Why Star Trek: The Original Series' Open-Ended Episodes Are The Key To Future Trek Success
Discover 6 Original Series episodes that left fans with unanswered questions and untied plot threads These intriguing storylines are waiting for modern Star Trek to continue their tales of adventure, mystery, and exploration
Star Trek, a long-standing and prosperous franchise in the media world, was created during a time when television shows had a different format. While current television trends include serialized plotlines that span an entire season, Star Trek: The Original Series predominantly featured standalone episodes with open endings. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after only three seasons, which meant that writers rarely had the opportunity to revisit unfinished storylines. However, one famous example of a dropped story thread from the episode "Space Seed" was successfully incorporated into one of the most lucrative movies in cinema history: Star Trek: Wrath of Khan. Given its triumph, it's surprising that the creators of Star Trek haven't utilized this technique more often. With a plethora of exceptional ideas from the classic show, modern Trek could easily incorporate them into the many current shows or even use them as a movie premise.
6 The Fate Of Triskelion
"The Gamesters of Triskelion" is a beloved episode among fans of the original show, thanks in part to its iconic costumes and dramatic flair. Its legacy also endures due to its ambiguous ending, which leaves open the possibility for intriguing future developments.
After Kirk and the Enterprise depart Triskelion, the former slaves who had been forced to fight for the pleasure of the gambling gamesters are finally free to forge their own destiny and create a new civilization. It's tempting to imagine what this world might look like centuries later, making a return trip to Triskelion a captivating adventure in its own right.
5 Charlie X
Charlie X, a character whose development is based on the concept of a prodigious child who possesses godlike abilities, is unique in that he was raised by non-corporeal extraterrestrial beings. With powers beyond human comprehension, Charlie attempts to seize control of the Enterprise, coming perilously close to succeeding before his otherworldly guardians intervene and whisk him away. Though Charlie ultimately departs the ship, his reluctance to leave behind his newfound human companions makes for a poignant and tragic ending. The fate of Charlie and the identity of the beings responsible for his care after he was abandoned in a crash remain shrouded in mystery, leaving fans with an enduring sense of intrigue.
4 The Plight Of Planet Scalos
The plot of "Wink Of An Eye" was an imaginative exploration of time, speed, and alternate realities. It drew upon the classic sci-fi trope of a dying civilization on the brink of collapse, in need of new recruits to survive. The Scalosians, desperate to save their people, attempt to take over the Enterprise and its crew. Of course, the intrepid heroes of the Enterprise thwart their plans and depart in peace. However, the fate of the Scalosians remains a mystery. Did they find a way to overcome their fertility crisis, or did they ultimately face extinction?
3 Flint The Inventor
The concept of immortality and advanced technology has been a recurring theme in many blockbuster movies, from The Highlander to Bladerunner. In one obscure episode, the main character, unable to die, creates an android in his eternal boredom. Although the mystery of his immortality remains unsolved, the lost work he left behind is said to be priceless in both monetary and intellectual value, as identified by Spock. It would be fascinating to discover what became of Flint's historic treasure trove.
2 The World Of Yonada
The episode's title, "For The World Is Hollow and I Have Touched The Sky," hints at the surprise twist that the supposed planet is, in fact, a spaceship. The inhabitants are oblivious to this fact, and the Enterprise crew must intervene when the ship malfunctions and heads towards a populated planet. After correcting the course, the episode ends with a brief explanation that the spaceship will reach its destination in just over a year. Despite McCoy's personal connection to the planet, the story behind it is left untold.
1 The Shore Leave Planet
The planet featured in "Shore Leave" stands out from other "pleasure planets" in the galaxy, such as Risa from The Next Generation era, due to its unique ability to materialize anything the visitors desire. While this may seem like an enticing feature, it comes with dangerous implications. Despite the crew's initial excitement and unexpected surprises, they eventually uncover the planet's secret and are able to enjoy a peaceful shore leave. It's a shame that this intriguing concept was never explored further by the show's writers.
