In the expansive realm of Star Trek: The Original Series, one episode reigns supreme among its peers, and it features a guest star whose performance has set an enduring benchmark in the franchise. Season 1, episode 28, titled “The City on the Edge of Forever,”stands out as a timeless masterpiece of storytelling, blending elements of time travel with intense emotional stakes for Captain James T. Kirk, portrayed by William Shatner.
This iconic episode chronicles Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock, played by Leonard Nimoy, as they journey back to 1930s New York City. Their mission: to prevent a temporarily unhinged Dr. Leonard McCoy (DeForest Kelley) from disrupting the timeline. Amidst the backdrop of the Great Depression, Kirk encounters Sister Edith Keeler, enacted by Joan Collins—a social worker whose fate is intrinsically linked to the future of humanity. The narrative inevitably leads Kirk to face a devastating dilemma: he must forsake the love he feels for Edith to ensure the survival of the universe.
Joan Collins as Edith Keeler: Star Trek’s Definitive One-Off Guest Star
Captain Kirk’s Enduring Affection for Edith Keeler
Over the course of nearly six decades, Star Trek has welcomed a myriad of illustrious guest stars, yet Joan Collins’ portrayal of Sister Edith Keeler remains iconic. Her character embodies a light of hope amidst the struggles of Depression-era America. With a blend of compassion and intellect, Keeler advocates for a brighter future, and her refusal to tolerate ignorance makes her all the more compelling. It’s no surprise that Captain Kirk was drawn to her character.
Joan Collins’ career would later be defined by her legendary role as the scheming Alexis Carrington in the acclaimed series Dynasty. However, in Star Trek, she gracefully embodied the ideals of kindness and optimism as Edith Keeler. Despite her fleeting presence in just one episode of Star Trek: The Original Series, Collins created an unforgettable character whose tragic destiny became pivotal within the broader narrative of the series, suggesting that sometimes a great loss can precipitate profound societal change.
Joan Collins’ Role in Establishing “The City On The Edge Of Forever”as an Enduring Classic
The impact of Joan Collins on the cultural significance of “The City on the Edge of Forever”cannot be understated. At its narrative core, this episode represents a poignant love story. To make Kirk’s sacrifice believable, Collins infused her role as Edith Keeler with depth and authenticity, making it easy for audiences to understand why he would risk everything for her.
Interestingly, the Guardian of Forever, a critical element of the plot, made a return in the recent Star Trek: Discovery series, portrayed by Paul Guilfoyle, thus continuing the legacy of this groundbreaking episode.
Throughout his adventures in Star Trek: The Original Series, Captain Kirk had many love interests, yet none resonate as profoundly as Edith Keeler. While “The City on the Edge of Forever”revolves around time travel, its divergence from typical Star Trek conventions—particularly the original storyline penned by Harlan Ellison—adds to its uniqueness and memorability. Ultimately, Joan Collins’ performance remains central to what makes this episode truly exceptional, solidifying her legacy as one of Star Trek’s finest guest stars.