Plot: What’s it about?
Episode #47- “Obsession” >>> Airdate 12/15/67
In this episode, Kirk finds himself face to face with part of his past, a part that has haunted him ever since. When Kirk was an officer on board the U.S.S. Farragut, the ship was attacked by a strange vampire cloud, which killed most of the crew. As the hideous cloud feasted upon members of the crew, Kirk hesitated to fire upon it and ever since, he has been riddled with guilt on the issue. But now that vampire cloud is stalking the U.S.S. Enterprise and Kirk must face his past, or else risk losing another crew to the monstrous being. We all know Kirk has the courage and smarts to defeat any villain, but will this old fiend prove to be too much for him?
What was the writer of this episode smoking, man? I mean, I’ve seen some strange episodes of Star Trek, but what is a vampire cloud, exactly? I can understand a planet of vampires or something along those lines, but this whole vampire cloud issue is too much. I suppose it lowered the cost of producing the special effects, but I think a real vampire would have better, or at least some kind of tangible creature. I like new and unique villains to be sure, but this one just doesn’t seem good to me, not by any means. But the episode is pretty funny and as always, Kirk is a pleasure to watch, thanks to William Shatner’s masterful performance.
Episode #48- “The Immunity Syndrome” >>> Airdate 1/19/68
An entire solar system has been demolished by a single cell organism and of course, Kirk and his crew have been sent to investigate. It seems this massive creature has a real powerful punch, as it wrecked a complete solar system and if it isn’t stopped, it will do so to many others and that means millions of lost lives, at the least. As such, Kirk implores his team to come up with a solution and while they do their best, it just doesn’t seem to be panning out too well. As if the lack of ideas wasn’t enough, Spock soon discovers that the organism is about to reproduce, which could be devastating, to be sure. Can Kirk lead his crew on a mission to stop this vile creature or in this case, has the courageous Kirk finally met his match?
The case says this episode has some of the best special effects in the series and I would have to agree, although that still doesn’t mean that the effects are good. I suppose for a television show from this time the effects are ok, but these days, it just seems like Plan 9 from Shatner’s Space. Even so, it adds humor and entertainment, which is what we watch programs for, right? This episode is decent enough most of the time, with some nice visuals and a decent storyline, although the dialogue is as corny as we’ve come to expect. If you’re a fan of the series, then you know you want to see this one again, but I think even non Trekkies will find some value with this one, to be sure.
Video: How does it look?
The episodes are presented just as intended, in newly enhanced and remastered full frame transfers. The episodes look terrific and I don’t think they even looked this good when first broadcast, quite impressive work from Paramount. The colors remain on the muted side, but the reds and greens look bold enough, while flesh tones look natural as well. No complaints as far as contrast either, as black levels seem dead on and I saw no detail loss in the least. The source materials look very clean also, another couple of episodes given the royal treatment here.
Audio: How does it sound?
The included Dolby Digital 5.1 remixes sound good, but this is a sci/fi television show from the 1960s, so let’s not expect miracles, ok? The surrounds are used mostly for the cheese laden musical score, but some zaps and other sci/fi noises can be heard in the rears, from time to time. But the audio remains in the front channels most of the time, which keeps the mix natural and of course, that’s most important indeed. I never had trouble hearing any of the dialogue, which is presented in clear form and at a proper volume balance. This disc also includes English subtitles.
Supplements: What are the extras?
This disc includes a promotional trailer for each episode.
