Must You Watch Every Episode of Star Trek: The Original Series?

It’s a frequent question in the Star Trek fandom: Do you need to watch every episode of Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS) before moving on to other series, such as Star Trek: The Next Generation (TNG)? The answer depends on your personal enjoyment, but let's dive into the nuances.

The Show's Narrative Structure

While TOS does feature occasional callbacks to earlier stories, most episodes function as individual, standalone narratives. This means you can watch the series out of order, or with breaks, without missing critical plot points. Each episode typically focuses on a unique scenario, characters, and adventures, making it easier to experience the series in a more modular fashion.

Iconic Episodes to Watch

Regardless of whether you need to watch every episode, there are several highly recommended episodes that are critical to enjoying the series:

The Corbomite Maneuver - A skilled example of engagement and strategy in a diplomatic stand-off.

The Trouble with Tribbles - An iconic episode centered around the alien rodent that becomes a plot device for raising tension and hilarity.

Amok Time - A heartwarming and sometimes tense journey that delves into the cultural and personal conflicts of Starfleet officers and their home species.

Balanced of Terror - A thrilling and historic episode featuring one of the iconic lorikoon footprints, which ties into the foundational myths of the Star Trek universe.

Space Seed - Its impact on the TOS universe is undeniable, introducing the memorable character Khan along with an intriguing story thread.

Background and Context

For those new to the Star Trek universe or completely unfamiliar with the franchise, TOS is highly recommended as a starting point. This series sets the stage for many elements that will be revisited in subsequent series, providing crucial background and context for characters and events. Even if you miss some earlier episodes, you can still grasp the overarching themes and story arcs.

Other Series Recommendations

After TOS, the most influential series is undoubtedly TNG. While you can enjoy TNG independently, understanding the events and characters from TOS will greatly enhance your appreciation. However, if you are short on time, TNG does provide enough background and insightful continuity to understand the broader Star Trek universe.

Star Trek: Enterprise, on the other hand, can be watched as a standalone series since it follows a timeline that predates other series. While it received mixed reviews, it offers a compelling narrative that doesn't necessarily need to be viewed in order with the other series.

Conclusion

In summary, while there are numerous must-watch episodes in TOS, you don't have to watch every single episode to fully enjoy the Star Trek experience. If you're dedicated, watching TOS in its entirety will offer the most comprehensive understanding of the franchise. On the other hand, if your time is limited, focusing on key episodes and moving on to TNG or Enterprise will still provide a rich and meaningful experience.