Halloween: 3 Star Trek episodes that aren’t horror but will haunt your dreams

Halloween: 3 Star Trek episodes that aren't horror but will haunt your dreams

As a lifelong Star Trek enthusiast who’s seen more episodes than I care to admit, I can confidently say that these three episodes from Deep Space Nine, The Next Generation, and Enterprise are not your typical horror fodder. Instead, they delve into realms of emotional turmoil, existential dread, and isolation that linger long after the credits roll.

As a dedicated Star Trek fan, when the topic of horror arises – particularly within the realm of Star Trek – common images tend to flood our minds: eerie settings, chilling tales, and occasionally disturbing visuals are typically what spring to mind. This is especially true during Halloween. However, it’s not always a traditional horror story that leaves a lasting impact on our dreams.

Star Trek boasts a collection of episodes that, though they’re not horror, linger in your mind long after the end, causing a sense of unease. These are the episodes that truly define the spectrum of emotional experiences, reaching far beyond typical feelings.

We’re discussing three TV episodes that leave a profound impact on you, shaping you in some way. They may instill feelings of sorrow or distress, even though they portray fictional events. These episodes remain etched in your memory for a long time after viewing.

Deep Space Nine: Hard Times (4×19)

Following a conflict with an extraterrestrial administration, Chief Miles O’Brien is penalized with a 20-year prison term. During this time, he forms a bond with his fellow prisoner, Ee’char. A person whom he grows to admire and appreciate. However, upon completing his sentence, he ends up killing his cellmate. Shortly afterwards, he is reunited with his crew and family, with only a few hours having elapsed since his arrest. Contrary to expectations, it wasn’t 20 years, but just a few hours. Despite the brevity of the time, O’Brien experienced a lifetime and committed a heinous act against his sole friend. All of this, for something that never truly occurred. The tale effectively conveys the fear and philosophical turmoil such a predicament might provoke. The storytelling will leave you pondering how you would react in similar circumstances.

The Next Generation: Best of Both Worlds Part 1 and 2 (3×26 & 4×1)

Just like in the game Hard Time, Star Trek: Best of Both Worlds episodes show a chilling glimpse into a future where tech dominates. I, as Captain Picard, get assimilated by the Borg, having advanced tech implanted that’s far beyond anything we had known before. This transformation forces me to act against my own values and those dear to me. What if technology starts controlling our lives, making us do things contrary to our innermost beliefs? This two-part episode explores that question, along with many others. If you’re not concerned about the potential consequences of unchecked tech advancements, this two-parter will certainly make you think twice.

Enterprise: Doctor’s Orders (3×16)

In the series “Enterprise,” an episode explores what it feels like when you become isolated from your closest loved ones. Doctor Phlox, left alone on the ship when most of the crew sleeps, grapples with loneliness as he has only T’Pol and Captain Archer’s dog, Porthos for companionship. Despite being on a vast spacecraft, it is easy to become lost in solitude without others to remind you of your identity. This chilling third-season episode from “Enterprise” effectively demonstrates how effortlessly one can vanish while still being present.

2024-10-29 04:23