If you only had one chance...

[chris32482]

I just meant that it doesn't capture what one would normally see when watching Star Trek. You know, space exploration and stuff..

This is why I think Trek's interesting. It's different stuff to different people. But we're all fans, and we all see something the same, yet slightly different in it. For me it isn't about space exploration. It's about what you find there, what happens to you while you're doing the exploring. I think a character in Measure of a Man says something like, "you're searching out new life, well there it sits..." That's why Measure of a Man really sums up Trek for me.

That's very true. This thread has actually helped me see Trek in a different light. I guess Star Trek means something different to every fan. For me, the space exploration aspect has always been the most fascinating. I often day-dream about what's out there, and it sucks that I'll never know since I doubt we'll master space travel in my lifetime. It was only after I become hooked on star trek that I began to appreciate the deeper moral and philisophical stuff.

 

[RandyS]

...to turn a non-fan into a trekker, what series/episode would you show them and why?

I narrowed my choice down to a TNG episode because although DS9 is my favorite show, I think you have to watch more than 1 episode to really get a feel for it. And although TOS is, well, the original, most folks these days won't watch a TV show from the 60's simply because of the production quality.

As far as TNG goes, some of my favorite episodes are "Measure of a Man", "Inner Light", and "Chain of Command". But I wouldn't choose any of those because I don't think either of them are really representative of the spirit of Star Trek, if that makes sense.

Ultimately, I guess I'd go with "Relics" - it's got a fascinating and mysterious discovery, some suspense, some science, and a little tribute to TOS... I think someone watching this would really get a good idea of what Star Trek is all about.

What do you think?

I think if you want to turn a friend into a Trek fan, "The Inner Light" Is NOT the way to do it. Worst TNG episode.

Your other choices are fine.

I wouldn't say they are representitive of what Star Trek is, but any Mirror Universe episode is a good choice. If nothing else, they are fun adventures.

Another good one is "The Ultimate Computer" from TOS. Another good adventure story.

 

[Thirishar]

I think if you want to turn a friend into a Trek fan, "The Inner Light" Is NOT the way to do it. Worst TNG episode.

Your other choices are fine.

I wouldn't say they are representitive of what Star Trek is, but any Mirror Universe episode is a good choice. If nothing else, they are fun adventures.

Another good one is "The Ultimate Computer" from TOS. Another good adventure story.

What!?

Inner Light is a wonderful episode, IMO. I find it very moving, especially the last scene where Picard is playing his flute. I mean, can you immagine waking up tomorrow and discovering that your whole family, your entire world, was just gone and you were a different person? Very sad.

Of course, I've heard the argument that this experience would have in fact been to traumatic, thus Picard wouldn't have been able to cope with it so well. My response is that he probably began to recover his real memory soon after he regained consciousness, so his "alternate life" would have began to feel more and more like a dream. Also, Picard was a very private person when it came to his personal feelings, so if he were having a hard time I don't think he would have let it show.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

DS9's Necessary Evil would be my pick. You don't need to know anything about the characters or situation to be intrigued by the backstory. And if it doesn't intrigue you, then DS9 and Star Trek aren't for you.

The Trouble with Tribbles and The City on the Edge of Forever are very accessible to the uninitiated. I'm not so sure I'd opt for some of my DS9 favorites like In the Pale Moonlight, Duet, Purgatory/Inferno or Call to Arms, where it really helps to be able to place the story in context. A prequel story or TOS standalone would be best.