Single crash-course episode

[Falconer]

I’m hosting a Star Trek themed party, and I think most people coming are more-or-less familiar with Star Trek, but for those who may not be, I want to suggest a single episode that they can watch to get a good idea of the show. Ideally it would be one that could give a good sense of the characters (many characters, not just the big three), and that would be highly quotable (a source of laughs throughout the evening). “The Naked Time” is the obvious choice, but a friend suggested to me that it wouldn’t be the greatest intro to Star Trek, being an intentional departure from the norm. Thoughts/suggestions?

 

[Ssosmcin]

The Trouble With Tribbles is a good newbie favorite - it's just missing Sulu.

Arena - if you don't mind laughs for the wrong reasons.

Mirror, Mirror - maybe. A focus on the alternate universe, but still one with everyone.

The Changeling might be a pretty good choice also.

I expect my invite shortly...

 

[Forbin]

I'm thinking more something like Corbomite Maneuver or Errand of Mercy. Dealing with an unknown alien civilization that turns out to be something unexpected.

 

[Kor]

"A Piece of the Action" is quite quotable.

Kor

 

[Phaser Two]

The Doomsday Machine. Alternate choice: Obsession - for more in-depth character study.

 

[J.T.B.]

"Amok Time." It's got everybody but Rand, some strong big three interplay plus a little Sulu-Chekov banter, a trip to Spock's planet, the debut of the "fighting music" and a twisty ending. Quotable? Well, it's also the debut of "live long and prosper," plus "If I want anything from you, I'll ask for it!", "Parted from me, and never parted", " You may find that having is not so pleasing a thing as wanting", probably some others.

 

[Phaser Two]

"Amok Time." It's got everybody but Rand

Nope. It doesn't have Scotty. (Neither "Vulcan episode" does, although the dialogue in each mentions him, and in each case, it's about taking command of the ship.)

So, no.

 

[J.T.B.]

Nope. It doesn't have Scotty. (Neither "Vulcan episode" does, although the dialogue in each mentions him, and in each case, it's about taking command of the ship.)

So, no.

Ah damn, you're right.

OTOH, Uhura, Chekov and Chapel are off watch for "The Doomsday Machine."

 

[Phaser Two]

Ah damn, you're right.

OTOH, Uhura, Chekov and Chapel are off watch for "The Doomsday Machine."

True. Actually I would then offer up Friday's Child as one that has everyone but Chapel and Rand. Considering the themes, Grant getting offed immediately, the K/S/M main plot, and the utterly fantastic Scotty parts, as well as the involvement of the Klingons, it might serve very well.

 

[Falconer]

True. Actually I would then offer up Friday's Child as one that has everyone but Chapel and Rand. Considering the themes, Grant getting offed immediately, the K/S/M main plot, and the utterly fantastic Scotty parts, as well as the involvement of the Klingons, it might serve very well.

Yes, in addition to covering many of the basics of the series, it has a lot of really great quotes from almost all the characters. The main element it is really missing is an ideological struggle. If you think of This Side of Paradise, A Taste of Armageddon, The Return of the Archons, Who Mourns for Adonais?, The Apple, there’s quite a bolder message. In Friday’s Child when Kirk admits he’s just out for revenge, it’s a thrilling and very human moment, but again, like The Naked Time, it is that because it’s a departure from the norm.

But I’m probably just over-thinking it.

 

[Henoch]

Make it a two parter: Mudd's Women + I, Mudd. You get both Sulu and Chekov. Unfortunately, Rand and Chapel were sitting out of the episodes.

 

[J.T.B.]

Does anyone know of a link to some kind of grid showing which characters/actors appear in which episodes?

 

[Henoch]

Not a grid/spread sheet, but Memory Alpha does a good job listing the cast for each episode. https://memory-alpha.fandom.com/wiki/Category:TOS_episodes

 

[Qonundrum]

"The Immunity Syndrome" - it could only be made in the 1960s but has a great character study to go along with the inventiveness...

"The Ultimate Computer" - or, heck, any episode written by D C Fontana as her involvement usually led to something above average for the show...

 

[Qonundrum]

Yes, in addition to covering many of the basics of the series, it has a lot of really great quotes from almost all the characters. The main element it is really missing is an ideological struggle. If you think of This Side of Paradise, A Taste of Armageddon, The Return of the Archons, Who Mourns for Adonais?, The Apple, there’s quite a bolder message. In Friday’s Child when Kirk admits he’s just out for revenge, it’s a thrilling and very human moment, but again, like The Naked Time, it is that because it’s a departure from the norm.

But I’m probably just over-thinking it.

"Who Mourns for Adonis" is another oddball that I sorta like - it's another "could only be done in the 1960s" piece, but the effects accorded Apollo on the planet are strikingly good for the time (Photoshop worthy, hehe), Uhura is given some emphasis and prominence as per Spock's own dialogue she is by far the most likely (or the only one able) to resolve the interference that Apollo is causing. That and it's got some eye candy of the sort you rarely see in 60s Trek. Again, everything in this story is pretty much unique to the 1960s but is somehow entertaining without crossing the line into camp or dropping suspension of disbelief.

"Naked Time", in TOS, simply rules. It is as first rate as it is a thrilling character study, giving depth and hidden motivations and subdued beliefs to the crew that let one think rather a lot into this crew, and the sci-fi aspect isn't exactly glossed over either - something a few season one episodes did, including "The Enemy Within", which is yet another good story despite glossing over the sci-fi issues in order to make it work (but it works fairly well). A shame they didn't keep the original concept of pairing this with "Tomorrow is Yesterday", another fantastic story and can't be beat.

"The Apple" can be hit or miss depending on your take on Christianity (trust me, that ain't no spoiler) but has some suitably alien moments (and lots of eye candy - for all)...

But "A Taste of Armageddon" is a sorely underrated episode as well as being highly creative. Definitely worth a watch and there's a neat character study as well, as Kirk opines to Anan-7...

"Friday's Child" is another go-to for me (DC Fontana again, woot!) - even though the start is a little weak. The episode improves immensely from there and I'd check out DC Fontana's original vision for the story as well. Either draft or what made it to screen, it's still a strong story.

 

[NCC-73515]

Devil in the Dark!

 

[Phaser Two]

Does anyone know of a link to some kind of grid showing which characters/actors appear in which episodes?

No, but we could easily make one in about 10 posts. Off the top of my head I think the Non-Scottys (totaling 15 IIRC) are MT, CX, DOM, WALGMO, COK, CM, SL, TSOP, MEN2, Miri, AF, EOM, AT, JTB and OG.

 

[Forbin]

I may be alone in this, but Is There in Truth No Beauty? is one of my very favorites. It has great discussions on humanity between the big three, some cool ship-out-of-control action, high melodrama, Kirk hitting on a babe, Scotty in a kilt, one of the best scores in the whole series (IMHO), and the very plot and title speak to an element of the societal change being fought for in the 60s. And that marvelous soliloquy by Kolos in Spock's body!

 

[J.T.B.]

No, but we could easily make one in about 10 posts. Off the top of my head I think the Non-Scottys (totaling 15 IIRC) are MT, CX, DOM, WALGMO, COK, CM, SL, TSOP, MEN2, Miri, AF, EOM, AT, JTB and OG.

OK I guess I have to do it myself...

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Gif1S4sNey0jaGj9cVqbXLP5zsuqVT1BE-3nvNcLOHo/edit?usp=sharing

Your memory seems to be right on!

I may be alone in this, but Is There in Truth No Beauty? is one of my very favorites. It has great discussions on humanity between the big three, some cool ship-out-of-control action, high melodrama, Kirk hitting on a babe, Scotty in a kilt, one of the best scores in the whole series (IMHO), and the very plot and title speak to an element of the societal change being fought for in the 60s. And that marvelous soliloquy by Kolos in Spock's body!

The ceiling of the bridge...

 

[Falconer]

Great work!

Well, I hate to cut short an interesting discussion (by all means, continue!), but, I decided to go with The Naked Time + Friday’s Child. Despite their both being unusual episodes, between them they cover a lot of ground, and are definitely entertaining and quotable. Of course I’m cheating by choosing two!