Ranking all 80 Star Trek TOS Episodes (with TL/DR intro)
What better way to spend a couple of frustrating months being ill than watching all 80 eps of the original Star Trek? Well, there's probably loads of better ways but I did the Star Trek thing, seeing the vast majority of them for the very first time. Surprisingly, there's a good amount of really good episodes about...unsurprisingly, also a bunch of duffers.
If you've never watched any TOS and are curious: you have to enter it in a different mindset than when watching anything TNG onwards. There's the famously-limited production budgets (wobbly sets, dodgy costumes, recycled props etc), outdated attitudes towards women, lack of season-long story arcs or even appreciable character-development...and then there's the acting...
Think of TOS eps as theater performances, and you can better sink in to the whole thing. You accept the clumsy unrealistic fight scenes (replete with obvious stunt doubles), and knowingly allow yourself a smirk when Shatner dials the ham up to 11...
...because when the episode is a good one, you begin to appreciate the argument that TOS just might be the strongest Star Trek series of them all: it often asks timeless philosophical questions of our human potential, using - now-familiar - sci-fi concepts as a springboard, with strong intelligent dialogue (mostly). What's striking is it does this without getting bogged down in mawkish sentiment, without becoming too distracted by the kind of 'emotional character moments' modern efforts spam us with, and crucially without always presenting us with clear moral answers to the questions it presents. Often, we're left to think for ourselves what those answers might be.
Proper old-school science-fiction.
How to watch: personally I recommend the 2004(ish) DVD-Release where the effects are original. Sure, they are 'of their time', but they fit into the overall package, and are interesting from a tv-history-buff perspective. The later 'Remasters' (and current online streams) use horribly-dated computer graphics. Also wouldn't recommend marathoning: it's not designed for it. 1-2 eps per day was good for me, and in any order you like. There's no real benefit to production or air-date order, other than curiousity. I roughly followed user-ratings: highest first, combined with which synopsis sounded most interesting. It meant I ended my run with generally the weaker efforts, tho' I didn't always agree with the user-rating consensus.
Here a guide to how I score, anything with a 6+ is worth a watch in my book (49 out of 80 eps score this). 4 & 5 scores may have enough in them for completists to not feel let down, but anything scoring 3 or below is a SKIP (only 7 out of 80 eps score this).
10/10 - the very best...must-watch for all sci-fi fans, even non-Trekkers.
9/10 - excellent & essential for anyone who enjoys a bit of Trek.
8/10 - very good.
7/10 - good, tho' only recommended if already tuned into TOS.
6/10 - worth-watching, but weak bits are catching up to the good.
5/10 - average, middling...fine for completists.
4/10 - some good, overweighted by weaker elements.
3/10 - poor...decent bits getting scarce. SKIP.
2/10 - almost irredeemably bad, feels like a waste of time but a fun line or an idea with potential might surface briefly.
1/10 - worst of the worst (no TOS ep scored this, mind).
Spoiler-free mini-reviews below.
If you've never watched any TOS and are curious: you have to enter it in a different mindset than when watching anything TNG onwards. There's the famously-limited production budgets (wobbly sets, dodgy costumes, recycled props etc), outdated attitudes towards women, lack of season-long story arcs or even appreciable character-development...and then there's the acting...
Think of TOS eps as theater performances, and you can better sink in to the whole thing. You accept the clumsy unrealistic fight scenes (replete with obvious stunt doubles), and knowingly allow yourself a smirk when Shatner dials the ham up to 11...
...because when the episode is a good one, you begin to appreciate the argument that TOS just might be the strongest Star Trek series of them all: it often asks timeless philosophical questions of our human potential, using - now-familiar - sci-fi concepts as a springboard, with strong intelligent dialogue (mostly). What's striking is it does this without getting bogged down in mawkish sentiment, without becoming too distracted by the kind of 'emotional character moments' modern efforts spam us with, and crucially without always presenting us with clear moral answers to the questions it presents. Often, we're left to think for ourselves what those answers might be.
Proper old-school science-fiction.
How to watch: personally I recommend the 2004(ish) DVD-Release where the effects are original. Sure, they are 'of their time', but they fit into the overall package, and are interesting from a tv-history-buff perspective. The later 'Remasters' (and current online streams) use horribly-dated computer graphics. Also wouldn't recommend marathoning: it's not designed for it. 1-2 eps per day was good for me, and in any order you like. There's no real benefit to production or air-date order, other than curiousity. I roughly followed user-ratings: highest first, combined with which synopsis sounded most interesting. It meant I ended my run with generally the weaker efforts, tho' I didn't always agree with the user-rating consensus.
Here a guide to how I score, anything with a 6+ is worth a watch in my book (49 out of 80 eps score this). 4 & 5 scores may have enough in them for completists to not feel let down, but anything scoring 3 or below is a SKIP (only 7 out of 80 eps score this).
10/10 - the very best...must-watch for all sci-fi fans, even non-Trekkers.
9/10 - excellent & essential for anyone who enjoys a bit of Trek.
8/10 - very good.
7/10 - good, tho' only recommended if already tuned into TOS.
6/10 - worth-watching, but weak bits are catching up to the good.
5/10 - average, middling...fine for completists.
4/10 - some good, overweighted by weaker elements.
3/10 - poor...decent bits getting scarce. SKIP.
2/10 - almost irredeemably bad, feels like a waste of time but a fun line or an idea with potential might surface briefly.
1/10 - worst of the worst (no TOS ep scored this, mind).
Spoiler-free mini-reviews below.
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- DirectorGerd OswaldStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyArnold MossWhile Captain Kirk investigates whether an actor is actually a presumed dead mass murderer, a mysterious assailant is killing the people who could identify the fugitive.10/10 - Actually not very sci-fi, but a real powerful multi-layered story with a bravura performance from Barbara Anderson. I get spine-chills at that shakespearean final scene.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe USS Enterprise encounters the wrecked USS Constellation and its distraught commodore who's determined to stop the giant planet-destroying robot ship that killed his crew.10/10 - EPIC mobydickian thriller, with real tension. Top work all round.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJoan CollinsWhen a temporarily insane Dr. McCoy accidentally changes history and destroys his time, Kirk and Spock follow him to prevent the disaster, but the price to do so is high.10/10 - revered ep, and rightfully so...he knows, Doctor...he knows.
- DirectorRobert ButlerStarsJeffrey HunterSusan OliverLeonard NimoyCapt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions.9/10 - they cancelled it as they found it "too cerebral"...but that's exactly what makes it so good! Intelligent sci-fi, sometimes even quite dark. The ending is superior to the one ventured in The Menagerie.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise encounters a gigantic energy draining space organism that threatens the galaxy.9/10 - i'm a sucker for 'mysterious things in space' stories, and this one's mindblowing: the hard science fiction idea presented at the end would do Arthur C Clarke proud.
- DirectorJoseph SargentStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyAnthony D. CallAfter the Enterprise is forced to destroy a dangerous marker buoy, a gigantic alien ship arrives to capture and condemn the crew as trespassers.9/10 - another 'mystery thing in space', another classic. Has arguably TOS's greatest ever space scene when the alien vessel approaches (cue dramatic music!). What to make of that weird ending, tho'...
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyRicardo MontalbanWhile on patrol in deep space, Captain Kirk and his crew find and revive a genetically-engineered world conqueror and his compatriots from Earth's Twentieth Century.9/10 - I prefer this to Wrath of Khan: his charisma & raw potential power shines here.
- DirectorHerbert KenwithStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA mysterious, twinkling mass of sapient energy ravages an important archive and Scotty's new girlfriend may be linked to it.9/10 - Horror Trek! Those grunting garbled sounds the possessed make...yikes.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyIn the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood.9/10 - alongside Space Seed, this is required viewing before checking out the movies. Really cements the Kirk/Spock (and McCoy) dynamic.
- DirectorJames GoldstoneStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyGary LockwoodThe flight recorder of the 200-year-old U.S.S. Valiant relays a tale of terror--a magnetic storm at the edge of the galaxy.8/10 - the successful Pilot is almost as good as The Cage, with an exceptional Guest performance from 2001's Gary Lockwood.
- DirectorHerb WallersteinRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWith Capt. Kirk and the derelict USS Defiant apparently lost, the Enterprise grapples with an insanity causing plague and an attack by the Tholians.8/10 - proper sci-fi mystery-thriller, movie-template material.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyTo protect a space station with a vital grain shipment, Kirk must deal with Federation bureaucrats, a Klingon battle cruiser and a peddler who sells furry, purring, hungry little creatures as pets.8/10 - famous classic, and didn't disappoint: funny, lighthearted, cute and endearingly silly.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyGalactic alien scouts capture the Enterprise for a return voyage and a prelude to invasion. Kirk's one advantage - they're not used to their adopted human form.8/10 - hilarious later scenes! Tho' takes a while to get going.
- DirectorJohn Meredyth LucasStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyAn apparently insane Capt. Kirk has the Enterprise deliberately enter the Romulan Neutral Zone where the ship is immediately captured by the enemy.8/10 - another one of the great Guest performances, and another ep which has movie-template potential.
- DirectorVincent McEveetyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyMark LenardThe Enterprise must decide on its response when a Romulan ship makes a destructively hostile armed probe of Federation territory.8/10 - full of space-battle tension, with intriguing 'geo-politics' background.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWhile back in time observing Earth in 1968, the Enterprise crew encounters the mysterious Gary Seven who has his own agenda on the planet.8/10 - instead of Mudd, we should've had Gary Seven get two eps.
- DirectorJud TaylorStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA group of aliens who exist in a state of incredible acceleration invade the Enterprise and abduct Capt. Kirk.8/10 - fine deep sci-fi ideas, entertaining story. As ever, disregard the plot-holes for maximum enjoyment!
- DirectorJohn Meredyth LucasStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk and a sub-skeleton crew are ordered to test out an advanced artificially intelligent control system - the M-5 Multitronic system, which could potentially render them all redundant.8/10 - exciting stuff, with a message that still resonates today.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise hosts a number of quarrelling diplomats, including Spock's father, but someone on board has murder in mind.8/10 - mythology-heavy, and enjoyable with it, coupled with a decent whodunnit.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA powerful being claiming to be the Greek god Apollo appears and demands that the crew of the Enterprise disembark onto his planet to worship him.8/10 - explores what gods might be, and what they might think. Fascinating, indeed.
- DirectorMarc DanielsRobert ButlerStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJeffrey HunterSpock kidnaps the disabled Capt. Pike, hijacks the Enterprise, and then surrenders for court martial.8/10 - a clever re-edit of The Cage, tho' the original ep is better. Menagerie is still very good, and deserves a watch after first checking out the original.
- DirectorRobert ButlerMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJeffrey HunterAt Spock's court martial, he explains himself with mysterious footage about when Capt. Pike was kidnapped by powerful illusion casting aliens.8/10 - a clever re-edit of The Cage, tho' the original ep is better. Menagerie is still very good, and deserves a watch after first checking out the original.
- DirectorMarvin J. ChomskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWhen Kirk, Spock and McCoy investigate the disappearance of a doomed planet's population, they find themselves trapped in different periods of that world's past.7/10 - creates two different worlds for us to explore. Both are quite thought-provoking, tho' a little under-developed.
- DirectorRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWhile returning to the Enterprise aboard the shuttlecraft, Kirk, Spock, McCoy and a seriously ill Federation diplomat find themselves kidnapped by an energized cloud.7/10 - an odd one, but I warmed to it and loved a later scene involving a character peering through some colourful textile-clothing.
- DirectorHerschel DaughertyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise crew attempts to stop a plague of amoeba-like creatures from possessing human hosts and spreading throughout the galaxy.7/10 - had potential as Horror Trek, didn't quite reach it but had a good go.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA transporter accident places Captain Kirk's landing party in an alternate universe, where the Enterprise is in the service of a barbarically brutal empire.7/10 - entertaining, with interesting take on the "logical" aspect of Spock's character...and inspired a prog band (Spock's Beard). Maybe not as heavy or epic as its reputation, it's still a good solid ep.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyPercy RodriguesKirk draws a court martial in the negligent death of a crewman.7/10 - a welcome change of pace: intriguing courtroom drama, strong dialogue, solid resolution to the mystery tho' the action fell a little flat.
- DirectorJud TaylorStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise encounters two duo-chromatic and mutually belligerent aliens who put the ship in the middle of their old conflict.7/10 - wasn't expecting to like this, but it's less on-the-nose than i feared. Solid exchanges of dialogue, which still resonate today.
- DirectorMichael O'HerlihyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyRoger PerryThe Enterprise is thrown back in time to 1960s Earth.7/10 - light but likeable time-travel tale. Seeing the Enterprise in the Earth sky is quite a sight.
- DirectorDavid AlexanderStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA group of idealistic hippies, led by an irrational leader, come aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise.7/10 - the hippy ideals were fresh then, and haven't aged either. I've been among that crowd, so was able to appreciate both sides here. Good entertainment too, despite the resolution being rushed.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyPeaceful, primitive peoples get caught up in the struggle between superpowers, with Kirk unhappily trying to restore the balance of power disrupted by the Klingons.7/10 - the plot is a bit all over the place, was unsure how to judge until Kirk's palpable mental & physical exhaustion at the end...and was impressed after all. Good effort.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyFor bringing hostility into their solar system, a superior alien race brings Captain Kirk into mortal combat against the reptilian captain of an alien ship he was pursuing.7/10 - [in]famous for that dated fight scene, yet watching the whole thing makes sense. There's solid tension & decent creativity.
- DirectorGerd OswaldStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyRobert BrownExistence itself comes under threat from a man's power-struggle with his alternate self, with the Enterprise's strained dilithium crystals presenting his key to a final solution.7/10 - had potential as a dark psychedelic mystery, didn't fully realise that however does give us an engaging tale. The stakes were a little over-blown, mind.
- DirectorRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise is guided to a distant, long-dead world where survivors of an extremely ancient race - existing only as disembodied energy - desiring the bodies of Kirk, Spock and astro-biologist Ann Mulhall so that they may live again.7/10 - satisfactory weighty effort, tho' the decision-making of Kirk & co is a little contrived.
- DirectorVincent McEveetyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyKim DarbyThe Enterprise discovers a planet exactly like Earth, but the only inhabitants are children who contract a fatal disease upon entering puberty.7/10 - a great Guest-performance (combined with well-written character) can elevate a story a couple of points, so it is here with the young Miri. The kids are alright.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk and the Enterprise computer become detectives after Scotty is accused of murdering women on a pleasure planet.7/10 - Scotty, like everyone else outside of the Kirk/Spock/McCoy-axis, was underused. Nevertheless, he got a bit more to do than the other regulars. This story is played well, gets nicely dark & mysterious. Tho' lacking that little extra to push it from good-to-great.
- DirectorJames GoldstoneStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyMichael StrongNurse Chapel is reunited with her fiancé; but his new obsession leads him to make an android duplicate of Captain Kirk.6/10 - Nurse Chapel is a captivating character: exuding womanly warmth & vulnerability. She deserved a crack at a story, and this one is quite good, just drags a little in the middle.
- DirectorJud TaylorStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyTrapped on a planet whose inhabitants are descended from Northwestern Native Americans, Kirk loses his memory and is proclaimed a God while the crippled Enterprise races back to the planet before it is destroyed by an asteroid.6/10 - essential viewing if looking to fully explore Kirk's character. Fine ep, but has obvious plot-contrivances which lessen its impact.
- DirectorJohn ErmanStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyTrapped in an alien laboratory, Kirk, Spock and McCoy meet an empath and are involved in a series of experiments.6/10 - as stagey as Trek ever got, it really feels like a theatre-production. Still manages to be quite trippy & dark, unfortunately the weird edits take you out at times.
- DirectorRobert GistStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDon MarshallThe Galileo, under Spock's command, crash-lands on a hostile planet. As the Enterprise races against time to find the shuttlecraft, Spock's strictly logical leadership clashes with the fear and resentment of his crew.6/10 - solid Spock-centric story, quite illuminating as we see the pros & cons of his command-style. The monster-of-the-week is a bit lame so the tension faltered somewhat.
- DirectorJohn NewlandStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJohn AbbottWith a war with Klingons raging, Kirk and Spock attempt to resist an occupation of a planet with incomprehensibly placid natives.6/10 - klingon-focussed eps have rarely appealed to me, even the modern ones. I just don't find them compelling. This one is worth a watch tho', for the unique take on mediating peace.
- DirectorRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyCapt. Kirk obsessively hunts for a mysterious cloud creature he encountered in his youth.6/10 - Kirk's focus & drive (his "Obsession") is the reason to watch this, it elevates an otherwise middling effort.
- DirectorVincent McEveetyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJames GregoryKirk and psychiatrist Helen Noel are trapped on a maximum security penal colony that experiments with mind control and Spock must use the Vulcan mind-meld to find a way to save them.6/10 - annoying Guest-characters (plural!) but overall this is a good story worth a watch.
- DirectorDavid AlexanderStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyAfter Dr. McCoy helps the leader of a planet populated by people with powerful psionic abilities, they decide to force him to stay by torturing his comrades until he submits.6/10 - another one infamous for - when seen on its own - a ridiculously-silly & over-the-top scene (the 'horse-riding') but like with Arena this has to be watched fully to appreciate what's going on. It's actually quite disturbing. Worth a watch, sure.
- DirectorVincent McEveetyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyAs punishment for ignoring their warning and trespassing on their planet, the Melkot condemn Capt. Kirk and his landing party to the losing side of a surreal recreation of the 1881 historic gunfight at the OK Corral.6/10 - strange, surreal effort. Despite the usual Western-clichés this has enough weirdness about it to enjoy a watch.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA powerful artificially intelligent Earth probe, with a murderously twisted imperative, comes aboard the Enterprise and mistakes Capt. Kirk for its creator.6/10 - my favourite Trek-movie (the 1979 epic) was based on this story. The ep itself doesn't do a Space Seed but is still watchable enough. The bucket-prop that is Nomad does wear a bit thin. Uhura really shines outside her uniform...giggity.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise is sent to a mining colony that is being terrorized by a mysterious monster, only to find that the situation is not that simple.6/10 - another prop (the 'devil' of the title) which has aged so poorly it's difficult to suspend disbelief. This could easily be a 70's Doctor Who production. The ep is saved by neat ideas about its nature.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJeanne BalDr. McCoy discovers his old flame is not what she seems after crew members begin dying from a sudden lack of salt in their bodies.6/10 - the first aired episode: it's ok, worth a look as it has good mystery & solid monster-design.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyHarry Mudd returns with a plot to take over the Enterprise by stranding the crew on a planet populated by androids under his command.6/10 - more entertaining than the first Mudd, tho' it does seem like filler.
- DirectorMurray GoldenStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyOn a planet, looking for an urgent medicinal cure, Kirk, Spock and McCoy come across a dignified recluse living privately but in splendor with his sheltered ward and a very protective robot servant.5/10 - Bixby's template for the excellent Man From Earth film. This proto-effort isn't as intelligent or 'thought-experimental': 'Methuselah' doesn't seem as wise or learned as he should be. The Guest-performances are good enough, the story is ok. Not quite enough to fully recommend unless you're Bixby-curious.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyStewart MossThe crew is infected with a mysterious disease that removes people's emotional inhibitions to a dangerous degree.5/10 - average party ep. May be bumped up to a 6 if enjoyed with a whiskey.
- DirectorLeo PennStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA transporter malfunction splits Captain Kirk into two halves: one meek and indecisive, the other violent and ill tempered. The remaining crew members stranded on the planet cannot be beamed up to the ship until a problem is fixed.5/10 - the first 40 minutes aren't great: silly-fi rather than sci-fi...almost saved by the strong final scene of embrace.
- DirectorGene NelsonStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk, Uhura and Chekov are trapped on a planet where abducted aliens are enslaved and trained to perform as gladiators for the amusement of bored, faceless aliens.5/10 - quite entertaining if in the mood for light fluff-Trek. Perfectly inconsequential fluff.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyA landing party from the Enterprise is exposed to strange form of radiation which rapidly ages them.5/10 - some good bits, even flirting with harrowing. Doesn't quite work as a whole.
- DirectorRobert SparrStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyEmily BanksThe past months have left the crew exhausted and in desperate need of a break, but does this explain McCoy's encounter with a human-sized white rabbit or Kirk crossing paths with the prankster who plagued his days at Starfleet Academy?5/10 - some fun individual moments, but the story struggled to make an impression.
- DirectorHerb WallersteinStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyAfter the Enterprise landing party beams down to investigate a geologically interesting planet, their ship is hurled across the galaxy. Kirk and company find a deserted outpost guarded by the deadly image of a beautiful woman.5/10 - almost good, however some illogical-characterisation and off-pacing spoil it.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyVery alien visitors to our galaxy attempt to connect with human consciousness but miss, winding up tapping into the regions of human nightmares instead.5/10 - a weak attempt at Horror-Trek, doesn't get out of Addams-Family gear. Almost saved by some fun dialogue from the Guest-characters.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDavid OpatoshuKirk and Spock must save their ship's crew when they are all declared killed in action in a bizarre computer simulated war where the actual deaths must nevertheless occur.5/10 - the concept could've lent to a heavy story, the execution however doesn't quite pull it off. Mildly entertaining still.
- DirectorHerschel DaughertyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk, Spock, Abraham Lincoln and Vulcan legend Surak are pitted in battle against notorious villains from history for the purpose of helping a conscious rock creature's understanding of a concept he does not understand, "good vs. evil".5/10 - a bit daft: the 'greatest Vulcan' is a meek disappointment, Lincoln is drawn well. The antagonists are two-dimensional.
- DirectorJames KomackStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe crew of the Enterprise struggles to cope with a planet of imitative people who have modeled their society on 1920s gangsters.5/10 - one for fans of retro Gangster-flicks, it's a fair homage. Otherwise not much to recommend it.
- DirectorVincent McEveetyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyLooking for a missing Federation cultural observer, Kirk and Spock find themselves on a planet whose culture has been completely patterned after Nazi Germany.5/10 - Like Piece Of The Action, this average work is one for the Nazi-interested. Has an interesting twist, but not enough to entirely recommend it.
- DirectorRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyJill IrelandThe Enterprise investigates a planet whose colonists should be dead, but are not.5/10 - a few good Spock & Kirk scenes. Otherwise it's a little boring.
- DirectorHerb WallersteinStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk and Spock are taken prisoners by a former starship captain named Garth, who now resides at, and has taken over, a high security asylum for the criminally insane.5/10 - a slightly weaker Dagger Of The Mind. Fun dance scene. Not really much else.
- DirectorJud TaylorStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk beams down to the planet Gideon and appears to find himself trapped on a deserted Enterprise. Spock on the real Enterprise must use his diplomatic skills to deal with the uncooperative inhabitants of Gideon and find the Captain.4/10 - great beginning...full of enticing mystery, but where it went next was dull & even stupid.
- DirectorVincent McEveetyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyResponding to a distress signal, Kirk finds Captain Tracey of the U.S.S. Exeter violating the prime directive and interfering with a war between the Yangs and the Kohms to find the secret of their longevity.4/10 - another one that starts off well, yet doesn't go anywhere with it.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyPrimitive inhabitants of Gamma Trianguli VI worship a god who orders them to kill visitors from the Enterprise.4/10 - parodic costumes, daft Theme-Park-attraction antagonist. Not terrible, so it has that going for it.
- DirectorJohn Meredyth LucasStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyWhile transporting an arrogant, demanding princess for a political marriage, Captain Kirk must cope both with her biochemical ability to force him to love her, as well as sabotage on his ship.4/10 - annoying Guest-character...irrelevant story. Some fun Kirk lines, tho'.
- DirectorJud TaylorStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyKirk and Spock are caught up in a revolution on a planet where intellectuals and artists live on a utopian city in the sky while the rest of the population toils in mines on the barren surface below.4/10 - premise is a sci-fi staple, this Trek effort doesn't add anything interesting to it. Mildly diverting if you're on a completist bender.
- DirectorMarvin J. ChomskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyBoth humans and Klingons have been lured to a planet by a formless entity that feeds on hatred and has set about to fashion them into a permanent food supply for itself.4/10 - another weak Klingon-focussed ep, with an absurd premise which cheapens the Klingon-narrative within Trek canon. Some scenes are however moderately enjoyable.
- DirectorDon McDougallStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyWilliam CampbellA being that controls matter and creates planets wants to play with the Enterprise crew.4/10 - a lesser Q. Some fine dialogue is outweighed by a lifeless plot & tiresome antagonist.
- 1966–196951mTV-PG7.1 (3.1K)TV EpisodeDirectorAnton LeaderStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise discovers an apparent asteroid that is on a collision course with a planet is actually an ancient populated generation ship.4/10 - totally forgettable...I remember it being not awful, at least.
- DirectorLawrence DobkinStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyRobert Walker Jr.Captain Kirk must learn the limits to the power of a 17-year-old boy with the psionic ability to create anything and destroy anyone.4/10 - poor stuff, elevated only by Uhura's beautiful singing.
- DirectorHarvey HartStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyRoger C. CarmelThe Enterprise picks up untrustworthy entrepreneur Harry Mudd accompanied by three beautiful women who immediately put a spell on all the male crew members.4/10 - might've been better, but demeaning characterisation of the women makes this one a SKIP.
- DirectorMarc DanielsStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe crew of the Enterprise pursues a mysterious woman who has abducted Spock's brain.3/10 - what is brain? What it's not is this episode. This is literally brainless.
- DirectorRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise crew investigates the disappearance of a ship's crew on a planet that is a modern version of the Roman Empire.3/10 - like For the World Is Hollow, this is not necessarily bad, just totally forgettable. Loses a point as the premise is unoriginal.
- DirectorMarvin J. ChomskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Enterprise reaches a Federation colony where the adults have all killed themselves but the children play without care.
3/10 - had interesting potential, there were early hints of exploring childhood trauma, but it faltered badly. - DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyHarry TownesSeeking the answer to a century-old mystery, Kirk and crew encounter a vacantly peaceful society under a 6000-year autocratic rule that kills all those it can't absorb.3/10 - another watch-it-then-totally-forget-about-it effort.
- DirectorJoseph PevneyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyThe Federation clashes with the Klingon Empire over mining rights to Capella IV. A sudden coup between its warrior-minded inhabitants forces Kirk's party to flee with the now dead leader's pregnant wife.2/10 - a real stinker, saved from last place by a couple of fun lines between McCoy & the pregnant Shrew. He's a Doctor, not an Elevator!
- DirectorRalph SenenskyStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyLovely telepath Miranda is aide to Ambassador Kollos, in a box to stop insanity when humans see Medusans. She rejects Larry, a designer of Enterprise, and senses murderous intent nearby.2/10 - pointless. Saved from a damning 1/10 by a couple of decent Spock moments.
- DirectorHerb WallersteinStarsWilliam ShatnerLeonard NimoyDeForest KelleyCaptain Kirk's insane ex-lover Dr. Janice Lester forcibly switches bodies with him in order to take command of the Enterprise.2/10 - offically the worst TOS ep in my ranking...it really is quite terrible. Kirk acting like a lady possessed is fun for a couple minutes in an SNL-skit kind of way...but 45 minutes of it?