does that to a human being? What will these new-age supermen be like?
Kirk and company are about to meet Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically-engineered super criminal.
The Enterprise happens to come across an old ship drifting through space. It’s inhabited by a crew resting in suspended animation. The ship’s name provides a clue: the Botany Bay, which is also the name of an Australian penal colony. After spending centuries in deep sleep, Khan is awakened by Kirk. Of course, Kirk doesn’t learn who Khan truly is until it’s too late.
Khan, with the help of love-struck Starfleet officer Lt. Marla McGivers, revives the rest of the Botany Bay crew and seizes the Enterprise. Kahn attempts to kill Kirk but is thwarted by a guilt-ridden McGivers. Kirk regains control and captures Kahn. In a charitable decision, he maroons Kahn and his followers on a habitable but isolated planet.
Ricardo Montalban’s performance as Khan is terrific. And it’s even better in The Wrath of Khan.
Quote: “I am honored. Thank you. But I caution you: such men dare take what they want.
2. Where No Man Has Gone Before
What would you do if you had to kill your friend? That’s the dilemma facing Kirk.
This is a spin on the theme that absolute power corrupts absolutely. When the Enterprise encounters a strange magnetic storm in deep space, the energy creates a mutation in Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell. Mitchell transforms from a regular Starfleet officer into something insidious.
First sign of trouble is the mysterious glow in Mitchell’s eyes. Then, while recovering in sick bay, he becomes an accomplished speed-reader. The next thing you know, Mitchell develops telepathy and telekinesis. With his new powers, Mitchell sees himself as a God.
Spock, of course, sees the imminent threat before everyone else. Kirk, conflicted due to a friendship that dates to his academy days with Mitchell, is cautious but doesn’t recognize the danger until Mitchell’s powers are near its peak. Kirk has to be persuaded into taking the necessary steps to save the crew and ship.
The show ends with a fistfight – which is kind of ridiculous given Mitchell’s omnipotent abilities. However, the tension and conflict make this episode work.
Quote: “You have one other choice. Kill Mitchell while you still can.”
1. City On The Edge of Forever
This is the gold standard of Star Trek episodes, written by renowned sci-fi author Harlan Ellison, with one of the most dramatic and sad endings in television history. Even if you’re not into Star Trek or science fiction, you’ll be sucked into this love story with a (necessary) tragic end.
The finality and occasional randomness of death is jarring. People often cope by saying the passing of a loved one is “God’s will.” It’s one of the ways we try to make sense out of senseless – whether someone dies from disease, at the hands of another or just by freak accident. But what if you knew that the death of a loved one would benefit millions?
That’s the horrible quandary facing Kirk.
Through an unusual set of circumstances, Kirk and Spock must go back in time to find an ill McCoy. They are transported back to 1930s New York City in the midst of the Great Depression. Kirk and Spock meet Edith Keeler. Soon Kirk finds himself falling in love with Keeler. He also learns, through Spock, that her eventual death will play a key role in World War II.
The climatic scene when Kirk prevents Keeler from being saved is remarkable. The last line of the show is appropriate. A distraught Kirk simply says….
Quote: “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
