In "The Enemy Within", a transporter malfunction causes Captain Kirk to split into two separate beings: one has taken on his dark, animalistic traits and tendencies, the other has his compassion, love, and mildness. Meanwhile, Sulu and a few other crew members are stranded on the surface in subzero temperatures awaiting transport. Scottie, McCoy, and Spock attempt to fix the transporter and figure out a way to bring back their captain and rescue the crewmen.
The two halves that balance into the whole is an interesting concept. The human mind is a much more complex, nuanced entity than symbolized in this episode, but perhaps the metaphor is an apt one. As humans we are often required to bury our more primeval and wanton desires in order to conform to our society. In this episode, we see Kirk's deep, dark nature unfiltered and unimpeded. Animal Kirk's interactions with Yeoman Rand illustrate, maybe not his deepest desires, but assuredly his most primal. Even by modern standards, the scene with the (attempted?) rape is something that is difficult to watch; it is absolutely horrifying.
I find it interesting that the show's writer (a Twilight Zone alum) has classified decision-making as something that needs both halves of the self to be successful. Compassionate Kirk is too easily swayed by arguments and is paralyzed by the weight of decisions on his shoulders. Animal Kirk is too blinded by his desires to make decisions and is terrorized by fear. I love that fear is diagnosed as an animalistic emotion.
One large issue with this episode is the final scene. Spock's comment is coarse, insensitive, uncalled for, and frankly un-Vulcan. Why he decides to say that Yeoman Rand is beyond me. The writers really made a mistake with that one.
But ignoring that glaring blunder, this episode is an enjoyable watch. Exploring human emotion (when done skillfully) is always an interesting experience. (I'm still knocking it one star for Spock's uncouth remark).
The two halves that balance into the whole is an interesting concept. The human mind is a much more complex, nuanced entity than symbolized in this episode, but perhaps the metaphor is an apt one. As humans we are often required to bury our more primeval and wanton desires in order to conform to our society. In this episode, we see Kirk's deep, dark nature unfiltered and unimpeded. Animal Kirk's interactions with Yeoman Rand illustrate, maybe not his deepest desires, but assuredly his most primal. Even by modern standards, the scene with the (attempted?) rape is something that is difficult to watch; it is absolutely horrifying.
I find it interesting that the show's writer (a Twilight Zone alum) has classified decision-making as something that needs both halves of the self to be successful. Compassionate Kirk is too easily swayed by arguments and is paralyzed by the weight of decisions on his shoulders. Animal Kirk is too blinded by his desires to make decisions and is terrorized by fear. I love that fear is diagnosed as an animalistic emotion.
One large issue with this episode is the final scene. Spock's comment is coarse, insensitive, uncalled for, and frankly un-Vulcan. Why he decides to say that Yeoman Rand is beyond me. The writers really made a mistake with that one.
But ignoring that glaring blunder, this episode is an enjoyable watch. Exploring human emotion (when done skillfully) is always an interesting experience. (I'm still knocking it one star for Spock's uncouth remark).