14. 'Balance of Power'
"Balance of Terror" aired on December 15, 1966, and is frequently cited as one of the essential Star Trek episodes.
It plays as a tense submarine thriller, introduces the Romulans and sets up a cat-and-mouse duel between Kirk and a Romulan commander (Mark Lenard) who is more tragic mirror than cartoon villain. The episode also directly addresses prejudice through Lt. Stiles’ prejudice distrust of Spock.
60 years later, “Balance of Terror” is still a gripping television show. With its tight pacing, moral complexity, and willingness to humanize the “enemy,” it’s a standout not just for TOS, but for the entire franchise.
The final scene, in which Kirk grieves for an opponent he never really wanted to kill, captures the series’ refusal to portray war as a simple matter of winners and losers. The episode is a must-watch for any 60th anniversary list.
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