|
|
MIRROR-MIRROR
THIS IS ONE OF THE TEN BEST TREKS!
GUEST STARS...
Barbara Luna
PLOT SUMMARY...
A space storm/transporter accident throws Kirk
and company into a savage, parallel universe.
QUICK SCAN...
This episode features a fascinating look into
a violent alternative Federation universe. George Takei registers strongly
as the violent, learing, alternative universe Sulu. Mr. Spock looks
awfully cool with a beard. Kirk's relationship with his alternative
universe Yeoman, played by Barbara Luna ("Buck Rodgers in the 25th
Century"), is complex and a bit spicy.
SYNOPSIS...
An Enterprise landing party attempts to transport
during an ion storm. They end up in an odd, parallel universe.
The other universe turns out to be a brutal one, where officers succeed
in rank by assassination. Kirk and the rest pass themselves off as their
other universe counterparts.
Simultaneously, their parallel universe counterparts end up in our universe,
but are soon detected and put in the brig. Kirk enlists the aid of the
other Spock. Kirk and gang transport back to their proper universe.
THE REVIEW...
Marc Daniels,' "MIRROR, MIRROR," is
a fascinating, well-remembered Sci-Fi tale. Daniels also directed these
Classic "Trek" episodes: "Space Seed" and "The
Naked Time", among others.
While parallel universes/dimensions is a common theme in Sci-Fi literature,
it was relatively virginal territory, in 60's television. Writer, Jerome
Bixby, lets us learn more about our characters, by seeing them in contrast
with their polar opposites, in the parallel universe. Bixby also wrote:
"By Any Other Name," "Day of the Dove," and "Requiem
for Methuselah," as well as episodes of "The Twilight Zone".
This is the episode where viewers got a chance to see the normally,
close shaven Vulcan, (Nimoy), with a neatly trimmed Vandyke beard. The
results are both flattering as well as slightly Satanic.
The parallel Kirk has at his disposal a weapon, called "The Tantalus
Field," which allows you to eliminate your enemies quickly and
permanently, at the push of a button. It's a cool Sci-Fi gimmick, totally
in keeping with the savage other universe. Come to think of it, the
gizmo might come in handy in this old universe of ours.
George Takei's, "Sulu," seems to be the character most different
in the parallel universe. His grinning, space wolf is a far cry from
the officer and gentleman we normally observe, cooly going about his
business on the bridge.
"MIRROR, MIRROR" should be highly watchable for most Sci-Fi
viewers. Parallel Universe enthusiasts will dig this episode.
|
