Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

Hi everyone, I am introducing my boyfriend to TOS and need a good episode that basically captures the essence of the show. He's not terribly into sci-fi, so if it's not a great episode, he may not watch any more.

I'm thinking an episode that shows most of the cast, doesn't put McCoy in a bad light (*ahem* City on the Edge of Forever), and doesn't have too many bad special effects. Amok Time and Tomorrow is Yesterday both come to mind, but I'd appreciate other suggestions. Thanks, everyone!

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

Probably be good to lure him in with an episode with Skimpy costumes in it, too.

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

I would suggest any of these TOS episodes:
"Balance Of Terror"
"Galileo Seven"
"Space Seed"

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

"The Devil in the Dark" (if you think he won't find the Horta laughable).

"Balance of Terror."

"Journel to Babel."

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

The first one that sprung to mind was "Balance of Terror"

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

"The Corbomite Maneuver" or "Balance of Terror" would get my vote.

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

yeah Balance of Terror is always a good choice...

Failing that, find some green bodypaint and wear that while watching The Cage... sure that'd get his interest lol

M

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

The Enemy Within and What Are Little Girls Made of?, I think congenially elucidates what Star Trek is all about and also how dispersive they're both thematically and formatically.

Devil in the Dark, Dagger of the Mind & The Changeling IMO also epitomizes the core of Star Tek.


I think neither Amok Time, Naked Time nor Mirror Mirror would be good episodes to start out with unfortunately. As second or third episodes they would of course like any episode be selectable, depending on how you've organized his introduction.

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

"Return of the Archons." While he is watching, wait for the clock to hit on the hour, then jump up, flip over a couch and scream "FESTIVAL, FESTIVAL!" Record then post to Youtube for all to see. You're welcome.

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

The Trouble with Tribbles. ;)

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

The only reason those episodes seem like they might be ok is that there have been a ton of pop culture references made from them, and that recognition might help hook him in. That said, I do see your point.

Well, it looks like a ton of recommendations for Balance of Terror, which isn't personally a favorite of mine, but seems logical enough. I fell completely in love with TOS after The Enemy Within, but I think that's just me. Balance of Terror probably would appeal to him, so I'll probably go with that for the first one. :)

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

Does your friend like any particular types of stories?

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

I love those episodes but I think that all those episodes are best enjoyed first after having see n some other episodes. Especially since he would then know the characters a little before seeing them The Naked Time and Mirror, Mirror. How would he know that Spock normally doesn't cry or that Sulu doesn't normally pursue Uhura?

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

The Trouble with the Tribbles.

Has most of the cast (sans Sulu) and is a classic episode that has mainstream appeal. EVERYONE loves Tribbles!

Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie
 

Hmm. Well, he liked Star Wars quite a bit, and while his tastes lean towards action/adventure, he can also appreciate romantic or psychological tales if they're fast-paced and executed well. We have very different senses of humor, so a dramatic episode might be preferable to a lighthearted one. He really doesn't watch a lot of TV, but he's a gamer and enjoys being able to think and interact with ideas.

Not sure if that helps? I think he'll be satisfied with almost any episode; I just want to make sure I don't foil the opportunity if another episode is better. I made him promise to watch one with me after he couldn't pick out Kirk in a photo of the crew. :P If he becomes a Trekkie, all the better, but I'll settle for basic competence!