Star Trek: The Original Series - Key Epi's (S1E28, S2E1)

If you ever want to do another classic Trek thing on YT here are four more episodes You should watch. 1. Balance of terror 2. Mirror, Mirror, 3. The Squire of Gothos (He's a member of the Q continuum FYI) 4. THe episode with the organians. Also there's a cartoon version of the Classic Startrek with Kirk and new Alien Crewmembers like MHriss. 4 episodes from TAS 1. Mudd in your eye 2. The JIhad 3 More tribbles more troubles 4 One of our planets is missing

Kyle Prince

Fantastic list Rick! Love it. Although I'd add The Doomsday Machine to it but other than that I couldn't agree more.

Shawn Kildal

Wait a minute! Your panel of experts didn’t give you a single episode featuring the Enterprise in combat?! Jeepers. Oh well, the movies will remedy that! 🍿

Shaun Stuart

"STAR TREK only lasted 3 seasons" By this definition GENERAL HOSPITAL is better than TWIN PEAKS. If you don't like something, fine, but why shit all over it and try and insult others for liking it? Why not just...say nothing?

Patrick Flanagan

Never watched much of the original series but I can’t wait for the great films and maybe other TV shows this leads you to.

Mark Daniels

I first tried to do it when I was like 12, couldn't do it. I put a tennis ball in between the fingers for a couple hours and ever since then I've had the muscle memory to do it. I don't know why that worked.

Brian's Dog

Don't feel too bad about the Vulcan Salute, Cassie. William Shatner couldn't do it, either. 😅

Steven Perez

Strange New Worlds is not real Star Trek.

thansen

In her case, she might be better off skipping TMP.

thansen

I would say the first two seasons of TNG are the worst in Trek history. I watched the entire TNG series for the first time a year ago. It is hard to believe it even made it to a third season.

thansen

These episodes were written by two of the finest writers SF ever produced, both known primarily for short stories. The fascinating and combative Harlan Ellison for City on the Edge of Forever. And the great Theodore Sturgeon for Amok Time. He also wrote another Star Trek episode in Shore Leave.

thansen

I love TMP the Director's Cut. In fact, I have now probably watched that more than any other Trek film, including Wrath of Khan. The theatrical cut not so much. Easily the best upgrade of any director's cut I have seen. And the latest 4k release is brilliant.

thansen

I am so excited that you have started watching Star Trek. I have been a fan since watching reruns of TOS as a toddler. The Next Generation and Voyager are my favorite. But, it is hard to start those without knowing TOS first.

Kelly Oehlschlager

Cassie: "pre research i guess" In my opinion - and I saw someone else make the same comment - the series is actually a bigger deal than the movies. As far as Star Trek goes, this is as good as it gets. So to treat it as mere preparation for the movies is ... well, let's just say that my inner Spock would not have given the same advice. If you feel content after watching just three episodes - great. But why limit yourself in advance?

Grad

I did hear one or a hundred people say that. Did you know Erin Brockovich made a cameo in the movie about her?

Mike Lemon

Mike, did you know Viggo broke his toe when he kicked that helmet?

Jesus F Christ

"And for those who are bemoaning the whole, uh, enterprise, well, you really don't have to watch. " "Yeah, skipping the first movie is just bad advice." ... That's interesting, coming from the same people who insisted we only need 2-3 episodes :/ :p

Grad

I'll throw in my two cents on some more episodes to watch that I would consider "essential" to understanding the characters: The Enemy Within (S1E5) The Menagerie (S1E11-12) Balance of Terror (S1E14) Errand of Mercy (S1E26) Mirror, Mirror (S2E10) Journey to Babel (S2E15) All Our Yesterdays (S3E23) There are plenty of pretty good episodes in the first and second seasons of the series though. The third season, not so much.

Rick Moreno

Yeah, but I really thought that the good acting and great storyline of the "City" episode would've transcended all of that. Also, Roddenberry did a great job of actually taking you out in space, taking you to other worlds so it wasn't like it was poorly done. It is definitely period, that why I told her you have to give a little special effects grace when watching.....lol

James Sweeney

You would be surprised how often things get repeated. There was a movie a little while ago where it seemed like every fifth person posted the same "little known fact". It happens and is understandable, people get excited to share their "thing".

Mike Lemon

Oh good.. I am sure you didnt just do that to make someone feel like a complete idiot. Apologies for the duplication. I simply didn't feel like sifting thru 100+ comments... thanks for doing the due diligence.

Michael Enos

Only four others mentioned them being remastered, maybe more if they were in replies.

Mike Lemon

Also... if no one else mentioned it. ...you may be watching the Remastered episodes of The Original Series.. They went back and "Remastered" all the exterior special effects.. (ship/space exteriors, etc.) So when you see the ship it's not necessarily what they saw in the 60s...but good on them for replicating the ship so that it's an improvement and not so jarring.

Michael Enos

I hope if you get to The Next Generation, you won't skip *too* many episodes. Part of the fun of that series is getting to know the characters. So even the less "important" episodes are enjoyable, because it feels like you're watching friends hang out. (The caveat being Season 1. Much of season 1 is kinda cringey.)

WastedPo

"Trouble With Tribbles" is one of the finest episodes of all Star Trek series. About as much fun as a person could have back in the 60s. Or so I've been told by people from the 60s. :)

David Collins

Good idea Jason,I've been lobbying for TOS two years,I can wait that much longer for SNW,now I'm all in for 'The Sopranos'..

Celeste McAllister

'Mutiny on the Bounty' made CG a movie star heartthrob on his way to become 'The King of the Silver Screen' the revenue helping MGM studios to stay afloat during the 1930's..

Celeste McAllister

I think it would be fun for Cassie to watch the Tribbles episode.. and maybe even The Squire Of Gothos. I was always a fan of Trelane. Just the silliness of the episode. Anyways.. Cassie is watching Star Trek and I am 150% here for it. :)

Michael Enos

Yes, difficult at first to believe the more dashing Captain Kirk is the same person who played the comic emcee in Miss Congeniality. But William Shatner is quite good at comedy as some episodes of Star Trek do show. Most notably “The Trouble With Tribbles” He also hosted Saturday Night Live once. And famously roasted some overzealous Star Trek fans in the opening sketch. Here it is: https://www.dailymotion.com/video/xmagzq

Steve Holton

That's what I'm thinking. It's ultimately her channel and her choice, but I just can't shake the feeling that The Motion Picture is... difficult. There's just no getting around it... It's difficult to watch. It has scenes that just go on forever. Some of the acting is just painful. And if it gives the wrong impression, It's not going to inspire much enthusiasm for the franchise going forward. I honestly wouldn't want to put any new fan or non-fan through that movie. It's a slog.

Caomhan84

Personally, i find the motion picture.....lacking. It would have been great as an episode, but not a movie. I was bored watching this as a child in the theater and while I could appreciate it when I watched it as a grew older I know its not a great movie. Most of the even numbered StarTrek movies up to the Next Generation were the best ones of the series. I'd get her to watch the best stuff first and circle back, because if it doesn't hit her in the feels starting off it's an uphill battle to watch everything else.

rakesh

She is watching on Paramount+, and that service does indeed have The Director's Edition, as well as the theatrical.

Mike LL

I have shown it to people who have legitimately fallen asleep watching it. It's 2 hours and 12 minutes but feels like 3 hours and 30 minutes (Even the director's edition). It is one of the slowest paced, worst acted movies ever made. It's gorgeous, to be sure...the special effects are wonderful and so is the music... And if you really boil it down, it's the only film in the whole series that really continues the spirit of the original television show. But I just.... I can't imagine a non-fan actually enjoying it. However, it is Cassie's channel and she will watch it if she wants. Maybe she will like it. But I'm cringing, just thinking of some of the scenes in that movie. 😂

Caomhan84

I'm seeing many comments requesting the first movie to be ignored. However, I disagree with that suggestion. I know it is divisive among fans, but for some of us it is among our favorites. I think it is a very important and enjoyable part of the franchise that focuses on other things instead of the action/adventure dominating the rest of the entries. It has a lot of artistic, creative and visionary elements that I admire. I want to see how Cassie reacts to it, whether she likes it or not. I'm curious about her perspective. Also, I recommend watching the DIRECTOR'S EDITION of THE MOTION PICTURE. It is a much better version of the movie than the theatrical one. That was released in a hurry and had many flaws in the effects, sound, and editing. The director's cut fixes many of these problems, improves the pacing of the movie and most importantly restores a key scene.

Gábor Árki

I got the same vibe, but to be honest I'm not surprised. Even as fan of the next gen era and the movies, it took me quite a while to get through the original series once I had access to it. In many ways it is very different and dated of what I'm used to. But credit to Cassie for giving it a try, and I'm still confident it would help her getting into the movies already having some sense about the main characters and their relationship. I think it would be especially useful for Khan.

Gábor Árki

Still smarts just a bit Galaxy Quest was see first.

Shawn Kildal

I’ve never seen the original series. This feels like watching Firefly again. Can we please get maybe another episode or two before the movies!!

TinCan Cosmanaut

This is brilliant, I love this idea! Good job everyone who advised Cassie to watch some of the original series before diving in, I think it's really going to make the whole journey that much more fun, and authentic. Also, I'm hoping this really works well so when we get to the Next Generation movies we can also watch a few of the show episodes with Cassie because there's a certain episode of Next Generation that is honestly one of my favorite episodes of ANY show ever, aka "The One Where We Meet Q".

Joe D. MacGuffinstuff

Her experts are having her watch popular episodes instead of having her watch ones that would show her more of what the Star Trek world is all about. They haven't given her any context within which she can understand better what she is seeing.

Rick Williams

I agree. The original series movies should all be watched. It is a journey that you would get more out of it watching all.

Rick Williams

I rarely comment- just enjoy whatever is in the box of chocolates :). But I disagree with skipping any of the movies. The best part in my opinion is you really get to experience these characters growing older and developing through their next adventure (s) even if some of the movie story plots aren’t as great as some of the well known movies. the motion picture is a kind of reunion of coworkers who had great experiences and time together but haven’t communicated much in 10 years. Starts awkward, but they re-discover each other again and realize that their friendship is stronger than the distance of space and time. Now the Next generation movies…. Uh no comment 😬. You may also recognize something at the end of the 6th movie that specifically inspired Kevin Feige/Marvel (he is also a huge fan of the next gen tv show). Thanks for sharing your experiences!

SpankTheMonk

It’s slow to point of torture.

Rollo Tomassi

Glad to see you watching some Star Trek. There are a lot of hours to watch so I completely understand why you selected fan favorite episodes. Not all episodes and movies aged well but it’s the characters and the relationships between the characters that make the Star Trek franchise a fan favorite for over 50 years.

Anthony Oberhauser

I know. I don't know who her experts are, but they aren't.

Godzilla Jones

She had no background on these people and was trying to figure out their universe in a story that doesn't tell her much about their universe. Honestly, it's a terrible first episode. It establishes nothing and leaves you only with questions about who these people are and what the crap is going on.

Godzilla Jones

Boo to not watching more episodes. I'd pay double to watch em with you. You're gonna have people tell you to skip the first one, but they don' know what they're talking about. It's less actiony and more philosophical plot that was tryin to match tones with films like 2001 a Space Odyssey. The remastered Director's Cut is so good and worth the journey. The second one has a submarine battle in space. It rocks so hard it makes the first one look boring which is a terrible tragedy. The fifth is the worst one and even it has a lot to say about the relationship of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. You should watch a few more episodes. get to know these characters. Ultimately they're what makes the show interesting. The stories are good (because a lot are written by famous writers) but you barely know Uhura or Sulu or Scotty or Chekov and knowing and loving the characters make the movies far more rewarding.

Godzilla Jones

Mike, I get it, this isn't your thing, but I for one can't stand Superhero movies and Hobbit movies, that is a lot of content that just isn't for me, so I rewatch a reaction I loved, or a few back to back YouTube condensed reactions. I follow a few reactors and there is always content that someone doesn't like. Cassie has a big following and she wants to create for everyone, that means there will be stuff I'm just not interested in. it happens

Keith Jones

Strange New Worlds is fantastic, I just adapted two female cats and they are named Chapel and Uhura because it reunited my love the those characters!

Keith Jones

Good reaction Cassie. These two episodes are not the best ones to show you the original Star Trek world. I would have started you off with at least an episode that showed you more of a regular day in the life of the Enterprise. These two episodes took you outside of the regular day to day series. And didn't really get you introduced to the Federation or the Enterprise.

Rick Williams

The special effects had been seen in other TV shows in 1967, so it was not too unfamiliar. Actually, it's the time and effort that it took to produce those effects that still boggles the mind. For example, the "beaming" involved several steps of filming that were very complex and took a long time. The people were filmed standing in the transporter chamber, then they walked off-set and they filmed the empty chamber. Next, they turned on a bright light and filmed tinfoil "confetti" dropped from the ceiling to get the "sparkling" that you see. Finally, they had to blend all of these things together one frame of film at a time to come up with the final effect. It took months to compete each episode's special effects, while today it can be done in seconds on a computer. Actually, the first electronic computers date to the 1940s, however, it was not until the late 1970s when we began to see the graphic capabilities that permitted something like Star Wars. All the special effects were created practically in the 1960s. Also, keep in mind that what you are watching is not the original Star Trek. Starting in 2006, Star Trek was digitally remastered with all new special effects. Some of the shots that you saw like the amazing overhead view of the arena in Amok Time were completely different from what was seen in 1968.

Alan Kobb

While the Original Series ran only three years it fell victim to networks not understanding the demographics. While the raw number of viewers were lower than networks looked for, it was massively high in the key demographics that advertisers look for. That was not fully understood in the late 60's, later when WHO was watching means as much as HOW MANY it would have been considered a big hit.

Keith Jones

Oh this was a treat, I grew up watching these in reruns after school and it was my favorite "world". Watching you experience Trek brought back some many great memories. You got some great advice, "City" is considered on of the best episodes in all of Trek, "Amok" gives you a great background of Spock/Vulcan. "Space Seed will be very useful come the movies. If you do any more "Balance of Terror" and "Trouble with the Trbbles" will let you meet the Federations two biggest enemies the Klingons and the Romulons and are also always in most reviewers top 10.

Keith Jones

"Mirror Mirrow" The original multiverse story!

Joe Goodfellow

"A Taste of Armageddon" is another must-see. It's my personal favorite.

DAVID COSTELLO

Shaka, when the walls fell

Canadianant

Hi Cassie, if you are planning to watch "Space Seed" then you absolutely MUST watch the movie "Star Trek II The wrath of Khan" ! You won't be sorry. I already suggested it on the form.

George G

Yes, yes, yes! Definitely Menagerie so you can get ready for STRANGE NEW WORLDS.

Jason Fulbright

You were probably thinking 69 because there were 3 seasons and 69 is divisible by 3. Just a logical inference

Patrick Flanagan

I mean I'm fine either way, I'll always rewatch TMP, but it really is for serious fans and not newcomers, in my opinion.

Patrick Flanagan

That’s interesting! I don’t think I ever knew that.

Ike

Another vote for skipping the first movie and going straight to Wrath of Khan.

David

"He likes her. " If it was female and had a pulse, Kirk liked her.

David Patterson

You are correct. I don't know why I was thinking 69?

Shane Myers myers

Feel free to skip the first movie and go right to The Wrath of Khan.

Brian Lowery

I figured she wouldn't get into them. They are very old tv. She is used to tv shows and movies from the 90s and 00s. That's what she grew up on. I think she would understand the movies better. They were done in the 80s. I knew the original series wouldn't do much for her. I would have had her go right to the movies.

Rick Williams

I got that same vibe as well. It took her a few episodes to get fully into Firefly as well though

Shawn Kildal

Thanks Mike, my point exactly.

Carol_White

Who said Cassie doesn't do TV reactions?

Carol_White

To be fair, a lot has changed in film making and story telling. Nurse Chappel getting all hot under the collar feels a bit cringy now.. sets and costume... it's old! It's not like a star wars movie and a universe built in two hours. It has built up over 20 episodes a season. Plus for us, it's nostalgia and does not have the same resonance for someone 50 years later.

rakesh

I’m still bummed about skipping Dr. No.

Larry Darrell

I was shocked she didn't really love the "City" episode. I don't think Cassie liked these as much as we had hoped.....lol She's very sweet so she put on a pretty good face. I grew up on these and think they are some of the greatest shows ever made. Not quite a Trekkie buuuuut....lol

James Sweeney

Forgot about the DS9 episode. Great call.

John Deardurff

Hey Cassie, just a little background on Lieutenant Uhura, the black female crew member who sits behind Captain Kirk on the bridge. She was played by actress, Nichelle Nichols. Her role was unprecedented because she was considered the first black woman to have a prominent role on a on a major TV series at the time in 1967. Many people looked up to her. At one point, she wanted to leave the show to take a role on Broadway and told the show creator, Gene Roddenberry, who asked her to think about it over the weekend. It was then that she learned that Martin Luther King Jr. was a huge fan and he and his wife only allowed their children to stay up late to watch this show. MLK Jr, told her that she can’t leave because “For the first time on television, we will be seen as we should be seen everyday - as intelligent quality, beautiful people who can sing, dance and go to space…who are professors, lawyers. If you leave, that door can be closed, because your role is not a black role; and is not a female role; he can fill it with anybody, even an alien”Nichelle realized how important it was and she decided to stay. Ultimately, Whoopi Goldberg got a role on one of the other Star Trek shows because of Nichelle Nichols. There was also an episode where her character kissed Captain Kirk and that was also controversial because it was one of the first interracial kisses seen on Television and it made huge impact on race relations. My aunt was Nichelle’s assistant for several years and they became good friends. She was an amazing lady and I remember going to her house a couple times for Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. She lived in the San Fernando Valley which is a suburb of Los Angeles at the time.

Tara

I’ve doubt she’ll do more than a few episodes but the movies some of us have been waiting for years to see her watch it especially after she did the Vulcan sign on Star Wars. Plus we have other franchises that we have seen a lot Star Wars Mission Impossible and Bond comes to mind so it might take a few months but with her variety I think we should be able to find stuff we like. I had to do that during Bond.

David Freese

It’s my favorite series of Star Trek because it’s slightly different

David Freese

I love Darmok, but imo I would switch Data's Day and Darmok. Let the sisters see Brent Spiner in all his glory slightly earlier. Data comes off as an unwitting charm factory in that episode.

ContrabandDonut

Especially if she gets to watch DS9

rakesh

Incorrect. Picard has done it and < 𝐒𝐏𝐎𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐑> Kirk did it in Strange New Worlds.

rakesh

I'm not a Trekkie, but I really enjoyed TNG as I grew up with it. When it comes on, I tend to watch it even though I've seen every episode several times. However I recently watched all of DS9 and its really up there in terms of any TV show, not just star trek.

John Drake

For Cassie, if she happens to read this: A quick primer on Star Trek. The United Federation of Planets is comprised of more than a thousand planets, not five. I suspect that Cassie was thinking of the founding planets. By the time of the original series the Federation had expanded enormously. The uniform colors have meaning. Gold is a command and helm color. Blue is medical and science (in addition to being Kirk’s First Officer, Spock is the ship’s science officer). Red is for engineering and security. Most of the deaths on the show are security officers, leading to the popular “red shirt = death” belief. This was reflected in Galaxy Quest. Spock IS NOT a full blooded Vulcan. His mother is human. This is why he made the remark in the “Amok Time” episode about hoping he would be spared the effects of Pon Farr. The most important directive in Starfleet Command is the Prime Directive. It calls for complete non-interference in the affairs of planets that are not members of the Federation, allowing them to evolve naturally. The Prime Directive allows the exploration of new planets, but without the knowledge of the inhabitants, since knowledge of space faring worlds could influence the evolution of their societies. How are planets added to the Federation if they obey the Prime Directive? Once a planet gains the ability to warp space (warp drive), allowing for deep space exploration, they are contacted and invited to join. In the past, Starfleet has run afoul of the Klingon Empire, a warlike species. Worf, the chief security officer for most of the run of The Next Generation, was a Klingon. And yes, if the above soliloquy left any doubt, I am a HUGE Star Trek geek. I fell in love with the series growing up in the 70s and it remains my favorite tv show of all time. I own the entire series on blu ray and dvd. I normally discard dvds when I purchase the blu ray version, but these dvds came in special tricorder cases, one per season, so I had to keep them - a fellow Trekkie would understand.

Just Plain Bob

Uhhhh, I'm kinda shocked that the Trouble With Tribbles episode didn't make the cut.

Bill Hayden

The neck nerve pinch is a Vulcan skill that humans cannot master

Scott Nelson

Cassie, the space/planets/ship special effects were updated about 8 years ago so they look much more up to date than they did back in the 60s

Scott Nelson

Agree. Hopefully she'll follow Space Seed with the movie The Wrath of Khan. A brilliant episode tie in and my personal favorites of all the films.

Brent Fugett

All of his movies are well before my time, but my mother was a huge fan and had a library of Clark Gable (and Errol Flynn, another extremely charming old school "heart throb" type) movies so many are staples of my childhood. Cassie will have to make a decision herself to go back and grab some of these. They will never win polls. I hope she will because there were some truly excellent movies made in the early days of motion picture.

David Collins

Cassie, I suggest you watch the DIRECTOR'S EDITION of the first movie, THE MOTION PICTURE. It is a much improved version of the film. The original release in 1979 was rushed and incomplete, so the effects, sound, and editing were not done properly. The director's cut resolves a lot of these issues, restores some important scenes and fixes the pacing issues that plagued the theatrical version.

Gábor Árki

Hi Cassie, sorry if I’m repeating something you already know. Yes, Captain Kirk is William Shatner, the same person from Ms. Congeniality. The pretty brunette, Edith was played by Joan Collins. She became very famous on a TV show called Dynasty from the 80’s. Spock is from another planet called Vulcan and he is able to do that Vulcan grip that can make a person unconscious. He is a very logical being and doesn’t understand things like sarcasm etc. You are also correct that this show takes place in the future. The crew of the Enterprise are there to explore new places as it says in the opening.

Tara

Clark Gable is also one of the stars of the OG Romantic Comedy IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT that some of us have been suggesting to Cassie for a long time. It needs an audible since it has failed several polls so far.

Mike LL

Jen is really enjoying Trek so far, and despite the wishes and votes of the majority of her Patreons, she decided to make an executive decision and watch the entirety of TNG instead of just selected episodes. She almost finished with season 1 by now. There is another channel I know of, Gallifrey Gals, who reacted to TNG. But their full reactions are not in a bring your own format.

Gábor Árki

I think you hit the nail on the head tbh. Best of Both Worlds. Inner light or Darmok

rakesh

I agree

David Freese

I agree

David Freese

On paramount +the extra episode is the original pilot the Cage which Roddenberry had to redo for the series to be picked up

David Freese

Because like she said in the synopsis 80 episodes would be too many and that’s just the tos

David Freese

The heart of Star Trek is in the shows...The movies are more or less extra content in my opinion. Reactions to the shows are starting to pick up (finally). It's disappointing that Cassie doesn't do TV reactions. She's missing so much

Andrew Ramos

Great choices! Your introduction describing some of the Next Generation cast is hilarious. 🤣 Especially the galaxy quest impression! I have to say, Star Trek's strengths are more tv as opposed to movies. Growing up they felt like morality plays, and it was easy to dip in and out as there didn't tend to be huge arcs. This remasters looks better than it did in the 6os' they updated some of the special effects also. This was the originator of Space Tropes, as it was the first. They likely contributed to the development of many things we have today and influenced engineers worldwide. Their communicators looks similar to mobile phones, their tablets like ipads etc Just some things you mentioned: The Vulcan Nerve Pinch to knock out opponents was a defense move developed by Vulcans (the space race that Spock belongs to, not from Alberta!), however other races can also perform it. You're pretty much spot on about the federation of planets and star fleet. It's in the future Its primary purpose is exploration, but it's kind of like a military organization, and it's a member of the federation, which are multiple planets who collaborate together. All in all a very hopeful future! Kirk is very much an “act first, ask questions later” take charge kind of guy. Spock is half Human and half Vulcan, and Vulcans base their ideology on logic. I’m not sure if you know of Joan Collins, she was in a few movies, but also played Alexis in the 80s soap Dynasty. Both she and William Shatner, who is also in his 90s, are still alive. William Shatner recently had the opportunity to travel to space on Jeff Bezos' spaceship. Yes Pon Farr is Like being in HEAT! The Master of Ceremonies in Amok Time was T'Pau. The 80s UK Band T'Pau was named after her and had some hits in the US including the song "Heart and Soul" I thought I'd get in and list some Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes. I've probably seen the series about 5 times in its entirety! I understand you can’t watch all seven seasons. I think I've picked the best of the best (IMHO) of Star Trek: The Next Generation episodes. I think you'll enjoy them more than the original series as it's a bit more modern. The first 4 you should definitely watch 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐎𝐟 𝐁𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝𝐬 Parts 𝐈 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐈 𝐈𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐨𝐤 Elementary, Dear Data Yesterday's Enterprise Data's Day Qpid The Drumhead Time's Arrow (Parts 1 +2) Chain of Command (Parts 1+2) Ship in a Bottle Tapestry The Chase Parallels The Pegasus All Good Things... (Parts 1+2)

rakesh

The theme for 'The Doomsday Machine' sounds like the theme from 'Jaws'..it's rumored a young John Williams worked for DesiLu Studios and he may have copied his own music for the shark theme..

Celeste McAllister

'The Cage' was an original pilot episode,when it became 'The Menagerie' that may have changed the numerical release order..

Celeste McAllister

WOW! I'm sign up for Jen's Patreon

R Harper

79 original Star Trek episodes

R Harper

Jen Murray asked us her members to vote for 10eps out of the three seasons,when she got her 8th watched ep,she wanted us to vote for six more TOS episodes,we watched 16eps,all of the movies in chronological order,now she's watching all of the ST:TNG episodes and still posts three movies per week..

Celeste McAllister

https://youtu.be/lKfkkhEbUlY?si=7rfdaOx1c2ibu5AQ Fans this voice over done by Christopher Plummer for the undiscovered country stands as an encapsulation of our love for the original Star Trek

R Harper

Hey Cassie, so one of the things that Star Trek is known for is showing men and women from different races as equals. This was especially important in the 1960's when so many were fighting for equal rights. Martin Luther King Jr. was a huge fan of the show and actually convinced Nichelle Nicols who played the African American woman Uhura to stay on the show when she was considering leaving. He told her how important it was that there was a show showing African Americans as equals for the first time. Not slaves or maids but actual equals in a way that had not been seen before during a time of segregation was huge

Katie Jackson

In my opinion the original series is generally better than the movies, on the whole. After the first film, the movies were dumbed down to reach a broader audience.

Thomas Thompson

I knew you would get into it Cassie👍👍I see ST as a piece of TV entertainment history..

Celeste McAllister

Clark Gable, the actor from the movie they were on their way to see when McCoy rejoins Spock and Kirk, and the girl subsequently dies, was a very accomplished actor starting all the way back in 1920s silent pictures. He is one of the OG "heart throb" actors of the film industry. He was a big deal in his era. One of his most famous movies is "Gone With The Wind", a Civil War era period piece from 1939 which swept the Oscar awards in 1940, 9 or 10 individual awards in total I believe, including best picture. You should eventually see it. Gable died of a heart attack in 1960, a couple of weeks after the filming of "Misfits" with Marilyn Monroe, his final credited role, released posthumously in 1961.

David Collins

So just to be clear … if I think Star Trek sucks, I’m a horse that doesn’t want to drink water, thereby having no desire to live? You nerds are so dramatic about your nerd stuff.

Rollo Tomassi

Ok maybe … what else do you like?

Rollo Tomassi

Im hoping that THE MOTION PICTURE will be a gateway to a "2001" reaction.

Stick Figure Studios

I suspect you are right, Gabor. The unaired pilot was sort of retconned into an official episode when they brought Captain Pike's character back in "The Menagerie."

Stick Figure Studios

You assume correct. "Space Seed."

Stick Figure Studios

@Steve: You can lead a horse to water...

Stick Figure Studios

Maybe now you can go find something else that people enjoy and crap on it

Steve Russell

Very mature explains a lot.

Steve Russell

Born in 1976, I wasn't able to watch the original series when it first aired, but I did catch the odd episode in syndication here and there throughout my childhood. My real introduction to Star Trek was through the 1980s movies which I remember my dad taking my family to see whenever a new one came out.

Stick Figure Studios

It really is firing on all cylinders. Also… THAT MUSICAL EPISODE IS FULL OF BANGERS!!!

djKENTO

STRANGE NEW WORLDS is terrific. It might be my favorite Star Trek show of them all.

Stick Figure Studios

Gregory L Costello

I agree, Gabor. It's actually my personal favorite Trek film.

Stick Figure Studios

Do not skip THE MOTION PICTURE, Cassie (it is a highly underrated Star Trek movie), but do watch the "directors cut" on Paramount+.

Stick Figure Studios

Yeah, skipping the first movie is just bad advice.

Stick Figure Studios

Sorry you didn't actually say anything about the stories of the episodes themselves.

David

You had me at I’ve been beat.

Rollo Tomassi

OK I know when I've been beat. I concede to you, sir, you are correct. The original series is really terrible and was canceled for that reason, the spin-offs. And the movies are way better and much more enjoyable based on some people that you have talked to ( Definitely a fact.). And I am a nerd! (Which is not name calling it has definitely not been traditionally used to disparage intelligent people who like sciencefiction. But is actually a term of endearment or as you said, just another fact.) I am most definitely alone in these feelings. None of the conventions, 50 plus years of syndication, millions of dollars of advertising And merchandising. First interracial kiss on network television, I am definitely in the minority of people who think did. The original series is anything less than what did you say terrible? Wait, I'll just stop all these things aren't facts, They're just my opinion ..Thanks for straightening me out. Have a good day, sir.

Steve Russell

Nichelle Nichols was even thinking about quitting the series to focus more on her singing career. But Martin Luther King implored her to stay on the show for the importance of her representation. Whoopi Goldberg claimed seeing Nichelle on the show was revelatory. Often recalling the first moment she saw her character and calling her whole family over to see.

Steve Holton

I assume the Khan episode is the one more episode.

Yaisu

i am planning on the movies! this was just pre research i guess

Cassie

Quentin Tarantino wrote and pitched his Star Trek film as a sequel to this episode. Came close to making it, but didn't work out.

Steve Holton

I wasn’t name calling … just identifying you. You’re arguing with me over Star Trek for Christ’s sake; own your nerdiness. I’m very bored of this convo, but let me pose this question: How do you know the majority of fans aren’t fans from the movies and/or spinoffs? You can’t possibly know that, but you insist on using the word “fact.” Do you know what a fact is? I know lots of people that enjoy the later Star Trek series and movies without ever seeing the original, or some tried and couldn’t because it sucks (in their opinion). The Original Superman TV series didn’t do well, but the movies did great. Sometimes things happen like that … nobody would say that the Superman TV show was so great it lead to movies. The concept is what’s great … same with Star Trek. You’re giving all the Star Trek credit to the original, when it seems like the movies and spinoffs were just better. You keep using the word fact, but never include any. Only your subjective opinions. Your own personal nostalgia is your own personal fact. The ratings of this particular series (actual facts) suggest otherwise. 🤷‍♂️

Rollo Tomassi

Thank you Cassie for watching. What was a very important part of my childhood and my introduction to science fiction. I hope you continue on this journey. There are some more exceptional episodes to watch. No need to rush.

Steve Russell

Season 2 episode 17 "A piece of the Action" is good and hilarious at the same time. 🙂

Shane Myers myers

Maybe they feature the unaired pilot "The Cage" as episode 1?

Gábor Árki

I admit that there are a lot of episodes. I believe that there are only 79 total actual tv episodes. There were 6 movies made with the original cast. There are like ten really good exceptional episodes from the original series. Some of them were kinda funny while still keeping with the parameters of Star Fleet. 🙂

Shane Myers myers

I can claim that the original series has a large fan base and was extremely popular. There are plenty of facts about why it was canceled by the network. A lack of popularity is really not one of them Or only a minor part. It's a little more complex than that. That was/is a fact that Can be backed up with facts like The original series becoming 3 movies. A fan base that has kept it alive till this day, those are facts. Like I said before they don't care about your feelings.. I also never called you a name. My remark about your perpetual Offense is an observation not name calling. Not sure why you want to resort to calling me a nerd ? A wise man once said. When you resort to name calling, you have lost the debate. I thought we were discussing the merits or lack thereof the original series and the fact that Cassie has now reacted to it and seemed to like it as well. That has nothing to do with your opinion. Up 2 and Including who or what you think I am. Have a good day, sir.

Steve Russell

You do realize that none of that would exist without the original series? It's like you saying that the original Star Wars 1977 movie has nothing to do with the rest of George Lucas Star Wars movies? without them and George Lucas? I guess all the new movies from Disney. Would have just happened organically. without the original series and Gene Roddenberry He did do the next generation or at least the first couple of seasons. But the entire world was his inspiration. It was ground breaking television. None of it would have existed without it. Yes, that's what I'm talking about. Actual science fiction that requires a story because they did not have a lot of money & CGI

Steve Russell

I'm watching on Paramount+ and you're right, episode 29 on that is "the city on the edge of tomorrow" but when I checked on Wikipedia it listed it as episode 28 so IDK 🤷‍♀️

Cassie

Perpetually offended? I don’t think you’re a reliable witness. Out of the two of us, it very much seems like you’re the one who is offended. Lol Relax guy. Also … I don’t think you understand what a fact is because you’re claiming something to be a fact that you can’t possibly know to be true … no one can. Again … just relax, nerd. It will all be ok.

Rollo Tomassi

I really do appreciate what you are saying Mike about a lot of time taken up by a series, but on the other hand many, many reactors do series and you know what, other than Star Trek there is no other series I care about so I ignore those reactions and stick to the movies which they still do at the same time and live with the fact that many people still enjoy those series reactions even though I don't. Ops, I just realized Mike you were responding to Patrick but I will leave this comment in because with my typing skills it took me 4 hours to write this response and by god I'm not deleting it, hehehe...

Andrew Roach

You're allowed to have an opinion that's contrary to the majority of the people that have watched star trek and that fact is reflected by its popularity. Those are facts, not feelings. So everyone else is allowed to point out that you're in the minority. That's all the happening, man. Don't become perpetually offended. She seemed to like it to me? no reason to ask her "who forced her to watch It" like maybe Cassie shouldn't watch it? so she should just feel like you feel right? Do you project much? 🤔

Steve Russell

I'm seeing episode 29 as the city, 28 is the alternative factor. Appears to be mislabeled.

Bubba Fett

Tribbles is great, bonus for the DS9 tie in

Bubba Fett

We aren’t talking about the other storylines, we are talking about Star Trek TOS, which lasted just 3 seasons. Correct? For example, The Next Generation lasted 7 seasons … which, if my math is correct, is 4 more than 3 (objectively). 😬

Rollo Tomassi

So I’m allowed to have an opinion, just as long as it’s yours … Got it. Also, you’re suggesting there’s no reason to share my thoughts if I “don’t like it” as you share your thoughts about not liking my comment. Do you not see the irony there?

Rollo Tomassi

Hopefully Cassie ignores all the advice in these comments and just watches the movies. Like the advice to skip the first movie. How is Cassie to watch the movies and skip the first one? Forget about it. Just watch the movies! They have their highs and lows just like everything else, and the highs more than make up for the lows. And for those who are bemoaning the whole, uh, enterprise, well, you really don't have to watch. Cassie is always posting other reactions you can watch and enjoy. For those of us that grew up with this stuff, we are loving it!

Mike LL

@Patrick- It isn't that "someone forced yo to watch this", it is that it takes up so much time. If you don't like Little Miss Sunshine, big deal that is one spot. With Star Trek it could be dozens of spots. Just look at the comments, this top comment says maybe 20 episodes (7-10 spots), there are people calling for TNG and some hints at DS9. May as well add 10 spots for each- 30 total so far. Add in 13 movies- 43 total. It's a lot for people here, paying customers, to deal with. (edit- I see Voyager mentioned, add another 10- 53 total) Then add in we finally got out of the period where 1/4 of the content was long-ass series and into some good variety again, only to back to another long-ass series, that makes it even harder for people to deal with.

Mike Lemon

The 'Transporter' was a way to save money on visual effects..no expensive miniatures and 60's 'Blue Screen' double exposures..TV used a blue screen background back in the day..

Celeste McAllister

Well no spoilers, but that one movie where "one captain" told the other "captain" he was exploring the galaxy while the other guys grampa was in diapers! LOL Sisko is cool, but he didn't get a ship until like the last 3 seasons, so I always put him lower on the scale! I actually like Archer a lot, but in the end, Archer became too ruthless. :(

Todzilla

Name a storyline series from television that lasted with the same characters and world building from 1967 to this day. I mean, other than this, terrible terrible rated program that we're talking about?

Steve Russell

Watch in the order of release.👍👍

Celeste McAllister

So Star Trek was so bad that it was canceled after 3 seasons? Although it has continued on and either movie form or television to this day. Wow You know if you don't like it, that's fine. You don't have to watch It. No reason to dunk on things.

Steve Russell

This is a very good series. I am very happy you are reacting to a few episodes. You're correct that there are many to choose from, but as I'm sure the Patreons have said already, there are many really good ones as well. But you picked pretty good episodes. One thing you need to remember Cassie, this series was shot in the 60's, so you will have to give it a little "special effects grace....lol, but also remember that this series started it ALL. So there's something there. "The City on the Edge of Forever" was awarded the Hugo Award in 1968 for the "Best Dramatic Presentation" at that year's World Science Fiction Convention. The acting in many episodes is phenomenal along with the stories. Thanks for watching as I am a big fan of Star Trek and Popcorn in Bed.....lol

James Sweeney

Target Audience has watched all of TOS, the animated series, the first 4 original movies and is now watching season 1 of TNG. They are doing everything in release order. RolyPolyOllie has watched several TOS Episodes and TNG episodes. All the movies and is currently on season 2 of DS9.

Katie Jackson

Not all of TOS should be watched,just the 10-12 the paying members VOTE for..

Celeste McAllister

He’s the original but some would say Picard or Sisko were the goats but hey I’m just a happy camper right now

David Freese

S1Ep12&13 'The Menagerie' (Mystery) S2 Ep6 'The Doomsday Machine' (Cold war influenced) S3Ep23 'All Our Yesterdays' (Romance)im team Spock💙, I have watched 16 of the top voted eps on another channel,there's a reason why this franchise has lasted for the last 60 odd years,I thought it would be ok,all right,so so..ST has its icons,I was wrong ST has a reflection of the social issues of the turbulent late 1960's..

Celeste McAllister

This was a nice way to start the Star Trek journey. My brother was always a bigger fan than me so he followed all the TV shows. I was aware of them because I sat in the same room and the TV was on, but I mainly focused on the movies. The basic rule is the even numbered films are good, odd numbered films less so.

James UK

you would probably like star trek voyager the most but that show doesn't connect to any movies.

pat on

Subjective. Let me just point out that, due to horrible ratings, it lasted just 3 seasons.

Rollo Tomassi

Great compromise. I think these are three of the best of The Original Series (TOS). "Space Seed" is a must if you are watching the movies. The most fun episode is "The Trouble with Tribbles" (season 2, episode 15).

John Deardurff

It's the 28th episode of season 1, and the 1st episode of season 2 because watching all the episodes isn't necessary

Choof

:) Cassie!!! :) YAY! I grew up on TOS! Then the animated series. Then "The Motion Picture" came out and some other movies. Then The Next Generation! If and/or when you get the chance you should watch these two episodes from TOS: "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" Season 3 Episode 15; and also: "The Empath" Season 3 Episode 12. Most people want to watch battle type episodes, or ones that have pertinence to future shows/movies. These two were 'ground breaking' in that they deal with relevant issues, even today. The Next Generation is also mostly great. TNG: S1 E1 & E2: Encounter at Farpoint; S1 E15: "11001001"; S1 E16: "Too Short a Season"; S2 E9: "The Measure of a Man"; S3 E16: "The Offspring"; S3 E20: "Tin Man"; and S5 E2: "Darmok". With soo many episodes it's too hard. Voyager is great too! DS-9 is fine for the first few seasons. I couldn't get into Enterprise (just didn't 'seem right') or Discovery (too much changed). Haven't seen Picard. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds at least for these first two seasons IS what "Star Trek" is supposed to be! Adventure! The only thing bad I can say about Star Trek is the modernization of these shows towards 'bigger battles' and the push away from 'exploration' as the opening words of these shows: "... to seek out new life and civilizations..." SNW's is all about character development, character discovery, Adventure, etc. Shure it has some 'battle' in it but just enough and not too much! I live for SNW and love the cast, but can't quite 'care' about Nyota Uhura. Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is thee greatest Star Trek show ever! There are only 10 episodes per season, not enough! But short enough for most. In closing I'll say this: One of thee most beloved things I got was a poster of Star Trek from my beloved Sister and it's titled: "Star Trek All I Need To Know About Life I Learned from Star Trek"

Randolph Tirazona

Episode 28 and 1?! How does that make any sense? This is what we get after having to watch hours of star wars crap?

Thomas Thompson

I tried to say this exact thing Jon [somewhere up there], but failed to put it as eloquently as you did. Foam props, cardboard walls, randomly blinking lights and the curiously, up-turned eyebrow-to-stare-into-the-distance camera faceshots said more to me than all of the CGI and high dollar stage sets ever could. Cassie appears intrigued and amused, but I hope we get her honest assessment so that we can adjust aim and vector as necessary.

Ike

Also if it hasn't been mentioned yet, you are watching the "enhanced" versions of these original series episodes. Many of the special effects shots have been redone within the past 10-15 years. The original episodes had much more primitive looking effects, particularly shots of alien planets and spaceships.

Patrick Flanagan

I love it, have the poster for it on my wall, but even when it came out in 1979 it was a relic, more representative of where sci-fi had been than where it was going. It's just not very accessible to modern audiences.

Patrick Flanagan

If you wanted to see another great Sci-Fi movie from the 60's - 2001 A Space Odyssey (1968) - its slow, but a classic,...

ENC SW DV Rush

Thanks Cassie for giving Star Trek the Original series a try! For true fans "bunnytailsREACTS" on YouTube is work her way through the entire original series. She midway through the first season. Jen Murray on YouTube watched and posted 8 or 9 original episodes and moved on to Next Gen. She's watched all the the original series movies - she "gets it". Two more of the big reactors starting the original series after first of the year. Original series 55 + plus years still going strong in syndication. Live Long and Prosper

R Harper

On the subject of Vulcan - it is purely a fictional in Star Trek, but its location would be around 40 Eridani A for the location of "Spock's" Vulcan. Early astronomers thought there was a planet between Mercury and the Sun - (it didnt). In Roman Mythology - he was the god of fire and the blacksmith of the gods. He has other names in other cultures, but the name of Vulcan has existed for thousands of years in reality. Vulcans in the ST universe have green blood and their organ makeup is different than humans as well as being stronger than humans and able to withstand lower oxygen content in the atmosphere. They are genetically related to Romulans, although the Vulcans, while having very strong emotions have repressed them (to the point humans think they have no emotions) and worked on their mental capabilities and logic in order to preserve their culture - wars almost destroyed them in their infancy. The subject of time travel has been in stories for a long time, with one great writer - Jules Verne writing quite a few stories before his time. He wrote his stories in the mid 1800's, yet they were surprisingly advanced for the times. You do have to suspend reality with his stories as they are factually/scientifically impossible however. With regard to the original ST universe. They did have great character development, but also talked about subjects that werent usually seen in shows to that extent. Another great reaction and yes, these looked much better than they did in the 60's and 70's due to being remastered. The ST universe is so large that it isnt realistic to want you to watch all of the different shows and episodes or even all the movies. Whatever you do - DO NOT WATCH the movie Star Trek 5 - absolutely the worst movie of all of them made. Of the original movies - ST 2,3, 4, & 6 are the best and I do like all of the Chris Pine ST movies as well although there are few things that could have been done better there as well.

ENC SW DV Rush

There’s a show called Star Trek: Strange New Worlds which is currently still going. It takes place before Kirk becomes captain but heavily and I mean HEAVILY features a love triangle between Spock, his wife T’Pring and Nurse Chapel. It’s REALLY REALLY GOOD.

djKENTO

I really hope she does react to STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, specifically the significantly better DIRECTOR'S EDITION. I know it's a divisive entry and many fans don't like it, but for many - including me - this is one of our favorites. I find it to be a very beautiful and inspiring movie. Maybe she will like it too, or maybe she will have a different opinion. Either way, I'm looking forward to and very interested in her reaction.

Gábor Árki

Me? I love Trek, and I'm not just saying that because I am the illegitimate son of the cousin of the nephew of a friend of Gene Roddenberry.

Andrew Roach

Star Trek universe 101: the stories featuring this cast take place in the 23rd century. Specifically, this show around the 2260s. Earth became a peaceful and prosperous world, a true utopia, where most of the problems have been solved by advanced technology and social progress. There is no war, poverty, hunger, disease, not even money. People live in harmony and pursue their passions and interests. Some choose to join Starfleet and explore the unknown, while others dedicate themselves to art, science, education or other fields. Earth is a founding member of the United Federation of Planets, a democratic and multicultural alliance of planets that share a common goal of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect (sort of like an interplanetary United Nations / European Union). It operates a fleet of starships called Starfleet, led by the flagship USS Enterprise, that travel across the galaxy with the goal to explore, discover new worlds, encounter new life forms and to "boldly go where no one has gone before". Some of the most important alien species of this era in Star Trek are: - The Vulcans are known for their logic, emotion suppression, and telepathic abilities. They are a founding member of the Federation. - The Klingons are a warrior race that values honor, courage, and combat. They have a feudal society that is divided into clans and houses. They enemies of the Federation. They have ridged foreheads, dark skin. - The Romulans are a secretive and manipulative empire that seeks to destabilize the galaxy and are also adversaries of the Federation.

Gábor Árki

Cassie, I’ll try to answer your question about the lack of CGI and 1960’s technology at the time - It wasn’t really lacking for audiences, believe it or not. I watched these episodes as reruns as a 70’s kid and back then television shows were high dollar stage acts: foam props, lights and what my grandfather called “trick cameras.” Ha, I never understood that, but I know we used just as much imagination as we all would watching a staged play and it was fun! At least, that’s what I remember it anyway.

Ike

I am a huge fan of TREK up through the '90s - it sadly goes downhill after that, getting worse and worse every year for the most part - but, if you haven't already watched STAR TREK: THE MOTION PICTURE, you might want to skip it. I love it, but it's incredibly slow and ponderous at times. Also STAR TREK II kind of ignores it and is considered sort of a "do-over" for the film series. Also, when doing the Vulcan salute, please keep your thumb out, not pressed against the index finger. It's very important, we can't disrespect our Vulcan allies.

Patrick Flanagan

It's terrible that somebody forced you to watch this!

Patrick Flanagan

No, the Original Series is great.

Patrick Flanagan

Fuck all that, this is a good compromise, especially for those of us who hate Trek and can't wait for this to be over.

Carol_White

Yes, only Vulcans can do the neck pinch. They also can do a "mind meld" where they can read the thoughts of others. Plus, they are much stronger than humans.

Shawn Kildal

Glad to see you doing Trek, more and more reactors are starting this. Sad you started with what is regarded as the best TOS episode as your first one as you should have lead up to this. Hope you do a top ten or twenty episodes, you won't regret it but do them in order please. And when you get to the movies do start with the first one, it may be slow but it is still good.

Andrew Roach

to answer your year question, the era you’re watching takes place around the year 2260. The earth no long relies on money and has a singular government. Everyone’s needs are met. There are no more countries in the way we think about them.

djKENTO

Also Spock is half human, half Vulcan. Vulcans are a species of aliens that push emotions down in favor of logic and reason.

djKENTO

I can’t wait until Cassie sees William Shatner eventually become the guy she knows from Miss Congeniality hahahaha. You were right! That’s the same guy!

djKENTO

Thank you for watching these particular and essential episodes Cassie. I wish it could be just a few more but I'm still going to be overjoyed if you are indeed sticking with just these 3. I don't know if this has been brought up, but the importance of having different cultures in position of authority that was there in world of Star Trek. An African American female, an Asian American, Scotty who was Scottish, and a Russian (Checkov). The actress who played Uhura, Nichelle Nichols, was going to quit the series because she felt under used, changed her mind about leaving after a conversation with Martin Luther King Jr. who told her role was too important because it showed a future where all races were equal.

Shawn Kildal

Cassie, thank you for watching these. A real slice of nostalgia out of my childhood years. And its influence on pop culture was ginourmous! Yes, that was William "Captain Kirk" Shatner as the emcee in Miss Congeniality, made some 35 years after these TV shows. I've only watched the beginning of this reaction, can't wait to watch the rest and the movies! This first episode, The City on the Edge of Forever, written by science fiction author Harlin Ellison, is a great example of the creativity of this series and the endless number of story possibilities. It's a big universe out there!

Mike LL

I think The Best of Both Worlds (3x26, 4x01) two parter should be part of the selection. It is not just listed usually among the best TNG episodes, but also would provide some context for the Borg. The Inner Light (5x25) is a memorable one as well, but I have doubts how well it would work as a pick of just a few episodes. I think a more "generic" episode might be a better choice. Like Cause and Effect (5x18) or The Measure of a Man (2x09).

Gábor Árki

Jon, I was a child in the 60's but I was too young to stay up for the 9pm-10pm hour to see most of these episodes when they first aired, so I too saw most of them on endless repeat in the early 1970's when I was a teenager. I also "played" Star Trek with my four siblings. The big rocker in the living room was the "captains chair" and the TV turned to static was our viewscreen to the wide universe of space.

Mike LL

Born in '84 and growing up in a post socialist country my options were quite limited also. We had 9 channels available on cable and half of them were in German. I remember they have been airing some ST shows all the time, but not properly speaking the language I never watched them, and I did not have access to the local cable channel that did air both the original series and TNG in my language. The game changer moment for me was when a new network started during the late 90s and it became available on our cable service as well, and they started airing Voyager, then DS9, followed by TNG. But the episodes have been airing around 6-7pm during weekdays, when my parents wanted to watch something else, so at first, I was bound to tape and rewatch later. Fortunately, we had just upgraded our TV around the same time and the old one was repaired and moved to another room where I could enjoy the show without any interruptions. That was super useful because there is just one genre my parents can't stand, and it is sci-fi, which turned out to be my favorite. 😃 ST is a rare example of a positive and utopian vision of the future, where humanity has overcome its divisions and challenges. Unlike other stories that use this as a cover for a darker reality, ST genuinely portrays a hopeful and optimistic scenario. Watching the shows as a teenager, I was inspired by the possibility of such a future and the ethical questions they raised. I think they helped me develop a moral sense and a critical thinking that still guide me today.

Gábor Árki

A music group from the '80s named themselves T'Pau, who was the elder Vulcan leader from the episode Amok Time. The did have one major hit called "Heart and Soul". Probably, most would recognize the song if they heard it.

Shawn Kildal

Edith Keeler, the female character from the first episode is played by Joan Collins who would go on to play the villainous Alexis Colby from the hit TV show Dynasty.

Shawn Kildal

Hoping she loves Kirk! G.O.A.T. of Star Trek Captains!!!

Todzilla

You and me both! 😉 Glad she's watched some TOS before hitting the movies.

Todzilla

Spock is half human. His father is a Vulcan and his mother is from Earth. We get to meet them in the episode Journey to Babel. They also return later in the movies. Btw, you will be pleased to know William Shatner is Canadian.

Shawn Kildal

I really want to watch Cassie’s reaction to Star Trek with Todzilla in the room, 😁.

Ike

These episodes have been remastered, so they look a little more polished than they did back in the day. This was a revolutionary show, simply for having a black woman as an officer on the bridge. According to the actor, Nichelle Nichols, Martin Luther King, Jr. himself encouraged her to take the role, as it was important to see a black person working on terms of equality with white people. The original (rejected) pilot had Majel Barrett (the woman who played nurse Chapel) in the role of second-in-command. Nice to see she got a role in this after all!

Ben Livingstone

Well done by leave it like that ! 😂 Which 3 of the 178 TNG eps should she watch?!?

Jon Johns

My fam travelled a lot (for work) during the summer, so I got to see many 'important' and classic films in theaters across the country. Star Trek (Wrath of Khan) I saw in L.A. at a huge theater! Mind blowing at the time for me, as my tiny town theater was a rat infested mess.

Jon Johns

I was born on '65, so, I never wanted ched these episodes, 'live', but as a kid in the 70's, I was ched the re runs as often as I could. (I'm youngest of ten, with one 19" B&W for the whole family, so, getting to choose what chanel (of the 3 be.5 channels available!!) The TV was on was a rarity) anyhow, I enjoyed "playing" Star Trek, more that watching it. This is one 🕜 f those shows that help create a world one can get lost in. That is the lingering value of the cheesy cardboard sets, the melodramatic acting, and the sometimes (but necessary) lazy teleplays. The world building is / was some of the best ever created. Also, I will say this: the new Strange New Worlds series might be the best of all of them IMHO.

Jon Johns

I've been waiting for this moment ever since Cassie mistakenly used the 🖖, maybe during a Star Wars reaction. 😃 I think it is the right call to avoid long series. They require a lot of commitment from both sides. Not sure how others feel, but I personally have less than a dozen series I rewatch and would love to watch a reaction for. I think despite the true strength of Trek are the series, focusing on the ST movies is a good strategy, as they are more accessible and concise. But also sampling the series to have a sense where it all came from. As a kid growing up in the 90s, my introduction to Star Trek was the next generation spin-offs: Voyager, Deep Space 9 and finally The Next Generation. Later, I also got to watch the movies after they have been released on DVD. I only saw the original series much later, so probably because of that I never became a huge fan. I mainly appreciate it for being first and a pioneer for its time. But there are certainly several episodes that stood the test of time and despite the dated aesthetics, work very well even today. And so does the relationship and character dynamics between Kirk, Spock and McCoy, which was the heart of not just the series but their 6 feature films.

Gábor Árki

So glad you're trying them out

Roger Freeman

Cassie's parents are apparently younger that I. My age group thought it was as cheesy as the Japanese monster movies like Godzilla, Rodan, and Mothra. From what I've seen, it's only interesting as a timepiece. The thing it's best for is a frame of reference for Galaxy Quest.

Bert Towle

OMG!!! I never thought I'd see the day!

Neill Shaughness

Yes! It's finally here and I'm very excited. I think you have adopted the right kind of approach to your Star Trek journey. Just a few key episodes of the original series to provide you some context and then into the movies which, for me personally, are what I most associate Star Trek with. I remember my dad taking my family to the see those films in the theater when I was a kid growing up in the 80s. That was my introduction to the Trek universe and I've been a fan ever since. I can't wait until you get to those. In the meantime, I hope you enjoy these episodes. "Space Seed" will be particularly relevant. Have fun, Cassie. :-)

Stick Figure Studios

On this journey with you Cassie, never got into Star Trek. Curious to see if these episodes are a good intro

Ginko

Yes, Cassie, they DID have computers in 1968. Not nearly as advanced as today, of course. But they did exist. In fact, code breakers during WW2 used rudimentary computers in their efforts to break enemy codes (called Turing machines at the time). Alan Turing was one of the earliest proponents of artificial intelligence back in the 1940s. He was widely ridiculed as the idea was considered little more than fanciful science fiction. As for the effects, I'll take the effects of the 1960s combined with the storytelling prowess of the time over the CGI laden borefests that fill the marketplace today. The rebooted Star Trek movie series is a perfect example. Great CGI, booooooooooring (and, at times, insulting) stories.

Just Plain Bob

Her parents watched these so I think that connection helped with choosing this show. Haven't watched it yet, but she really seems to be approaching it with a open mind. Maybe something to take note of.

Pickupthepieces76

Hype

Snapjaw

Awesome! Hope you watch at least 8 eps or so. You have to have sat with these characters a good while to really experience and bond with them in the movies. Could a similar process be done for TNG somewhere down the road I wonder. 🤔

Pickupthepieces76

Welcome to the world of Trek Fandom, Cassie!!

John

You poor thing. Who talked you into this? The movies I would have understood (and enjoyed), but the original series is … well … very narrowly targeted at this point. I would say live long and prosper, but I suspect soon enough, with this series, living long will seen unappealing.

Rollo Tomassi

Oh wow. I can't wait to see your reaction for the movies 2, 4, and 6 are my favs 😊 but you definitely part 3 to get to part 4 and you need Space Seed for part 2. 😊 These are gonna be fun 😀

Johnny Salinas

Star Trekking, across the universe, on the starship enterprise under Captain Kirk. Star Trekking across the universe, boldly going forward ‘ cause we can’t find reverse.

Brian McGovern

I love it that you do Star Trek! So many Stories, such a bright Future and so many great characters. Would be surprised if you don't like it 😃 Thx Cassie!

0lis

It's too bad you're only doing key episodes, but I'll take what I can get

Godzilla Jones