Unveiling the Ultimate Star Trek Experience: 10 Must-Watch Episodes From Each Show to Ignite New Fans

Summary

Star Trek fans can use this guide to introduce new fans to the franchise by starting with one key episode from each series.

The chosen episodes are complete narratives that have a wide appeal, incorporating the symbolic values of Trek without deviating from the established norm. Opting for a series that matches the existing preferences of potential fans makes it incredibly effortless to captivate them with Star Trek and acquaint them with its enduring principles.

For Star Trek enthusiasts seeking to engage new fans, this guide provides the optimal episode from each series to introduce individuals to the world of Star Trek. If you are already a fan, there may be someone in your life who is curious about Star Trek but has only agreed to watch a single episode. Considering that the Star Trek timeline consists of 850 episodes, each with its own merits, how can you captivate someone with just one episode? This list attempts the impossible task of selecting one episode from each series, not necessarily as the absolute best episode, but as a compelling choice to entice new fans.

Why not choose the absolute best episodes of Star Trek? Often, the episodes that are widely praised as the best deviate significantly from the typical storytelling tropes. The objective is to help your friend comprehend the value of watching Star Trek, therefore, whenever possible, the selected episodes are self-contained narratives with universal appeal that embody the essence of Star Trek. They are not experimental outliers, although they may possess artistic beauty. If your potential fan is already interested, you can guide them towards the best starting point for Star Trek. However, if they still need some persuasion, one of these episodes may prove successful.

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10 Star Trek: Picard - "The Next Generation" (Season 3, Episode 1)

Star Trek: Picard may not be the ideal entry point for newcomers to the Star Trek franchise, as it directly connects to the events of Star Trek: The Next Generation through the character Admiral Jean-Luc Picard (portrayed by Patrick Stewart). However, the show's exploration of themes such as aging, legacy, and responsibility may particularly resonate with viewers who are of a certain age. Each season stands alone as a separate story, so if you do decide to begin with Picard, starting with season 3 could be an excellent choice. Not only is it considered the strongest season of the series, but if your potential Star Trek fan enjoys it, they will already be familiar with the characters from The Next Generation and may wish to delve further into that era.

9 Star Trek: Enterprise - "Detained" (Season 1, Episode 21)

8 Star Trek: Discovery - "Context Is For Kings" (Season 1, Episode 3)

Captain Jonathan Archer (Scott Bakula) and Ensign Travis Mayweather (Anthony Montgomery) find themselves imprisoned in an alien facility primarily populated by Suliban. Their encounter sparks a journey of self-reflection for Archer, as his past experiences with Suliban history bring his own biases to the surface. This encapsulated storyline serves as a profound Star Trek metaphor, touching upon the overarching theme of societal injustices. Moreover, fans of the classic show Quantum Leap will delight in the reunion of Bakula and his former co-star, Dean Stockwell, in this episode.

For those who doubt the realism of Star Trek's optimism, an ideal starting point would be the early episodes of Star Trek: Discovery. This series adopts a prestige-style approach with gripping, season-long story arcs. To truly appreciate its impact, it is essential to introduce new fans to Commander Michael Burnham (played by Sonequa Martin-Green) and her initial introduction to the Discovery in Season 1, Episode 3 titled "Context is for Kings." This episode sets in motion both the season's thrilling mystery and the transformative journey of the Discovery from darkness to light.

7 Star Trek: Voyager - "Blink Of An Eye" (Season 6, Episode 12)

Star Trek: Voyager is known for its unconventional and inventive concepts within the Star Trek universe, and occasionally these concepts prove to be successful. In the twelfth episode of the sixth season, titled "Blink of an Eye," the crew of Voyager comes across a remarkable planet where time progresses at an extraordinary rate compared to normal spacetime. In a matter of mere weeks, the inhabitants of this planet evolve and advance through generations, developing their own unique religious beliefs, artistic expressions, and scientific pursuits that are directly influenced by the presence of the renowned starship, referred to as "the Skyship" by the locals. Throughout the episode, the entire crew of Voyager showcases their individual expertise and collaborative abilities in order to resolve the predicament at hand, thereby exemplifying the powerful impact that Star Trek has in inspiring real-world technological advancements.

6 Star Trek: Lower Decks - "Second Contact" (Season 1, Episode 1)

Star Trek: Lower Decks caters to Star Trek fans while also offering an enjoyable experience to those unfamiliar with the franchise. Its storytelling adopts a sincere approach that stands on its own, regardless of any references made. If you're someone who appreciates animated sitcoms, then "Second Contact," the premiere episode of Lower Decks, is an excellent starting point. This episode not only introduces the USS Cerritos and its key characters but also showcases Ensign Beckett Mariner (Tawny Newsome) defying regulations to assist others, embodying the core principles of Star Trek.

5 Star Trek: Prodigy - "Time Amok" (Season 1, Episode 7)

The target audience of Star Trek: Prodigy is children, and if your potential fan is a child, it's best to start with the beginning of the series. However, if you are aiming to convince adult viewers about the merits of Prodigy as a Star Trek series worth watching, "Time Amok" is one of the top episodes to showcase. From its science fiction concept of time passing differently for each character, to the collaborative efforts of the kids on the Protostar to save themselves, and the emotional impact of Rok-Tahk's (Rylee Alazraqui) journey in the slowest-paced timeline, "Time Amok" captures the essence of Star Trek in its entirety.

4 Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - "Duet" (Season 1, Episode 19)

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine's nineteenth episode of the first season, titled "Duet," not only serves as a precursor to the show's later seasons, highlighting its penchant for political discourse and weighty themes surrounding the Dominion War arc, but it also stands on its own as a captivating and poignant narrative. In this episode, Major Kira Nerys (Nana Visitor) boldly confronts Aamin Marritza (Harris Yulin), an accused war criminal, delving into his culpability (or lack thereof) in the Cardassian occupation of Bajor. This encounter also introduces viewers to the pervasive political tension that permeates the entire series.

3 Star Trek: The Original Series - "The Trouble With Tribbles" (Season 2, Episode 13)

2 Star Trek: The Next Generation - "The Measure Of A Man" (Season 2, Episode 9)

There is a reason why "The Trouble with Tribbles" has become a timeless classic. It perfectly encapsulates the elements that continue to make Star Trek: The Original Series a captivating watch, even today. This episode flawlessly blends intriguing comedic storytelling with the intense drama that arises from Starfleet's complex relationship with the Klingons. The tensions eventually reach a boiling point, resulting in an epic brawl before the intricate political plot unfolds. Although the Klingons may not have a fondness for Tribbles, these rapidly multiplying creatures still captivate viewers with their visually compelling presence, adding to the overall appeal of the episode.

Considered by many as the inaugural masterpiece of Star Trek: The Next Generation's second season, episode 9 titled "The Measure of a Man" delves into a dispute surrounding Lt. Commander Data (Brent Spiner), raising the crucial question of whether he should be recognized as a person with all the inherent rights or simply regarded as Starfleet's property due to his android nature. This exceptional episode provokes contemplation as Captain Jean-Luc Picard (Patrick Stewart) and Commander William Riker (Jonathan Frakes) find themselves on opposing sides, presenting arguments both in favor and against Data's entitlement to personal rights. Ultimately, the resolution firmly establishes the core principle of Star Trek, emphasizing the importance of respecting all forms of life, irrespective of their physical appearance.

1 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds - "Strange New Worlds" (Season 1, Episode 1)

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is the most popular new Star Trek series, and its pilot episode serves as the ideal introduction for new fans. This self-contained, character-driven story combines fast-paced action and emotional drama while highlighting the significance of compassion and empathy. Additionally, the modern production values ensure that potential viewers are not deterred by outdated sets or effects. Most importantly, Captain Christopher Pike's (Anson Mount) inspiring speech at the end encapsulates the essence of Star Trek's philosophy, incorporating real-world issues and establishing a relatable connection, a hallmark that Star Trek has maintained throughout its history.

If you are tasked with introducing Star Trek to someone who will only watch a single episode, it is best to select the series that aligns with their existing preferences. Each Star Trek series offers something unique, whether it be the cinematic experience found in Star Trek: Discovery, the timeless storytelling of Star Trek: The Original Series, the lighthearted humor of Star Trek: Lower Decks, or the intense drama seen in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. With the plethora of options available, it is easier than ever to engage a new fan in the Star Trek universe. Furthermore, these series provide numerous avenues for instilling the ideals that have fostered a loyal fanbase for decades.