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The Original Series (TOS) Season 1

Season 1 - Season 2 - Season 3

The episode descriptions are given in normal text, my comments in small text. Rating: 0=worst, 10=best

First Pilot

The Cage Stardate not given: The Enterprise, commanded by Captain Pike, discovers survivors from a ship that crashed on the planet Talos IV twenty years ago. But everything on the planet, including the young Vina who Pike is supposed to mate with, turns out an illusion created by the telepathic Talosians who want to breed slaves to maintain their machines. Pike and his crew finally prevail when they don't believe in the Talosian illusions any longer. Vina, however, is really a woman who was found alive by the Talosians. Since they didn't know anything about human physiology, they couldn't help her. She never recovered from her injuries and is kept alive only through the illusions.

Seeing how convincingly it demonstrates the concept of telepathy and the power of illusions, the first Star Trek pilot is science fiction at its best. Hallucinating crew members have become a favorite theme of Star Trek since then, but in favor of live action they are seldom discussed on such an intellectually demanding level - long before the idea "cyberspace" became popular in science fiction and in the real-world, and also long before the holodeck. While the rest of the crew have only a few lines, the cautious and doubtful Captain Christopher Pike is excellently impersonated by Jeffrey Hunter.
Overall, "The Cage" didn't underestimate the viewer's intelligence. I think this was exactly the reason why "The Cage" was rejected by the network as being "too cerebral" in the first place. "The Cage" is also interesting viewing because many familiar concepts of Star Trek have not yet been established. This includes the different props, uniforms and technical terms as well as the background score and, of course, Spock's not yet logical character.
Remarkable quote: "The customs and history of your race show a unique hatred of captivity. Even when it's pleasant and benevolent, you prefer death. This makes you too violent and dangerous a species for our needs." (Talosian guard)
Remarkable characters: "Number One", the nameless first officer (Majel Barrett) and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) who occasionally smiled in this episode. Gene Roddenberry was asked to drop both of them because the network thought the viewers couldn't get accustomed to a woman in a high-ranking position or an alien as a main character. The compromise was that Roddenberry kept the alien and gave him the cold and rational characteristics of the abandoned "Number One".
Remarkable props: the transparent communicators, the laser guns and the big laser cannon, all designed by Wah Chang
Rating: 8

The Regular Season

Where No Man Has Gone Before Stardate 1312.4: After crossing the Galactic Barrier, Gary Mitchell and Elizabeth Dehner develop superior ESP abilities that put the rest of the crew in danger. Kirk has no other choice but to drop them on the uninhabited planet Delta Vega, where the now god-like Mitchell strives to kill his former friend Kirk. Only Dehner is able to save him at the expense of her own life.

The second Star Trek pilot was obviously governed by the motto "more action", The new captain Jim Kirk, more determined than Pike, engages in his first of many fist fights to come, and his shirt is torn for the first time. The topic of ESP power is interesting. Yet, after a promising, subtle beginning when Mitchell reads many pages on the screen in a matter of seconds the vigorous presentation of supernatural powers dominates the story. Towards the end the characters rather act like superheroes in a Marvel Comic than like we would expect in a science fiction series. "Where No Man Has Gone Before" simply doesn't quite live up to its ambitious science fiction premise. This is why I think the episode is rather superficial compared to "The Cage" and does not stand out from the regular TOS episodes. The strong characters of Mitchell and Dehner, both of whom play more important roles than Spock here are sacrificed in a similar way as Decker and Ilia in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" years later. I think it was a pity to lose them.
Remarkable characters: the physicist Sulu (George Takei) and chief medical officer Dr. Mark Piper (Paul Fix), with McCoy not yet being a part of the cast
Remarkable props: first appearance of the 3D chess and of the phaser rifle that will never return
Remarkable error: The tombstone created by Mitchell reads "James R. Kirk".
Crew losses: unknown, maybe a dozen
Rating: 6

The Corbomite Maneuver Stardate 1512.2: Captain Balok of the huge starship Fesarius of the "First Federation" is about to destroy the Enterprise, but Kirk resolves the situation claiming the highly explosive substance "corbomite" aboard the Enterprise would take Balok's ship with it. The real Balok turns out to be a friendly, child-like being. Lt. Bailey, who seemed to be most afraid of Balok before, stays aboard the Fesarius to establish relations with the First Federation.

This episode is a basically entertaining hide-and-seek game, although the straightforward plot is not quite sufficient to fill the given 45 minutes - we have to keep in mind that TOS generally didn't make use of secondary plots which might have compensated for that. This is why the story appears protracted, has a too slow pace and is not quite as thrilling as the title and synopsis suggest. I think the more important aspect about the episode is that it becomes obvious that Star Trek is not about destroying the enemy at all cost, but trying to find a peaceful agreement. It is a symbolic, albeit not very credible solution that of all crew members the one who was scared most by Balok stays with him to establish good relations. I am not sure if the navigator Bailey would be the right person to establish the first contact. Well, maybe he also has a special training for that, but in this case he shouldn't have been that afraid. It is generally a bit annoying that the guest characters are often weenies compared to the heroes, especially Kirk.
Remarkable quote: "I've already got a female to worry about. Her name is the Enterprise." (Kirk)
Remarkable ship: the Fesarius, essentially a big sphere consisting of nothing but pulsing light bulbs
Rating: 5

Mudd's Women Stardate 1329.1: The Enterprise picks up Harry Mudd and his cargo - three beautiful women. The Enterprise heads for a mining outpost to replenish the ship's supply of dilithium crystals, but the miners are only interested in Harry's "marriage agency". Harry's luck seems to be gone as the truth about the women is revealed. The women think that they are actually old and ugly and that only the drug keeps them beautiful - but in reality it is only a placebo.

Some concepts of the episode are objectionable because women are "sold" like slaves (the probably most blatant depiction of sexism in the series) and miners are digging literally in the dirt without any high-tech, neither of which should be possible in the advanced society of the Federation. But most of all the placebo pills making women beautiful are a ridiculous idea, especially since even the rather simple make-up effects of the sixties clearly show how they are really becoming much more attractive because of the pills. This can never be a psychosomatic effect. The plot itself is much like a cheap farce and relies too much on the attractiveness of the women and Harry F. Mudd's comical talent. At least the latter is a successful concept, and if only as the one exception, the anachronistic character needed to prove that the world of the 23rd century is generally without greed, sexism and crime. This is one of the few things worth remembering about the episode.
Remarkable uniform: For some unknown reason Uhura is wearing a yellow uniform.
Rating: 2

The Enemy Within Stardate 1672.1: A transporter malfunction splits Kirk into one aggressive and one timid person. While Sulu and his landing party down on the planet are cold and desperately waiting for the beam-up, the two Kirks struggle for the control of the ship, but it also becomes obvious that they are dependent on each other. Using the transporter again, the two Kirk versions are finally merged again.

This is the first of many stories about Kirk doubles, and the probably best one. The idea of splitting a person is scientific nonsense, however, its hypothetical effects are impressively shown. It's one of the best character studies of TOS. Well, maybe Shatner exaggerated a bit doing "Mr. Hyde", the "evil Kirk", and it is probably because of his recurring embodiment of the extreme that critics keep talking of Shatner as a bad actor. But in this particular case I could well imagine that a human being driven only by instincts would really behave like that.
Nitpicking: There is one huge plot hole. Why wasn't it possible to rescue Sulu and the away team with a shuttle? The real reason that the shuttle model was not available at that time is no excuse, since it would not have been necessary to show it. Since the Enterprise was supposed to have shuttles from the very beginning, a reason why they can't be used this time should have been mentioned.
Remarkable quote: the famous "He's dead, Jim." for the first time, "We all have our darker side. We need it - it's half of what we are. It's not really ugly, it's human." (McCoy)
Remarkable fact: The FSNP ("famous Spock nerve pinch") is shown for the first time.
Rating: 6

The Man Trap Stardate 1513.1: McCoy meets Prof. Crater and his wife Nancy with who he once had a relationship, but he does not notice she is actually an alien being able to morph into any desired shape and to kill humans by draining all salt from their bodies. After the being has caused the deaths of two crewmen, it comes aboard the Enterprise and attacks Kirk. McCoy has to shoot the salt vampire.

The plot might have appeared much more exciting at the time the episode was first aired, while nowadays, after so many better "alien parasite" and "shapeshifter" plots there is not much special about it. I usually don't like criticizing the original in favor of the follow-ups, but many things were not yet sufficiently considered here. For instance, the crew seems to lack cleverness because it takes almost the whole episode to unmask the salt vampire. It is never explained how the creature could actually assume three shapes simultaneously at the very beginning when Kirk, McCoy and the accompanying officer saw three different women. It actually didn't play a role in the following, and as such it was only unnecessary weight. One laudable aspect about the episode is that it tries to illustrate the crew's (especially Sulu's and Uhura's) private lives on the ship, but their behavior seems a bit too stilted.
Remarkable quote: "May the Great Bird of the Galaxy bless your planet." (Sulu)
Remarkable scene: Having assumed the shape of a black crewman, the creature speaks Suaheli to Uhura.
Crew losses: 4
Rating: 3

The Naked Time Stardate 1704.2: While investigating the collapsing planet Psi 2000, a strange infection spreads aomg the Enterprise crew, causing their emotions to run out of control. With most of the crew disabled and the propulsion systems offline, it is doubtful if the Enterprise can escape the imminent collapse. Using a completely new procedure to restart the engines the Enterprise is saved, and also travels back in time.

The crew are plagued by their own emotions - a means of "character building" that will be exploited several more times in Star Trek. In particular Spock's character is developed in this episode. It is clearly shown how he is torn between his Vulcan education that dictates him to suppress his emotions and his human heritage. Kirk, on the other hand, loves the Enterprise more than anything else, so he is immune to the infection, and it won't be the last time in TOS. It is remarkable that this is one of the most amusing and light-hearted TOS episodes, although the situation is frightening.
Remarkable performance: Irish folk songs by Lt. "Capt." Kevin Riley, if one likes them performed this way
Remarkable quote: "Richelieu - beware!" (Sulu), "I cannot change the laws of physics." (Scotty)
Remarkable fact: A similar disease will return in the follow-up TNG: "The Naked Now".
Remarkable prop: The food processor is prominently featured in this episode, but the food really doesn't look delicious.
Crew losses: 1
Rating: 6

Charlie X Stardate 1533.6: Growing up among aliens, the Thasians, young Charlie has gained supernatural powers. When the starship Antares explodes soon after Charlie has been beamed over to the Enterprise, it is not known that Charlie caused the disastrous accident. He learns about human relationships for the first time, but he cannot cope with it and soon puts the Enterprise in danger too, so there is no way but to return him to the Thasians.

For some reason, kids in Star Trek are usually annoying or at least unpopular, and "Charlie X" is the first in a long tradition including "Miri" later this season, "And the Children Shall Lead" and finally Wesley Crusher. Especially Charlie's interest in Janice Rand (who plays a major part for the first and only time) is never really credible, and her attempt to get him a surrogate girl-friend of his age is silly. The poor boy should fist learn who he himself is. In this light it is noteworthy how well Kirk puts up with Charlie's adolescent misbehavior. Even more than that, Kirk proves to have an understanding for the needs of the teenager, and the boy respects him for that.
Remarkable quote: "You go slow, be gentle. It's no one-way street. You know how you feel and that's all. It's how the girl feels too. Don't press. If the girl feels anything for you at all, you'll know." (Kirk)
Remarkable performance: Uhura sings, accompanied by Spock on the Vulcan harp.
Remarkable ship: The U.S.S. Antares, which was unfortunately not shown
Rating: 3

Balance of Terror Stardate 1709.1: After 100 years of peace with the Romulans, one of their ships emerges from the Neutral Zone to attack the Federation outposts. Kirk has to find a means to defeat the enemy ship which is equipped with a powerful plasma weapon and a cloaking device. Moreover, suspicion arises among the crew when it is revealed that Romulans and Vulcans apparently have the same ancestors. After the Romulan ship has been disabled, its commander initiates the self-destruct to avoid being captured.

This TOS episode, unlike most others, is a bit warlike. Nevertheless, the tense situation is convincingly presented and Kirk and the Enterprise are facing a worthy enemy for the first time. Moreover, "Balance of Terror" is a pivotal episode for establishing a history of Earth and the Federation. It only seems a bit far-fetched that humans still don't have an idea how Romulans look like after one hundred years, and this only to allow a short moment of doubt about Spock's loyalty. Lt. Stiles, who lost one of his ancestors in the war and now mistrusts Spock, is an annoying character anyway. Even more like Bailey in "The Corbomite Maneuver", he is just good for a few dumb and ill-considered phrases. Nevertheless, the episode is the most thrilling in Star Trek so far, and it has a clear message that, in a war, eventually both sides will lose in some fashion. The episode begins with a wedding ceremony, and it ends with Kirk comforting the bride and widow. There is no reason to celebrate a victory.
Remarkable quote: "Another war...must it always be so? How many comrades have we lost in this way?... Obedience. Duty. Death, and more death..." (Romulan commander, played by Mark Lenard)
Remarkable ship: The Romulan Bird-of-Prey
Crew losses: 1
Rating: 7

What are Little Girls Made of? Stardate 2712.4: Dr. Korby, a scientist who also happens to be Nurse Chapel's fiancé, uses abandoned alien technology creating androids to populate the galaxy, beginning with Kirk whom he tries to replace with an android. Eventually Korby turns out to be an android himself, the real Korby having been killed.

The way the episode unfolds is very disappointing. The premise of advanced androids who are much like humans is wasted, since none of its many possible ramifications is discussed. It would have been excellent science fiction if the question whether androids are sentient or not, for example, had been discussed. However, instead of that it all boils down to a story about a criminal entity who wants to rule the galaxy. The androids could have been organic aliens just as well. Although it is clearly not the fault of the original episode of its kind, it is even more annoying that the "androids-crave-power" and "mad-scientist-on-a-lonely-planet" plots will be re-used over and over again. But even the rehash "Requiem for Methuselah", for instance, is a better conceived episode. Showing a Kirk look-alike for the second time after "The Enemy Within" and replacing Korby just like Nancy Crater in "The Man Trap" was not exactly creative writing, and Nurse Chapel joining Starfleet only to find Korby is a rather far-fetched idea. It may not have been predictable at the time it was first aired, but in retrospect this is an episode that anticipates many of the clichés that should become typical of Star Trek in all of its incarnations.
Remarkable dialogue: "Can you imagine how life could be improved if we could do away with jealousy, greed, hate." - "It can also be improved by eliminating love, tenderness, sentiment - the other side of the coin." (Korby and Kirk)
Remarkable android: the beautiful Andrea (Sherry Jackson)
Remarkable absence: McCoy is missing in this episode.
Crew losses: 2
Rating: 2

Dagger of the Mind Stardate 2715.1: In McCoy's sickbay the apparent lunatic Dr. Gelder talks of a "neural neutralizer" used by Dr. Adams in his mental hospital. Meanwhile Kirk and the ship's psychiatrist Dr. Noel are already being held captive by the insane Dr. Adams. The two officers finally manage to escape, and Adams falls victim to his own machine that completely erases his mind.

Kirk meets a woman on a Christmas party (one of the few faint hints there might be still something like religion), and guess what her name is: Noel (French for Christmas). As if this were not awkward enough the mental hospital is called Tantalus after the king in Greek mythology who suffered eternal pain. Well, the episode becomes half-way exciting when Spock performs his mind-meld with Gelder and when Kirk and Noel attempt to escape. But Dr. Adams as the villainous scientist is an utter disappoint. It would have been at least a bit more appealing if only Dr. Adams had exhibited a motivation and had tried to justify his actions, but there was nothing like that. He was just mad. Something else to add to the cliché list is that, once again, Kirk is immune to any thought manipulation since he loves the Enterprise more than anything else.
Remarkable fact: We see the first Vulcan mind-meld.
Rating: 2

Miri Stardate 2713.5: On a precise copy of Earth the human civilization is extinct after a virus disease, except for their children who have survived and remained young for 300 years. The landing party faces the same fate as all other adults, but luckily they manage to find a cure and help the children to rebuild their society.

This episode is one of the most annoying, not only because of the children running around and squeaking all the time, but mostly because not the slightest explanation is given for the unbelievable fact the planet is exactly like Earth. The crew should have been stunned upon this discovery, not because of the children's fate. Sorry for my lack of compassion.
Remarkable quote: "No more blah, blah, blah!" (Kirk, to the horde of children)
Rating: 1

The Conscience of the King Stardate 2817.6: Kirk and Lt. Riley are the only surviving eye-witnesses who could identify the actor Karidian as Kodos the Executioner. The theater ensemble comes aboard the Enterprise on Kirk's suggestion. Kirk falls in love with Karidian's daughter, but he eventually finds out that it was her who killed all other potential witnesses to protect her father.

Strictly speaking, this episode has nothing to do with science fiction, but this doesn't make it necessarily bad. On the contrary, the absence of any secondary sci-fi plot, something that would have been added only to fulfill the viewers' expectations, renders the main plot even more credible. I liked the parallels between the Macbeth play and the plot, the character development and even Kirk's flirt with Karidian's daughter, although the plot developed a bit slowly because of that. It was the first credible love story of Star Trek. There are two things I didn't like. Firstly, it is too great a coincidence that the only two survivors serve on the same ship, and why of all crew members did it have to be Riley, the clown from "The Naked Time"? It would have been better if the witness had been some other person, not of the Enterprise crew who may have appeared in the episode as well. Secondly, the background story of Kodos and his crimes is a bit clumsy anyway; it would have deserved to be better elucidated - even if it had been in the form of flashbacks which I usually don't like too much. In any case, it is disturbing to learn that brutal regimes are possible even in the Federation.
Rating: 5

The Galileo Seven Stardate 2821.5: After their shuttle has crashed, some crew members are killed by the planet's savage inhabitants. Without help from the Enterprise and energy being scarce, Spock has to make tough decisions. Eventually an "illogical" action saves the survivors, when he releases and ignites the rest of the fuel that would keep them in orbit, so the sensors of the Enterprise can detect the shuttle.

Why is Spock so uncertain all the time? He has been in Starfleet service for several years, and I just can't believe this is the first critical situation for him. And definitely not the first time that he is in charge of a shuttlecraft mission, although the mention of this being his "first command" creates exactly this impression. But it almost seems Spock can't make decisions by himself, without Kirk's orders and guidance. Another weak point is that redshirts are sacrificed without reason, by letting them survey the surrounding the planet until they are almost all dead. I don't think this is logical. Finally, it should be mentioned that the Enterprise is said to examine a quasar-like phenomenon, but quasars can hardly be found in our galaxy.
Remarkable quote: "Strange...step by step, I've made the correct and logical decisions...and yet, two men have died!" (Spock), "There are always alternatives." (Spock)
Remarkable translation: The German episode title is "Notlandung *auf* Galileo 7", as if the title referred to the planet. An awful mistake.
Remarkable ship: The shuttle Galileo, funded by AMT who in turn received the license to sell a scale model of it, made its first appearance.
Crew losses: 3
Rating: 4

Court-Martial Stardate 2947.3: Kirk is accused of negligent homicide, for he allegedly dropped the pod with Lt. Cmdr. Finney off the ship during an ion storm. Finney, however, is found alive hiding aboard the Enterprise. He has faked the evidence because he envies Kirk and wants to ruin his career.

Kirk's trial is absolutely convincing, but Finney's intentions are not. What did he want to do? Hide for the rest of his life? This question almost ruins the whole plot. However, there is one scene to remember when McCoy records the heartbeat of each person aboard the ship and eliminates it from the overall noise, so the remaining heartbeat proves there is one more person aboard: Finney. Fascinating, Bones! I also like Samuel Cogley, the unusually old-fashioned lawyer who still uses books and pleads for human rights.
Remarkable quote: "Mr. Spock, you're the most cold-blooded man I've ever known!" - "Why, thank you, Doctor."
Remarkable speech: "I speak of rights! A machine has none - a man must. If you do not grant him that right, you have brought us down to the level of the machine. Indeed, you have elevated that machine above us!" (Cogley)
Remarkable fact: Books are very unusual in the 23rd century, and attorney Cogley is one of the few people still using them.
Remarkable ships: There is a status chart showing several NCC numbers.
Rating: 5

The Menagerie I/II Stardate 3012.4: Spock hijacks the Enterprise in order to take his former Captain Pike to Talos IV. Pike suffers from complete paralysis after an accident and the Talosian illusions are the only way to give him a life worth living. Spock is facing death penalty, but his trial has only been an illusion created by the Talosians.

Although I am aware this is one of the favorite episodes of many fans, I see this version as an awkward patchwork compared to the original, "The Cage". The death penalty for the "crime" of going to Talos IV was a bad idea anyway, and the pointless simulated trial likewise. The whole concept was to use as much stock footage from "The Cage" as possible, and considering "The Menagerie" didn't fit into the TOS sequence of events very well, I wonder why Roddenberry didn't just release the excellent unchanged pilot episode instead.
Remarkable quote: "A Vulcan can no sooner be disloyal than he can exist without breathing." (Kirk)
Rating: 3

Shore Leave Stardate 3025.3: The crew beam down on an apparently uninhabited planet where wishes and thoughts come true. Kirk, for instance, meets an old love and an old rival from Starfleet Academy. The fun seems to be over when McCoy is killed by a knight. However, it turns out that everything was just an illusion for enjoyment.

This is an amusing episode supposed to be taken as mere fun, and it becomes obvious that the characters don't take the events very seriously either. This is why the author should have thought of something else but another series of boxing fights for Kirk which sum up to about 20 minutes and are likely to spoil all the fun. Fighting is never fun! And it is simply disgusting how Kirk still takes a sick pleasure in it even after McCoy has been killed half-way through the episode. I'd like to cut everything of Finnegan from the episode anyway, because he is obnoxious beyond all reason. Hard to believe that this childish moron is supposed to be the reincarnation of real person who Kirk met at the Academy.
Remarkable uniform: Kirk's "enemy" Finnegan wears a light silver-gray shirt, which is supposed to be a 23rd century cadet's uniform.
Rating: 5

The Squire of Gothos Stardate 2124.5: An Enterprise landing party is captured by the superior yet childish entity Trelane who enjoys human culture and the company of human "pets". Kirk, however, is not amused at all and struggles against Trelane. The alien releases the rest of his prisoners and accepts a challenge by Kirk. Fortunately Trelane's doings are eventually stopped by his parents.

Considering how present-day humans use to treat animals, it may not be surprising that superior beings make fun of humans likewise in the 23rd century. Yet, shouldn't they be considered a bit less self-complacent and more sympathetic than Trelane? Q will have to face the same objections against his person in TNG, and the assumption is not far-fetched that Trelane was the prototype for Q. It would not have been necessary to make Trelane actually a child though. Moreover, why should supernatural entities be subject to the same biological development as humanoids, making their children in any way comparable to ours? Apart from that the episode was not very profound but quite amusing.
Remarkable quote: "'Fascinating' is a word I use for the unexpected." (Spock)
Rating: 5

Arena Stardate 3045.6: Finding a Federation base destroyed, Kirk is out to take revenge at any cost, and he pursues the enemy ship to an unknown region of space. The powerful Metrons, however, prevent the imminent battle and turn it into a duel between just Kirk and the hostile Gorn captain. When Kirk refuses to kill the defeated Gorn, the Metrons release the Enterprise and the Gorn ship with the remark that there is hope for the human race.

While the Federation base looks more like a Western fort and the Gorn is nothing but a cheap green mask, the plot is absolutely convincing. Destroying the enemy at all cost is not an option, and the defeated not only deserves mercy, but also respect. Unfortunately most of the time of the episode is wasted for fighting again, and Kirk doesn't really try to establish a communication until his enemy is defeated. This is why "Arena" doesn't deserve a higher rating in my view.
Remarkable quote: "Sparing your helpless enemy who surely would have destroyed you, you demonstrated the advanced trait of mercy, something we hardly expected. We feel that there may be hope for your kind. Therefore you will not be destroyed. It would not be civilized." (Metron)
Crew losses: 2
Rating: 5

The Alternative Factor Stardate 3087.6: While investigating spatial disturbances, a landing party finds a man named Lazarus. He claims to be fighting an evil enemy who is actually his own equivalent from an antimatter universe. Eventually, the two versions of Lazarus wind up trapped at the border between the two universes, thereby preventing their mutual annihilation.

Parallel universe, temporal rift, antimatter, dilithium - It seems no one had an idea what this episode was supposed to deal with. Nearly all dialogues are confusing and illogical. There is not the slightest explanation why Lazarus is so obsessed with his counterpart, whether one of the two or both are actually insane, which of them has the wound on his forehead, why only "identical" matter and antimatter annihilate one another, why it is possible for matter and antimatter to get in contact with one another in the border zone and why both universes are destroyed if only the two men meet in one of them. Most of all, the assumption that the spatial rifts (or whatever other arbitrary name they are given in the episode at times) are a clear sign for a pending invasion is without any reason. The whole episode does not even remotely make sense, it is a chain of logical flaws, not to mention the scientific rubbish.
Rating: 0

Tomorrow is Yesterday Stardate 3113.2: The Enterprise accidentally travels back to the 1960s and causes a temporal paradox when US Air Force pilot Christopher is beamed out of his cockpit. The situation worsens when a landing party is discovered on the air force base when trying to steal the records of Christopher's flight. By traveling back to the very instant when Christopher first spotted the Enterprise the sequence of events can be restored, and the Enterprise returns to the future.

There are several inconsistencies connected with the time travel issue, but apart from that "Tomorrow is Yesterday" is one of the best TOS episodes - thrilling and humorous at the same time. The slapstick-like humor of the sixties may not be everyone's favorite, but it is definitely funny. In particular, I remember that when the Air Force sergeant is beamed up, his motions are completely frozen and he is looking into the camera with the probably silliest facial expression of Star Trek history. Only Spock strikes me as a bit arrogant and most of all lackadaisical when he initially states that Christopher is a historically insignificant person. Christopher, by the way, plays an unusually important role for a guest character.
Remarkable fact: The time travel maneuver will become familiar as "slingshot effect".
Rating: 8

The Return of the Archons Stardate 3156.2: The peaceful inhabitants of an Earth-like planet are controlled by an entity called Landru. Most of the people have been "absorbed", meaning they are bereft of their free will. Struggling for the people's freedom and their own lives, Kirk & Co. discover Landru is actually a computer and destroy it.

This is the first episode about a computer that supervises a whole civilization. The fundamentally thought-provoking issue (from today's perspective even more than in the 1960s), however, is largely wasted because it is revealed as late as at the end of the episode. There is nothing left to do but to destroy the computer. This way, "The Return of the Archons" anticipates many of the mistakes of similar (and too often almost the same) plots to come. Most of the time is spent on "live action" in the course of which alternately one side or the other prevails, and the important questions are postponed. The absorbed "zombies" as opponents are not good for the story either, because they are rather associated with cheap horror than with sci-fi. Finally, it was absolutely unnecessary to involve any mention of the U.S.S. Archon that visited the planet a long time ago, because it didn't play any role but give the episode its title.
Remarkable quote: "You'd make a splendid computer, Mr. Spock." - "That is very kind of you, Captain."
Remarkable scene: Kirk discusses the computer Landru to death, another of Kirk's various gifts that will frequently return...
Rating: 3

A Taste of Armageddon Stardate 3192.1: The Enterprise finds itself amidst the long-lasting war between the planets Eminiar VII and Vendikar. Instead of using real weapons, computers determine the casualties of simulated attacks, and assign citizens to be disintegrated. Kirk interferes and, destroying the computer, he forces the two planets to negotiate with one another for the first time in centuries.

Only two weeks after "Return of the Archons" (in the original airing sequence) here is another story with a computer-controlled planet, but this time one of a more intelligent kind. The consequences of the computer war are credibly demonstrated, although the unquestioned self-sacrificing is absurd in our world. Maybe the inhabitants of Eminiar and Vendikar who know nothing else for all their lives have a different view of it. Eminiar VII is actually the first alien world to play a role itself and not just a playground for Kirk - although once again he disables the computer. The concept, look and role of Eminiar VII is overall impressive. In contrast, Ambassador Fox is not convincing at all. During Kirk's absence he causes nothing but trouble on the Enterprise all along, he is stubborn and, even worse, incompetent. And Fox won't be the last high-ranking Federation bureaucrat in TOS who utterly fails to fulfill his duty. The question is why also this episode had an gratuitous past history involving the Federation ship U.S.S. Valiant.
Remarkable quote: "The best diplomat I know is a fully activated phaser bank!" (Scotty)
Rating: 6

Space Seed Stardate 3141.9: The Enterprise encounters an ancient Earth ship whose crew is in cryostasis. Once thawed, Khan and his crew, genetically enhanced humans who once tyrannized Earth, try to take over the Enterprise with the help of the historian Lt. Marla McGiver who is fascinated by Khan's charisma. When the takeover has failed, Kirk drops Khan and his people on an uninhabited planet.

This is undoubtedly one of the top episodes of the first season. The idea to thaw the crew of an ancient ship was original at that time and its presentation convincing. It is not known in how far Khan and his people are genetically altered except that they adapt very quickly to the life and technology of the 23rd century, so it is only obvious that they believe their superiority gives them the right and even the obligation to be rulers. Khan is Kirk's strongest opponent throughout all of TOS. He actually doesn't have any good arguments but only a few pathetic slogans why genetic enhancement should be desirable, but he isn't the kind of guy who would need to justify his existence and his deeds anyway. The mere confidence in himself and his followers is sufficient. And he is neither mad like many other TOS villains nor just a puppet but acting on his own strong will with much deliberation.
The only thing I really don't like is how easily Khan's charisma can convince Marla McGiver to betray her crew and even threaten their lives. Can this be love? I'd say no. I hate arrogant macho guys anyway, but the fact that a female Starfleet officer falls for him is obnoxious. It is such blatant sexism (although the opposite motive of male officers falling for exotic alien women is not uncommon in Trek either).
Remarkable quote: "Improve a mechanical device and you may double productivity. But improve man, you gain a thousandfold." (Khan)
Remarkable sequel: Khan will return in "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan".
Rating: 7

This Side of Paradise Stardate 3417.3: Spores have made a group of colonists immune to otherwise lethal radiation. However, they have also lost their sense of reality. The infection is spreading among the Enterprise crew likewise, who one by one leave their duty on the ship. With even Spock being affected, Kirk is the only one left on the Enterprise, and he needs a plan to get his crew back. After struggling with Kirk, Spock regains control over his mind. Together they devise a plan to flood the planet with ultrasound, thereby triggering rage and quarrels among the settlers which eliminates the effect of the spores.

The episode is both amusing and exciting, and we get to see the characters in unusual situations. Especially Spock, the first "victim" among the Enterprise crew, behaves very irrationally when he flirts with Leila Kalomi. He is found by a search team, hanging upside down from a tree and laughing. Once again, Kirk is immune to the infection because the Enterprise and his duty is more important to him than anything else. While the crew are definitely having fun on the "Planet of Love", it is very depressing to see how Kirk is left behind, denying himself the pleasure of staying on the planet. One of the most impressive takes is when the camera shows a total view of the bridge, and Kirk all alone in his chair. It is a paradoxical twist that, for the crew's welfare, Kirk has to do everything to provoke bad emotions. The scene in which he insults Spock's descent and character and makes him furious after luring him back to the Enterprise is funny with a realistically bad aftertaste (as Kirk may have meant some things that he said in his played rage, and there may be even some truth in it). Everyone's disillusionment after the effect of the spores has faded is credibly portrayed, and in some way it seems like a pity that the paradise in which people have been living in perfect harmony has been destroyed. I think to express this was exactly the author's intention.
Remarkable facts: When asked by Leila to tell her his full name, Spock replies "You couldn't pronounce it". Either Vulcans are able to lie, or I want to know.
Remarkable scenes: Spock hanging from a tree and kidding Kirk, Kirk alone on the bridge, Kirk insulting and struggling with Spock in the transporter room
Rating: 6

Devil in the Dark Stardate 3196.1: A silicon-based being continuously killing workers of a mining colony is hunted and eventually severely hurt by the miners with the help of a more heavily armed Enterprise landing party. Through a mind-meld Spock finds out that the creature, Horta, was only protecting her children, silicon "eggs" the miners have been destroying and collecting all along. An agreement is achieved that allows Horta and her species to remain unharmed, while helping the miners in digging.

A pleading for the value of life, even if it's so much different from what we know. While it's not very credible that the creature can penetrate solid rock within seconds, the idea of a silicon-based lifeform is an excellent innovation, considering that there are similar chemical compounds of silicon and carbon. The solution of the problem, however, is a bit too much simplified considering the mutual mistrust of Horta and workers, with either side having lost several lives.
Remarkable quote: "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer." (when Mc Coy is supposed to treat Horta with cement)
Remarkable fact: Horta's "eggs" have exactly the same brownish, sometimes purple color as a thin silicon dioxide layer that would form around pure silicon. A coincidence or was someone of the production staff working in the semiconductor industry?
Crew losses: 1 (Enterprise crew only)
Rating: 6

Errand of Mercy Stardate 3198.4: The Federation is alarmed when the Klingons occupy a planet and begin to terrorize its peaceful inhabitants, the Organians. Kirk and Spock, in disguise, do everything to convince the locals to defend themselves against the Klingons or let the Enterprise interfere, but they refuse. The Organians are actually not humanoid but entities of pure energy, and they initiate a Federation-Klingon agreement.

This is a fair episode that unfortunately uses too many well-known patterns and establishes new ones that will reappear throughout TOS. The first appearance of the Klingons stigmatizes them as conquerors who are nothing but cruel - although Kor is a worthy opponent in any respect and not a bat'leth-wielding cookie-cutter character like many Klingons of the 24th century. Some of the subsequent Klingon TOS episodes will characterize the species more profoundly but still without anything that makes them special except that they appear more often than any other non-Federation species. We can be glad that TNG will finally turn them into an race whose traditions and motivation will become much clearer. Regarding the other alien race, the discovery of the Organians as "pure energy" beings would have required a follow-up episode, but the writers frequently made up new energy entities that were said to be completely unknown each time. At some point the Federation scientists should have stopped being astonished about such entities.
Remarkable quote: "I don't trust men who smile too much." (Kor)
Rating: 3

The City on the Edge of Forever Stardate 3134.0: Driven by a cordrazine overdose, McCoy accidentally enters "The Guardian of Forever", a time portal, thereby changing Earth's history. The Federation ceases to exist, the Enterprise is gone, and only the landing party is unaffected. When Spock and Kirk follow McCoy's trace, they discover that the social worker Edith Keeler who Kirk has fallen in love with has to die in order to correct history. Held back by Spock, Kirk and McCoy have to watch in horror how Edith is killed in a car accident.

Each time I watch this episode, I can't help feeling touched by Edith Keeler's fate and Kirk's feeling about it. "The City on the Edge of Forever" is the greatest drama of TOS and it is unnecessary to use many words to describe it. The episode's time travel aspect is discussed here.
Remarkable scene: Edith is about to fall down the stairs, Kirk holds her, and Spock thoughtfully looks at Kirk, because this could have been her predicted (and necessary) fatal accident.
Remarkable dialogue: "My friend...is obviously Chinese. I see you've noticed the ears. They're actually easy to explain..." - "Perhaps the unfortunate accident I had as a child..." - "The unfortunate accident he had as a child! He caught his head in a mechanical...rice-picker. But fortunately, there was an American missionary living close by who was actually a skilled plastic surgeon in civilian life..." (Kirk and Spock who try to explain Spock's ears)
Remarkable speech: "One day soon, man is going to be able to harness incredible energy, maybe even the atom. Energy that could ultimately hurl men to other worlds in some sort of spaceship. And the men that reach out into space will find ways to feed the hungry millions of the world, and to cure their diseases. They'll be able to find a way to give each man hope and a common future. And those are the days worth living for." (Edith Keeler)
Remarkable medicine: Cordrazine is established as the strongest restorative (and will be still in use in the 24th century).
Rating: 9

Operation: Annihilate Stardate 3287.2: The planet Deneva is struck by a fatal epidemic insanity caused by neural parasites, also costing the lives of Kirk's brother and his wife. When trying to investigate the parasites Spock is infected as well. McCoy finds a cure exposing the parasites to intensive solar radiation. Spock agrees to test the treatment, and only his inner eyelid prevents him from becoming blind. In the meantime McCoy has discovered that only part of the solar spectrum is necessary to kill the parasites.

This episode is remarkable in that it anticipates the horror of the "Alien" movie series, only with low-budget special effects and aliens that look rather like pancakes than really gruesome. The struggle to free the planet of the parasites is thrilling and intelligent. The only thing that annoys me is the experiment in the course of which Spock is exposed to the intense radiation. His argument not to use protective glasses because the people on the planet don't have them either is a totally unnecessary self-sacrifice, or did he subconsciously rely on his inner eyelid? By the way, why doesn't Bones know about this inner eyelid?
Remarkable character: George Kirk (William Shatner)
Remarkable scenery: A futuristic real scenery near L.A. was used for the planet Deneva, and it looked much better than the usual matte paintings and cardboard rocks.
Rating: 5

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