Charlie X

Trivia : 1967 – When James Blish adapted Star Trek’s scripts into “short stories” novels, this Episode was the 1st to be written, and was titled “Charlie’s Law.” A total of 7 Episodes were adapted in Volume One. Sales of these books were strong despite the poor review. I think you’re right about the “poor little rich kid” analogy. I didn’t understand that being from the South where pretty much everyone’s poor but then I moved to Los Angeles and for a year, I was able to live in one of the very elitist suburbs just outside the Valley were everyone’s kids acted like Charlie but even more unlikable and arrogant. Now when I watch this episode, it makes me think of that kid in Santa Barbara that went on a shooting spree a year or two ago. He was a rich kid who’s parents gave him everything material wise but absolutely no guidance or emotional support. He was Charlie X with an assault rifle instead of super powers. Another great discussion! Really appreciated the perspective of societal adolescence — nicely reviewed. Speaking of redshirts, by now I’ve heard you joke several times about a character who will die by referring to them as “ who might as well have been a redshirt.” I wonder if you’ve realized that the only reason you can keep making that joke is that so far, of all of the people who have died, NONE of them have been redshirts? I guess it seems to me that when you judge these episodes as to whether they still stand up today, you are judging whether they stand up for normal people and not the “infinitely diverse” type of folks they originally appealed to. None the less, greatly appreciating your work here! Looking forward to hearing more