i'm new...

[esiuolmi]

This is going to sound really really dumb, but i've started to get into star trek after the new movie that came out, but i have no idea where to start. I've just been reading stuff on it online, and I really want to watch the series' but i'm wondering which one you super fans think I should start with?

 

[Destructor]

If you liked the movie the best place to start is probably the series that inspired it: Star Trek (called TOS for The Original Series around these here parts).

TOS can be difficult for some newer viewers who don't appreciate its '60s aesthetic' (it is fairly camp, to be blunt), but if you stick with it you will be rewarded.

If you want a more modern interpretation, well, Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG) is still dated but somewhat less so, and remains one of the finest television shows ever created, I recommend it highly.

Although I'm not personally a fan, the show Enterprise is the most modern and is ostensibly set prior to the new film- it's also very much a boys action show, and as the film was very much a boys action film you may enjoy that aspect of it.

 

[Sibo191]

That would all depend on your tastes.
if you want to see it in order then starting with the real Kirk, crew, and 1701 then TOS would be the first stop.

TNG is on all every day on several cable channels, so its not so hard to come by and catch up on.

if you want serialized long term story telling with plenty of space fights and action then go to DS9.

Voyager is hard to describe, for better or worse. Many complete episodes are available on youtube.

And enterprise is a prequel that was intended to explain much of how certain things came to be on all the other series, its available most week days on syfy channel, just don't watch the series finale of this show, especially to start with, or ever.

Personally I started with TNG for the reason listed above, it was easy to have access to on a regular basis. Many of the books are also good. Just remember that the series are almost nothing like the last movie.

 

[Luther Sloan]

Esiuolmi:

I would recommend watching the different series to test the waters to see which series wets your appetite the best.

Original Series Films

STAR TREK lV: THE VOYAGE HOME: (Film):
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/star-trek-iv-the-voyage-home/trailer

STAR TREK: Vl: THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY (Film):
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/star-trek-vi-the-undiscovered-country/trailer

If you like these two movies. Then I would test the waters of the Original Series TV Show then....

 

[Luther Sloan]

Original Series TV Show:

DOOMSDAY MACHINE (Season 2 episode 6):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r8bfTbh1Bk

THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES (Season 2 episode 13)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4utsDOD8FDk

http://s216.photobucket.com/albums/cc75/jasonmuzie/?action=view&current=00Tribble4.gif

If you like what you see here, then I would go to the beginning and watch everything (Starting with Season 1). Just make sure it is the Remastered Version (with the enhanced special effects). Anyways, watch TOS Seasons 1-3 and then all of the TOS films 1-6 (The Motion Picture to the Undiscovered Country).

 

[Luther Sloan]

Next Generation Film:

STAR TREK: FIRST CONTACT (Film):
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/star-trek-first-contact/trailer

If you like this TNG film then I would test the waters and see if you like the series then...

Next Generation Series:

POWER PLAY (Season 5 episode 15):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr0yjRE2dVQ

YESTERDAY'S ENTERPRISE (Season 3 episode 15)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX1ff-RsJJ4

If you like what you see here then try watching everything from the beginning. TNG Seasons 1-7 and all 4 TNG films in order (Generations, First Contact, Insurrection, Nemesis). If you have a hard time watching Seasons 1 and 2 skip ahead to Season 3. You can always watch the first two horrible seasons later (if you desire).

 

[Luther Sloan]

Deep Space Nine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L4kebBWQfCM

ADVERSARY (Season 3 episode 26)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlA30_I32FY

WAY OF THE WARRIOR PARTS 1 AND 2 (Season 4 episode 1-2):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gUlbEC0xk8

If you like what you see here, I would recommend in watching it from the beginning. Deep Space Nine Seasons 1-7. If you have a hard time getting thru the first two seasons. Watch the episode Crossover in Season 2 and then skip ahead to Season 3. If you are still having trouble in Season 3: watch the third season episodes titled Civil Defense, Heart of Stone, Through the Looking Glass, Improbable Cause, The Die is Cast, and Explorers and jump ahead to Season 4 (Watching Deep Space Nine Seasons 4-7). Just make sure you go back and watch Season's 1-3 (if you skipped it).

______________________________________________________

Voyager:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1PX9E2RsgU

CARETAKER PARTS 1 AND 2 (Season 1 episodes 1-2):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfVpic-MtKU

SCORPION PARTS 1 AND 2 (Season 3 episode 26 and Season 4 episode 1):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YDy52Z6eFIU

If you like what you see here: go back to the beginning and watch the series in order. Voyager Season's 1-7.

 

[Luther Sloan]

Enterprise:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejOkf_C-mo0

Recommended that you watch from the beginning. Enterprise Season's 1-4. In other words, watch the pilot episode titled BROKEN BOW (Season 1 episode 1) to see if it is your cup of tea or not.


Side Note:

But here is a word of caution involving the series, though
(if you are interested in it).

http://trekbbs.com/showpost.php?p=4187563&postcount=10


______________________________________________________

Animated Series:

Watch this series any way you like. The Animated Series is not for everyone. It is after all a 1970s cartoon. So don't expect much from it.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I would suggest Star Trek Enterprise. It was designed to be a new beginning for a new audience, and it's the most modern series too. It's about the adventures of an earlier starship Enterprise 100 years before the time of Kirk and co.

There are a few terrible episodes in the first two seasons, as well as some good ones. The third season is the best - an epic 26-episode mission to prevent aliens from launching a planet killing weapon against earth. Season four was good too, but the finale episode was terrible.

You'll come across a few references that newbies won't get unless they watch the other series' and movies - although you get to meet the beagle-loving Captain Archer that Scotty was talking about (who would have been about 140 at the time Scotty knew him)!

 

[Luther Sloan]

Although, I am not 100% against watching Enterprise on a person's first Trek viewing. On the other hand: Enterprise is not the strongest of the Trek series, though. So I would avoid showing that one to begin with. I know a lot of folks like this series a lot. Heck, I own it on DVD and have enjoyed it as popcorn entertainment, myself. So I sort of know where a lot of fans are coming from. But there are a few problems in recommending a new person in watching Enterprise first. Well for one, there is no character development. Secondly, the acting is bad. Thirdly, they don't explain a few important things within the series. Furthermore, a new viewer is going to spoil it for them self if they start with Enterprise (The Series). There are a lot of pre-references to a new viewer that are not going to mean anything to them when they watch it. And it is not like a 2 hour movie that they can just pop in real quick and re-watch again to gain the knowledge of those references, either.

The only reason you should watch Enterprise first is if you are drawn to it more than the other series (after looking at the trailers I provided above).

 

[RegFan]

This is going to sound really really dumb, but i've started to get into star trek after the new movie that came out, but i have no idea where to start.

That doesn't sound dumb at all. It's nice to see newbies asking older fans where to start and not deciding their viewing order on their own.

To answer your question, there was a thread about this a while ago. Hope it helps.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Oh yeah, did I mention that everyone has their own opinions on which to watch first and which to avoid, and they'll all insist that their way is better?

For example, Luther Sloan says don't watch Enterprise first. Why? It's only "popcorn entertainment" - I say just like the 2009 Star Trek movie was!
Now's a good time to point out that Trek TV series' are usually far slower paced and thoughtful, and in the case of The Next Generation, involve much talking about things than doing them.

If you liked Star Trek 2009/XI because of the running around and the explosions, you might also want to look into Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. They're "loving tributes" to Star Trek (and Star Wars) and full of it.

I guess the best way is to watch a few episodes of the various shows at random (either TV reruns or YouTube or whatever - I think CBS put Enterprise online in HD to watch for free in the US but I could be wrong) and see what you like.

 

[Luther Sloan]

Oh yeah, did I mention that everyone has their own opinions on which to watch first and which to avoid, and they'll all insist that their way is better?

KD:

Which is exactly what your doing, too. Your implying your opinion is better of course, as well. Simply put, we have two different opinions on the matter. But when it comes down to it, it is up to the new person to look at the trailers (I given) and watch the "Grab You In" films or episodes to let that new person decide which series he likes or doesn't like. With the exception of the Animated Series (Unless that new person is a fan of old cartoons): I would watch a little from each series (on my list above) to determine a new person's specific taste.

For example, Luther Sloan says don't watch Enterprise first. Why? It's only "popcorn entertainment" - I say just like the 2009 Star Trek movie was!

But I don't think of the new Star Trek film as pop corn entertainment. I thought it was a well thought out and properly executed film (that I enjoy more and more with each viewing). And I don't think our new friend here feels that way either. Otherwise he wouldn't care enough to look more into the universe of Star Trek.

Now's a good time to point out that Trek TV series' are usually far slower paced and thoughtful, and in the case of The Next Generation, involve much talking about things than doing them.

You make it sound like Star Trek is boring. Not true. Although, the Next Generation was a little slower paced. It did have it's action, though. And the Original Series had it's share, too (All be it was 1960s type action). But Deep Space Nine and Voyager's Seasons 4-7 was chocked full of great action moments. In Deep Space Nine we got cool phaser fights and massive starship battles. And in Voyager: we got to see brutal attacks from some really wicked alien species.

If you liked Star Trek 2009/XI because of the running around and the explosions, you might also want to look into Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis. They're "loving tributes" to Star Trek (and Star Wars) and full of it.

I loved Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis. However, it took me a while to get into SG-1 at first. And yes, Stargate is chocked full of action, but I would stick with Star Trek because that is the new person's interest is at the moment. And again, Star Trek has got it's fair share of action, as well. Granted, it's not Stargate. But it still got cool action!

I guess the best way is to watch a few episodes of the various shows at random (either TV reruns or YouTube or whatever - I think CBS put Enterprise online in HD to watch for free in the US but I could be wrong) and see what you like.

Watching the different series at random is not the answer. A new person could watch the wrong episode and be turned off by it. Heck, I know that if I watched Voyager's "Threshold" or Enterprise's "These Are The Voyagers" first, I would never want to watch Star Trek ever again. A new person should watch the recommended choices (from each of the series) I given above to see if he digs that particular series or not.

 

[F. King Daniel]

Luther:
Depends on your definition of "Popcorn movie". I love the movie, but it's certainly not a message show (beyond "be all you can"), nor does it deal with any issues.

Also notice that while I gave my opinion on what would be good first Trek TV viewing, I did it without telling the OP to ignore anyone else's suggestions.

 

[Luther Sloan]

Luther:
Depends on your definition of "Popcorn movie". I love the movie, but it's certainly not a message show (beyond "be all you can"), nor does it deal with any issues.

Also notice that while I gave my opinion on what would be good first Trek TV viewing, I did it without telling the OP to ignore anyone else's suggestions.

KD:

There are a couple of issues that are dealt within the new Star Trek film. One has to look a little closer to see them is all.

JJ Abram's Star Trek film focuses on Destiny, Emotional Acceptance, Pain, and Loss.

_____________________________________________________

Plot Break Down (Kirk Focused):

Act 1: (Set up)

1. Kirk's father dies because of Nero (Thus changing the time line)
2. A rebellious Kirk grows up without his real Father.
3. A rebellious Kirk is convinced by Pike to enlist in Starfleet to live up to his Father's legend of being Captain of a Starship.
4. Kirk cheats on a Starfleet test and is in big trouble. (Conflict with Spock begins)

Act 2: (Conflict)

1. Vulcan is under attack.
2. Enterprise is sent to help out. Kirk sneaks aboard with the help of McCoy.
3. Kirk, Sulu, and Red Shirt Go to stop the device that is drilling into the planet of Vulcan.
4. Kirk gets into a fight with Spock when he gets back to the Enterprise.
5. Kirk is thrown off the ship and onto an ice planet by Spock.
6. Kirk runs into Ice Monsters that almost kill him.

Act 3: (Resolution):

1. Kirk runs into the future version of Spock and he mind melds with him (showing him what he needs to know in order to take command of the Enterprise and take down Nero).
2. Kirk finds a way to beam back on board the Enterprise.
3. Kirk fights Spock, and takes command of the Enterprise.
4. Kirk and Spock beam aboard Nero's ship in attempt to stop them from destroying Earth.
5. Kirk gets Spock to the Jellyfish ship so that he can stop the drilling and then cripple Nero's ship (with the red matter/black hole plot device).
6. Kirk fights a Romulan soldier and wins.
7. Kirk offers assistance to Nero. (But Nero refuses and gets sucked into the black hole).
8. Kirk is praised by Starfleet for saving the day.
9. Kirk takes command of the Enterprise and rides off to the closest star to the left.

Theme: Destiny


____________________________________________________

Plot Breakdown (Spock Focused):

Act 1: (Set Up):

1. In the early years: Spock gets into conflict because of his emotions.
2. He is a commander in Starfleet and is in opposition to Kirk on his test.

Act 2: (Conflict):

1. He loses Mother and his home world of Vulcan.
2. Spock tries to get rid of Kirk but he comes back and beats him emotionally (making Spock feel ashamed of his emotions).
3. Spock's father explains that emotions are okay. So Spock teams up with Kirk to stop Nero.

Act 3: (Resolution):

1. Spock and Kirk fight Nero.
2. Spock and Kirk stop Nero from destroying Earth. Their teaming together helps resolve the conflict that Spock initially had with Kirk in the beginning.
3. Spock is indirectly told from his future self that emotions are nothing to be ashamed of.

Theme: Emotional Acceptance.


____________________________________________________

Also, JJ Abrams and Nimoy are both Jewish and part of the film's intent was to show the destruction of Vulcan as a parallel to Jewish Society and what had happened to them in World War ll. So the movie is also about pain and loss (of a culture), too.

Granted, I am not Jewish: But here is an article on the topic in regards to the film on that (if your interested):

http://www.pinenet.com/~rooster/VulcanHolocaust.html

Theme: Pain and Loss.


____________________________________________________

TRAILER: (Just because I love it):
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/star-trek-xi/feature-trailer



__________________________________________________________

Side Note:

Also notice that while I gave my opinion on what would be good first Trek TV viewing, I did it without telling the OP to ignore anyone else's suggestions.

Oh, and I never used the words ignore in regards to you or anyone else's suggestions here in this thread. I simply disagreed with those opinions and simply told my side of the argument.

 

[F. King Daniel]

I'll grant you acceptance of one's self and the Vulcan holocaust (the impact of which was barely touched upon in this first film), but STXI wasn't based around the kind of social comment of episodes like "Similitude" (stem cell research), "Let That be Your Last Battlefield" (racism - although there were elements), "The Outcast" (gender identity - although I think this may be Spock's plight of self acceptance in different colours and a different resolution), "The Cost of Living" (society's treatment of the elderly), "Fury" (senility), "A Private Little War" (Vietnam) and many, many others.

You're certainly right that Spock's journey carries a very important message. I don't buy "destiny" though. Instead I see "be all you can be". "Loss" is something seen in most movies.

 

[TheGodBen]

This is going to sound really really dumb, but i've started to get into star trek after the new movie that came out, but i have no idea where to start. I've just been reading stuff on it online, and I really want to watch the series' but i'm wondering which one you super fans think I should start with?

Firstly, welcome.

Secondly, there's absolutely no consensus in the Trek community on any subject, we will factionalise about even the most minor details about this franchise. We will argue passionately, and our disagreements become deeply personal and bitter. For example, I am a member of the Niners, we're a group that consider Deep Space Nine to be the best Trek series, and we have a reputation for being arrogant, condescending, and just generally better than all the other groups on the board.

To ask us which Trek series you should start out with is like throwing meat into piranha-infested waters. You cannot trust the advice given to you for it is based on long-fought arguments that mean nothing to you but which mean everything to us.

That being said, you should listen to what I tell you to do.

Each of the series is different and attracts its own fans, so if you don't like one of the series then there is a chance that you will enjoy the others. I would suggest that you start with the original series from the 60s as that has the characters that you are used to from the new film. It's a good show and the characters work really well together, but some people have trouble getting into it because it is a product of its time. The sets look cheap and it can be quite sexist, but if you can accept it for what it is then it's a very enjoyable show.

If you can't get into TOS then you can try The Next Generation, which is set a century later with an entirely new cast. The basic premise is the same; a ship named Enterprise exploring strange new worlds, finding problems, resolving them, and then flying away. The show has dated a little, some complain that the show is too PC for modern audiences, but it is very well written and has some great science fiction stories. This was the most successful of all the Trek series from a financial point of view and it was so popular that the franchise rode its coat-tails for over a decade. TNG comes with a major caveat; its first two seasons aren't well regarded, and the first season in particular is sometimes called one of the worst in the whole franchise. TNG really only comes into its own in season 3, from that point on it was a very well regarded series (with a dip in quality during its final year).

If TNG doesn't float your boat then you can try DS9, my personal favourite. It takes the setting of TNG and uses it to tell epic stories about war, politics and subterfuge, and it contains the franchise's largest action sequences. At the same time, it is also the most character-based of all the series, the characters on this show grow and adapt in ways that the other series usually didn't attempt. Once again there is an important caveat in that the first couple of seasons aren't well regarded, but once an empire called The Dominion is introduced the show begins to move in unexpected directions.

If DS9 isn't to your liking then you can try Voyager. This show is about a Federation starship that gets trapped on the other side of the galaxy and must traverse unknown space in order to get home. It's similar to TNG and TOS in that the stories are standalone, and while there's not much politics or war there is a lot of action. Personally, I'm not a fan of the show (for reasons that I wont go into) but there are plenty of people on this forum that love the show.

Finally, there's Enterprise. Enterprise has a poor reputation because it was the first Star Trek show to be cancelled since the original, but in the last few years people have given it a fair shot and its reputation has improved. It's a prequel series, so it takes place a century before Kirk, and the new movie has some references to the show. The show has some problems in the early years, particularly in season 2, but by the final season it was trying really hard to be a worthy prequel to the original show.

And if you don't like any of these shows, watch The Wire because it's awesome.

 

[JiNX-01]

That would all depend on your tastes.
if you want to see it in order then starting with the real Kirk, crew, and 1701 then TOS would be the first stop.

TNG is on all every day on several cable channels, so its not so hard to come by and catch up on.

if you want serialized long term story telling with plenty of space fights and action then go to DS9.

Voyager is hard to describe, for better or worse. Many complete episodes are available on youtube.

And enterprise is a prequel that was intended to explain much of how certain things came to be on all the other series, its available most week days on syfy channel, just don't watch the series finale of this show, especially to start with, or ever.

Personally I started with TNG for the reason listed above, it was easy to have access to on a regular basis. Many of the books are also good. Just remember that the series are almost nothing like the last movie.

TOS Remastered and Enterprise are available at http://www.cbs.com/hd/