I Like the Exposition in "Spock's Brain"

[CoveTom]

I know we're supposed to hate exposition scenes. But for all the episode's faults, I actually enjoy the scenes on the bridge toward the beginning of "Spock's Brain" where they're trying to determine where the alien ship went.

I think part of it may be the fact that, with Spock absent, we actually got to see the bridge crew function as an ensemble, instead of it being the Kirk and Spock show. Sulu, Chekov, and Uhura actually substantially contribute to the discussion, which did not happen a lot when it was a discussion between Kirk and Spock.

Also, we have the prominent featuring of the rear projection for the viewscreen, which allowed them to actually walk in front of it and make it feel like the image is really there, unlike most of the "locked off" shots we normally got.

Am I a weirdo or does anyone else like this particular scene?

 

[Green Shirt]

I don't know if you are a weirdo, but I do like that scene for the reasons you mentioned.

 

[T'Girl]

with Spock absent, we actually got to see the bridge crew function as an ensemble

You're right, the same thing happen in A Private Little War. Where Spock was in sick bay, shot, and the bridge crew discussed the origins of the flint locks.

 

[Green Shirt]

This ep was quite a change for Sulu, whose comments were often met with such put-downs as "Now he's doing a countdown!", or "Mind your helm, Mr. Sulu", or "I'm well aware of a freighter's maximum speed, Mr. Sulu".

I guess it was S.O.P. for Sulu to keep his opinions to himself, unless asked.

 

[Warped9]

I know we're supposed to hate exposition scenes. But for all the episode's faults, I actually enjoy the scenes on the bridge toward the beginning of "Spock's Brain" where they're trying to determine where the alien ship went.

I think part of it may be the fact that, with Spock absent, we actually got to see the bridge crew function as an ensemble, instead of it being the Kirk and Spock show. Sulu, Chekov, and Uhura actually substantially contribute to the discussion, which did not happen a lot when it was a discussion between Kirk and Spock.

Also, we have the prominent featuring of the rear projection for the viewscreen, which allowed them to actually walk in front of it and make it feel like the image is really there, unlike most of the "locked off" shots we normally got.

Am I a weirdo or does anyone else like this particular scene?

No question it's a good scene.

 

[CaptainMatt]

Granted, OP, although I cringe when the women say "Brain! Brain! What is brain?"
Thankfully Spock gets his back but I did quite like seeing Kirk actually working with the rest of his bridge crew who too often got the shaft.

 

[BoredShipCapt'n]

Granted, OP, although I cringe when the women say "Brain! Brain! What is brain?"
Thankfully Spock gets his back but I did quite like seeing Kirk actually working with the rest of his bridge crew who too often got the shaft.

I like the ensemble scene too.

But for the record, it's "Brain and brain! What is brain?"

The exposition scene is surprisingly good for this campiest of bad episodes.

 

[Knight Templar]

most people have forgotten that the first half of "Spock's Brain" is actually quite good.

A brilliant scene in sickbay at the beginning where McCoy informs Kirk that

"His brain is gone!".

If you watch closely, you can see Kirk mouthing (but not saying out loud) the words "His brain!" as he looks incredulous.

 

[BoredShipCapt'n]

most people have forgotten that the first half of "Spock's Brain" is actually quite good.

A brilliant scene in sickbay at the beginning where McCoy informs Kirk that

"His brain is gone!".

If you watch closely, you can see Kirk mouthing (but not saying out loud) the words "His brain!" as he looks incredulous.

Actually, a good friend of mine can't help laughing whenever he hears that particular line.

 

[JustKate]

I adore "Spock's Brain" in all its cheesy badness, so thank you, CoveTom, for pointing out a non-cheesy reason to like it.

 

[Warped9]

There's a lot to like about "Spock's Brain." Whenever I look at it I find myself thinking that you really wouldn't have to do much to fix it.

 

[scotpens]

Many years ago, my brother and I improvised a parody called “Spock’s Cock.” It would have made a better episode.

 

[RandyS]

I know we're supposed to hate exposition scenes.

What moron told you that? Without exposition, we couldn't follow the story.

But, to answer your question, yeah, I like that scene too. Not only for the exposition, but also because it was one one of the rare times that Sulu, Chekov and Uhura contributed something other than "Aye Sir".

 

[bbailey861]

I also like McCoy's scenes after he puts on the helmet - the teacher - and he reactions as all the new information floods into him so he can operate. Other then the obvious 'cheese scenes', I find there is a lot to like about this episode as well.

 

[Ssosmcin]

Also, we have the prominent featuring of the rear projection for the viewscreen, which allowed them to actually walk in front of it and make it feel like the image is really there, unlike most of the "locked off" shots we normally got.

Am I a weirdo or does anyone else like this particular scene?

I'm with you, it is technically my favorite scene in the series. It adds greatly to the realism of the sets and is just so great to watch. Four guys sitting around a table making a discussion is dull as dirt. Putting the discussion in a visually interesting setting and manner makes it breathe.

 

[Green Shirt]

I know we're supposed to hate exposition scenes.

What moron told you that? Without exposition, we couldn't follow the story.

Kind of related, but wasn't Mantrap chosen over WNMHGB as the premier episode because WNMHGB was considered too expository? IIRC that was discussed Solow's/Justman's book.

 

[plynch]

I never thought of it as exposition, since they're working through a problem. Good job them.

 

[BoredShipCapt'n]

All I know is Spock's hair looked fabulous after multiple brain surgeries.

 

[gomtuu20]

The episode was good until they went down to the planet.
After that, it continued to degrade. The only thing that makes it watchable are the "delightful pleasures".

 

[CoveTom]

There's a lot to like about "Spock's Brain." Whenever I look at it I find myself thinking that you really wouldn't have to do much to fix it.

That's definitely true. The basic premise of an alien society using a biological brain, rather than a computer, to control operations is an interesting concept. Had it not been for the campy way in which the episode was handled, and some of the more absurd touches like remote-controlled Spock walking around, it could have been very good.

What moron told you that? Without exposition, we couldn't follow the story.

Well, of course you have to have some exposition. But modern Hollywood wisdom is that exposition scenes are dreaded and you want as little exposition as possible. I've heard this from actors, writers, directors, etc. repeatedly. This all under the theory that the only thing an audience will respond to is action, action, action without interruption. I disagree, of course, and rather often like exposition scenes. But others disagree.