"Wibble" would be most apropos.
Most disappointing original Trek episode....
- Thread starter Warped9
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"Wibble" would be most apropos.
In retrospect I'd say Journey To Eden was the most disappointing episode in that DC Fontana's original idea was a much better story. Also, space hippies. Cringe.
More please.. . I thought there might have been a better original version.
) 
From these choices I'll go easily with "The Alternative Factor." "And the Children Shall Lead" has some very, very obvious problems, but it actually has a lot going for it, can be quite scary at times, and could have been improved with a few different choices (like the removal of the unfortunate gesture the kids make punctuated by the brass stabs). "TAF" is borderline unwatchable and actually manages to be boring, something almost no other TOS episode comes close to doing.
Or even the stupid Band-Aid thing. I'm still not sure how that tied into Lazarus being nuts.
Just for grins I read the Alternative Factor transcript on the Chakoteya site the other day after seeing this thread: I haven't done a full TOS rewatch in a few years and that's definitely not one that I have pulled out and watched individually. 
I was amazed how much of the dialogue is just Kirk and Spock talking to each other - with absolutely nothing happening. You can also tell that there being two of Lazarus is supposed to be some huge startler of a reveal, but actually, our duo just looks dumb for not realizing it instantly. Thank goodness they revisited the parallel universe theory - and how! - in Mirror, Mirror.
I was amazed how much of the dialogue is just Kirk and Spock talking to each other - with absolutely nothing happening. You can also tell that there being two of Lazarus is supposed to be some huge startler of a reveal, but actually, our duo just looks dumb for not realizing it instantly. Thank goodness they revisited the parallel universe theory - and how! - in Mirror, Mirror.
Turnabout Intruder was the last and, I think, one of the worst episodes. The series ends w a thudding mess of misogynistic twaddle.
"And the Children Shall Lead" is definitely the most disappointing episode for me, because it's the one episode we fans in Dallas/Fort Worth weren't allowed to see until the mid-1980s. (Our local UHF affiliate deemed it a bad influence for kids, and refused to show it.)
When I finally did see the episode, it was a hugely disappointing experience. It felt downright jarring and not even like STAR TREK. I remember thinking, "Let it stay unaired."
When I finally did see the episode, it was a hugely disappointing experience. It felt downright jarring and not even like STAR TREK. I remember thinking, "Let it stay unaired."
Whaddya all talkin' about? The worst episode of Trek imost definitely Plato's Stepchildren, that or Whom Gods Destroy!
JB
JB
Again? Plato's Stepchildren is NOT the worst episode of TOS.
I've been trying to find the synopsis of DC Fontana's original "Journey to Eden" story in my library of TOS related books. No luck yet. If I find it I'll post it, but for now I'll rely on memory:
One of the hippies was supposed to be McCoy's rebellious daughter.
The hippies kidnap Kirk and find Eden.
It takes some weeks for Spock & co to find them, during which time the hippies gradually turn away from Dr Sevrin and look to Kirk as leader, since his survival skills are keeping them all alive.
McCoy's daughter and Kirk become romantically involved (of course) and Dr Sevrin becomes unhinged due to jealousy of and rivalry with Kirk. Spock & co eventually find and rescue Kirk and now contrite and reformed group of hippies. IIRC, this occurs just in time to keep them from being discovered and taken prisoner by klingons.
One of the hippies was supposed to be McCoy's rebellious daughter.
The hippies kidnap Kirk and find Eden.
It takes some weeks for Spock & co to find them, during which time the hippies gradually turn away from Dr Sevrin and look to Kirk as leader, since his survival skills are keeping them all alive.
McCoy's daughter and Kirk become romantically involved (of course) and Dr Sevrin becomes unhinged due to jealousy of and rivalry with Kirk. Spock & co eventually find and rescue Kirk and now contrite and reformed group of hippies. IIRC, this occurs just in time to keep them from being discovered and taken prisoner by klingons.
I wonder if The Romulans appeared in the original script or if Eden was even in the Neutral zone?
JB
JB
Worst-constructed episode: The Alternative Factor.
Worst embarrassments for the characters: Plato's Stepchildren.
Worst guest stars, worst plot devices, second-worst personal embarrassments, and worst overall viewing experience for the win:
And the Children.
Worst embarrassments for the characters: Plato's Stepchildren.
Worst guest stars, worst plot devices, second-worst personal embarrassments, and worst overall viewing experience for the win:
And the Children.
Dammit, Jim, I'm not a doctor, I'm your Father-in-Law! Do you want to see how fast I can put you in the hospital?
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