My top 10 favorite Star Trek episodes
This one was tied with the TMP novel analysis, so I logically chose the easier of the two. :) This list is entirely my opinion only, so it's very, very likely that many of your favorites won't be included. To get an idea how I managed the soul crushing difficult task of choosing between so many amazing episodes, it all boiled down to which episodes not only entertained and kept my interest all the way through, but which ones had the stronger story. I'm sure that by leaving at least a couple of extremely popular episodes, I shall get major flak, but that's why there's a place to comment and ask why shit isn't on here. Chances are, I won't have a reason, I'm just a douchebag. Plus I would love to hear what episodes you love the most, especially if they're surprising choices. Enough talk, onward!
10. The Enterprise Incident
Why I love it: You'd think about a dozen episodes should get placed here instead, but I just love this episode an unhealthy amount. It helps that I love the Romulan commander, and I hope we get to see her again in reboot because I love her character, a woman in power who knows a hot Vulcan when she sees one. She's quite unlike the usual dame-of-the-hour, being both intelligent and seduced only on her terms, and when she discovers Spock's true motives, she's hurt, yeah, but she doesn't take his excuses and says 'bye-bye' with grace and dignity. Plus I was actually fooled for a few minutes into thinking that Kirk and Spock were at odds and something was making Kirk be a douche. I love pleasant surprises and I love that kind of teamwork.
The deciding factor: Kirk wearing pointy ears and then self-consciously touching them when Spock says they don't look good on him. Also, the Vulcan Death Grip.
The K/S factor: Actually not present much because Kirk doesn't know about Spock's flirting with the Romulan commander and he's busy most of the time. I have all faith that there would have been more tension if Kirk had walked in on that Vulcan kiss. I find it hilarious that Kirk hardly ever walks in on Spock getting it on while Spock seems to have a nookie radar fully attached and able to provide him with means of interrupting all of Kirk's dalliances. Well, never fear about Kirk walking in on Spock with a lady, because the next episode is...
9. This Side of Paradise
Why I love it: This episode is my personal definition of the Fridge Brilliance trope. Basically, I hated this episode the first time I saw it, especially when I heard that they were originally going to make it Sulu have Spock's storyline, thus making the sudden romance pointless. But after I brought myself to read the analyzation and I heard others talk about it, I realized that the episode was inordinately slashy and now it's one of my favorites, oddly. I hate Leila Kalomi, but the show doesn't really enjoy her either. The gal has to drug Spock to get him to like her, and the show makes it clear that she doesn't understand Spock one iota, the most poignant scene being her placing her hand over where a human heart is, but not Spock's (no excuse for this, since it's been well-established in canon by this point that Spock's heart is where the human liver is located.) Plus while I was busy hating the episode, I failed to see the person angst of Kirk, not just with Spock going away, but everyone going away, how in that episode his worst fear came to life, ending up alone. And who could hate McCoy going super!Southern?
The deciding factor: Kirk tapping his communicator when Spock refuses to follow an order, like it's the technology that's out of whack, because Spock is obviously more reliable than that.
The K/S factor: Where to begin? Kirk flat out gets ejaculated on by the flowers and he remains unaffected because he just happens to see Spock holding hands and being all lovey-dovey with Leila. The way Kirk in the emotional compromise fight scene shoots out, "and you have the gall to make love to that woman!" Whoa dude, where the fuck did that come from? Then later, when Spock is healed, Kirk sits and angsts about Spock leaving and Spock just gives him this little look of "Oh baby, you're so silly, of course I won't leave you." If you ever doubt Kirk is in love with Spock (and you haven't watched the The Search for Spock yet), this is the episode to see. Oh, and might I tack on Spock talking to Leila about self-made purgatories and "that man on the bridge"? I think I've made my point.
8. A Taste of Armageddon
Why I love it: This is probably the one that will raise the most eyebrows, but dear lord I just love this episode a lot. First of all, I love the premise of a war being entirely fought by computers and keeping it up by having a culture that is programmed to calmly walk into disintegration chambers. Then there's the subplot of the ambassador (who I privately call Ambassador Kermit because he resembles a frog) trying to get Scotty to budge on being nice to the sneaky assholes of the planet and Scotty is all LOL NO. I can't tell you how much I love it when Scotty is in command and how Uhura and McCoy tend to be his first officers. :D
The deciding factor: A three-way tie, because I can't choose between these amazing Spockian lines: "Knock her down and sit on her if necessary." "Sir, there is a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder." "I assumed you needed help. I see I'm in error." Good god, GOLD I tell you. Pure comedic gold.
The K/S factor: Just little touches of teamwork mojo, but most importantly, look at how curiously intent Kirk is looking at Spock feel up a wall. Dear lord, I think Kirk has a telepath kink.
7. Day of the Dove
Why I love it: A good villain is not someone who is the complete opposite of the hero, but rather is very similar to the hero with a few differences. Kang is so damn compelling because he's the Klingon version of Captain Kirk, which makes him exceedingly interesting. He cares deeply about the 400 crew members he lost and he is very intelligent and able to one-up Kirk just as much as Kirk is able to one-up him. This is the first episode that really gives us the idea that Klingons aren't complete monsters, but rather that they suffer from the same stereotyping and misinformation that Humans do. I love when Mara talks about what she heard of humans and their torturing and death camps while Kirk instead offers them food and such. It's like how wars are in reality, with each side painting the other as evil so it's easier to destroy them (just look at how the Japanese and the Germans were depicted in World War II, and look how Muslims are portrayed today.)
The deciding factor: The end scene when Kang goes through a temporary truce so that both the Klingons and the Humans can destroy a common enemy. Oh my god, and Spock's face as Kirk, Kang, and everyone else laughs.
The K/S factor: The incredibly obvious introduction of Kang's "wife and science officer", Mara, and then for no reason, they cut to Kirk and Spock, just looking increduously at them. Dude. There is no non-slashy reason to do that, I lovePlus the it. often-passed-over part where Spock grabs both of Spock's arms, Kirk snaps that "you're half human!" and then how Kirk laments resorting to race hatred. Basically this scene right here is full of so much sexual tension it's ridiculous.
6. Operation--Annihilate
Why I love it: Sometimes I love me some angst, and this episode is the OMEGA angst episode for James T. Kirk. Not only does his brother die, but also his sister-in-law. Then his nephew is infected by the same parasites plaguing an entire planet and then Spock is infected by the parasites. Oh, and they even managed to slip in a little Spock-is-blinded-for-life angst in there. Jesus Christ, I half expect Kirk to start wearing eyeliner and listening to Death Cab for Cutie by the end of the episode. Still, I love Kirk showing his intuitive intelligence when he is the one that figures out that sunlight itself kills the creatures and I especially love it whenever it takes a group of men to bring Spock to his knees down.
The deciding factor: Guys, Shatner can act his ass off. If you don't believe me, just watch the whole of Boston Legal and then watch scenes like this. After his brother is found dead, Kirk wanders off alone and slumps against a wall, face quietly projecting grief. It's so subtle but there's not doubt that he's suffering. Plus Spock almost certainly is about to say "Captain, I understand how you must..." FEEL, but damn Kirk interrupts him. KIRK, YOU SPOCK-BLOCKER!
The K/S factor: Kirk's intense worry over Spock, how he flees from sickbay, unable to watch Spock suffer, and then the wonderful scene in which Kirk gets short with McCoy over the Enterprise having a billion labs and not working hard enough and McCoy just gently says that he understands Kirk's concern and his affection for Spock, and let's not forget that McCoy looks like he has to momentarily fish around for a subtle word for whatever's going on between them. Oh lord, and when Spock wants to beam to the planet after being infected and Kirk just puts his hands behind his back and says that Spock's logic is, as usual, inescapable, voice all full of love and eyes so smitten that you probably wouldn't be surprised had little cartoon hearts appeared in them? Classic. Slash. Oh, and the coincidence of Spock's "let me help", exactly one episode after Kirk says to Edith Keeler that it means more than 'I love you'? Oh show, you are both blatant and subtle.
5. The Galileo Seven
Why I love it: This episode is awesome because we get to see Spock in command for the first time, no Kirk there to back him up. And...he fails almost completely, right up until he makes an emotional, intuitive decision that saves the shuttle and the remaining crew. Spock isn't even trying to be an asshat, he just genuinely believes that logic is needed and it's almost innocently cute when he wonders out loud why, when he made every logical decision flawlessly, they have all been wrong and he managed to alienate his crew along the way. Spock just doesn't mesh well with most humans, and it breaks my heart when McCoy says that the problem isn't in his mind, but in his heart. Oh McCoy, you needed to carry that guy's katra like, yesterday.
The deciding factor: "I, for one, do not believe in angels." DAY-UM. Pretty ballsy statement for the late 60s, from a leading character, no less. I'm sure they only got away with it because he's an alien, but still, gutsy.
The K/S factor: Give me Kirk or Spock needing to be rescued and Kirk or Spock trying desperately to find the other and you've got a happy fangirl. From Kirk's little "oh thank god" reaction when the remaining crew is rescued to "Mr. Spock, you're one stubborn man", there is no doubt that every episode needs to end with Kirk and Spock flirting outrageously with the other.
4. The Tholian Web
Why I love it: It's little wonder that this episode pairs up with The Galileo Seven. It's basically a less-drastic version of Spock gaining command, but far more personal since it's centralized on just Kirk missing, not several crew members. Kirk is stuck in an empty dimension and it's a race against time to save him! Except oops, apparently Kirk dies for real. Cue angst! But seriously, this episode is all that an intense Spock fan as well as a diehard K/S shipper could want. Plus there's Spock/McCoy friction? Beam. Me. the fuck. Up. It's one of the few episodes where I want to bang my head against the wall and then bang McCoy's head against the same wall because how can you think Spock would want command and be perfectly okay with Kirk dying? I'm starting to think McCoy goads Spock on purpose, because he wants to see Spock get all emotional, like in Bread and Circuses when he accuses Spock of not knowing what to do with a warm, genuine feeling and then feel chagrined when Spock gives a little and says, "really, Doctor?" Same here, with McCoy calming down and understanding that Spock is hurting, and Spock, instead of denying or ignoring it, says, "what would you have me say, Doctor?" RIP MY HEART TO PIECES, WON'T YOU SHOW?
The deciding factor: "Forget it, Bones." Yes he's quoting Kirk, but Spock totally called McCoy 'Bones' in a sneaky, Vulcan-acceptable way. Plus their little toast with the crazy cure.
The K/S factor: Let's see: the entire premise of this episode and Spock stubbornly and loyally staying past when he should, putting the ship at risk for Kirk. Yes, his excuses were logical, but McCoy flat out states that Spock didn't have to fight the Tholians and get themselves stranded and after Spock says he was bound 'legally and morally to ascertain the captain's status' McCoy translates that to 'You mean to be sure he was dead', meaning that McCoy isn't swallowing your bullshit excuse. And then, oh man, the way Spock reaches out to Kirk's "ghost" on the bridge? Oh, my love, my darling, I hunger for your touch...
3. Journey to Babel
Why I love it: Best OT3 episode in the land with the BAMF team of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy at their finest. The internal struggles Spock has to go through is interesting, you get to meet Sarek and Amanda, Kirk really shows off his ability to charm different races into agreeing to disagree for the sake of peace while subtly implying that otherwise he will make them behave, and there's political intrigue and espionage. Basically I wrote my thoughts all about it recently, so yeah, definitely an enjoyable episode.
The deciding factor: "Well, what do you know? I finally got the last word." The utter elation on his face, it's marvelous, and you know, it's really true because Kirk and Spock do always manage to get the last word in.
The K/S factor: It's not as blatant as most episodes (except the part where Spock has to drag himself away from an injured Kirk who also happens to be shirtless) but just Kirk's overall acceptance and understanding of Spock speaks intimately of their relationship.
2. Amok Time
Why I love it: I've got a whole different section for the epic slash involved, but overall I just love the idea of Spock losing control, the idea of such a logical and emotionless race biologically programmed to lose that hold over their psyche and, as McCoy said, it's sort of "the price they pay for having no emotions the rest of the time." Plus omg, the Chekov/Sulu banter, T'Pring who is a bitch but I totally would be her in the same situation, and that fight music. I could make toast to that music and it would look epic.
The deciding factor: Spock's completely sober and genuine joy at seeing Kirk alive. *points to entry icon*
The K/S factor: AN EXPLOSION OF GAY. This is hands-down the gayest episode ever to be shown on network tv, and it was in 1967. Frottage. Hands shaking in an effort not to jump Kirk. JIM!!!!, Spock's little blind walk toward Kirk when T'Pring turns him down. I've done lots of posts on this, slash fanfiction possibly began after this episode, and you all should know about The Ship's Closet special, the analyzation of it, and the Closer vid. If you don't, hot damn, just ask. And you will receive more than Kirk during Spock's plak tow. I think the best part of the entire episode is Spock breaking through the plak tow to beg T'Pau to stop him from fighting Kirk. Even an emotionless uber Vulcan like T'Pau conveys shock when Spock does this because she clearly told Kirk that he couldn't. That's how much he loves his James Kirk, people.
1. The City on the Edge of Forever
Why I love it: How could I not? I've never been into science fiction in general, but I've always loved a good time travel story, and this one hits me hard because it's a well-written time travel story. Edith Keeler is one of the few Kirk ladies I've actually enjoyed, and the only one I believe that Kirk truly loved (Miramanee doesn't count. Memory loss will do that to a person.) There are also many fanfics that have used elements of this episode, and I myself have used the guardian in both big bangs-one directly and one indirectly-and it's very likely that I'll use it again in the future. Let's not forget the epic comedy of explaining Spock's ears and stones knives and bear skins. The Kirk/Spock dynamic at its best, people.
The Deciding factor: There isn't just one, but perhaps what makes this the best episode is that it has the perfect ending, but it's not necessarily the happy ending. It breaks my heart every time I hear Kirk end the episode with, "Let's get the hell out of here."
The K/S factor: Spock's epic jealousy! Jesus, I chose this episode as the first one to show my sister (who swore the show was going to suck and it ended up making her respect my insanity.) Halfway through she asked me, "what's up with Spock in this?" Spock's obvious jealousy of Edith is that plain to see. You know what makes it even greater? For half the episode, there is no reason he should be jealous. I understand him being bitchy after they find out Edith must die and the illogical human captain can't cut off his illogical feelings, but Spock showed jealousy from the moment Kirk first made gooey eyes at her. That's half the episode and the strongest scenes of jealousy came before that point.
10. The Enterprise Incident
Why I love it: You'd think about a dozen episodes should get placed here instead, but I just love this episode an unhealthy amount. It helps that I love the Romulan commander, and I hope we get to see her again in reboot because I love her character, a woman in power who knows a hot Vulcan when she sees one. She's quite unlike the usual dame-of-the-hour, being both intelligent and seduced only on her terms, and when she discovers Spock's true motives, she's hurt, yeah, but she doesn't take his excuses and says 'bye-bye' with grace and dignity. Plus I was actually fooled for a few minutes into thinking that Kirk and Spock were at odds and something was making Kirk be a douche. I love pleasant surprises and I love that kind of teamwork.
The deciding factor: Kirk wearing pointy ears and then self-consciously touching them when Spock says they don't look good on him. Also, the Vulcan Death Grip.
The K/S factor: Actually not present much because Kirk doesn't know about Spock's flirting with the Romulan commander and he's busy most of the time. I have all faith that there would have been more tension if Kirk had walked in on that Vulcan kiss. I find it hilarious that Kirk hardly ever walks in on Spock getting it on while Spock seems to have a nookie radar fully attached and able to provide him with means of interrupting all of Kirk's dalliances. Well, never fear about Kirk walking in on Spock with a lady, because the next episode is...
9. This Side of Paradise
Why I love it: This episode is my personal definition of the Fridge Brilliance trope. Basically, I hated this episode the first time I saw it, especially when I heard that they were originally going to make it Sulu have Spock's storyline, thus making the sudden romance pointless. But after I brought myself to read the analyzation and I heard others talk about it, I realized that the episode was inordinately slashy and now it's one of my favorites, oddly. I hate Leila Kalomi, but the show doesn't really enjoy her either. The gal has to drug Spock to get him to like her, and the show makes it clear that she doesn't understand Spock one iota, the most poignant scene being her placing her hand over where a human heart is, but not Spock's (no excuse for this, since it's been well-established in canon by this point that Spock's heart is where the human liver is located.) Plus while I was busy hating the episode, I failed to see the person angst of Kirk, not just with Spock going away, but everyone going away, how in that episode his worst fear came to life, ending up alone. And who could hate McCoy going super!Southern?
The deciding factor: Kirk tapping his communicator when Spock refuses to follow an order, like it's the technology that's out of whack, because Spock is obviously more reliable than that.
The K/S factor: Where to begin? Kirk flat out gets ejaculated on by the flowers and he remains unaffected because he just happens to see Spock holding hands and being all lovey-dovey with Leila. The way Kirk in the emotional compromise fight scene shoots out, "and you have the gall to make love to that woman!" Whoa dude, where the fuck did that come from? Then later, when Spock is healed, Kirk sits and angsts about Spock leaving and Spock just gives him this little look of "Oh baby, you're so silly, of course I won't leave you." If you ever doubt Kirk is in love with Spock (and you haven't watched the The Search for Spock yet), this is the episode to see. Oh, and might I tack on Spock talking to Leila about self-made purgatories and "that man on the bridge"? I think I've made my point.
8. A Taste of Armageddon
Why I love it: This is probably the one that will raise the most eyebrows, but dear lord I just love this episode a lot. First of all, I love the premise of a war being entirely fought by computers and keeping it up by having a culture that is programmed to calmly walk into disintegration chambers. Then there's the subplot of the ambassador (who I privately call Ambassador Kermit because he resembles a frog) trying to get Scotty to budge on being nice to the sneaky assholes of the planet and Scotty is all LOL NO. I can't tell you how much I love it when Scotty is in command and how Uhura and McCoy tend to be his first officers. :D
The deciding factor: A three-way tie, because I can't choose between these amazing Spockian lines: "Knock her down and sit on her if necessary." "Sir, there is a multi-legged creature crawling on your shoulder." "I assumed you needed help. I see I'm in error." Good god, GOLD I tell you. Pure comedic gold.
The K/S factor: Just little touches of teamwork mojo, but most importantly, look at how curiously intent Kirk is looking at Spock feel up a wall. Dear lord, I think Kirk has a telepath kink.
7. Day of the Dove
Why I love it: A good villain is not someone who is the complete opposite of the hero, but rather is very similar to the hero with a few differences. Kang is so damn compelling because he's the Klingon version of Captain Kirk, which makes him exceedingly interesting. He cares deeply about the 400 crew members he lost and he is very intelligent and able to one-up Kirk just as much as Kirk is able to one-up him. This is the first episode that really gives us the idea that Klingons aren't complete monsters, but rather that they suffer from the same stereotyping and misinformation that Humans do. I love when Mara talks about what she heard of humans and their torturing and death camps while Kirk instead offers them food and such. It's like how wars are in reality, with each side painting the other as evil so it's easier to destroy them (just look at how the Japanese and the Germans were depicted in World War II, and look how Muslims are portrayed today.)
The deciding factor: The end scene when Kang goes through a temporary truce so that both the Klingons and the Humans can destroy a common enemy. Oh my god, and Spock's face as Kirk, Kang, and everyone else laughs.
The K/S factor: The incredibly obvious introduction of Kang's "wife and science officer", Mara, and then for no reason, they cut to Kirk and Spock, just looking increduously at them. Dude. There is no non-slashy reason to do that, I lovePlus the it. often-passed-over part where Spock grabs both of Spock's arms, Kirk snaps that "you're half human!" and then how Kirk laments resorting to race hatred. Basically this scene right here is full of so much sexual tension it's ridiculous.
6. Operation--Annihilate
Why I love it: Sometimes I love me some angst, and this episode is the OMEGA angst episode for James T. Kirk. Not only does his brother die, but also his sister-in-law. Then his nephew is infected by the same parasites plaguing an entire planet and then Spock is infected by the parasites. Oh, and they even managed to slip in a little Spock-is-blinded-for-life angst in there. Jesus Christ, I half expect Kirk to start wearing eyeliner and listening to Death Cab for Cutie by the end of the episode. Still, I love Kirk showing his intuitive intelligence when he is the one that figures out that sunlight itself kills the creatures and I especially love it whenever it takes a group of men to bring Spock to his knees down.
The deciding factor: Guys, Shatner can act his ass off. If you don't believe me, just watch the whole of Boston Legal and then watch scenes like this. After his brother is found dead, Kirk wanders off alone and slumps against a wall, face quietly projecting grief. It's so subtle but there's not doubt that he's suffering. Plus Spock almost certainly is about to say "Captain, I understand how you must..." FEEL, but damn Kirk interrupts him. KIRK, YOU SPOCK-BLOCKER!
The K/S factor: Kirk's intense worry over Spock, how he flees from sickbay, unable to watch Spock suffer, and then the wonderful scene in which Kirk gets short with McCoy over the Enterprise having a billion labs and not working hard enough and McCoy just gently says that he understands Kirk's concern and his affection for Spock, and let's not forget that McCoy looks like he has to momentarily fish around for a subtle word for whatever's going on between them. Oh lord, and when Spock wants to beam to the planet after being infected and Kirk just puts his hands behind his back and says that Spock's logic is, as usual, inescapable, voice all full of love and eyes so smitten that you probably wouldn't be surprised had little cartoon hearts appeared in them? Classic. Slash. Oh, and the coincidence of Spock's "let me help", exactly one episode after Kirk says to Edith Keeler that it means more than 'I love you'? Oh show, you are both blatant and subtle.
5. The Galileo Seven
Why I love it: This episode is awesome because we get to see Spock in command for the first time, no Kirk there to back him up. And...he fails almost completely, right up until he makes an emotional, intuitive decision that saves the shuttle and the remaining crew. Spock isn't even trying to be an asshat, he just genuinely believes that logic is needed and it's almost innocently cute when he wonders out loud why, when he made every logical decision flawlessly, they have all been wrong and he managed to alienate his crew along the way. Spock just doesn't mesh well with most humans, and it breaks my heart when McCoy says that the problem isn't in his mind, but in his heart. Oh McCoy, you needed to carry that guy's katra like, yesterday.
The deciding factor: "I, for one, do not believe in angels." DAY-UM. Pretty ballsy statement for the late 60s, from a leading character, no less. I'm sure they only got away with it because he's an alien, but still, gutsy.
The K/S factor: Give me Kirk or Spock needing to be rescued and Kirk or Spock trying desperately to find the other and you've got a happy fangirl. From Kirk's little "oh thank god" reaction when the remaining crew is rescued to "Mr. Spock, you're one stubborn man", there is no doubt that every episode needs to end with Kirk and Spock flirting outrageously with the other.
4. The Tholian Web
Why I love it: It's little wonder that this episode pairs up with The Galileo Seven. It's basically a less-drastic version of Spock gaining command, but far more personal since it's centralized on just Kirk missing, not several crew members. Kirk is stuck in an empty dimension and it's a race against time to save him! Except oops, apparently Kirk dies for real. Cue angst! But seriously, this episode is all that an intense Spock fan as well as a diehard K/S shipper could want. Plus there's Spock/McCoy friction? Beam. Me. the fuck. Up. It's one of the few episodes where I want to bang my head against the wall and then bang McCoy's head against the same wall because how can you think Spock would want command and be perfectly okay with Kirk dying? I'm starting to think McCoy goads Spock on purpose, because he wants to see Spock get all emotional, like in Bread and Circuses when he accuses Spock of not knowing what to do with a warm, genuine feeling and then feel chagrined when Spock gives a little and says, "really, Doctor?" Same here, with McCoy calming down and understanding that Spock is hurting, and Spock, instead of denying or ignoring it, says, "what would you have me say, Doctor?" RIP MY HEART TO PIECES, WON'T YOU SHOW?
The deciding factor: "Forget it, Bones." Yes he's quoting Kirk, but Spock totally called McCoy 'Bones' in a sneaky, Vulcan-acceptable way. Plus their little toast with the crazy cure.
The K/S factor: Let's see: the entire premise of this episode and Spock stubbornly and loyally staying past when he should, putting the ship at risk for Kirk. Yes, his excuses were logical, but McCoy flat out states that Spock didn't have to fight the Tholians and get themselves stranded and after Spock says he was bound 'legally and morally to ascertain the captain's status' McCoy translates that to 'You mean to be sure he was dead', meaning that McCoy isn't swallowing your bullshit excuse. And then, oh man, the way Spock reaches out to Kirk's "ghost" on the bridge? Oh, my love, my darling, I hunger for your touch...
3. Journey to Babel
Why I love it: Best OT3 episode in the land with the BAMF team of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy at their finest. The internal struggles Spock has to go through is interesting, you get to meet Sarek and Amanda, Kirk really shows off his ability to charm different races into agreeing to disagree for the sake of peace while subtly implying that otherwise he will make them behave, and there's political intrigue and espionage. Basically I wrote my thoughts all about it recently, so yeah, definitely an enjoyable episode.
The deciding factor: "Well, what do you know? I finally got the last word." The utter elation on his face, it's marvelous, and you know, it's really true because Kirk and Spock do always manage to get the last word in.
The K/S factor: It's not as blatant as most episodes (except the part where Spock has to drag himself away from an injured Kirk who also happens to be shirtless) but just Kirk's overall acceptance and understanding of Spock speaks intimately of their relationship.
2. Amok Time
Why I love it: I've got a whole different section for the epic slash involved, but overall I just love the idea of Spock losing control, the idea of such a logical and emotionless race biologically programmed to lose that hold over their psyche and, as McCoy said, it's sort of "the price they pay for having no emotions the rest of the time." Plus omg, the Chekov/Sulu banter, T'Pring who is a bitch but I totally would be her in the same situation, and that fight music. I could make toast to that music and it would look epic.
The deciding factor: Spock's completely sober and genuine joy at seeing Kirk alive. *points to entry icon*
The K/S factor: AN EXPLOSION OF GAY. This is hands-down the gayest episode ever to be shown on network tv, and it was in 1967. Frottage. Hands shaking in an effort not to jump Kirk. JIM!!!!, Spock's little blind walk toward Kirk when T'Pring turns him down. I've done lots of posts on this, slash fanfiction possibly began after this episode, and you all should know about The Ship's Closet special, the analyzation of it, and the Closer vid. If you don't, hot damn, just ask. And you will receive more than Kirk during Spock's plak tow. I think the best part of the entire episode is Spock breaking through the plak tow to beg T'Pau to stop him from fighting Kirk. Even an emotionless uber Vulcan like T'Pau conveys shock when Spock does this because she clearly told Kirk that he couldn't. That's how much he loves his James Kirk, people.
1. The City on the Edge of Forever
Why I love it: How could I not? I've never been into science fiction in general, but I've always loved a good time travel story, and this one hits me hard because it's a well-written time travel story. Edith Keeler is one of the few Kirk ladies I've actually enjoyed, and the only one I believe that Kirk truly loved (Miramanee doesn't count. Memory loss will do that to a person.) There are also many fanfics that have used elements of this episode, and I myself have used the guardian in both big bangs-one directly and one indirectly-and it's very likely that I'll use it again in the future. Let's not forget the epic comedy of explaining Spock's ears and stones knives and bear skins. The Kirk/Spock dynamic at its best, people.
The Deciding factor: There isn't just one, but perhaps what makes this the best episode is that it has the perfect ending, but it's not necessarily the happy ending. It breaks my heart every time I hear Kirk end the episode with, "Let's get the hell out of here."
The K/S factor: Spock's epic jealousy! Jesus, I chose this episode as the first one to show my sister (who swore the show was going to suck and it ended up making her respect my insanity.) Halfway through she asked me, "what's up with Spock in this?" Spock's obvious jealousy of Edith is that plain to see. You know what makes it even greater? For half the episode, there is no reason he should be jealous. I understand him being bitchy after they find out Edith must die and the illogical human captain can't cut off his illogical feelings, but Spock showed jealousy from the moment Kirk first made gooey eyes at her. That's half the episode and the strongest scenes of jealousy came before that point.