While Star Trek: The Original Series has its share of silly and campy moments, some of its episodes have had quite an impact on pop culture and science fiction alike.
From haunting moments that linger with viewers to episodes that establish canon, these three impactful episodes remain with fans almost 60 years later.
1. “Amok Time”
Up until this episode (S02E01), viewers didn’t know much about Vulcan culture or Spock’s background. When the Vulcan drive to mate comes upon him and he enters Pon Farr, he must return to Vulcan, take a mate, or die.
This is one of those Original Series episodes that galvanized fans and likely sparked content such as fan fiction and fanzines. The alien and somehow beautiful background of Vulcan, the powerful presence of T’Pau, the Vulcan marriage ceremony, and the iconic battle between Spock and Captain Kirk created a solid foundation for Vulcan culture for future series to build upon. When Star Trek fans talk about their favorite episodes, “Amok Time” inevitably comes up.
2. “Mirror, Mirror”
This episode (S02E04) is the first time viewers were introduced to the concept of a mirror universe, something future series in the Star Trek franchise lean upon. In the opposite universe, the Terran Empire rules the galaxy, and Kirk and his crew are cruel, devious people who gain promotions by assassinating those on the rank tier above them.
Not only does the mirror universe inspire future series writers (Enterprise and Discovery would both feature this concept), but it’s a truly amazing science fiction trope that applies to almost any setting. Are the Klingons a weak and meek people in the mirror universe? In “Mirror, Mirror,” Spock hints to Sulu that Vulcans are vengeful and likely cruel, a warrior race. What does this mean for Vulcan males and their Pon Farr? These debates continue on Star Trek forums even today!
3. “The City on the Edge of Forever”
When fans talk about Star Trek: The Original Series and their favorite episodes, “The City on the Edge of Forever” (S01E28) usually enters the chat. Not only was this episode penned by the iconic Harlan Ellison, but it guest starred Joan Collins, who would later shoot to film and television fame with roles on TV shows like Dynasty.
While a great guest star can improve a Star Trek episode, it’s the script that makes this one so memorable. When McCoy accidentally overdoses on a stimulant, he beams down to a mysterious planet that houses The Guardian of Forever. When he jumps through the arch, the present changes radically, leaving Kirk and Spock to follow him and repair the timeline.
In the past, they meet Edith Keeler, a young woman who wants to change the future; however, as Spock chases down which events McCoy might have changed, he discovers that Edith must die for the timeline to resume its normal flow. Kirk, agonized, reveals that he’s fallen in love with her.
This is tragic sci-fi, the kind of tale that stays with you long after you watch it. Kirk’s agony as he must let Edith die in the road is obvious, and it makes you question what you might do in his place. While they restore the timeline, it’s clear that Jim Kirk will carry this pain with him his entire life.
More from Redshirts Always Die: