5 Mandatory Star Trek Episodes You Can’t Skip

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As a huge sci-fi fan, I’ve always been amazed by how massive Star Trek has become. It started with Gene Roddenberry’s original series back in the ’60s, and it’s just exploded since then! We’re talking thirteen movies, twelve TV shows, plus comics, audiobooks, and even stage plays. Like any great franchise, the world they’ve built is incredible, and certain episodes really showcase just how detailed and imaginative it all is.

If you’re new to Star Trek, it can seem overwhelming because there’s so much of it! While most episodes are enjoyable on their own, a few are essential viewing. Here are some great episodes to start with – they’re either really fun or perfectly showcase what makes Star Trek so special.

Star Trek: The Original Series'”The City on the Edge of Forever” Utilizes Time Travel

As a lifelong fan, I still think “The City on the Edge of Forever,” the final episode of Star Trek: The Original Series‘ first season, is one of the greatest episodes ever made. It’s a real classic! The story kicks off when McCoy accidentally travels back in time to Depression-era New York City, and Kirk and Spock have to follow him. While they’re trying to get things back on track and save the timeline, Kirk unexpectedly falls for a woman named Edith Keeler. It’s a truly compelling episode with fantastic characters and a heartbreaking dilemma.

If you’re new to Star Trek, the original series is the best place to begin. And if you’re looking for a standout episode, “The City on the Edge of Forever” is exceptional. It’s a brilliantly crafted time-travel story with fantastic performances and a touching romance between Captain Kirk and Edith Keeler. The episode powerfully explores the idea that even small choices can have huge consequences, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.

Star Trek: The Next Generation’s”The Measure of a Man” Explores Sentient Rights

In Season 2, Episode 9 of Star Trek: The Next Generation, titled “The Measure of a Man,” the android Data (played by Brent Spiner) faces a potential shutdown. The episode revolves around a legal debate over whether Data, as an artificial being, is simply property or deserves rights. Bruce Maddox (Brian Brophy) argues Data is property, while Captain Picard (Jean-Luc) passionately defends Data’s sentience and right to exist. This episode, like a few others in the Star Trek franchise, has a longer, extended version available.

The Star Trek episode “The Measure of a Man” perfectly captures the heart of the series by exploring its core ideas: the pursuit of knowledge, the belief in a better future, and the importance of honesty. Captain Picard embodies these values throughout his career, and his strong defense of Data’s rights highlights the depth of both characters. Star Trek often presents characters facing difficult moral choices, and this episode is arguably the most compelling example.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s”In the Pale Moonlight” Exposes the Hypocrisy of War

The Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode “In the Pale Moonlight” (Season 6, Episode 19) is known for being one of the most morally complex and unsettling in the entire Star Trek franchise. It centers around Captain Sisko (Avery Brooks) documenting a secret agreement he makes with Garak (Andrew Robinson). To gain an advantage over the Romulans, Captain Sisko compromises the core principles of Starfleet, making difficult and ethically questionable choices.

The Dominion War on Deep Space Nine is a compelling story, but Captain Sisko’s decisions in the episode “In the Pale Moonlight” are particularly striking. Starfleet is built on a commitment to honesty, yet Sisko compromises his own principles, believing he’s acting for the greater good. It’s shocking to see Star Trek explore such a dark path, and the way Sisko directly addresses the audience as he justifies his actions makes it even more impactful.

Star Trek: The Next Generation’s”The Inner Light” Condenses a Lifetime into Minutes

The Star Trek: The Next Generation episode “The Inner Light” (Season 5, Episode 25) is widely considered a classic, and for good reason. The story begins with Captain Picard being hit by a strange beam that renders him unconscious. When he awakens, he believes he’s lived a full 40 years as a man named Kamin on the planet Kataan, despite the event only taking minutes in real time. As Picard lives out this alternate life, he discovers that Kataan is about to be destroyed.

If you’re in the mood for a deeply moving experience, check out this Next Generation episode. “The Inner Light” is exceptionally well-written and features a stunning performance by Patrick Stewart as Picard. The story isn’t about typical sci-fi action; instead, it focuses on a fading planet and its poignant attempt to preserve its culture, creating a beautiful and emotional journey for both Picard and the people of Kataan.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds'”Subspace Rhapsody” is an Underrated Masterpiece

In the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds episode “Subspace Rhapsody” (Season 2, Episode 9), the crew of the Enterprise experiences a bizarre phenomenon – they’re suddenly compelled to express themselves through song! Trapped in a sort of musical, the crew bursts into spontaneous numbers about their lives, loves, and the challenges they face as they try to fix a strange anomaly.

Despite some mixed reactions, this Strange New Worlds episode is genuinely fun to watch. It’s the first Star Trek installment to feature musical numbers, and it pulls them off surprisingly well. While the storyline is lighthearted, the songs themselves are catchy and enjoyable. Plus, the episode offers a refreshing and sincere look into the characters’ feelings and motivations.

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2026-01-05 01:40