Episode Overview
“The City on the Edge of Forever” is the 28th episode of the first season of Star Trek: The Original Series, originally airing on April 6, 1967. Written by renowned science fiction author Harlan Ellison (though heavily rewritten), this episode is widely considered the pinnacle of the original series and one of the greatest episodes in all of Star Trek.
Plot Summary
After Dr. McCoy accidentally injects himself with a dangerous drug, he beams down to a mysterious planet and travels through a time portal called the Guardian of Forever. His actions in the past erase the Enterprise and the future as the crew knows it. Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock must follow him to 1930s New York City to restore the timeline, leading to a heart-wrenching decision that will test Kirk’s resolve and humanity.
Joan Collins as Edith Keeler
The episode’s emotional core revolves around Joan Collins’ portrayal of Edith Keeler, a compassionate social worker in Depression-era New York. Collins, already an established actress at the time, brings depth and warmth to the character, creating instant chemistry with William Shatner’s Captain Kirk.
Edith Keeler is presented as a visionary ahead of her time, speaking of peace and the potential of space travel. Collins imbues the character with a quiet strength and unwavering optimism that makes her fate all the more tragic. Her performance is nuanced, balancing Keeler’s idealism with a grounded practicality born from the harsh realities of the Great Depression.
The romance between Kirk and Keeler is both tender and bittersweet, with Collins and Shatner creating a palpable connection that makes the episode’s climax all the more devastating. Collins’ Keeler becomes the embodiment of hope and progress, making her a perfect match for Kirk’s futuristic ideals.
Behind-the-Scenes Facts
Harlan Ellison’s original script was significantly different from the aired version. It included a drug-dealing Enterprise crewman and a more morally ambiguous ending where Spock, not Kirk, allows Keeler to die.
The episode won both the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation and the Writers Guild of America Award for Best Episodic Drama on Television.
Gene Roddenberry, Dorothy Fontana, and Gene L. Coon all had a hand in rewriting Ellison’s original script, leading to a decades-long feud between Ellison and the Star Trek production team.
The Guardian of Forever was originally conceived by Ellison as a group of ancient, robed aliens rather than the iconic stone ring we see in the episode.
This episode marks one of the few times in the original series where Kirk is seen crying on screen, showcasing William Shatner’s dramatic range.
Critical Reception and Legacy
“The City on the Edge of Forever” is almost universally praised by critics and fans alike. It has consistently ranked at or near the top of “best episode” lists for Star Trek: The Original Series and often for the entire franchise. The episode’s exploration of time travel paradoxes, coupled with its profound emotional impact, has made it a touchstone for science fiction television.
The episode’s success lies in its ability to blend high-concept science fiction with deeply human drama. The moral dilemma faced by Kirk – having to let the woman he loves die to save millions – resonates beyond the confines of the genre, touching on universal themes of sacrifice, duty, and the greater good.
Joan Collins’ performance as Edith Keeler has been particularly praised, with many citing her chemistry with William Shatner as a highlight of the episode. Her portrayal helps ground the story’s more fantastical elements, making Keeler’s tragic fate all the more impactful.
Conclusion
“The City on the Edge of Forever” stands as a testament to Star Trek’s ability to use science fiction as a lens for examining the human condition. Joan Collins’ memorable turn as Edith Keeler, combined with the episode’s thought-provoking premise and emotional depth, cements its place as a classic not just of Star Trek, but of television as a whole. It remains a poignant, philosophically rich story that continues to resonate with audiences decades after its original airing.“The City on the Edge of Forever” - A Star Trek Masterpiece
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