Archive for February 13, 2012

Episode 4: “The Enemy Within”

This week, the TrekQuesters barely make it through discussing their least favorite episode to date. Between Sulu’s frigid jokes, the horned “alien” dog, and Shatner’s horrifically over-the-top acting, we were laughing so hard we were literally crying. Add in Dad’s random harmonica playing, and you’ve got a truly unique entertainment experience on your hands.

Probably the least politically-correct episode of the Original Star Trek series (and that’s admittedly saying a lot), “The Enemy Within” attempts to explore some pretty heavy philosophical themes including the inner struggle of good versus evil and the fundamental nature of leadership. In the end, however, it comes up very short — kinda like Shatner embracing his “identical” stunt double at the end of the show.

It’s amazing the episode that’s made us the most uncomfortable turned out the be our longest podcast to date (about 40 minutes). There’s just so much geeky goodness in this episode, from the first Vulcan Nerve Pinch to Dr. McCoy’s inaugural utterance of “He’s dead, Jim,” that it almost makes up for the hideously awkward bits between Kirk, Spock, and Yoeman Rand. Still, this isn’t an episode we plan to re-watch any time soon.

Can half a man survive? Can a parachute keep you from freezing to death? Does Kirk secretly wear makeup? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

Or you can download the MP3 file here.

Episode 3: “Mudd’s Women”

In our third podcast, we celebrate Dad’s birthday with a Groundhog’s Day review of one of his all-time favorite Star Trek episodes, Mudd’s Women. In fact, Dad couldn’t help breaking out into song to express his appreciation for science fiction’s favorite mail-order brides.

Hurtling asteroids, blown lithium crystals, an asbestos storm, and a stuttering, sweating Mr. Farrel provide the backdrop as Harcourt Fenton Mudd gives one of the series’ most memorable performances. Supported by three lovely brides-to-be (including the Playmate of the Month for August, 1966), Harry Mudd takes Kirk to his breaking point while Kirk’s crew devolves into a band of oggling adolescents. So much for the hippocratic oath, eh, Dr. McCoy?

Although suspension of disbelief is a bit of an understatement when dealing with the Venus Drug’s mysterious makeovers (particularly the gelatin placebo version), Mudd’s Women is still a great romp through the humorous side of Trek, and we had fun discussing the details.

Do gentlemen prefer blondes? Will Spock ever stop smirking? Do you wear radioactive perfume? Tell us about it in the comments or send us an email at StarTrekQuest@gmail.com.

Listen to this episode now:

 

Or you can download the MP3 file here.