I find that I watch the "bad" episodes a lot more than the "good" ones these days because I've seen all the good ones too many times. The bad ones that seldom get discussed are still able to surprise me from time to time as I forget exactly how they play out. Closest thing possible to new episodes. Even if the plot isn't great, the character interactions and just being in the TOS world is always good.
Does anyone else do this?
Yeah for instance "Alternative Factor" I found to be pretty weak and bland when I was a kid but as an adult I find it oddly compelling and look for hints at which Lazarus is which over the course of the episodes. Nowadays it's actually one of my favorites, even though I recognize that it has all kinds of problems such as being repetitive and nonsensical. However it is one of Star Trek's more intriguing attempts at "hard" sci-fi, and nicely experimental as a lot of Season 1 was.
shareI've always had a soft spot for that episode as it's the first one I remember seeing. I was confused a bit by the plot (and still was when I tried watching it again recently) but the ending really stuck with me. Imagine having to fight a mad man in way that means that neither of you can win, for eternity, lest the whole universe collapse.
A lot of the bad episodes are like this. They might not work well on screen, but they have a big idea that gets you thinking.
Count me as another who finds The Alternative Factor as a nutty favorite. Yes, there's a lot of mistakes and last-minute changes, and the whole thing has a "rushed into production at the very last minute" feel about it. Not to mention the episode is technically an "evil twin" episode, which they had recently done with The Enemy Within. But the actual story is so compelling and thought-provoking that I can overlook all the rest. That a wonky episode like this one can come off as well as it does only goes to show just how far ahead of the competition and how good the actors/production team really were.
(Don't tell AmeriGirl26 I said this because she HATES this episode!)
Hah don't worry; your secret is safe with me.
Agreed on all points. I also have to point out that the episode has one of the biggest laughs (for me) in all of Star Trek, and that was where Spock coldly and matter-of-factly in a way that perfectly fits his character, accuses Lazarus of being a liar. "You... are a liar." For some reason it totally tickles my funny-bone to hear someone claim someone (who is absolutely committed to their story to the point of mania) is lying to their face with absolutely no emotion behind it.
I haven't watched some episodes in decades, like "Spock's Brain" the Abe Lincoln one, and the OK Corral one (or are those last two the same episode?). If I watched them now, it would almost be like seeing new episodes.
shareThose are all good episodes. Just take them for what they are. I have memories of watching this series with my friends (back when it was new) and having a good time just laughing at it. To me it's a lighthearted show.
shareThe OK Corral episode is “Spectre of the Gun” and the Abe Lincoln one is “The Savage Curtain”.
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