We're all wired differently, so I expect we all have different takes on and tastes in things. Still, many regard "City on the Edge of Forever" as the best of the original "Star Trek" series, and it may well be. However, the two-part "The Menagerie" (creating a framing story around the scrapped pilot film "The Cage") has far more story (and colourful settings/situations) to chew on, and "The Naked Time" makes some definitive characterisations of the main cast, as well as being a 'nail biter' of a suspense yarn in the second half of the episode. I suspect Ellison nicked his "We were successful" line of Spock's in "City on the Edge of Forever" from "Naked Time"---if not the whole premise of time travel in a "Star Trek" yarn. Also, the Guardian's statement, "All is as it was," was already spoken by the Thasian in "Charlie X."
"City on the Edge of Forever" is beautifully written and acted, as has been stated by volumes of fans. Some even give kudos to director Joseph Pevney (who said he intentionally shot this episode in the style of a movie rather than a TV show). However, after perhaps a dozen viewings of "City" over several dozen years, it becomes apparent that the MUSIC is also an essential ingredient in its success, and Fred Steiner composed the new cues (using a few old ones by Mullendore and the usual Alexander Courage "Star Trek" theme song). Fred Steiner, just as Max Steiner (no relation) did with "As Time Goes By" in "Casablanca", weaves the theme of "Good Night, Sweetheart" into various portions of "City on the Edge of Forever" to great effect, even in a minor key in the final portion. Very, very effective blend of audio-visual from many contributors, though screenwriter Harlan Ellison (and script doctor Gene Roddenberry) is usually singled out, and deservedly so.
Minor quibbles: watching this episode on DVD without the original commercial interruptions causes the story to progress a bit too quickly. The advertisements actually seem to 'spread out' the progression of time a bit, without which the central love story rolls forward a bit too fast (but we're only talking about a 50 minute episode, folks). Also, it is supposed to take place in New York City of 1930, but the buildings just aren't tall enough. Shatner and guest star Joan Collins even pass by Floyd's barber shop (from "The Andy Griffith Show"!) in a night scene. Matte paintings to heighten the buildings would have helped.
Nevertheless, working with a very limited budget and some very creative people, this absolutely sublime episode captures lightning in a bottle. Watch it and see why.
"City on the Edge of Forever" is beautifully written and acted, as has been stated by volumes of fans. Some even give kudos to director Joseph Pevney (who said he intentionally shot this episode in the style of a movie rather than a TV show). However, after perhaps a dozen viewings of "City" over several dozen years, it becomes apparent that the MUSIC is also an essential ingredient in its success, and Fred Steiner composed the new cues (using a few old ones by Mullendore and the usual Alexander Courage "Star Trek" theme song). Fred Steiner, just as Max Steiner (no relation) did with "As Time Goes By" in "Casablanca", weaves the theme of "Good Night, Sweetheart" into various portions of "City on the Edge of Forever" to great effect, even in a minor key in the final portion. Very, very effective blend of audio-visual from many contributors, though screenwriter Harlan Ellison (and script doctor Gene Roddenberry) is usually singled out, and deservedly so.
Minor quibbles: watching this episode on DVD without the original commercial interruptions causes the story to progress a bit too quickly. The advertisements actually seem to 'spread out' the progression of time a bit, without which the central love story rolls forward a bit too fast (but we're only talking about a 50 minute episode, folks). Also, it is supposed to take place in New York City of 1930, but the buildings just aren't tall enough. Shatner and guest star Joan Collins even pass by Floyd's barber shop (from "The Andy Griffith Show"!) in a night scene. Matte paintings to heighten the buildings would have helped.
Nevertheless, working with a very limited budget and some very creative people, this absolutely sublime episode captures lightning in a bottle. Watch it and see why.