The 10 most popular Original Star Trek episodes

The Best of The Original Series

Star Trek, created by Gene Roddenberry, is a science-fiction television series that has captivated audiences for over five decades. It first aired in 1966 and has since spawned numerous spin-offs, movies, and a devoted fan base known as "Trekkies." The original series, which ran for three seasons, followed the adventures of the starship Enterprise and its crew as they explored the galaxy and encountered strange new worlds and civilizations.

From action-packed space battles to thought-provoking explorations of morality and ethics, these episodes showcase the best that Star Trek has to offer.

"The City on the Edge of Forever"

Often considered the pinnacle of Star Trek storytelling, this Hugo Award-winning episode sees a delusional Dr. McCoy travel back to 1930s Earth through a sentient time portal called the "Guardian of Forever," altering history and erasing the Enterprise from existence. Kirk and Spock must follow him to set things right. Kirk falls in love with a gentle social worker, Edith Keeler, only to discover that for the timeline to be restored, she must die. Keeler's pacifist movement, had she lived, would have delayed America's entry into WWII, allowing Nazi Germany to achieve world domination. Kirk faces an impossible choice, ultimately holding Spock back and allowing his love to be killed, securing a future he must return to with a broken heart.

Season 1, Episode 28 | Aired: April 6, 1967

"The Trouble with Tribbles"

While on a priority mission to protect a shipment of quadrotriticale grain, a vital resource for a developing planet, the Enterprise becomes infested with Tribbles—small, purring fluffballs that reproduce at an alarming rate. The episode is a masterclass in comedic storytelling, but the Tribbles serve a critical plot function. Their violent, screeching reaction to Klingons exposes a surgically-altered spy, and their sudden deaths after feeding on the grain proves it has been poisoned. The episode brilliantly balances humor with a genuine espionage plot and further establishes the tense political climate with the Klingon Empire.

Season 2, Episode 15 | Aired: December 29, 1967

"Mirror, Mirror"

A transporter malfunction swaps Kirk, McCoy, Uhura, and Scotty with their counterparts from a parallel universe. They find themselves in the brutal Terran Empire, where officers advance by assassinating superiors and obedience is enforced with a pain device called the "agonizer." The episode is famous for its visual iconography, especially Spock's goatee, which has become a cultural shorthand for an evil twin. Beyond the action, the episode delves into the nature of humanity, as the "good" crew must commit savage acts to survive, while Kirk plants the seeds of rebellion by appealing to the Mirror-Spock's logic, an act that would have galaxy-spanning consequences for the Empire generations later.

Season 2, Episode 4 | Aired: October 6, 1967

"The Menagerie"

This unique two-part episode was created to recoup the costs of the original, unaired Star Trek pilot, "The Cage." The story sees Spock commit mutiny and hijack the Enterprise to transport his former, now severely disabled, Captain Christopher Pike to the forbidden planet Talos IV. Spock presents footage from "The Cage" at his court-martial, revealing Pike's first encounter with the Talosians, master illusionists who can create lifelike realities. Spock's goal is to give his former captain a new life, free from his broken body, living out his days in a telepathically-created paradise. It's a powerful story of loyalty, sacrifice, and the definition of a life worth living.

Season 1, Episodes 11 & 12 | Aired: November 17 & 24, 1966

"Amok Time"

This is a foundational episode for Vulcan lore. Spock begins to act erratically, driven by the *pon farr*, a biological mating drive he must fulfill on his homeworld or die. The episode introduces audiences to the planet Vulcan, the iconic Vulcan salute, the phrase "Live long and prosper," and Spock's parents, Sarek and Amanda. At the climax, Spock is forced into a ritual fight to the death, the *kal-if-fee*, against Captain Kirk for the hand of his betrothed, T'Pring. The fight's resolution and Spock's uncharacteristically emotional reaction upon discovering Kirk is alive provide one of the most memorable moments of friendship in the series.

Season 2, Episode 1 | Aired: September 15, 1967

"Balance of Terror"

Heavily inspired by the submarine film "The Enemy Below," this episode is a tense game of cat and mouse in deep space. It marks the first on-screen appearance of the Romulans, who shatter a century-long truce by destroying Federation outposts along the Neutral Zone. The episode establishes key Romulan traits: their use of a powerful plasma weapon and, most importantly, a cloaking device that renders their ship invisible. The revelation that Romulans physically resemble Vulcans introduces themes of prejudice and racism, as one crewman's bigotry toward Spock comes to the forefront. The mutual respect that develops between Kirk and the Romulan Commander adds a layer of tragic honor to the conflict.

Season 1, Episode 14 | Aired: December 15, 1966

"Space Seed"

The Enterprise discovers the S.S. Botany Bay, a sleeper ship from the 1990s carrying cryogenically frozen survivors of Earth's Eugenics Wars. They revive the crew's leader, the charismatic and brilliant Khan Noonien Singh, a genetically engineered superhuman. Khan, a relic of a past where ambition and power were paramount, attempts to seize control of the Enterprise with the help of a smitten crew historian. His intellect and strength prove a formidable challenge for Kirk. Kirk's final decision—to exile Khan and his followers to the untamed world of Ceti Alpha V rather than simply imprison them—is a fateful choice that directly sets the stage for the epic revenge plot in the film Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Season 1, Episode 22 | Aired: February 16, 1967

"Journey to Babel"

This episode greatly expands the political landscape of the Federation. The Enterprise is tasked with transporting ambassadors from numerous worlds to a critical diplomatic conference on the planet Babel. The ship becomes a hotbed of political intrigue and suspicion when an ambassador is murdered. This episode introduces key Federation members, such as the hot-headed Tellarites and the militaristic Andorians. The political drama is mirrored by Spock's personal turmoil, as his estranged parents, Sarek and Amanda, are aboard. A medical emergency forces Spock to choose between his duty to the ship during a crisis and his duty to his family, providing deep insight into the Vulcan's conflicted nature.

Season 2, Episode 10 | Aired: November 17, 1967

"The Doomsday Machine"

The Enterprise discovers the wrecked U.S.S. Constellation and its traumatized commanding officer, Commodore Matt Decker. Decker recounts how a massive, planet-destroying weapon of unknown origin consumed his entire crew. The "doomsday machine" is an ancient, autonomous weapon that carves through planets for fuel, surrounded by a hull of pure neutronium that makes it nearly invulnerable. Consumed by guilt and a thirst for vengeance, Decker hijacks the Enterprise, engaging in an Ahab-like obsession to destroy the machine that puts Kirk's crew in mortal danger. It's a thrilling tale of obsession and the terrifying prospect of apocalyptic-level weaponry left adrift in the cosmos.

Season 2, Episode 6 | Aired: October 20, 1967

"The Enterprise Incident"

In a tense Cold War-style espionage thriller, Captain Kirk appears to suffer a mental breakdown, ordering the Enterprise into the Romulan Neutral Zone where it is promptly captured. This, however, is an elaborate ruse for a top-secret intelligence mission: to steal a Romulan cloaking device. Kirk undergoes surgical alteration to appear Romulan and engages in a battle of wits and attraction with the female Romulan Commander, while Spock feigns loyalty to the Romulans to complete the mission. The episode is a classic spy story, highlighting Starfleet's covert operations and presenting the Romulans as intelligent, cunning, and honorable adversaries.

Season 3, Episode 2 | Aired: September 27, 1968

Trivia

In "The City on the Edge of Forever," the role of Edith Keeler was originally offered to Joan Collins, but she turned it down. The role eventually went to actress Joan Collins' sister, Jacqueline.

In "The Trouble with Tribbles," the original script called for the Tribbles to be revealed as a dangerous and deadly species, but the director changed the tone to make them more lighthearted and comedic. "Mirror, Mirror" was the first episode of Star Trek to feature the iconic "evil twin" trope.

The origin of 'Unobtainium' - it was not made up for Avatar

 

The term "unobtainium" is a wordplay that refers to a hypothetical substance that is impossible or difficult to obtain, either because it is rare, expensive, or simply beyond the limits of current technology. The term has been used in the scientific and engineering communities to describe materials that have desirable properties but are challenging to obtain or produce.

According to the Wikipedia page on "Unobtainium," the term was first used in the aerospace industry in the 1950s and 1960s to describe materials that were needed for advanced aerospace applications, such as high-temperature alloys for engines and heat shields, or lightweight, high-strength composites for airframes. The term was also used in the mining industry to describe minerals that were difficult to extract or refine, such as platinum group metals or rare earth elements.

In recent years, the term "unobtainium" has become more widely known and popular, thanks in part to its use in Hollywood movies such as The Core and Avatar. In The Core, unobtainium is used as a fictional substance that is needed to power a machine that can restart the Earth's core. In Avatar, unobtainium is a valuable mineral that is found on the moon Pandora and is coveted by humans for its commercial and military applications.

The use of unobtainium in these movies has helped to popularize the term and has made it more recognizable to a wider audience. It has also led to some confusion and misuse of the term, as people may assume that unobtainium is a real substance or may use the term to describe any material that is difficult to obtain or produce.

Overall, the origin and use of the term "unobtainium" highlight the importance of materials science and engineering in the modern world, as well as the power of popular culture to influence our language and ideas. Whether as a fictional substance in movies or a real challenge for scientists and engineers, unobtainium remains an intriguing and elusive concept that captures our imagination and challenges our ingenuity.

How "The Cage" Influenced the Star Trek Franchise for Decades

"The Cage" is the original pilot episode of the iconic science fiction television series, Star Trek. It was produced by Desilu Productions in 1964 and written by Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek. The episode starred Jeffrey Hunter as Captain Christopher Pike, Susan Oliver as Vina, and Leonard Nimoy as the science officer Mr. Spock.

The plot of "The Cage" revolves around the crew of the USS Enterprise responding to a distress signal from Talos IV, where they find the survivors of a crashed spaceship. However, the situation turns out to be a trap set by a group of powerful aliens known as the Talosians, who have the ability to create powerful illusions. Captain Pike is captured by the Talosians, who use their powers to create a fantasy world in which he is trapped. The episode deals with themes of captivity, illusion, and the power of the mind.

"The Cage" was notable for featuring a very different cast from the one that would ultimately appear in the series. In this original pilot, Captain Pike was the commander of the Enterprise, not Captain James T. Kirk, who would later become the iconic captain of the Starship Enterprise. Additionally, Mr. Spock was not yet the first officer of the Enterprise; instead, he was the science officer, with a slightly different demeanor than the character that would become beloved by fans.

Despite being well received by the executives at NBC, "The Cage" was not picked up as a series, and instead, a new pilot was produced, which became the series' first episode, "The Man Trap." However, much of the footage from "The Cage" was later repurposed in a two-part episode titled "The Menagerie," which aired in November 1966. The episode was written by Roddenberry and directed by Marc Daniels.

"The Menagerie" featured a framing story in which Spock, who is now first officer of the Enterprise, commits mutiny by hijacking the ship and taking it to the forbidden planet of Talos IV. His motives are revealed when it is discovered that he is trying to take Captain Pike, who has been left paralyzed and disfigured by his experience on Talos IV, to the planet to live out the rest of his life in the fantasy world created by the Talosians. The episode features extensive flashbacks to the events of "The Cage" and explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice.

"The Menagerie" was very well received by both critics and fans, with many praising the performances of Nimoy, Hunter, and Oliver. The episode won the Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation in 1967 and is considered a classic episode of the series. The use of footage from "The Cage" also created a sense of continuity and history for the series, which helped to solidify its place in the sci-fi canon.

In Star Trek: Discovery, the character of Christopher Pike, who was first introduced in "The Menagerie," plays a major role in the second season of the show. In this iteration, Pike is portrayed by Anson Mount and is the captain of the USS Discovery. The show makes several references to Pike's past, including his involvement in the events of "The Cage." In one episode, Pike and his crew visit Talos IV, the planet featured in "The Cage," and experience the same illusions created by the Talosians. The episode also features a cameo by Susan Oliver, who played Vina in the original pilot.

Similarly, in Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, which is set on the USS Enterprise before the events of the original Star Trek series, Pike is once again the captain of the ship. The show is a direct spin-off of "The Cage" and features many of the same characters, including Spock and Number One. The show has been described as a return to the episodic, optimistic storytelling of the original series, and it is clear that the producers are paying homage to the show's roots in "The Cage."

Trivia about The Cage episode:

The character of Number One, played by Majel Barrett, was originally intended to be the second-in-command of the Enterprise. However, in the final version of the episode, her role was reduced, and she was referred to only as "the first officer." This was likely due to concerns from network executives, who were worried about having a woman in a position of authority on the show.

The character of Spock originally had slightly different makeup than the version that would appear in the series. In "The Cage," Spock had a more pronounced widow's peak and eyebrows that were more sharply angled. These features were toned down for the series, giving the character a more human appearance.

The Talosians, the powerful aliens featured in "The Cage," were inspired by the "Martians" from the H.G. Wells novel The War of the Worlds. Like the Martians, the Talosians are depicted as having powerful psychic abilities and a desire to dominate other species.

What do the names of each Star Wars film mean?

The Meaning Behind the Star Wars Film Titles

The titles of Star Wars films are more than just catchy phrases; they are carefully chosen to reflect the themes, motifs, and overall messages of each film. This deliberate selection is a hallmark of George Lucas's storytelling, which often draws from classic literature and mythological archetypes. Each title serves as a thematic preview of the story about to unfold, hinting at the emotional and philosophical content that will be explored.

These titles often resonate with core concepts within Star Wars lore, such as the Force, the conflict between good and evil, and the journeys of self-discovery undertaken by the characters. They create a sense of continuity, linking the films into a cohesive narrative where events in one era have profound implications for those that follow. This interconnectedness is a key aspect of the Star Wars universe, contributing to the saga's legendary status and encapsulating the grand scale and enduring themes that have captivated audiences for decades.

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away....

• The Meaning of the Film Titles
• A Note on 'Revenge of the Jedi'

The Film Titles in Order of Release

Star Wars Episode IV: A New HopeReleased: 1977

This title frames the entire story as a fairy tale set against a backdrop of galactic tyranny. The "hope" is multifaceted: it is the stolen Death Star plans, the nascent Rebel Alliance, and most importantly, the awakening potential within Luke Skywalker. In an era where the Jedi are extinct and the Empire's power seems absolute, Luke embodies the idea that a single, seemingly insignificant person can change the fate of the galaxy.

The Empire Strikes BackReleased: 1980

This title perfectly captures the film's darker, more consequential tone. After their victory in the first film, the heroes are now on the defensive. The phrase "Strikes Back" signifies a brutal reassertion of Imperial dominance, moving the conflict from a simple rebellion to a full-scale war. Thematically, the title reflects the personal defeats of the heroes: Luke's devastating duel with Vader, Han's capture, and the crushing reality of the Empire's might.

Return of the JediReleased: 1983

The meaning of this title is twofold, representing the climax of the saga's core themes. On the surface, it signifies Luke Skywalker's transformation into a true Jedi Knight. On a deeper level, it foreshadows the ultimate redemption of Anakin Skywalker, who "returns" from the darkness of Darth Vader to destroy the Emperor and restore balance to the Force. It is a title about restoration and the triumph of hope and inner goodness.

The Phantom MenaceReleased: 1999

This title points to a threat that is hidden in plain sight. The "menace" is the insidious influence of the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, who operates from the shadows, manipulating galactic politics. His deception is the true danger, a cancer growing within the Republic that the Jedi cannot see. The title evokes a sense of Cold War-style paranoia, where the enemy is not an army but a hidden ideology corrupting the system from within.

Attack of the ClonesReleased: 2002

Nodding to the sci-fi serials of the 1950s, this title has a dual meaning. The "attack" is the first deployment of the Grand Army of the Republic in the Battle of Geonosis. More profoundly, the very existence of this secretly commissioned clone army represents a fundamental "attack" on the Republic's democratic ideals, paving the way for the creation of the Empire.

Revenge of the SithReleased: 2005

As the dark mirror to "Return of the Jedi," this title signifies the ultimate culmination of the Sith's ancient plot. The "revenge" is brutally executed through Order 66 and the destruction of the Jedi Order. Thematically, it also represents the triumph of Sith philosophy—passion, anger, and the pursuit of power—over the Jedi code, as Anakin Skywalker fully succumbs to the dark side.

The Force AwakensReleased: 2015

Decades after the fall of the Empire, the Force lies dormant. This title announces its powerful resurgence in a new generation. The "awakening" is not just within the scavenger Rey, but also in the stormtrooper Finn and the dark sider Kylo Ren. It signals a new chapter in the cosmic struggle between light and dark, echoing the themes of the original trilogy for a new era.

Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryReleased: 2016

The title serves as the callsign for the mismatched team of spies and soldiers who embark on a suicide mission to steal the Death Star plans. Their "rogue" status highlights their separation from the official Alliance command structure, underscoring the theme of personal sacrifice and the desperate, unsung heroism that enables the "new hope" seen in the next film.

The Last JediReleased: 2017

This title is intentionally ambiguous and central to the film's deconstruction of the Jedi myth. It initially refers to Luke Skywalker, the last master of the old Order. However, by the film's end, it also alludes to Rey, who is poised to carry the legacy forward in a new way. The title explores themes of failure, the burden of legend, and the idea that the Jedi must evolve to survive.

Solo: A Star Wars StoryReleased: 2018

This title is straightforward, focusing on the origin story of Han Solo. However, it also subtly plays on his character arc. We see the events that forge him into the cynical loner we meet in "A New Hope." The film explores how a once-idealistic young man adopts a "solo" mentality to survive in a harsh, unforgiving galaxy.

The Rise of SkywalkerReleased: 2019

This title serves as the thematic bookend to the nine-film saga. It signifies not just one person, but a legacy. It refers to Ben Solo's redemption and return to the light, as well as Rey's choice to adopt the Skywalker name, symbolizing that a family is built on shared values, not just blood. It represents the ultimate triumph of the Skywalker legacy over the dark inheritance of the Palpatine lineage.

A Note on 'Revenge of the Jedi'

The original title of "Return of the Jedi" was actually "Revenge of the Jedi." The change occurred very late in the production process, and the reason was a matter of philosophy. This reflects George Lucas's deep understanding of the Jedi ethos and their commitment to justice over vengeance, a core tenet of the light side of the Force.

George Lucas ultimately decided that revenge was not a trait of a Jedi, which is why he changed the title. This decision aligns with the established lore that Jedi are keepers of the peace and seek to resolve conflict through wisdom and compassion, not through retribution. This makes a lot of sense, as the Jedi Order's principles emphasize selflessness and a rejection of anger and hatred. The decision reinforced the moral compass of the Jedi and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, central pillars of the Star Wars narrative.

Why did Luke Skywalker wear black clothes in Return of the Jedi?

In Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker wears black clothes as a symbolic representation of his potential to succumb to the dark side of the Force. The color black typically represents darkness, power, and evil, and Luke's attire signifies that he is vulnerable to the seductive pull of the dark side.

Throughout the film, Luke faces multiple challenges and temptations that could lead him down a darker path. For example, he must confront his father, Darth Vader, who is a symbol of the dark side's power and temptation. Additionally, the Emperor himself attempts to turn Luke to the dark side, offering him immense power in exchange for his allegiance. These threats and temptations to Luke's character serve to highlight his inner turmoil and the precarious balance he must maintain between the light and dark sides of the Force.

Luke's journey in Return of the Jedi is a classic example of the hero's journey, as described by Joseph Campbell. Luke begins the story as a young, inexperienced hero who must confront his inner demons and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to emerge victorious. His journey is filled with trials, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but ultimately he triumphs over his enemies and saves the day.

The hero's journey is also reflected in the themes of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, which explores the human capacity for evil and the struggle between civilization and savagery. Like the protagonist of Conrad's novel, Luke must confront his own darkness and the darkness of the world around him in order to emerge victorious.

Ultimately, Luke's heroic ending in Return of the Jedi is a testament to his strength of character and his ability to resist the lure of the dark side. Despite facing immense challenges and temptations, he maintains his commitment to the light side of the Force and ultimately defeats the Emperor, thereby bringing balance to the Force and restoring peace to the galaxy.

After Luke's intense confrontation with Darth Vader and the Emperor's force lightning torture, his black shirt opens up to reveal a white undershirt, symbolizing the triumph of the light side of the Force over the dark.

This moment shows that Luke has successfully resisted the pull of the dark side and has emerged victorious, as he ultimately throws down his lightsaber and refuses to give into his anger and hatred.

It's also worth noting that the reveal of the white undershirt is reminiscent of a similar moment in the original Star Wars film when Luke dons a white tunic before setting off on his hero's journey. 

This parallel serves to reinforce Luke's growth and development as a character throughout the original trilogy, as he has come full circle from a young, inexperienced hero to a seasoned and wise Jedi master.

In conclusion, Luke Skywalker's black clothing in Return of the Jedi symbolizes his potential to succumb to the dark side of the Force. However, his heroic journey, as reflected in both the hero's journey and the themes of Heart of Darkness, ultimately leads him to victory over his enemies and his own inner demons.

Here's some more thought on Luke Skywalker's character journey in Star Wars:

• Luke's journey begins in the original Star Wars film, A New Hope, when he is a young, restless farm boy dreaming of adventure beyond his homeworld of Tatooine. When he discovers that his father was a Jedi Knight, he becomes determined to follow in his footsteps.
• Luke undergoes a significant transformation in The Empire Strikes Back, where he faces his greatest challenges and setbacks. He learns the truth about his parentage, loses his hand in a lightsaber duel with Darth Vader, and is forced to confront the limitations of his own abilities.
• In Return of the Jedi, Luke completes his hero's journey by confronting and defeating his father, ultimately turning him back to the light side of the Force. He also resists the temptation to give into his own anger and hatred, proving himself to be a true Jedi Knight.
• In The Last Jedi, Luke's journey takes on a different dimension as he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the failures of the Jedi Order. He is initially reluctant to train Rey, but ultimately becomes her mentor and helps her to confront her own darkness and potential.
• In a controversial twist, Luke's character arc in The Last Jedi sees him confront his own failures and question the validity of the Jedi Order. He ultimately decides to become one with the Force, sacrificing himself to save his friends and the Resistance.

Overall, Luke Skywalker's hero journey is a central theme of the Star Wars saga, and his character arc has had a profound impact on the series as a whole.

How many times has "May the Force Be With You" been said in Star Wars?

The phrase "May the Force Be With You" has been said about 21 times throughout the Star Wars franchise, including in the movies, TV shows, books, and other media.

In the original Star Wars movie (1977), the phrase is said twice. The first time is by General Dodonna during the briefing before the attack on the Death Star. The second time is by Han Solo to Luke Skywalker before the final battle.

In The Empire Strikes Back (1980), the phrase is said three times. The first time is by General Rieekan when he bids farewell to the Rebel pilots. The second time is by Yoda to Luke Skywalker when he goes to Dagobah to begin his training. The third time is by Lando Calrissian to Han Solo before they part ways.

In Return of the Jedi (1983), the phrase is said twice. The first time is by General Madine during the briefing before the attack on the second Death Star. The second time is by Luke Skywalker to Han Solo before the final battle.

In The Phantom Menace (1999), the phrase is said twice. The first time is by Qui-Gon Jinn to Anakin Skywalker. The second time is by Obi-Wan Kenobi to Anakin Skywalker.

In Attack of the Clones (2002), the phrase is said three times. The first time is by Mace Windu to Anakin Skywalker. The second time is by Yoda to Obi-Wan Kenobi. The third time is by Obi-Wan Kenobi to Anakin Skywalker.

In Revenge of the Sith (2005), the phrase is said four times. The first time is by Obi-Wan Kenobi to Anakin Skywalker. The second time is by Yoda to Obi-Wan Kenobi. The third time is by Bail Organa to Yoda. The fourth time is by Obi-Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker at the end of the movie.

In The Force Awakens (2015), the phrase is said three times. The first time is by Poe Dameron to Finn. The second time is by Han Solo to Finn and Rey. The third time is by Maz Kanata to Finn and Rey.

In The Last Jedi (2017), the phrase is said twice. The first time is by General Leia Organa to Vice Admiral Holdo. The second time is by Finn to Rose Tico. BB-8 allegedly uses the phrase by beeping it out in binary when bidding farewell to Finn, but this is not confirmed by any character in the movie.

In summary, the phrase "May the Force Be With You" has been said 21 times in the Star Wars movies, with an additional alleged use by BB-8 in The Last Jedi.

George Lucas borrowed the phrase in a sense from religion.

The phrase "May the Force be with you" is one of the most famous lines from the Star Wars franchise, and it has become a cultural touchstone for fans of the series. The phrase is typically used as a farewell or a good luck wish, and it reflects the importance of the Force as a guiding principle in the Star Wars universe.

Interestingly, the phrase bears some similarities to a common expression used in Catholic church services: "The Lord be with you." This phrase is used as a greeting in the Catholic Mass, and it is typically followed by the response, "And with your spirit."

While the two phrases are not identical, they share a similar structure and intention. Both are used to express a sense of goodwill and support for the person being addressed, and both suggest the presence of a higher power or guiding force that can offer assistance and protection.

In addition, both phrases have become deeply ingrained in their respective communities, and they have taken on a significance beyond their literal meanings. "May the Force be with you" has become a catchphrase that is recognized and appreciated by Star Wars fans around the world, while "The Lord be with you" is a central part of Catholic liturgy that has been passed down through generations of believers.

Overall, while the connections between these two phrases may be subtle, they are a testament to the power of language to convey deep-seated emotions and beliefs. Both "May the Force be with you" and "The Lord be with you" serve as reminders of the important role that faith and guidance can play in our lives, and they offer hope and comfort to those who hear them.

Who directed the Star Wars films?

Without George Lucas, there is no Star Wars. 

As the franchise grew he needed some help to continue to make the greatest film saga ever. 

Here's a list of directors who have made a Star Wars film.

• Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999, Film) - Directed by George Lucas
• Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002, Film) - Directed by George Lucas
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008, Animated Film) - Directed by Dave Filoni
• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008-2014, Television Series) - Directed by Dave Filoni
• Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005, Film) - Directed by George Lucas
• Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018, Film) - Directed by Ron Howard
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016, Film) - Directed by Gareth Edwards
• Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977, Film) - Directed by George Lucas
• The Star Wars Holiday Special (1978, Television Special) - Directed by Steve Binder
• Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980, Film) - Directed by Irvin Kershner
• Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983, Film) - Directed by Richard Marquand
• Star Wars: Ewoks (1985-1986, Television Series) - Directed by Raymond Jafelice
• Star Wars: Droids (1985-1986, Television Series) - Directed by Ken Stephenson
• Caravan of Courage: An Ewok Adventure (1984, Television Movie) - Directed by John Korty
• Ewoks: The Battle for Endor (1985, Television Movie) - Directed by Jim Wheat and Ken Wheat
• Star Wars Rebels (2014-2018, Television Series) - Directed by Dave Filoni
• The Mandalorian (2019-, Television Series) - Directed by various, including Dave Filoni, Rick Famuyiwa, Deborah Chow, and Bryce Dallas Howard
• Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021-, Television Series) - Directed by various, including Brad Rau, Steward Lee, and Saul Ruiz

How many Star Wars films did George Lucas director?

Lucas directed 4 himself but produced them all.