Need a good starter episode for a newbie

emergencyfruit · August 28 2012, 06:16 PM

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!

Sindatur · August 28 2012, 06:29 PM

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

Galileo7 · August 28 2012, 06:38 PM

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

Greg Cox · August 28 2012, 06:42 PM

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

"Balance of Terror."

"Journel to Babel."

MacLeod · August 28 2012, 06:47 PM

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

Harvey · August 28 2012, 07:00 PM

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

Methos · August 28 2012, 07:04 PM

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

Nacluv · August 28 2012, 08:23 PM

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.

Use of Time · August 28 2012, 08:38 PM

"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.

REDrake · August 28 2012, 09:42 PM

The Trouble with Tribbles.

emergencyfruit · August 28 2012, 09:53 PM

Nacluv wrote:

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.

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.

MacLeod · August 28 2012, 10:03 PM

Does your friend like any particular types of stories?

Nacluv · August 28 2012, 10:15 PM

emergencyfruit wrote:

Nacluv wrote:

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.

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.

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?

Utopianvista · August 28 2012, 10:25 PM

The Trouble with the Tribbles.

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

emergencyfruit · August 28 2012, 10:36 PM

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!

August 28 2012, 06:16 PM	#1
emergencyfruit Lieutenant Junior Grade Location: Minnesota, USA	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!

August 28 2012, 06:29 PM	#2
Sindatur Rear Admiral Location: Sacramento, CA	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. __________________ One Day I hope to be the Man my Cat thinks I am Where are we going? And why are we in this Handbasket?

August 28 2012, 06:38 PM	#3
Galileo7 Captain Location: U.S.A.	Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie I would suggest any of these TOS episodes: "Balance Of Terror" "Galileo Seven" "Space Seed"

August 28 2012, 06:42 PM	#4
Greg Cox Vice Admiral Location: Oxford, PA	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." __________________ www.gregcox-author.com

August 28 2012, 06:47 PM	#5
MacLeod Vice Admiral Location: Great Britain	Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie The first one that sprung to mind was "Balance of Terror" __________________ On the continent of wild endeavour in the mountains of solace and solitude there stood the citadel of the time lords, the oldest and most mighty race in the universe looking down on the galaxies below sworn never to interfere only to watch.

STAR TREK

CSI

ABOUT US

August 28 2012, 07:00 PM	#6
Harvey Admiral	Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie "The Corbomite Maneuver" or "Balance of Terror" would get my vote. __________________ "What do you hear, Starbuck?" "Nothing but the rain, sir." "Then grab your gun and bring in the cat."

August 28 2012, 07:04 PM	#7
Methos First Officer: USS Aventine Location: Hiding under Gaila's bed...	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 __________________ In Russia, a 122 year old man has passed away, he credited his long life to abtaining from alcohol, tobacco and women. His last words were "I've made a huge mistake."

August 28 2012, 08:23 PM	#8
Nacluv Lieutenant Commander	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.

August 28 2012, 08:38 PM	#9
Use of Time Fleet Captain Location: Va. Beach, VA	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. __________________ Searching for something, a million miles and a ways to go.

August 28 2012, 09:42 PM	#10
REDrake Lieutenant Location: Bucharest, Romania	Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie The Trouble with Tribbles.

August 28 2012, 10:03 PM	#12
MacLeod Vice Admiral Location: Great Britain	Re: Need a good starter episode for a newbie Does your friend like any particular types of stories? __________________ On the continent of wild endeavour in the mountains of solace and solitude there stood the citadel of the time lords, the oldest and most mighty race in the universe looking down on the galaxies below sworn never to interfere only to watch.

August 28 2012, 10:25 PM	#14
Utopianvista Fleet Captain	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! __________________ I'd rather watch Star Trek: V and Nemesis a thousand times than be subjected to Abrams Trek again.

August 28 2012, 10:36 PM	#15
emergencyfruit Lieutenant Junior Grade Location: Minnesota, USA	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!