The Enemy Within
The Enemy Within (Wikipedia; HD Video) is the first of many Doppelgänger episodes. In this one, the evil copy is distinguished by use of eye makeup. No, I’m serious.
A transporter accident splits Kirk into two; one side is his higher functions and the other his baser instincts. All the Captain’s horses and all the Captain’s men have to find a way to put Kirk back together again, which is only made harder when bad Kirk shoots up the transporter.
Meanwhile, Sulu and some redshirts are on Alpha 177 freezing to death, but unable to beam back up because they would suffer the same fate.
This episode sounds a little cheesy when summarized, but it’s the first “transporter accident” episode and its numerous strengths are the reason there have been so many repetitions on this theme. Spock waxes poetic about his own dual nature, and there’s a long bit talking about how the two halfs of Kirk work together to make him a good captain. Kirk gets to act pensive and malevolent, and does a decent job at both when he’s actually got lines and not just stage direction to work with.
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There’s also an honest to God attempted rape when bad Kirk finds Yeoman Rand’s quarters. She fights him off and escapes, but I was honestly shocked to see the scene at all, let alone the rather awkward accusations afterward.
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Best Line (Tie)
Kirk: “Saurian Brandy!”
Spock: “If I seem insensitive to what you’re going through, Jim, understand: it’s the way I am.” (Insensitive?)
Grade
A-
