The Essential Star Trek (Part 3)
posted by Tygrrius @ 6:45 PM
"In every revolution, there's one man with a vision."
--Captain James T. Kirk (Star Trek, "Mirror, Mirror")
Last year, I started a list of the must-see episodes of the original Star Trek.
· The Essential Star Trek: Part 1
· The Essential Star Trek: Part 2
Here is part three of that four-part series. As before, episodes are in production order—which I recommend for best understanding the evolution of the series and characters. Disc references are to the DVD season sets released in 2004.
#35 The Doomsday Machine
Season 2, Disc 2
"The Doomsday Machine" was one of those episodes that could have been expanded into a breathtaking film. The Enterprise encounters a robotic "planet killer" capable of destroying entire solar systems. Already crippled by the planet killer is the USS Constellation; her sole survivor is her commander, Commodore Matt Decker. Decker is obsessed with destroying the ultimate weapon.
While "The Doomsday Machine" is full of effects, ultimately the top-notch writing and acting have made the episode so memorable over the years. "You mean you're the lunatic who's responsible for almost destroying my ship?" demands Kirk of Decker at one point after he assumes command of the Enterprise and takes her on a suicide attack run.
Decker later pilots a shuttlecraft into the machine's maw. When contemplating the death of his friend, Kirk says, "He gave his life in an attempt to save others. Not the worst way to go." Appropriate from the man who would years later give his own life to save millions in Star Trek Generations.
#39 Mirror, Mirror
Season 2, Disc 1
Kirk, McCoy, Uhura, and Scott are victims of a transporter mishap and arrive in a parallel universe where the Federation is a savage empire, and Kirk rose to command the Enterprise by assassinating Captain Pike.
Besides displaying the "evil" alter egos of various crewmembers, this episode contains lots of attention to detail. The Enterprise sets are redressed to represent the mirror version of the ship. Uniforms are also slightly redesigned, giving a feeling of authenticity to the episode.
While most things in the mirror universe are inverted, it is notable that the Halkans - the residents of the dilithium-rich planet in dispute - are a peace-loving people in both universes.
This is a standout episode for Uhura, who unfortunately was rarely featured the way she is here. She outwits the mirror Sulu and even beats the "Captain's Woman." Truly a fun episode.
#40 The Deadly Years
Season 2, Disc 3
After visiting a planet near the Romulan neutral zone, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scott, and Galway experience rapid aging. The only member of the landing party not affected is Chekov. McCoy runs multiple tests on him to determine why he's immune to the condition, allowing Walter Koenig to provide comic relief.
William Shatner's portrayal of the aging Kirk is quite convincing, which makes the episode all the more realistic. Fantastic makeup effects by Fred B. Phillips also convey the illusion of age. McCoy takes on a thicker-and-thicker Southern accent as he ages, in a wonderful performance by DeForest Kelley. He says, "I'm not a magician, Spock. Just an old country doctor."
"Yes, as I had always suspected," retorts Spock.
To top it all off, there's a showdown with the Romulans. "The Deadly Years" even includes references to previous episodes ("Balance of Terror" and "The Corbomite Maneuver"), a rare touch for the original series. All in all, an episode I'll remember in my old age . . . which won't be for some while I hope.
#42 The Trouble With Tribbles
Season 2, Disc 4
Many episodes of Star Trek had comedic moments, for humor was always an integral part of the original series. However, the show only had three episodes that I would consider outright comedies: "I, Mudd," "The Trouble With Tribbles," and "A Piece Of The Action." Though all are worthy episodes, the most effective of these comedies is "The Trouble With Tribbles."
The Enterprise visits a space station to protect a special shipment of a wheat-like grain from the Klingons. On the station, Uhura is given a small, furry animal called a tribble. Though they seem to make great pets, tribbles consume lots of food and give birth to new tribbles almost constantly. There are lots of great moments in this episode. The banter between Spock and McCoy is some of the best in the series. Spock also gets to display his dry wit.
#44 Journey To Babel
Season 2, Disc 3
Spock's father takes ill aboard the Enterprise after becoming the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Though they would later appear in the films, "Journey to Babel" is the first and only episode of the original Star Trek to feature Spock's parents. His Vulcan father, Sarek (Mark Lenard), and his human mother, Amanda (Jane Wyatt), display both extremes of his own personality.
In case you were wondering why they didn't show up a few episodes back for the important Vulcan ritual in "Amok Time," we learn that Spock and his father have been feuding for eighteen years over his decision to enroll at Starfleet Academy rather than the Vulcan Science Academy. This episode also marks the first time that Kirk meets Spock's parents, so it will be interesting to see if this remains the case with the Star Trek XI prequel.
#47 Obsession
Season 2, Disc 4
While "Journey To Babel" is an important Spock episode, "Obsession" is an important Kirk episode. It reveals more of Kirk's past, namely his time as a Lieutenant aboard the USS Farragut. When a malevolent, gas-like being attacked the Farragut, the young Kirk hesitated for a split second before firing phasers. Since that time, he has blamed himself for the subsequent loss of life. When the Enterprise crew encounters a similar cloud, Kirk seemingly becomes obsessed with hunting it down.
Scott is extremely pushy and annoying in this episode, constantly reminding Kirk that the Enterprise needs to rendezvous with the Yorktown to pick up perishable medical supplies. He even breaks in on a communication that Kirk is having with someone else to remind him of this. Kirk shows a lot of restraint by not throwing him in the brig.
While one minor character is annoying, another one getting the rare chance to shine offsets it as Nurse Chapel uses a prescription card bluff to get her way with a patient.
#48 The Immunity Syndrome
Season 2, Disc 5
This is a terrific but often overlooked episode that aired just three months after the similarly-themed "The Doomsday Machine." While "The Doomsday Machine" featured a planet killer constructed by a warring civilization, "The Immunity Syndrome" features a naturally-occurring, living organism that presents as much, if not more, of a threat. The gigantic "space amoeba" of this episode can reproduce, resulting in enough offspring to destroy the entire galaxy. Like "The Trouble With Tribbles," this episode contains some of the best effects work of the original series.
When the USS Intrepid goes missing, the Enterprise is diverted from shore leave to find out what happened. Fearful of facing the same fate as the doomed Intrepid, some suggest fleeing the area. "Our orders do not say 'stay alive' or 'retreat.' Our mission is to investigate," Kirk admonishes them. They soon discover they are being drawn towards the space amoeba.
McCoy, Spock, and Kirk argue with each other over which of them gets to take on the suicide mission of investigating further with a shuttlecraft. The episode includes some classic McCoy vs. Spock moments, and the Vulcan seems quite pleased when Kirk picks him over McCoy for the mission. Spock points out that it is not the first time that superior capability has won out over higher credentials. It's a bumpy ride as Spock flies into the amoeba, and he notes, "Oh, and Dr. McCoy, you would not have survived it."
"Wanna bet?" Bones answers.
When the Enterprise takes the shuttle in a tractor beam (against Scott's wishes, I might add, for the chief engineer appeared perfectly content to leave Spock behind), Spock complains that they should release the shuttlecraft rather than risk the starship to save him. "Shut up, Spock. We're rescuing you," McCoy tells him.
Sounding almost amused, Spock actually gives in, "Why thank you, Captain McCoy."
#49 A Piece Of The Action
Season 2, Disc 5
The Enterprise discovers a planet of mobsters who have patterned their lives on a book called Chicago Mobs of the Twenties. The book was among the items left behind by the USS Horizon, which visited about a hundred years ago and prior to the adoption of the non-interference directive. It's up to Kirk, Spock, and McCoy to undo some of the damage.
William Shatner proves yet again that he's great with comedy, when given the right material. As Spock, Leonard Nimoy is the ultimate straight man. In fact, much of the back and forth between Kirk and Spock in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the pinnacle of Star Trek comedy, is reminiscent of "A Piece Of The Action."
After riding along in a 1920s style car driven in fits and starts by Kirk, Spock dryly notes, "Captain, you are an excellent starship commander but as a taxi driver, you leave much to be desired."
Later, when they need the car again, Spock hesitates and notes that it's not as safe as walking.
"Are you afraid of cars?" asks Kirk.
"Not at all. It's your driving that alarms me."
The mildly insulted look on Kirk's face after Spock's retort is priceless, as is this episode.
--Captain James T. Kirk (Star Trek, "Mirror, Mirror")
Last year, I started a list of the must-see episodes of the original Star Trek.
· The Essential Star Trek: Part 1
· The Essential Star Trek: Part 2
Here is part three of that four-part series. As before, episodes are in production order—which I recommend for best understanding the evolution of the series and characters. Disc references are to the DVD season sets released in 2004.
#35 The Doomsday MachineSeason 2, Disc 2
"The Doomsday Machine" was one of those episodes that could have been expanded into a breathtaking film. The Enterprise encounters a robotic "planet killer" capable of destroying entire solar systems. Already crippled by the planet killer is the USS Constellation; her sole survivor is her commander, Commodore Matt Decker. Decker is obsessed with destroying the ultimate weapon.
While "The Doomsday Machine" is full of effects, ultimately the top-notch writing and acting have made the episode so memorable over the years. "You mean you're the lunatic who's responsible for almost destroying my ship?" demands Kirk of Decker at one point after he assumes command of the Enterprise and takes her on a suicide attack run.
Decker later pilots a shuttlecraft into the machine's maw. When contemplating the death of his friend, Kirk says, "He gave his life in an attempt to save others. Not the worst way to go." Appropriate from the man who would years later give his own life to save millions in Star Trek Generations.
#39 Mirror, Mirror
Season 2, Disc 1
Kirk, McCoy, Uhura, and Scott are victims of a transporter mishap and arrive in a parallel universe where the Federation is a savage empire, and Kirk rose to command the Enterprise by assassinating Captain Pike.
Besides displaying the "evil" alter egos of various crewmembers, this episode contains lots of attention to detail. The Enterprise sets are redressed to represent the mirror version of the ship. Uniforms are also slightly redesigned, giving a feeling of authenticity to the episode.
While most things in the mirror universe are inverted, it is notable that the Halkans - the residents of the dilithium-rich planet in dispute - are a peace-loving people in both universes.
This is a standout episode for Uhura, who unfortunately was rarely featured the way she is here. She outwits the mirror Sulu and even beats the "Captain's Woman." Truly a fun episode.
#40 The Deadly Years
Season 2, Disc 3
After visiting a planet near the Romulan neutral zone, Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scott, and Galway experience rapid aging. The only member of the landing party not affected is Chekov. McCoy runs multiple tests on him to determine why he's immune to the condition, allowing Walter Koenig to provide comic relief.
William Shatner's portrayal of the aging Kirk is quite convincing, which makes the episode all the more realistic. Fantastic makeup effects by Fred B. Phillips also convey the illusion of age. McCoy takes on a thicker-and-thicker Southern accent as he ages, in a wonderful performance by DeForest Kelley. He says, "I'm not a magician, Spock. Just an old country doctor."
"Yes, as I had always suspected," retorts Spock.
To top it all off, there's a showdown with the Romulans. "The Deadly Years" even includes references to previous episodes ("Balance of Terror" and "The Corbomite Maneuver"), a rare touch for the original series. All in all, an episode I'll remember in my old age . . . which won't be for some while I hope.
#42 The Trouble With Tribbles
Season 2, Disc 4
Many episodes of Star Trek had comedic moments, for humor was always an integral part of the original series. However, the show only had three episodes that I would consider outright comedies: "I, Mudd," "The Trouble With Tribbles," and "A Piece Of The Action." Though all are worthy episodes, the most effective of these comedies is "The Trouble With Tribbles."
The Enterprise visits a space station to protect a special shipment of a wheat-like grain from the Klingons. On the station, Uhura is given a small, furry animal called a tribble. Though they seem to make great pets, tribbles consume lots of food and give birth to new tribbles almost constantly. There are lots of great moments in this episode. The banter between Spock and McCoy is some of the best in the series. Spock also gets to display his dry wit.
Kirk: "I heard you."While some people seem to enjoy making fun of Star Trek's original effects, there are actually some great shots in this episode of the Enterprise approaching and later leaving the space station.
Spock: "He simply could not believe his ears."
#44 Journey To Babel
Season 2, Disc 3
Spock's father takes ill aboard the Enterprise after becoming the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Though they would later appear in the films, "Journey to Babel" is the first and only episode of the original Star Trek to feature Spock's parents. His Vulcan father, Sarek (Mark Lenard), and his human mother, Amanda (Jane Wyatt), display both extremes of his own personality.
In case you were wondering why they didn't show up a few episodes back for the important Vulcan ritual in "Amok Time," we learn that Spock and his father have been feuding for eighteen years over his decision to enroll at Starfleet Academy rather than the Vulcan Science Academy. This episode also marks the first time that Kirk meets Spock's parents, so it will be interesting to see if this remains the case with the Star Trek XI prequel.
#47 Obsession
Season 2, Disc 4
While "Journey To Babel" is an important Spock episode, "Obsession" is an important Kirk episode. It reveals more of Kirk's past, namely his time as a Lieutenant aboard the USS Farragut. When a malevolent, gas-like being attacked the Farragut, the young Kirk hesitated for a split second before firing phasers. Since that time, he has blamed himself for the subsequent loss of life. When the Enterprise crew encounters a similar cloud, Kirk seemingly becomes obsessed with hunting it down.
Scott is extremely pushy and annoying in this episode, constantly reminding Kirk that the Enterprise needs to rendezvous with the Yorktown to pick up perishable medical supplies. He even breaks in on a communication that Kirk is having with someone else to remind him of this. Kirk shows a lot of restraint by not throwing him in the brig.
While one minor character is annoying, another one getting the rare chance to shine offsets it as Nurse Chapel uses a prescription card bluff to get her way with a patient.
#48 The Immunity Syndrome
Season 2, Disc 5
This is a terrific but often overlooked episode that aired just three months after the similarly-themed "The Doomsday Machine." While "The Doomsday Machine" featured a planet killer constructed by a warring civilization, "The Immunity Syndrome" features a naturally-occurring, living organism that presents as much, if not more, of a threat. The gigantic "space amoeba" of this episode can reproduce, resulting in enough offspring to destroy the entire galaxy. Like "The Trouble With Tribbles," this episode contains some of the best effects work of the original series.
When the USS Intrepid goes missing, the Enterprise is diverted from shore leave to find out what happened. Fearful of facing the same fate as the doomed Intrepid, some suggest fleeing the area. "Our orders do not say 'stay alive' or 'retreat.' Our mission is to investigate," Kirk admonishes them. They soon discover they are being drawn towards the space amoeba.
McCoy, Spock, and Kirk argue with each other over which of them gets to take on the suicide mission of investigating further with a shuttlecraft. The episode includes some classic McCoy vs. Spock moments, and the Vulcan seems quite pleased when Kirk picks him over McCoy for the mission. Spock points out that it is not the first time that superior capability has won out over higher credentials. It's a bumpy ride as Spock flies into the amoeba, and he notes, "Oh, and Dr. McCoy, you would not have survived it."
"Wanna bet?" Bones answers.
When the Enterprise takes the shuttle in a tractor beam (against Scott's wishes, I might add, for the chief engineer appeared perfectly content to leave Spock behind), Spock complains that they should release the shuttlecraft rather than risk the starship to save him. "Shut up, Spock. We're rescuing you," McCoy tells him.
Sounding almost amused, Spock actually gives in, "Why thank you, Captain McCoy."
#49 A Piece Of The Action
Season 2, Disc 5
The Enterprise discovers a planet of mobsters who have patterned their lives on a book called Chicago Mobs of the Twenties. The book was among the items left behind by the USS Horizon, which visited about a hundred years ago and prior to the adoption of the non-interference directive. It's up to Kirk, Spock, and McCoy to undo some of the damage.
William Shatner proves yet again that he's great with comedy, when given the right material. As Spock, Leonard Nimoy is the ultimate straight man. In fact, much of the back and forth between Kirk and Spock in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, the pinnacle of Star Trek comedy, is reminiscent of "A Piece Of The Action."
After riding along in a 1920s style car driven in fits and starts by Kirk, Spock dryly notes, "Captain, you are an excellent starship commander but as a taxi driver, you leave much to be desired."
Later, when they need the car again, Spock hesitates and notes that it's not as safe as walking.
"Are you afraid of cars?" asks Kirk.
"Not at all. It's your driving that alarms me."
The mildly insulted look on Kirk's face after Spock's retort is priceless, as is this episode.
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