And now... my choices for the worst episodes of TOS.
3. The Mark of Gideon
There is a good episode here, it just didn't come together. Overpopulation is a
subject worth exploring. But the story is simply full of too many plot
holes. If Gideon is so overpopulated where did they find room to build
an exact replica of the Enterprise. How did they get the blueprints
for the Enterprise? If all they wanted was Kirk's blood why not just
take it when he was captured, and then return him without his knowledge?
Why not just colonize another planet?
It also doesn't help that the
love interest is bland and has little chemistry with Shatner. Also, the
back and forth between Spock and Hodin is so drawn out, uninteresting
and frustrating. The entire episode is an exercise in frustration and totally illogical.
2. Plato's Stepchildren.
This is the episode famous for the first interracial kiss. That doesn't
make it a classic though. The way Kirk and Spock are forced to act...
you start to lose respect for them. With Spock dancing over Kirk's
body. Kirk being ridden as though he were a horse. It just goes on and
on. Then you have some weird s&m stuff with the whip and hot
poker. Is this supposed to be a fun, lighthearted episode? You may
think so with all the shenanigans. Is it a commentary on the excesses
of power? This episode never decides what it is. Michael Dunn is a
treat to watch on The Wild, Wild, West but even he can't save this
episode.
1. And the Children Shall Lead
As Youtuber Brandon Tenold might say, this episode
is full of Kennys. Whenever i sit down to rewatch TOS i usually have
to skip this episode. People want to complain about Spock's Brain. To
me that episode is like a fun B-Movie. But this episode... man. Why is
Uhura so concerned with looking old? Cause she's a woman? Cause women
are vain? Get outta here.
No one wants to get old. Why is Sulu
afraid of swords filling the viewscreen. Because he has some skill at fencing?
An interesting side note, the
Gorgon was played by Melvin Belli who was an attorney and may have
actually spoken with the Zodiac killer. As a fan of Star Trek and true
crime i'm fascinated by this.
Again, if there are certain episodes that grate on your nerves like a Ceti Eel then let me know in the comments section. And stay tuned as i have several other Star Trek blogs planned.
