Ep 1. The Man Trap
- TV-PG
- September 8, 1966
- 50 min
-
7.2 (6,087)
Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise embark on their first mission in "The Man Trap," the premiere episode of the original Star Trek series. The episode begins with the Enterprise arriving at planet M-113 to conduct a resupply mission for the archaeologist, Dr. Robert Crater, and his wife, Nancy, who are studying the planet's ruins.
Upon beaming down to the planet, Kirk and his away team are shocked to discover that Nancy, an old flame of Dr. McCoy, isn't what she seems. While McCoy is overjoyed to see his former love, Kirk and the rest of the Enterprise crew members observe her strange behavior. Soon enough, it becomes clear that the planet's ruins contain a deadly alien creature, capable of shape-shifting into any form it desires, taking on the appearance of anyone it kills.
As the Enterprise continues its mission on the planet, the deadly alien creature leaves a trail of destruction in its wake, causing Kirk and his crew to go on a frantic search for the creature in order to protect themselves from its unpredictable attacks. In a tense race against time, the Enterprise crew must outsmart the alien creature before it claims any more of their lives.
"The Man Trap" stands out for its classic sci-fi elements, as Kirk and his team venture into the unknown and encounter a dangerous enemy that they must outsmart to survive. The episode also deals with themes surrounding relationships and trust, as McCoy's feelings for Nancy cloud his judgment and put both himself and his crewmates in danger.
Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into the dynamics of the Enterprise crew, as Kirk struggles to maintain order and safety in the midst of chaos. There are also moments of levity as the crew members banter with each other and showcase their unique personalities and skills, providing insight into what makes this group of people such a formidable team.
Overall, "The Man Trap" sets the stage for what would become a beloved franchise, paving the way for future installments of the Star Trek saga. The episode sets a high bar for exciting and thought-provoking sci-fi storytelling, while also introducing viewers to iconic characters like Kirk, Spock, and McCoy. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or just discovering it for the first time, "The Man Trap" is an excellent starting point for exploring the world of Star Trek.