Star Trek: Start to Finish

Mirror, Mirror

Mirror, Mirror (Memory Alpha; SD Video) is that episode where they go to the alternate universe where everyone has a goatee.

Except only Spock has a goatee.

Now, everyone remembers the savage-alternate-universe thing, but it’s played rather nicely as a foil against the planet this episode takes place in orbit of. The inhabitants are a peaceful people who are refusing to give their dilithium crystals to the Federation, because they as a people are pacifists. The episode begins with Kirk’s assurance that the Federation can be trusted with the crystals, since they are good guys. And immediately we’re thrown into the goatee universe, where no one is a good guy.

Begin Spoilers

Except the one guy with a goatee. Chekov attempts to assassinate Kirk, and fails. Sulu does, too. So all the foreigners are sinister in the mirror universe, but the jewish guy is alright. There’s some subtext here, and it’s not buried very deep.

End Spoilers

There’s also a nice talk by Kirk about society, and how harmonious living is beneficial for all and sustainable, whereas the kill-or-be-killed mirror universe is destined for destruction down it’s path of constant sorrow. I read this as Kirk’s preëmptive rhetorical strike against the neoconservatives. Especially this bit, which seems rather prophetic:

Kirk: Conquest is easy; control is not. We may have bitten off more than we can chew.

Also, Uhura is actually important this episode. She gets not one but two good scenes, and a fight sequence. She almost but doesn’t say that she’s frightened. She actually makes a difference.

And Marlena is another female character who’s interesting and strong and smart, who takes a stand. She’s a love interest, but not really; her interest is the other Kirk, and the internal conflict she plays with “our” Kirk is well done.

All told, this is a strong episode. The mirror universe is cheesy, but not really more so than the “actual” universe. And the mechanics for interdimensional travel are all sorts of vague while also being a snap for the computer to calculate. But if you overlook that, it’s well-constructed and does a fine job.

Grade

A

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.

Begin Spoilers

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.

End Spoilers

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-