A though question...

[the_wasd_man]

Ok, so here's something I've been thinking about for a while, and I'd like your guys opinion...

I have a friend, who, despite the fact that he's never seen one episode of Star Trek, constantly believes that it's horrible... and that Star Wars is waaay better. You know the type. Anyways, and this isn't an easy question, I was thinking about showing him only one episode, one Trek episode that is not only accessible to a newbie, but that sums up well what Trek means and stands for (while still being kick-ass awesome). I'm thinking something from TNG or DS9 (the old effects from TOS will most likely turn him off, and while I like VOY and ENT a lot, they don't seem to be prime candidates... at least to me)

So yeah. Not easy. I have a few ideas but I'd like to hear what you guys think (I'm probably forgetting a lot of great episodes). Oh, and two-parters work, too. :)

[moyer777]

Great question--

Times Arrow- TNG
Best of Both Worlds- TNG
Elementary my dear Data- TNG

Star Trek Movie-
First Contact

[Geekyfanboy]

Best of Both Worlds..... nuff said :)

[Locutus]

There is no possible episode you can show him that will change his mind. The first thing you have to do is convince him that he doesn't have to LIKE Star Trek, but that he should at least know what he hates.

If you can get that far, and he is willing to actually sit down and not judge, which could take quite a bit of work on your part, I would recommend:

Best of Both Worlds (Great suggestion, moyer)
Let This be your Last Battlefield (Yes, TOS, but my favorite ep)
The Naked Now - TNG (Introduces sex, makes it look like more of an adult program, if that's an issue)
The Inner Light - TNG (Beautiful Episode)
Yesterday's Enterprise - TNG (Shows the duty and self-sacrifice of the crewmembers - Thought -provoking)
The Measure of a man - TNG (Shows the show is not just about space battles, but about humanity)
The Child - TNG (Another touching episode)

Hope that's not too many, but I tried to explain what I thought was special about these.

Good luck!

[the_wasd_man]

Thanks guys. Yeah, I agree. I doubt I will forever change his mind, but as you said Locutus "show him what he hates". I think I can get that far. And those are all great suggestions. It's probably impossible to pin down one particular episode... I was also thinking about something during the DS9 war arc. Something that still has action (Star Wars) but has a strong story. Valiant was pretty good...

come to think of it the Visitor and Duet are both great episodes as well... aww... too many choices!

[Locutus]

Although, on second thought, will Best of Both Worlds mean anything to a non-Trek fan? I mean, we have the benefit of following the characters, and knowing why the people are important, and how difficult Wil's choices were, etc, but will a non-fan get any of that? If not, just let them watch First Contact instead.

[the_wasd_man]

There's another thing. BoBW is as much about the Borg as it is about Riker... he might not get that part.

First Contact has proved to be an excellent for newcomers... I might just try that instead.

[Zortic]

Any reason you're ruling out the movies?  Can you really get any better than Wrath of Khan?  Or the DVD of The Motion Picture?  Also, what about the remastered original episodes?

[Rico]

You have to keep in mind this is for someone not into Trek.  I'd be really tempted to try "City of the Edge of Forever" from TOS.  Classic tale and you really don't need to know Trek to enjoy it.

[Kirk-Fu]

Well, im sure i will catch heck for this, but I would go with Broken Bow, from ENT.

Here is my reasoning.
If he already thinks it sucks, then I doubt any one ep will do it. Because honestly, he may watch BOBW then see Encounter at Farpoint or the one where Data had nightmares....blah.

Enterprise may not be a fan fav, but having NOT watched Trek, he can start the story from the beginning. And like it or not, if you watch Trek to see the story you start with the first chronological story. For Star Wars, its sadly Phantom Menace...sigh.

And, Enterprise is new looking, up to snuff graphics and has Bakula as captain.
I just think that our likes/dislikes as Trek fans shouldnt be applied to a new recruit. He wont be looking at it as we do.

Anyway, I think it was a fun episode, and introduces the characters and the Trek universe

[Kirk-Fu]

Oh, and as a guy, the T'Pol factor doesnt hurt either  :-)

[Rico]

That is a good idea too Kirk-Fu.  That is a good start to Trek and a pretty nice stand alone episode.  Nice idea!

[Trekkygeek]

Mate, you have no choice at all. Anyone who can have an opinion like that whilst never seeing Star Trek is a lost cause. I mean, how can you have an opinion when you don't have all the facts? His opinion does not count until he has seen a few episodes. Star Wars is far more accessible as the background is not as richly detailed. This probably puts a lot of people off. However, if you are going to show this friend only one episode (and one film) I would recommend something that does not require back knowledge, Star Trek "The voyage home" is ideal on the film front. This is fun and set in our time, the writing is strong enough to make it enjoyable. As for an episode? I would say "The Inner Light" from TNG. This story is so beautifully written and acted that it still brings a lump to my throat, and I have seen it more times than I care to remember.
   There you go. Both these choices are as far away from the accepted Star Trek series (as seen by non-believers) as you can get, but both are often cited as being fan favourites and for that reason, these are my choices. Hope this helps to convert your mate.

[the_wasd_man]

Thanks everyone...

yeah, the inner light is another great one... city on the edge of forever might be the only TOS episode I'd be willing to show. And Broken Bow ain't a bad idea, either. Especially since the SPX won't turn him off as much. :P ;)

Well, I knew I'd have to sort through a bunch of episodes, and I appreciate your suggestions. I'll keep thinking about it, though the inner light seems like a pretty good choice. :)

[Kirk-Fu]

Thanks Rico.  I suggested ENT because my wife is not a Trek fan, but watched nearly all the run of Enterprise with me because she enjoyed it. And it wasnt techno-babble heavy like the others. It was just fun.

And she mentioned Trip being hot or something like that :-)