Step Two: Get A Taste Of The TV Series

So you made it through step one and you’re saying to yourself, “you know, this Star Track thing ain’t bad!” The next step is to go back to the original television series (which is currently available on both Netflix and Amazon Prime). Now, if you’re really enthusiastic, you could just start at the beginning and go through in order. For those of you who might want a little bit of a lead-in, though, there is a better way.

Like most TV series, it takes a few episodes for Star Trek to really settle into a groove, but because of the episodic nature of the series (e.g. each episode tells its own story wholly separate from the episodes that surround it), you can also jump around and get a feel for the series at its best before going back to some of those earlier episodes.

With that in mind, here are five episodes that I think give a good representation of what Star Trek has to offer. It’s worth noting that this isn’t a list of the five best episodes of the series (though one or two of these might make that list), but rather a list of great episodes that also serve as a great place to start.

The Devil in the Dark (Season 1, Episode 25)

I love, love, love this episode. The setup here is that the Enterprise is called in to check on a mining facility that is being menaced by some kind of monster that disintegrates the miners. I pick this one because, first and foremost, it’s a great Kirk, Spock, and Bones episode. You’ve got these three guys trapped underground with an unseen monster, so it’s a perfect scenario for McCoy’s emotions to react against Spock’s logic while Kirk tries to keep things on track. It’s also really, really fun with a neat central mystery and a resolution that represents the perfect Star Trek ideal.

Journey to Babel (Season 2, Episode 10)

While ‘Devil in the Dark’ is a really solid away mission episode, ‘Journey to Babel’ gives you a good feel for life onboard the Enterprise. The Enterprise is playing host to representatives from different alien worlds, and along the way, one of the dignitaries is murdered. You’ve got a whodunnit with some galactic politics and a broad swath of alien species thrown in for good measure.

Space Seed (Season 1, Episode 22)

It’s the origin of Khan! This episode retroactively benefits from its connection to the best Star Trek film, but even without that bump, it’s a pretty solid hour of television all on its own. It’s also got quite a bit of action, proving that Trek was more than happy to swash some buckles back in the original series.

A Taste of Armageddon (Season 1, Episode 23)

This one is almost certainly a Top 5 episodes contender. It’s based on a genius idea. Two planets have been at war for centuries, and since both worlds have created weapons of horrific mass destruction, they’ve agreed to carry out their conflict by simulation. Instead of launching missiles at each other, they use a computer to dictate where each world is hit and what the corresponding death toll is. Once the numbers are in, citizens are called forth to step into disintegration chambers to ‘pay off’ the balance of lives lost in the latest ‘attack.’ What’s amazing about Star Trek is that, at its peak, it was churning out ideas like this on a weekly basis. And even though the subject matter is pitch black, there’s some great humor and levity on display. If this episode doesn’t sell you on Trek, nothing will.

Amok Time (Season 2, Episode 1)

Spock’s loins are ablaze and he must return to Vulcan to perform a sacred mating ritual to get his emotions back in check. This is another great Kirk/Spock/Bones episode with the added bonus of introducing some essential Star Trek lore.

Bonus: The Trouble With Tribbles (Season 2, Episode 15)

If you made it through all five (and really, you should because those are all super watchable episodes), reward yourself with ‘The Trouble With Tribbles.’ This is The Voyage Home of Star Trek episodes. It’s silly and fluffy, but it’s also a damn good time. I can’t imagine the kind of person who would not be delighted by this episode. Enjoy some Tribbles. You’ve earned it.