Wink of an Eye

This was an entertaining episode, well played out by a great cast. Kathy Brown was great, and Kirk could easily fall for her. The idea, though, was first used in the H. G. Wells short story, "The New Accelerator," published in 1901 in the Strand magazine. Well's story was later adapted into the 1966 Wild Wild West episode, "Night of the Burning Diamond" written by Ken Kolb, two years before the Star Trek episode. I liked all of them. Dr. McCoy and Spock came up with the ideal solution to Kirk's disappearance and how to bring him back. The ending was bittersweet, as were so many episodes in which Kirk fell for a woman (or android).

Living life in the super-fast lane, a rapid accelerating speedy domain, express and fleet, they've very quick feet, flying along like a swift bullet train.

A fast forward race of aliens in a hurry have designs on the crew of the Enterprise.

Kirk's love affair with a playful princess who hides a deadly secret!

This was always one of my favorite episodes as a kid, and I think I know why. It's got a science fiction premise ("acceleration") but the mood and tone is that of a classic fairy tale or Greek myth. Enchanting, golden-haired Deela (short for Delilah?) is a real archetype -- the doomed temptress who lures great heroes to her bed for an eternity of love, only to exact a terrible price in slavery and loss of self-respect.

Ironically, this is one of the most "timeless" Star Trek episodes, precisely because it's not based on technology or social issues, but on myths, dreams, and memories. Kirk's can-do spirit is admirable, but in the end he can't find a solution for Deela or her people, and he has no answer to her tearful image at the end, except to say "Good-bye."

"Wink of an Eye" (Nov. 29, 1968) Old TV Guide synopsis: 'Kirk battles invisible beings who are using his crewmen to continue their species. Problem: the process renders humans susceptible to cell damage, rapid aging - and death.' Another curvaceous alien queen in blonde Kathie Browne, soon to become the bride of actor Darren McGavin, eager to break out of typecasting as a 'goody-two-shows' in TV Westerns. For once, her Deela is the seducer of Captain Kirk rather than the other way around, certain that he'll eventually accept the virtual acceleration of her people on Scalos, their voices sounding like buzzing insects to ordinary humans moving at a much slower pace. Jason Evers as the jealous Rael is a constant threat to Kirk, particularly after a revealing moment in the captain's cabin concludes with him putting his boots back on as she relaxes before the mirror (great stuff for the 60s!). Kathie Browne's best role was as Patrick O'Neal's slightly ditzy newlywed bride in "Bed of Roses," a standout 1964 episode of THE ALFRED HITCHCOCK HOUR.

I am currently watching this episode. The clever plot has always intrigued me but now I notice that Kathie Browne as Deela really steals the show. Her costume is extremely well done, being half-on and half-off at the same time. Her performance is just as well done.

There have been other lovely women on Star Trek but she really sweeps Kirk off his feet in this episode. His wistful look at the end looks genuine - because I feel the same way myself. She has a calm and serene attitude that is pleasant to see and hear.

Many of the female guest stars are merely eye candy, but Kathie Browne brings elegance to her role. Even Kirk is subdued in his desire to get his ship back, rather than his usual bluster. It's a nice change of pace.