The Man Trap

9/10

Extremely strong opening episode that really doesn't drag or slow in any places. Overrall a great intro for the crew & their antics.

I should point out my rating metric is this: 0-1, bad, 2-5, slightly boring but still interesting, 6-7, very fun watch, 8-9 a top tier episode for me, 10, one of my favorites.


Charlie X

8/10

The premise is good and the execution is very well done; it drags, if ever so slightly. The effects on this episode in particular, however basic, still hold up and look nice even today.


Where No Man Has Gone Before

6/10

Fun premise with a lot to work with, the idea of a random guy attaining God powers is certainly interesting. Watching Kirk try to reason his way with the infected two was a great turn from the first two episodes. I feel terrible for the actors who had to wear those contacts.


The Naked Time

9/10

The Naked Time continues to be one of my favorite episodes in the series, especially spawning the common phrase in my life "No beach to walk on..."

I think it's one of the strongest contenders for Best of S1. That being said, I wish we got to see more of Sulu and his deep desire of being a stripper space pirate. George Takei played the enraged//crazed Mr. Sulu very well, giving me a lasting memory with how different it is to his usual demeanor.


The Enemy Within

8/10

I think The Naked Time does this concept better even if different, still a very memorable and enjoyable performance. The Shatner double... amazing.

"I WANT TO LIVE!"


Mudd's Women

6/10

Honestly was not a huge fan of this episode. Roger C Carmel's performance as Harcourt Fenton Mudd was great, but I felt it dragged a little. The concept of the "Venus drug" was not one I'd thought of personally; they did it well. Mudd did, however, win me over in his sequal episode.


What Are Little Girl's Made Of?

5/10

One of lesser favorite episodes. The twist was quite obvious the minute one of the men was attacked. Ruk, portrayed by Ted Cassidy, was an amazing performance. The ending where Ruk has the realization was quite enjoyable, even if I wish he got more screen-time.


Miri

9/10

This episode is a shining example of all roles doing their jobs perfectly. The idea of a virus that attacks during puberty is thouroughly fascinating. Even if they were a little older than most kids. Between Bones' rapid anger while searching for a cure, Kirk trying to convince the kids that they want to help; it makes for a very memorable watch.

fun fact, the guy that played Jahn was 30-something when it was filmed.


Dagger of the Mind

7/10

Not bad, just a little drag-y. Also the fact Jim would willingly step into the lobotomy machine is so idiotic that I nearly fell out of my chair laughing. He really does have that Lewis & Clark spirit.


The Corbomite Maneuver

7/10

Several things. One, this episode was so shockingly different to the others at the time, I'm inclined to believe people didn't like this one at release. Two, they definitely should've, 'cause this one was a definite & welcome departure from the routine beaming down style. While it isn't one of my favorites, I laude it for it's originality. The gamble they came up with a memorable watch.

We even got to see baby Clint Howard. He played the role as best a literal toddler could. Speaking of Clint, he played a wonderfully insane killer in "Ice Cream Man". He's a talented actor; definitely enjoyable seeing how he looks pretty much the same now.


The Menagerie

10/10

This is the first 10/10 perfect episode from the series for me. I think hands down the execution, the emotions, the tension is all presented in such an amazing way. Spock going out of his way to essentially "steal" his former captain was a shocking display considering Spock's normal logical thought. On top of the great episode, we also get to see Spock have emotion.


The Menagerie

10/10

Part two of the twin episodes was even better. The way they worked the original Pilot in, giving Jeffrey Hunter his due was very inspired, especially for back then. Stories about disfigurement and disability strike me, more so when done right: which this definitely is. Spock going out of his way to make sure his former captain has a peaceful rest of his life was and is an enduring message to human love. As for Fleet Captain Christopher Pike, I think Jeffrey Hunter did an amazing job with what he was given, portraying that even someone who can't speak is most definitely still human. I also adore that even past when he was in the show, they still mention him throughout the series on occasion.


The Conscience of the King

9/10

Back to back heaters with Pike and Kodos. I love theatrics, outside of Star Trek, which naturally made this instantly click with me. The idea that this random actor was a mass-murdering dictator is an amazing idea. The fact he hid it so well even from his own kin is something fascinating as well, whether he was truly regretful or just was hiding is it's own mystery.

"Well, look at that. An intergalactic Macbeth."
(paraphrased)