LogFAQs > #967298527

Episode 9: Dagger of the Mind.

Another Shakespeare reference. Ain't complaining.

McCoy's line that a cage is still a cage no matter how you dress it up is a beautifully simple, yet resoundingly honest statement. I agree and I like that the show mentions it. Forcing Noel on Kirk is hilarious. Actually, Kirk runs a surprisingly loose ship and tolerates a lot of pranks, banter, arguments and, sometimes, insubordination from his crew. Works to his benefit as a captain, though. You want a somewhat family atmosphere when you're deep in the void and in high stress situations on the regular.

Another scientist lost his marbles. Mind you, Adams maintains a mask of sanity for surprisingly long. Typical megalomaniac, though. The Nueral Neutraliser is a terrifying piece of kit and even without Adams manning it, I wouldn't inflict it on the worst of the worst. Fitting and scary that his fate is to be head empty, no thoughts.

Van Gelder is a fine character. I love the clear strain he feels whenever he tries to speak. And he helps highlight just how terrifying the machine is. Seeing the Vulcan Mind meld for the first time was pretty cool. McCoy's clearly into voyeurism. The hypnosis disclaimer is ridiculous. I'm keeping myself clued up on production trivia as I go, but knowing why it's there doesn't stop it from being daft. There is a degree of affection to the whole thing that we don't usually see Spock indulge in. I can understand why it's a private affair. Holding humanity to account over what constitutes official, allowed violence is also a nice touch.

Kirk's on fine form. I like how much he values both McCoy and Spock's advice, willing to be skeptical of Adams even though he clearly hero worships him, all because of McCoy's gut feeling. Doesn't take Adams' word on anything, but actually tries to use the machine himself to concern. Noel, though, I'm in two minds on. She annoyed me at first for crawling up Addams' arse for the first half, but redeemed herself with the Neutraliser and by killing that guy in the power room.

I'd argue that what she does to Kirk is basically rape with extra steps, but it feels like a real human emotion to the point where its hard to hate her or the episode for it. I'm perfectly aware that if the positions were reversed, I'd probably be much harsher. Maybe I'm just inconsistent.

Lethe is delightfully creepy and should've shown up more.

Another good episode.