I usually find anthologies more interesting if each episode has a different cast. Therefore I prefer The Twilight Zone overall, though a good ST is better than an average TZ. The characters and foibles of the regular cast are so well known there is probably nothing new to say. I tend to like ST where the crew come into conflict with a strong, interesting personality, they are not confined to the Enterprise, and time travel is involved. My dozen star episodes, in no particular order:
A Piece of the Action & Patterns of Force. A few episodes have such similar themes they could almost be classed as twins. Kirk & Co get involved with planets modelled on recent Earth history, ironically with neither period having the slightest thing to commend it.
The Squire of Gothos & Whom Gods Destroy. Kirk locks horns with pompous, power crazed authoritarians. I'm surprised the latter isn't more highly rated. Who Mourns for Adonias falls into the same category, albeit with not such a good story.
Mirror, Mirror. The swopping of places with doppelgangers from a ruthless, piratical alternative universe gives an opportunity for acting outside their usual personas.
Shore Leave. One of the most past-paced, lots of outdoor action. Entertaining, over-the-top performance from Bruce Mars as Kirks' mischievous Academy tormentor. And not forgetting Emily Banks as Yeoman Barrows.
Tomorrow is Yesterday. Mostly Enterprise bound but good time travel story. Best scene is where Kirk reluctantly tells Capt. Christopher that due to his knowledge of the future he cannot be sent back to Earth. A better title would have been a phrase used by Christopher during this encounter - "prisoners in time".
Dagger of the Mind. Not one of the most exciting plots, it earns its place due to the only appearance of Marianna Hill, surely the best eye candy to appear in either the original series or, it almost goes without saying, the dull modern ST.
This Side of Paradise. They engage with the polite but stubborn Elias Sandeval (Frank Overton). Not in the same league as Garth of Izor and General Trelane, in fact he was quite reasonable according to the empirical evidence.
Assignment Earth. Another time travel tale, which some dislike due to Kirk and Spock playing subordinate roles. In fact for once Spock virtually admits to someone being smarter than himself.
Turnaround Intruder. Currently the most poorly rated of my picks, probably due to perceived sexism. More weight should be given to the clever script and excellent acting.
City on the Edge of Forever. I could hardly leave this one out, what more is there to say?
The Squire of Gothos & Whom Gods Destroy. Kirk locks horns with pompous, power crazed authoritarians. I'm surprised the latter isn't more highly rated. Who Mourns for Adonias falls into the same category, albeit with not such a good story.
Mirror, Mirror. The swopping of places with doppelgangers from a ruthless, piratical alternative universe gives an opportunity for acting outside their usual personas.
Shore Leave. One of the most past-paced, lots of outdoor action. Entertaining, over-the-top performance from Bruce Mars as Kirks' mischievous Academy tormentor. And not forgetting Emily Banks as Yeoman Barrows.
Tomorrow is Yesterday. Mostly Enterprise bound but good time travel story. Best scene is where Kirk reluctantly tells Capt. Christopher that due to his knowledge of the future he cannot be sent back to Earth. A better title would have been a phrase used by Christopher during this encounter - "prisoners in time".
Dagger of the Mind. Not one of the most exciting plots, it earns its place due to the only appearance of Marianna Hill, surely the best eye candy to appear in either the original series or, it almost goes without saying, the dull modern ST.
This Side of Paradise. They engage with the polite but stubborn Elias Sandeval (Frank Overton). Not in the same league as Garth of Izor and General Trelane, in fact he was quite reasonable according to the empirical evidence.
Assignment Earth. Another time travel tale, which some dislike due to Kirk and Spock playing subordinate roles. In fact for once Spock virtually admits to someone being smarter than himself.
Turnaround Intruder. Currently the most poorly rated of my picks, probably due to perceived sexism. More weight should be given to the clever script and excellent acting.
City on the Edge of Forever. I could hardly leave this one out, what more is there to say?