When science fiction shows like Star Trek get greenlit and production begins, the first few episodes may have uneven tones, character and actor changes, and an overall feeling of a child taking its first steps toward something greater. While the first season of Star Trek: The Original Series had its problems, it also produced some fantastic episodes, so let's revisit these three top picks!
3. "The Galileo Seven" (E16)
When Mr. Spock finds himself in command of a landing party on a planet full of hostile creatures, he finds that his logic fails him as he makes command decisions, but he also finds he cannot earn the trust of his team. The situation gets worse because Spock can't inspire those under his command with creative solutions or show emotion as two members of the landing party fall victim to the planet's inhabitants. It is only when death seems imminent that Spock follows an impulse that allows Enterprise to locate the lost Galileo shuttlecraft.
This is a standout season 1 episode because even though Spock does not desire a ship or command of his own, he has this position thrust upon him. It's a fantastic example of how to manage outside of your comfort zone and work with a team of individuals who have widely varied personalities, opinions, and world views.
2. "The Devil in the Dark" (E25)
When a terrifying and deadly monster stalks miners on Janus VI, Captain Kirk and the Enterprise crew investigate. A mind meld and a silicon plaster job (courtesy of Dr. McCoy), later, they learn that the creature, called a Horta, was trying to protect her eggs that the miners kept destroying out of ignorance.
Many fans remember this episode for the Horta's appearance, which was wholly unique, but this episode is a top pick because of its lesson of how fear of the unknown can cause pain and feelings of hostility on both sides unless each makes an effort to communicate and prevent misunderstandings. And did anyone else want to see one of the baby Horta?
1. "The Menagerie" (E 11/12)
This 2-part episode is an early master class of how to repurpose a rejected pilot. As most fans know, that pilot was "The Cage." The way Gene Roddenberry and the writers wove that script into a story about Spock risking his entire career to get his former captain, Christopher Pike, back to Talos IV and free him from his ruined body is quite brilliant! It also lowkey allowed Roddenberry to blow a raspberry at NBC, as most of the footage from "The Cage" aired within this episode anyway.
This episode feels personal for fans like myself, who watched a loved one struggle with a physical, chronic illness that severely impacted their quality of life. Knowing all that Spock gambled to free Pike, it makes us wonder how far we'd go or what we'd risk for loyalty and love.
These episodes are only a sampling of some stand-out episodes from season 1 of Star Trek's original run. Did I choose any of your favorites? Which ones would you have chosen? Share your choices, thoughts, and comments on our Facebook and X pages.