Noted Animated Star Trek Episodes
The Cartoon Starring the Original Crew of the Enterprise
Dec 18, 2008
Filmation produced two seasons of Star Trek the Animated Series, starring basically everyone (except Walter Koenig) from the original show. Some of the cast members played multiple parts within the show, most notably James Doohan, who played almost every male on the show other than the men of the crew of the Enterprise.
Events in the animated show are generally not considered part of the continuity of the Star Trek universe, but there are still some events and situations that occurred during the series' run that are worth paying attention to.
Yesteryear
In the episode, Yesteryear, Spock travels back in time to save his younger self from dying during the Vulcan coming of age ritual. The episode is probably the best loved of all the animated programs and is widely thought to fit within the Star Trek continuity despite not being officially part of it.
Also of note is the guest appearance of Mark Lenard, reprising his role of Sarek, Spock's father.
The Lorelei Signal
In this episode, the male crew of the Enterprise are drawn to a mysterious planet by a signal reminiscent of the Siren's song in Homer's The Odyssey. The women of the crew must come to the rescue of the men who are rendered helpless by the signal. Both Majel Barrett and Nichelle Nichols play multiple roles in this female heavy episode.
Considering that the year was 1973, the idea of the female members of the crew taking over and saving the day was as radical as Gene Roddenbury's insistence on the inclusion of an African-American woman on the bridge of the Enterprise in the late 1960's.
More Trouble, More Tribbles
Trouble making Cyrano Jones returns to test the Enterprise crew's resolve once more, only this time he's brought a tribble predator along to help control his sterilized tribbles.
This episode is another fan favourite, written by the same writer who wrote the original Trouble with Tribbles episode for the original series. Stanley Adams returns to the role of Cyrano Jones and in a rare instance of a writer getting the opportunity to act in his own episode,David Gerrold gets a guest star credit for voicing Korax.
Mudd's Passion
The incorrigible Harcourt Fenton Mudd returns to torment Captain Kirk once more. This time, he's selling a phony love potion that turns out to be the real thing.
Roger C. Carmel returns to the role he played twice on the original show, Harry Mudd.
The Counter Clock Incident
The Enterprise accidentally travels to an alternate universe where time runs backwards. Before long, the crew is too young to operate the ship. Fortunately, Robert April and his wife are passengers and because of their advanced age, remain able to control the ship long enough to effect a rescue.
Robert April is seen for the first time. The first commander of the Enterprise, up until this episode he had appeared only in notes made by Gene Roddenberry for the original show.
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