Star Trek - The Complete Second Season (DVD, 2004, 7-Disc Set, Collector's Edition)

My husband and I enjoyed the third season set so much that we decided to order the first and second seasons. We are of an age that we remember seeing them on television the first time they were aired in the 60s, and it brings back a lot of memories. The Original Series cast characterizations are so finely drawn that they are indelibly etched in our psyche. The series has a real tongue-in-cheek humour that is vastly entertaining. It never took itself seriously, even though a few episodes had a "message" to them. We laugh at "The Shat's" scene-chewing acting style. We chortle at the outraged Bones' reply, "I'm a doctor, not a ...." or "He's dead, Jim". We giggle at Spock's ever logical observations. We quickly cite which Red Shirt crew member of the Enterprise landing party will soon bite the dust as an expendable resource to further the plot. We snigger at the low tech look of the control panels on the bridge. We deride the revealing, sex-object oriented costumes of the female cast members and Kirk's immediate attempts to seduce the females, whether they be green, blue, alien or Earthling. Every moment of every episode provides an opportunity for laughter and enjoyment, and we do enjoy every moment. The digitally remastered DVD set is very clear, and I even use my 3D glasses for the opening sequences of each episode as the Enterprise rockets through space. The sound quality is great, and the extra features add a lot to the experience as well. It is wonderful to watch the episodes without the distraction of commercials. I can heartily recommend all 3 seasons of this series for those who love good science fiction, especially vintage science fiction.

Season two of the original Star Trek presents several of the series' best moments, but also many of its worst. Some of Star Trek's most memorable episodes take place during this season, including "The Doomsday Machine", "Mirror, Mirror", and the Spock-based stories "Amok Time" and "Journey to Babel". The unquestionable highlight of the season, of course, is "The Trouble with Tribbles", the most comedy-based original series episode and one which also boasts an excellent plot.

Unfortunately, the majority of the season is of significantly lower quality. What's missing from season two is a long string of high-quality episodes like the second half of season one. Season two offers some good stories, but the average episode is significantly less innovative and compelling that the average episode of season one. Plus, sprinkled about are such laughable episodes as "Metamorphosis" and "The Omega Glory". By Season two, writers were recycling stories. While season one's "The Return of the Archons" was intriguing, season two's "The Apple" is simply the return of "The Return of the Archons". How many societies are subject to mind control by computers? And, on the topic of "...Archons", how many times can Kirk save the day at the last minute by convincing a homicidal computer that it must self-destruct because it has erred? Answer: 4 (3 times this season!).

Season two of the original Star Trek contains its most humourous and adventurous episode "The Trouble with Tribbles", it develops Spock's Vulcan heritage, and it contains some poignant episodes like "Return to Tomorrow" and "Obsession". But too often stories are recycled and lacking in creativity. Perhaps worse, unlike seasons one and three, there are no great episodes which significantly develop the conflict with the Romulans or the Kligons. Even the famous "Mirror, Mirror" is just for fun and has no real plot or long-term consequences for the series. It is this disconnect with the exciting and innovative side of Star Trek that makes season two suffer most.

I started getting into Star Trek The Original Series a few months ago after watching it on late night tv. I immediately fell in love with the great mix of characters and interesting story plots that mixed science with adventure. It was an advanced show for its time, having the first interracial kiss ever shown on tv and showing technology that even today seems so far in the future. From reading Leonard Nimoy's two autobiographies, I learned that season 2 was rich in information on Spock and his shadowed origin and Vulcan culture. This show was phenomenal and I love to watch it again and again. Even though some of the special effects are cheesy for today's generation, the extras show how they were cleverly designed to be effective with the show's budget and did the job nicely. This show set the stage for American SciFi and I'm always honored to watch it.

Star Trek Season II is every bit as enjoyable as season 1. Here, you'll find such classic episodes as "A Piece of the Action" (a planet filled with 20's style mobsters!), "Amok Time" (Spock gets horny!), Mirror Mirror (Spock with goatee!), and of course, the famous "Trouble with Tribbles"! My favorite episode of them all, "The Doomsday Machine" can be found on this set as well. Every episode is a classic...well, except for "Assignment:Earth", which is a half-assed attempt to launch a new series. The Crew of the Enterprise takes a backseat to the adventures of "Gary 7". Yikes! But aside from that one letdown, the season stands up quite well. Being able to watch Star Trek any time of day is a great priviledge. It's like an old friend and makes you feel good every time! Only a Mugatu would be foolish enough to pass up the opportunity to own this fine set!

Pros: Everything

Cons: More archive materials that should be in the series.

The classic and it made history, for you Trekkies out there I am not going to say what Trek is all about. But bout time Paramount release the full 2nd season on DVD. If NBC had any brains at all, they should have giving Trek another 2 season to add it's legacy, but history is always unfair!