Paramount
Unraveling the Magic of The City on the Edge of Forever: The Best Star Trek Episode
Paramount
The original “Star Trek” series has earned its iconic status for a myriad of reasons. However, being old does not always imply popularity. For example, the sequel “Star Trek: The Next Generation” has six episodes that have scored above the 9.0 mark on IMDb, introducing many renowned characters to the “Star Trek” universe. The original series, on the other hand, is home to a handful of standout episodes as well as numerous average ones, all of which laid the groundwork for the exciting adventures that were to follow.
The episode “The City on the Edge of Forever” distinguishes itself from the rest of the original series with its remarkable narrative and heartbreaking conclusion. The story follows Kirk and Spock on their pursuit of a temporarily mentally unstable Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley), also known as Bones, who has overdosed and travelled to an enigmatic planet and through a sentient time portal, ending up in the Great Depression era on Earth in the 1930s. McCoy’s presence in the past leads to the erasure of the U.S.S. Enterprise’s existence in the future. The onus falls on his saviors to apprehend him and return to their own time before he can cause more damage to the timeline.
During this time, Kirk finds himself falling for Sister Edith Keeler (Joan Collins). However, he soon discovers that for the future to remain unchanged, Keeler must meet her untimely end. Worse still, he is forced to participate in her death, including standing by as she is struck by a passing vehicle. A somber, emotionally tormented Kirk returns to the future once all is set right, and the landing party departs from the planet. The captain’s parting words are haunting: “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
This episode is a futuristic tale set in the past that continues to resonate with audiences today. It’s no surprise that it has left such a lasting impression on Star Trek fans.
FAQs
1. Why is “The City on the Edge of Forever” considered the best Star Trek episode?
This episode blends exceptional storytelling with a tragic outcome, setting it apart from others in the series. It explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the complexities of time travel, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
2. What happens in “The City on the Edge of Forever”?
In this episode, Kirk and Spock chase a mentally unstable Dr. McCoy through a time portal, ending up in the Great Depression era. They must prevent McCoy from altering the past and thus changing their future, even if it means sacrificing someone they’ve grown to care about.
3. What is the significance of “The City on the Edge of Forever”?
The episode is a testament to the show’s ability to blend science fiction with human emotion, creating a compelling narrative that continues to resonate with audiences. It’s a key example of why Star Trek has remained a cultural icon for over five decades.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
