"Star Trek" is arguably the greatest science-fiction television series of all time — if for no other reason than its lasting influence on the genre, 50 years after it started.
The show addressed questions relating to human rights, social issues such as racism and nationalism, the Cold War, the United States' role as a superpower, and the possibility of a global war. Meanwhile, it (usually) promoted tolerance and hope.
Plus, the cast included Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, a breakthrough role for black women in American TV, and Walter Koenig as Chekhov, a Russian — both of which definitely sent a message in the 1960s.
And so, in honor of the 50th anniversary of the first episode's airing this Thursday, we ranked the best 13 episodes from the original series. Whether you love the show or have never watched, it's time to dive in (all episodes are streaming on Netflix).
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13. "The Doomsday Machine"
In "Doomsday Machine," the Enterprise finds another Federation starship, the Constellation, badly damaged and with only one surviving crew member: Commodore Matt Decker. He explains that the Constellation stumbled upon a miles-long machine that "eats" other starships (and basically anything in its path) as fuel; his crew eventually perished after he ordered his ship to attack.
The episode touches on interesting questions about leadership, as well as on weapons of mass destruction and nuclear weapons.
Memorable quote:
Matt Decker: You're bluffing.
Spock: Vulcans never bluff.
12. "Arena"
Every great show has a great monster battle. And "Arena" is Star Trek's.
The fight scene, featuring a guy wearing what looks like a paper-maché lizard costume, is almost hilariously slow and silly. But, even 50 years later, the episode manages to capture that delightful je ne sais quoi that makes "Star Trek""Star Trek."
Memorable quote:
Gorn: *Gurgling scream*
11. "A Taste of Armageddon"
In this episode, the crew of the Enterprise encounters a planet fighting a brutal centuries-long war with its neighbor. The catch is that the war is fought entirely through computer simulations, with "casualties" expected to report to suicide chambers when the simulations say they've died.
Memorable quote:
McCoy: In plain non-Vulcan English, we're lucky.
Spock: I believe I said that, Doctor.
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