The Trouble With Tribbles

[Lance]

I think part of its appeal for some (not all, certainly, but some) fans was the fact its production was deeply chronicled in David Gerrold's "behind the scenes" book. It allowed that first generation of viewers to vicariously become part of the backstage production, at least from the writer's perspective.

Since 1973, a LOT of development anecdotes have been revealed, but in the early 70s, it was the only material besides Whitfield's "Making of Star Trek" that gave us any idea what it was like creating that series.

Sincerely,

Bill

That's a good point. I actually read Gerrold's book before I ever got the chance to see the episode (the late-90s VHS tape re-releases hadn't gotten around the Tribbles yet at the time I principally became a Star Trek fan ), so even for me that book was my first insight into what this 'fan favorite episode' was all about.

 

[kirkfan]

I think part of its appeal for some (not all, certainly, but some) fans was the fact its production was deeply chronicled in David Gerrold's "behind the scenes" book. It allowed that first generation of viewers to vicariously become part of the backstage production, at least from the writer's perspective.

Since 1973, a LOT of development anecdotes have been revealed, but in the early 70s, it was the only material besides Whitfield's "Making of Star Trek" that gave us any idea what it was like creating that series.

Sincerely,

Bill

That's a good point. I actually read Gerrold's book before I ever got the chance to see the episode (the late-90s VHS tape re-releases hadn't gotten around the Tribbles yet at the time I principally became a Star Trek fan ), so even for me that book was my first insight into what this 'fan favorite episode' was all about.

It's remarkable that the Tribbles are shown in TAS, DS9 and ENT. That's four different series. I'd call that a success.

 

[Kosh Naranek]

Okay. Show of hands.
Who here as a little kid in the early 70's had a stuffed tribble or two (or more) among their stuffed animal toys?
The cool thing was that the tribbles were the only Star Trek aliens that you could actually make and play with.

Uh...I am grown woman with two tribbles at her work station. My students gave them to me.

 

[AtoZ]

This episode for me is fun and charming. I have it somewhere in my top 30 and perhaps (if I were to really list them in order of favorites) it may reside somewhere in my top 40. Like almost all of TOS, its a gem. As gems go, there are 79 of varying luster (well...76 or so to be sure)

 

[f14peter]

Okay. Show of hands.
Who here as a little kid in the early 70's had a stuffed tribble or two (or more) among their stuffed animal toys?
The cool thing was that the tribbles were the only Star Trek aliens that you could actually make and play with.

Using the directions in the book, my mom and I made one out of a white rabbit pelt I brought back from a trip to Alaska. I cut the shape, Mom sewed it.

 

[RandyS]

Okay. Show of hands.
Who here as a little kid in the early 70's had a stuffed tribble or two (or more) among their stuffed animal toys?
The cool thing was that the tribbles were the only Star Trek aliens that you could actually make and play with.

I did, until my grandma mistook it for a duster and used it to clean the living room.

 

[doubleohfive]

I like "The Trouble with Tribbles." It's a fun story from Gerrold and it's quite amusing as well. It's got some of Gene Coon's best work rewriting a story from a novice and turning it into a produceable episode. Is it overrated? Yes. Is it the best episode of the series or the ultimate example of what TOS could do or was? No.

 

[kirkfan]

I like "The Trouble with Tribbles." It's a fun story from Gerrold and it's quite amusing as well. It's got some of Gene Coon's best work rewriting a story from a novice and turning it into a produceable episode. Is it overrated? Yes. Is it the best episode of the series or the ultimate example of what TOS could do or was? No.

Personally, I never thought it was the best episode of the series. As a matter of fact I am always careful to let enough time pass between viewings of that particular episode.

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

I think part of its appeal for some (not all, certainly, but some) fans was the fact its production was deeply chronicled in David Gerrold's "behind the scenes" book. It allowed that first generation of viewers to vicariously become part of the backstage production, at least from the writer's perspective.

Since 1973, a LOT of development anecdotes have been revealed, but in the early 70s, it was the only material besides Whitfield's "Making of Star Trek" that gave us any idea what it was like creating that series.

Sincerely,

Bill

I think you've probably nailed it right there. That, and the fact that the tribbles themselves, being cute and all, gave it (for lack of a better term) "girl appeal".

Had the tribbles looked like these guys below, I don't think there would have been nealy as much "Ooh! How cute" going on!

http://s23.postimg.org/63fzc5i0b/2x07_Catspaw224.jpg

 

[TOSalltheway]

I agree with CrazyMatt. This episode is cringe-worthy. The humour is at the same level as a bad Three's Company episode.

 

[kirkfan]

I agree with CrazyMatt. This episode is cringe-worthy. The humour is at the same level as a bad Three's Company episode.

There was a time when all sci. fi. was considered cringe-worthy by most people.

 

[CorporalCaptain]

Okay. Show of hands.
Who here as a little kid in the early 70's had a stuffed tribble or two (or more) among their stuffed animal toys?
The cool thing was that the tribbles were the only Star Trek aliens that you could actually make and play with.

*Raises hand*

I had several stuffed tribbles, and a cat named Tribble, who was a very awesome cat, by the way.

As for how good the episode is, it's above average. I agree that the basic story structure is reasonably good. The main problems I have come down to the execution. But one good thing about the episode is that the supporting cast got a lot to do that was fairly substantive. I enjoyed Gerrold's book on the episode immensely.

I really enjoyed DS9's "Trials and Tribble-ations," which works not only as a kind of sequel but also as a broad tribute to TOS. It's hard to imagine them picking a better episode to work with. I even have a soft spot for TAS's "More Tribbles, More Troubles."

 

[ThankYouGeneR]

Okay. Show of hands.
Who here as a little kid in the early 70's had a stuffed tribble or two (or more) among their stuffed animal toys?
The cool thing was that the tribbles were the only Star Trek aliens that you could actually make and play with.

Uh...I am grown woman with two tribbles at her work station. My students gave them to me.

My very first Trek 'anything': A tribble.

Have it to this day. Like the rest of my Trek 'stuff' my tribble is unboxed and displayed in my home twice a year, minimum: Sept 8th and The Trekmas Starliday Season. (December)

I may have to get my tribble out for awhile right now.

 

[Redfern]

I too tried sewing a tribble following the instructions in Gerrold's book.

Biggest issue...my father either couldn't find (or wouldn't buy due to cost) the proper kind of fake fur required for the proper "llok". Instead, he got me a kind of wooly "fleece".

Another problem...I didn't cut some of the shapes properly. One was particularly "slim". the finished result looked more like a wooly dildo!

Sincerely,

Bill

 

[kirkfan]

I agree with CrazyMatt. This episode is cringe-worthy. The humour is at the same level as a bad Three's Company episode.

That's much worse than saying ''hauled away AS garbage!''
I wouldn't say that at a convention.

That's the only time I heard the word: "Klingonee".

 

[CrazyMatt]

I agree with CrazyMatt. This episode is cringe-worthy. The humour is at the same level as a bad Three's Company episode.

Much as I appreciate the sentiment, I don't recall saying the episode is cringe-worthy (cringe-worthy episodes would include "The Alternative Factor" and "Plato's Stepchildren"). But I did say it is too highly regarded by many, IMHO.

 

[kirkfan]

I agree with CrazyMatt. This episode is cringe-worthy. The humour is at the same level as a bad Three's Company episode.

Much as I appreciate the sentiment, I don't recall saying the episode is cringe-worthy (cringe-worthy episodes would include "The Alternative Factor" and "Plato's Stepchildren"). But I did say it is too highly regarded by many, IMHO.

"The Alternative Factor" is definitely cringe-worthy. Double dumb-ass on whoever came up with this scenario.

 

[LMFAOschwarz]

"The Alternative Factor" is definitely cringe-worthy. Double dumb-ass on whoever came up with this scenario.

I think the scenario in and of it self is pretty good. It's just that the episode ended up seeming imcomplete, as if it was a heavily edited for syndication version even in first-run.

 

[kirkfan]

"The Alternative Factor" is definitely cringe-worthy. Double dumb-ass on whoever came up with this scenario.

I think the scenario in and of it self is pretty good. It's just that the episode ended up seeming imcomplete, as if it was a heavily edited for syndication version even in first-run.

I guess I was thrown off by the execution then.

 

[TeaKirk]

Loved the episode because it was your classic comic relief episode (Plus I love tribbles) and I love the Taylor swift parody