Is CATSPAW the worst episode of S2?

[david g]

It's a surprise how badly this episode holds up, given that it was written by Robert Bloch, who, among many other achievements, wrote the excellent TOS episode from S1, "What Are Little Girls Made Of?"

This is just a remarkably dull episode. Still, some amusing comedic moments as Kirk and Spock appraise the difficulty of their situation.

 

[gastrof]

Catspaw is fine.

You want a bad episode, try "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" or the one with the guy named "Lazarus" ("The Alternative Factor"?).

 

[The Boy Who Cried Worf]

Most people would probably say the Omega Glory was the worst of S2. I haven't seen it in quite awhile so I can't render an informed current opinion on it. I'd say The Apple and The Deadly Years were worse than Catspaw. Fridays Child wasn't really bad, but I find it kind of a boring, pointless episode. I have a soft spot for Catspaw because that was the episode they would always rerun on Halloween because of the witches.

 

[Rulius]

Alternative factor by a mile....I'd turn it to something else if it's on...wasn't

 

[Orcus]

I rather like Catspaw - it has charm and is streets ahead of charmless dross like The Omega Glory.

Oh, and yes, I really like Friday's Child as well apart from the "Coochie-woochie-coochie-coo" sequence at the end. It must hold the record for featuring the most un-Klingon-like Klingon in the whole canon (I wont count ...Tribbles for obvious reasons) although Tige Andrews is excellent in it.

 

[Jeri]

"Catspaw" is a fun episode -- and it has a cat in it! I like it. But it needs more catnip.

 

[Isis]

Catspaw is fine.

You want a bad episode, try "Let That Be Your Last Battlefield" or the one with the guy named "Lazarus" ("The Alternative Factor"?).

Alternative factor by a mile....I'd turn it to something else if it's on...wasn't

Gastrof and Rulius, strictly speaking, "Battlefield" is from S3 and "Alternative Factor" is from S1. But who's counting?

I really have to say I like all the S2 episodes. Some are better than others, of course. "Deadly Years" and "The Apple" don't hold a candle to "Mirror, Mirror" and "Amok Time." S2's best are almost, but not quite, up there with S1's best, IMO, "The Cage" and "City on the Edge of Forever." But I also thought S1 had a couple missteps, such as "Shore Leave" (I know I'm in the minority on that one) and "Miri."

 

[Middle Earther]

I've just recently begun to wind my way through season 2. I would have to say "The Apple" actually blew me away with how terrible it is. I would rate "Catspaw" a lot higher.

 

[Navaros]

I have no idea what the OP is talking about, Catspaw is a truly awesome episode.

Worst episode of S2 is Assignment: Earth or possibly Patterns of Force or The Omega Glory.

 

[KingstonTrekker]

Catspaw and The Apple are weak episodes...but in my opinion The Omega Glory is the clunker of Season 2.

 

[Orcus]

But I also thought S1 had a couple missteps, such as "Shore Leave" (I know I'm in the minority on that one) and "Miri."

I'll agree with you there: Shore Leave is only a bit of fluff and Miri scores the lowest for featuring an almost-paedofile Kirk and one of the ugliest kids ever let loose on a television film set...

 

[Piper]

The Apple is the very definition of mediocre Trek. The Omega Glory and Assignment: Earth are ropey too. On the other hand, really like Catspaw, it's good fun.

 

[Doug Otte]

I agree w/ others. I kind of like Catspaw (but haven't seen it in a while - maybe I'll watch it first when the BD of Season 2 arrives!). I dislike The Apple, and find Friday's Child boring.

A brief nostalgic anecdote: When I think of Catspaw, I always remember the first time I saw it. I was home sick in the 1970s, and my mother and sister brought me McDonald's home. I recall eating Filet'o'Fish and a cherry shake while watching it.

Doug

 

[JarodRussell]

lol, if this thread continues, it will result in each episode being the worst.

 

[AtoZ]

For me the humor, intentional or not, really saves this one. I love the expression on Kirk's face when Silvia realizes she is being "used".

 

[plynch]

It is tied with Immunity Syndrome. Snoozers.

 

[Chrisisall]

The Apple is the very definition of mediocre Trek.

Totally agree, it's the only 2nd season ep I tend to avoid like a Denebian Slime Devil.
Omega Glory, Catspaw, Immunity Syndrome- these are good ones.

 

[Greg Cox]

It's Star Trek's only Halloween episode. How can you not love that?

And "Friday's Child" is the most boring episode in Season Two . . . even with Julie Newmar!

 

[MeanJoePhaser]

The Apple is worse. Who Mourns for Adonais? is worse. Friday's Child is duller. And I never had much use for Assignment: Earth.

All of which are gold compared toseason 1's Miri, an episodes I will not rewatch. It alone means that season 1's worst are worse than season 2's.

 

[Mike Okuda]

"Catspaw" dates back to a time when Star Trek didn't take itself quite so seriously, and its producers were willing to take a chance occasionally with such episodes as "The Trouble With Tribbles" and "I, Mudd." These episodes may not have been deep drama, but they were delightful yarns that enriched the Star Trek universe.