Hi-I have been charged with suggesting 1 and only 1 episode from the Original series and Next Generation for someone that has never seen ANY, can you imagine... I thought I would ask here for the ultimate classics as I really don't have an absolute favorite for either..Thanks
Looking for suggestions for newbie
- Thread starter gking
- Start date
Wow, okay, interesting request...
TOS: Amok Time or The Doomsday Machine
TNG: Measure of a Man or The Enemy
Good representations of what Star Trek is all about, none really require any other knowledge of Trek (which is generally true for TOS and TNG, they weren't serialized). If this isn't cheating, I'd say watch all four - they're very distinct from each other and will convey to your buddy the scope of Star Trek (even if you're not including DS9, which should be your next step).
TOS: Amok Time or The Doomsday Machine
TNG: Measure of a Man or The Enemy
Good representations of what Star Trek is all about, none really require any other knowledge of Trek (which is generally true for TOS and TNG, they weren't serialized). If this isn't cheating, I'd say watch all four - they're very distinct from each other and will convey to your buddy the scope of Star Trek (even if you're not including DS9, which should be your next step).
Amazing how many times this comes up...While I am not a huge TNG fan, they did have some compelling stories...
Three come to mind:
Inner Light
Darmok
Tapestry
Of those, probably 'Inner Light' would be my recommendation.
If that doesn't suit you, how about the TOS classic 'Spock's Brain' - hot dumb chicks and the best line ever - "Brain and Brain!! What is brain?"
Three come to mind:
Inner Light
Darmok
Tapestry
Of those, probably 'Inner Light' would be my recommendation.
If that doesn't suit you, how about the TOS classic 'Spock's Brain' - hot dumb chicks and the best line ever - "Brain and Brain!! What is brain?"
TOS- Trouble with tribbles: May as well get your friends started off on a light, fun episode
TNG-Best of both Worlds
TNG-Best of both Worlds
TOS---Clearly have to go with "The Way To Eden"
TNG---Can't go wrong with "Shades of Grey"
If Riker can't win somebody over with his snake anecdote, then they don't deserve to be a Trek fan!
TNG---Can't go wrong with "Shades of Grey"
If Riker can't win somebody over with his snake anecdote, then they don't deserve to be a Trek fan!
TOS - Balance of Terror
TNG - The Defector
TNG - The Defector
Um, if this person is not into sci fi, they won't appreciate ST no matter what episode you pick (and sorry, pop sci fi/fantasy (read: Star Wars) doesn't count.
If they are really willing to give it a try, I'd go with "Balance of Terror." It has really good character moments (but you don't have to be familiar with the characters to appreciate the interaction) and it's a solid story.
For TNG, I'd suggest "The Inner Light." Tapestry, Best of Both Worlds, etc. are great episodes, but then you have to explain who Q is, who the Borg are. The less explanation and backstory you have to provide the better.
Just out of curiosity, why not any of the other Treks? I can think of really good introductory episodes from all three.
If they are really willing to give it a try, I'd go with "Balance of Terror." It has really good character moments (but you don't have to be familiar with the characters to appreciate the interaction) and it's a solid story.
For TNG, I'd suggest "The Inner Light." Tapestry, Best of Both Worlds, etc. are great episodes, but then you have to explain who Q is, who the Borg are. The less explanation and backstory you have to provide the better.
Just out of curiosity, why not any of the other Treks? I can think of really good introductory episodes from all three.
For TOS, I'd suggest "The Tholian Web": a clever, tense story that deftly brings out the heart of the Kirk/Spock/McCoy dynamic. Plus, it's got cool aliens and some of the better FX work.
Also, what with the Space Madness and Scotty dashing off to get crocked on Klingon nerve gas, it allows you to inoculate your new viewer against the cheesier elements of TOS. If your viewer doesn't enjoy that stuff and take it in stride, TOS just may not be for them.
For TNG, I think one of the more high-minded standalone episodes, like "Darmok", "The Inner Light", or "First Contact", would work well, since they highlight TNG's differences from TOS.
Also, what with the Space Madness and Scotty dashing off to get crocked on Klingon nerve gas, it allows you to inoculate your new viewer against the cheesier elements of TOS. If your viewer doesn't enjoy that stuff and take it in stride, TOS just may not be for them.
For TNG, I think one of the more high-minded standalone episodes, like "Darmok", "The Inner Light", or "First Contact", would work well, since they highlight TNG's differences from TOS.
I avoided recommending Darmok or The Inner Light because they aren't exactly action-packed. I dunno whether this makes a difference but generally I find newbies prefer the fast-paced stuff. Later you can get into "what Star Trek means" with the more philosophical episodes.
start em off with Trouble with Tribbles from TOS and TNG's Cause and Effect.
DO NOT show them boring-ass episodes like Inner Light and Darmok or any santa kirk mentioned.
DO NOT show them boring-ass episodes like Inner Light and Darmok or any santa kirk mentioned.
TOS: City on the Edge of Forever.
(bless Harlan's li'l heart
)
EDIT: oh, and from TNG: Yesterday's Enterprise.
actually, The Tholian Web is a good one too. it's one of my favorites. and yes, it's got great triad and crew drama and tension as well as a tight, bottle story.
(bless Harlan's li'l heart
)EDIT: oh, and from TNG: Yesterday's Enterprise.
actually, The Tholian Web is a good one too. it's one of my favorites. and yes, it's got great triad and crew drama and tension as well as a tight, bottle story.
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