7 best episodes from the original Star Trek series

Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk (Gold shirt) and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock (Blue Shirt) in STAR TREK (The Original Series)Screen grab: ©1966 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Nov. 2, 2015 – CBS Television Studios announced today it will launch a totally new “Star Trek” television series in January 2017. The brand-new “Star Trek” will introduce new characters seeking imaginative new worlds and new civilizations, while exploring the dramatic contemporary themes that have been a signature of the franchise since its inception in 1966. The new series will blast off with a special preview broadcast on the CBS Television Network. The premiere episode and all subsequent first-run episodes will then be available exclusively in the United States on CBS All Access, the Network’s digital subscription video on demand and live streaming service.Pictured: William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk (Gold shirt) and Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock (Blue Shirt) in STAR TREK (The Original Series)Screen grab: ©1966 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. /
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7. “The Doomsday Machine” (Season 2, Episode 6)

“The Doomsday Machine” is a thrilling and dramatic adventure. In this intense story, the Enterprise and her crew encounter a massive, planet-destroying space weapon, known as the Doomsday Machine. This seemingly unstoppable force has, at this point, already obliterated entire solar systems and poses an existential threat to the galaxy.

The tension rises when they discover the badly damaged USS Constellation and its traumatized captain, Commodore Matt Decker. Decker, obsessed with destroying the machine that decimated his crew, embodies a powerful air of loss, revenge, and the dangers of obsession.

What makes “The Doomsday Machine” one of the episodes is its blend of high-stakes action and rich character development. The episode skillfully shows the psychological toll of being in command and the heavy burden of responsibility that comes with it. Decker’s character offers a haunting and humanizing look at the impact of tragedy and the lengths one might go to seek retribution.

The tension between Decker and Kirk adds a layer of drama, as Kirk must navigate not just the threat of the Doomsday Machine but also the challenge of dealing with a fellow officer on the brink of his own madness. The episode’s pacing is also excellent, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats, while its special effects were groundbreaking for the time. “The Doomsday Machine” is a classic example of Star Trek at its best, combining challenging themes with edge-of-your-seat plots, making it a must-watch for both die-hard Trekkies and casual fans alike.

These seven episodes from the original Star Trek series are more than just entertaining TV – they are timeless pieces of storytelling that continue to resonate with audiences, new and old. Each episode, with its unique blend of adventure, moral complexity, and character development, shows why Star Trek has become a cultural phenomenon. Whether you’re a lifelong Trekkie or a newcomer, diving into these episodes is like embarking on an exciting journey through the final frontier, one that promises to intrigue, entertain, and, most importantly, inspire.

Next. All 13 Star Wars TV shows ranked from worst to best. dark

Which episode of Star Trek: The Original Series was your favorite? Did we miss out any you would have liked to see on this list?