It's a re-working of "Where No Man Has Gone Before!" Basically the same dilemma, and--in dramatic terms--the same resolution: the godling has to go. The main difference is that the characters know what they have to do fairly early on on WNMHGB, whereas in "Charlie X" the solution comes from outside.
Belated realization re "Charlie X"
- Thread starter FredH
- Start date
In WNMHGB's favor are no musical interludes, nobody saying "is that a girl?" and Gary Mitchell didn't end the episode saying "I wanna shtay..sh-stay...sh-stay...sh-stay!"
Charlie X was the only post-pilot episode that didn't have a single shot of the "series" version of the Enterprise. All of the ship shots were taken from the two pilots. Well, in the original, non-rerendered version.
Charlie X was the only post-pilot episode that didn't have a single shot of the "series" version of the Enterprise. All of the ship shots were taken from the two pilots. Well, in the original, non-rerendered version.
"WHEN I CAME ABOARD!!!"
Isn't that the Squire of Gothos, too?
I've realized for a long time that the themes of WNMHGB and "Charlie X" are essentially similar - about a human being turning into an abusive monster when given supernormal powers. I've also felt that "Charlie X" was also very much like - and very probably inspired by - Jerome Bixby's "It's a Good Life", which became one of the most memorable episodes of the original "Twilight Zone".
There was some difference in the characterizations of Gary Mitchell and Charlie Evans. Gary Mitchell was a normal human who suddenly acquired exponentially increasing superpowers. This quickly mutated him into something beyond human, a being who no longer had any relationship with humanity.
Charlie, on the other hand, his lack of empathy and connection with fellow humans was not due to his psychokinetic powers, but with the fact that a lifetime spent in isolation had left him a self-centered personality who could not form normal relationships with other people, because such relationships had never been a part of his life before.
One thing to consider is that the two episodes were actually made a year apart from each other, when, in original airing they appeared back-to-back a week apart.
There was some difference in the characterizations of Gary Mitchell and Charlie Evans. Gary Mitchell was a normal human who suddenly acquired exponentially increasing superpowers. This quickly mutated him into something beyond human, a being who no longer had any relationship with humanity.
Charlie, on the other hand, his lack of empathy and connection with fellow humans was not due to his psychokinetic powers, but with the fact that a lifetime spent in isolation had left him a self-centered personality who could not form normal relationships with other people, because such relationships had never been a part of his life before.
One thing to consider is that the two episodes were actually made a year apart from each other, when, in original airing they appeared back-to-back a week apart.
With all of the changes the remastering guys did, why they didn't lose the second use of that line is beyoned me.
"Charlie X" is one of my favorite Trek episodes; certainly my favorite of Fontana's scripts. Walker gives a great, fearless performance.
Just finished watching this episode again. Walker is pretty damn good as a teenager with hormones raging and super powers. As a mother of a 15-1/2 year old, i know how scary that combination would be!
I really was impressed with Walker's performance. Early in the episode he reminds me very much of a home schooled kid with absolutely no social skills at all. The only goofy thing for me is the eye-roll thing. Cant help but giggle at that.
A really good episode in my opinion~
I really was impressed with Walker's performance. Early in the episode he reminds me very much of a home schooled kid with absolutely no social skills at all. The only goofy thing for me is the eye-roll thing. Cant help but giggle at that.
A really good episode in my opinion~
number6
Vice Admiral
VOY's Threshold is far closer to WNMHGB than Charlie X.
The Enterprise and Voager crew both cross a barrier that affects their helmsman, who transforms into some kind of next evolutionary step only to betray his shipmates and leave the ship with a semi-unwilling female hostage.
Substitute Dehner for Janeway, and God for Lizards, and QED!!
The Enterprise and Voager crew both cross a barrier that affects their helmsman, who transforms into some kind of next evolutionary step only to betray his shipmates and leave the ship with a semi-unwilling female hostage.
Substitute Dehner for Janeway, and God for Lizards, and QED!!
What's also interesting is how Charlie X's personality fits so much of the criticism I read about Gen-Y: narcissistic, lack of impulse control, sense of entitlement, difficulty coping with authority and failure, etc. The underlying argument is spoil the child and you get a maladjusted adult . . . which is Charlie X.
