Most Star Trek fans consider season 2 of the show's original run the gem of its 3 seasons. Both the writers and actors created show canon that is now considered sacred among us Trekkies, and there's little wonder why. While this is only a brief sampling of season 2's greatest episodes, let's take a closer look at these selections and remember what makes them so beloved.
3. "Journey to Babel" (E10)
What could be more exciting than to meet Mr. Spock's parents, get his backstory, and all while murder and fear spread across the Enterprise during an ambassadorial transport to an important Federation conference? All this and more abound in "Journey To Babel," where Spock's parents, Sarek and Amanda, board the ship.
There is so much to love about this episode! We learn that Spock and his father are estranged, that Spock had a childhood pet (I would give anything to pet a Sehlat), and that dramatic, disguised Orion spies are onboard! There are some amazing moments both off and on the bridge, and Mark Lenard and Jane Wyatt are perfectly cast. Wyatt is the dignified but somehow soft human parent, and Lenard's delivery when he speaks to the Tellarite ambassador is sarcasm I aspire to!
2. "The Trouble With Tribbles" (E15)
This episode is all about comedy and feels like a callback to classic Western movies or television shows where faction #1 has to tolerate the presence of faction #2 to keep the peace, which inevitably collapses, and a huge brawl ensues. Add some purring, furry things to the mix, and you have "The Trouble With Tribbles."
One of my favorite aspects of this episode is how so absolutely sassy everyone is! Kirk sasses Nilz Baris, the station operator, Dr. McCoy and Spock sass each other, the barkeep and Cyrano Jones are equally sassy, and Chekov sasses everyone! It's one of those episodes to watch when you want to see your favorite Star Trek characters verbally or physically kicking everyone's butt because they're done with all the drama.
1." Amok Time" (E01)
This is the episode that made Captain Kirk and Spock more than friends in the eyes of some viewers. When Spock enters Pon farr, the time of mating, he must return to Vulcan, take a mate, or die. Unfortunately, his chosen wife, T'Pring (played to perfection by '60s TV actress Arlene Martel), has other plans with a man named Stonn.
Aside from all the fanfiction this episode has generated over the years, some moments cement Kirk and Spock together forever. The battle for T'Pring, Kirk trying with his whole body to avoid hurting Spock, and of course, Spock's wide smile and emotional outburst ("Jim!") when he realizes he hasn't murdered Kirk after all, they weave a new canon that still endures today.
Season 2 of Star Trek: The Original Series includes other excellent episodes, such as "Mirror, Mirror," which deserves an honorable mention. If you have other episodes you'd like to nominate, visit the Redshirts Always Die Facebook and X pages. Sound off and share your choices with us.