Star Trek Retrospective: Episode 58 the Paradise Syndrome
Another one that made my list of worst TOS episodes. This episode garnered a lot of criticism for racism and I can’t say I disagree. It drank the Native American stereotype punch and then regurgitated it all over the screen. Kirk as the white male is in all ways smart and capable while the Native Americans are dopey savages. If I were Native American and saw the people and custumes in this one I think I would punch the first guy I saw wearing Spock ears on general principal.
Ironically this was exactly the opposite of what Gene was trying to do. I think they just didn’t look at this one carefully enough. By the way right now I’m looking at a photo of Kirk about to kiss Miramanee while wearing a costume reject from a Native American casino and I can honestly say he has never looked cheesier. That is saying a ton. I am a massive Kirk fan of course but I am not blind to his limitations and some of his episodes are harder to be a fan of than others.
Also, what the hell is the deal with Miramanee dying of internal injuries with McCoy standing there? Unless your internal injury happens to be the complete removal of your heart and lungs there is tons of stuff any decent modern doctor could try. Was he too busy to help the primitive savage? Next time why don’t they just beam down a bunch of plague blankets and be done with it?
Of course, I’m pretty sure McCoy has said “He’s dead, Jim” about 50 more times than he’s said “He’s made a full recovery, Jim.” When you really think about it how good was Dr. McCoy really? Seems like his only real skill is determining if someone is dying or already dead. (McCoy image courtesy of the Star Trek T-Shirt category).
Dave
