Star Trek: Alpha to Delta Quadrants & Everything In Between

[bradl]

Yeah but they are kids. They might not get into it just cause its a classic.

Here's what I would suggest.

2 decent to amazing episodes of TOS; one especially where you have some great dialog with McCoy. Some mentioned would be perfect.

Pick the middle 3 TOS movies; Wrath of Khan, Search for Spock, and Voyage Home. Those are continuous, plus lend more to the dialog between someone impulsive and cowboyish like McCoy and someone calm and collected, like Spock.

After that, leave TOS. go straight to Encounter at Farpoint, and start them there so they not only can see time has passed, but provide continuity between TOS and TNG, as McCoy is in the pilot. From there, turn 'em loose on all TNG episodes EXCEPT Code of Honor. Roddenberry wanted that one, but it turned out to be a rather racist episode. no-one liked that episode.

Additionally, if you can find it, depending on the age of your kids, also include with this as a side, the episode "The Bionic Bunny" from Reading Rainbow. This is the episode where LeVar is doing the entire Reading Rainbow show from the set of TNG. I don't recommend this as a "behind the scenes" thing, but instead to tie some familiarity. No-one really knew the cast of TNG, except mainly LeVar, and Wheaton had just finished Stand By Me by the time the TNG pilot came out, and North and South was just in production, so no-one knew Frakes, as Patrick Swayze was getting all the attention in that miniseries.

With that, Season 2 gets them noticed thanks to Whoopi, and Season 3 explodes. If they aren't hooked by then, they never will.

BL.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Here's what I would suggest.

2 decent to amazing episodes of TOS; one especially where you have some great dialog with McCoy. Some mentioned would be perfect.

Pick the middle 3 TOS movies; Wrath of Khan, Search for Spock, and Voyage Home. Those are continuous, plus lend more to the dialog between someone impulsive and cowboyish like McCoy and someone calm and collected, like Spock.

After that, leave TOS. go straight to Encounter at Farpoint, and start them there so they not only can see time has passed, but provide continuity between TOS and TNG, as McCoy is in the pilot. From there, turn 'em loose on all TNG episodes EXCEPT Code of Honor. Roddenberry wanted that one, but it turned out to be a rather racist episode. no-one liked that episode.

Additionally, if you can find it, depending on the age of your kids, also include with this as a side, the episode "The Bionic Bunny" from Reading Rainbow. This is the episode where LeVar is doing the entire Reading Rainbow show from the set of TNG. I don't recommend this as a "behind the scenes" thing, but instead to tie some familiarity. No-one really knew the cast of TNG, except mainly LeVar, and Wheaton had just finished Stand By Me by the time the TNG pilot came out, and North and South was just in production, so no-one knew Frakes, as Patrick Swayze was getting all the attention in that miniseries.

With that, Season 2 gets them noticed thanks to Whoopi, and Season 3 explodes. If they aren't hooked by then, they never will.

BL.

Great post, with some excellent advice tendered - I had forgotten the ToS movies - some them were very good.

Moreover, the ToS movie about the peace accord with the Klingons (Michael Dorn played a role in that) is also, I would argue, well worth recommending as something worth watching.

 

[cyclingplatypus]

One of my favorite opening scenes in any movie is the opening scene of the first movie where they fly around Enterprise - rewatched the movie a few weeks ago and still just as captivated by it as I was the first time I watched it.

 

[ActionableMango]

Moreover, the ToS movie about the peace accord with the Klingons (Michael Dorn played a role in that) is also, I would argue, well worth recommending as something worth watching.

Undiscovered Country. That's my favorite ST movie by far. Great music too.

My local theater is playing it next month from a 70mm print. Can't wait!

 

[Scepticalscribe]

Undiscovered Country. That's my favorite ST movie by far. Great music too.

My local theater is playing it next month from a 70mm print. Can't wait!

Had forgotten the title (and was too hurried to look it up); thanks for the clarification.

Very good movie.

In the movie, Michael Dorn plays Colonel Worf, diplomat, lawyer and soldier, (an the defence attorney for Kirk and McCoy) who was also the grandfather of the Lt Worf he played in STNG.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Do you worry that they (your children) are too old or too young?

A good story is a good story, and doesn't need CGI or special effects to be told. It will hold its audience anyway.

My quarrel with most of the movies is that they fail to tell a story, and, instead get lost in spending their budget on blasted and bloated special effects and CGI, - instead of telling a story and making the CGI secondary to that - which, frankly, makes them instantly forgettable.

My kids like action, explosions and special effects. The stories are part of it, but don't yet have the prominence they should. The 1960s special effects of TOS will suffer badly when compared to the Star Wars and Marvel movies they like. I fear it's likely to lead to an adverse reaction.

I've decided to go with TNG first, once they get a taste for that they can always dip into TOS. If I recall correctly each episode was pretty self-contained in TOS, there were no multi-episode story arcs. TNG needs to be watched in order to be best appreciated, and it's a great grounding for the Star Trek universe.

Plus it has the best captain.

 

[Apple fanboy]

My kids like action, explosions and special effects. The stories are part of it, but don't yet have the prominence they should. The 1960s special effects of TOS will suffer badly when compared to the Star Wars and Marvel movies they like. I fear it's likely to lead to an adverse reaction.

I've decided to go with TNG first, once they get a taste for that they can always dip into TOS. If I recall correctly each episode was pretty self-contained in TOS, there were no multi-episode story arcs. TNG needs to be watched in order to be best appreciated, and it's a great grounding for the Star Trek universe.

Plus it has the best captain.

Star Wars verse Star Trek is always going to be a one sided affair!

Personally I think I was introduced to ST via the movies, then the OS.
Then when TNG came out it was weekly viewing.

 

[bradl]

My kids like action, explosions and special effects. The stories are part of it, but don't yet have the prominence they should. The 1960s special effects of TOS will suffer badly when compared to the Star Wars and Marvel movies they like. I fear it's likely to lead to an adverse reaction.

I've decided to go with TNG first, once they get a taste for that they can always dip into TOS. If I recall correctly each episode was pretty self-contained in TOS, there were no multi-episode story arcs. TNG needs to be watched in order to be best appreciated, and it's a great grounding for the Star Trek universe.

Plus it has the best captain.

If you end up getting them into DS9, you will want them to watch the TOS episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" BEFORE you get them into the episode "Trials and Tribulations". This is because the DS9 crew basically did a Forrest Gump and green screened themselves into that episode while interacting with the original footage. They did a great job with it.

BL.

 

[Mac'nCheese]

If you end up getting them into DS9, you will want them to watch the TOS episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" BEFORE you get them into the episode "Trials and Tribulations". This is because the DS9 crew basically did a Forrest Gump and green screened themselves into that episode while interacting with the original footage. They did a great job with it.

BL.

Worf what Happened to—
We don’t like to talk about it.

 

[cwerdna]

Here's what I would suggest.

2 decent to amazing episodes of TOS; one especially where you have some great dialog with McCoy. Some mentioned would be perfect.

Pick the middle 3 TOS movies; Wrath of Khan, Search for Spock, and Voyage Home. Those are continuous, plus lend more to the dialog between someone impulsive and cowboyish like McCoy and someone calm and collected, like Spock.

After that, leave TOS. go straight to Encounter at Farpoint, and start them there so they not only can see time has passed, but provide continuity between TOS and TNG, as McCoy is in the pilot. From there, turn 'em loose on all TNG episodes EXCEPT Code of Honor. Roddenberry wanted that one, but it turned out to be a rather racist episode. no-one liked that episode.
...
With that, Season 2 gets them noticed thanks to Whoopi, and Season 3 explodes. If they aren't hooked by then, they never will.

FWIW, I'd pick some of the higher rated eps of TOS from https://www.imdb.com/list/ls033330412/?sort=user_rating,desc&st_dt=&mode=detail&page=1. When I was younger, some of the stuff that TOS discussed really went by (e.g. talk of "replacements" and "necessary instructions" at https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Apple_(episode)). Or, in https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Spock's_Brain_(episode) (which I actually liked, despite many considering it to be a terrible ep). A co-worker made the joke that the belts were "chastity belts". And, the others were referred to as givers of "pain and delight". Hmmm... I didn't really get the Nazis and Chicago mobs until I was older.

I do like your TOS movie advice.

For TNG, sure watch Encounter at Farpoint for an intro but skip most of season 1 and 2. Most of it was terrible. For basically all of season 1, I was pretty annoyed that TNG (at that point) was worse than TOS.

From glancing over seasons 1 and 2 eps of https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation, maybe watch Where Silence Has Lease, Contagion, Time Squared and definitely watch Q Who (intro to the Borg). 11001001 has a tie in w/a later ep. Measure of a Man tends to be a fan favorite but isn't one of mine (maybe I need to rewatch). Definitely skip Shades of Grey, a clip show during the writers strike. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls063581623/?sort=user_rating,desc&st_dt=&mode=detail&page=1 is reasonable.

 

[Roller]

FWIW, I'd pick some of the higher rated eps of TOS from https://www.imdb.com/list/ls033330412/?sort=user_rating,desc&st_dt=&mode=detail&page=1. When I was younger, some of the stuff that TOS discussed really went by (e.g. talk of "replacements" and "necessary instructions" at https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Apple_(episode)). Or, in https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Spock's_Brain_(episode) (which I actually liked, despite many considering it to be a terrible ep). A co-worker made the joke that the belts were "chastity belts". And, the others were referred to as givers of "pain and delight". Hmmm... I didn't really get the Nazis and Chicago mobs until I was older.

I do like your TOS movie advice.

For TNG, sure watch Encounter at Farpoint for an intro but skip most of season 1 and 2. Most of it was terrible. For basically all of season 1, I was pretty annoyed that TNG (at that point) was worse than TOS.

From glancing over seasons 1 and 2 eps of https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation, maybe watch Where Silence Has Lease, Contagion, Time Squared and definitely watch Q Who (intro to the Borg). 11001001 has a tie in w/a later ep. Measure of a Man tends to be a fan favorite but isn't one of mine (maybe I need to rewatch). Definitely skip Shades of Grey, a clip show during the writers strike. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls063581623/?sort=user_rating,desc&st_dt=&mode=detail&page=1 is reasonable.

Despite the IMDb rankings, I'd pick Assignment: Earth and The Trouble With Tribbles to introduce kids to Star Trek. Both have humorous elements that I never tire of. I just rewatched A:E the other day, and the scene where Gary Seven races against time near the end remains one of the most suspenseful of all in TOS. The City on the Edge of Forever is another favorite of mine, but perhaps a bit sad as an introductory episode.

 

[Mac'nCheese]

Am I the only one who thought Nemisis was completely underrated?

 

[bopajuice]

Im looking forward to Patrick Stewart reprizing his role. Engage!

 

[Mousse]

My recommendation would be that you pick some of the better episodes from ToS - Mirror, Mirror, and City on the Edge of Forever were both excellent, as was The Cage which was years ahead of its time, - some of the episodes in ToS were excellent (some were dire, and others merely mediocre), as this gives an introduction to that world and places it in context, and then, proceed, - with all due haste - to the wonders of TNG.

Whoa. Going straight to the heavy stuff. I would introduce them with fun episodes like Trouble with Tribbles or Parallels or A Fist Full of Data. Once they're acclimated, then bring in the heavy hitters. I would definitely not start them on any DS9 episodes. They're darker, less fun than TNG. But once they're hooked, they will really appreciate the social commentaries in DS9.

 

[Scepticalscribe]

If you end up getting them into DS9, you will want them to watch the TOS episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" BEFORE you get them into the episode "Trials and Tribulations". This is because the DS9 crew basically did a Forrest Gump and green screened themselves into that episode while interacting with the original footage. They did a great job with it.

BL.

Oh, yes, agreed.

Enjoyed The Trouble With Tribbles and loved the spin the story told years later in DS9 put on it; respectful homage with a twist, and very funny, too.

Worf what Happened to—
We don’t like to talk about it.

Brilliant.
[doublepost=1534261173][/doublepost]

Whoa. Going straight to the heavy stuff. I would introduce them with fun episodes like Trouble with Tribbles or Parallels or A Fist Full of Data. Once they're acclimated, then bring in the heavy hitters. I would definitely not start them on any DS9 episodes. They're darker, less fun than TNG. But once they're hooked, they will really appreciate the social commentaries in DS9.

Depends on their 'mental' age and what you think they can cope with.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

These are great episode recommendations. Is there somewhere you can watch particular TOS episodes for free?

When I looked into getting the series, the prices were extortionate on iTunes etc (around £40 a season). The DVD box set on Amazon for all seasons of TNG was £40. I thought that was a bargain.

@Mac'nCheese The Worf point had occurred to me, but I think that's a gag that will have to wait.

Trial and tribblations in DS9 is some way off, but I will certainly want them to watch the TOS episode first.

 

[bradl]

FWIW, I'd pick some of the higher rated eps of TOS from https://www.imdb.com/list/ls033330412/?sort=user_rating,desc&st_dt=&mode=detail&page=1. When I was younger, some of the stuff that TOS discussed really went by (e.g. talk of "replacements" and "necessary instructions" at https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/The_Apple_(episode)). Or, in https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Spock's_Brain_(episode) (which I actually liked, despite many considering it to be a terrible ep). A co-worker made the joke that the belts were "chastity belts". And, the others were referred to as givers of "pain and delight". Hmmm... I didn't really get the Nazis and Chicago mobs until I was older.

I do like your TOS movie advice.

For TNG, sure watch Encounter at Farpoint for an intro but skip most of season 1 and 2. Most of it was terrible. For basically all of season 1, I was pretty annoyed that TNG (at that point) was worse than TOS.

From glancing over seasons 1 and 2 eps of https://memory-alpha.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation, maybe watch Where Silence Has Lease, Contagion, Time Squared and definitely watch Q Who (intro to the Borg). 11001001 has a tie in w/a later ep. Measure of a Man tends to be a fan favorite but isn't one of mine (maybe I need to rewatch). Definitely skip Shades of Grey, a clip show during the writers strike. https://www.imdb.com/list/ls063581623/?sort=user_rating,desc&st_dt=&mode=detail&page=1 is reasonable.

Seasons 1 and 2 had their good moments. Arsenal of Freedom was a good episode, while the episode that Wesley fails to get into Starfleet Academy had some serious life lessons in it.

As for season 2, who could forget The Outrageous Okana, starring Riker and the man who could have been Riker!? The guy that played Okana in that episode was the other person left with Frakes in the running for that role. Pen Pals was cute. And besides.. they gave Troi a decent hairstyle that season!

The biggest reason that season 2 was a dud, was that at that time, they fired Gates McFadden. Not entirely sure why, but she went on record as saying that she wasn't just pregnant (which she was at the time), but she was outright fired and replaced with Diana Maldaur, which that chemistry never worked with the show.

BL.

 

[ActionableMango]

Am I the only one who thought Nemisis was completely underrated?

Yes. Yes you are.

 

[bradl]

Yes. Yes you are.

And the problem with Nemesis and for what it does with Picard coming up is that unless they found some way to have a backup of all the knowledge Data had before he suicided, the new android that is a carbon copy of Data is basically primitive, in lacking all of his knowledge.

Also, unless the use a hell of a lot of makeup, Spiner is looking rather too old to play him, so unless the android "opts" to be old, I don't know how he'll play a part in this. Everyone else will work out easily, but Spiner would be the problem.

BL.

 

[ActionableMango]

Is there somewhere you can watch particular TOS episodes for free?

AFAIK the only legitimate "free" source would be broadcast TV reruns or maybe checking out the discs/tapes from the library.

The cheapest legitimate source in the USA is Netflix streaming at $8/month, which has all Star Trek series right now. Not sure if Netflix UK has it, or what the price is there.

 

[S.B.G]

The cheapest legitimate source in the USA is Netflix streaming at $8/month, which has all Star Trek series right now.

And I hope they all stay on Netflix indefinitely too. I watch them regularly, well, almost daily really. I usually watch at least 1 episode of TOS and/or TNG everyday.

 

[ActionableMango]

And the problem with Nemesis

That implies that there's just one problem with Nemesis.

I struggle to think of one thing good about it. My first thought was that the special effects were pretty good, and then I remembered that they even screwed that up in a big way.

 

[cwerdna]

The biggest reason that season 2 was a dud, was that at that time, they fired Gates McFadden. Not entirely sure why, but she went on record as saying that she wasn't just pregnant (which she was at the time), but she was outright fired and replaced with Diana Maldaur, which that chemistry never worked with the show.

A while back when I skimmed the comments for http://trekcore.com/blog/2015/07/review-chaos-on-the-bridge/, one claimed that Maurice Hurley was sexually harassing Gates. Search that page for harass.

I don't know how true this is. It was the first time I'd heard of it. It's not something I'd like to ask Gates in front of everyone at a Star Trek convention. So, maybe I'll never know unless I hear it from her in some other way (e.g. interview, book, column) or someone else credible.

But yes, it sounded like she was fired and I think I recall her even mentioning it at a convention.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

Sooo.. Ethan Peck has just been confirmed as playing Spock in Star Trek: Discovery Season 2.

I am glad they can ruin the franchise even further.

 

[decafjava]

Sooo.. Ethan Peck has just been confirmed as playing Spock in Star Trek: Discovery Season 2.

I am glad they can ruin the franchise even further.

Never saw Discovery but have heard a lot of negative stuff about it and would be leery of spending time and money on it...so what's wrong with it in your opinion?