Considered the "worse" of Trek TOS fame by many, it's not the best, but FAR from the worse. Keep in mind that what some hate others may really like, so my all time low episodes probably reveal who I am, a man, that hates (well not really "hate" but are not my favorites) the seriously touchie feelie episodes that probably appeal to women. Also, I like episodes that have classic scenes between the trio of Kirk, Spock, McCoy with the added Scottie as well (or good nemesis). One thing I try to tell younger viewers (I'm in my 40's and watched Trek in reruns in the 70's and 80's) is that compared to later Trek series, you had to love the way the women were dressed in TOS, at least I do! Thats the 60's man, and even though it was the "free love" generation, not many shows had a consistent array of sexy women dressed in some seriously sexy outfits as Trek TOS does! So what have we here and why do I NOT consider it the "worse" episode ever made? There's a cool new starship (a somewhat "rarity in previous seasons, there are a few new ships in season three), the nemesis's here are hot women in sexy outfits (gotta love that with TOS!), and McCoy has a GREAT scene trying to re-implant Spocks brain! That McCoy scene was a copy of the Krell's brain machine in Forbidden Planet, nice tribute (or ripoff), it works nicely. If your into S&M this may have added attraction as the women who live underground do interact with the male topsiders when they are in the mood, with one condition; the males need to wear a pain inducing discipline belt! Gotta love it, and McCoy's great scene. 6 of 10. Its far from MY worse rated episode.
55 Reviews
"He was worse than dead"!
classicsoncall6 January 2011
Warning: Spoilers
While watching I was reminded of the 1962 flick "The Brain That Wouldn't Die" with a no name cast and a female character who's head was dismembered in a freak auto accident. The head was kept alive by the woman's doctor boyfriend with the idea that he would find a suitably sexy replacement body. Nominally a horror film, this picture wound up being inadvertently comic in it's absurdity, with it's protagonist tagged with the nickname Jan in the Pan by it's cult followers.
Now as long as Spock was going to be commandeered for his scientific super brain, why not go whole hog and just decapitate him altogether? Could it possibly have been any worse than what was developed here? I really couldn't believe it when Captain Kirk, faced with the dire consequences of the situation, managed to proclaim to Bones that they had to go "...in search of his brain, Doctor".
I should have suspected something strange was going to happen as soon as the opening credits rolled and the series changed the color of it's graphics to that clashing blue hue. I kept thinking about that up until about the time alien Kara (Marj Dusay) first appeared in those purple go-go boots. I might be cynical here, but is that what thirtieth century best dressed aliens might be wearing?
So let's not kid ourselves and think there might be a rational explanation for this episode. Roddenberry and crew went for the gusto with this one, producing a Frankenstein version of Spock and keeping us on the edge of our seats to figure out how this would all work out. Even there I had to chuckle. Spock's noggin was suitably barred from view for McCoy's operation, and then when it was over, Spock emerged with a full head of hair! This one wins the camp award for the entire series, fully living up to it's tag line of providing pain and delight, all at the same time.
Now as long as Spock was going to be commandeered for his scientific super brain, why not go whole hog and just decapitate him altogether? Could it possibly have been any worse than what was developed here? I really couldn't believe it when Captain Kirk, faced with the dire consequences of the situation, managed to proclaim to Bones that they had to go "...in search of his brain, Doctor".
I should have suspected something strange was going to happen as soon as the opening credits rolled and the series changed the color of it's graphics to that clashing blue hue. I kept thinking about that up until about the time alien Kara (Marj Dusay) first appeared in those purple go-go boots. I might be cynical here, but is that what thirtieth century best dressed aliens might be wearing?
So let's not kid ourselves and think there might be a rational explanation for this episode. Roddenberry and crew went for the gusto with this one, producing a Frankenstein version of Spock and keeping us on the edge of our seats to figure out how this would all work out. Even there I had to chuckle. Spock's noggin was suitably barred from view for McCoy's operation, and then when it was over, Spock emerged with a full head of hair! This one wins the camp award for the entire series, fully living up to it's tag line of providing pain and delight, all at the same time.
A Child Could Do It!
philip202928 December 2021
Taking this episode's side in all fairness there are legions of original series Star Trek stories way worse than this, for some reason there's been a kind of social media pile-in on poor Spock's Brain and it doesn't deserve all of it!
This is an episode from the wonders of the starry cosmos for little children. And viewed as such no harm in being so, and it has a lot - actually quite thoughtful on science and exploration, as indeed on whether a body can exist separately from a mind, and on declining, pampered civilisations clinging to former sophistication - going for it.
Perhaps the actors had just been told about some more cuts in the Star Trek Season Three budget, I will admit that....
But plot-wise and ideas-wise, wallops possibly a good third of all TOS Star Treks out of the ballpark.
This is an episode from the wonders of the starry cosmos for little children. And viewed as such no harm in being so, and it has a lot - actually quite thoughtful on science and exploration, as indeed on whether a body can exist separately from a mind, and on declining, pampered civilisations clinging to former sophistication - going for it.
Perhaps the actors had just been told about some more cuts in the Star Trek Season Three budget, I will admit that....
But plot-wise and ideas-wise, wallops possibly a good third of all TOS Star Treks out of the ballpark.
"Brain, brain, brain! What is brain?!"
Blueghost2 June 2009
Warning: Spoilers
There are some redeeming features to this *ahem* "legendary" episode of Trekdom. In spite of the poor script the new creative team tried to spruce up the cinematic and thematic flavor of a series that was on the wane.
Notably shots that the devout viewer never saw in the first two seasons are introduced. Note the shot from behind the captain's chair looking forward to the main viewer as Kirk and crew try to track Spock's gray matter. In addition we're given a dash of routine starship operations that we were denied in previous episodes; notably looking at a solar system and narrowing down the possible worlds of where to search.
It's a unique, and in this way almost "refreshing" (I use that word guardedly) approach to Star Trek. The creative forces were trying to salvage what they could due to budget cuts. Even the story is tweaked and finagled to try to gear up for a lack of funds. Note the cavemen and their appearance in the episode, and their relation to the surface on the world.
The episode itself deals with a sexual riff between men and women from a society that tried to protect its most valuable asset; women and children from a disaster, thereby creating a divided social norm where the natives are delegated to their pre-societal norms. Their only salvation is a neural library that can temporary deposit valuable knowledge.
To cap off the sexual theme women are given pain delivering devices that keep the captive men enslaved to their whims. We're witnessing the primal states of the sexes, and a bare bones association of their relations to one another on a world that's all but forgotten the trappings of what once was.
The story tries to bridge and reconstruct the gap between men and women on this world, but fails miserably, even though it does wrap up the basic story by restoring Star Fleet's most valuable first officer. The implication at the end is that the world is restored to normalcy, but nonesuch is really apparent.
Yes, it's a travesty of science fiction television, but it's got some very minor redeeming traits that should raise an eyebrow or two for the astute viewer. On the other hand, in spite of this, it is pretty hokey. Certainly not one of the more sterling installments of Kirk-n-Spock Trek, but interesting on an academic level.
Take it for what it's worth.
Notably shots that the devout viewer never saw in the first two seasons are introduced. Note the shot from behind the captain's chair looking forward to the main viewer as Kirk and crew try to track Spock's gray matter. In addition we're given a dash of routine starship operations that we were denied in previous episodes; notably looking at a solar system and narrowing down the possible worlds of where to search.
It's a unique, and in this way almost "refreshing" (I use that word guardedly) approach to Star Trek. The creative forces were trying to salvage what they could due to budget cuts. Even the story is tweaked and finagled to try to gear up for a lack of funds. Note the cavemen and their appearance in the episode, and their relation to the surface on the world.
The episode itself deals with a sexual riff between men and women from a society that tried to protect its most valuable asset; women and children from a disaster, thereby creating a divided social norm where the natives are delegated to their pre-societal norms. Their only salvation is a neural library that can temporary deposit valuable knowledge.
To cap off the sexual theme women are given pain delivering devices that keep the captive men enslaved to their whims. We're witnessing the primal states of the sexes, and a bare bones association of their relations to one another on a world that's all but forgotten the trappings of what once was.
The story tries to bridge and reconstruct the gap between men and women on this world, but fails miserably, even though it does wrap up the basic story by restoring Star Fleet's most valuable first officer. The implication at the end is that the world is restored to normalcy, but nonesuch is really apparent.
Yes, it's a travesty of science fiction television, but it's got some very minor redeeming traits that should raise an eyebrow or two for the astute viewer. On the other hand, in spite of this, it is pretty hokey. Certainly not one of the more sterling installments of Kirk-n-Spock Trek, but interesting on an academic level.
Take it for what it's worth.
memorable episode!
mm-3911 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Memorable episode! Spock's Brain episode is so cheesy it's memorable! Spock's brain is removed form Spock's body and the crew needs to find out why? Can they return Spock's Brain back to Spock's body? The episode becomes more cheesy as it's located on a plant of attractive women who use a special machine for the brain surgery. Cheesy story, with campy acting and script. Comic, the women is totally clueless and refuses to re-attached Spock's brain. Spock become the brain centre or C P U for a huge system which runs the plant. McCoy must do the surgery with this cone of knowledge machine. McCoy takes a risk with the machine, and forgets the surgery halfway threw. Spock talks McCoy threw the surgery. The director and writer had fun with this one. Campy, cheesy, and just plain fun. Not the best script and or acting, but memorable. 6 out of 10!
An ominous preview of season 3
fabian517 September 2007
Warning: Spoilers
I was reading Leonard Nimoy's wonderful 1995 book "I am Spock" where he described this show as an embarrassment to the original Star Trek TOS series and "an ominous portent" of things to come in season three. (p.114) I'm afraid I have to agree with Nimoy: the script is so full of holes that one could drive a car through it. Basically, a beautiful young woman appears mysteriously on the Enterprise and steals Spock's brain. Then the Enterprise crew track this intruder down to a planet called Sigma Draconis VI which is going through an ice age where primitive cavemen subsist on the surface whereas a sophisticated civilization of women--that have Spock's Brain--live underground.
Once the Star Trek crew beam down and overpowers the female leader of this 'civilization' called the Eymorgs, they operate to restore Spock brain to his body. Soon, you have Spock's brain coming alive and actually instructing Dr. McCoy on the means to attach his brain to his head mid-way through the operation. Frankly, the script for this episode is 'brainless' and atrocious. Nimoy notes that one of the major defects in this show included the basic question of how these women could survive without going extinct since they were completely segregated from the more primitive male population on the planet's surface. (pp.115-16) Moreover, the part where Kara, the Eymorg's leader, infamously says to the Enterprise crew when questioned about Spoc's Brain: "Brain and brain, what is brain?" is not credible even with the excuse that her 'creator' empowered her superhuman knowledge that lasts for only 3 hours. To put it succinctly, the plot is simply abysmal. It would have been preferable if the producers had chosen to screen 'Spectre of the Gun' at the start of season 3--which was actually the first episode produced--rather than Spock's Brain which was only the sixth show made this season.
As Nimoy aptly writes, "frankly during the entire shooting of that episode, I was embarrassed--a feeling that overcame me many times during the final season." (pp.115) He was right: there were many more turkeys to come in the form of 'And the Children shall lead,' 'The Way to Eden', 'The Lights of Zetar,' or 'The Cloudminders' where Spock tells a woman he barely met about Vulcan's mating habits--a subject which he was too aghast to reveal to captain Kirk in "Amok Time." Frankly, many of the scripts of season 3 are highly uneven or poorly conceived: for every 1 good episode, you got 2 to 3 clunkers. The reason for this decline was that most of the experienced crew--Roddenberry, DC Fontana, Gene Coon--who made Star Trek such a success in seasons 1 and 2--had quit prior to season 3 leaving the show in the hands of new movie makers who didn't know what made Star Trek special. Moreover, NBC slashed the show's budget in its final season. This led to more and more Star Trek episodes becoming progressively less believable or just plain awful. This episode displays the end result. Frankly, its amazing that several good to excellent Trek episodes such as 'Day of the Dove', 'The Enterprise Incident', 'The Tholian Web', 'All Our Yesterdays', 'Requiem for Methuselah' or 'Elaan of Troyius' were actually made this season. This reflects highly of the professionalism of the Star Trek actors and their beleaguered season 3 executive producer, Fred Freiberger.
Once the Star Trek crew beam down and overpowers the female leader of this 'civilization' called the Eymorgs, they operate to restore Spock brain to his body. Soon, you have Spock's brain coming alive and actually instructing Dr. McCoy on the means to attach his brain to his head mid-way through the operation. Frankly, the script for this episode is 'brainless' and atrocious. Nimoy notes that one of the major defects in this show included the basic question of how these women could survive without going extinct since they were completely segregated from the more primitive male population on the planet's surface. (pp.115-16) Moreover, the part where Kara, the Eymorg's leader, infamously says to the Enterprise crew when questioned about Spoc's Brain: "Brain and brain, what is brain?" is not credible even with the excuse that her 'creator' empowered her superhuman knowledge that lasts for only 3 hours. To put it succinctly, the plot is simply abysmal. It would have been preferable if the producers had chosen to screen 'Spectre of the Gun' at the start of season 3--which was actually the first episode produced--rather than Spock's Brain which was only the sixth show made this season.
As Nimoy aptly writes, "frankly during the entire shooting of that episode, I was embarrassed--a feeling that overcame me many times during the final season." (pp.115) He was right: there were many more turkeys to come in the form of 'And the Children shall lead,' 'The Way to Eden', 'The Lights of Zetar,' or 'The Cloudminders' where Spock tells a woman he barely met about Vulcan's mating habits--a subject which he was too aghast to reveal to captain Kirk in "Amok Time." Frankly, many of the scripts of season 3 are highly uneven or poorly conceived: for every 1 good episode, you got 2 to 3 clunkers. The reason for this decline was that most of the experienced crew--Roddenberry, DC Fontana, Gene Coon--who made Star Trek such a success in seasons 1 and 2--had quit prior to season 3 leaving the show in the hands of new movie makers who didn't know what made Star Trek special. Moreover, NBC slashed the show's budget in its final season. This led to more and more Star Trek episodes becoming progressively less believable or just plain awful. This episode displays the end result. Frankly, its amazing that several good to excellent Trek episodes such as 'Day of the Dove', 'The Enterprise Incident', 'The Tholian Web', 'All Our Yesterdays', 'Requiem for Methuselah' or 'Elaan of Troyius' were actually made this season. This reflects highly of the professionalism of the Star Trek actors and their beleaguered season 3 executive producer, Fred Freiberger.
All the men on the planet are imprisoned by 'pain belts' as a means to keep them under control
magicsinglez9 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
An alien, Kara (Marj Dusay), beams aboard the Enterprise, knocks the crew out, and steals Spocks brain! The search is on for Spock, the search for his brain anyway, as McCoy keeps his body alive with electronics.
Locating the aliens planet the crew beam down to investigate. The crew are quickly captured, and imprisoned by 'pain-belts'. All the men on the planet are imprisoned by 'pain-belts'. Women, who rule this society, need these belts to keep men in line. Why didn't they think to bring along Uhuru...
His brain's alive. They find and communicate with Spock - realizing his brain's been taken by these aliens in order that it can run their society. For example, Spock senses he's breathing, but he's only activating environmental controls. These women aren't very technologically advanced themselves. They're only using technology left over from olden times and the crew manage to escape and free Spock. McCoy uses their advanced technology to set things right, and this society is returned to it's 'normal' course.
This episode is known for being 'bad', however, this episode has many great Star Trek themes: showing disembodied consciousness, technology that can vastly speed up learning, and primitives who have access to advanced technology (either technology from their own past or alien technology {in one Trek episode, Errand of Mercy, they come across the 'Organians' who appear to be very primitive, only to find out at the end, they are extremely advanced. Their leader saying, "While it's true, in time, you and the Klingons will become fast-friends...". Spock observes, "I should think the Organians are as far above us on the evolutionary scale, as we are above the Amoeba"}). Of course, the pain-belts, being needed to control the men is unique to this episode...
'Spocks Brain' is known as being the worst Star Trek episode, it's like the kid in class everyone picks on. Like the kid in class everyone picks on, is this one really that much different from the others?
It's no big deal to poke fun at this episode. I suppose it's fun. Even the biggest fans sometimes enjoy making fun of this or that about Star Trek. Is it a good thing to make fun of oneself? Sometimes I wonder whether it is or not...
Perhaps tho, the criticism of this episode reveals more about the critic than it reveals about the episode. Perhaps, in the way bullying takes place in the story 'The Mysterious Stranger' by Mark Twain; kids pick on other kids, because ultimately they are afraid of being picked on themselves.
Lets laugh at ourselves and not be afraid of being made fun of? Or, lets protect ourselves and others, and show real human sympathy towards someone who is being made fun of? We all love to laugh. Why is it no one ever cries?
Locating the aliens planet the crew beam down to investigate. The crew are quickly captured, and imprisoned by 'pain-belts'. All the men on the planet are imprisoned by 'pain-belts'. Women, who rule this society, need these belts to keep men in line. Why didn't they think to bring along Uhuru...
His brain's alive. They find and communicate with Spock - realizing his brain's been taken by these aliens in order that it can run their society. For example, Spock senses he's breathing, but he's only activating environmental controls. These women aren't very technologically advanced themselves. They're only using technology left over from olden times and the crew manage to escape and free Spock. McCoy uses their advanced technology to set things right, and this society is returned to it's 'normal' course.
This episode is known for being 'bad', however, this episode has many great Star Trek themes: showing disembodied consciousness, technology that can vastly speed up learning, and primitives who have access to advanced technology (either technology from their own past or alien technology {in one Trek episode, Errand of Mercy, they come across the 'Organians' who appear to be very primitive, only to find out at the end, they are extremely advanced. Their leader saying, "While it's true, in time, you and the Klingons will become fast-friends...". Spock observes, "I should think the Organians are as far above us on the evolutionary scale, as we are above the Amoeba"}). Of course, the pain-belts, being needed to control the men is unique to this episode...
'Spocks Brain' is known as being the worst Star Trek episode, it's like the kid in class everyone picks on. Like the kid in class everyone picks on, is this one really that much different from the others?
It's no big deal to poke fun at this episode. I suppose it's fun. Even the biggest fans sometimes enjoy making fun of this or that about Star Trek. Is it a good thing to make fun of oneself? Sometimes I wonder whether it is or not...
Perhaps tho, the criticism of this episode reveals more about the critic than it reveals about the episode. Perhaps, in the way bullying takes place in the story 'The Mysterious Stranger' by Mark Twain; kids pick on other kids, because ultimately they are afraid of being picked on themselves.
Lets laugh at ourselves and not be afraid of being made fun of? Or, lets protect ourselves and others, and show real human sympathy towards someone who is being made fun of? We all love to laugh. Why is it no one ever cries?
Brain and Brain! What is Brain?
Bogmeister1 January 2007
Here I am, at the start of a new year, watching "Spock's Brain" again. There goes one resolution down the drain. It's unfortunate that this episode may have been the introduction for many viewers to the Trek series (it was the 1st broadcast of the 3rd season). What a difference a new season makes! Like "The Trouble With Tribbles," this is one of the most famous episodes, but for different reasons, having to do with the epitome of lousiness. Knowledge of Trek's cheese factor may have spread from this point. There's really nothing wrong with the plot, on paper - an early version of "Star Trek III:The Search For Spock" of '84; in this case, it's 'The Search For Spock's Brain.' Here, Kirk and crew are moving along in their starship, minding their own business, when a small ion-propelled ship approaches; a space babe materializes on the bridge of the Enterprise and knocks out everyone with the touch of a button on her spiffy bracelet (and I mean, EVERYone, on the entire ship! - similar to "By Any Other Name"). When the crew awaken, they find something missing - you guessed it! - Spock's brain! Yes, this is Spock's final episode - just kidding. Here's a minor discrepancy already: the female invader is able to conk out everyone immediately; yet later, on the planet they find her on, she and her cohorts take the trouble to affix funky belts on Kirk and his boys to send painful knockout signals. I won't even elaborate on the slow pace of this episode, with the camera, for example, settling on an immobile Spock standing there, as if something is about to happen, yet nothing does.
Someone, meaning the producers, the director and the actors, took a wrong turn or at least a sideways view of this story. As an example, when McCoy slowly informs Kirk of Spock's, eh, problem, it was probably meant to be a suspenseful, grim scene. It isn't. 'His brain is gone..!' McCoy says, looking a bit shell-shocked. Kirk mouths the same phrase, also shocked or stunned. You expect Scotty to repeat it yet again, then Nurse Chapel. I think you get the tone of most of the episode - you're chuckling by this point. By the time we get to the underground civilization on that planet, things have escalated to a laugh-riot, with 'Morgs' and 'Eymorgs' and 'you are not Morg' ringing in our ears as Kirk tries to make sense of a wacko culture divided between female rulers and male brutes. Spock's body is turned into a walking puppet, guided by McCoy's gizmo like a toy robot. Kirk's key meeting with the ruling females, all of whom speak like spoiled teenagers, becomes an exercise in ultimate Trek cheese; Kirk even gets on his knees to grovel at one point, before the female ruler sends him spasming into painful oblivion. It's rather ghastly yet you can't turn away, spellbound in disbelief by the hysterics on screen. All the concepts are sabotaged by the execution, even the climactic brain re-attachment surgery, which begins fine; McCoy gets his brain boosted and proceeds with new skills. Then he starts to forget and Spock talks him through the rest, the audience understanding full well that neither has the knowledge of these unknown techniques. Some entertainment value is there, no doubt, but beware; this all could be a... dare I say it - a drain on the brain.
Someone, meaning the producers, the director and the actors, took a wrong turn or at least a sideways view of this story. As an example, when McCoy slowly informs Kirk of Spock's, eh, problem, it was probably meant to be a suspenseful, grim scene. It isn't. 'His brain is gone..!' McCoy says, looking a bit shell-shocked. Kirk mouths the same phrase, also shocked or stunned. You expect Scotty to repeat it yet again, then Nurse Chapel. I think you get the tone of most of the episode - you're chuckling by this point. By the time we get to the underground civilization on that planet, things have escalated to a laugh-riot, with 'Morgs' and 'Eymorgs' and 'you are not Morg' ringing in our ears as Kirk tries to make sense of a wacko culture divided between female rulers and male brutes. Spock's body is turned into a walking puppet, guided by McCoy's gizmo like a toy robot. Kirk's key meeting with the ruling females, all of whom speak like spoiled teenagers, becomes an exercise in ultimate Trek cheese; Kirk even gets on his knees to grovel at one point, before the female ruler sends him spasming into painful oblivion. It's rather ghastly yet you can't turn away, spellbound in disbelief by the hysterics on screen. All the concepts are sabotaged by the execution, even the climactic brain re-attachment surgery, which begins fine; McCoy gets his brain boosted and proceeds with new skills. Then he starts to forget and Spock talks him through the rest, the audience understanding full well that neither has the knowledge of these unknown techniques. Some entertainment value is there, no doubt, but beware; this all could be a... dare I say it - a drain on the brain.
Totally Far-fetched Plot, But Hey, What's New??
SusanJL11 April 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This admittedly was a far-fetched plot. But seriously folks, what episode isn't?? It has very interesting moments. I loved it when McCoy says (after putting on the "thinking cap") "Of course! Of course!" in wonder and then that re-installing Spock's brain would be "child's play". But I wouldn't have had Spock directing the brain surgery after McCoy falters. That's just too hokey!! I would have McCoy finish the brain surgery in warp speed while bragging about how he is going to revolutionize surgery with the new knowledge. Then after they get back to the Enterprise, McCoy realizes all the knowledge has not been retained and Spock & Kirk give him a hard time about that.
A Female Alien Steals Spock's Brain
Rainey-Dawn12 January 2017
Season 3, episode 1. The Enterprise encounters an ion-propelled craft. A female appears on the bridge and uses a device to knock them all out, when they awake Spock is not moving. McCoy takes Spock to sickbay, examines him only to find Spock's brain missing - surgically removed - all nerve endings are repaired -- Spock's Vulcan body is fine just his brain is missing. Kirk and crew follows the ion trail to the 6th planet in that solar system. Kirk takes a gamble and beams down with Chekov, Scotty and a couple of red shirts to inspect the icy planet. They run across a primitive group of humans - they refer to the others as bringers of pain. Kirk then has McCoy to beam down to check some remains and when he does, he brings Spock's remote controlled body along. Kirk okays Spock's body with them and they do some investigating to find a large underground facility. Kirk uses his communicator and picks up Spock's brainwave thoughts, Spock responds to Kirk and search crew. As they move along to find Spock's brain they are captured by the aliens. The aliens seem to know nothing when they speak to Kirk and crew... but eventually get information about a controller. It seems Spock's brain is the controller and Kirk and crew want to speak to the Controller. It's a matter of finding Spock's brain and putting it in Spock's body but McCoy's medical knowledge is limited and Spock will have to help him with the surgery.
It's not a great episode kinda on the silly side but fun to watch.
7/10
It's not a great episode kinda on the silly side but fun to watch.
7/10
The audience must have lost its brain to buy into this premise
chrisbaird-ma1 April 2013
Warning: Spoilers
The other reviewers are right. This episode ranks up there with the space hippies one as the worst of the whole Star Trek series. Aliens steal Spock's brain and he survives without it! Riiight. Not only does he survive, Mccoy can control him like a wind-up toy with a little remote control. It gets worse - much worse. The aliens who performed this miraculous non-lethal brain surgery are attractive young females (of course!) that have a three year old's intelligence and can't string together a full sentence. Despite the females' dumbness, they manage to keep Kirk and crew at bay through most of the episode. The scene where McCoy reconnects Spock's brain one step at a time and Spock gains functionality one limb at a time was just painful to watch. The brain does not work that way. And the second the brain surgery is done, Spock gets up and walks around as if he just got a message. I've been through serious surgery. You can't just get up and walk around the second the surgeon says done.
Forget the smug derision this episode gets. It's Trek at it's goofy best.
widsith-586026 April 2016
Trek at it's best is sublime, at it's worst embarrassing to watch, but why is this episode so panned? It is great fun. Admittedly one is left feeling one has watched some sort of pantomime special, or a Trek equivalent of Police Squad. However, there are far worse episodes in series three - The Way to Eden is at the bottom of the barrel in my opinion - and I'm personally grateful that the studio pulled the plug as the scriptwriters were rapidly running out of new ideas.
The plot is simple. A matriarchal underground society steals Spock's brain because their old one - which controls all their underground machinery - has broke. See? Perfectly understandable. Kirk, Scotty and McCoy beam down to rescue him/it, in the process discovering there's a bit more to this act of theft than first appears.
Would it be a spoiler to reveal that Spock is reunited with his brain ready for the next episode? DeForest Kelley is a delight to watch as the stressed brain surgeon, and his banter with Nemoy immediately after is equally entertaining.
Forget the smug derision this episode gets. It's Trek at it's goofy best, up there with The Trouble with Tribbles and various other "don't worry too much about the plot" episodes.
The plot is simple. A matriarchal underground society steals Spock's brain because their old one - which controls all their underground machinery - has broke. See? Perfectly understandable. Kirk, Scotty and McCoy beam down to rescue him/it, in the process discovering there's a bit more to this act of theft than first appears.
Would it be a spoiler to reveal that Spock is reunited with his brain ready for the next episode? DeForest Kelley is a delight to watch as the stressed brain surgeon, and his banter with Nemoy immediately after is equally entertaining.
Forget the smug derision this episode gets. It's Trek at it's goofy best, up there with The Trouble with Tribbles and various other "don't worry too much about the plot" episodes.
A sexy alien steals Spock's brain
Tweekums24 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
As this episode opens the Enterprise encounters a highly advanced spacecraft; as they approach a beautiful woman beams aboard and uses a device wish causes the entire crew to collapse. When they regain consciousness Kirk receives a call from McCoy telling him to go to sickbay; here he finds Spock
minus his brain! His Vulcan physiology means his body can last twenty four hours before it dies. The Enterprise follows the alien vessel's ion trail to a star system with three Class-M planets; not appear to support advanced life but some signals from one, a world in an ice age, suggest it is worth investigating. The landing party discover primitive men on the surface who have no idea what women are; the do however talk of 'The Others' who 'bring pain and pleasure'. It turns out these 'Others' are women who live in an underground complex; they don't appear advanced enough to have taken Spock's brain yet it turns out his brain is indeed there; being used as the 'Controller'; regulating the operation of the complex. Kirk demands its return but the women aren't keen to return it. Captured and fitted with 'pain belts' the away team will have to hurry if they are to return Spock's brain to his body!
This, the opening episode of the third and final season, is silly but rather fun. The idea that a sexy alien will turn up and steal Spock's brain is hilarious. We are of course used to William Shatner's delightfully hammy performance as Kirk but here he turns it up to eleven. Even DeForest Kelley gets in on the act as McCoy when he uses an alien device to gain the skills required to put Spock's brain back in then loss the knowledge half way through. The idea of a world where the genders live separately is interesting although the way it works here doesn't work too well as each gender doesn't seem to understand the purpose for the other. The way Spock's body is moved by remote control is so corny it is hilarious. Overall this isn't a bad episode but it is far from a classic.
This, the opening episode of the third and final season, is silly but rather fun. The idea that a sexy alien will turn up and steal Spock's brain is hilarious. We are of course used to William Shatner's delightfully hammy performance as Kirk but here he turns it up to eleven. Even DeForest Kelley gets in on the act as McCoy when he uses an alien device to gain the skills required to put Spock's brain back in then loss the knowledge half way through. The idea of a world where the genders live separately is interesting although the way it works here doesn't work too well as each gender doesn't seem to understand the purpose for the other. The way Spock's body is moved by remote control is so corny it is hilarious. Overall this isn't a bad episode but it is far from a classic.
Brainless
planktonrules7 December 2006
Warning: Spoilers
For an episode of the original Star Trek series, the score on IMDb says it all. While 5.2 (and I'm sure it will be a little different by the time you read this) isn't a BAD score, for the series it is definitely a huge drop. Most episodes are scored around 8. The bad ones around 6.5--so the 5.2 in strongly indicative of how dumb this one is.
A mysterious woman magically arrives on the ship. The pushes some buttons on a box on her arm and everyone falls unconscious. When they are under, she steals Spock's brain!!!!!! Then, when they awaken, McCoy informs the Captain that this occurred--at which point, Kirk asks if Spock will be okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUH!!!!!!!! I couldn't help but laugh the first time I heard this! What was Kirk thinking?! Maybe find him a chimp brain or something? So, right here you can tell this is a mondo-brainless episode. It gets even worse when they use a cool box on dead Spock's body to reanimate him! It seems, according to McCoy, that although Spock has no brain, he's actually fine this way until they can somehow find the brain and shove it back again!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, I don't need to go on. Just thinking about the episode nearly makes me laugh because the plot is THAT bad. This is sort of like the PLAN 9 version of Star Trek--monumental in its badness. So bad that it's great to watch with friends so you can make fun of it. So bad that THE WONDER YEARS did a funny parody about it.
A mysterious woman magically arrives on the ship. The pushes some buttons on a box on her arm and everyone falls unconscious. When they are under, she steals Spock's brain!!!!!! Then, when they awaken, McCoy informs the Captain that this occurred--at which point, Kirk asks if Spock will be okay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DUH!!!!!!!! I couldn't help but laugh the first time I heard this! What was Kirk thinking?! Maybe find him a chimp brain or something? So, right here you can tell this is a mondo-brainless episode. It gets even worse when they use a cool box on dead Spock's body to reanimate him! It seems, according to McCoy, that although Spock has no brain, he's actually fine this way until they can somehow find the brain and shove it back again!!!!!!!!!!!! Really, I don't need to go on. Just thinking about the episode nearly makes me laugh because the plot is THAT bad. This is sort of like the PLAN 9 version of Star Trek--monumental in its badness. So bad that it's great to watch with friends so you can make fun of it. So bad that THE WONDER YEARS did a funny parody about it.
There are Far Worse Edisodes. Silly but a lot of fun!
mike4812826 September 2014
Warning: Spoilers
"And the Children Shall Lead" "A Piece of the Action" "The Deadly Years" "The Devil in the Dark" "The Galileo Seven" "The Omega Glory" "Return of the Archons" "Muri" "Operation: Annihilate!" All these episodes are far worse and dumber than even this one is! (Yes, there are several more.) Most bad Trek episodes suffer from bad stories and bad props. ("Spock's Brain" suffers from really bad props and sound effects.) Plot: Spock's brain is hijacked and used to run an advanced civilization with no intelligent survivors. The women live far below the surface and are incredibly "hot" but addle-brained, wearing thigh-high "catsuits" (purrrr). No "fatties" survive in outer space! The surface-dwelling men are tall, oafish, hunky Viking-types wearing L.L. Bean fur-lined shorts. The "horn" sound effect is annoying and hard to take seriously. It's used on countless episodes. Obviously recycled props are everywhere: the computer lights (they keep on blinking and blinking..."Airplane 2!"). Spock's brain receptacle is a white glass globe from Ace Hardware. The hallways look exactly like the Enterprise with triangular doors and new spray paint. They borrowed the "Teaching Helmet" concept from Disney's "Merlin Jones" and MGM's "Forbidden Planet". Spock is wearing a Radio Shack transformer-like helmet and Bones has a big TV remote control to guide him around. The theme, of clueless backward people running things which an advanced civilization left behind, was a re-occurring storyline on Star Trek. (Bill Shatner may be right after all... This is a bad episode!)
My brain hurt's...........
prowler0000-213 November 2009
OK, so it's not the greatest of the original trek's, & for what it's worth i don't think that "City on the edge of forever" is either, but it's not as bad as some would have you believe! Synopsis: female organ-snatchers filch yer fave science officer's cranial organ. Crewmates, well Kirk & McCoy really, go on "great quest" to re-unite said missing mind with original owner.
Ummm, thats about it...
Bearing in mind this is a 3rd season episode, AKA Fred Freiberger's death-knell, it could have been worse. Yes there is some eye candy. Yes, there is something for De Kelly to do other than pronounce another death.
Deep meaning: No, not really.
Deus Ex machina: not so much..........
Cheerful resolution: for Spock, yes. For Fred, go watch The way to Eden...
Mindless fun(sorry, i'm so, so sorry): well, yeah.
It's camp, Technicolour & entertaining. Not every hole can be a goal. But at least it's not too insulting. That's to follow in later episodes!
Ummm, thats about it...
Bearing in mind this is a 3rd season episode, AKA Fred Freiberger's death-knell, it could have been worse. Yes there is some eye candy. Yes, there is something for De Kelly to do other than pronounce another death.
Deep meaning: No, not really.
Deus Ex machina: not so much..........
Cheerful resolution: for Spock, yes. For Fred, go watch The way to Eden...
Mindless fun(sorry, i'm so, so sorry): well, yeah.
It's camp, Technicolour & entertaining. Not every hole can be a goal. But at least it's not too insulting. That's to follow in later episodes!
Spock's brain ain't all that, to be honest...
fedor815 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Legendary "bad" episode unappreciated by some Trekkies: usually the ones who like ALL of the very awful spin-offs. They may lack the sense of humour to appreciate the most silly TOS episodes. These are the Trekkies that post reviews waxing poetic about the "social, political and humanist implications" within the stories. You know the type; they make up the majority.
If you go into ST TOS with such a rigid, humorless attitude then obviously you won't be able to appreciate the sheer season-3 hilarity of Kirk and co searching for Spock's overrated brain - stolen by a civilization of mentally impaired, skimpy-clad fashion models, no less. What's there not to like?
The episode even contains the usual, unwritten rules of B-movie fiction, and that's to repeat and state the obvious, over and over. How many times do various characters wonder aloud: "who stole Spock's brain and why?" Frigging hilarious. Spock walking around on remote control provides additional vulkanian slapstick, as do the very stupid-looking cavemen with their ridiculous wigs.
There's Scotty pulling an old trick for Kirk to disarm the female leader, and plenty of other nonsense too. Can't list it all: it's all over these 48 minutes. It's a-raining nonsense as the crew seek to liberate Spock's illogical brain.
Imagine a civilization so "advanced" that they travel across the universe just to steal a pacifist brain!
Lovely trash.
If you go into ST TOS with such a rigid, humorless attitude then obviously you won't be able to appreciate the sheer season-3 hilarity of Kirk and co searching for Spock's overrated brain - stolen by a civilization of mentally impaired, skimpy-clad fashion models, no less. What's there not to like?
The episode even contains the usual, unwritten rules of B-movie fiction, and that's to repeat and state the obvious, over and over. How many times do various characters wonder aloud: "who stole Spock's brain and why?" Frigging hilarious. Spock walking around on remote control provides additional vulkanian slapstick, as do the very stupid-looking cavemen with their ridiculous wigs.
There's Scotty pulling an old trick for Kirk to disarm the female leader, and plenty of other nonsense too. Can't list it all: it's all over these 48 minutes. It's a-raining nonsense as the crew seek to liberate Spock's illogical brain.
Imagine a civilization so "advanced" that they travel across the universe just to steal a pacifist brain!
Lovely trash.
Spock Gets Brain-jacked
Samuel-Shovel12 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
In "Spock's Brain", a female alien transports aboard the Enterprise and uses some type of weapon to knockout the entire crew. When everyone has reawakened, it is discovered that someone has somehow stolen Spock's brain right out of his body! The comatose Spock only has 24 hours of life support before his shell of a body will be rendered useless. The Enterprise must chase after this woman, retrieve Spock's brain, and surgically implant it back in him all in the span of a day.
They track the alien to a frozen planet where men habit the surface as Neanderthals. Underneath the surface, the women of this race live in maximum comfort. They have stolen Spock's brain to use as a sort of supercomputer to run the whole base smoothly. Kirk, Scotty, Bones, and a Frankensteined Spock head into the women's base. After briefly being taken captive, the landing party locate Spock's brain and use some sort knowledge helmet to transmit the instructions to Bones on how to reinsert the brain back into Spock without killing him. The knowledge is temporary and, as it begins to fade, Spock has to instruct Bones on the process.
The operation is successful. Kirk promises to the women that the Federation will help the women and the men acclimate to living together and heading back to work, rather than relying on The Operator.
I'm watching all the episodes of the Star Trek universe in chronological order based upon stardate, so maybe it's because I just had to watch "And the Children Shall Lead" right before this episode, but I didn't hate this as much as most people. It really was a breath of fresh air coming off that one! Sure, it's extremely goofy, the plot doesn't make any sense, and there's tons of purposeless shots and scenes, but it has a degree of campy charm to it. There's a lot of "silly" Star Trek episodes I despise but this one... not as much.
That being said, there's definitely some issues. The 24 hour clock on Spock's body is comical. It's very convenient that his body would last exactly one Earth day. Also, those close-up shots of Spock's unemotional, unmoving face are hysterically bad. We also have an entire scene of Chekov warming up a rock on the planet's surface that comes to nothing. We completely forget about him and the rest of the landing party in the second half of the episode.
Is it great? No, I suppose not. But I've seen worse.
They track the alien to a frozen planet where men habit the surface as Neanderthals. Underneath the surface, the women of this race live in maximum comfort. They have stolen Spock's brain to use as a sort of supercomputer to run the whole base smoothly. Kirk, Scotty, Bones, and a Frankensteined Spock head into the women's base. After briefly being taken captive, the landing party locate Spock's brain and use some sort knowledge helmet to transmit the instructions to Bones on how to reinsert the brain back into Spock without killing him. The knowledge is temporary and, as it begins to fade, Spock has to instruct Bones on the process.
The operation is successful. Kirk promises to the women that the Federation will help the women and the men acclimate to living together and heading back to work, rather than relying on The Operator.
I'm watching all the episodes of the Star Trek universe in chronological order based upon stardate, so maybe it's because I just had to watch "And the Children Shall Lead" right before this episode, but I didn't hate this as much as most people. It really was a breath of fresh air coming off that one! Sure, it's extremely goofy, the plot doesn't make any sense, and there's tons of purposeless shots and scenes, but it has a degree of campy charm to it. There's a lot of "silly" Star Trek episodes I despise but this one... not as much.
That being said, there's definitely some issues. The 24 hour clock on Spock's body is comical. It's very convenient that his body would last exactly one Earth day. Also, those close-up shots of Spock's unemotional, unmoving face are hysterically bad. We also have an entire scene of Chekov warming up a rock on the planet's surface that comes to nothing. We completely forget about him and the rest of the landing party in the second half of the episode.
Is it great? No, I suppose not. But I've seen worse.
The Great Scotty Feign...
Xstal16 February 2022
In an attempt to recover Spock's brain, Mr. Scott presents a brilliant feign, Kirk grabs hold of the gun, set to kill not to stun, all in all it will give you migraine.
Mr. Spock loses his mind and the flesh that contains it using a technique similar to that used by Doctor Frankenstein but without scarring.
Mr. Spock loses his mind and the flesh that contains it using a technique similar to that used by Doctor Frankenstein but without scarring.
Why the low rating?
zmos991 December 2019
Why the low rating? OK, I know it's not City on the edge of forever, but Spocks Brain has got a lot going for it. There's the attractive subterranean alien girls who's only ability to be intelligent lies in putting on a big football helmet with Glowy things sticking out of it. Let's not forget the 7 foot tall cavemen with funny haircuts who live on the planet surface. And best of all, and I mean this, how great is it to see Spock being remote controlled around by Dr. McCoy?
In all seriousness, Spocks brain is not the apex of Star Trek. But it is definitely entertaining and I demand it be given a little more respect :-)
In all seriousness, Spocks brain is not the apex of Star Trek. But it is definitely entertaining and I demand it be given a little more respect :-)
Weirdo Star Trek's episode?, who really cares it's a science fiction and about the gorgeous alien girl ever seen!!
elo-equipamentos30 July 2023
When the third season starts, I' was prepared by a fabulous and blasting episode, initially it had a great premise when a gorgeous Alien Kara (Marj Dusay) appears on the Enterprise and touching on Spock's head that later Dr. McCoy figures out that such alien girl stolen his brain, well it is quite unbelievable and far-fetched to start, nonetheless let it see what going to next, when Captain Kirk tracks down the traces of the advanced alien spacecraft.
After an exhaustive research through scanners the crew find out three potentials planets where the Spock's brain could be hidden, as always Captain Kirk by a hunch hits the target, they materialized down there, on surface they found a cavemen likewise Neanderthals or so, inside a strange cave has a bait supposedly, thus Kirk demands bring Dr. Mccoy and Spock's body aiming for find out the alien mastermind and recover Spock's brain, sudden the trap got the trio, Kirk, McCoy and brainless Spock into underneath of earth, the aliens gorgeous female come out fully escorted by those tallest Troglodytes surface-dwellers, Captain Kirk ordering a prompt return of Spock's brain, although the leader Kara doesn't understanding such request whereof Dr. McCoy agrees advising Kirk that such girl has an infantile brain.
Appalled by such info Kirk has a connection with Spock's brain through radio's waves whom aware Kirk that it's useless, looking around Kirk wondering how this sophisticated complex whoever built it, pushing Kara they find the "Controller" a sort of advance helmet device.
Aside as unfilled holes, unprecedented storyline and so for, there a eye-candy alien as never seen before, what a legs in sexy outfits is undeniable, also it's a science-fiction series, who really cares about scientific unlikeliness anyway? I just have pity on those gorgeous girls into surface have to sleep with those stinkers troglodytes, should be an unpleased sex-night quite sure on mating game, what a fate!!
Thanks for reading.
Resume:
First watch: 2023 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.
After an exhaustive research through scanners the crew find out three potentials planets where the Spock's brain could be hidden, as always Captain Kirk by a hunch hits the target, they materialized down there, on surface they found a cavemen likewise Neanderthals or so, inside a strange cave has a bait supposedly, thus Kirk demands bring Dr. Mccoy and Spock's body aiming for find out the alien mastermind and recover Spock's brain, sudden the trap got the trio, Kirk, McCoy and brainless Spock into underneath of earth, the aliens gorgeous female come out fully escorted by those tallest Troglodytes surface-dwellers, Captain Kirk ordering a prompt return of Spock's brain, although the leader Kara doesn't understanding such request whereof Dr. McCoy agrees advising Kirk that such girl has an infantile brain.
Appalled by such info Kirk has a connection with Spock's brain through radio's waves whom aware Kirk that it's useless, looking around Kirk wondering how this sophisticated complex whoever built it, pushing Kara they find the "Controller" a sort of advance helmet device.
Aside as unfilled holes, unprecedented storyline and so for, there a eye-candy alien as never seen before, what a legs in sexy outfits is undeniable, also it's a science-fiction series, who really cares about scientific unlikeliness anyway? I just have pity on those gorgeous girls into surface have to sleep with those stinkers troglodytes, should be an unpleased sex-night quite sure on mating game, what a fate!!
Thanks for reading.
Resume:
First watch: 2023 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.
Don't judge the series by this one poor episode.
kfo94946 April 2014
As a fan of the series I have always felt a since of pleasure when viewing episodes of the original Star Trek series. However, this one episode goes beyond-the-pale of logic to create a show that is unworthy of such an enjoyable program. Let us just hope that people will not judge the entire series collection by this one poor offering.
It actually starts off rather interesting when some chick materializes on the bridge of the Enterprise and begins pushing some buttons on her wrist-band that looks like something Isis would wear. After each push of her wrist buttons, the entire crew of the Enterprise on all decks would become unconscious. Upon awakening from their state, the crew found that someone had stolen Spock's brain. And for some silly reason Spock is still alive but is absolutely brainless (no pun intended).
Anyway Captain Kirk is determined to find Spock's brain and replace it back into Spock's head. And since McCoy advises that Spock can only live a few hours without a brain, he rigs Spock's body with some kind of mechanism that will allow the body to be controlled by a box that can have Spock's body do some incredible stunts. So they take the body down to the planet to find the chick that stole the brain.
If you believe the first part of the show was silly just wait till you view the second half. You find Spock's brain protected by the chick that was on the Enterprise and her sisters, you have Kirk able to communicate orally with Spock's brain, you have Spock's brainless body able to wrestle one of the girls for control of an object and then McCoy get a helmet of knowledge. All way too daffy for even a fan of the series to comprehend.
Do not judge the series by this one episode. This episode was hard to watch for even the most avid fan of the Star Trek name. I'm just glad that there are very few poor episodes. This just happens to be the worse of the worse.
It actually starts off rather interesting when some chick materializes on the bridge of the Enterprise and begins pushing some buttons on her wrist-band that looks like something Isis would wear. After each push of her wrist buttons, the entire crew of the Enterprise on all decks would become unconscious. Upon awakening from their state, the crew found that someone had stolen Spock's brain. And for some silly reason Spock is still alive but is absolutely brainless (no pun intended).
Anyway Captain Kirk is determined to find Spock's brain and replace it back into Spock's head. And since McCoy advises that Spock can only live a few hours without a brain, he rigs Spock's body with some kind of mechanism that will allow the body to be controlled by a box that can have Spock's body do some incredible stunts. So they take the body down to the planet to find the chick that stole the brain.
If you believe the first part of the show was silly just wait till you view the second half. You find Spock's brain protected by the chick that was on the Enterprise and her sisters, you have Kirk able to communicate orally with Spock's brain, you have Spock's brainless body able to wrestle one of the girls for control of an object and then McCoy get a helmet of knowledge. All way too daffy for even a fan of the series to comprehend.
Do not judge the series by this one episode. This episode was hard to watch for even the most avid fan of the Star Trek name. I'm just glad that there are very few poor episodes. This just happens to be the worse of the worse.
I always loved this episode
Maddy-the-Weinerdog23 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not sure why some people have such a problem with this episode. Using a brain to control a society has been used several times on Star trek, and it seems quite logical. Yep, I said logical.
The premise of the show allows for technology to control Spocks's body. Muscles are controlled using electricity, so there is no reason a future brainless body can't be controlled remotely. As a little boy I thought it was sooo cool. As an older man I still think it's cool. They are working on similar technology to aid people with paralysis right now.
We can also transplant some organs today. I have to assume someday that a brain transplant could be possible. Especially if an advanced alien machine teaches us how. Remember, this is science fiction, not science fact. I thought this was an interesting idea, and it was well executed. It was a head of it's time (pun intended).
Far better then watching episodes where the next generation taxi diplomats around known space. Or episodes where Voyage has yet another shuttle accident, or only has 20% shields left.
The creativity of the original series episodes, like this one, has never been duplicated. Copied, yes. The Enterprise episode Dead Stop, has many humanoid brains controlling a automated repair station. This episode was very well received, and has essentially the same premise. The only major difference, as far as the brain stuff goes, is we get to see a remote controlled man, and an amusing operation. That's just awesome.
How could they miss that chance?
taylankazak-4478822 October 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I watched this episode in agony. Other reviews already explained extensively why it's so bad. And when I say bad, I mean worse than usual cheesy bad Star Trek which we all enjoy.
As the idiot Eymorg lady was getting life lessons from Kirk on merits of struggling to survive and evolve naturally; Teacher's steroid effect fades from McCoy. He cannot take another shot of lethargy overloading brain boost from the device, and that's OK for the sake of tension. The solution should've been Eymorg leader taking initiative and boosting herself to complete the procedure. That would mean so much: that lazy civilization learning their lesson, showing compassion and selflessness, which would also prevent Kirk's guiding speech hanging in the air.
Instead, they just made up another ridiculous aspect of Vulcan ability to semi-connect to their brain and still guide a master surgeon in the right direction. That way this foolish scene also leaves out if the message is understood by the Eymorg, because she missed the perfect chance.
As if the episode isn't dead already, the masculine frat buddy bridge crew ridicules Spock's "fascination", analysis and resolution of what he had experienced. Oh, man... These guys' mentalities are closer to the surface caveman than to Spock or any other so called advanced civilization.
I'd give it a 4, but this final blow explained above barely makes it fit for a 2.
As the idiot Eymorg lady was getting life lessons from Kirk on merits of struggling to survive and evolve naturally; Teacher's steroid effect fades from McCoy. He cannot take another shot of lethargy overloading brain boost from the device, and that's OK for the sake of tension. The solution should've been Eymorg leader taking initiative and boosting herself to complete the procedure. That would mean so much: that lazy civilization learning their lesson, showing compassion and selflessness, which would also prevent Kirk's guiding speech hanging in the air.
Instead, they just made up another ridiculous aspect of Vulcan ability to semi-connect to their brain and still guide a master surgeon in the right direction. That way this foolish scene also leaves out if the message is understood by the Eymorg, because she missed the perfect chance.
As if the episode isn't dead already, the masculine frat buddy bridge crew ridicules Spock's "fascination", analysis and resolution of what he had experienced. Oh, man... These guys' mentalities are closer to the surface caveman than to Spock or any other so called advanced civilization.
I'd give it a 4, but this final blow explained above barely makes it fit for a 2.
Someone Stole It! Someone stole Spock's Brain!
Hitchcoc3 May 2014
It isn't every day that someone steals your brain (unless, of course, your a politician or a Fox News broadcaster). Unfortunately, Spock has his stolen by some strange woman who gets on board the Enterprise. So begins a journey, meeting a series of stupid people who, even though they still have their brains, are of no help. Spock's brain is used to provide the control center to keep a civilization where Neanderthal men are in one place and Neanderthal women are in the other. Apparently, William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy were utterly embarrassed by this episode (in many of the third season episodes, for that matter). The sight of Spock walking around with this idiotic look on his face (the fact that Vulcans can still function without a brain is asinine as well) is one of the most insulting things that's ever been on television.
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