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r/startrek · u/MissGrouAug 1, 2026, 1:12 PM

Episode recommendation for showing to non-trekkie

Hi everyone, I'm planning to write a narrative rpg scenario with a couple of friends. Something for our own enjoyment. Originally we though of "The Expanse" type game. We suggested a few plot ideas and one of my friend said he thought the ideas we had were more consistent with Star Trek rather than The Expanse. So I was delighted at the opportunity of maybe converting the projet towards my favourite space world of fiction. I need you help because our third member has an open mind about it but never watched an episode. I need one episode where cultural differences beween alien races are at the heart of the plot, and it needs to be one with a compelling story enough that he will like it, and agree to watch a few more where we'll intruduce a few key elements that would be relevant to our plot ideas. If I could only present one episode (part one and two if needed) which one should it be ? Thank you for your recommendations !

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Comments

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u/mediumAI17011Aug 1, 2026, 1:20 PM
The TNG episode The Chase features the Federation, Klingons, Cardassians, and Romulans. It isn't perfect but for a general understanding of the core species in one episode it's good enough.
- u/TabithaMouse1Aug 1, 2026, 5:29 PM
  This
u/HeathenStorm1Aug 1, 2026, 1:23 PM
Darmok’s usually the go-to story for cultural differences.
- u/Fabulous_Drummer_3681Aug 1, 2026, 1:29 PM
  "Shaka, when the walls fell"
  - u/MissGrou1Aug 1, 2026, 1:43 PM
u/Comrades31Aug 1, 2026, 1:24 PM
What immediately comes to mind is Amok Time if they like 1960s stuff. I’ll look up more later from the other series.
u/timelineC1Aug 1, 2026, 1:31 PM
if newer episodes are not a problem, I'd start with Strange New Worlds, episode 1. It shows diplomacy, cultural differences, and is an intro episode
- u/MissGrou1Aug 1, 2026, 1:41 PM
  Thank you ! That's a great idea I havent watched them yet !
u/ElricVonDaniken2Aug 1, 2026, 1:35 PM
The Trouble With Tribbles! You know it makes sense.
- u/MissGrou1Aug 1, 2026, 1:43 PM
  Hahahahahahaha !
u/[deleted]1Aug 1, 2026, 1:44 PM
[removed]
u/theadamabrams1Aug 1, 2026, 1:47 PM
My first suggestion is

DS9 1x19 "Duet"

because if you just say "Bajorans = Jews, Cardassians = Germans, and it's 1946" then someone can completely understand and appreciate it without any knowledge of Trek whatsoever. Also, it's a phenomenal episode.

Other episodes that deal specifically with alien cultures include

TNG 3x4 "Who Watches the Watchers" and 4x15 "First Contact" are both good examples of the crew trying (and failing) to not interfere with another culture.

TNG 4x22 "Half a Life" --- Kaelon culture has forced euthanasia (I don't like DS9 4x21 "The Muse" nearly as much, but it does deal with a culture that completely separates boys and girls; these two together really paint Lwaxana as being terrible at choosing a partner!)

TNG 5x17 "The Outcast" --- all gender identity is taboo for the J'naii

TNG 5x21 "The Perfect Mate" --- balancing personal feelings with cultural diplomacy

or

DS9 1x6 "Captive Pursuit" --- one group's culture includes breeding a person just so they can hunt that person

DS9 1x20 "In the Hands of the Prophets" --- religion vs secular education

DS9 3x3 "The House of Quark" --- insights into both Klingon and Ferengi culture

DS9 4x16 "Bar Association" --- capitalism vs unions

DS9 4x17 "Accession" --- over-adherence to religious doctrine

DS9 6x13 "Far Beyond the Stars" --- racism in 'real world' 1950s

or

VOY 3x23 "Distant Origin" --- religious doctrine vs science, again

VOY 4x4 "Nemesis" --- war propaganda taken to the extreme

VOY 6x12 "Blink of an Eye" --- the ship strongly influences a culture's entire development
- u/MissGrou1Aug 1, 2026, 3:11 PM
  This is very thorough, and all very interesting, thank you !
u/trphilli2Aug 1, 2026, 2:36 PM
Lots of good recommendations here. For an RPG type background, my initial thought was TNG' Season 7's "Attached". You won't find it on the best of episode lists, but it has a lot of decision points and crazy hijinks like a good RPG adventure, need those DM twists, crazy saving throws. Also it has the culture piece. Great monologue from Riker on compromise / suspicion. But it does need some amount of character background. Never had anybody watch it fresh so don't really know how it comes across.
- u/MissGrou1Aug 1, 2026, 3:13 PM
  I'll give it a rewatch to be sure. Thank you !
u/BigMrTea1Aug 1, 2026, 5:09 PM
Who Watches the Watchers. Or really do a mind-f and show them Condundrum. Some people on here told me how this was the first episode they saw and didn't know McDuff wasn't supposed to be there. Like what an episode to go cold into, lol. I got into Trek watching Time Squared and Cause and Effect. It was time travel night on my local network on something. Either way it worked!
u/patatjepindapedis1Aug 1, 2026, 6:14 PM
Move Along Home