Essential Episodes for New Viewers before the Film

[The_Beef]

I'm putting together a list of episodes that I feel some of my friends should watch before the new film is released. Mind you, most of these friends are not entirely new to Trek, but they're more familiar with TNG. I'm not just putting together a "Best Of. . ." list although the greats are certainly going on there. My main goal, however, is to show the episodes that contain the core elements of Trek that are hopefully going into the film. I'm including episodes that are important for defining the characters, relationships, or other dynamics on the show. This thread will, of course, reference the new film a bit, although I don't feel it warrants a spoiler warning since I don't intend to mention anything that we don't know from the trailer and general knowledge. Still, a head's up.

Here's my list so far:

Journey to Babel - First appearance of Spock's parents, very important role in establishing his background and the troubles he's had with his mixed heritage. It's also a decent McCoy episode.

Amok Time - Kirk and Spock's friendship and a look at the TOS version of Vulcan.

Balance of Terror - A classic and, of course, the first appearance of Romulans.

The City on the Edge of Forever - How could I not include this? Time travel at it's best and another good Kirk & Spock episode.

The Naked Time - Not just a great example of Trek humor (and an episode that became a bit of a running gag over the course of time), but it also features some rich characterization and a good look at the other crewmembers that don't always get much attention. Also notable for Sulu's fencing.

The Trouble with Tribbles - For some reason this one doesn't quite feel right on the list, but it's a personal favorite and, aside from the humor, it features a great Scotty scene. I'm trying to include an episode that exemplifies each of the main characters.

Shore Leave - Another good characterization episode, particularly McCoy.

Mirror, Mirror - Considering the film is changing so much, I thought it would be fun to include an early example of a different view of classic Trek. Besides, it's a fun episode.


Can anybody ecommend anything else? The Doomsday Machine, The Devil in the Dark, and The Tholian Web are also possibly going on the list. In particular I'm looking for episodes that have some great moments for some of the other crew members than Kirk, Spock, and McCoy or exemplify some of the themes of Trek.

 

[TheRealNaveed]

For exemplification of Trek in general I usually recommend Let That Be Your Last Battlefield, it's pretty much a poster episode for tackling a social issue in a sci fi way.

 

[EEE]

Honestly, the impressions I get while purposely walking around with my hands on my ears while reciting "naaa-naaa-naaa," is that your friends would enjoy the movie much more if they don't see ANY previous Star Trek.

 

[The_Beef]

Well, as I mentioned above, most of them are already casual fans but are mostly familiar with TNG. They already know about the established precedents of Trek and, while they enjoy what has already existed, they're enthusiastic about the new direction. Since they haven't seen much of TOS, however, I thought it might be a good idea to recommend some episodes that have those core traits that made TOS what it was. I actually think it will get them more excited about the new film. They're not the kinds of fans that will try to hold onto one idea as being the only right way to do it, but at the same time I'd like to expose them to what we already have.

 

[EEE]

I actually think it will get them more excited about the new film. They're not the kinds of fans that will try to hold onto one idea as being the only right way to do it, but at the same time I'd like to expose them to what we already have.

In that case, your original question is tough to answer without saying "most every episode." Far too many small things added up to the whole, to not say "watch them all!" Teh core of Trek was literally greater than the sum of all it's parts. But you have to see enough of those parts to truly appreciate that fact. Where that cutoff is, I really couldn't say. I think it would easier to ask "which episodes could they skip?"

 

[tranya]

I'm planning on doing the same thing with my friends -- the one addition I'm definitely making to your initial list is The Menagerie (both parts). Showing the parts of The Cage is useful for showing off who Pike was (and the original history of the pre-TOS years, as well as a different take on a younger, more emotional Spock), plus the framing elements give a bit more of a sense of what Starfleet is about.

Also, I'm putting movies II-IV in my "you need to watch these" list, as there's likely going to be a Kobayashi Maru scene in the new film, there's plenty of Vulcan, and there's time travel.

 

[The_Beef]

Hmm, I may have to give The Menagerie a second thought. I had originally glossed over it without even thinking of Pike. As for the movies, we've already all viewed II and some of them have seen IV or VI with me. I was considering doing III soon and possibly IV again for those who hadn't seen it.

Far too many small things added up to the whole, to not say "watch them all!" Teh core of Trek was literally greater than the sum of all it's parts. But you have to see enough of those parts to truly appreciate that fact. Where that cutoff is, I really couldn't say. I think it would easier to ask "which episodes could they skip?"

I definitely agree with you that it would be ideal to watch the whole run. Unfortunately, I doubt that's likely. I should also clarify that I'm trying to keep the list relatively brief. After all, you can only test a moderate fan's patience so far and I doubt many of them are hardcore enough to even watch every episode I put on the list . I do want to make it available, though, and pick out some choice ones in the hopes that at least those will be viewed.

 

[starburst]

Id still air on the side of dont show them anything at all, it would be like introducing someone to the Burton series of Batman films before Batman Begins came out...it would lead to confusion as characters have the same names but the details are a little different.

 

[The_Beef]

I get what you mean starburst and the truth is I probably wouldn't bother if they were complete newcomers. Almost all of these friends, however, have seen at least a few episodes of TOS. All have grown up with at least TNG in some form or another. It's less "introducing" and more "brushing up".

 

[Doomsday]

I would add the Corbomite Maneuver.

It was really like the 3rd pilot, since I believe it was the first regular episode filmed(even though it wasn't broadcast first).

As such, it does a lot of introducing and setting up character relationships, mission philosophy, etc.

It really shows the differences in how Kirk and Spock respond to challenges, the Chess vs Poker metaphor. I think in many ways it defines how those 2 characters operate for the rest of the series.

It also introduces McCoy's first "I'm a doctor, not a..." lines.

 

[tranya]

I would add the Corbomite Maneuver.

It was really like the 3rd pilot, since I believe it was the first regular episode filmed(even though it wasn't broadcast first).

As such, it does a lot of introducing and setting up character relationships, mission philosophy, etc.

It really shows the differences in how Kirk and Spock respond to challenges, the Chess vs Poker metaphor. I think in many ways it defines how those 2 characters operate for the rest of the series.

It also introduces McCoy's first "I'm a doctor, not a..." lines.

And, uh, tranya.

 

[Wingsley]

Where No Man Has Gone Before **

The Menagerie, Parts 1 and 2 **

Court Martial

Space Seed **

A Taste of Armageddon

Errand of Mercy

The City on the Edge of Forever **

The Doomsday Machine **

The Trouble with Tribbles

Bread and Circuses **

Obsession **

The Immunity Syndrome **

The Ultimate Computer **

Is There in Truth No Beauty?

The Tholian Web

Requiem for Methuselah


I suppose if you count both "Menagerie" parts as one, that would be my top 16. I put double-stars next to the top-shelf ones.

 

[c0rnedfr0g]

two words:

SPOCK'S BRAIN

 

[EEE]

I would add the Corbomite Maneuver.

It was really like the 3rd pilot, since I believe it was the first regular episode filmed(even though it wasn't broadcast first).

As such, it does a lot of introducing and setting up character relationships, mission philosophy, etc.

It really shows the differences in how Kirk and Spock respond to challenges, the Chess vs Poker metaphor. I think in many ways it defines how those 2 characters operate for the rest of the series.

It also introduces McCoy's first "I'm a doctor, not a..." lines.

I whole heartedly agree with this. I personally think The Corbomite Maneuver is the epitomy of Star Trek. However, to truly appreciate the Chess vs Poker, one should see WNMHGB for the setup (which was not readily apparent to me until trying a production order viewing of the series).

However, I happened to catch part of a commercial for the movie last night (remember, I'm covering my ears with naaa-naaa's trying not to hate it yet). My live-in granddaughter took one look at it, whom I've never discussed the movie with, looked at me and said "you're going to hate it. ...But I'm going to love it, this is for me." Which makes me think the intent of the movie may very well be successful, but may as I fear, leave us original fans in the dust.

 

[DeafPoet]

I'd say "The Galileo Seven" would be a good one too. Lots of Spock/McCoy action without Kirk running interference. Really a good illustration of both their characters.

 

[The_Beef]

The final(-ish, I keep getting tempted to add more) includes:

Journey to Babel
Balance of Terror
Amok Time
The Naked Time
The City on the Edge of Forever
The Trouble with Tribbles
Mirror, Mirror
Shore Leave
Space Seed
The Devil in the Dark
The Doomsday Machine
The Tholian Web
Let That Be Your Last Battlefield
Where No Man Has Gone Before
The Menagerie (both parts)
The Galileo Seven
The Enterprise Incident
Arena (an honorable mention for the worst episode that for some reason is still iconic)

I was considering The Corbomite Maneuver but I wanted to take time to review it before I added it to the list, it's been some time since I've seen it.

 

[gastrof]

Sorry, guys, but there ARE no essential episodes to view before this movie.

JJ has made it for the non-fan, so anyone can watch it and know what's going on. Plus, despite his insisting it's not a reboot, the fact of the matter is that the very facts of the characters' lives are being presented in a very different way. The history is different, when certain uniform styles were worn is different, who was on the ship at what time is different, the timing of certain injuries and deaths is different, the Enterprise itself looks different, the handheld tech is different...

It's an alternate universe. A parallel to the one we knew.

We'll likely be able to enjoy it as a Trek movie, but there's no need to rewatch older episodes before seeing this film.

Why?

Because it's starting all over again and what came before no longer applies. Welcome to JJ-ville.

 

[The_Beef]

Yes, you're absolutely right: it's not essential that we watch these episodes in order to understand anything or appreciate anything. There is no need. Which is why I clarified that this is not for the purpose of exposing people who are completely new to Trek. It's not as though I felt like they need to know these things in order to appreciate the story. This is actually a list for people who already know Trek who just want to delve into the familiar themes and characterization of TOS before the movie comes out. I never intended for this thread to become embroiled in the issue of the film versus TOS, I merely wanted to find suggestions for episodes to show my friends.

 

[c0rnedfr0g]

The Tholian Web
Day of the Dove

 

[c0rnedfr0g]

ALL OF THEM

ROAR