The 7 Darkest Episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series

Embarking on unprecedented journeys – that’s the spirit encapsulated in ‘Star Trek: The Original Series.’ This iconic show was renowned for its pioneering science fiction narratives, offering captivating tales that challenged conventional wisdom and social norms of the era. Creator Gene Roddenberry’s optimistic vision has left an indelible mark on viewers with its positive portrayal of humanity’s future. Yet, ‘Star Trek’ didn’t shy away from exploring darker themes. Despite its vibrant colors, dazzling lights, and cheerful settings, episodes occasionally held unexpected and chilling revelations.

As a devoted cinema enthusiast, I can’t help but be captivated by the Enterprise’s journey through the cosmos. From narratives exploring genocide and slavery to portrayals of psychological distress and human vulnerability, it becomes evident that the stars can harbor as much danger as they do wonder.

Though often appreciated for its comedic undertones and nostalgic appeal, The Original Series doesn’t shy away from delving into darker themes. From android insurgents to hidden genocidal leaders, this series fearlessly tackled complex moral issues head-on. This bold approach paved the way for the moral intricacies that later Star Trek series would fully embrace, most notably in these seven episodes.

7) “Charlie X” (Season 1, Episode 2)

The second episode of the first series, titled “Charlie X,” marked an impressive early highlight for Star Trek. In this episode, we’re introduced to Charlie, a young man rescued after years on an alien planet following the demise of his crew in a crash landing. Initially, Charlie appears clumsy but harmless as he adjusts to life aboard the Enterprise. However, it soon becomes apparent that he possesses extraordinary abilities bestowed upon him by the native Thasians, an alien race from the planet where he had been stranded. These powers, including telepathy and transfiguration, could potentially be used for good. Yet, due to his lack of human interaction during his formative years, Charlie misuses these godlike powers, behaving like a volatile child: vanishing crew members, causing physical harm, and in one chilling instance, obliterating a woman’s face.

The disturbing scene, where the ensign struggles with her throat and seems to be choking, stands out as one of the most distressing moments in the Star Trek Original Series (TOS). What truly sets this episode apart, however, is Charlie’s intense longing to fit in. Beneath his tough exterior, Charlie is essentially a lost and troubled young boy who has been given power he can’t comprehend, making his tragic end even more heart-wrenching. Charlie is eventually forced back to the Thasians, against his will, and cries out in terror as they take him away forever. This episode marked one of Star Trek’s first forays into horror, with Charlie’s final cry of “I wanna stay!” lingering long after he was transported away.

6) “The Conscience of the King” (Season 1, Episode 13)

In a surprising turn of events, Captain Kirk learns that Anton Karidian, who heads a theatrical troupe performing Shakespeare’s Macbeth in the 23rd century, might be none other than Kodos, the former governor of the colony Tarsus IV. Kodos was infamously responsible for ordering mass genocide on the planet years prior, an event that Kirk, then a 13-year-old colonist, witnessed firsthand due to a failed harvest and lack of food supplies. This chilling episode has sparked countless fanfictions, delving into Kirk’s harrowing experiences and his time on Tarsus IV.

In this rephrased version, the mystery unfolds similar to a post-World War II narrative centered around Nazi hunts, featuring survivors, secrecy, and retribution. Notably, it shares parallels with the trials of senior Nazi officials post World War II. It transpires that Karidian is indeed Kodos, and his daughter Lenore has been systematically killing the nine remaining eyewitnesses who could expose him to protect him. When her father sacrifices himself by taking a phaser shot meant for Kirk, Lenore is left devastated. Justice prevails, yet it comes at a chilling cost, as well as the awareness of the ordeal Kirk likely faced on Tarsus IV at a young age. This episode offers a fresh perspective on our brave Captain and serves as a reminder that even those capable of heinous acts can be loving family members who believe they are in the right.

5) “The Gamesters of Triskelion” (Season 2, Episode 16)

As a passionate Star Trek fan, let me share my take on an episode that left quite an impact: In a peculiar narrative twist, I found myself, Captain Kirk, Uhura, and Chekov, being abducted and compelled to engage in gladiatorial combat for the amusement of these enigmatic beings known as the “Providers.” They appeared as disembodied brains, seemingly controlling lesser beings like us as disposable toys for their entertainment.

These Providers imposed Shock Collars, or ‘Collars of Obedience,’ to keep us in check. Our lives were a constant struggle between obedience training and forced combat, which gradually chipped away our sense of dignity. Kirk’s cunning intelligence ultimately outwitted the Providers, but even this supposedly joyous liberation felt tainted by the stark resemblance to slavery and the unsettling undertones of colonialism. This episode stands out as one of the most thought-provoking yet chilling installments in the series, offering a poignant commentary on power dynamics and oppression.

The lives of the liberated thralls continue to be grim, marked by decades of brutality and servitude. The ominous backdrop – individuals treated as mere entertainment by cruel masters – sets this episode of Star Trek apart as one of its most disturbing. However, the key occurrence that secures the episode a spot on our list is the attempted attack on Uhura by one of the Providers’ henchmen. Although the distressing incident itself isn’t depicted, the intense expression on Captain Kirk’s face as he calls out to his friend and fellow crew member, confined in a separate cell and unable to defend her, along with Uhura’s cries, is truly chilling and might be one of the darkest moments in all of Original Series (TOS).

4) “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” (Season 1, Episode 7)

Aficionados of “Strange New Worlds” might recall Doctor Korby from the latest season, who was presented as Nurse Chapel’s new groom-to-be. However, it’s important to note that Korby wasn’t just a fresh romantic interest for Christine; instead, their engagement was established way back in “The Original Series” episode titled “What Are Little Girls Made Of?” In this episode, Kirk and Nurse Chapel journeyed to the icy planet Exo-III to locate Roger, who had been missing until then. The reason behind Christine joining the Enterprise turned out to be finding him. When they arrived on the planet, they stumbled upon a former kind soul named Korby, who was now producing malevolent android duplicates of humans using extraterrestrial technology. When Korby manufactured an android Kirk to infiltrate the Enterprise, it became clear just how sinister his plan was: he aimed to establish a future where humanity is phased out by machines, starting by replacing life forms on other planets like Exo-III.

What could have driven Korby to act this way? That question may cross your mind. However, the truth is even more troubling – it appears that the genuine Korby perished years ago from frostbite, and in a desperate bid to survive, he transferred his consciousness into one of his experimental androids. The Korby we encounter is merely a faded echo of the original being, devoid of his humanity. Kirk and his team are compelled to take action, eventually leading to the destruction of every android, including Korby’s beloved Andrea, at the episode’s end. This leaves viewers with a mixture of sadness and thoughtfulness. The story is remarkably apt in today’s era of AI and automation, serving as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with allowing technology to erode our very humanity.

3) “The Mark of Gideon” (Season 3, Episode 16)

During a diplomatic visit to planet Gideon, Captain Kirk discovers that he’s unwittingly fallen into a cunning trap set by the planet’s rulers. Overpopulation has become a dire issue on Gideon, leaving their society on the brink of collapse with citizens cramped together like sardines in overcrowded conditions. To resolve this crisis, the leaders have conceived an alarming solution. They aim to reintroduce the potentially fatal disease Vegan choriomeningitis, a condition Kirk unknowingly carries, among their genetically flawless populace to decrease the population. Ambassador Hodin, in his desperation, has volunteered his daughter, Odona, as the first test subject, fully grasping the risk that she might lose her life for the greater good and inspire others to follow suit.

Periodically throughout the episode, images of crowded people pressed against Enterprise windows, their distressed expressions, evoke a sense of claustrophobia in viewers and even make one empathize with the desperate actions of the Gideon Leadership. The concept of a civilization intentionally reintroducing death as a method for population control is haunting, yet it doesn’t seem far-fetched when considering the ongoing debates about resources and wealth inequality in our own society. This episode stands out on our list because it remains relevant after almost 6 decades, demonstrating that the challenges facing us as a society continue to persist. The grim sacrifice of Odona, coupled with her father’s callous acceptance, makes this one of TOS’s most profound social critiques.

The crowded images of people pressed against Enterprise windows throughout the episode may induce feelings of claustrophobia and even make you understand the desperate choices made by the Gideon Leadership. The idea that a civilization would use death as a means to control their population is chilling, yet it feels like it could happen in our world where we frequently discuss issues related to resources and wealth distribution. This episode is notable because it remains relevant even after almost 60 years, showing that the societal problems we face have persisted. The dark portrayal of Odona’s sacrifice and her father’s cold acceptance make this one of TOS’s most insightful social comments.

2) “A Taste of Armageddon” (Season 1, Episode 23)

When Starship Enterprise visits planet Eminiar VII, long embroiled in conflict with neighboring Vendikar, the crew uncovers a unique method of waging war between these planets – they simulate battles via computers and execute designated victims in disintegration chambers based on the results. Kirk and his team are shocked. While the violence is hidden from the general populace, enabling them to live their lives as usual, the consequences remain fatal for the unlucky casualties selected.

Through advanced technology, wars have been made more sanitized and effective, thereby minimizing the grim reality associated with conflict, which reduces incentives for peace. In this episode’s intriguing premise, Kirk destroys the war-controlling machines, compelling the planets to either continue fighting traditionally, experiencing firsthand the harsh realities of violence, or seek peace. However, what makes this scenario unsettling is the populace’s unquestioning obedience leading to their certain demise and an apparent disregard for war’s consequences on the planet. This long-standing condition allows people to forget that there exists an alternative to perpetual conflict, as portrayed in Star Trek – war without suffering leads to war without resolution, presenting one of the series’ most profound moral teachings.

1. “The Enemy Within” (Season 1, Episode 5)

In one of the original ‘Star Trek’ episodes that sparked numerous stories afterwards, titled “The Enemy Within”, there occurs an anomaly with a transporter where Captain Kirk gets divided into two distinct personalities. One is passive and hesitant, while the other is belligerent and fierce. The aggressive Kirk wreaks havoc on the crew, seemingly overwhelmed by his violent instincts, whereas the gentle Kirk wrestles to maintain his role as our familiar strong leader and decisive Captain, without his shadowy impulses and risk-taking nature that counterbalance the rule-abiding do-gooder. This episode stirs up thought-provoking questions about human character. Is it possible for us to be complete, and are we truly human if we lack our imperfections? Are darker tendencies sometimes essential components of leadership, of what defines us as unique individuals?

In a chilling portrayal, William Shatner’s depiction of Kirk’s malevolent side is unsettlingly authentic. Unlike typical sci-fi tropes like alien possession or mind-altering substances, there’s no excuse for his erratic behavior. It’s purely him. What makes this episode particularly disturbing is the attempted assault on Yeoman Rand – a daring and ominous plot twist that reveals Kirk’s capacity for darkness and the potentially sinister impulses hidden beneath his admirable facade, even at an early stage in the series. “The Enemy Within” might be the darkest moment of The Original Series, as it forces us to question Kirk’s true nature and the harm caused before he regains control over himself.

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2025-09-01 19:16