No one who has ever watched this fascinating, unpredictable episode will forget it. From the sheer imagination of the time travel storyline, to the genuinely funny dialog of Spock and Kirk as they attempt to fit in to the world of Depression era New York City, to the tragic ending, this is simply a great episode.
Shatner's acting is superb, showing us sides of Captain James Kirk seldom even hinted at, with a vulnerability and sensitivity that make his doomed love for Edith Keeler extremely moving . Nimoy gives one of his finest performances as Mr. Spock, mixing dry humor with a real compassion and a depth of character that are amazing. We get to know both Kirk and Spock in a deeper way than in most other episodes, with a touching emphasis on their friendship. Edith comments on their obviously strong bond and tells Spock that she can see that Spock's place is by Kirk's side, as if he had always been there.
Joan Collins is simply radiant as Edith Keeler, in a role very different from her usual bad girl image. No wonder Kirk fell in love with her, as even the unemotional Spock could understand the powerful effect she had on his captain.
DeForest Kelley remains offstage for much of the episode, yet he is the focal point of everything that's happening. He does a terrific job portraying Doctor McCoy's paranoia and even grief because of the disorienting effects of his drug induced temporary insanity. One brief moment in his confrontation with the frightened derelict is especially memorable. When McCoy dimly begins to recognize that his surroundings look familiar from historical photos, he smiles and looks happy and excited for a moment, muttering that he'd love to see the hospital of this time period. Seconds later, he collapses into an overwhelming sadness at the thought of the primitive surgical methods used by Twentieth Century medicine, and weeps helplessly, as the bum looks on in a mix of fear and concern.
Which brings us to the origin of all these fine performances: the brilliant story by Harlan Ellison. The ideas, the characters, the dialog so beautifully performed by the actors all began in the mind and imagination of Ellison, and even though he wasn't happy with the changes made in his script, it is still one of the finest pieces ever written for television, of any kind.
City on the Edge of Forever has for years been one of the first Star Trek episodes I refer to when discussing the show with anyone, fan or otherwise. I saw it when it was first televised, and it has stayed with me for over forty years. Everyone connected with this production can be proud of having been a part of such a fine achievement.
Addendum: I have watched this episode four times in the last few days, and each time, am more impressed with the quality of the story telling and the acting. The ending is simply devastating. You believe utterly in Kirk's pain and loss, and Spock's detached seeming, but totally understanding and compassionate attitude. Something draws me back again and again to this episode, even though I can hardly bear to watch the overwhelmingly sad ending. From the comments by many others here, it is obvious that that this episode has had a profound effect on most viewers who have ever seen it. If you have never watched it, see it and you'll understand why.
Shatner's acting is superb, showing us sides of Captain James Kirk seldom even hinted at, with a vulnerability and sensitivity that make his doomed love for Edith Keeler extremely moving . Nimoy gives one of his finest performances as Mr. Spock, mixing dry humor with a real compassion and a depth of character that are amazing. We get to know both Kirk and Spock in a deeper way than in most other episodes, with a touching emphasis on their friendship. Edith comments on their obviously strong bond and tells Spock that she can see that Spock's place is by Kirk's side, as if he had always been there.
Joan Collins is simply radiant as Edith Keeler, in a role very different from her usual bad girl image. No wonder Kirk fell in love with her, as even the unemotional Spock could understand the powerful effect she had on his captain.
DeForest Kelley remains offstage for much of the episode, yet he is the focal point of everything that's happening. He does a terrific job portraying Doctor McCoy's paranoia and even grief because of the disorienting effects of his drug induced temporary insanity. One brief moment in his confrontation with the frightened derelict is especially memorable. When McCoy dimly begins to recognize that his surroundings look familiar from historical photos, he smiles and looks happy and excited for a moment, muttering that he'd love to see the hospital of this time period. Seconds later, he collapses into an overwhelming sadness at the thought of the primitive surgical methods used by Twentieth Century medicine, and weeps helplessly, as the bum looks on in a mix of fear and concern.
Which brings us to the origin of all these fine performances: the brilliant story by Harlan Ellison. The ideas, the characters, the dialog so beautifully performed by the actors all began in the mind and imagination of Ellison, and even though he wasn't happy with the changes made in his script, it is still one of the finest pieces ever written for television, of any kind.
City on the Edge of Forever has for years been one of the first Star Trek episodes I refer to when discussing the show with anyone, fan or otherwise. I saw it when it was first televised, and it has stayed with me for over forty years. Everyone connected with this production can be proud of having been a part of such a fine achievement.
Addendum: I have watched this episode four times in the last few days, and each time, am more impressed with the quality of the story telling and the acting. The ending is simply devastating. You believe utterly in Kirk's pain and loss, and Spock's detached seeming, but totally understanding and compassionate attitude. Something draws me back again and again to this episode, even though I can hardly bear to watch the overwhelmingly sad ending. From the comments by many others here, it is obvious that that this episode has had a profound effect on most viewers who have ever seen it. If you have never watched it, see it and you'll understand why.