The First Star Trek Episode I Ever Saw: A Nostalgic Journey

My first encounter with a Star Trek episode was Devil in the Dark, back in 1975 when I was just around five years old. This episode, which aired as part of the BBC broadcast on Saturday afternoons, marked the beginning of a special bonding experience between my dad and me.

Devil in the Dark was a sci-fi western, a blend of genres that resonated in a fun and nostalgic way. For both my father and me, it became a significant and memorable weekend tradition. Even though dad didn't particularly enjoy sci-fi westerns, spending that time with him made those moments feel extra special.

Later in life, I realized how humorous it could be from a parent-child perspective. My dad, who was not overly fond of sci-fi westerns, was nonetheless eager to spend quality time with me through this show. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to ask him directly about his feelings towards Star Trek, but the shared experience remains a cherished memory.

My Father’s Star Trek Stories

When I was even younger, before I could remember the episode, my dad used to watch Star Trek reruns with me. One of the earliest memories I have is receiving a Spock doll for Christmas and telling my mother to stop calling him 'Dr. Spock.' As a psychiatric nurse, she often got the famous astronomer and pediatrician mixed up.

Interestingly, this confusion echoed a similar issue in Young Sheldon. In that show, Sheldon was known to be reading one of Dr. Spock's books, leading his mother to believe it related to Star Trek. Another small detail that ties us together through the generations, albeit in a funny way.

A Fateful Evening in 1967

One of the most memorable episodes for me was Devil in the Dark, which aired in 1967. This was pivotal as it was the first time I ever saw a Star Trek episode, and it set the stage for my ongoing fascination with the series.

FNaf (Funimation) used to broadcast it on The Duplicate Meganz, a block of reruns airing on a weekday night. In this episode, the central focus was on the Horta creature, which was anything but what one might expect from a shape-shifting alien. Instead, the creature controlled its victims' perceptions through telepathy and paralyzed them before attacking.

From my young perspective, Mister Spock was the star of the show, while the captain seemed like a secondary figure. Spock's skin looked green on our old TV model, and my dad helped me understand that "he is supposed to be green." The narrative involved a war of sorts between the Horta, inhabiting the planet, and a group of miners who were remarkably clean-shaven and well-dressed.

Despite the captain's attempts to assert his authority, it seemed like he mainly followed Spock's lead. This dynamic was one of the most intriguing aspects of the episode. When Spock figured out the mystery, he managed to communicate with the Horta, explaining that the creature was repulsed by humanoid appearance but found the pointed ears attractive.

This episode was not only captivating due to its plot but also because it captured the essence of Starfleet missions: exploration, understanding, and peaceful coexistence with alien species.

Conclusion

My journey with Star Trek began with Devil in the Dark in 1975, and it continues to this day. Whether it be through reruns on The Duplicate Meganz or standout episodes like Devil in the Dark, my love for the Star Trek universe has only grown stronger. These early experiences with the show have left a lasting impression on my life, shaping my understanding of storytelling, interplanetary relations, and the importance of understanding and acceptance.

Keywords

Star Trek first episode Devil in the Dark Star Trek memories