What episode of TOS do you find compelling?

[Stofsk]

Nicholas Meyer once said that he sat down and he watched every single episode of TOS to get a feel for the show. At the end, he decided to make a sequel to "Space Seed" in the form of Wrath of Khan.

In a similar way I ask you to list what you consider to be the most compelling TOS episode you found.

[Ali Sama]

a piece of action
http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/l ... 68758.html



all our yesterdays(this was done in the form of 2 novels)
http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/l ... 68816.html

[Cynical Cat]

Lots of it, but "Balance of Terror" is my favorite. Having Spock argue for violence was a nice change from his usual positions, but completely in character for the situation. The tension as the two ships maneuvered and dueled was great and of course the Romulans were good.

[Elheru Aran]

Nicholas Meyer once said that he sat down and he watched every single episode of TOS to get a feel for the show. At the end, he decided to make a sequel to "Space Seed" in the form of Wrath of Khan.

In a similar way I ask you to list what you consider to be the most compelling TOS episode you found.

It wasn't Nick Meyer, it was Harve Bennett IIRC, or at least that's what they say in the WoK director's cut DVD featurettes. Though I wouldn't be surprised if Meyer did the same thing...

As for episodes: I fear I haven't seen many, but that one with Chris Pike and the Talosians always left an impression on me. Also the one with the Squire of Gothos... mainly due to Peter David's "Q-Squared", admittedly...

[Dark Silver]

Balance of Terror was a excellent episode. Probably one of my favorites.

[Stofsk]

It wasn't Nick Meyer, it was Harve Bennett IIRC, or at least that's what they say in the WoK director's cut DVD featurettes. Though I wouldn't be surprised if Meyer did the same thing...

I am fairly sure it was Nick Meyer, because he said something to the effect of "I've never seen Star Trek before, so what I did was watched them all in one go and picked the one I thought needed a sequel."

Harve Bennet no doubt agreed with Meyer. At any rate, I've got the DVD so I can always check up on it.

[LadyTevar]

Trouble with Tribbles, surprisingly enough.

The two runners-up:
Doomsday Device
City on the Edge of Forever

[Stofsk]

Trouble with Tribbles, surprisingly enough.

What in particular do you find compelling over Tribbles? It's a nice, funny comedy episode, but I don't really see where you could go with it.

The two runners-up:
Doomsday Device
City on the Edge of Forever

I definitely agree with you on the Doomsday Device. Who built it? When did they do so? Are they still around? What if there's more than one of those things?

[Stofsk]

Lots of it, but "Balance of Terror" is my favorite. Having Spock argue for violence was a nice change from his usual positions, but completely in character for the situation. The tension as the two ships maneuvered and dueled was great and of course the Romulans were good.

An excellent episode. I loved how Spock was marginalised by Stiles out of racism, but the former still saved his life later on in the episode (as well as shooting the Warbird as well). Hearing the backstory of the war was another nice thing too; a rare insight into Trek history, which is too bad it was fucked over by Enterprise. Of course, Trek equated the Eugenics war with WW3, but none of it's bastard step-children ever followed up on that.

[Cpl Kendall]

Balance of Terror, I liked how the Romulan commander was tired of war but still did his duty out of loyalty to the Empire.

[Stofsk]

Balance of Terror, I liked how the Romulan commander was tired of war but still did his duty out of loyalty to the Empire.

Romulan Commander: "It is good we approach the Neutral Zone. Not too soon for me to see the stars of home. I know they are following."

Romulan Centurion: "If an Earth ship, why does he not attack?"

Commander: "First study the enemy, seek weakness. If I were their commander that is what I would do.

Decius: "My commander sent for Decius."

Commander: "A message was dispatched. You've broken the rule of silence."

Decius: "Only in code -- to inform our Praetor of the glorious mission."

Commander: "Your carelessness might have ended this glorious mission.
You're reduced two steps in rank. Return to post."

Centurion: "Take care, Commander. He has friends, and friends of his kind mean power, and power is danger."

Commander: "Danger and I are old companions."

Centurion: "We've seen 100 campaigns together. Still I do not understand you."

Commander: "I think you do. You know what happens when we reach home with proof of the Earthmen's weakness, and we will have proof. The Earth commander will follow, he must. When he attacks, we will destroy him. Our gift to the homeland-- another war."

Centurion: "If we are strong, isn't this the signal for war?"

Commander: "Must it always be so? How many comrades have we lost?

Centurion: "Our portion, Commander... is obedience."

Commander: "Obedience... duty. Death and more death. Soon even enough for the Praetor's taste. Centurion... I find myself wishing for destruction before we can return. Worry not. Like you, I am too well-trained in my duty to permit it. Continue evasive maneuvers. Now back to the first course."

[Knife]

While Balance of Terror and Space Seed were excellent episodes, The Enterprise Incident has always been my favorite. A touch of political intruge, couple of good twists in the plot line and some damn good acting by Shattner.