"The Survivor" is one of the best episodes in the short history of the animated sequel to Gene Roddenberry's classic series. It tells that tale of the surprise rescue of a well-known space trader, Carter Winston, who has been missing for five years. The "survivor" comes aboard the Enterprise, much to the surprise to his fiancé who had long given up the thought of marrying him.
Winston, however, has no interest in rekindling the romance, much to the fiancé's disappointment. Also, Dr. McCoy's examination of Winston reveals some inconsistencies that the medical expert can't figure out.
Soon, Winston is revealed to be a Vendorian, a race of shape-shifters. The shape-shifter cared for the real Winston until his death. Feeling a bond with the late traveler, the creature decided to assume Winston's identity.
The story opens up all sorts of possibilities, chief among them would inter-species relationships when Winston's fiancé finds herself attracted to the Vendorian, even after finding out his true identity.
The creature itself could be considered a precursor to the shape-shifting Odo from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." The episode also stands out as one of the few that utilized a "guest star" in the form of Ted Knight as Carter Winston/The Vendorian. The budget-conscious series frequently utilized the talents of regular cast members Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, George Takei, and Majel Barrett as other characters as well.
Winston, however, has no interest in rekindling the romance, much to the fiancé's disappointment. Also, Dr. McCoy's examination of Winston reveals some inconsistencies that the medical expert can't figure out.
Soon, Winston is revealed to be a Vendorian, a race of shape-shifters. The shape-shifter cared for the real Winston until his death. Feeling a bond with the late traveler, the creature decided to assume Winston's identity.
The story opens up all sorts of possibilities, chief among them would inter-species relationships when Winston's fiancé finds herself attracted to the Vendorian, even after finding out his true identity.
The creature itself could be considered a precursor to the shape-shifting Odo from "Star Trek: Deep Space Nine." The episode also stands out as one of the few that utilized a "guest star" in the form of Ted Knight as Carter Winston/The Vendorian. The budget-conscious series frequently utilized the talents of regular cast members Nichelle Nichols, James Doohan, George Takei, and Majel Barrett as other characters as well.