The Alternative Factor

[Marsden]

Also am I the only heterosexual male who doesn't find Masters particularly attractive? I mean, she's not "AAAAH my eyes!", but neither is she "AAAAH my eyes...".

I agree completely, thank you for saying so.

Yes his ship looked like a convertible bubble car from the 60s.

Well, what you do not know and must be told is that the reason "Lazarus" went mad was he did have a family, a wife Jane, and two children Judy and Elroy. And a big dog. They were all lost when he invented the machine that opened the rift to the other universe while working for Mr. Spacely. Of course, for destroying his world, he was fired.

 

[JonnyQuest037]

Also am I the only heterosexual male who doesn't find Masters particularly attractive? I mean, she's not "AAAAH my eyes!", but neither is she "AAAAH my eyes...".

Yeah, I'd agree. She's certainly not unattractive, but neither is she particularly striking. She's definitely real-world attractive, but by TOS/mid 60s TV standards, she's more or less average.

 

[CrazyMatt]

Worst episode of season one, undoubtedly. One of the worst five of the series as well.

 

[Terok Nor]

This was the first TOS episode I ever watched, and I absolutely loved it. It got me into the show. Fantastic plot, awesome fight scenes, and very thought provoking.

I must confess I am angered by the negative reviews this episode has been getting. I've read the online reviews for this episode, and the thing that really gets me pissed more than anything, is that the number 1 criticism people are making is that they didn't understand the episode. You've got to be fucking kidding me. You don't have the brains to make sense of the storyline, and that's your basis for saying it sucks? Don't watch science fiction then. People who think like you do are the reason Star Trek got cancelled. I bet you are the same people who think that "The Trouble with Tribbles" is the greatest Star Trek episode ever.

The story in this episode was very cerebral and brilliant, and honestly, I feel sorry for you if you couldn't grasp it. One of my best friends is a huge trekkie and he ranks this among his top 5 favorite episodes of all time. We both are pretty pissed off that it's so poorly rated.

The story in the episode might be "cerebral" to you but to most people it's a pile of convoluted incoherent badly scripted crap. Deal with it.

 

[KevinGrem]

"The story in the episode might be "cerebral" to you but to most people it's a pile of convoluted incoherent badly scripted crap. Deal with it."
That's because most people, as they've admitted in their reviews, were unable to understand what was going on. I think if you're unable to comprehend and follow the story of the episode, you shouldn't be writing a review in the first place. Saying an episode sucks because you don't understand it is pretty much the stupidest (and most offensive) thing you could possibly say.

It would be like if I were to tell you The Matrix is a shitty movie because I didn't understand it. The point being, just because you didn't understand it doesn't mean that it was incoherent or badly written. The problem is in you, not the episode.

 

[The Old Mixer]

If there was a good concept in the episode, it was undermined by piss-poor execution.

 

[Terok Nor]

Wrong. I didn't understand The Matrix either (does anyone?) but I enjoyed watching it. Don't act like you're so intelligent you can actually decipher the plotline of an abomination of writing such as "The Alternative Factor". It's 50 minutes of bollocks and not even entertaining bollocks like The Matrix.

"The story in the episode might be "cerebral" to you but to most people it's a pile of convoluted incoherent badly scripted crap. Deal with it."
That's because most people, as they've admitted in their reviews, were unable to understand what was going on. I think if you're unable to comprehend and follow the story of the episode, you shouldn't be writing a review in the first place. Saying an episode sucks because you don't understand it is pretty much the stupidest (and most offensive) thing you could possibly say.

It would be like if I were to tell you The Matrix is a shitty movie because I didn't understand it. The point being, just because you didn't understand it doesn't mean that it was incoherent or badly written. The problem is in you, not the episode.

 

[KevinGrem]

Then you shouldn't be watching science fiction. Star Trek was an intellectual show. It provoked thoughts in viewers. It was never meant as mindless entertainment. Unlike other television, it actually required viewers to pay attention and think some things through on their own. That's one of the reasons Star Trek was so great.

There are many episodes of Star Trek I didn't understand at first, but upon re-watching them things really clicked. The Alternative Factor is one of those episodes.

I don't mind if someone doesn't like the same things I do, it's when they give really bad and ignorant criticisms that gets on my nerves. At least know what you're talking about before writing a negative review.

 

[Terok Nor]

Star Trek was an intellectual show. It provoked thoughts in viewers. It was never meant as mindless entertainment.

Clearly no one remembered that when the script for The Alternative Factor came in.

Making sense of nonsense doesn't make you intelligent. But as I said, if the episode was even slightly entertaining I'd overlook how ridiculous it is. Sadly, it's a complete clusterfuck of an episode not helped by the terrible acting from Lazarus alongside the terrible script.

 

[KevinGrem]

But again, the episode wasn't nonsense, it just took some thought on the part of the viewer to piece together what was happening. It was fantastic entertainment and amazing science fiction if you actually understood it.

The whole concept was one of the most interesting and original ideas in the whole series. The concept in Mirror, Mirror, indisputably one of the best episodes, was taken from this episode, which came prior. What is a more interesting and exciting concept than two counterparts from parallel universes clashing it out for sake of existence? It's some of the most interesting and best drama I can imagine, especially for science fiction. If you don't like it, it's your loss.

 

[Terok Nor]

But again, the episode wasn't nonsense, it just took some thought on the part of the viewer to piece together what was happening. It was fantastic entertainment and amazing science fiction if you actually understood it.

The whole concept was one of the most interesting and original ideas in the whole series. The concept in Mirror, Mirror, indisputably one of the best episodes, was taken from this episode, which came prior. What is a more interesting and exciting concept than two counterparts from parallel universes clashing it out for sake of existence? It's some of the most interesting and best drama I can imagine, especially for science fiction. If you don't like it, it's your loss.

You've failed to notice that I did try to understand it but concluded it was nonsense. I never denied the concept was interesting but, as others have said also, the execution was dreadful. It's a shame you didn't simply state "if you don't like it, it's your loss" in the first place instead of insulting everyone who isn't "intelligent" enough to understand this supposed masterpiece.

 

[KevinGrem]

It's the people writing the reviews who themselves confess that they are "baffled" and don't understand it. They are admitting it themselves. Again, when I read the reviews, it's blatantly clear that their criticisms stem solely from ignorance, and it's sad. I realize that there are some legitimate criticisms you can make, and I can accept those, but I can't accept someone saying the episode sucks merely because they couldn't understand it.

 

[Terok Nor]

It's the people writing the reviews who themselves confess that they are "baffled" and don't understand it. They are admitting it themselves. Again, when I read the reviews, it's blatantly clear that their criticisms stem solely from ignorance, and it's sad. I realize that there are some legitimate criticisms you can make, and I can accept those, but I can't accept someone saying the episode sucks merely because they couldn't understand it.

I think that's a very valid reason actually. There are many episodes of Star Trek that have had baffling technobabble and still been enjoyable. In the case of The Alternative Factor it's a combination of it being hard to understand and the fact the script just isn't very good. An idea alone is not enough to entertain unless it is executed in an enjoyable way. For many, this episode was not and that doesn't make them ignorant. Personally I found Lazarus incredibly annoying and since the episode was all about 2 versions of him even if I could make sense of the plot I'd likely still hate this episode. Each to their own.

 

[KevinGrem]

Before I ever watched Star Trek, my main turnoff was that it was too cerebral and difficult for me to comprehend. But, I never criticized or attacked the show, I simply told people it wasn't for me. There's a huge difference between disliking something and claiming that something sucks. I just think that if you're not comprehending what you're watching, you have no grounds to criticize it. You can dislike it, but you can't say it sucks based on ignorance.

 

[Terok Nor]

I can say it sucks based on the execution of the script, the dialogue, the pacing and the acting. The questionable science that only you are apparently intelligent enough to understand is the least of this episode's problems.

 

[KevinGrem]

That's fine actually. I'd much rather hear that than hear someone say "I don't understand it, therefore it sucks", which is what many people seem to be doing.

 

[Maurice]

You don't have the brains to make sense of the storyline, and that's your basis for saying it sucks? Don't watch science fiction then.

Then you shouldn't be watching science fiction.

You appear to be new here so maybe you don't know the lay of the land, but the moderators frequently remind us that that mantra here is "post not poster" and your comments of the type quoted above—to my eye—teeter awfully close to telling other people they're too dumb to understand something just because you think you get it, or that they shouldn't watch or critique it if they don't grok it. Frankly, that's not for you to decide.

Furthermore, and to the specific example, "The Alternative Factor" is an unmitigated disaster from stem to stern. The concept is moderately intriguing, but the execution is rubbish. I've seen production memos and various treatments and script drafts and even the show staff was complaining that this story full chock full of illogic. I'm guessing the only reasons this turd got into the production queue instead of being file-13ed is a) they were desperately short of shootable scripts (and AF barely qualifies) and b) the writer was an old buddy of Roddenberry's, who was probably loath to fire him.

 

[publiusr]

I really had my hopes up.

Star Fleet Command was worried about an invasion from another universe! Something big and powerful was about to come through.

In my kid's minds's eye--I pictured something like Starkiller Base from THE FORCE AWAKENS on that planet---and this thing warming up was shaking the Trek universe.

Blam! a tear in space opens up--and Star Destroyers--or something like them--come through.
That's how this episode would have went. I was expecting Star Fleet ships by the dozen to show up.
(I didn't know about TV show budgets--I was a kid)

But no.

We get a piss-ant flying saucer from someone who falls more than Chevy Chase as President Ford. What a rip off!

Least we have a drinking game every time the dude falls or gets his face scarred up.

Now here is something for folks who do mash ups, fan productions--have the Star Fleet command Trek speech, mix that with Star Killer base firing a beam--shunt over to show the super large Ori stargate and have Star Destoyers come though.

Give us the trek episode we deserve.

 

[uniderth]

I can see I won't be hiring you to do any electrical work for me.

That's OK I already have a job in electronics. Perhaps I just didn't expressed myself clearly enough.

 

[KevinGrem]

A PROPER REVIEW OF THE ALTERNATIVE FACTOR

I joined this forum for this specific reason, to put forward a defense of one of my all-time favorite trek episodes. I am not alone in my love for this episode. My good friend, a MAJOR trekkie, introduced me to TOS by showing me "The Alternative Factor", which he too ranks as one of his all-time favorites. We have found precious few others who share our love for this one. We believe we are seeing something that unfortunately, many of you do not. My hope is that I can help you to appreciate this episode.

Right from the start, the episode draws me in and interests me to figure out what is going on in the mysterious region of space the Enterprise is exploring. The very first moment of the ship "winking out" is suspenseful and raises the hairs on my arms. What is happening here? Whatever it is, it's very intriguing. Then, sensors detect a humanoid life-form on the planet below. Where did he come from, who is he, and what does he have to do with this area of space blinking in and out of existence? I found myself extremely interested to see where this was going.

The Enterprise beams down an away party and discover a crazed madman on the surface ranting about an anti-life enemy he is trying to destroy. I can feel the intense, maniacal emotion from the actor playing Lazarus, and it draws me in further.

Take a moment to think, and imagine what it would be like for there to be a parallel universe next to our own, in which you exist in a different form, with different characteristics, but occupying the same physical space. This was an idea I pondered a lot as a young boy. I thought the idea to take this and make it into a science fiction story between two counterparts from opposite worlds was just brilliant. Now imagine your existence winking in and out between both of the Universes. How can you not be intrigued by this possibility? The premise behind "The Alternative Factor" is one of the most original and interesting ideas in the show, and it was aired BEFORE Mirror, Mirror.

Another huge plus for this episode is the dramatic, suspenseful music that accompanies the scenes where the two counterparts are duking it out in the corridor of time. As a musician myself, I really appreciate when well-written music accompanies a good story and creates a certain mood in entertainment. The mood I got from watching "The Alternative Factor" is one of mystery, eeriness, and suspense. Just think of how high the stakes are here. We're talking about matter and anti-matter clashing in space, and duking it out for the fate of existence. Does it get any more cooler, any more interesting than that? There aren't many other Star Trek episodes that match that level of drama.

In the end, the Enterprise ends up destroying Lazarus' time machine and trapping him inside the corridor between the two Universes, and thereby saving all of existence. A great end to a fantastic episode. This episode is pure, perfect science fiction. It deserves great praise and recognition. Though are some minor flaws, they don't stand out in a way that brings down the awesomeness of the episode as a whole. I give it a 9/10.