Star Trek: The Original Series season 3 is often perceived as the least impressive installment of the iconic franchise, yet it still managed to deliver a number of memorable and engaging episodes. While the initial two seasons of Star Trek are often celebrated for their groundbreaking storytelling and character development, the third season also carved out its own place in television history. Although the series concludes on a disappointing note with the poorly received “Turnabout Intruder,” the episodes preceding this finale hold significant value and entertainment for fans.
The journey of Star Trek: The Original Series season 3 kicks off with “Spock’s Brain,” frequently cited as one of the show’s lesser episodes, yet it possesses a certain charm that makes it enjoyable in its own right. Notably, “Plato’s Stepchildren” (episode 10) features a groundbreaking moment in television history, showcasing one of the first interracial kisses as a powerful alien coerces Captain Kirk into kissing Lt. Uhura (Nichelle Nichols). Despite this important milestone in representation, the episode itself falls short of excellence, preventing it from being included in discussions of the series’ best moments. Additionally, this season includes the notorious “space hippies” episode (episode 20, “The Way to Eden”) alongside several other episodes that fail to leave a lasting impression.
10
“The Savage Curtain”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 22
During a geological survey on the planet Excalbia, an unexpected floating image of Abraham Lincoln (Lee Bergere) appears on the viewscreen of the USS Enterprise. Captain Kirk and Spock (Leonard Nimoy) beam down to the planet alongside Lincoln, where they are introduced to Surak (Barry Atwater), recognized as the “father” of Vulcan civilization. The Excalbians have devised a unique test to evaluate human philosophies of good versus evil by pitting historically “good” figures against those deemed “evil.”
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Kirk, Spock, Lincoln, and Surak endeavor to negotiate for peace; however, their efforts are thwarted when Surak and Lincoln meet their demise. In a twist of events, the Excalbians cease the conflict after Kirk and Spock eliminate two of the evil combatants, including Kahless (Bob Herron), the legendary Klingon warrior. Although “The Savage Curtain” may not stand out as one of the strongest episodes in the series, it effectively establishes several key elements of Vulcan and Klingon lore. Moreover, the episode features amusing moments, such as Kirk’s dramatic reception of the fictional Abraham Lincoln.
9
“That Which Survives”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 17
Upon encountering a mysterious planet, Captain Kirk and a landing party beam down to conduct an investigation. A perplexing woman (Lee Meriwether) suddenly appears on the Enterprise and kills the transporter operator, causing the ship to be transported 990.7 light-years away from the planet, rendering it unable to communicate with the landing crew. Tragically, the same woman also terminates the life of one of the landing party members.
Dr. M’Benga (Booker Bradshaw) makes his second appearance in this episode, following his debut in Star Trek season 2’s “A Private Little War.” The character of Dr. M’Benga (Babs Olusanmokun) was reintroduced in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, where he serves as the Chief Medical Officer aboard the USS Enterprise under the command of Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount).
As the plot unfolds, the crew discovers that the woman is a holographic recreation of Losira, a member of the Kalandan species who has programmed the planet to defend itself against any intruders. This episode, “That Which Survives,” provides opportunities for the main characters to shine— Kirk as he negotiates with Losira, Spock commanding the Enterprise in Kirk’s absence (with a humorous moment where he explains to Uhura how he accidentally hit his head on the command chair), and Chief Engineer Scotty (James Doohan) as he skillfully prevents the ship from self-destructing as it rapidly accelerates beyond warp 10.
8
“For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 8
This particular Star Trek episode, while perhaps not living up to the brilliance suggested by its title, provides a captivating narrative that delves deeper into the character of Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley). As the third member of Star Trek’s iconic trio, McCoy often found himself overshadowed by the adventures of Kirk and Spock. At the outset of “For the World Is Hollow and I Have Touched the Sky,” McCoy is confronted with the shocking news that he has an incurable, fatal illness.
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As Dr. McCoy grapples with the emotional weight of his diagnosis, he joins Kirk and Spock on an away mission to a generation ship that masquerades as a large asteroid. During this journey, McCoy develops a romantic connection with Natira (Kate Woodville), the leader of the ship’s inhabitants, and contemplates remaining with her. However, after discovering a potential cure for his condition within the ship’s archives, he ultimately decides to return to the Enterprise.
7
“Spectre Of The Gun”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 6
In a bold move, Captain Kirk and his crew disregard a warning while attempting to establish contact with the elusive Melkotians, leading them to experience a surreal recreation of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy, Scotty, and Ensign Pavel Chekov (Walter Koenig) all transport down to the planet’s surface, where a Melkotian emissary informs them of their death sentence for trespassing.
DeForest Kelley previously portrayed two roles related to the O.K. Corral. He played Ike Clanton in You Are There season 4, episode 8 and Morgan Earp in the 1957 film Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Each member of the landing party is assigned a role as one of the outlaws who perished during the O.K. Corral, while three individuals resembling the Earp brothers prepare for confrontation. Ultimately, Kirk’s steadfast refusal to kill anyone impresses the Melkotians, who then permit the Enterprise to approach their planet. While Star Trek frequently explores similar themes, “Spectre Of The Gun” stands out with its unsettling Western elements and a gripping final showdown.
6
“Is There In Truth No Beauty?”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 5
In the thought-provoking episode “Is There In Truth No Beauty?,” the telepathic Medusan Ambassador Kollos boards the Enterprise with psychologist Dr. Miranda Jones (Diana Muldaur). As a non-humanoid Medusan, Kollos’s true form induces madness in any humanoid who gazes upon him without protective eyewear. Unbeknownst to the crew, Dr. Jones is blind and uses a specialized sensor web to perceive her environment.
Star Trek: Prodigy introduced a new Medusan character named Zero (Angus Imrie), who constructed a containment suit to protect those around them from their appearance.
When the Enterprise finds itself outside the boundaries of known space, Spock must engage in a mind meld with Kollos, allowing the Medusan to guide the ship back to safety. Ultimately, Dr. Jones forms a mental link with Kollos before they depart the Enterprise together. While the episode’s storyline follows a conventional path, the Medusans present a truly alien concept, and Dr. Jones is a compelling figure as a female doctor who remains unaffected by Kirk’s romantic advances.
5
“Let That Be Your Last Battlefield”
Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3, Episode 15
One of Star Trek’s most iconic episodes, “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” delivers a powerful, albeit heavy-handed, message while weaving a memorable narrative. The plot centers around Captain Kirk and his crew as they encounter two opposing survivors from a planet ravaged by civil war. The two men, Lokai (Lou Antonio) and Bele (Frank Gorshin), exhibit distinct black and white pigmentation, with Lokai being white on the right side and black on the left, while Bele is the reverse.
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