Top 50 Episodes of Star Trek: Part Two (with Les)

Greetings, Manic Fans. Les here to continue our top 50 favorite Star Trek episodes with my friend, RichB.

Now…where is he?….

*TNG Transporter sparkle appears with a buzzing hum and RichB materializes.


LES: AH! There you are LOL! Ready to continue our list, my friend?

RichB: That was weird. Hell yes I’m ready! I suppose we should take a second before going on to the revival to discuss the other series that came out in the 70’s. The animated series. Les, you are older and wiser than I (snicker) so why don’t you fill us in.


LES: “I’m not THAT old”(Monty Python voice).  Well, after Star Trek TOS was cancelled by really dumb executives at NBC in 1969, Paramount Productions attempted an animated revival to continue the voyages of the USS Enterprise and Film-A-Tion studios was hired to do the cartoon series. Getting the original cast to voice their respective characters(excepting Walter Koenig whose Chekov character was written out of the show and replaced by 2 additional characters, Lt. Arex, a 3 armed navigator and Lt. M’ress, a Catian communications officer). The setup was from the same guideline bible used for TOS. While the animation quality ranged from ok to fairly mediocre, the stories and character acting was every bit as good as the first show was. As we continue our lists, I still have 2 episodes from TOS, but my next pick after them will be from this under-rated animated cartoon. However, why don’t we start with your #10 pick, my friend.


WARNING: SOME SPOILERS AND ADVENTURES BOLDLY GOING WHERE NO MAN…WHERE NO ONE HAS GONE BEFORE…


RichB: I’m going to go ahead of you a bit and discuss the one episode of the animated series I like. You might be surprised by which episode that is. My #10 choice is:

#10.  “The counter-clock Incident”

I don’t think this is the best episode, but I put it on here because it’s the only one I kind of liked. Even if the premise is beyond stupid. Though not a stupid as Kirk and Spock turning into fish people or alien creating giant Spock’s Who here knows there was a captain of the Enterprise before Chris Pike? His name is Robert April and we meet him here. The story is about the crew entering a region of space where they grow young. And the idea of people who start old and become children has been done to death (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button for instance. Heck Voyager did a similar idea in an episode that made even less sense). I also like the moral that elderly people aren’t useless. The episode is far fetched but it still works, maybe due to the cartoon format or maybe because it happens to be the final episode so they put it a little extra effort into it. I don’t know but of all them this is the only one I didn’t think was jaw dropping stupid.




LES: Well I knew about Captain April, but this episode is the only one in Star Trek canon to feature him. I’ve still got 1 TOS episodes to list, so I’m starting there.
My #10 pick is:



#10.  ”Let that be your last Battlefield”

Quite possibly the most effective social commentary episode about racism ever aired on television. By using a species of Aliens from the planet Cheron who are white on one side and black on the other…but the warring factions are opposite where one is white on the right side and the other is white on the left side(Kind of like Dr. Seuss’ Sneetches story) the absurdity of it is laid bare. What could’ve been very silly is pulled off by a very good script and phenomenal acting by Frank Gorshin and Lou Antonio as Cheronians Bele and Lokai. Plus, a very intense nail-biting sequence where Kirk sets the ship to self-destruct to gain control of his ship back make this episode a must-see.

RichB:When I talked about how some third season episodes I totally forgot this one. I love this episode right down to Frank Gorshin. And that self destruct sequence is right up there with the scene in Doomsday Machine for suspense! It was so good they re-used it in Star Trek III!!


Ok I promise we will be synched after this next selection, but I had to begin talking about The Next Generation. And what better why do that than with the one that started it all?



#9.  “Encounter at Farpoint”

Ah The Next Generation, coming around in 1987 to the shock of real Trek fans who felt like it was sacrilege, But instead people loved the show as much as the classic. Not to mention the new audience it spawned like yours truly. Ok this is here for a couple reasons. It was the pilot, and as I have explained several times when it first aired this was almost an event at my house. I went into this before so suffice to say, it was a big deal. I already did a whole review for this in my Underrated Trek series, so will leave it at that. The other reason is, I needed a Season 1 episode and there just isn’t any great episode. ”The Big Goodbye” is a favorite of many, but not for me. Some episodes are better than others but none are great. I almost chose ”Hide and Q” since it’s a Q episode, but then I decided why not go with the original. Besides we’ll be talking about Q plenty in the next few articles.

Ok Les, I gotta know what your favorite TAS episode is!

LES: Encounter at Farpoint was a pretty good pilot episode if for no other reason than it gave us the character of Q. John De Lancie’s portrayal of him made him so popular he returned to Star Trek TNG, DS9 and Voyager for 9 episodes. That’s gotta be a record for a returning character.
Alright. My favorite TAS episode? My #9 is:

#9.  ”Yesteryear”

A really good time-travel episode penned by Star Trek script veteran DC Fontana. This story has Mr. Spock using the Guardian of Forever to travel back in time to his own Kahs-Wan ordeal on Vulcan when he was a boy to basically save his life. The episode shows us the Vulcan city of Shi-Kahr and Spock’s pet Sehlat I-Chaya. It’s also amusing to note that he teaches himself how to do the Vulcan Neck Pinch. Don’t you wish you could go back and give your younger self some much needed assistance?

RichB: Yep, this episode was so good that it was almost considered canon which the rest of the animated series clearly was not!  Ok my #9 is:

#9.  “Contagion”

While it’s a little easier to find good second season episodes, you my friend chose the best two, I had to have at least one on here so I chose this one. It’s not the biggest episode ever, as an alien computer virus basically shuts down the ship. So why is it on here? I always said I liked Picard better when he actually got up from the chair and did something. And this episode is a perfect example, as he goes down to the planet with Data and Worf and solves the problem. It’s not the biggest or greatest episode but it is one I enjoy. And for Season 2, that’s high praise.

LES: Hmmmm I’d nearly forgotten about that episode. You are definitely right about Season 2 being a dud for the most part….however, they did have a few really good episodes…speaking of which, for my #8, I’m selecting:



#8.  ”The Measure of a Man”

A zealous starfleet engineer wants to dismantle Mr. Data to figure out how to replicate him to build expendable androids for dangerous missions. The drawback? The process may destroy Data or irretrievably alter what makes him unique. Captain Picard defends his right to be recognized as a sentient being with all the rights of any Federation citizen. The Judge forces Commander Riker to argue the case as the prosecutor. This is Star Trek at it’s best as it engages a debate with heavy philosophical ramifications, and some amazing acting by Patrick Stewart.

RichB: Yeah that episode is just fantastic with some great scenes. Picard’s talk with Guinan, and of course Picard’s speech at the end which is one of the best Trek speech’s ever.



#7.  ”The Offspring” TNG

Picking a third season episode is like picking a favorite child. They are all awesome, how do you choose? This one is good even though it has no right to be. The pacing can be slow, there is no action, and it is 100% character stuff. So why does it work? First, this episode was directed by Jonathan Frakes. I really like his style unlike Patrick Stewart’s directing which isn’t as good. Second, Data’s child is played by Hallie Todd and man is she awesome in his role. She really makes Lal into such a sweet character that we grow to like in less than an hour. And the character stuff is really good, with the analog’s to parenthood. One gripe is we do still have villain, and while Nicholas Costner is a fine actor I don’t get the forced conflict they threw in here. Why would Starfleet ever just think they could up and take Lal away from Data like that? Despite that, still a fantastic episode. Oh, and I almost forget the scene between Lal and Riker is a classic!

LES: Congratulations, Data…it’s a girl! Yeah, this episode is fantastic. That goodbye scene at the end where Lal tells Data she loves him…and he struggles to find the feelings to return the love to her too is a real tribute to actor Brent Spiner. Ok, moving on. For my #7, I’m choosing:

#7.  ”Q-Who”

This episode is great for the way Q’s character evolves from omnipotent meddler into an omnipotent who really does have our best interests at heart-even if it takes the loss of 19 members of the crew to teach a lesson in galactic humility to Picard. This is the episode that introduces fan-favorite villains The Borg, and for Star Trek, this is a really dark episode with chills and bite-your-nails suspense.

RichB: This is episode is pretty remarkable, not just for it being in Season 2. While some things had yet to be established with the Borg, most notably that they assimiliate people, for the most part what is established here stays with the Borg from then on. Good episode and one of Q’s best speeches.

#6. “The Most Toys TNG”

Yeah I suppose I should have taken this off, since it is season 3 again and it is yet another Data episode. But it’s a really good Data episode. What really makes this one memorable is the villain. Fajo is one of the biggest idiot’s thinking he can get away with kidnapping Data, but I think that’s symbolic of a lot of criminals who get away with things so much they begin to think nothing can touch them. This episode feels like fluff at first but by the end there is some interesting philosophical debates in here, most notably about when killing is and is not murder. An underrated but really good episode.

LES: Yeah..Fajo is definitely disillusioned about his getting everything he wants. Data is great in this episode. For my #6, I’m selecting:

#6.  ”Yesterday’s Enterprise”

Not only is this a great time-travel paradox episode….not only is Guinnan given a strong role in the plot..but after squandering her character in season 1, Tasha Yar is given a great episode in the alternate timeline where the Federation is at war with the Klingons and the Enterprise C coming through a time-rift is the reason why. Great drama. Great action. Great episode.

RichB: Man, remember how many times I said I watched Mirror, Mirror? This one is much more! I loved this episode. You hit on the big reasons why, but it’s just fun so many little things. Riker and Picard at odds, the rough Picard, Tasha getting a good send off, and one of the coolest space battles in any episode leading up that fantastic moment when the Enterprise C re-enters the rift, It’s a great, great episode!
Ok, now that I have gotten myself excited it’s time for my #5, I’m going with:

#5.  “Data’s Day”

Ok last Data episode I promise. Did I mention he was my favorite character? This episode couldn’t be more up my alley. While it’s a character episode, at least this time there’s some decent action too. This episode is exactly what the title suggests, showing a complete in the life of Data. I also love his insights on the other characters and how he is trying to understand different aspect of each of their personalities. And the Romulan stuff isn’t half bad either. Good to see them lose once in awhile.

LES: AH YES! The famous ”Dancing Doctor” scene. That one’s priceless LOL! Plus, it’s great to see Chief O’Brien marry Keiko.  For my #5, I’m selecting the episode that pushed TNG beyond TOS for number of episodes and success:

#5.  ”The Best of Both Worlds”

This is the episode that brought the awesome to TNG. The fight with The Borg, set up since ”Q-Who,” this was the confrontation the fans had been waiting for…..and it didn’t disappoint…well, that’s not entirely true….utilizing the harshest cliffhanger in tv history(Picard is kidnapped and converted into a Borg and Commander Riker gives the command to fire the new weapon that could destroy Picard), it left us pining all summer long for the premiere to see the 2nd part…that pissed me off quite a lot…however, the pay off was worth the wait. Awesome production values and great suspense and action, ”The Best of Both Worlds” frequently makes top 5 lists of TNG episodes.

RichB: What can I possibly say about this one? I am still seeing a therapist for what happened when TO BE CONTINUES came on the screen. Every single thing about this episode was perfect.I have seen it presented as a two hour movie and why not? It;s better than the actual movies.I could spend all day talking about this one!

It’s ironic, you said that Best of Both World’s put TNG past TOS for success. My next choice was the official seal of approval from the classic cast.

#5. “Unification”

This was a huge episode, and can be considered a major turning point for the series. I mean, Leonard Nimoy is in it! Now fair is fair, is this the best episode of TNG? Well…no it’s kind of boring especially the Spock parts I hate to say. The stuff with the Enterprise and the Vulcan ship is actually more interesting. But who cares, it has Spock in it and that may not seem like a big deal now but at the time it was huge. Why? It was the official endorsement that TNG was in fact on par with the original series. Even into the 5th season I think some were not sure, but Leonard Nimoy appearing basically sealed the deal and TNG was never again ”That other Trek show”. Two awesome bits in this, Data’s dialogue with Spock is gold and one of my favorite Riker moments between him and a fat Ferengi. I haven’t mentioned him yet but man I loved Riker.

LES: Ah Unification. The return of Spock, Commander Sela and the last appearance of Sarek. I liked it a lot. And now for something unexpected. My #4 is:

#4.  ”Remember Me”

A Dr. Crusher episode that’s actually great. I know, right? Her stories usually suck…but this time, by Roddenberry, they got it right! A supposedely ordinary day for the Doctor…except people keep vanishing from existence around her. This episode goes into ”Twilight Zone” territory for creepiness and anxious suspense. The climax in intense.

RichB: I’m with you that episode is fantastic.I have seen it a million times especially the first half as the mystery develops.  My #3 is

#3.  ”The Mind’s Eye”

It’s always a risk when Trek does episodes based on other source material. Remember the Robin Hood episode? Well this is Trek;s version of the Manchurian Candidate And it;s really good! One simple reason, Geordi is the one brainwashed and seeing the usually laid back guy so somber is just chilling. That final scene where Data rushes to stop Geordi as he gets closer to killing the Klingon is just as suspenseful now as it was the first time I saw it! My favorite part is when Data orders Worf to arrest Geordi in a ”I’m not kidding” tone. I love Data.

LES: Yeah, Data is all kinds of awesome. Good pick, my friend. Ok…next up, for my #3, I’m going with:

#3.  ”Devil’s Due”

This is one of the better Picard episodes as he attempts to thwart a cunning woman claiming to be the Devil to subjugate a planet for her nefarious purposes. Star Trek TNG excels at courtroom drama, and this episode is one of their best. Ardra makes a villain almost as good as Q.

RichB:  Did you know this was supposed to be an episode of Star Trek:Phase II? I enjoy this one too it’s a bit off beat but still a really fun episode. The actress playing Adra was a fantastic casting choice.
Ok my #2 is

#2.  “Cause and Effect”

This episode was directed by Jonathan Frakes. I really like his style (he also did First Contact btw). This episode is so simple and yet so wonderful. Ever see Groundhog Day? Yeah that’s pretty much it. But with little things such as character scenes and the fact every scene is shown from a different angle when it is repeated, the episodes has a real charm. Oh, and did I mention the ultimate Trek teaser when the Enterprise explodes before the opening credits???? It’s become clear that my favorite episodes are the smaller bottle shows that focus more on the characters. Got another character episode next too, but first what is your #2 Les?

LES: I like Jonathan Frakes too as a director…well, maybe not so much with Star Trek Insurrection…but every director has one dud in their portfolio…just saying…Anyways…my #2?

#2.  ”Darmok”

An alien Captain kidnaps Picard to the planet into a dangerous situation that has you thinking ”Arena”…but surpasses it when the true purpose is revealed. The alien is putting his life on the line to attempt to teach the Captain how to communicate with his species. Actor Paul Winfield(Captain Terrell of the USS Reliant in Star Trek II The Wrath of Khan) is incredible in this episode. When Picard finally deciphers the language at the end, it’s a tremendous payoff to an intense battle standoff. ”Shaka..and the skies fell….” ”Picard and Dathon at El-Adrel.”

RichB:This episode was a bore the first time I saw it. Now…yeah I appreciate it and what it’s doing but still not really a favorite. Winfield is very good can’t argue about that. Ok now to the final one for today…

#1.  “Tapestry”
 
This would be such an easy episode to hate. What, the other characters are barely in? WHAT, the episode takes place in the past? WHAAT? There is no action? WHHAATT, another Q episode after already having one earlier in the year??? But it’s actually a very good episode, well written and acted. It’s basically a character episode, as we get into Picard’s background and we learn what he was made him into the guy he is today. A simple lesson that all of us need to remember at times. Q is also really good in this, a tad more subdued but still fun with some fanastic lines, given as only John De Lancie can give them.

You’re #1 is kind if a best of both of these last two It’s a great story powerfully acted, and the focus is on Picard with little of the regular cast or any action, Ok Les before I totally steal your thunder…what’s your #1?

LES:……WELL!(Jack Benny voice)…I’ve half a mind to change my #1…..but it IS a really good episode…so, My #1 is:

#1.  ”The Inner Light”
 
Captain Picard is zapped by an alien probe and lives a lifetime as another person on another world. On paper that sounds kind of dull…but MAN, does this show deliver some amazing moments as Picard slowly sheds his Starfleet demeanor to become a caring husband/father/grandfather…it’s everything he’s never been able to do in his real life and it’s quite cathartic. In the end(SPOILERS!) it turns out the alien race that built the probe went extinct and sent the probe as a way of being remembered. It’s a really powerful episode and one of Picard’s very best.

RichB;When I first saw this I hated it, but once I understood what it was trying to do I realized it was one of the best written things ever (not just Star Trek). Just a beautiful episode.

Well Les I think we ran out of slots, shall we resume next time with the next ten episodes?

LES: Absolutely. We’ll do that.

And thanks Manic Fans for giving us some of your time too. Join us next time as we continue our countdown of our top 50 episodes of Star Trek lists. Peace.