In some ways Charlie X is cheesy but there is a lot to like. I loved it as a kid with its Twilight Zone vibe. It has some fun dramatic moments and I don't mind this level of super power in my Sci fi.
It's nice to 'see' another human vessel that isn't a starship, which gives us the impression that starships are elite and special (often only a single starship in a quadrant I'd wager).
It's fun to see the characters relaxing, and Spock joining in. He may be logical but he has a sense of humour. Uhura is a real showman here. I wonder if it wasn't for these early episodes that give Uhura and Sulu some decent scenes whether they would have become as popular with what they got in seasons 2 and 3. It's also interesting that Rand's absence was not necessarily to Uhura's benefit, since some of her best episodes include Rand.
The episode conveys that Kirk's time is precious. He isn't just concerned with the adventure of the day. I like that his interactions with Rand are professional and not mired in dreary mutual attraction in this one.
Rand comes across as a working class girl done good, flying the flag for enlisted crew thirty years before O'Brien. We probably see more of her personality in this one than any other as it was written to showcase her character. As has been noted above, she still ends up a victim, and seeking out a man to solve the problem for her.
Bones passing the buck is fun but Charlie clearly needs help with socialisation. He should probably been assigned a psychologist or psychiatrist to help him so his flippancy does make McCoy look like a bit of a dick. Rand had the right idea with Tina but sadly she's a sixties chick who only thinks about herself and minces off in a huff at the slightest rebuff.
Charlie himself is a great character: conflicted, confused, temperamental, and dangerous. He certainly is a plus in this one.
It's nice to 'see' another human vessel that isn't a starship, which gives us the impression that starships are elite and special (often only a single starship in a quadrant I'd wager).
It's fun to see the characters relaxing, and Spock joining in. He may be logical but he has a sense of humour. Uhura is a real showman here. I wonder if it wasn't for these early episodes that give Uhura and Sulu some decent scenes whether they would have become as popular with what they got in seasons 2 and 3. It's also interesting that Rand's absence was not necessarily to Uhura's benefit, since some of her best episodes include Rand.
The episode conveys that Kirk's time is precious. He isn't just concerned with the adventure of the day. I like that his interactions with Rand are professional and not mired in dreary mutual attraction in this one.
Rand comes across as a working class girl done good, flying the flag for enlisted crew thirty years before O'Brien. We probably see more of her personality in this one than any other as it was written to showcase her character. As has been noted above, she still ends up a victim, and seeking out a man to solve the problem for her.
Bones passing the buck is fun but Charlie clearly needs help with socialisation. He should probably been assigned a psychologist or psychiatrist to help him so his flippancy does make McCoy look like a bit of a dick. Rand had the right idea with Tina but sadly she's a sixties chick who only thinks about herself and minces off in a huff at the slightest rebuff.
Charlie himself is a great character: conflicted, confused, temperamental, and dangerous. He certainly is a plus in this one.
What lesson is that exactly? Never speak to a boy who's already rejected you?
