The Best “Bad” Star Trek Episodes

Summary

• Some “bad” Star Trek episodes have gained cult followings for their unintentional humor and absurd plots.
• Episodes like “Spock’s Brain” and “Threshold” became fan favorites due to their camp factor.
• Despite criticism for being outlandish or cringeworthy, these episodes offer unique charm and comedic value for viewers.

Since 1966, Star Trek has gifted audiences with some of the best sci-fi storytelling of all time. However, over the years, certain episodes have earned a negative reputation thanks to strange plots, outdated special effects, or bizarre storytelling choices. Despite this, many of these so-called bad episodes have garnered a cult following. Full of camp and charm, fans have come to love these episodes for their quirks, and dubbed them so bad that they’re actually amazing. Let’s take a look at some of these iconic moments.

“Spock’s Brain” (The Original Series)

Season 3, Episode 1

In the third season premiere of Star Trek: The Original Series, the Enterprise crew faces a crisis when an alien woman surgically removes Spock’s brain, intending to use it to control her society’s central computer. The episode is infamous for its outlandish premise and has been widely criticized by fans and cast members alike. William Shatner (Captain Kirk) referred to it as one of the series’ worst episodes, and Leonard Nimoy (Spock) admitted to feeling embarrassed during its filming.

But despite its reputation, “Spock’s Brain” has achieved top-tier status among fans who appreciate its unintentional humor and wonderfully ridiculous appeal. The moment where McCoy (Jackson DeForest Kelley) operates on Spock while Spock calmly instructs him, brainless yet somehow still helpful, is absurdist comedy gold.

“Brain and brain! What is brain?!”

“The Way to Eden” (The Original Series)

Season 3, Episode 20

Later in Season 3, “The Way to Eden” introduces a group of space hippies led by the eccentric Dr. Sevrin, who hijack the Enterprise in search of a mythical planet called Eden. The episode attempts to tap into the 1960s counterculture movement, but does so in a manner that many viewers found cringeworthy. The portrayal of the flower-power dropouts, complete with musical interludes and bad dialogue, has been criticized for being out of touch and awkward.

However, some fans find enjoyment in the episode’s campiness and its reflection of the era’s cultural zeitgeist. One of the most memorable moments comes when Spock, always the epitome of logic, picks up a Vulcan lute and jams with the hippies. For viewers who can embrace the sheer weirdness, “The Way to Eden” is an absolute blast. Watching a bunch of groovy space travelers rebel against “the man” (aka Shatner’s Kirk) while Spock earnestly tries to understand their philosophy is a unique kind of entertainment.

“Threshold” (Voyager)

Season 2, Episode 15

In the second season of Star Trek: Voyager, titled “Threshold,” Lieutenant Tom Paris becomes the first human to break the transwarp barrier and, as a result, “evolves” into a giant space salamander. Then, in an even more ridiculous turn of events, Paris kidnaps Captain Janeway and turns her into a salamander too. The episode’s cheesy scientific lunacy has made it a frequent target of criticism.

Despite its flaws, “Threshold” has become a fan favorite for its sheer audacity and the unintentional humor stemming from its outlandish plot. The episode peaks in absurdity when Janeway and Paris, now full-blown space salamanders, are found lounging on a swamp planet with their newborn amphibious offspring. It’s the kind of “so bad, it’s good” material that has to be seen to be believed.

The production team hated the episode so much that writer/producer Brannon Braga later called it a “royal, steaming stinker” on the DVD commentary. However, the controversial episode actually won an Emmy for Outstanding Makeup and even sold Tom Paris salamander action figures.

“Move Along Home” (Deep Space Nine)

Season 1, Episode 10

In this DS9 fever dream, an alien race called the Wadi forces Avery Brooks’ Captain Sisko and his crew into a bizarre board game where they have to complete challenges to escape. Rather than being tense and mysterious as the writers likely intended, the episode plays out like a bad ’90s game show. It has been criticized for its perceived lack of depth, with some fans finding the scenarios trivial and out of place within the series’ typically serious narrative.

Yet, “Move Along Home” offers a departure from the usual tone of Deep Space Nine, providing a lighthearted experience. The sight of Sisko, Kira, and Dax being forced to hopscotch their way to survival is a comedic highlight that preceded the recent hit television hit Squid Game by almost thirty years.

“Allamaraine, count to four! Allamaraine, then three more!”

“Sub Rosa” (The Next Generation)

Season 7, Episode 14

One of several infamous TNG episodes, “Sub Rosa” centers on Dr. Beverly Crusher, who becomes romantically involved with a mysterious entity that has been seducing the women in her family for generations. The episode’s gothic love story and melodramatic elements resemble that of a cheesy paranormal romance novel.

However, since its airing, “Sub Rosa” has gained a following for its divergence from typical Star Trek episodes, embracing a genre rarely explored in the series. The over-the-top nature of Beverly’s ghost-romance, particularly when she experiences what can only be described as a supernatural “intimate encounter,” elevates this episode to high camp.

“I have loved you, Beverly… and I will always love you.”

“The Royale” (The Next Generation)

Season 2, Episode 12

When Riker, Data, and Worf find themselves trapped in a low-budget casino simulation based on a pulpy novel, things get weird. The episode is a mix of bad fiction tropes, inexplicable plot twists, and stock characters. Thankfully, the camp factor is through the roof in this now-beloved TNG episode, especially when Data, dressed like a 1940s gambler, starts rolling dice with supernatural luck and deadpan precision. Add in the melodramatic dialogue of the artificial “hotel guests,” and “The Royale” becomes an unexpected comedic treasure.

The novel’s dialogue is so bad that even the characters in-universe comment on how awful it is. Despite initial criticism, Star Trek’s homage to pulp fiction and B-movies has been cemented as a must-watch in recent years.

“A Fistful of Datas” (The Next Generation)

Season 6, Episode 8

Continuing with iconic Data moments in The Next Generation, this Western-themed Holodeck episode delivers on the camp. When the Western simulation malfunctions, Worf and Alexander find themselves trapped in a showdown where every character in town has been replaced by a version of Data. Brent Spiner’s enthusiastic performance as various Wild West villains, complete with twirling mustaches, is both ridiculous and delightful.

From Data’s exaggerated outlaw drawl to Worf’s cowboy persona reluctantly taking shape, “A Fistful of Datas” embraces its own absurdity. The ham-fisted episode is elevated to legendary status as Worf, armed with a sheriff’s badge and a sense of bewilderment, deals with saloon brawls and gunfights while his son Alexander gleefully soaks in the adventure.

“There’s gonna be trouble, Sheriff.”

“Rascals” (The Next Generation)

Season 6, Episode 9

Nothing beats Patrick Stewart’s tiny, child-sized Captain Picard. After a transporter accident turns Picard, Keiko (Rosalind Chao), Guinan (Whoopi Goldberg), and Ro (Michelle Forbes) into kids, “Rascals” quickly devolves into an episode of hilarious head-scratching moments featuring child actors attempting to mimic their adult counterparts.

The episode is brimming with “so bad it’s good” charm, particularly when young Picard, played by David Birkin, insists to Riker, “It’s me, Number One!” while still trying to maintain his usual authority. Add in the Ferengi taking over the Enterprise (and getting outwitted by children), and “Rascals” lands firmly as peak TNG camp.

While these episodes may not be celebrated as the pinnacle of Star Trek storytelling, they offer a unique charm that resonates with fans. Whether it’s Spock getting his brain stolen, Data playing a cowboy, or Captain Picard commanding the Enterprise a 10-year-old, these episodes prove that sometimes, bad can be absolutely brilliant.