Mirror, Mirror

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.

Season 2, episode 4. The Enterprise is at the planet of the Halkan Council where Kirk, Scotty, McCoy and Uhura are there to speak to them in order to request permission to obtain dilithium crystals from the planet. The council refuses and the team beam back aboard the ship during an ion storm - but they find they have boarded another Enterprise in an alternate universe. Now Kirk, Scotty, McCoy and Uhura must work together in order to get back to their own universe without being killed by the "evil" or alternate Enterprise crew. One hope remains... the integrity of the "evil" Mr. Spock.

A long time favorite among Star Trek fans - and myself. Unforgettable is the goatee on the "evil" Spock and the scar on the face of Sulu. The only complaint I have about this episode: it's not long enough!!! LOL. If it were longer they could have shown us more of what happened in the "good" universe with the evil versions of Kirk, Uhura, McCoy and Scotty. But what little we did see was a joy to watch as the "good" Spock held them in a cell.

9.5/10

Kirk, McCoy, Scott, and Uhura get thrust into an alternate reality where the Federation is an evil empire and their shipmates and friends are now malicious, dangerous adversaries. Now the four have to find a way to get back to their own reality without being discovered and killed.

This is one of the best-written, best-acted TOS episodes ever. Ordinarily there is some aspect of the writing to nitpick about. Not here. Every action anybody takes makes sense, the characters are developed superbly, and the pacing is swift and invigorating. This is quality TV writing, and if every script had been this good the series would have lasted a lot longer, I think. One moment I'd like to point out especially: early on Kirk proposed to disable the phasers so they can avoid phaser-bombing a helpless planet, but Scottie subtly reports to Kirk he cannot because the phaser banks are being guarded. This is good writing: the good guys had a sensible (not contrived) solution to a problem, and the obstacle to that solution also made perfect sense (and was not contrived). That makes the tension feel very real.

The acting takes it over the top. William Shatner's Kirk displays the quick wits and cleverness that make the character so interesting. And notice how our good guy Kirk is not entirely uncomfortable in his new, dangerous environment. Sure, he's disgusted by all the cruelty around him, but you can sense he gets a thrill out of navigating all the treachery. Leonard Nimoy's evil version of Spock is genuinely menacing in a cool, calculating way. Nichelle Nichols' Uhura shows us a cunning, wily side of her we have only ever seen suggested before (and check her out in that revealing outfit.) But the acting prize goes to George Takei. In this episode, his evil Sulu is slimy, sleazy, scary, and wonderfully despicable. As another reviewer suggested, Takei should have played more villains.

Overall, Mirror, Mirror is a ten.

Watching this for the 847th time I think I know why 2020 is such a nightmare. Sometime in mid-March we all woke up and found ourselves in the mirror universe. If this is not the case I think if it were possible I'd take my chances there....Can't be any worse

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.