Original Series

This is one of those stories that could be taken out of Star Trek and played out, almost word for word, in any other setting. It is a drama and a very human one at that, with the hearts and happiness of humans in the balance instead of the fate of galaxies or of generations yet unborn — stakes we can all relate to.

This a future I'd like to live in — not only is it filled with wonderful technology, but, more importantly, it is filled with supportive people. This is one of those episodes that leave you with a feeling of a bigger, more interesting world while keeping you grounded in the immediate situation and the humanity that occupies it.

This is the episode that defines the Original Series and much of what comes after: the show is as much about what is in ourselves as it is what's out there.

This is another episode that I would show to those new to the franchise. Though it brings us back to a simpler, less complicated time, it shows us that the crew of the Enterprise knew how to make tough choices and, more importantly, how to live with them.

This episode sets the tone of Star Trek as a drama that examines the human condition instead of just a weekly action adventure show that has the crew killing the monster of the week.

I find it hard to believe that this is the episode that launched Star Trek. The episode is a shaky start to the series but I would have people watch it anyway if only to show how far the franchise has come. 

If I were to introduce a newbie to the world of Star Trek, this would be among the first episodes I'd have her watch.