TOP 5 Episodes of Star Trek The Original Series Season 1 - Whatever This Is 001

[@onespark100]

Are you guys really in the same room at the same time? LOL

[@richardb6260]

I'm guessing there were two cameras and they edited back and forth between them.

[@eoyguy]

I think they MAY have taken the Patreon money and bought 2 identical couches so they could convince us they are in the same room...

[@richardb6260]

@@eoyguy where could they get a couch let alone two that cheap?

[@allyourmoney]

They can easily fit on one couch. They have two cameras. You can hear them laughing & talking at the same time.

[@pskopsyke]

Hard to tell

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

Great job, Guys. One thing I learned as a kid, watching the original series after school in reruns, five days a week, was that Star Trek is ridiculously rewatchable - like Twilight Zone or The Honeymooners. Since there were only 79 episodes, they’d repeat almost every four months. As the third season would end, I’d find myself looking forward to seeing The Man Trap or Charlie X again, and I’d find different things in it. Also, as an adult, I’d find different entry points of appreciation, after not seeing them for years. When you’re a kid, Miri and Arena are a hoot. I’m saying all that to say, as you watch more, don’t be too surprised if some of your clunkers become guilty pleasures or even pleasures. One of you already alluded to what all Trek fans know - bad Trek is still some damned good television.

[@teeveeviewerski3381]

I so glad I stumbled across these guys. I keep being surprised as to how well it stands up. I like Next Gen. It seems to not engage me as much. Maybe because there are so many more episodes. Either way, I think in the 23rd century, TOS will be considered superior. I would not have said that when TNG was airing. And yeah I used to haul ass on my Stingray to catch TOS after school. it ALWAYS crushed any ABC after school special. Nothing got me out of the house more quickly. As an aside, I have been going through the Rockford files recently. Damn it's good.

[@royjohnson3361]

Exact same experience, execpt I still love "Arena".

[@christopherleodaniels7203]

@@royjohnson3361 …me too!!!

[@Panzer4F2]

Scotty is a terrific asset to the crew, but you got to be careful if you go drinking with him. Inebriation. Bar fights. Murder. Rarely turns out well. Also, never insult his ship.

[@davidbeach4682]

Interesting your reaction to Balance of Terror. I'll tell you why it's in my Top 5 of any of the three seasons. Not your cup of tea, I understand, but here it is. 1. Kirk as military commander. This episode is where Kirk's strengths as commander really are shown. Military tactics and strategy - this is why Kirk is captain and commanding a five year mission. 2. Kirk as CEO - he listens and considers carefully the information brought to him by his department heads - Spock, Bones, Scotty, Sulu, Stiles, Uhura - that strategy meeting in the briefing room where they must decide to go to war or not is pure gold. The tripartite relationship between Kirk, Spock and Bones is really brought out strongly - Spock, logically we must attack, Bones, is war the answer, do you want to take that risk? Kirk doesn't just say we were attacked, let's go get them boys! He pauses, he thinks, he listens, and then his decision is considered and the possible consequences considered. 3. Keep your bigotry to yourself, there's no place for it on the bridge. His tapping of the console to get Stiles' attention and his lecture about how as Starfleet personnel, going out to experience new life, new cultures, etc., must rise above old human habits establishes one of the basic beats of Roddenberry's hopes for the future. Prejudices are there, they should not be reacted to blindly. Acknowledge them, consider them, and then rise above them. For these things mainly, plus it's a kick ass demonstration of the capabilities of a starship, it is one of my favorites.

[@visionaryventures12]

Also the political situation both ships are stuck in. Favorite line: You and I are of a kind in a different reality. I could have called you ‘friend’.

[@richwagener]

Thank you for recognizing Shatner’s acting. A lot of people say he can only do broad acting. People who think this need to watch his work on TOS.

[@jenniferhanses7064]

I find the "shatnering" joke acting isn't really reflective of his performances when you go back and watch them. Yes, he speaks slowly at times, but in doing so, he's usually conveying Kirk thinking through a problem or matching his ethics against a solution. Kirk the character is taking his time and thinking things through, and that's how Shatner the actor decided to portray the thoughtfulness.

[@oliverschnell5434]

There is a very subtle moment at the very end of "Balance of Terror" that I really like. After the battle with the Romulans, when Kirk speaks to Angela Martine in the chapel, he is exhausted, weary of the possibility of starting a war, discouraged and sad. He leaves the chapel, straightens his shoulders and goes back to his usual posture, because he knows his crew needs him as leader. It's such a tiny, subtle moment, yet so good, and it shows Shatner's ability to act really well with doing very little.

[@williamreynolds4435]

@@oliverschnell5434 And right before he heads for the door, he turns his eyes toward the pulpit where he had stood to perform the marriage ceremony.....

[@Asher8328]

The best way I would describe your ST commentary is to say you guys get it. Hopefully that doesn't sound condescending, but the fact is not many people these days do, especially when it comes to the younger demographics. I've seen some younger people try and tackle TOS, including TNG fans, and it seems like most of the time they miss the target, so your channel has been a surprising breath of fresh air.

[@Jim-Mc]

Grew up on TNG but as I get older TOS actually has more subtle nuances, and TNG begins to seem more and more trite and condescending.

[@TheRealVolk]

I’ll definitely tune into your Firefly coverage.

[@iKvetch558]

You guys are gonna LOVE season 2...it is loaded with amazing episodes from front to back! Very few low lights among the highlights, in my opinion...the production team and writers really hit their stride in Season 2. I think you two are really gonna have a hard time picking your top 5 episodes after next season. 💯✌ I gotta say that I was a little sad to see that Devil in the Dark did not really get any love...but I get it, there are a lot of episodes to choose from.

[@kathrynroat9139]

My hubby and I love DITD! One of our faves! ❤

[@tyranusfan]

Over the years, I found that even the "bad" Star Trek episodes (across all the shows and movies) have something, a scene, a moment, whatever, that you can enjoy. There are bad episodes I love, and "best" ones that I found meh. There's something for everybody.

[@j.jennings1722]

FYI: Nichelle Nicoles, who played Lt. Uhuru, was going to quit the show after the 1st season but Dr. Martin Luther King talked her out of it. He told her that Black viewers had never seen a Black woman in a position of authority on TV and that she was inspiring Black people everywhere, and he hoped she would not quit. Of course, she stayed on and became a beloved ST character and person in general.

[@johnezell1628]

Babylon 5 was a pioneer in the season long story arc. Once you get started, you pretty much have to watch them in order.

[@Drawkcabi]

You guys have become one of the channels I most look forward to seeing new videos uploaded. Great job! In my opinion Star Trek season go like this: Season 1 is the steady climb to being great (with maybe a couple dips here and there) Season 2 the show plateaus at one great episode after another with only a few stumbles Season 3 is the decline, but even so, there are gems of episodes in there as good as the best episodes of any season, they are just fewer and farther in between. Even so, most of the notoriously bad episodes are "so bad they're good" episodes so they are still fun to watch if you accept them as pure camp. Taking that into account, then there are really very few genuinely bad episodes that are a tedious slog to get through. What I'm saying is no matter what you hear, season 3 is still a season to really look forward to. 😁 Babylon 5 is an *amazing* show and I highly recommend it! But you have to commit fully to it. It was ahead of its time in how it told its story, progressing it episode by episode with each season being a chapter of the book which was the entire series. Each season even had their own titles... It's just that B5 is a victim of the era it was made in. If it was made today for a streaming site, and was only 10 - 12 episodes per season, it would be fantastic! But it was made at a time when a full season was always around 20 - 25 episodes. So there is a lot of filler, and sometimes important bits are put into mostly filler episodes so you need to watch it all. All that with an exposition heavy pilot that basically throws this new universe at you...you have no idea what's going on...and then Season 1 is the most episodic of all the seasons, it's a tough start...but totally worth it if you stay committed! I have an easier recommendation for you: Have you seen or even heard of the 80's mini-series *V* ? It is so good! At the time the sfx were the best being made for television, but of course now they don't look impressive at all, unless you count make up. But it's the story that is what is so great. I'd say with what's going on in the U.S. today it's even more relevant than it was back then! There are two mini-series: V: The Original V: The Final Battle Altogether it's about the same lengthwise as watching 10 episodes of Star Trek. There is a series proper too, but it's not that good and ends on a cliff hanger. Plus, the end of the mini-series gives you all of the closure you need. Highly, highly, highly recommend!!! Best Regards!

[@davidclough3951]

Trivia on the actor that plays Scotty. When there a close up of his hands operating the transporter, those aren't his hands. He has a missing finger shot off during WW2.

[@davidclough3951]

Also during that same incident believed it was cig case in his inside jacket pocket that stopped a bullet from hitting him in the heart.

[@davidclough3951]

It was D day, he was shot 6 times. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2K4Y2OkaLF8r5Y

[@DesertPhxStudio]

One of the great strengths of the original Star Trek, including the animated series that follows after season three, is that many of the writers were actual science fiction authors like Richard Matheson, Jerome Bixby, Theodore Sturgeon, Harlan Ellison and Larry Niven just to name a few. It's been great watching you guys watch this first season and I'm very much looking forward to you delving into year two.

[@richierich398]

Yeah I totally agree. They were also able to do things that they couldn’t in the TV show. Like aliens that didn’t look like humans, or the holideck

[@WereMike]

I really look forward to the reaction for The Doomsday Machine. I consider it a "perfect" episode for characters, plot, and very rarely, almost ideal music cues that move the whole story forward.

[@work1284]

Most definitely a top five episode four a man who watched at five days a week after getting home from school in the 70s. It was horrifying to me as a child and heartbreaking as an adult.

[@Philbert-s2c]

@@martinboyle9163 He was also in several great films over the years. Literally his first film..."To Kill A Mockingbird."

[@stuffyouotterlistento1461]

Yes. Hands down the best episode of Trek.

[@athos1974]

My favorite Original Series episode. ❤️

[@richelliott9320]

If uhura was in her mirror mirror outfit then it would be perfect

[@richwagener]

Just an personal feeling, the two things that queued up Khan for a reappearance were the question of returning to see what happened to the seed they’d planted, and the amazing Ricardo Montalban guest appearance. That’s really what stands out for me in that episode. I don’t think it’s a spoiler to say that performance is just a warm up for probably the greatest performance in trek history.

[@jamesoblivion]

Kirk had exceptional advisors, in Spock and McCoy, who would give him the cold, rational perspective, on the one side, and the compassionate perspective on the other. Spock and McCoy go at each other often, but they respect one another immensely. What makes Kirk a great Captain is that he trusts his advisors, listens to them, and makes the hard decisions by weighing their input. Kirk was conceived very much as a JFK kind of leader, and if you look at a situation like the Cuban Missile Crisis, you can absolutely see that inspiration.

[@iKvetch558]

That JFK comparison would have more sense back in the late 1960s...since at that point, nobody knew that every one of JFK's highest advisors started out the crisis pushing for war...including RFK. Adlai Stevenson was the lone voice of reason, but he was definitely not in the upper echelon of advisors. That information did not come out until much later after RFK's death. Of course, that just means that JFK was even more stalwart than we all thought, but it kind of means that he did not have any "voices of reason" or "humanity" or however you want to put it. So not really any Spocks or McCoys among JFK's closest confidants, at least not until JFK himself convinced his brother to help him find another way to go. But you are totally correct that Kirk had terrific advisors...better than JFK's, actually.💯✌

[@Shasta--1]

Oh! I'm excited about you doing Firefly. That one will blow your mind, based on what you've said so far. I think it will be outside your expectations.

[@chb2551]

I don't know if it was mentioned by someone else, but Michelle Nichols was planning on leaving the series at one point. Apparently, Martin Luther King met her and told her how much he appreciated what she was doing.He convinced her to stay with the show and she never left it.

[@tideoftime]

Not liking "Balance of Terror" is, indeed, a hot take, lol. ;) ( It definitely was a good nod on racism/presumptions, vis-a-vis Vulcans and Romulans standing in (contextually) for how may Americans still perceived many Asians during post-WWII; it was also a nod to old-style "submarine" episodes/movies concerning "sub-to-sub" battles; and also a nice insight into seeing the "enemy" as a "person" vs a faceless monster in the shadows.)

[@johnmackendrick5173]

One of my favorites.

[@paulchartraw1944]

Excited by Firefly watch.... Babylon 5 is long and involved, but well worth it... until season 5. :b

[@garanceadrosehn9691]

You mention that that _"This Side of Paradise"_ does not do a good job of setting up why Kirk is able to break the spell of the spores with his *"I* __ *Can't* __ *Leave!"* moment. You're not wrong, but this event gets to an observation you made earlier in the video. This series rewards those viewers who stick with the show and watch all the episodes. That's why there are so many comments of "Of course he can't leave!" from people who have seen the entire series. That one incident might be perplexing by itself, but put it together with other events in other episodes and you get a picture of the character of Kirk. And I know the final line in this episode is a killer (and it was for me too!), but I'm a little surprised you didn't comment on the confrontation and fight between Kirk and Spock after Kirk gets Spock to beam back up to the ship. That's a fun scene just because it's so startling and *out* -of-character for Kirk, and yet it makes sense once we see the result.

[@douglascollier7767]

I am so very glad you both have discovered Star Trek. Welcome home.

[@frankb3347]

Can hardly wait till you get to TNG and DS9. Those two both start slow for the first two seasons but by the end have some of the most powerful episodes. Babylon 5 is worth watching. It wasn't until the early 90s that enough people had cable tv to make season long story arcs possible and B5 was one of the first to do so.

[@kschneyer]

I am delighted that you are so honest with your reactions. Even where I sharply disagree with you, I always learn something from what you have to say. I am also struck by how much my perception of each episode is colored by the fact that I have seen it a dozen times. It’s almost impossible for me to get into “beginners mind“ and remember what it was like to see it fresh. That is something else you provide.

[@kschneyer]

Indeed Season 2 is excellent, and it’s going to give you all the things you’ve been asking for, but it does have one or two cringeworthy travesties.

[@thewheatharvester9156]

For the longest time, TV guide had the City on the Edge of Forever in their top 50 all time best moments of television.

[@larryyeadeke2953]

You're going to like Firefly.

[@Daniel-Strain]

Was great fun seeing you guys experience this the first time. The things you appreciated or laughed at mostly reminded me of things I felt too. My biggest surprises regarding your reaction were (1) the dislike of Balance of Terror, which I think I'm in the majority of thinking it's one of the best of the series, and (2) the dislike of Galileo Seven, which I thought was a great Spock episode. But hey that's cool - you can dislike things! lol. I just thought it was surprising. On Space Seed, I think it's mainly Ricardo Montalbán's performance, and that awesome chess-like dialogue at the dinner table that makes that one great.

[@bobm2027]

Agreed 100%. Balance of Terror has always been a well loved episode over the decades fir Star Trek fans> Perhaps a rewatch is in order. (But not another video review) Maybe when you watched it you were distracted, tired or just an off day. Such great performances by Kirk and Romulan Commander.

[@Daniel-Strain]

@@bobm2027 I think one thing is to appreciate not knowing what Romulans looked like until then, and the suspicions that raised about the Vulcans. But also remembering that, for a new series in its first season, a viewer really wouldn't know for certain if maybe Spock WASN'T a spy! Was him hitting that radio signal and giving away their position REALLY an accident? Of course not even non-fans would suspect that now, because Spock is such a cultural icon. But then it wasn't a forgone conclusion. Lastly, the 'silent running' submarine style cat and mouse is what really makes this genre of stories. But all in all, if they still don't like it, that's gonna simply be the case sometimes as people's tastes differ. Interesting stuff :)

[@bobm2027]

@@Daniel-Strain Yes, VERY interesting. As a 61 year old Trekkie who has been watching all Star Trek since I first discovered it as a kid, this KZbin channel has added so much to my enjoyment of TOS, my favourite show of all time. Such well considered critiques and criticisms are so fascinating to watch. And watching them have so much fun with TOS is such a joy. Love the jokes and laughter!

[@Daniel-Strain]

@@bobm2027 Me too!

[@bobm2027]

@@Daniel-Strain You are of the body.

[@WereMike]

Babylon Five is a good series and for its time, did a great job of presenting story arcs across entire seasons instead of episodic shows. However, it is an investment and some of the show's most impactful moments take seasons to set up and deliver. Also, as much as I enjoy the ship designs and lore of the show, I wish there was enough interest/money to upgrade the special effects just like they did when they remastered ST:TOS. They were on the cutting edge of computer graphics at the time and it shows.

[@work1284]

Yeah, it’s rough, especially the first season which is episodic with not so great episodes and a few good ones littered between. Until they decide to really get in the groove with the overall story A couple seasons in, it’s a real slog for some people. On the other hand it does have two of the best adversarial characters in all of science-fiction with real depth and character growth between the two of them and that would be Londo and G'kar.

[@WereMike]

@@work1284 Agreed. Londo Molari and G'Kar are epic characters.

[@Rabbithole8]

Both of you have thoughtful takes on Star Trek. I would like to emphasize that Star Trek was not campy in its day. The special effects, sets, make up, etc., were the best of their kind for a TV show. The Gorn, for example, was played straight and not for laughs. It is just looking back from after the development of make up, special effects, etc. that audiences look at Star Trek and consider it campy or cartoonish.

[@salvationsplace]

The Gorn for the time period is actually outstanding. Compared to Dr who at the same time with cellophane monsters ("horror of fang rock" for example one of my favs)... the Gorn was above and beyond. I actually don't get some of the campy criticism... I think sometimes it's just what people think it's what they are supposed to say. I frankly also like the look of the old show. The enterprise inside and out is clean, smooth, and uncluttered. A lot of the new esthetic with too many lights and flashing screens and ships with so much detail they look unfinished is a distraction IMO. It's a set not a spectacle. I also miss the old show ships that felt like ships instead of jet fighter planes, you lose the sense of scale with how they changed space battles today.

[@ebashford5334]

​@@salvationsplace The Gorn costume was not nearly as good as the Talosians though. The throbbing cranial arteries was pure genius as an idea and to execute. As a kid in the 60s I just accepted that maybe an alien lizard man could have a rigid head that looked like it was made from papier mache. Still one of my favorite episodes despite that.

[@targetaudience]

I think that’s part of why the show holds up so well. The practical sets/effects were great for their time (taking your word for it obviously) but they were used in a way that even 60 years later when they are no longer as modern, they still work for younger generations. Even if it is for different reasons sometimes.

[@racookster]

@@targetaudience- You guys are savvy enough that you'll spot this, but most of Star Trek's reputation for camp comes from the third season. The Gorn in "Arena" was just the best they could do on a 'sixties TV-show budget. However, you will eventually see deliberate camp. The network executives pushed for it.

[@Rabbithole8]

@@racookster I'm interested in where you learned that the network executives pushed for camp. The popularity of other shows and celebrities certainly influenced Star Trek to a degree. For example, Chekov was added because Davy Jones of The Monkeys was popular at the time, and the character is supposed to resemble him. I imagine you are referring to a particular episode, you Herbert, as deliberate camp. However, I have never read that the failure of the episode was due to the network attempting to make Star Trek more like Batman, for example. It was just bad writing. Although, it is so bad that I think it is good.

[@stephenriggs8177]

Absolutely agree that the streaming services are too expensive! When I grew up, all TV was free. Then there was cable, but you got specialized channels and no commercials. There was also the first a la carte channel, in HBO. You got newer movies without commercials, but you had to pay extra for it. Then, the commercials came back to basic cable. Then, all those specialized channels stopped being so specialized. We lost videos on M-TV. Walking Dead is on American Movie Classics, and pawn shop reality TV is on the History channel. Now, even the "networks" are paid channels. Subscribing to even a handful costs more than basic cable. And this 50-year-old TV show that once aired for free now requires a monthly subscription for reruns.

[@Warped9]

Really enjoy your Season 1 recap.

[@davidclough3951]

5. City on the edge of forever 4. The enemy within 3. Space Seed 2. Balance of Terror 1. Where no man has gone before

[@davidclough3951]

Almost in my to p 5, conscious of the king

[@brianover_reviews]

Over the years, Shatner has gotten "dissed" for over-the-top acting, and "Enemy Within" showcases what they're talking about... however, it's hard to see how a more subtle performance could've worked here. I agree that Shatner effectively creates three distinct Kirks--Good Kirk, Evil Kirk, and Normal Kirk, who has both sides integrated. I find the over-the-top Evil Kirk of the beginning a little hard to watch (even if it's necessary), but the ending is wonderful. To me, the best part of the episode is the ending, with the two Kirks, beaten, weakened, each needing the other -- reluctantly -- with Evil Kirk painfully crying out, "I want to live!" and Good Kirk saying, "You will... [Otherwise] how can half a man live??" Very poignant. And again, this episode illustrates the real point of Taoism.... that the two sides of light/dark must be integrated... that nine Star Wars movies never really got, even after 18 hours.

[@dmnemaine]

The first three "Star Wars" movies were not about the integration of light/dark. They were about the classic battle between good (heroic) and evil (villainous) where the heroes win and the villains are defeated. I think the problem with the prequels and sequels is that they strayed away from that original idea, and tried to go to a more relativistic worldview, and it just didn't work. Had they stuck with the heroes vs. the villains motif of the original films, they would have been much better films.

[@georgemartin1436]

Funny TV commercial a few years back featured Shatner and the Gorn fighting in his living room...Kirk picked up a pillow and threw it like the big rock and then stated how exhausted they both were from the 20 second fight. So they sat on the couch to watch TV together

[@katwithattitude5062]

In "Arena" the Gorn didn't blink until the remastered version came out.

[@joeldf6859]

Good re-cap. I wouldn't give you grief for not liking episodes that I do like. I think you give your reactions to these shows very reasonably. Shame on those that were too harsh on you in their comments about it. I think what happens is - all of us long time fans that have basically grown up watching these shows develop a love for certain episodes in a different way. As I've grown up, some things just resonate differently as I got older and that also affects how I might feel about an episode today versus back in the early 70s when I was just getting old enough to pay real attention. Themes are noticed later that I might not have noticed before even though I'd seen it several dozen times prior. Most of the "community best episodes" list does come from years of watching and analyzing these shows to the gnat's ass. Something that no one should expect someone coming in to these shows cold should know about. Some were always instant favorites, while some may have taken some time. I agree with you that if a point was to be made on how something is progressed in an episode, then it should have been more clear. Kirk's turn in "Paradise" was probably done just to keep the story moving and no other reason. In the writer's room, it was probably simply decided that Kirk's shear will was enough to break the spore's spell. The idea of the "love of his ship" breaking the spell is more of fan rationalization. Again, coming from years of watching these shows and bringing that baggage back to episodes that didn't originally have it. I know everyone is saying "season 2 is great", and it is mostly strong, They do get a groove going, but there are still a few weak spots. You'll figure that out as you go, just as in the first season. I have no doubt that you may pick a few different top and bottom episodes from the "general fan consensus". You've talked about it - that in the 60's, TV was mostly just episodic with little to carry on as the seasons progressed. And that's true. Sure, characters do develop to a degree, actors do extend that in their acting of those characters. Even on Star Trek, Shatner, Nimoy, and Kelly would let the directors know "my character wouldn't say that" or "...wouldn't say something like that". But, the mentality of the producers was "this episode will probably only be seen one more time - in re-runs". Even then, not every episode was repeated during the re-run season. Today, every show can assume to be eventually scrutinized to death. But at the time of Star Trek, you were lucky to get two airings. Syndication was really only for shows that had 5 or more seasons, and not every show would go into syndication. So no one was thinking of that while making Star Trek. By the time it did end, syndication was possible for a show with 3 seasons, so that's how Roddenberry was able to get the show syndicated. Now, some things do come up again during the second season that do call back to events in the first. Not many, but lets see if you spot them - of course now that I've said it... I had some comments for what my favorite and not-so-much-favorite episodes are, but it got too long. For me, that you like the show at all is enough. One more thing to add. I don't know if anyone else has mentioned this (if so, forgive me), but Roddenberry all along meant for this show to be like mini-morality plays. Not every episode does this, but a lot of them do. So that alters the idea of "solving every problem on their wits" resolutions. That's why sometimes a resolution is provided to the crew. Sometimes it's only about the lesson.

[@davidclough3951]

My favorite line from the series, although think it's early season 3, but not a favorite episode "brain brain, what is brain"

[@anthonyleecollins9319]

Coherence! I loved that movie (Under the Skin was good, too, but Coherence was amazing). I'm really looking forward to the Firefly reactions.

[@hemmojito]

I enjoyed this laid back format

[@GandalfTheWise0002]

One thing to recall about pre-VCR age TV was an episode aired one time and then maybe once again as a re-run months later. You literally had no chance to ever see it again unless it maybe went into syndication. For some old shows, decades passed before some episodes of some shows were available to be seen again. Other than daily soap operas (where some people published weekly summaries for people missed episodes), almost everything was episodic except for the occasional two-parter. Unless people could jump into a series partway through or even part way into a second or third season, an audience would have been shut out from a show after missing the first few episodes. I grew up on episodic TV. I do enjoy the complexity of a longer extended show such as Babylon 5 or much of the current crop of various streaming shows. But I do like episodic shows in the same way I enjoy reading short stories some times.

[@mark-s]

My top 5 are 1. Charlie x 2. Cotheof 3. This side of paradise 4. Naked time 5. The menagerie but season two is my absolute favourite can't wait for these episodes

[@avocadothecat]

I am just happy you watched it and that you gave your hobest opinions. :)

[@jasonlallathin6782]

Everyone has their own opinion. Who am I to say no, this should have been your favorite episode? My favorite episode has facial hair, that's all I'm saying! You guys are great, keep it coming!

[@ryanbaillie11]

If you guys ever do watch The Cage, the best place to do it would be years down the line - right before Discovery S2E8 "If Memory Serves". It'd be playing the long game for sure, but it'd be one hell of a tie-in!

[@herrzimm]

1) Babylon 5 is a must-watch, despite Season 1 kind of being a little hard to get through at times. BUT even season 1 really pays off as the story moves along. 2) And can't wait for Season 2 of Star Trek: TOS. The how really "hit its stride" in season 2 and nearly 1/2 the episodes of the 2nd season are considered "classic Star Trek" episodes or moments. I'm talking the top-tier of the show's entire legacy type of "classic Star Trek".

[@moonflick]

It's refreshing to see two younger people keep their minds open and watch this older show, and admire it for what it is, weaknesses and all. I have always been able to do that and have always been confused and a little irritated when others can't.

[@RicheeRich101]

OK, since nobody asked, Here's my top 5 for season one. 1.Balance of Terror 2.COTEOF 3.Arena 4.The Enemy Within 5.The Naked Time None of these is my #1 for the series. THAT masterpiece is in S2. - the FUN season.

[@stuffyouotterlistento1461]

The only one of those that I wouldn't at least be debating for my top five is "The City on the Edge of Forever", and that's mostly just because I don't like the premise of time traveling to (near) modern day Earth. I just immediately lose interest. I'm in it for space adventures, and going to (near) modern day Earth is cheap and uncompelling. I think the episode is well written and well executed for what it is, but what it is sinks it for me. I agree that the show's masterpiece is in season 2, and it's called "The Doomsday Machine" (though it's obviously not the only great episode in the season).

[@MichaelJohnson-vi6eh]

Nichelle Nicholls didn't consider the costume unusual. That's just how women dressed on the street. Uhura is actually one of the most reliable junior officers. She gets to fill in on the bridge in other positions several times and also everyone loves her. Why not? Right? The story is that Whoppi Goldberg saw uhura on star trek and screamed to her mother, "look mama, there's a black woman on TV and she isn't a maid!"

[@justinp4996]

It has been a pleasure watching the series through new eyes and to know that you are enjoying it. I hope you'll enjoy the next 2 seasons and I will certainly be along for the ride.

[@SG-js2qn]

As for Kirk resisting the power of the seeds, it may relate to tropes that older audiences recognized which have fallen away from modern audiences. The dedication of the captain might be one of those old tropes that we all knew, so we clued into it on fainter evidence than what the modern audience required. This part of the story is also interesting in that you'd think Spock would have been the most resistant to the seeds because his mental discipline is so close to his core nature. His susceptibility hints that his character IS on some level trying to experience emotion. Because of that, Spock is more conflicted than the captain, who does resist because of the challenge to HIS core nature, which is dedication to his ship and crew. Probably it would have helped if there was earlier dialogue to show Kirk's level of dedication. It seems like it was a "given" premise that you just had to already know. BTW, I imagine you guys are going to watch the rest of the episodes in release order, which is fine. But I wonder how your impressions might change if you saw episodes out of order, which was common for audiences watching TV without recording devices.

[@TheSlysterII]

Loved this video of you two chatting about pros and cons of various Series 1 Trek videos, I am so looking forward to your take on Series 2....warp factor fun ahead gentlemen!

[@TheCosmicGenius]

I would suggest that you guys try watching your way through the American Film Institute's list of the 100 greatest films of all time. Lots of old stuff that you might not have seen. Also, a couple of other old series that fed into Star Trek - the Twilight Zone; Have Gun - Will Travel; the Lieutenant; & The Man from UNCLE. Oh, & Star Trek's sister series (filmed right across the hall), Mission: Impossible. And of course, the immediate follow-up to the Original Series of Star Trek is the Animated Series, which was aired 4 years after the original went off the air, & brings back the original writers & cast. Then the films follow.

[@landline00]

Independent local stations had Star Trek marathons in the 80s. The Sci Fi channel used to also..

[@richelliott9320]

You guys make me feel so old. I’ve lived with Star Trek since I was a kid in 1966. I was a teen when Star Wars came out I liked it but it never affected me like trek did

[@salvationsplace]

Not really liking balance of terror..... yup questioning your sanity lol .... if you have not seen "the enemy below " , ww2 navel battle staring Robert Mitchum I would highly recommend... but again your sanity might be an issue. B5 IMO is the best political/ military Sci fi ever written. 2 of the main alien characters are acted with outstanding performances that can't be forgotten. The show has great real life lessons that apply today watching the news/propaganda The core 3 main characters, straight from "forbidden planet" makes the old show work imo. When you look at them closely you know all three are insane in their own ways and are very real particularly in their relationship. One of my favorite lines in the first season is Bones under his breath "don't tell spock I said he's the best 1st officer in the fleet"

[@patriottex4813]

I love Star Trek. Yes there is some 60's cheese to it, but it was a great show. It touched on serious issues. It asks questions. Unlike a lot of tv today it didn't tell you how to think, it assumed you were smart enough to get it.

[@sue9550]

The actress you liked who played Spock's love interest in The Other Side of Paradise was Jill Ireland. She was married to Charles Bronson from 1968 until her death in 1990.

[@mikejankowski6321]

I read a great analysis that compared the Kirk-Spock-McCoy trio to the Id, Ego, and Super Ego and it made so much sense. Logic and intellect on one side, emotion and impulsiveness on the other, and the central force reining them in together to work harmoniously. While I admired Kirk for his heroic dynamic and success with the ladies, Spock was my hero to the point that my mother once said she would wish to never hear the word "logical" again! Been a fan since September 1966.

[@richardb6260]

For an hour long video of two people talking, this flew by. This is basically what Trek fans do for hours. My personal season 1 top five are: 1) City on the Edge of Forever 2) A Taste of Armageddon 3) Tomorrow is Yesterday 4) Shore Leave 5) Menagerie Honorable mention: Where No Man has Gone Before What are Little Girls Made Of Balance of Terror 😝 Great news about Firefly. Though I've seen plenty of reactions, it's as much about the people reacting to the show as it is about the show itself. Just know that the Firefly movie, Serenity, is really the final episode of the series. I do hope you seriously consider Babylon 5 (hardly anyone reacts to that and those that I've seen don't do a great job. It may be one of those problematic shows that gets hit for copyright constantly). Once it finds it's groove, it can't be beat. Seasons 3 and 4 are terrific. I'm tempted to say you could skip season 5. Due to extenuating circumstances, that season plays like an afterthought. You should consider the original The Outer Limits. I believe it's just two seasons and there's a lot crossover with Trek writers and actors.

[@FRACTUREDVISIONmusic]

Thing about Space Seed, forget about the movie, is that is established the Eugenics war - quite a concept for the time, genetically modified super humans, who almost take over Earth! Pretty significant canon to establish. In defense of the McGuiver character and how she responds to Kahn - you're one, supposed to feel uncomfortable, so start with that. Two, she is overwhelmed by him, never has she met such a man, so dominant alpha, so capable, so attractive, so intelligent, so raw and charismatic - Kahn is a force of nature, and she's smitten. Kahn, is frankly, the ultimate bad boy, and powerful, because he's brilliantly capable. Anyone out there ever have a thing for the bad boy or the bad girl? Yeh, it's like, a thing. How many of us have fallen for someone who isn't the best example of what's good for us? But, we don't get to choose who we love, only choose to act on it or not. Sometimes, we are overwhelmed and end up over our heads from following our hearts and desires. People who say they can't watch or otherwise don't like Space Seed because of McGuiver, are forgetting it's art, a tv show, a story, not a public service message on how to behave. It's designed to make us think while it entertains. And, Star Trek doesn't need to apologize for it. Look at Uhura, black woman, who in one episode takes command for a bit. Know how progressive that was in 1966? Clearly, by introducing us to McGuivers, Star Trek has never been afraid to say, "We've got this (Uhura), and we've got this (McGuivers), one we respect and revere, the other, we may pity her, but how much so really, when she ends up with Kahn, where, she chooses to be with him. Kahn and McGuiver going forward, it's fair to assume, would be solid, with him loving her and treating her very well - and she, again, where she wants to be over anything in her entire life.

[@johnmccall8788]

Only complaint I have with your viewings, as well as others who do these TOS reactions, is you all really need to watch at least the first dozen episodes in production order. You watch Man Trap, Charlie X, and then Where no Man..., and it can be very confusing as you start to be in a a groove then you get put back to the actual pilot in third episode (Man Trap is actually episode 6). It's kind of sad that even back then, the network didn't think anyone would notice.

[@waynezimmerman1950]

For This Side of Paradise, the actress who played Spock's love interest was Jill Ireland; who was largely known for later starring in several films with husband Charles Bronson. Sadly she died of cancer in 1990. And since several people mentioned Babylon 5 and Harlan Ellison(who wrote Classic Trek's City on the Edge of Forever), he had a famous longtime feud with the ideocracy which was Hollywood but would set it aside to help friend J Michael Straczynski bring B5 to television as show consultant. Once, when JMS was still a struggling script writer, he'd complained to Harlan that his story outlines weren't selling; to which Harlan answered: That's become you're writing crap! If you stop writing crap they'll sell. I'm an old guy raised on Trek but I love Babylon 5 equally well. Good job with this, fellas. 👍👍

[@actioncom2748]

If there's one thing that triggers Kirk, it is people questioning his authority. "This Side of Paradise" brings it to the fore. But keep an eye out for the rest of the series and you'll see he does get nasty if you challenge him.

[@rscottdjr]

I am with you on City on the Edge of Forever. Great story, Joan Collins is amazing, Shatner, Nimoy and Kelly all killed it, probably because they were acting against Joan Collins! For some reason, this almost doesn't feel like a Star Trek episode. As much as I like it, it is not an episode I tend to go back to when rewatching.

[@benanderson6390]

When I decided it was time to share Star Trek with my kids, I just checked out the DVDs of each of the TV series from the public library. That was how we had to do it before streaming services!

[@sarahfullerton6894]

The run sequence for Star Trek TOS is NOT corresponding to the production sequence, that's why some episodes seem randomly placed, and the first episode does not introduce a new viewer to the characters.

[@robabiera733]

One of the things that makes Spock's line "Sir, you have a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder" even funnier is the fact that there actually IS a multi-legged creature (of sorts) "crawling" on the man's shoulder: Spock's fingers!

[@blanewilliams5960]

Really well done, Gents. I had so much fun watching your reactions to one of my all time favorite shows, I asked you not to nitpick too much so I won't do it to you. Looking forward to season 2, some really good episodes that I can't wait for you to see.🖖

[@russellharrell2747]

I still have my complete remastered 80s VHS tapes of the series. But I originally saw all the episodes in reruns when I was very little. It’s still really off putting when I see the redone SFX shots when these guys watch an episode. All they did for the 20th anniversary VHS version was cleaning up resolution and sound.

[@JoePlett]

I watched mostly for your Trek season 1 recap. When I think of sword wielding George Takei, I think of Naked Time and his turn in season 1 of Heroes. I have only one request. After you guys finish the 3 seasons of the original series, PLEASE watch Galaxy Quest.

[@patriottex4813]

If you love Star Trek you need to check out Babylon 5, and Star Trek Deep Space Nine. Great series both of them.

[@pauld6967]

Spock's "multi-legged creature" is a tip-of-the-hat to the common trope of the time: telling someone that "there's a centipede on your shoulder" as a distraction move.

[@reverts3031]

My favorite is in Season Two! I can hardly wait for you guys to see it!

[@pjftoo7588]

Great wrap up to the first season. As you have noticed they found their footing and clarified the characters and format during this season, and cemented McCoy as the third lead. There are some real gems in S2 written by some of the best and famous sci-fi novelists of the era. If you guys haven't seen them two other vintage TV shows that I think might make interesting reactions are The Twilight Zone (1959-1964) and Doctor Who (new era, 2005 - present)

[@rini6]

I can’t imagine not being familiar with Star Trek TOS. I watched the early reruns in the seventies as a kid. It’s part of who I am at this point.

[@robertdavenport7802]

My top 5 in order from 1 to 5: City on the Edge of Forever, Menagerie, Taste of Armageddon, What Are Little Girls Made Of, Shore Leave. The fact they knocked these episodes out one per week is kind of amazing.

[@MrDeadstu]

Really enjoyed the wrap-up show. You are approaching one of my favorites of all time "Mirror, Mirror", but until then, the next episode, "Amok Time" starts the season strong.

[@Dava1000]

Having grown up with this show in reruns and seeing your initial reactions is actually refreshing in that you appear to recognize some of the classic sci-fi themes that Roddenberry was attempted to skillfully emote in these episodes...BTW...The actress playing Spock's love interest was Jill Ireland (with her backlight blonde hair) she went on to have a modest film career most notably being the wife of tough guy Charles Bronson.

[@visionaryventures12]

My top five: Balance of Terror, Where No Man Has Gone Before, City on the Edge of Forever, The Naked Time, The Menegarie.

[@brandonflorida1092]

TOS has one aspect which it would be hard for you to appreciate without it being brought to your attention. It came on at a time when there was very little movie or TV science fiction and most of what there was was of low quality. Now, the biggest blockbuster movies or TV shows are sci-fi or fantasy, but at that time, there was no such thing. At that time, there had been only a few high quality sci-fi movies and virtually no quality sci-fi TV. The biggest movies were westerns, or crime dramas, or just dramas. Imagine the reaction of sci-fi fans to this when it was almost the first high quality sci-fi, particularly on TV, that they had ever seen.

[@greenmonsterprod]

There was quality sci-fi out there, on radio ("Dimension X" and it's successor "X Minus One") and on TV ("Twilight Zone" and "Outer Limits"). "Star Trek" was unusual in that those others were anthologies, while TOS was the first continuing series to be more adult and higher-minded.

[@brandonflorida1092]

@@greenmonsterprod Yes, there were exceptions, but sci-fi movies and TV in general were not of high quality until "Star Trek" and "2001." "Lost in Space" had some good qualities, but the attention to detail was laughable.

[@MalachiFrazee222]

Episode "obsession" has a big character moment for Kirk. You'll learn his back story. And, "Journey to Babel" is a character moment for Spock episode.

[@tyranusfan]

Ooh, Babylon 5 is a terrific show. It'll feel especially different after watching Star Trek, as the creator turned a lot of accepted sci fi conventions on their head with that show.

[@danjsilve]

After 53 years I still can not find myself a favourite episode. Out of the 29 episodes, I would happily watch 24 of them again, and I have done, several times. Am looking forward to your reactions to season 2. Bring it on. and welcome Mr Chekov.

[@belkyhernandez8281]

Star Trek is on every night on the H&I channel. I watch it using a rabbit ears antenna. No cable. You can watch lots of old programs that way.

[@dmnemaine]

My top five first season episodes are: 5) The Squire Of Gothos, 4) The Conscience Of The King, 3) Shore Leave, 2) Charlie X, and 1) The Naked Time. I think most of the other first season episodes deserve honorable mentions with the exceptions of The Alternative Factor, Where No Man Has Gone Before, and The Galileo Seven.

[@alexrobinson8029]

"Space Seed." My number one of season one. By the way, great stuff coming in season 2 and I can't to see you guys react to "The Next Generation." As well as the second Star Trek film "The Chest of Khan".................... it will scents when you get there.

[@rightofcenter1977]

The first season of TOS has some real gems. It really is hard to pick a favorite. Well done!

[@andreayeatman4671]

Personally, I would hold off on Babylon 5 until you're finished all the Star Treks. It might be too similar a show to watch at the same time as Trek. (although it's more of a long story broken up into 5 seasons, rather than episode of the week like Trek. Babylon 5 is most like Deep Space Nine in its format). That being said Babylon 5 is EXCELLENT and you should definitely watch it at some point. And I'll rewatch it along with you whenever that is :-)

[@joshuahartman3132]

Funny you should mention that Ruk wasn't like a Frankenstein type. I don't know if others have mentioned it, but that actor was literally Lurch from the original Adam's Family series!

[@toddpence1970]

My top 5 season one episodes - The City on the Edge of Forever, This Side of Paradise, Charlie X, The Naked Time, Balance of Terror.

[@huskerchuck9212]

When you finish season 3, I HIGHLY recommend watching "Star Trek Continues", which picks up right where season 3 left off and gives an awesome series finale that Star Trek really deserved. They made 11 episodes.

[@handsolo1209]

You guys have to pay more tribute to Sir William of Shatner and refer to the Joan Collins episode as "City On The Edge Of The River" like he does.

[@anthonybernacchi2732]

The only water in the forest is the river. ("Doctor Who" reference.)

[@Vulcanerd]

I loved the deep dive of this episode and I understand fans who get a little hurt when their favorites or what they consider best is not you guys' favorites, but that's just how shows go, you know? We all have our preferences and I get that, while there may be some 'fundamentals' that make for good storytelling, we all have our perspectives on what is good and bad so I'm alright and try not to get too huffy when Balance of Terror or some other episode is not on your lists lol. As always, thank you guys for this, a ton of fun.

[@Adam_Le-Roi_Davis.]

Great summarising of the first season of Star Trek TOS, I thought that your top episodes were good selections, and I agree with many of them, but you have many more great episodes to come moving forward into the second season, from what you both said I think that the first episode of season two is one which you'll both like and might even make your lists of the top episodes of season two, 'Amok Time'. As for other series to watch, that is more difficult, as 'Babylon 5' is a great series with excellent writing and acting for the most part it's a more intertwined story and takes a lot of investment time-wise as there is stuff which happens near the end of that series that relates to things from the early episodes of the first season.

[@monsterhobbies]

I think in "This Side of Paradise" you guys missed something important on why Kirk snapped free of the plant pollen. When Kirk was packing his suitcase to go to the planet, he first packs up his Starfleet uniforms, then he goes over to his desk and opens the door and takes out his sports medal and looks at it for a while and starts to remember his past accomplishments, probably thinking about how he pushed himself to his limits and eventually became Captain of a starship. He then snaps the case shut. Next we see him in the transporter, still thinking of the medal and he starts to realize that if he goes to the planet, he will become docile, never to accomplish anything again. I think it is there that the thought starts to make him angry, so he starts saying "No, i can't go. I CAN'T GO!" and then he snaps out of it. So really, it is Kirk being angry with not being able to be who he is that breaks the spell.

[@diabolik2814]

Good job guys. If you want to see another retro show from the same time period that will definitely blow your minds, watch The Prisoner starring Patrick McGoohan playing a British secret agent who resigns from his government job and is instantly kidnapped and taken prisoner to a place called the Village. Only 17 mind bending episodes that will keep you talking about it forever.

[@roberthasse7862]

My own top five: 1. "Where No Man Has Gone Before" 2. "The Menagerie" 3. "The Squire of Gothos" 4. "Charlie X" 5. "The City on the Edge of Forever"

[@lindenella]

I'm glad you are enjoying Star Trek. Firefly is another favourite of mine and also Babylon 5. The writer of Babylon 5 planned the story out meticulously from beginning to end and even small things in an episode can have ramifications later ,which is very satisfying for the viewer but makes it problematic to watch just a few episodes out of order. Have you seen The Expanse? That's also a well written, character driven, action packed sci-fi that I would recommend. (62 episodes over 6 seasons with the maximum being 13 episodes a season).

[@jonbolton3376]

Obviously there a lot of great episodes in season 1. My top 5 are: 5 This Side Of Paradise 4 The Devil In The Dark 3 The Man Trap 2 Balance Of Terror 1 The Naked Time

[@jonbolton3376]

Honorary mention Charlie X.