The Original Series” is often considered its weakest due to several episodes that are not essential viewing. The show was close to being cancelled before this season, which had a smaller budget and a new time slot. Additionally, the creator Gene Roddenberry took a step back from production, along with key writers like Gene L. Coon and D.C. Fontana. These changes led to less engaging scripts, resulting in many average (and honestly, skippable) episodes overall.
Although many unforgettable instances and cherished episodes from “Star Trek” are found in earlier seasons, season 3 manages to provide some significant moments for Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner), Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley). An instance like “Plato’s Stepchildren,” though not generally considered a strong television episode, is notable because it features one of the first interracial kisses on TV, making it an important moment in the show’s history. Hardcore “Trek” fans will likely find something enjoyable even in the season’s weaker episodes, whereas more casual viewers can safely skip much of the season without losing out on too much content.
7. “Spock’s Brain”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 1
The initial episode of season 3, titled “Spock’s Brain,” is infamously considered one of the worst Star Trek episodes ever produced. Although I don’t entirely agree with this assessment, it’s safe to say that it’s not a top-notch television episode. The absurdity of the plot gives it an endearing quality and places it in the “so bad, it’s good” category for many fans. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean it’s worth watching, unless you’re intrigued by the buzz surrounding it.
In this tale, Captain Kirk and his crew aboard the Enterprise pursue a woman of unknown origin who swipes Spock’s brain. They trace her vessel to an icy world housing both primitive surface-dwellers and an underground civilization of women. The females require Spock’s intellect as their leader, but eventually, Kirk and McCoy unravel the means to recover the Vulcan’s mind. Despite some enjoyable scenes, “Spock’s Brain” struggles to rise above its illogical foundation.
6. “The Paradise Syndrome”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 3
On an Earth-like planet resembling Native American culture, Captain Kirk finds himself without his memories among the inhabitants who regard him as a deity. Here, he develops feelings for the priestess Sabrina Scharf, whom I’ll refer to as Miramanee. Their relationship progresses, and she becomes pregnant. Despite their convincing portrayal as a couple, “The Paradise Syndrome” suffers from a confusing narrative, but its most problematic aspect is the disrespectful representation of indigenous peoples and their customs.
In my humble opinion as a movie critic, I found “Kirk” portrayed as an enlightened figure, significantly more astute than the seemingly primitive natives in this story. Regrettably, the situation took a turn for the worse when conflict erupted, leading to the tragic stoning of Kirk and Miramanee during a storm that he was powerless to control. The unfortunate death of Miramanee, coupled with Kirk’s profound grief, left me questioning the fairness of the plot. Consequently, I would advise viewers to give this episode a pass due to its somber and unjust conclusion.
5. “And The Children Shall Lead”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 4
In this lesser-loved episode of “Star Trek,” titled “And the Children Shall Lead,” the crew of the Enterprise encounters a peculiar group of kids who possess extraordinary abilities. These five youngsters seem unfazed by their deceased parents, who were part of an exploratory science team, and they can summon an entity known as Gorgan (portrayed by Melvin Belli). Gorgan embodies malevolence and aims to dominate the galaxy, but Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock successfully dismantle Gorgan’s influence over the children and liberate the Enterprise.
In essence, although the child actors perform well, the episode titled “And the Children Shall Lead” isn’t very engaging. It’s dull and repetitive, with familiar elements borrowed from superior episodes of Star Trek. The majority of the crew, aside from Kirk and Spock, seem too easily deceived by Gorgan, and there’s no real tension throughout the narrative. In summary, the episode lacks any noteworthy or intriguing aspects, making it a chore to watch and effortlessly skippable.
4. “The Empath”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 12
On “The Empath,” Starship Enterprise lands on Minara II to discover an abandoned research station. Not long after their arrival, Captain Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy find themselves in a largely vacant subterranean chamber. In this location, they meet a speechless woman whom Dr. McCoy labels Gem (portrayed by Kathryn Hays), before they are assaulted by two beings called Vians. Possessing empathic powers, Gem can mend others, and she employs her abilities to treat both Kirk and McCoy following the brutal assault by the Vians.
In simpler terms, the storyline of “The Empath” in Star Trek explores some intriguing concepts and McCoy shines in his role, but the pace is slow and the ethical aspects are questionable. The major part of the episode focuses on the Vians mistreating Gem and the landing party, which is disheartening to observe.
3. “Elaan Of Troyius”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 13
In this episode, Captain Kirk is tasked with transporting Elaan, the noblewoman of Elas, for her pre-arranged marriage on Troyius. However, Elaan has no wish to marry the Troyian king and resists Kirk’s efforts to teach her etiquette for the Troyians. As the story unfolds, Kirk develops feelings for Elaan following a touching moment where he senses something magical in her tears. Eventually, Elaan consents to the marriage with the king of Troyius.
Throughout the episode, it’s evident that Elaan refuses to transform herself completely to marry the Troyian king. Unfortunately, she is portrayed as an unrefined barbarian (as Kirk puts it) who needs to learn etiquette throughout the series. By the end, her fate is sealed and she is forced to adapt to the Troyian culture, which includes shrinking herself. The whole scenario carries a whiff of sexism and racism, making it an optional and potentially disturbing watch.
2. “The Way To Eden”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 20
The Way To Eden” is often called the “space hippie episode.” This particular Star Trek episode is frequently included in lists of the worst episodes due to its storyline. When the Enterprise helps the passengers from a hijacked space vessel, they assert that they are en route to the legendary planet Eden. The group eventually takes control of the Enterprise, journeys to what they perceive as Eden, and even seizes a shuttlecraft to descend to the surface.
This planet is found to be inhabited with plants that secrete acid and trees bearing toxic fruit. The majority of the group reboards the Enterprise following their discovery, but the erratic Dr. Sevrin (Skip Homeier) consumes some fruit and perishes. Unfortunately, this episode doesn’t offer enough compelling content to sustain it entirely. The “space hippies” portrayed in the story lack depth and seem too easily capable of seizing control over the Enterprise. In summary, if you decide to skip “The Way to Eden,” you likely won’t be missing out on much.
1. “Turnabout Intruder”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 24
In the 1960s, television series finales weren’t as conclusive as they are now, and “Star Trek” ended with a regular episode that didn’t tie up loose ends. An instance of this is the episode titled “Turnabout Intruder,” where the crew of the Enterprise responds to a distress call. Among the survivors was Dr. Janice Lester, who had been Captain Kirk’s former lover. Upon boarding the Enterprise, Lester manipulated her powers to swap bodies with Kirk, as she felt “living alone in a woman’s body is worse than death.” This presents an issue within the episode.
As a passionate Star Trek fan, I find it hard to fathom the mindset behind the creation of “Turnabout Intruder.” Contrary to this episode’s portrayal, women in the Federation should not be barred from commanding starships. The character of Lester is depicted as irrational and mentally unstable for her refusal to conform to societal norms within the series. Unfortunately, this outdated and sexist narrative makes “Turnabout Intruder” one of the most regrettable episodes in Star Trek: The Original Series, leaving a sour note on an otherwise groundbreaking show. It would have been more fitting for the series to conclude with the far superior “All Our Yesterdays,” effectively erasing the existence of “Turnabout Intruder.
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2025-05-26 22:51