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

[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!

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!

 

[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!

 

[Phaser Two]

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!

 

[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.

 

[BK613]

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!

 

[Methuselah Flint]

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!

 

[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!

 

[Spock's Barber]

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.

 

[Henoch]

Great guest stars (James Gregory, Morgan Woodward, and Marianna Hill ) 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!

 

[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!

 

[Phaser Two]

It was also where you truly see McCoy's respect for Spock, especially in his defense when Boma was out of line with Spock

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.

 

[Henoch]

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...

 

[Phaser Two]

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...

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.

 

[Farscape One]

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.

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.

 

[Phaser Two]

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.

Ennnnnnnh . . . weak. Scotty was, as usual, on point.

 

[gottacook]

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!

 

[Vger23]

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!

 

[Commander Troi]

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!

 

[Albertese]

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

 

[BK613]

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!