My fiancee has loved BSG and Firefly, and I was hoping to introduce her to Star Trek. She has stated flatly that the original series is out, but I think I can convince her to at least watch a few before trying TNG. My question is, what are the "required" episodes to watch so that she understands TNG? I'm assuming all Klingon and Romulan episodes, along with "The Naked Time" and "The Trouble With Tribbles", becuase of TNG and DS9 references. Any other must sees? Thanks for the help!
Getting fiancee to watch Star Trek
- Thread starter twood1972
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I would do "City" and "Tribbles" and leave it at that. Don't make her watch too much or she might not want to watch anymore.
Get her to watch DS9 instead. Start with just Emissary, Battle Lines, Duet and In the Hands of the Prophets from S1.
I suspect that when people carp about the "effects," what they really mean is the aesthetics, which can be jarring, the bright primary colors, the miniskirts and beehives, Klingons in gold lamé...
I suspect that when people carp about the "effects," what they really mean is the aesthetics, which can be jarring, the bright primary colors, the miniskirts and beehives, Klingons in gold lamé...
For some reason, I couldn't make it past the first few seasons of DS9. Same with Voyager.
Did you try just watching those four episodes? And there are several in S2 you should skip, although the proportion of stinkers takes a nose dive and after all, TOS was about a third stinkers, too.
But you were right to bail on VOY.
I just shudder to see a newbie starting with TNG, considering that the first two seasons of TNG is hands down the worst run of Star Trek of all time. And I don't think TNG has stood the test of time well, either. To me, it seems more dated in its mentality than the 2/3rds of TOS that are either passable or great.
Anyway, if you're determined to move ahead with TOS, here's how I'd shuffle things:
The Man Trap, Charlie X, Where No Man Has Gone Before - all worth watching, but save for later.
The Naked Time, The Enemy Within - start with these, they are high-concept with dramatic conflict that grabs the viewer quickly, and (crucial for the female viewer!) the conflict is very character-based, not based on a space ameoba or similar gimmickry.
The Corbormite Maneuver - save for later; space battles are a tougher sell for the female viewer.
The Menagerie, Pt I and II - show her these; more highly character based drama, based on personal loyalty.
Balance of Terror - I hate to say this, but save it for later.
Space Seed, A Taste of Armegeddon - show both of these; she should enjoy the recognizable elements from both that have entered pop culture.
The Devil in the Dark, COTEOF - show both.
If she gets this far, then you can show the other first season episodes and move on to S2. If you can hook her on the characters (and isn't that one of TOS' key strengths?) then she'll be more patient for space battles and technobabble stories and maybe not mind the jarring aesthetics so much.
Not sure, I have a friend that has all of DS9 on DVD's, I'm been meaning to borrow them and watch them all again. He swears it's the best Trek series so far.
That's so funny. Sci-Fi puts my wife to sleep and she can tolerate most Trek if it happens to be on the TV but TOS is the only series she likes watching because she finds the retro style amusing.
Do you two drink socially? She might find TOS more accessible after a couple of drinks.
Your friend is right, but the series hadn't found its footing in S1 until the very end of the season. Try watching just those four, and then if you feel like returning to some of the others later, you can. But the storyline takes off in S2 to places that doesn't need much setup from S1, so don't feel like you have to.
I usually find first timers enjoy Shore Leave. It's silly, but works for someone new to the series.
But, really, nothing is required viewing to understand TNG. Beyond the name and a couple character crossovers, I can't think of anything from TOS you would HAVE to understand to get TNG.
But, really, nothing is required viewing to understand TNG. Beyond the name and a couple character crossovers, I can't think of anything from TOS you would HAVE to understand to get TNG.
Journey to Babel.
My ex wasn't a Star Trek fan at all, but she agreed that one was enjoyable, what with Spock's parents and all.
My ex wasn't a Star Trek fan at all, but she agreed that one was enjoyable, what with Spock's parents and all.
Agreed. I think of TNG as beginner's Trek.
I think most people have more success getting their SO's to like STNG first before the other series. With the new STNG-R discs coming out, should be easier than ever.
RAMA
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