The 1966 Episode That Made Me Love Star Trek Is Hard To Watch Today

by

I’ve been a fan of Star Trek for years, and as a child, I watched the first season episode “Shore Leave” over and over again. Someone in my family had it recorded on VHS, and I remember it vividly. While it was the episode that first got me hooked on Star Trek, it’s not one I particularly enjoy watching now.

The episode starts with a straightforward idea: the crew of the Enterprise visits a beautiful planet to relax. However, the fun quickly turns strange when the planet’s robotic inhabitants begin exploring their minds. What follows is a playful mix of fantasy, adventure, and the delightfully odd behavior you’d expect from a crew enjoying a little too much Romulan ale.

Why “Shore Leave” Got Me Hooked Onto Star Trek

“Shore Leave” from Star Trek: The Original Series is a fantastic display of creativity. The episode feels like a whimsical theme park, filled with unexpected moments – like seeing the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland or Sulu fighting samurai – that wouldn’t fit anywhere else. It’s constantly surprising and delightfully illogical.

I have to say, the showdown between Captain Kirk and Finnegan is perfect for kids wanting something a little more mature. It’s got that exciting edge without being too intense. And those robot effects? They’re just creepy enough to keep you on the edge of your seat – in a good way, of course!

“Shore Leave” feels very much like a story a child would create – a blend of familiar ideas and themes borrowed from their favorite stories. With a bit of action and the classic “hero wins the love interest” plot, this Star Trek episode plays out like an improvised bedtime story.

The story behind the episode was surprisingly similar to what people thought. James Doohan explained in a video introduction that the first draft by Theodore Sturgeon was considered too outlandish and needed to be simplified. However, Gene L. Coon’s revision actually made it more chaotic. Because of this, Gene Roddenberry had to continue revising the story during filming, which explains why the events the Enterprise crew experiences feel somewhat disconnected.

“Shore Leave” is especially great for younger viewers. It’s fast-paced and full of bright colors and exciting action, with a playful, unpredictable quality that really captures the feeling of endless adventure in the world of Star Trek.

Rewatching Star Trek’s “Shore Leave” Now Is A Very Different Experience

Revisiting “Shore Leave” as an adult reveals its weaknesses, making it one of the weaker episodes of the original Star Trek. The main issue is the lack of a strong plot. It feels like a series of disconnected scenes, and even when Kirk solves the mystery behind the strange illusions, it doesn’t matter much because the being responsible isn’t actually trying to cause harm.

Compared to other illusory planets in Star Trek, like Talos IV from “The Cage,” “Shore Leave” lacks depth beyond its initial excitement. There isn’t a real purpose to anything happening, other than the idea that having fun is a good thing. However, even that becomes a problem when you look at how the Enterprise crew chooses to enjoy themselves.

Kirk gives in to his violent impulses and attacks a former foe. McCoy struggles with his desires. Neither of these problematic behaviors is ever really challenged or examined thoughtfully. The planet they’re on doesn’t make much sense either, and rushed attempts to explain things likely make the confusion worse.

It’s funny how the first Star Trek episode I ever loved now doesn’t seem to have anything I enjoy about the show. While there are definitely worse episodes out there, “Shore Leave” feels like unnecessary fluff and isn’t worth rewatching – even though I clearly felt differently when I was a kid watching it on VHS!

Read More

2025-10-29 16:38