The original Star Trek series, airing from 1966, showcased Captain James T. Kirk (William Shatner) and the crew of the Starship Enterprise, eventually spawning a vast franchise. Throughout its three-season run, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley) formed one of TV’s most cherished trios as they ventured courageously across the galaxy. Although Star Trek: The Original Series presented many unforgettable episodes, its season finales didn’t leave a lasting impression.
In contrast to today’s television, the TV scene in the 1960s was significantly diverse. Apart from soap operas, most shows were structured as standalone episodes, with each one telling its own complete tale. This format limited character growth and prevented the development of season-long narratives that climax into epic season finales as seen in many modern series. Consequently, the season enders for Star Trek: The Original Series didn’t have the impact or grandeur of a true finale; instead, they felt more like ordinary episodes, even falling short compared to some standard episodes.
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1’s Finale Killed Off Sam Kirk
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 1, Episode 29, “Operation — Annihilate!”
In “Operation — Annihilate!”, the Starship Enterprise lands on planet Deneva only to discover that a Federation colony has suffered severe damage due to an assault by airborne alien organisms resembling parasites. Upon arrival, Captain Kirk learns that his brother Sam (William Shatner) has perished, while his sister-in-law Aurelan (Joan Swift) appears distressed and their son Peter (Craig Hundley) lies unconscious. As they hunt for the microscopic invaders, one of them attacks Mr. Spock. Kirk, Spock, and Dr. McCoy eventually uncover that exposure to ultraviolet light can eliminate these creatures, enabling them to rid the survivors of the parasites and protect against future infestations.
In ‘Operation — Annihilate!’, a Star Trek episode, we get an engaging narrative filled with suspenseful moments, but it doesn’t quite feel like a climactic finale. The major event is the demise of Captain Kirk’s brother Sam, however, since his presence was never previously acknowledged, Sam’s death lacks the emotional resonance it might have had otherwise. Consequently, this final episode of Star Trek Original Series (TOS) Season 1 wraps up much like any other episode in the series, with Kirk and his crew aboard the Enterprise embarking on another journey.
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2’s Finale Was A Failed Backdoor Pilot
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 2, Episode 26, “Assignment: Earth”
As a film enthusiast, I find myself immersed in the Star Trek universe when Captain Kirk and his crew onboard the Enterprise journey through time to 1968 for historical research. There, we cross paths with an enigmatic interstellar figure named Gary Seven. His mission, shrouded in mystery, is crucial for safeguarding history itself. Unfortunately, our presence seems to have derailed his plans, leaving us in a quandary about whether he’s altering the future or protecting it. In the end, we face an ethical dilemma: should we stop Gary from sabotaging a missile launch, thereby preventing the United States from utilizing orbital nuclear weapons platforms in the future, or let him continue to preserve history as he sees fit? Even a human secretary named Roberta Lincoln becomes entangled in these intricate events.
The unique episode titled “Assignment: Earth” from Star Trek actually started as a concept for an entirely different show. Initially, the story was designed to be a half-hour series, but it was transformed into a Star Trek episode when every major network rejected the original pilot. In the conclusion of the episode, Spock hints at further adventures for Gary Seven and Robert Lincoln, implying a continuation of their tale. Regrettably, this spin-off show wasn’t produced either, despite “Assignment: Earth” serving as an effective backdoor pilot episode.
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3 Was A Poor Way For Captain Kirk’s Show To End
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 24, “Turnabout Intruder”
Wrapping up our discussion, it’s worth noting that the final episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, surprisingly, is frequently found on lists ranking the worst episodes of the series. Instead of providing a fitting conclusion, this episode seems to deviate significantly from what we expect as a finale. Moreover, it challenges some fundamental principles that define Star Trek.
The narrative revolves around Dr. Janice Lester (played by Sandra Smith), who joins the Enterprise and subsequently swaps bodies with Captain Kirk. In Kirk’s body, Lester assumes command of the ship, displaying an immediate defensiveness when confronted with questions about her leadership.
In the episode titled “Turnabout Intruder,” it is revealed that Lester’s scheme to assassinate Kirk and take over as a starship captain was thwarted by Spock, leading to her experiencing a total mental collapse due to the failure of her plan. However, this seems illogical given the Federation’s generally open-minded and progressive attitudes towards gender roles.
The episode employs an old-fashioned characterization of a woman as hysterical, suggesting that a woman who seeks power is unstable mentally. Captain Kirk’s closing remark, “Your life could have been as fulfilling as any woman’s,” leaves a disappointing impression on Star Trek: The Original Series, though this was somewhat mitigated by the reappearance of the cast in the subsequent Star Trek movies.
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2025-05-01 05:39