Series: Star Trek (The Original Series)
Episode: 3.11 Wink of an Eye (11-29-68)
Rating: 3/5
Redshirt Status: 1/3/49
Notable Guest Stars:
Kathie Brown – Deela. She appeared on various television episodes of the era.
Erik Holland – Ekor. According to IMDB he was in Stargate (the 1994 film) as Professor Langford. It was a small part, but its part of my favorite series so that’s noteworthy.
Jason Evers – Rael – He also had many roles on television of the time, including Channing (1963)
Review:
The Enterprise gets invaded by aliens again in this episode, and Kirk has to seduce to get out of it again. This episode is full of the same old plot lines and plot tools as many other episodes, so it doesn’t really hold up as an episode.
There are a lot of problems with it. First, the science behind accelerated beings. None of it really makes sense. They supposedly last longer, but acceleration would use up more energy and their cells would time out sooner. And the idea that no one can get a cut or they will grow old and die doesn’t quite make sense either.
Also, wouldn’t interbreeding with other species affect this? Why was it so easy for Spock and McCoy to figure out a way to slow down acceleration but this supposedly advanced species couldn’t. If the the ship’s technology couldn’t detect the Scalocians then how were they able to use the transporter or other devices. If they couldn’t reproduce themselves, how could they reproduce with other species?
If the computer Kirk records on can figure out what he is saying, why can’t the computer on the Enterprise able to detect the speech of the Scalocians.
See, a lot of plot questions unanswered. I’ve already know that this series takes science with a pinch of salt, but I can only suspend my disbelief so far.
Second Problem – Consent. Kirk is apparently touched and kissed by Deela without being aware of it, then they drug him to get him accelerated without his permission. He’s then kissed again without any proof he wanted or was interested in kissing her. This is repeated counts of non-consentual action.
Yet somehow we are supposed to believe that Kirk easily falls under her charms. It’s the first episode that more then subtly states that more then kissing went on (Kirk is seen putting his boots back on). Which troubled me because just a little bit ago she was forcing herself on him, telling him he’ll soon understand. That they all do (which sounds a little cult-like which is another creepy factor.)
There was a lot of questionable consent in that situation.
Overall this episode is full of contradictions and plot lines that don’t make any sense. I still feel Alternate Factor was the worst episode of TOS, but this is certainly in the top five.
Interesting Notes:
- Directed by Jud Taylor
- Written by Lee Cronin (Gene L. Coon)
- I expected better by Gene Coon.
Pros:
- Some interesting camera angles. I’ve noticed they’ve started to play around where and how they place the camera.
Cons:
- More consent issues.
- More then enough plot issues
- WHERE IS THE SCIENCE CONSULTANT? Was he sick?
Sokorra Lewis 