I will add more episodes whenever I have time. However, it will take
a while till the guide will be completed.
The episodes are listed according to the order they were aired first
(original order) not by stardates or
production time (used here and there nowadays).
Texts: © 2005-2008 Zelda Scott
Texts can be used when a reference to this site and me is made or after I agreed to it.
Special thanks to Madlyn Cardwell for proof-reading. She is not native to English
either but an English teacher and much more proficient than I. The texts already
checked by her are marked as MC approved.
The other mistakes are all mine.
Episode "0": "The Cage"
Story: Star Trek, a time before the era of Captain Kirk: The Enterprise is commanded by Captain Christopher Pike who is tired of his responsibility. He longs for a simple life when the Enterprise receives a distress call, origin: the planet Talos IV. Indeed they discover a group of survivors who stranded there ten years ago - all old men with the exception of a young woman: Vina.
Opinion:
The plot of "The Cage" should sound familiar to the one or the other: It is used in the TOS double
episode "The Menagerie". Indeed this is Roddenberry's very first draft of STAR TREK that was rejected by NBC that time.
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Episode 1: "The Man Trap"
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Story:
Stardate 1513.1:
Together with his wife Nancy, archaeologist Dr. Robert Crater lives alone on the planet 113 to study the remains of an old culture. Kirk, McCoy und crewman Darnell go down to conduct the routine medical check-up and to deliver supplies.
Whereas Dr. Crater acts in a cool way and insists on restocking the salt supplies first, McCoy meets in Nancy Crater an old love.
What is unknown at that moment to everyone with the exception of Dr. Crater
is the fact that the true Nancy has died a long time ago, having been killed by an intelligent being, the last of its kind. That being needs salt to survive and is able to adopt every desired shape.
When the need for salt is growing the being kills crewman Darnell to obtain the mineral out of his body - further crew members die and the being is able to go aboard the Enterprise replacing a recently killed crew member…
Opinion:
Produced as the fifth episode, "The Man Trap" has the honor to be the very first Star Trek show ever to be aired - although that is not deserved. It is surprising that not the real pilot -
namely "Where No Man Has Gone Before" - was aired first but any pretty below average episode.
As a conclusion the characters are not really introduced although some approaches are made to show the life aboard the Enterprise. One of them is Uhura's argument with Spock about his planet Vulcan which is pretty entertaining.
Spock mentions casually that Vulcan has no moon which contradicts the look of Vulcan in
"Star Trek - The Motion Picture". That is, however, more a mistake of the movie of course.
As an introduction, "The Man Trap" is nevertheless not suited since Roddenberry's concept of a peaceful co-operation of all races and cultures are annulled. Large parts of the story deal with the hunt on the "creature", disregarding the fact that it is an intelligent being which indeed just wants to survive. To be cornered that way, it behaves quite normally. The way in which the "salt vampire" is treated is therefore completely atypical for Star Trek.
The same is true for Kirk who behaves like a snob and who is unnecessarily cruel towards McCoy. Then, the character of the CMO that was at first not planned to be a leading role, got a surprisingly large part of the action. In the "official" history" resp. the "canon" McCoy has an ex-wife which is apparently not identical with "Nancy".
A good approach is the underlying criticism regarding the extermination of Earth's buffalos but every good approach is drowned unfortunately pretty fast in senseless action.
Kirk's and Spock's pursuit of Dr. Crater belongs to that category. Kirk makes so many tactical mistakes that he survives only because Crater never really meant to kill him.
It is extremely unwise, to say the least, to throw oneself UNDER a building which is about to collapse… There is, however, a certain problem in the idea itself: No archeologist would destroy his own research objects. Furthermore it would have been much easier for Kirk and Spock to beam aboard and stun Crater with the Enterprise phasers.
To be fair it must be considered that plenty of possibilities were invented later. So it should be overlooked that some technical facilities behave a little strangely, especially the intercom. It becomes very obvious that the actors needed some time to get accustomed to their environment which indeed included plenty of futuristic elements regarded by a perspective of that time. Nevertheless the acting is done quite decently with only few exceptions.
The "three Nancys" effect at the beginning is pretty well done, a further explanation is missing, though.
Crewman Darnell acts so unprofessionally that it hurts watching him. It is surprising that he is so beside himself when it is considered how (sparsely) the Enterprise women are dressed. It is possible, however, to witness virtually by accident a woman in pants. Otherwise the uniform skirts are standard and for sure no less attracting than Darnell's Nancy. Darnell is not even mentioned by Kirk when beaming down, his purpose on the planet is not revealed. At the same time he doesn't even wear a read shirt .
With the exception of Kirk who cries out pretty much when being attacked by the vampire all further victims including Darnell are dying silently. It that a tactic of Kirk or only odd by itself?
If it's possible to die because of a spontaneous salt loss is unknown to me, the idea is interesting nevertheless. But: the salt supply of the Craters was pretty low but obviously not completely exhausted. Why murdering before it becomes really necessary? The being is intelligent, risks too much without a need to. Furthermore the replicators aboard the Enterprise provide an easier possibility to get salt. Most likely the replicators have not yet been invented although they are later a part of TOS. They would have shortened the episode considerably, though.
Uhura, who had not that much to do during the series, and who pretty fast thought about
leaving the show has comparatively large part here. The man of her dreams is in my opinion somewhat exaggerated, a perfect cliché. What a pity. In return Sulu can be seen in the botanical laboratory in his off time. The room itself is not exceptionally realized but was most likely the maximum that was possible that time.
As a consequence not a highlight for Star Trek standards and a pretty average introduction with good ideas, though.
MC approved
Episode 2: "Charlie X"
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Story:
Stardate 1533.6: 17-year old Charlie crashed on Thasus at the age of 3, he has survived for 14 years completely on his own. The Antares picks the adolescent up and hands him over to the Enterprise where Charlie gets in contact with a human community for the very first time. The question how he was able to survive is answered when Charlie is more and more losing control and, in doing so, demonstrates astonishing capabilities…
Opinion:
"Charlie X" is mainly about the problems of growing up. The inner conflict, the insecurity, the pomposity, all that is very well portrayed by Robert Walker jr. His weak-mindedness is tolerated by the crew as far as possible due to his special situation. So he is not the "common" evil, more a failure in life, a victim of circumstances.
As a positive side effect the episode reveals much about the board life, shows recreation possibilities and the gym of the Enterprise. Uhura is placed in the centre of things when she sings while being accompanied by Spock on his lyre - and, in doing so, teasing the first officer and later
Charlie. As far as I know Nichelle Nichols did the singing all by herself and did that more than only acceptable! Spock's facial reaction is wonderful to watch.
Another scene shows Kirk and Spock playing chess again. These small gestures are one of TOS strengths - nearly all episodes are stand-alone shows but such nice little moments have an enormous impact. Playing chess - the idea of a 3D version alone is outstanding, which is, by the way, indeed possible to play - is one of TOS myths. It is an intelligent game that demonstrates solidarity between Kirk and Spock that attracts many fans on a nearly supernatural level.
Kirk is able to defeat Spock here although the Vulcan has not anticipated it.
When I remember the rules of normal chess correctly, however, and it is supposed that they are only extended for the 3D version, Kirk's move must have been really extraordinarily. Kirk is in check when he checkmates Spock. In general, the threatened party must at first bring its own king out of a check situation. So Kirk's move must have been so ingenious that he rescues his king and at the same time attacks the one of Spock - everything done so that the Vulcan had not recognized the threat… Well, let's concede some brilliancy to Kirk .
Then, Janice Rand as Kirk's yeoman plays again a leading role as it is true for nearly all other episodes at the beginning of TOS. Nevertheless and despite the fact that she is the centre of Charlie's attention, she is not able to develop some screen presence worth mentioning. It is not the case that she disturbs but rather she is not palpable even given her share of the script. Of course she is pretty much reduced to an object of
desire.
Once again the subjects sex and reproduction are dealt with in an uptight way by a today
perspective - back in
the 60s it was the normal way of living which has to be taken into account and till today there are still things that can be done with a man but should be avoided with a woman :
Apart from the gym that looks authentic with the exception of the embarrassing pants of the men (especially regarding the shirtless Kirk), for the first time the brig is part of the show. Optically that is a nice asset but is a completely illogical move nevertheless. To imprison someone with telekinetic abilities is pretty useless and condemned to fail right form the start…
Furthermore there have to be some "stores" on the Enterprise but they are never appeared in the whole series. Then, they are mentioned when Charlie gives Janice the perfume. It seems possible to manufacture it with the replicator that is part of the Star Trek universe already at TOS times and can be seen in various episodes (e.g. in "The Trouble With Tribbles")
A further improvement must be a cabinet in the turbo lift so that Kirk is able to change clothes - of course that is only a wit and a nice blooper of the episode. During the show Kirk wears alternately both of his uniform shirts: the green one that was invented for his double role in "The Enemy Within" and which was maintained afterwards because of the good optical effect and the usual yellow one. In one scene, though, Kirk enters the turbo lift - and leaves it with the other one on the bridge…
Considering the uniforms in general there is even more to say in "Charlie X". The ones of the Antares are pretty awful. While in the later series the Enterprise symbol was used for all Starfleet uniforms, there were far more distinctions in TOS times. Even more interesting is the women in uniform pants. She can be seen shortly only in one of the Enterprise gangways, most likely a residue of "The Cage".
Also in a gangway a horror effect can be witnessed that is till today pretty frightening: in his rage, Charlie takes away the face of a woman.
As a consequence, "Charlie X" is a good episode. Not answered are the questions on the origin of the information regarding the natives of Thasus that raised Charlie and whether it would not have been possible somehow to integrate him in a human society.
MC approved
Episode 3: "Where No Man Has Gone Before"
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Story:
The Enterprise seeks out the border of the Galaxy. 200 years previously, the USS Valiant was destroyed when trying the same. The flight recorder of the Valiant delivers some insights, among them that inquiries for ESP - Extra Sensual Perception - has been made.
When trying to break through the galactic barrier, the Enterprise is heavily damaged. Kirk's best friend, Gary Mitchell, starts to change afterwards and gains more and more extra sensual abilities. Finally he becomes an uncalculated risk and Kirk decides to leave him on the uninhabited planet Delta Vega…
Opinion:
Although aired as the third episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before" is indeed the very first Star Trek show. After the rejection of "The Cage" by NBC as being too demanding Star Trek wrote history even before it actually started. Completely out of the usual way a second pilot was
ordered (of course not without a drastically shortened budget and not without
reducing the production time to ensure a weekly rhythm).
The result was in many
ways different from "The Cage" although
the main principles remained. The basic appearance of ship and crew structure were left untouched but only "Mr. Spock" and in a changed form "Number One" managed to be part of the new pilot. Besides the assignment as science officer Spock receives the post as second in command while Majel Barrett ("Number One" and Roddenberry's later wife) didn't appear directly in "Where No Man Has Gone Before" - she returned as nurse Chapel though.
In addition, since "The Cage" she is the voice of the Enterprise
computer and that is how she obtained Trek immortality even before returning in TNG in another role (L. Troi). Roddenberry explained his decision to increase Spock's part and reduce the one of his wife with the statement that it had been better to promote Spock and marry Majel instead of the other way
around. Nevertheless the decision to increase Spock's role was an (admirable)
risk since especially the religious regions of the USA were most likely to reject Spock's "satanic" exterior.
In many regards "Where No Man Has Gone Before" is an atypical episode since a lot of things were changed in the later series.
Even the intro is different, the famous sentence "Space - The Final Frontier…" of Shatner was added to the sequence later.
Visually there are many differences; the most obvious ones are the uniforms. Red is still missing completely, yellow and blue are the main colors whereby the later assignment to different departments (technical staff red, science blue, command yellow) is missing.
So Spock is wearing yellow instead of blue, Scotty too is dressed in yellow
instead of red whereas Sulu, usually in yellow, can be admired in blue. The stripes are not "correct" either. Kirk has only two stripes instead of three, Spock only one. All uniforms appear slightly plushy and are not fitting really well. In addition, the yellow didn't always look alike - which can be best seen on Gary Mitchell.
The women's uniform dresses (which are in my eyes a step backwards since I would consider them very unhandy in daily duty) had not yet been invented.
In all the uniforms have more in common with the ones
of "The Cage".
Sulu is part of this episode but is introduced as head of a department without leaving a lasting impression. His place on the bridge is occupied with Lee Kelso who was not allowed to survive this episode. Dr. Dehner and Gary Mitchell share that fate whereby too much time is used to introduce their characters.
Especially Mitchell, who is characterized as a close friend of Kirk, is wasted potential. The slight rivalry between Spock and him for Kirk's friendship is already noticeable; the same is true for a hinted evil trait of Gary Mitchell. It would have been extremely interesting to see that conflict grow and observe Kirk's difficulties to wage friendship against duty.
However, not only the uniforms take a lot of time to get used to, the same is true for the scenery. Kirk's command chair possesses some kind of microphone-add-on, the conference room is adorned with a wooden table, the triangle screens are missing completely and much more.
Concerning the well-known crew, besides Kirk and Spock only Sulu and Scotty are present. The CMO is named Dr. Piper but looks old enough to make a retirement after this episode possible. Spock's eyebrows are much steeper than usual and in the very first scene he shows two displays of emotion although he is in total portrayed less emotional than in
"The Cage". Nevertheless he has no objections in touching Kirk's arm although as a Vulcan he should reject physical contacts of every kind.
In a direct compare of "The Cage" with
"Where No Man Has Gone Before" it is not - at least
not for me - clear why one pilot was rejected while the other one was approved.
Both posses a supernatural element, the one with the alien mental forces, the other with increased ESP abilities. Both are therefore "demanding". As a stand-alone production I would even
consider "The Cage" to be better because "Where No Man Has Gone Before" often leaves the impression that the characters didn't know their positions yet. Additionally, lots of good aspects where removed, be it the women's uniforms that where butchered on the altar of "sex sells" or the mixed bridge crew with a woman as second in command. Furthermore, nearly all interesting characters never survived the second pilot.
The beginning of "Where No Man Has Gone Before" needs some time to get its pace, at the end some action is thrown in to make NBC comfortable. In doing so some pretty heavy mistakes are made. It is never shown how Kirk receives his injuries, from one moment to the other he is covered in blood. Later his hand is bandaged which has been uninjured till then while his face is now without scratches.
The tombstone is the most obvious mistake - "James R. Kirk" can be read on it. In the book series "My Brother's Keeper" the R., which contradicts the later T. for Tiberius, is (unofficially) explained as in insider joke between Mitchell and Kirk.
In all "Where No Man Has Gone Before" should not be judged by today-standards. As the first production it possess a special bonus, too. The acting of Gary Mitchell and Dr. Dehner is
authentic, especially Gary. Both actors have my whole sympathy alone for wearing the thick contact lenses. That lenses had the side effect that the actors were forced to walk through the scenes with raised heads which fits the role but was necessary to see at least a bit under the edges of the lenses.
Between pilot and series usually some times goes by - Star Trek used that time for plenty of improvements.
Considering the time it was made a milestone was created with a SF series with an emphasis on peaceful exploration, which was demanding and which didn't focus on space battles.
MC approved
Episode 4: "The Naked Time"
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Story:
The planet Psi 2000 is about to be destroyed, the Enterprise should pick up a team of scientists. They are all dead, though. The circumstances leave only one conclusion: the scientists ran amok. Spock and Lieutenant Tormolen beam down on the base in protective clothing where Tormolen gets infected with the virus due to extreme carelessness. Once aboard the Enterprise, the virus spreads rapidly and causes the out acting of deepest wishes and fears - which threatens the ship to be destroyed together with Psi 2000…
Opinion:
Apart from the silly behavior of Lieutenant Joe Tormolen (why does one wear protective clothing…?) and apart from the appearance of these clothing (shouldn't it at least appear to be isolating?) the episode is brilliant.
There are deep insights into the characters and everything is absolutely exciting till the end but there are plenty of entertaining moments as well. Bruce Hyde as Kevin "Take Me Home Again, Kathleen" Riley is an absolute highlight. He has been so convincing in that role that he does not only leave a lasting impression (as a perfect opposite to
e.g. Lieutenant Leslie*) who has an appearance in nearly every episode but practically never stands out) but he returns once again in "Conscience of the King".
Sulu's fencing scenes are amusing and Uhura has several nice moments. On the one hand she proves competence when she takes over the helm, on the other she is quick-witted when replying with "sorry neither" to "fair maiden".
The most interesting are, of course, the "confessions". Chapel confesses Spock her love which is mentioned later albeit decently only (e.g. in "Amok Time"). Spock on the other hand fights with his Vulcan heritage that does not allow any emotions. Kirk intimates that the Enterprise takes him in completely and forces him to live her life. It becomes clear how difficult it must be to captain such a ship which demands complete isolation from the crew (especially in sexual regard which is a perfect explanation for Kirk's affairs with the beauty of the week ). By the way: Spock must have some difficulties with his ears in this episode since Spock takes no notice when Sulu declares his departure from the bridge. Usually, his sense of hearing works quite
well (e.g. in "Operation-- Annihilate!" ).
*) Who likes it exact: Lieutenant Leslie (aka Eddi Paskey) were part of 55 (!) episodes as a member of different departments (in different uniform colours) and, sometimes, even dead.
MC approved
Episode 5: "The Enemy Within"
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Story:
While sample taking on Alpha 177 a mineral damages the transporters. Kirk, suspecting nothing, is beamed aboard shortly afterwards - and is split in two parts: one Kirk possesses all the good traits but has more and more problems making decisions. The evil one, at first unnoticed, has no scruples, drinks, attacks crew members and tries to violate his yeoman Janice Rand.
In the meantime on the inhospitable planet below the landing party is stranded, suffering under the constantly dropping temperatures.
While the "good" Kirk is having more
and more problems keeping under control, Scotty and Spock are trying to repair the transporters…
Opinion:
Star Trek's (first) answer to "Dr. Jekyll/Mr. Hyde" is outstanding, mainly because here there is not only a "good" and a "bad" Kirk. The "evil" one possesses traits that enable him to captain a starship, amongst them will power and decisiveness. At the same time it is the evil and unscrupulous Kirk who nearly dies out of fear. As a result the character Kirk is analyzed. Who is he indeed, which half is dominant? The answer is clear: no half is dominant, both are needed. For the era a really remarkable answer. Also remarkable is the courage demonstrated in making the episode: to even hint a violation was more than the usual TV program would even dare thinking of. In addition, Kirk's image is drawn into a grey area.
Whereas Spock states that Kirk could not allow himself to appear anything less
than perfect in the eye of the crew it becomes clear that he is a human of blood and flesh only. Janice
Rand, Kirk's yeoman and one of the leading roles at the beginning of TOS, vanishes only a few episodes later (in "The Conscience of the King").
Shatner can use all his talent in this double role, especially concerning the
evil part which is not only displayed well but really frightening. The different uniform shirts are not needed to distinguish both parts. The episode's atmosphere is so dense that the inconsistencies are not pushing the overall opinion too much. For the sake of completeness it should be mentioned that the fate of the landing party is exaggerated. Even defect transporters should have been able to transport some aids down. It is out of my imagination how a "bad" blanket should warm less than a "good"
one . Then, there are shuttles that would have been able to solve the problem immediately.
Fact is that shuttles have not yet been invented or built. At least it should have been possible to mention them just to exclude them as a solution.
The doubling process is also posing some questions. Since nobody knows how transporters are working - only that they do - one should not poke around into that subject too much…
Apart form the tribbles it is by the way the only time a pet can be seen. The dog-like creature is well made - of course it appears just in time to precede Kirk's fate…
Besides the dual character of each person it is worth mentioning that Spock himself talks about his hybrid heritage as half Human/half Vulcan.
That allows some insights into his real motives which must be the
reason why he forgets his real rank in a log entry. He declares himself "Second Officer" - a mix
of "Second in Command" and "First Officer"? Also, in regard to Janice, Spock must have been confused. There is no other way to explain his final remark that hints that Kirk's attempted violation must have also had some positive aspects.
From today's point of view an impossible thing to say, even given the fact that Janice was interested in Kirk in "Miri".
In all based on the phenomenal total impression absolutely recommended!
MC approved
Episode 6: "Mudd's Women"
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Story:
The Enterprise rescues Harry Mudd and his three "passengers" out of his vessel just before it is destroyed in an asteroid field.
Harry Mudd's crew consists of very beautiful and seducing women in search for a husband. All have great influence on all males onboard the Enterprise.
The Enterprise herself was heavily damaged in the rescue attempt and is urgently in need of dilithium crystals.
When Kirk tries to buy some from three miners he has to notice that Harry Mudd has already made contact before...
Opinion:
"Mudd's Women" is the first of two "Harry Mudd" episodes. The fact that "Mudd's Women" got a sequel proves clearly how much the character was liked who is so completely different from all others, not neat and clean but an amiable rascal. That's why Roger C. Carmel is the star of the week. There was even a third appearance intended - in "The Trouble with Tribbles" -
but due to schedule problems another actor and therefore another character (Cyrano Jones) got the role. The similarity to Harry Mudd cannot be ignored, however.
Completely unusual for the time is the fact that drugs are dealt with.
Back in the 60th, almost everything that could only hint at a problem was banished mercilessly from screen. That makes it very difficult to mention such things nevertheless.
Star Trek proves to be a master in doing so, this episode is one of many which
shows how to wrap unloved topics to hide them from censorship.
Unfortunately also typical of the time and nearly THE drawback of the episode is the female role model. While "Mudd's Women" arrives at the conclusion that women don't need to be pretty it is said at the same time that the only life objective for them can constitute in an existence as a housewife for a man. It is frightening that this attitude was not essential for the episode only but for a whole era.
So it is only natural that from today's point of view it has an antique touch.
Apart form the zeitgeist haunting the episode so intensively the episode is really great.
Besides the deep meaning there are numerous funny and worth seeing moments, especially the reaction of the male crew towards "Mudd's Women" as well as some critical situations. In one of them Kirk explodes, something that is pretty rare in TOS but which gave the whole events more depths.
Spock can be proven guilty of a near smile plenty of times. Seldom is it possible to witness so many emotional reactions in the half Vulcan. By the way: Uhura is wearing a yellow (instead of a red) uniform but since her role is pretty small that is not that important.
The Enterprise computer contributes to the episode's success
but shows talents as a lie detector which would have
been useful later in the series if someone had remembered
them .
Of course there are some inconsistencies. The Venus drug is something that nearly everybody who is not a model would like to test only once. That it should be possible to reach the effect by wishing only should speak surely for the force of mind (if anybody succeeds - please notify me :-)). Be that as it may, the beauty and the charisma of the women turn everybody's head.
Security guards ignore conspiracies; Eve is able to enter Kirk's quarters and so on. Even Uhura must be influenced because she doesn't notice Mudd's contact to the miners. The miners are a subject by themselves. If they are really that rich as their possession of dilithium crystals indicate, they should be able to afford some machines to make life and household easier.
I am thinking of replicators which lead used pans ad absurdum or a house robot - OK, women
are able to do the same and they are most likely not so sand prone .
In all "Mudd's Women" is a nice episode that is worth watching from time to time over and over.
It could have been better with a different female
role model, the way it is mirrors the time in which it was produced.
MC approved
Episode 7: "What Are Little Girls Made of?"
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Story:
On Exo III the Enterprise discovers the famous and lost scientist Dr. Roger Corby who is additionally the fiancée of Christine Chapel. He was her reason to join Starfleet and to give up a career in science.
According to Korby's wish Kirk and Chapel beam down on the planet all by themselves at first where they are confronted with technology of an ancient civilization: a robot, a perfect doppelganger, can be produced of each person…
Opinion:
"What are Little Girls Made of" deals with two subjects often used in Star Trek in general and in the original series in particular: doppelgangers and androids.
The idea itself is really good and an especially pleasant surprise is Chapel's share of the action.
Indeed not long ago she confessed her love for Spock in "The Naked Time" but
this doesn't have to be a contradiction - after all her fiancée Korby has been lost for five years. In addition it becomes apparent that Chapel is not "only" a simple nurse but actually a scientist.
Pretty quaint is the scene in which she confirms Korby's identity and asks Spock whether he has ever been engaged. As it turns out only shortly afterwards (that is to
say in "Amok Time") Spock is indeed engaged (to T'Pring) but his reaction fits perfectly into the Vulcan philosophy to keep private things private.
The setting with Kirk in his double role belongs to the nice moments too - especially the assembly of the scenes was done in a really good manner considered the time back then. The dialogues in these scenes are also something special. Kirk divulges some information about himself resp about his brother which is used later
in "Operation -- Annihilate!".
Then there is Ruk whose superiority is also worth seeing although some questions suggest themselves: why does Ruk obey (at least partially) Korby? He clearly outmatches him. How did the reprogramming happen?
When Ruk was "turned off" at Korby's arrival, the real Korby still must have had enough strength
left to restart Ruk and give him a new program - something which seems highly unlikely when the kind of Korby's injuries are taken into account.
If Ruk has never been "turned off" though, then why does he obey Korby?
Actually the androids behave very illogically.
Korby is very human (which is positive in general) whereas Andrea appears to be only silly and naïve. Her behavior is not
the one of an android and Kirk's usual method (the one in which a planet beauty must learn about human sex ) should not work.
Furthermore the Kirk clone is not unconditionally rational when insulting Spock. Of course, that is one of the key scenes and Kirk's method therefore a certain highlight.
The reaon why Spock recognizes the copy as such is
something which is certainly not noticed by most people when watching this episode for first time.
An explanation for the robot's behavior can be
the brown-greenish glop which they are made of, probably it has some influence on their brains .
MC approved
Episode 8: "Miri"
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Story:
Stardate 2713.5: An automated distress call leads the Enterprise to a planet identical to Earth. Kirk beams down with a landing party and discovers ruins of a civilization that corresponds to Earth, approximately 1960. In the destroyed town some children are living that call themselves "Onlies". An Onlie, Miri, joins the landing party. Very soon the Enterprise crew realizes that the children are several centuries old and the only survivors of an experiment to extend the life span - an experiment which resulted in death for all "Grown ups". The Onlies are condemned to death, too, as soon as they enter puberty like Miri does now. Then, the members of the landing party show first symptoms, too…
Opinion:
"Miri" is another episode based on a really good idea. Technology used but not controlled, "ancient" children that have to deal all by themselves - that is all very interesting. The actress playing Miri - who was by the way 19 years old when playing a girl in puberty - contributes to the episode's success. The problems of growing up as well as the complexity of the situation make her a congenial and complex character.
The weak point is therefore more the way the idea is realized. The parallels to Earth are absurd in their extent and do nothing to really contribute to the story. In the course of the series a great number of Earth-like planets were explored, mainly to the delight of the financiers because this way it was possible to use already existing sets with avoiding expensive new ones. In general, there is nothing to say against saving money - but: while in some episodes, like here, the crew wonders about the parallels to Earth, others refer to a theory about parallel planet development. One way or the other, a 1:1 copy is complete nonsense and, to quote Kirk: "It seems impossible, but there it is."
In "Miri", many of the Onlies were played by children of persons involved in the show's production. That includes both sons of Grace Lee Whitney (Janice Rand) as well as Roddenberry's children and Shatner's daughters Lisabeth and Melanie Shatner. He carries one of them, Melanie, on his arm at the end of the episode. Unfortunately the children's behaviour is completely nerve-racking, starting with the songs to the games and doesn't benefit the show.
Like nearly every other episode at the start of the first TOS season the character of Janice Rand gets a pretty large part of the action. She is allowed to join the landing party without explaining what duty she should fulfil on the planet. Her main role here is to compete with Miri; her preference for Kirk is never shown as
clearly as in this episode and is mentioned as one possible reason for her leaving the show only a few weeks later. Above all things Spock (!) must be the one to tell Kirk of Miri's feelings, the captain's behavior towards her can not be described exactly as fair. Then, the jealousy of Yeoman on the one hand and teenager on the other is a nice comparison. Nevertheless, the overall impression remains that Janice Rand was not able to really support an episode - not really a fault of Grace Lee Whitney but more a result of her role as Yeoman.
The whole landing party shows clear deficits in "Miri". Both guards disappear at
some point, especially when the communicators are stolen. The children's success
says more about the "competence" of the landing party that gets rid of their devices far too
easily, including the ones of the two security officers. The reason why they didn't
take the communicators with them when going on patrol remains their secret forever.
Unfortunately, the crew on the Enterprise does not react not better. After the landing party has no opportunity to call the ship anymore anyone aboard should realize something was wrong. If nobody was able to beam down, it would have still been possible to beam some devices like a communication's system. A little bit of logical thinking would have put an end to the episode quite too fast, so the whole impression is a little ruined even despite the good idea. Kim Darby, who is outstanding here, makes the show worth seeing nevertheless, though.
MC approved
Episode 9: "Dagger of the Mind"
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Story:
When exchanging goods with the Tantalus penal colony a stowaway gets aboard. He turns out to be Dr. Simon van Gelder, originally not inmate of Tantalus but assistant of the director, Dr. Adams. McCoys gets suspicious and demands an investigation. As a result, Kirk beams down to the penal colony together with Dr. Helen Noël. Very soon it turns out that Adams has something to hide. Aboard, McCoy and Spock, too, find out with the help of van Gelder that something is amiss…
Opinion:
This pretty brutal episode contains the first Vulcan mind meld ever. That is kind of the only positive aspect of the show.
Kirk behaves out of character at the beginning when he doesn't take McCoy's concerns seriously and asks for a specialist to accompany him instead of taking McCoy with him as usual. Isn't Kirk in general the one with the talent for insights and hunches? In turn, McCoy "takes revenge" by choosing Helen Noël. It is odd that Kirk is surprised by her attendance - shouldn't he know the ones under his command?
In all, the script author must have considered the names he used funny. To call someone Noël who was met first at a Christmas party (= French for "Christmas") and to name a progressive penal colony "Tantalus" when considering the proverbial Tantalus torments is somewhat morbid. Following the principle 'nomen est omen' Kirk is promptly tortured leaving the question unanswered what Adams could gain by that act. He would not get command over the Enterprise since nobody behaved "normally" after a "treatment". OK, Adams is crazy, nevertheless…. By the way: the torturing scenes are again the reason why England originally not aired the episode. They are turned into a laughing matter when Spock shows up exactly as Kirk kisses Helen under the "treatment's" influence. At least in my view that gag is not really felicitous.
At the end Kirk returns to business as usual as if nothing has ever happened.
As a consequence, "Dagger of the Mind" is an under average episode with the Vulcan Mind meld as the only highlight.
MC approved
Als Konsequenz ist "Dagger of the Mind" (deren dt. Titel wohl alles an Dämlichkeit überbietet) eine unterdurchschnittliche Folge, die bis auf die Mentalverschmelzung nicht sonderlich sehenswert ist.
Episode 10: "The Corbomite Maneuver"
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Story:
During a mapping mission in an unknown space area the Enterprise is stopped by some kind of space buoy. Several attempts to avoid the cuboid object fails,
so Kirk finally orders to destroy it. He decides to continue the course despite the underlying warning to follow his ongoing mission to "seek out new life and civilizations".
In doing so, the Enterprise meets the Fesarius, a gigantic, ball like space ship that is under the command of an alien called Balok of the so called First Federation. He regards the proceeding of the Enterprise as a provocation and gives the Enterprise ten minutes to prepare for death. Even Spock has no logical solution to offer while the countdown goes on…
Opinion:
After the second pilot, "The Corbomite Maneuver" is actually the first regular episode but it was aired considerably later to lure the audience with more alien planets first. In contrast, this episode is set completely in open space but has no reason
to hide behind others. The SF element is more of an underlying nature. The Stardate shows the early point in time, Uhura's yellow uniform can give another hint on the original production order since she would soon change into her customary red.
Kirk is not to be envied in this episode when facing a no-win-situation. The countdown is nerve-racking; the psychological war is extremely exciting. As a bonus there are not just one but two good dialogues between Kirk and Spock. The first deals with the question whether the Enterprise should explore the unknown area or not. Nimoy and Shatner add a nonverbal communication to the equation; an indication that captain and first officer understand each other without words. That can be witnessed again when Spock quasi advises Kirk to surrender. Spock even tries to apologize for that before regaining his Vulcan composure. Those unspoken dialogues, the relationship between the characters are the secret of TOS and "The Corbomite Maneuver" is an ideal example.
With all due respect the end is quite disappointing. Shortly until the last scenes a banana is promised and then a cucumber is served, something which can not satisfy anyone. The here invented "First Federation", a name which is not taken up too gladly since it is very similar to the one of the known Federation, is never mentioned again, neither in TOS nor later. The large ship is pretty impressive, though. Especially the proportions are well done in contrast to the Enterprise. In general, the technical possibilities of that time are used well and the setting doesn't appear ridiculous by no means.
Balok himself has a threatening touch, even by today standards. By the way: the scene with his face was used in all TOS end credits as background, when "Herbert F. Solow", producer and vice president of the DESILU studios was named. That is an insider gag with Robert H. Justman as the one responsible. Justman, first assistant director, later associate and supervising producer, wanted to take "revenge" at Solow but had to swallow that his victim liked the side blow very much. Balok's monster face became additionally famous that way.
However, it is surprising that Spock noticed some resemblance to his father. After all, Mark Lenard, who personified Ambassador Sarek in "Journey to Babel", looks quite different. Spock mentions his parents in a past tense form but of course that fits to the estrangement that is the subject of "Journey to Babel".
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Bailey has the task to lighten up the story but he is more a source of irritation. Right from the start he is not able to follow direct orders, something which of course doesn't get better when facing the crisis. McCoy considers him too young for his position. Chekov, however, who was about to do the same job from the second season on,
should do it disproportionately better - even given the fact that he would be a much younger ensign. In addition, Baily doesn't appear as young as he is pictured to be. The actor was 26 year old when
the episode was filmed.
Further weaknesses concern the already weak end: Kirk, McCoy and Bailey accept drinks although they are rightfully suspicious - they can not be sure whether the drinks are poisoned or not. Their host drinks out of a different bottle and nobody conducts a tricorder check. Then, the inside of the alien ship should appear very small but fortunately the next room is pretty high. Why didn't
the landing party use that spot to beam in before?
Finally, the episode is great, most of it compensates the end. The Corbombite bluff is used once again in "The Deadly Years".
MC approved
Episode 11/12: "The Menagerie" Part I/Part II"
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Story:
Captain Pike, former captain of the Enterprise and for eleven years Spock's superior has been injured so severely in an accident that he is now chair bound and able to communicate with light signs only. Spock fakes a distress call and hijacked the Enterprise to help Pike. Then Spock is captured and must face a court martial in which the past becomes vivid…
Opinion:
The only TOS double episode owed its existence to the first pilot *). Because of the consid