This Collider feature highlights ten episodes of Star Trek: The Original Series that the author argues are essential viewing, even for those who aren't devoted fans of the franchise. The piece reflects on the show's enduring cultural influence since its 1967 debut, noting its exploration of philosophical and political themes despite its now-dated effects and acting, and frames these selections as the strongest examples of the series' inventive storytelling.

Among the entries discussed are "The Trouble with Tribbles" (Season 2), praised for its comedic tone and the introduction of the popular Tribble creatures, and "The Corbomite Maneuver" (Season 1), highlighted as a turning point where the show found its identity through strong worldbuilding and one of Captain Kirk's most cunning moments. "The Enemy Within" (Season 1) is also mentioned, involving a transporter accident that splits Kirk into two beings, though the article text provided is cut off before covering the remaining seven entries on the list.