Star Trek's Plato's Stepchildren

[johnmiic]

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

I saw her at a convention years ago and Nichelle Nichols said they did in excess of 60 takes, (!?!?!?!), which for tv seems unlikely.

[Seeker]

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

You never did see lips meeting lips

Yeah I read that somewhere. It was filmed deliberatly that way so if there was alot of public flack they could claim it was "Faked" But both Nichelle and Bill both have said the kiss was real.


Definatly if this WAS filmed in the 2000s. It would have been Kirk and Spock. Brokeback Planet. Imagine all those future awkward moments on the Bridge....

Spock "Captain I know you were under those Plutonians evil mind control but did they really make you slip me the tongue?"

Kirk " Errrrrrrrrr yeah"

[Steeler80]

This isn't one of my favorites. It falls in the rut of the "cruel aliens use powers to make the crew do things". "The Empath" and "Who Mourns for Adonis?" are other episodes of this ilk.

Of course, there are episodes where this storyline was carried off really well such as "Charlie X" and "The Squire of Gothos".

[Antonio]

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!!!

When Kirks acts like a donkey, I always cringe even though I know the Plutonians are forcing him to do it. I Mudd is silly, but And the Children Shall Lead is even more cringe inducing.

[twilitezoner]

When I was younger and I saw the blue opening credits, I would think, oh great 3rd season, I hope this is one of the good ones..