"Spock's Brain" Topic

I just started watching Season 3 of the original series again after all these years, and I have to say I love this episode!

I know a lot of people hate it, and claim it marks the point when the series jumped the shark, but come on, it's fun!

One of the reasons I love this episode is that Marj Dusay is in it – she's the brain stealer! Today, when it seems all actresses are stamped out of the same Hollywood mold, Marj is refreshing as a unique look and talent. She was also on Hawaii-50 twice, once as a policewoman, and once as a criminal/girlfriend for undercover Steve McGarrett!

Yes, it's a bit silly that such an advanced civilization needs Spock's brain… or maybe just good old-fashioned Pulp?

The episode even includes a full-scale battle between the landing party and a bunch of oversized barbarians (sadly, it doesn't make much sense – let the barbarians attack, wait for it… then stun them? why not do that in the first place?). There's also an amusing brawl in the 'jail', two barbarians vs Kirk, Scotty and McCoy!

If you're looking for something to battle, I suppose Chekov's relay party on the surface might have been attacked by the barbarians.

So – fun episode, not a lot here to wargame, but I'd buy the figures if someone made them!

It may be colossally stupid, but it's not the worst ST episode ever. Many of them are much duller -- at least "Spock's Brain" is always entertaining!

Some plot problems:

Since the underground population's IQ levels have declined, they have the 'knowledge helmet' to give them temporary knowledge (and, apparently, IQ bursts). But who gave them the knowledge helmet? Was the IQ decline foreseen?

Their leader is afraid of being punished for using the knowledge helmet without prior authorization. Punished by whom? Is there another AI here somewhere? If so, why do they need Spock's brain? Or if Spock's brain is both Controller (of life support) and the AI boss, why can't he just tell the people to let Kirk free?

Also, note this episode is made back in the days when not every female actress had to have enormous boobs!

Brain and brain-what is brain?

Brain is Pinky's friend

I have lived many happy years never owning a copy of third season Trek.

There can be no peace as long as Kirk lives!

The aliens can try all they want, but they'll never find anything in my head!

Dan

I think most ST-TOS episodes have something to recommend them, a bit like Clone Wars and Star Wars :Rebels. I enjoy some more than others, certainly, but don't mind watching any of them!