The Original Series defined the franchise and laid the foundation for the next 60 years of the final frontier.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. It's important to note that "essential" episodes of "Star Trek" are not necessarily the best ones. To this author, "essential" denotes ...

Captain James T. Kirk does not make out with a gorgeous alien in the episode. Spock does not apply the Vulcan nerve pinch, and Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy does not utter the immortal words, “I’m a ...

“Space, the final frontier…” These words always carry great weight, whether spoken by Captain Kirk, Pike, or Picard. That opening narration sets the tone for the franchise, preparing the reader for ...

It’s one of the most famous scenes from one of the most famous episodes (“The Trouble with Tribbles”) of the original and best Star Trek series. An obnoxious, self-important bureaucrat wants to ...