The Most Disliked Episode of TOS, Season 1: 2021 Edition...

Discussion in 'Star Trek - The Original & Animated Series' started by Farscape One, Sep 8, 2021.

  1. Farscape One

    Farscape One Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Location:
    Farscape One
    My apologies for starting so much later than I stated. A lot of things going on, plus I just got back from DragonCon 2021.


    Here's the game. The basic idea is your standard elimination game. I'll provide a list of the episodes for each season and you need to eliminate your most favorite or the one you deem the 'best.' Please provide an EXPLANATION for why you are eliminating your choice and be sure to copy and paste the list with your choice removed. Finally, leave at least 2 eliminations by other posters before you eliminate another episode.

    No tactical voting! You cannot remove an episode because you feel they would threaten your preferred episode's chance to win.
    Pretty simple. Enjoy! :bolian:

    Hall of Champions (or Failures?)
    2011 - AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD
    2018 - AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD
    2019 - AND THE CHILDREN SHALL LEAD
    2021 - THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR



    Season One

    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE MENAGERIE PART II
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    BALANCE OF TERROR
    SHORE LEAVE
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    ARENA
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE DEVIL IN THE DARK
    ERRAND OF MERCY
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Last edited: Sep 17, 2021
    BlueStuff likes this.
  2. Farscape One

    Farscape One Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Location:
    Farscape One
    Taking out "BALANCE OF TERROR" first.

    This is an all-time classic. Excellent pace, script, dialogue, villain... and the first appearance of the Romulans! One of the best cat and mouse games the franchise ever did. Superbly acted by Mark Lenard, you actually sort of root for him despite being the enemy. One of my top 3 episodes of TOS by any measure.


    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE MENAGERIE PART II
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    SHORE LEAVE
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    ARENA
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE DEVIL IN THE DARK
    ERRAND OF MERCY
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Commander Troi and BK613 like this.
  3. Phaser Two

    Phaser Two Commodore Premium Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2016
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Thanks again for doing these; they're wonderful. Hope you enjoyed DragonCon.

    I'm coming to the rescue of Arena. It's got a wonderful message, it switches between five settings (Enterprise, Cestus III, Enterprise, planetoid, Enterprise conclusion) so fast you think you've just watched a two-hour-plus movie, and the acting, particularly from Shatner, is top-notch. It may have the best dialogue of all of S1, and the Cestus III siege scene might be the best action piece in the entire series.


    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE MENAGERIE PART II
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    SHORE LEAVE
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE DEVIL IN THE DARK
    ERRAND OF MERCY
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Commander Troi and BK613 like this.
  4. Farscape One

    Farscape One Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Location:
    Farscape One
    Oh, DragonCon this year was the most organized, least chaotic and crowded since I've started going in 2006. Been to every one since.

    Met really cool actors/actresses, which is my favorite thing. My treasure was meeting and chatting with my Doctor, Christopher Eccleston! I was floored when he was added to the list because I never expected to meet him, given how he distanced himself from DOCTOR WHO since he left.

    One of my favorite chats was with Ross Marquand, a.k.a. Aaron fron THE WALKING DEAD. Supremely friendly guy, and excellent taste in genre stuff. (He was wearing a THEY LIVE shirt when I took a picture with him.)

    Another favorite was Mark Pellegrino, Lucifer from SUPERNATURAL. He was really cool, and even got on the phone to talk with my wife! (She loves him on both there and LOST.) I won a lot of points with my wife that day. :) :)
     
  5. BK613

    BK613 Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    Despite the shaggy carpet look, The Devil in the Dark's message of cooperation and cohabitation still works.

    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE MENAGERIE PART II
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    SHORE LEAVE
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE

    ERRAND OF MERCY
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Commander Troi and Phaser Two like this.
  6. Methuselah Flint

    Methuselah Flint Fleet Captain Fleet Captain

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2012
    Location:
    UK
    The Menagerie Part II because it's the second episode of the only two parter we were treated to, and I prefer the way The Cage is presented here, to its standalone pilot instalment.

    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    SHORE LEAVE
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    ERRAND OF MERCY
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Commander Troi and BK613 like this.
  7. Farscape One

    Farscape One Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Location:
    Farscape One
    My next one is "ERRAND OF MERCY".

    It not only introduces the Klingons, but one of the best Klingons with Kor, wonderfully played by John Colicos. Great story, great dialogue, great message. It's also a rare time we see what a planetary siege looks like. I also love how the title can mean it's an errand of mercy on the part of BOTH Kirk and company and the Organians.


    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    SHORE LEAVE
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Commander Troi and Phaser Two like this.
  8. Spock's Barber

    Spock's Barber Commodore Commodore

    Joined:
    Oct 9, 2014
    Location:
    Standing Next To Kirk
    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    DAGGER OF THE MIND
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING

    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!

    I’m taking a break from manning the science station and beaming down on Shore Leave. It’s always been one of my favorite TOS episodes because of the variety of adventures that the shore party has on the planet surface.
     
  9. Henoch

    Henoch Rear Admiral Premium Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2018
    Location:
    Back On The Shelf
    Great guest stars (James Gregory, Morgan Woodward, and Marianna Hill :adore: ) can make even a mediocre episode quite good, hence the save for Dagger of the Mind.

    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI

    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    THE GALILEO SEVEN
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Commander Troi likes this.
  10. Farscape One

    Farscape One Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Location:
    Farscape One
    I would not forgive myself if I didn't save "THE GALILEO SEVEN", one of my favorites of TOS. Great showcase for Spock in command. It was also where you truly see McCoy's respect for Spock, especially in his defense when Boma was out of line with Spock. Their relationship may appear antagonistic, but they really had a great respect for each other and were good friends, even though they migjt never say it out loud.


    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    THE SQUIRE OF GOTHOS
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
  11. Phaser Two

    Phaser Two Commodore Premium Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2016
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    That's a good save because it has a lot of excellent action and suspense and Kirk, Spock, and Scotty are terrific, but as to the above . . . what, now? McCoy never comes to Spock's defense, I don't believe. *Scotty* does just that during Boma's final outburst, which is an awesome character moment for Scotty, but in my mind both McCoy and Boma should have been court-martialed after the shuttle was rescued. Their behavior was inexcusable. I've always assumed that Spock would never pursue such a course of action, and Scotty and Mears weren't likely to report it either. I can also assume that McCoy and possibly Boma went to Spock after returning to the ship and apologized, and Spock graciously accepted.
     
    Methuselah Flint and Henoch like this.
  12. Henoch

    Henoch Rear Admiral Premium Member

    Joined:
    Dec 27, 2018
    Location:
    Back On The Shelf
    Of the five surviving members of The Galileo Seven, it speaks volumes that only Boma was not on the bridge laughing it up with the cool kids for the end credits...
     
  13. Phaser Two

    Phaser Two Commodore Premium Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2016
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    You know what? I misremembered and thought that he was, but in checking TrekCore's screenshots, it looks like you're right. Good call! Okay, maybe he was in the brig. :bolian:
     
    Henoch and Methuselah Flint like this.
  14. Farscape One

    Farscape One Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Mar 2, 2017
    Location:
    Farscape One
    When Boma said he would insist on a burial even if Spock was the dead one, McCoy was the first to "Mr. Boma!" him. You can also clearly see his facial expression was stern with Boma as Scotty came up, too.

    Otherwise, I don't think McCoy was out of line with Spock. Yes, he was a bit emotional in his presentations like, "A little less logic, and a bit more action might be useful now." Or words to that effect, when the creatures were shaking the shuttle right before Spock had Scotty electrify it.

    I took things like that as more of trying to urge Spock forward instead of simply analyzing. Keep in mind, he's used to seeing Kirk analyze quickly and put action just as rapidly. As a doctor, he was trying to keep everyone alive in his way. While it may seem insubordinate, I never saw it as such.

    And by the way, it's McCoy later in the season that says Spock is the best XO in the fleet. He clearly respects and admires him.
     
  15. Phaser Two

    Phaser Two Commodore Premium Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2016
    Location:
    Los Angeles
    Ennnnnnnh . . . weak. Scotty was, as usual, on point.
     
  16. gottacook

    gottacook Captain Captain

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2005
    Location:
    Maryland
    I'll save out "The Squire of Gothos," the first and best of the omnipotent aliens. The denouement (parents!) is excellent, it's a great pairing of guest star and role, and we get three different harpsichord performances. (Although the Strauss waltz "Rosen aus dem Süden" is from 1880 and therefore anachronistic to everything else, it's a nice tune for the dancing scene.)
    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    WHERE NO MAN HAS GONE BEFORE
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Phaser Two and Commander Troi like this.
  17. Vger23

    Vger23 Vice Admiral Admiral

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2014
    Location:
    Enterprise bowling alley
    I’m going to eliminate Where No Man. I love that this was Trek’s first classic ethical dilemma. It had awesome, exciting visuals for the time, and it has shouty Spock and a dope phaser rifle prop.


    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    THE CITY ON THE EDGE OF FOREVER
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Henoch and Commander Troi like this.
  18. Commander Troi

    Commander Troi Geek Grrl Premium Member

    Joined:
    Jul 22, 2021
    Location:
    Phoenix AZ
    So many great eps here! But I will take The City on the Edge of Forever. Kirk (believably!) falls in love with a woman who is terrific and smart and way ahead of her time. But! The moral quandary and Shatner's fabulous performance would be enough, but every time I watch it, *my* heart breaks too.

    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    THE NAKED TIME
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Phaser Two likes this.
  19. Albertese

    Albertese Commodore Commodore

    Joined:
    May 3, 2003
    Location:
    Portland, OR
    So many great stories on this list! Tough call to make but I'm taking "The Naked Time" off the list. Great performances, excellent camera work (I love the camera tracking around Spock as he tries to get a grip on himself in the conference room). Butter knives notwithstanding, this episode is a gem.


    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X

    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI
    THE CORBOMITE MANEUVER
    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!

    --Alex
     
    Phaser Two and Commander Troi like this.
  20. BK613

    BK613 Rear Admiral Rear Admiral

    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2008
    I'll save The Corbomite Maneuver. Decent story, quotable dialog and the breakaway sequence is a fav.

    THE MAN TRAP
    CHARLIE X
    THE ENEMY WITHIN
    MUDD'S WOMEN
    WHAT ARE LITTLE GIRLS MADE OF?
    MIRI

    THE MENAGERIE PART I
    THE CONSCIENCE OF THE KING
    TOMORROW IS YESTERDAY
    COURT MARTIAL
    THE RETURN OF THE ARCHONS
    SPACE SEED
    A TASTE OF ARMAGEDDON
    THIS SIDE OF PARADISE
    THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR
    OPERATION -- ANNIHILATE!
     
    Henoch and Commander Troi like this.