The Ultimate Computer

One of my favourite episodes, so well acted and written, with a message(s) that never gets old, and some super lines that remain timely (“We’re all sorry for the other guy when he loses his job to a machine. When it comes to your job, that’s different. And it always WILL be different.”) How relevant the success of the M-5 computer might have had on Starfleeet is a different story. A computer can pilot the ship there, scan a planet and select the most appropriate landing party to beam down – but there still has to be a landing party. Unless some of Mudd’s androids are looking to stick their robot guts into Starfleet uniforms… Love this episode, especially the part where the red shirt gets blasted by M5. Pretty sure I shouted a very audible WHOA and rewatched. Really effective.

Captain's Log, stardate 4729.4. The M-5 computer has been installed on board ship, and we have left the space station for test manoeuvres. Captain 's Log, stardate 4731.3. The M-5 multitronic unit has taken over total control of the Enterprise. SULU: Right away, sir. You heard him. CHEKOV: I've been updating that course for hours. (But they flip switches in vain.) SULU: Captain, helm doesn't respond. Navigational controls still locked in by M-5. SPOCK: Mister Chekov. CHEKOV [OC]: Chekov here, sir. KIRK: Go to the engineering station. SPOCK [OC]: Examine the H two seven nine elements, also the G nine five systems. CHEKOV: Sir, G nine five system appears dead. WESLEY: Full phasers. What the devil is Kirk doing? Damage report, Lieutenant. Helm, course one six four, mark three. SPOCK: The force field is gone, Captain. M-5 is neutralised. SCOTT: System's coming back. I can give you power for the shields, sir. WESLEY: The Enterprise looks dead. I'm going to take a chance he's not just laying a trap. Wesley to attack force. UHURA: Captain. WESLEY [OC]: Break off attack. Do not fire. The Enterprise has dropped her shields. I repeat, hold attack. Do not fire.