Unforgettable Outlandish Episodes in Star Trek

Star Trek has always been known for its progressive and innovative storytelling. However, certain episodes stand out for their absurdity and outlandishness. Here, we explore some of the most memorable and offbeat episodes that have become a part of Star Trek lore.

Unraveling Outlandishness in Star Trek: The Next Generation

One of the most notorious episodes in The Next Generation is "Datalore" (Season 4, Episode 15).

In this episode, Picard attempts to communicate with an alien entity that can only communicate through metaphors. The result is a chaotic and nonsensical conversation that makes for an incoherent and frustrating viewing experience. The lack of coherent dialogue and the absurd premise make this episode particularly memorable in a terrible way, as it left viewers wondering what exactly they just paid millions of dollars to watch.

Star Trek: The Original Series – Fandom-Favorite Silly Episodes

The Original Series introduced several outlandish and memorable episodes:

Tribbles

The episode "The Trouble with Tribbles" (Season 2, Episode 14) is a playful and comedic plot centered around small furry creatures called tribbles. The rapid reproduction and chaotic nature of these critters on deep space station K-7 make for a humorous and memorable episode. The episode’s lighthearted tone and comedic elements contribute to its place in the series.

"The Tholian Web"

Another contender for outlandishness is "The Tholian Web" (Season 2, Episode 12). The episode features the crew encountering the Tholians, who are capable of creating a web-like structure that traps the USS Enterprise. The surreal visuals and the tension of Captain Kirk being trapped in an alternate dimension make this episode stand out for its bizarre nature.

Star Trek: Voyager – The Bizarre Plot of Rising

Rising (Season 5, Episode 4) is a notable addition to the list of outlandish episodes. The episode revolves around a bizarre plot involving warp speed and Tom Paris transforming into a lizard-like creature. The plot is both strange and out of character, making it memorable for its outlandishness.

Comical Episodes Banned by Fans

Some episodes, such as those featuring tribbles and certain episodes of Enterprise, have become infamous for their silly premise. These episodes, while not universally beloved, are remembered for their absurdity and often function as a showcase of what Star Trek is willing to explore creatively.

The Appalling “The City on the Edge of Forever”

Contrasting with these ridiculous episodes is the celebrated episode The City on the Edge of Forever (Season 1, Episode 4), which is considered one of the best episodes in the entire Star Trek franchise. The episode is deeply tragic, as it revolves around James Kirk falling in love with an Earth woman named Edith Keeler during the Great Depression. Her actions could delay the USA's entry into World War II, potentially leading to Nazi nuclear dominance. Kirk and the crew must choose between their love and the greater good of history, leading to one of the most emotionally heavy episodes in the series.

The episode is controversial and deeply troubling, especially the lack of agency given to Edith Keeler, who must be sacrificed despite her potential to change history for the better. This episode showcases the consequences of the Star Trek Prime Directive and the ethical dilemmas it presents.

This article has explored several episodes that exemplify the outlandish nature of Star Trek, offering a mix of humor and controversy. From the Tribbles to the Tholian Web, and the bizarre plot of Rising, these episodes cement their place in Star Trek lore and continue to provoke reactions from fans.