Star Trek: The Animated Series – Episode Reviews
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Season 1 (1973)
| # | Episode | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beyond the Farthest Star | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 2 | Yesteryear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 3 | One of Our Planets Is Missing | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 4 | The Lorelei Signal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
| 5 | More Tribbles, More Troubles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 6 | The Survivor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 7 | The Infinite Vulcan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 8 | The Magicks of Megas-Tu | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 9 | Once Upon a Planet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 10 | Mudd’s Passion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 11 | The Terratin Incident | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
| 12 | The Time Trap | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 13 | The Ambergris Element | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0) |
| 14 | The Slaver Weapon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 15 | The Eye of the Beholder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 16 | The Jihad | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
⭐ Starbase48 Top 10 Season 1 Episodes
| Rank | Episode | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Yesteryear | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2 | The Slaver Weapon | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3 | The Time Trap | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4 | More Tribbles, More Troubles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 5 | Beyond the Farthest Star | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 6 | The Infinite Vulcan | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 7 | The Magicks of Megas-Tu | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 8 | The Survivor | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 9 | The Eye of the Beholder | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 10 | Mudd’s Passion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
⭐ Starbase48 Editor’s Awards
🏆 Best Episode
Yesteryear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Written by D.C. Fontana, this emotional journey into Spock’s childhood is widely considered the finest episode of The Animated Series. It deepens Vulcan culture and remains an essential part of Star Trek lore.
🖖 Best Character Episode
Yesteryear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spock’s return to his childhood reveals the experiences that shaped one of Star Trek’s most beloved characters.
🚀 Best Science Fiction Story
The Time Trap ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Enterprise and a Klingon battle cruiser become trapped in the mysterious Delta Triangle, forcing two enemies to work together to survive. An intelligent and suspenseful science fiction adventure.
😂 Best Comedy Episode
More Tribbles, More Troubles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cyrano Jones returns with an even bigger Tribble problem in a hilarious sequel to the classic Original Series episode.
👽 Best Alien Concept
The Slaver Weapon ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Adapted from Larry Niven’s Known Space universe, this episode introduces the ancient Slavers and the formidable Kzinti, expanding Star Trek’s science fiction horizons.
🌌 Most Creative Story
The Magicks of Megas-Tu ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The Enterprise discovers a universe where magic is science, leading to an imaginative story inspired by the Salem witch trials.
⭐ Best Guest Character
Cyrano Jones – More Tribbles, More Troubles ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stanley Adams reprises his memorable role with all the charm and chaos that made him a fan favorite.
⭐ Overall Season Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Storytelling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Character Development | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Voice Acting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Animation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Canon Importance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rewatch Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Overall Season Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.7/5)
Despite its limited animation budget, Star Trek: The Animated Series successfully continued the five-year mission with imaginative stories that expanded Star Trek’s universe in ways live-action television of the 1970s could not. Featuring nearly the entire original cast, the series delivered memorable episodes such as “Yesteryear,” “The Slaver Weapon,” “The Time Trap,” and “More Tribbles, More Troubles,” many of which remain fan favorites decades later. The series has since earned official canon status and stands as an important chapter in Star Trek history.
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Star Trek: The Animated Series – Season 2 Episode Reviews
Starbase48 Episode Ratings
Rating Scale
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Masterpiece / Essential Viewing
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ = Excellent
- ⭐⭐⭐⭐ = Very Good
- ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ = Good
- ⭐⭐☆☆☆ = Below Average
- ⭐☆☆☆☆ = Weak Episode
Season 2 (1974)
| # | Episode | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Pirates of Orion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 2 | Bem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 3 | The Practical Joker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 4 | Albatross | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
| 5 | How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5.0) |
| 6 | The Counter-Clock Incident | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4.5) |
⭐ Starbase48 Top Episodes – Season 2
| Rank | Episode | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 2 | The Practical Joker | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 3 | Bem | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| 4 | The Pirates of Orion | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 5 | The Counter-Clock Incident | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| 6 | Albatross | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
⭐ Starbase48 Editor’s Awards
🏆 Best Episode
How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the most ambitious stories in The Animated Series, this episode explores ancient astronaut mythology as the Enterprise encounters Kukulkan, an alien worshipped as a god by ancient civilizations. The story blends archaeology, mythology, and classic Star Trek philosophy into a memorable adventure.
🖖 Best Character Episode
Bem ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lieutenant Arex takes center stage as the Enterprise escorts the enigmatic observer Bem. The episode examines Starfleet’s Prime Directive while allowing several supporting characters to shine.
🚀 Best Science Fiction Story
The Practical Joker ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Enterprise computer develops a mischievous personality after passing through an energy field, leading to humorous yet increasingly dangerous pranks. The concept was ahead of its time and remains one of the series’ most entertaining science fiction ideas.
👽 Best Alien Concept
How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kukulkan is among the most fascinating alien beings introduced during the animated era, challenging humanity’s understanding of mythology and first contact.
⚕️ Best Medical Story
Albatross ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Dr. McCoy is accused of spreading a deadly plague, forcing the Enterprise crew to uncover the truth before he is sentenced. The episode offers a compelling blend of mystery and medical ethics.
🌌 Best Adventure Episode
The Pirates of Orion ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
As Spock races against time to receive a life-saving blood transfusion, the Enterprise pursues Orion pirates through dangerous territory, delivering a suspenseful and action-filled mission.
⭐ Best Series Finale
The Counter-Clock Incident ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
The final episode introduces Commodore Robert April, the Enterprise’s first captain, while presenting a clever story involving reverse aging and an inverted universe. It provides a thoughtful conclusion to the animated continuation of the original five-year mission.
⭐ Overall Season Rating
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Storytelling | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Character Development | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
| Voice Acting | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Animation | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Music | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Canon Importance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Rewatch Value | ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ |
Overall Season Score: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5)
Although only six episodes long, Season 2 of Star Trek: The Animated Series delivers some of the franchise’s most imaginative storytelling. Episodes like “How Sharper Than a Serpent’s Tooth,” “Bem,” and “The Practical Joker” showcase the creative freedom animation provided, allowing the writers to explore concepts beyond the limitations of live-action television in the 1970s. The introduction of Commodore Robert April, the continued development of the Enterprise crew, and the series’ thoughtful science fiction ideas have earned this season a lasting place in Star Trek history.
These Starbase48 editorial ratings complete the Star Trek: The Animated Series Episode Guide, covering all 22 episodes of the series for Starbase48.com.
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Contact Starbase48 with any questions you might have regarding any aspects of our club. Contact Starbase48