Star Trek's Plato's Stepchildren

[Mikey]

Another season-3 episode I love.
(just seen it again on TV Land this morning)

Some observations

First interracial kiss on American TV...
Kirk finally get's to kiss the most beautiful babe on board the Enterprise ...
Could have been a lot worse, the Plutonians could have matched him up with Chappel (who always reminds me of a dude in drag)

I always wanted to see Alexander going on board the Enterprise at the conclusion.

Spock should not get that mad.
It's not true to his character

[HardyGirl]

I'm watching it now! Great ep!

[Seeker]

Another season-3 episode I love.
(just seen it again on TV Land this morning)

Some observations

First interracial kiss on American TV...
Kirk finally get's to kiss the most beautiful babe on board the Enterprise ...
Could have been a lot worse,

Yeah it could have been alot worse they could have made him kiss Spock

[jessica]

Yeah it could have been alot worse they could have made him kiss Spock

This is my FAVORITE ST episode! I just watched it for the first time since forever last Saturday!

[drwhofan74]

Ok. Now I have to fire up the DVR and watch it...

[johnmiic]

Actually Mike, Kirk and Uhura never really kiss in the episode. I know they claim it as the first interracial TV kiss but it really an almost was-not a definite.

I also find this one of the most embarassing episodes to watch next to I, Mudd because you have these long acts with people acting odd and suffering and carrying on with no purpose. Many a time I took a beat-down from kids who hated Star Trek, ( there used to be so many around when I was a kid-don't know why), and they would look at the goings-on of this episode and say, see that's why this is a stupid show!!!

[Mikey]

In "Plato's" defense, i'd say everything stupid and embarassing was caused by the nasties.

Kirk, Spock and Bones were true to their characters (even though I still didn't like Spock getting mad)

Basically, Plato was saying, HOW MUCH CAN YOU GET PUSHED UNTIL YOU CRACK ?

Mental torture is actually what it's about.

[jessica]

Actually Mike, Kirk and Uhura never really kiss in the episode. I know they claim it as the first interracial TV kiss but it really an almost was-not a definite.

Why do you say this? Because they were "made" to kiss? I could have sworn I saw lip to lip contact!! I will have to dig out the DVD and see it again...

[drwhofan74]

Okay. Now that I have watched it, I have to agree. Fun episode. What a kick watching Shantner slap himself.

I have just started watching the original series with any devotion. I am now a convert. I think classic Trek is my favorite of them all.

[Mikey]

The kiss was actually obscured by the back of Uhura's head (camera angle)

You never did see lips meeting lips

[jessica]

Regarding the almost kiss--I guess my mind was playing tricks.

What other episodes are your favorites??

[johnmiic]

Why do you say this? Because they were "made" to kiss? I could have sworn I saw lip to lip contact!! I will have to dig out the DVD and see it again...

Mike, if memory serves it was not a full-on, lip-locking kiss. I don't even think it was a press the lips kiss. I'll have to dig out my DVD as well.

[Mikey]

Kirk at his hammiest best

YouTube - Star Trek *** Moment

m

[Earth 2 Chris]

This isn't a favorite of mine, because it is uncomfortable to watch. I know that's the point of it, but I'm not sure basing an episode on that was a good idea.

The story Nichell Nichols always tells is the episode was filmed with the kiss and then some upper brass folks thought they might have a problem down south so they were going to scrap it. Shatner suggested filming two ways: one as an obvious kiss, and the other as Kirk turning Uhura away from the camera. Supposedly Shatner dragged out the filming on purpose, so they would have to be constantly retaking the non-kiss shot, and wouldn't be able to use it at all. In the final take of the day he looked up at the camera and crossed his eyes.

Now, in the actual episode, it sure looks like this is the "non-kiss" to me, but I may be wrong.

Chris

[Mikey]

In the real take, the kiss is definitely forced.

Shat looks very much like he's not enjoying himself --- and because of the story, he would and should feel this way (Same with Uhura)

During the kiss, Shat actually looks mad enough to kill.