Star Trek: TOS 3.24 - Turnabout Intruder

Review 78 - Episode 79

The One that's the last ever episode of TOS (sob)

What a strange last episode of TOS to be produced. It was obvious by this time that the series had run out of creative inspiration, money and direction. The 3rd season may have been a nice surprise for the fans who campaigned to save it, but I wonder how many really enjoyed this final Season. I suppose there were some gems in amongst the dross, but it sours the memory of TOS and if it wasn't for the films, the TOS crew wouldn't have the decent final storylines they deserve.

Anyway, this episode has Kirk swapping bodies (again) with Janice Lester who has almost been driven mad by the fact she's not allowed to be a captain because she's a woman. This is probably the most sexist thing ever invented on TOS and seriously dates the episode. Even the concept of "evil" Kirk has been seen before many times. Shatner does his best and isn't bad as Lester, but I don't think his heart is in this episode and I can't help wondering what the cast thought as they filmed this, surely knowing it was the end of the road. None of them can have thought that 6 films would be made about Star Trek. Needless to say, the crew start noticing Kirk is not himself and their minds are reversed. There's a lovely sad moment as Kirk, Spock and Scotty go in the turbo lift for the final time on the old style Enterprise and the doors close, signaling the end of TOS.

I grew up on Star Trek Movies and TNG, so these old episodes have no nostalgia for me and always seemed hokey, cheesy and cheap. And frankly, a lot of them are. But there are some excellent episodes in the first 2 seasons that probably kept the interest in Trek alive through the years it wasn't on. And the chemistry with the Trio has not been replicated in any other series (probably a good thing as it give the other characters a chance to shine.) Even though I'm glad I've finished watching TOS and silently gave prayer at times that there was only 3 Seasons, I will miss these guys and will revisit my favourites often.

3/5
Overall Star Trek Franchise Rating so far: 218/395