Most Underrated TOS Episode?

[RobertScorpio]

Most underated??? that is a good question..wow, I have to think for a moment. I think the episode MIRI is underated. I like the direction and the 'movie' look to it when you watch it all these years later....

Rob
Scorpio

 

[Outpost4]

Elaan of Troyius

France Nuyen's performance is spot on. She's beautiful, too. It's a heart breaking love story that shows us Kirk is more in love with the Enterprise than we could ever know. There are space battles and green skinned aliens. Plus, it's my favorite Star Trek rip-off of Shakespeare, a retelling of The Taming of the Shrew.

 

[Tan Ru]

My picks; one from each season:

Season One: Charlie X

Season Two: The Changeling

Season Three: Elaan of Troyius



................just cuz.

 

[Captain MAJ]

I'm partial to "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield."

The climax of the episode, when the root of the conflict between Lokai and Bele is revealed, is priceless. The episode gives us a clue as to how confused an outsider would be upon observing our petty racial differences. It's a beautiful commentary on the foolishness of racism and predjudice.

As always, Trek was ahead of it's time.

 

[Jefferies]

There are a few in season three I think. People tend to ignore episodes like The Empath, Plato’s Stepchildren and Turnabout Intruder.

 

[cooleddie74]

I've always liked "Obsession" because it fills in more of Kirk's background history AND its a good character study of multiple characters under stress.

 

[Neopeius]

There are a few in season three I think. People tend to ignore episodes like The Empath, Plato’s Stepchildren and Turnabout Intruder.

I'm not sure why Plato's Stepchildren isn't bad, but it really isn't. Alexander has the potential to be a really annoying character, and instead he's great.

 

[cooleddie74]

Michael Dunn was a severely underrated character actor, even on WILD WILD WEST as Dr. Loveless. He was much better than many did or continue to give him credit for. Shame he passed away a number of years back.

 

[stj]

A Taste of Armageddon, Who Mourns for Adonais, Squire of Gothos, The Corbomite Maneuver are some.

 

[BillJ]

There are a few in season three I think. People tend to ignore episodes like The Empath, Plato’s Stepchildren and Turnabout Intruder.

I love Turnabout Intruder... my wife thinks it is the best performance William Shatner gave in The Original Series.

 

[Kirk1980]

No love for The Enterprise Incident?

Or is that well-rated?

 

[Outpost4]

It's the later, I think.

As is stj appreciation of The Corbomite Maneuver. That's a pretty classic Trek episode.

I'll join the chorus for Turnabout Intruder. If this hadn't been the last episode, and just another second or third season show, I think it would be better thought of. But we wished Star Trek had gone out with a bang, and Janice Lester wasn't.

 

[kissthestar]

I like "Wolf in the Fold" because of the strange "seance" scene, very unusual. I like any episode where Uhura sings. "Return of the Archons" has a complex message regarding the effect of repressive institutions on conscience. Most of the 1st season shows seem like overall good stories to me. It's all in the writing.

 

[tomalak301]

Haven't seen it in a while, but I remember liking The Empath and All Our Yesterdays. Also, the Conscience of the King from season 1 is a well done piece.

 

[Therin of Andor]

I have a bizarre fondness for "Whom Gods Destroy", "Who Mourns for Adonais?" and... "The Way to Eden"!

I read an excellent review for "The Empath" in the 80s. The journalist noted that filming in an empty, darkened soundstage gave the planet scenes a timeless quality.

 

[cooleddie74]

"Archons" is cheesy as all get out in spots, but effectively eerie and has some great mood music.

 

[kissthestar]

I agree Dunn was a fine actor. What do you find cheesy about "Archons"?

 

[cooleddie74]

Oh just the sound effects and all associated with the Lawgivers and their absorption techniques. And the robes.

 

[kissthestar]

To me, some of the wackiest ST sound effects ever are the ones accompanying the crack up of Trelaine's mirror machine. Also, what the heck is that stuff behind that mirror? It looks like somebody just cleaned out their garage and tossed the gleanings in there.

 

[cooleddie74]

To me, some of the wackiest ST sound effects ever are the ones accompanying the crack up of Trelaine's mirror machine. Also, what the heck is that stuff behind that mirror? It looks like somebody just cleaned out their garage and tossed the gleanings in there.

AGREED.

I try to pretend those sound effects never, ever happened. And his mirror machine/projector? UGH. Even in 1966 that looked "meh" at best.