 [Larger view] | Star Trek - The Original Series, Vol. 2, Episodes 4 & 5: Mudd's Women/The Enemy Within
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 The Bad and the Good | |
| First of all, for some reason Paramount have replaced the opening titles score with a different version of the theme. It spoils the original feel of the series. If this is the same for the other OST DVDs then I will not be buying any more of them. The picture quality is generally excellent, the only noticeable problems being the age of the original prints. Nevertheless the transfer is excellent and the sound is excellent. What can I say about the episodes on the DVD? "Mudd's Women" is a very light, simplistic story which does little for the series. Its watchable but is not particularly good. "The Enemy Within", on the other hand, is an excellent variation on the Jekyll and Hyde story as a transporter problem splits Kirk in two, unleashing a savage double on the ship. Until the problem of re-combining Kirk is solved a landing party is stranded on a planet as its extremely cold night closes in. A very good episode. | |
 They don't call it classic Trek for nothing | |
| The first season of Star Trek is, for me, a pinnacle of television entertainment, and having these new episodes in this vibrant, remastered, digital format is a dream come true. Both "Mudd's Women" and "The Enemy Within" have a great sweaty, nocturnal look to their cinematography and terrific performances. It often seems to be a given to our 30-years-later perspective that the original Star Trek contains "bad acting." People forget the esteem in which this show and its cast were held when it originally aired--Leonard Nimoy was nominated for an Emmy Award for his role on the series and Shatner--yes, Shatner!--was a respected stage performer. I can't imagine anyone else attacking the role of Kirk's evil double with the kind of flamboyant theatricality that Shatner does. You couldn't get away with it today and the aesthetic has changed completely, but I miss this kind of scenery-chewing, and it's definitely one of the reasons why this show can be watched over and over again. Roger C. Carmel's deliciously hammy, hilarious performance in "Mudd's Women" is almost as good. Just remember, you're not watching NYPD Blue, you're watching Star Trek. | |
| Three babes and a psychological study. | |
| Star Trek: The Original Series Volume 2 presents two episodes aired in 1966: "Mudd's Women:" In this segment we are introduced to the galaxy's most likeable adversary, Harry Mudd. Mudd brings aboard the Enterprise his "cargo" -- three beautiful women. There's a surprising drug angle to the story regarding the illegal Venus drug which supposedly enhances the beauty of Mudd's gals (uh, I don't think the need any help -- especially Ruth and Magda). It's interesting to note that this story was one of the three candidates for the (second) pilot; the two others being "The Omega Glory" and the accepted "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Good choice because otherwise Star Trek wouldn't exist. Anyway, the episode starts to drag a bit in the third act, but other than that it's a fun, enjoyable outing. GRADE: B "The Enemy Within:" Kirk gets split into two separate versions of himself a la "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Watch out for the dark Kirk's bestial expression at the end of the teaser -- it's great! Note the top two items on the dark Kirk's 'things-to-do' list: 1.) Get some booze off of Dr. McCoy and 2.) Go after sexy Yeoman Janice Rand in her red miniskirt. It is revealed that Kirk's command abilities and decisiveness stem from his carnal side, not his spiritual side. Spock theorizes that the 'evil' side of the human psyche, properly controlled and disciplined, is vital to our strength. Thus with Kirk's negative side removed from him, the power of command starts to elude him. (Though McCoy rightly points out later that a human being's essential courage stems from his/her 'good' side). Bottom Line: A brilliant and captivating psychological exploration; fails to achieve "A+" status only because it starts to plod a bit in the second half. GRADE: A |
