Was "Spock's Brain" really an intentional parody?

[ToddPence]

I've read a book once quoting an insider that Coon wrote this script as a deliberate FU to Fred Freiberger. It's been years since I read this, and I don't remember exactly what publication I read it in though, so I can't speak for its veracity.

The whole idea of the remote control Spock was apparently a late addition to the script. It does not appear in James Blish's adaptation. Probably Nimoy realized he wasn't getting enough screen time.

 

[Shatnertage]

The funny thing is: this is one of the first "Treks" I remember seeing as a kid (I know I'd seen others, but this is the first I actually remember) and back then it just seemed so COOL that to this day I can't hate this episode no matter how bad I now realize it is.

That's exactly how I feel about TAS. Everything about it, from the animation to the music, seemed so awesome. Then I watched them again 2 years ago and realized how awful many of them were. Same thing to an even greater extent with Star Blazers and, magnified by about 1000, with Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

To me, TOS was always skating on the edge of self-parody. You could see this with them working "my son the doctor" schtick into an otherwise serious episode like "The Changeling." "Spock's Brain" was one of the times that it overshot that edge. It doesn't detract from my love for the show--in fact, it's one of its charms for me.

 

[Captain Robert April]

I've read a book once quoting an insider that Coon wrote this script as a deliberate FU to Fred Freiberger. It's been years since I read this, and I don't remember exactly what publication I read it in though, so I can't speak for its veracity.

I might've read the same book. Sort of a "let's see if Freddie's dumb enough to give this one a try." Might also explain explain "Spectre of the Gun".

 

[Potemkin_Prod]

I've read a book once quoting an insider that Coon wrote this script as a deliberate FU to Fred Freiberger. It's been years since I read this, and I don't remember exactly what publication I read it in though, so I can't speak for its veracity.

I might've read the same book. Sort of a "let's see if Freddie's dumb enough to give this one a try." Might also explain explain "Spectre of the Gun".

This script and all the other third season scripts were purchased and okayed by Gene Roddenberry prior to Fred Freiberger's hiring. Freiberger was simply a producer, one who was considered in the running to produce Star Trek as early as the first season. Was he creative? No. Was he hired to be creative? No. It is what it is; what can be done? Nothing.

 

[Warped9]

It's one of those crap episodes, of which there are quite a few, that excuses must always be made for.

It happens sometimes to television shows.

It's one of those crap episodes TOS purists conveniently forget when they are so busy attacking the quality of the other Trek shows.

Even after being told to knock it off you really are spoiling for an argument.

 

[Char Aznable]

It was always the latter. Every fan knows that.

Not every fan knows that as evidenced by how often over the years I've heard and read it repeated that the episode was actually an intentional parody.

That is likely what is called in some circles as a parody retcon. As shown here: http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/ParodyRetcon

 

[Doug Otte]

Who asserted that it was a parody? I don't think I've ever read that anywhere.
Doug

 

[Warped9]

Who asserted that it was a parody? I don't think I've ever read that anywhere.
Doug

It's something that gets trotted out periodically when the episode is discussed.

Mind you, I've often looked at VOY as an unintentional parody.

 

[Ssosmcin]

Off topic somewhat. I'm one of those few people who actually likes "Spock's Brain." Not that it's a "good" episode by any means, I like it as I like Lost in Space: goofy dumb fun with good production values. I personally loved the rear projection used for the viewscreen, which Marc Daniels showcased shamelessly, having Shatner and others walking back and forth in front of it. It's not perfect, the seating and the screen don't line up, but it truly adds to the realism of the show. I imagine it was time consuming to set up, since it was never done again.

Also like the music a lot. If I watch it with my brain on stunned, I like it a shitload more than And the Children Shall Lead or The Way to Eden. While SB is not good, I think its reputation is derived from the fact that THIS was the episode the fans were rewarded with after "saving the show."

 

[Joker]

Who asserted that it was a parody? I don't think I've ever read that anywhere.
Doug

It's something that gets trotted out periodically when the episode is discussed.

Mind you, I've often looked at VOY as an unintentional parody.

You've also said that Spock's Brain is better than any series that came after it.

It's not a huge shock that people find it difficult to take you seriously.

 

[Warped9]

Who asserted that it was a parody? I don't think I've ever read that anywhere.
Doug

It's something that gets trotted out periodically when the episode is discussed.

Mind you, I've often looked at VOY as an unintentional parody.

You've also said that Spock's Brain is better than any series that came after it.

It's not a huge shock that people find it difficult to take you seriously.

No apologies. I'll take "Spock's Brain" over the vast majority of Trek that's followed even with its warts and all.

And I don't take offense because I never take you seriously.

 

[Char Aznable]

Well, I certainly would take Spock's Brain over the worst of VOY or ENT certainly. At least its fun to watch with a few drinks and friends to laugh with you.

Its also better than The Way to Eden or The Alternative Factor.

 

[Captain Robert April]

It certainly makes more sense than JJTrek....

 

[Hartzilla2007]

It certainly makes more sense than JJTrek....

And JJTrek has what to do with the topic exactly?

 

[number6]

That's what they do. Take a swipe at nuTrek in defense of TOS' shockingly unstellar moments.

 

[alchemist]

With one major exception, the first draft script of Spock's Brain -- dated June 11, 1968 -- is practically indistinguishable from the revised final draft script dated July 1, 1968 (with change pages of July 3 and 5). The major exception is that Spock remains on the ship and does not beam down to the planet in the first draft. His "role" on Sigma Draconis VI (Planet 7 in the first draft) is played by McCoy. And at the end of the first draft, McCoy returns to the ship with the Teachers knowledge and Spock's brain and performs the surgery on Spock in sickbay.

Interestingly, the change pages in the revised final draft script dated July 3, 1968 are the ones that alter the first and final draft scripts to incorporate Spock being fitted with the mobility app that allows him to take part in the action on the surface. And, of course, these change pages also have McCoy setting up his surgical shop on the planet.

Principal photography for this episode started on July 8, 1968.

FYI.

FWIW.

 

[Warped9]

That's what they do. Take a swipe at nuTrek in defense of TOS' shockingly unstellar moments.

Well, we'll take TOS' unstellar moments over all the other unstellar moments that followed...including JJ's "shockingly unstellar" moments.

 

[number6]

That's what they do. Take a swipe at nuTrek in defense of TOS' shockingly unstellar moments.

Well, we'll take TOS' unstellar moments over all the other unstellar moments that followed...including JJ's "shockingly unstellar" moments.

At least I've been able to get you to at long last admit the flaws in TOS about which you've been in such constant and vocal denial. You've just taken a major step into a larger world.

 

[Warped9]

^^ You really are dense. I've never denied TOS having flaws, ever, in all the years I've been here. But you're usually so obsessed with your own perception that you don't pay attention to something unless it supports your bias.

 

[number6]

^^ You really are dense. I've never denied TOS having flaws, ever, in all the years I've been here. But you're usually so obsessed with your own perception that you don't pay attention to something unless it supports your bias.

No really. That was a major step. I am proud of you.