Mirror, Mirror

After a storm causes a transporter malfunction, Kirk, Uhura, Scotty, and McCoy are sent to an Enterprise in a parallel, but opposite, universe. They comes to find out that they are serving a new StarFleet which goes against everything their old StarFleet stands for. The ship is filled with brutality, lust, and the drive for power. You can feel the tension as they try to get to their own universe before the rest of the "evil" crew discovers the truth. The only thing that remains constant is a logical Spock, which shows logic stays the same whether good or evil. Also check out Spock sporting a little goatee for this one. The plot idea was a very good concept and it turned out to be one of the better episodes of the second season.

I recently watched an old episode of The Twilight Zone where an astronaut returns to Earth and to a family that isn't quite right. The concept of a parallel universe has been a part of scifi for a long time. In this episode, after negotiating with a planet to gain dilithium crystals, Kirk beams up. At that very time, something happens, sending him into another universe. it contains similar characters though they are beset with avarice and evil. Even Spock has accepted the fact that maintain discipline he must inflict pain on people, even kill them. Of course, if good Kirk is on this starship, his counterpart is on the Enterprise we know. Of course, here comes the fun. The good Kirk must figure out what happened and find some way to turn things back. The other Kirk sticks out like a sore thumb but has the power of his position. So things aren't so easy to remedy. This is a wonderful use of a unique situation and the writers don't waste it. What's neat is that the good Kirk tries to initiate change on the new ship, so he isn't just single minded in his efforts.

Anticipating the series Sliders by about 30 years this particular Star Trek prime episode is one of the most original and best of the series. A few of the regulars got to explore darker versions of their selves.

After completing part of some unsuccessful negotiations for Dilithium crystals with a pacifist alien planet, the Enterprise Away team which consists of Kirk, Uhura, McCoy, and Scotty get beamed up. But do to a fierce ionic storm are transferred to a parallel universe where the Federation acts more like the Klingon Empire. It's a warlike alliance that has no scruples about wholesale genocide to get what they want.

One of the things that drives this Empire is a cult of intrigue. When our Captain Kirk hesitates about obliterating the aliens Spock is ready to pull a palace coup on the Enterprise against him. And waiting in the wings is Sulu looking to knife Spock literally and figuratively.

As the four regulars in the alien universe look to return to their own universe, we get a great opportunity for Leonard Nimoy, Walter Koenig, and George Takei to explore other darker versions of themselves. Especially Takei who looked like he was having a ball with a treacherous and lecherous version of Sulu. Nichelle Nichols was the object of his lust and she had to alternately encourage and keep Takei at bay as the situation called.

One person that was new was Barbara Luna essentially on the Enterprise to give William Shatner a little Nookie. In fact she glories in being one who serves the Empire and its male officers in every way she can.

This one is a must for Star Trek fans.

An ionic storm causes confusion, when the landing crew make an intrusion, take a parallel trip, to a pirate space ship, run by uniformed rogues through collusion.

Channels are disrupted and some of the crew beam across boundaries into a parallel world where variations on a theme are enough to make you feel unwanted.

Captain Kirk, Lieutenant U'Hura, Dr McCoy and Mr Scott are accidentally transported to a parallel universe.

'Mirror Mirror' is an excellent episode with a fantastic sci-fi concept, suspenseful plot and strong character moments.

The plot involves a great situation that has been done to death throughout the franchise, but this is the original and best episode to use it. There is a ticking clock plot that keeps things suspenseful and a lot of situations showing characters under pressure not to show weakness.

When I first saw it in my youth I was on the edge of my seat, particularly towards the end. It does not quite have the same effect on repeat viewings but there is still much to admire about the sci-fi detail and character interactions.

It is a notable episode for some of the supporting characters like U'Hura and Sulu as they do far more than just man their usual stations. Some of Sulu's dialogue is a bit cartoonish in its villainy but that's all part of the sixties charm. Nichelle Nichols and George Takei do some of their best work here, particularly Takei.

Visually it is fantastic, with great costuming, props and lighting to make the Enterprise and crew look and feel like they belong in a more savage place.

Kirk, Spock and McCoy are well written and William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and DeForest Kelley are on great form.

It is a 9.5/10 for me but I round upwards.