53 – The Ultimate Computer
March 8, 1968
Grade: B+
Summary
The Enterprise gets refitted with a new computer system which could take over all standard exploratory and defensive operations for Starfleet. If successful, future ships might not need any human crews at all.
Commentary
This episode is one of the high-points of the second season. I loved the way they developed the character (Richard Daystrom) who built the M5 computer that ran the ship. It was fantastic characterization. I also liked it when McCoy told Spock not to say the computer was ‘fascinating.’ So he says it’s ‘interesting’ instead. LOL.
Of Note
In several Star Trek series after this, you’ll hear often about the Daystrom Institute. It turns out that it’s named after the scientist in this episode, Richard Daystrom.
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