Star Trek: TOS - Episode sorting order

[arj0n]

I'm wanting to watch the tv serie Star Trek: TOS but I noticed that there are two episode sorting orders.
1. Sorted by air-date (like IMBM does) and
2. Sorted by production date (as on the 2004 single-disc DVD release).
I guess air-date sorted is the best storyline wise but I'm not sure.
Can someone confirm if that's true?

[RickJ]

I think air date would give you the most authentic experience.    There isn't a storyline as much as there is character development from episode to episode.    I think production dates were/are governed more by what's less expensive, what talent is available (i.e. if guest star prior commitments), etc.   

I would also recommend watching the pilot first.  If you watch closely you will see Shatner as a lowly ensign   

Enjoy!

[arj0n]

OK, thanks for the info RickJ.

[Igor Hardy]

I would also recommend watching the pilot first.

Me too. It's also one of my favorite TOS episodes.

Oh, and skip season 1's The Menagerie which is a 2-part butchered and padded out version of the pilot.

[RickJ]

Oh, and skip season 1's The Menagerie which is a 2-part butchered and padded out version of the pilot.

I agree.  Watch all the other episodes first and then watch the Menagerie last.

Btw, one of my favorite episodes is "A Picece of the Action".  I would recommend watching a couple of old 30s-40s gangster movies, especially with Eduard G Robinson,  first for historical reference  and to get into the proper frame of mind?