I love the scene where Kirk is darkly musing about what their counterparts might be up to and we learn that they were found out immediately.

Hohoh, uploaded 4 minutes ago! We come at last to what I consider the single best episode of the Original Series. It's an awesome (if unrealistic) premise, executed with superlative talent. Everything is done almost perfectly, and the result is maximum entertainment. Little wonder that the concept would keep getting brought back in later works.

I'm pretty sure the mirror universe is just Q having fun.

One thing of course worth mentioning in regards to this episode is the long legacy of Spock's facial hair, both pretty well codifying the "goatee of evil" and also inspiring a prog rock band.

Obligatory plug for Star Trek Continues, which did a pretty excellent followup for this episode from the perspective of Mirror Spock. We can still reconcile that with the events of DS9; he did ultimately fail, but we get to see how he succeeded for a time.

The agonizer being tuned to the individual makes sense. Its also pointed out by phlox that the agony booth essentially does exactly that by being calibrated to the specific individual using a synaptic scan before its used in the enterprise mirror universe episode. So it stands to reason that the agonizer would operate in a similar way

2:05, speaking of crafted universes. The TOS novels had an interesting theory about planets visited by the Enterprise (in the preremastered episodes) having same geography as Earth, only top=bottom. Usually crafted by same Preservers who whisked endangered communities to other planets.

Mirror, Mirror has the strongest open of any episode ever.

With regard to the final transporter room scene, one item missed in the discussion was Scotty's role in the decision of who was to stay behind. This was the one time where Scotty had an emotional "JIM!" to underline the point; this was otherwise reserved only to Spock and McCoy (and the occasional old girlfriend who showed up for the episode). With regard to the ability to quickly impersonate a variant of yourself without prior warning, see the 1970's short stories "Visit to a Weird Planet" (where Kirk, Spock and McCoy are sent back to the "Star Trek" set and meet Gene Roddenberry) and "Visit to a Weird Planet Revisited" (Shatner, Nimoy and Kelley are transported from the set of "The Omega Glory" onto the real Enterprise and interact with Scotty and Kor).

I love that the story continued in "Fairest of Them All"

So, I want to point something out: The time doesn’t line up for any interaction with the mirror universe. Kirk outright says that he doesn’t know the stardate, and in all the others: it’s entirely possible it’s a different mirror universe each time. With that caveat: as long as *any* universe had a beam-up from the Halkan planet during an ion storm that weakened the fabric between it and alternate universe: it would cross over with all of the others. The crazy thing for me is that they only ever have two universe crossing over in these, and not a whole jumble like in the SG-1 episode (I believe it’s _Crossover_ ).

I am at the 2:40 mark listening so far ... you made me think right now ... perhaps the "Q Continuum" created the Mirror Universe as for fun? lol

Excellent point. Best provide in your will for someone to upload your unpublished content. Yes likely Q. He can certainly change timelines or create new ones. Q has been through every timeline, dimension etc.

I'm kinda curious, wether "Captain's Mate/Bedwarmer/Lover" is an official position in the Terran Empire Fleet or we just happen to see several people maneuvering themselves to this role across the francise.

The novel you mentioned is "The Sorrows of Empire" by David Mack.

My headcanon is the mirror universe was created by a higher power (Q anyone?) either as a morality test or a playground for the characters in the prime universe. We never see the characters travel to another alternate universe, I'd be surprised if the mirror universe was an actual alternate universe.

Uhura's abs...oh yeah

I just got the chance to work with Barbra Luna at LA comic con. Our club got the chance to provide escort to her, and several other actors.... including Nichelle Nichols (her final public appearance). Great review today Lore! Love your show

Excellent episode.

It’s been eons since I’d seen it in full. Wow! I finally found the bit that they “Forest Gumped” to slot in Sisko meeting Kirk. 🌟Especially with Uhura staring in the background so intently. (Methinks CFCF 12 Montreal chopped off a lot of the teasers and codas in their rerunning because those are often new to me.) This is how to do a “Cloud Effect” show properly. 🔸Parallel universes: it’s not preposterous, but… If you agree with Hugh Everett and Sean Carroll (and Rom!😉) it is possible that the Mirror U could exist. The insurmountable problems are finding it and crossing into it. If we had gotten a 2nd Mirror U show, or if it had been a 2-parter, I’m sure everyone would have wanted to see the shenanigans that Mirror Kirk, Scotty, McCoy and Uhura got up to.

The first mention of the Terran Empire.

This episode is the _Citadel DLC_ of Star Trek.

It's just a television show. You can make an argument about pretty much any science fiction show. This episode was on the top 10 on many lists. I enjoyed this episode. I didn't put much thought into all the scenes but I did question what you said about everything happening at to the same time.

32:06 - "Office politics in an Arby's"

I don't think it was the first example of an evil alternative universe in science fiction, but Mirror Mirror undoubtedly quantified it and defined the trope forevermore. It's influence is seen in everything from Buffy to Stargate and more besides. And of course, Deep Space Nine and Enterprise. Now, I think I prefer TOS's take on this, because it's as basic as it gets: the peaceful Federation is flipped to become a fascist empire. The reason I think this works is because it's that "for want of a nail" thing. The Empire and the Federation effectively do the same thing by conpletely different means. They are both expansionist and seek to gain new territory against other (presumed in the mirror-verse in this episode) galactic powers; the difference is one of conquest vs co-operation. That the planet they're in contact with is identical in both universes, and is equally skeptical of Kirk and crew in both, only underlines this. The differences between the Terrans and the Federation are vast, but also, paradoxically, small too. They're analogous to each other. Like images in a mirror, you might say. This isn't the silliness of the DS9 or ENT Mirror-verse episodes which presume that everything and everybody in the alternative world is different. Indeed, even within this episode, the inference is that (for example) Mirror Spock is still a man to whom a logical proposotion can be suggested, and he isn't automatically 'bad', he just lives in a version of the Federation where brutality over-rode philosophy. Future adventures in this universe would simply assume everyone is like a nastier version of their counterparts in our world. This led to some of those episodes becoming cartoonish and corny instead of what we have here: very much a morality tale in the best TOS sense. Of the later ones I think maybe only Crossover and In A Mirror Darkly almost get it right. IMO *all* the other ones DS9 did were flawed or missed the point in some way. Of special note: I always enjoyed the peculiar little continuity nod of Mirror Kirk succeeding to Captain of the Enterprise by assissinating Captain Pike's counterpart. That's a cute touch, and when the computer says this Shatner plays a look across his face of being horrified. I like that. It's as though the mention of Pike and how Kirk got the chair is the same splash of cold water that McCoy feels hearing his medical staff taking bets about when patients will die. Also, another of those Season 2 episodes that features the entire ensemble (including both Chekov and Sulu this time) and actually gives everyone something substantive to do in the story. Sadly all too rare in the original series.

I am openly surprised you didn’t shave your beard for this episode

27:38 - Fascinating!

The objection prisons this is the only Parallel universe.

That convenience administrator is Q

I honestly think the mirror universe version of you might actually be exactly the same. Or at least similar and really difficult to tell apart.

Easily one of my hands down favorites of TOS. Like DS9: "Crossover" it plays the concept more or less straight. Yes, there are cartoonish levels of villainy on display but the peril faced by "our" crew really helps keep it grounded. It's also a great ensemble piece - Uhura and Scotty are invaluable in the plot and the escape attempt (Uhura's scene on the bridge with Mirror Sulu really shows that the character can shine when she's allowed to). Conversely, Mirror Sulu and Mirror Chekov make for great antagonists. And Mirror Spock is simply amazing! And Nimoy looks amazing with that goatee; it's a shame he couldn't have kept it for regular Spock. If there is any problem it's that it's not a full ensemble show. I would have loved to see something of Mirror McCoy, Mirror Scotty, and Mirror Uhura aside from the quick shot of them in the non-mirror Enterprise's brig. It's a shame TOS never got a chance to revisit the Mirror Universe like DS9 did so we could have those characters fleshed out. 10/10 P.S. - I like to imagine that Mirror Chekov is being shown Abrams/Kurtzman Trek while in the Agony Booth.

We do not know whether Mirror Kirk can act, because his landing party never figured out they were not in their reality and needed to. Possibly because that Kirk is not as sharp as ours, or was too hubristic to recognize that people could act differently from his culture. There is also the cold fact that our Kirk set his counterpart up for assassination because he thought that any version of Spock would be a better person than tgat monster.

I wanted to see evil mccoy, if kirk is a raving maniac, imagine mccoy

Hey Lore when do you think you'll ever review TAS in this similar format to the other runimations

for me, it makes sense that there is a continuum of universes (every event happens in every possible way) it takes more of a corruption to phase between the universes as the difference grows, the closer the events in these universes are the easier it is to transverse between them (sort of like quantuum event-order variation in real life)... the only thing that needs to be added is that a personal nature of individuals is randomized over the layers of the universe... thus, say if the universe is #15c37ef1f01 everyone is within the Rodenberry-box, whilst if the universe is #15c37ef1f02 everyone is of an evil inclination, but in #1537ef103 everyone is again good, or again evil... it is a matter of some pattern within the numbers rather than a linear difference.

A very cool breakdown and a nice thought that the Tantalus field is a transporter not a decintigrator. As far as how the mirrior counter parts were figured out I'm guessing Kirk ordered the Halkuns destroyed and was relieved of duty. Uhura, Scotty, and McCoy probably assaulted someone along the way. And given Kirk being relieved probably broke custody but was finally caught. As far as the factions go I think Kirk had the biggest, Spock had the second or was even with Sulu. After Kirk is saved from assassination we have his men show up and one says, "smart boy switching to the top dog" Now given everyone's reaction to Kirk disobeying orders is what set off the attempt, young hungry wolves tend to be the quickest hence why Chekhov acts first as opposed to Spock or Sulu. But also you bring up a great point there are some attributes of this culture which are similar to what would later be used by the Klingons moving up in rank either through promotion or by taking out your commander because he is weak. Given how Spock talks to Kirk and mentions I don't intend to disappear like all your opponents, meaning Mirror Kirk rules with fear rather than being the best. Vs Spock who given how no one openly wants to challenge let alone piss him off, meaning Spocks victories are in plaim view for all to see while Kirk's were in the shadows. But a fun breakdown non the less.

Good analysis :)

There is only one thing I would have changed about this episode, and it’s a minor thing. When Kirk and the gang get into their fight with Spock, Uhura grabs what looks like an animal skull off of a shelf, and hands it to Kirk, who proceeds to crack it over Spock’s head. I would have had HER do the skull cracking!😀 This episode also has one of my favorite lines of the series, when the Halkan emissary notes that Kirk has the power to take the dilithium by force, to which Kirk replies, “But we won’t. Consider that.”, with his trademark smile. Awesome stuff! 🖖😀

The Mirror universe is stupid, but: If you'd like a hand-waved explanation for why the Mirror universe could happen, then perhaps there are an infinite number of mirror universes, and it's precisely *because* this one is so close that makes travel between them possible at all.

Regarding the notion that every moron would be gunning for your position once you're high enough ... well yeah. All you need is to look at former eastern block where morons were regularly in charge either by design (a.k.a. party orders) or by ascending to that position by any means necessary. People would exploit others just to get the slightest advantage and something like being a first officer instead of a captain does not really put you out of the spotlight. Which is also why all of these regimes tend to fall apart through internal infighting.

I take it that the Halkan people practice something similar to jainism, where some believers will not go out in the dark out of concern they may step on and kill an insect. They will usually avoid antibiotics if possible but if essential will take them with deep regret for the bacteria they kill.

Ah yes, General Order 24, Exterminatus

It is actually trivial to rationalise the mirror universe for this episode. IF you start with the premise of an infinite multiverse due to many worlds based quantum mechanics and then if the Transporter setting were more akin to "search all mirror worlds for a compatible Kirk who is beaming right now and swap them" rather than the swap universe setting as later episodes posit. Given these premises there HAS to be a ship and w Kirk due to the nature of infinity. As for later episodes ... atoms from one universe are certainly left in the other and visa verse, perhaps once one connection is made those universes are linked or draw closer together and making 'verse hoppibg much easier. You are still on your own to explain the Enterprise,stuff though

I've always wondered why people don't just transport chunks of the enemy ship away at any given opportunity.

Who crafted this universe? Jerome Bixby.

Is Doctor Spock the ship's doctor on the mirror Enterprice, or is it still Doctor Bone's?

They kinda did the factions thing once in star trek. The MACOs from Enterprise and commander Reed. I admit that I still wanted more from that and that other factions would be awesome, but we do have at least one example.

Before ST, Perry Mason did the joke ending after the final wrap-up.

Apparently, the Terran Empire at least didn't have the problem of people using connections to get to "sweet gigs", like the "Balance of terror" Romulans. Also, many cultures in 20th century Earth.

all i can think of is all those ds9 mirror universe novels. Going by them the prophets also exist in multiple universes and somehow sisko was supposed to be on the runabout where julian and kira crossed over and was supposed to make mirror universe sisko the one. to which it kick starts the cardassian who was changed to look like kira becoming the emissary. after reading them all it made me realize why i kind of hate the whole mirror universe concept thing in general.

enterprise incidents with scott and steve kzfaq.info/get/bejne/nZ57ddOky6vYpas.html In this episode of Enterprise Incidents, Steve and Scott dig into the first, failed pilot of Star Trek starring Jeffery Hunter as Captain Christopher Pike and Majel Barrett as Number One. Is this the Star Trek we all love? No. Is this an episode which contains many of the brilliant ideas which will come to define one of the greatest shows of all time? Absolutely.

why i left uncle harry all night burgher bar... short story about multipleuniverses

With an infinite amount of universes, there would be several Enterprises doing the same mission at the same time. He does not grasp the concept of infinity. Only the nearly exact same universes would allow “cross over.” Thus, his main argument is specious.

Mirror Kirk is Chris Pine Kirk?

Crafted Universe, it is a realtime simulation generated by a highly advanced race to run variables, but the variables need specific inputs ie: identical individuals, to study the different choices of individuals and to track the different paths of culture and tech. Maybe for military purposes. Maybe the mirror Universe is the real universe the simulation is run in and we are the simulation :( Also, other idea, I always had a weird thought over the years that maybe illness' is the result of someone dying (killed) in one universe, so the corresponding individual can die in the mirror universe to maintain the same individuals.

Spegel, Spegel ....

The episode that has the bizarre distinction for being one of the first ever tv series to show a womans belly button. Also, Spock with a goatee. So freaking iconic of "Evil twin" tropes now that it's gotten to the level of parody. This episode is genuinely one of those "Try not to think about it because it makes no sense really" episodes that are SO much fun

I'd love to hear your take on the Stargate alternate universe episodes...

12:05, hmm, Quantum Leap crossover? (Becket=Archer)

Not stupid.These universes are called parallel universes and can vary depending on the choices of the people in it.There is a parallel universe where you never had your disabling accident or became a podcaster.

Transporter as a weapon: I always think back to Laurence Krauss's "The Science of Star Trek" where he explains the only way convert matter into energy would be to flash heat it 300 times more powerful than the sun, so yeah, just the conversion process itself would be more powerful than any phaser or torpedo

Spock's goatee is the real star of this episode.

voyager was a wasted opportunity for shipboard politics. Arguments and different ways to handle the same situation, and Janeway realizing her ideas don't always work. IF ONLY.

I think you should watch "Book of Boba Fett". Some issues you mentioned are cropping up from first episode.

Concerning why people would want to climb up the power ladder, even though it paints a bigger target on their backs. First, most people don't normally think that far ahead. They see the prize, they go for it, and figure they'll deal with the consequences when they encounter them, assuming they even think about that possibility. Second, people tend to vastly overestimate their capabilities and underestimate those of their adversaries. I mean, there are actually people who think they could prevail in a one on one unarmed fight against a gorilla, need I say more? And third, if one doesn't want to climb higher on the power ladder, their immobility makes them an obstacle to the many below them who do want to climb, meaning they are in as much danger, perhaps in more danger in fact, if they stay put as if they move up. They really don't have a choice.

i tend to just ignore most issues with this, but how did the crew transport into the clothing of the other crew.

Rationaly a ultrastupid Episode. But considering (Jungian) Psychology a fascinating Observation on Shadowprojektion. As a Exploration of the dark Side of our Heroes on Par (or even better then) "Kirk:2"🖖

I'm somewhat disappoited that when DS9 brought back the mirror universe, we didn't have Mirror Sisko with a goatee since s2 Sisko didn't have it yet. And then when we have s4 onwards Sisko, Mirror Sisko DOESN'T have the goatee. I know Mirror Sisko was dead by that point, but still.

Oh c’mon the first minute and already complaining about the mirror universe! I get it’s not perfect and not everyone’s cup of tea. You think it’s stupid? Fine. But I actually find it fascinating!

And I still maintain that the standard trek reality is the manufactured reality and the so called mirror reality is in fact the ‘real’ one.

I wonder about the mirror-universe Soong and his androids. Why doesn't Data rule the federation? Maybe mirror-data will. Making him R Daneel Olivaw.

Ghostrunner

Why do the women wear thigh boots in the mirror universe?

opposing factions on a ship? that is the most stupid and dumb idea i have ever heard.. you need a spell on a aircraft carrier.

My favorite thing about this fight scene is that the thing that finally takes Spock out is McCoy *smashing a skull* on his head. As in, hitting the bone around your brain with another piece of bone hard enough to break the other bone. Now, a dried-out skull is probably a lot more brittle than one that's made of living bone (yes, bones are living tissue, a lot of people don't realize that but it's absolutely true). And Vulcan skulls could easily be harder than human ones. But even so....OUCH. Little wonder Spock did actually go down from that. I like to think McCoy like sprained his shoulder swinging that thing so hard, and just doesn't show it all throughout the episode because he knows he can take the appropriate pills and/or liquor once his friends aren't looking.

The idea of inter-ship politics was supposed to happen on Voyager, but the creators/producers chickened out in the end. Once again the lost potential of Voyager.

Summary: A transporter malfunction sends Kirk, McCoy, Scotty, and Uhura into a parallel universe where the Federation is replaced by an evil Empire. Will Kirk get his crew back to their univers, and how will Spock deal with evil Kirk? (the famous Parallel Universe episode, completely silly but great fun to watch.)

The Mirror universe is stupid.... And yet at the same time? It's a fun kind of stupid. You raise an excellent point I never noticed. Dude was wink nodding at Kirk going 'hey we literally can't stop you from taking this stuff.' That Kirk either was playing his part and 'ya we're not gonna do that' to save public face, or kirk was being full on Stupid and not seeing the implied under the table aid being offered. As for your 'Convenience being.' Q. I blame Q. He went 'oh now THAT'S interesting. Let's see how it plays out. Oh wait they'll be sussed out. *snap* there we go.' And i agree with your asessment of Mirror Spock. He's SMART for not wanting to be the man in charge. Enterprise is honestly a plum of an assignment where he gets to do what he actually wants and has enough of a powerbase to be relatively safe in the process. And your'e right. I don't know if it's intentional or not but throughout Trek Kirk is capible of inspiring great loyalty in his people, which has a fun payoff at the end with the captain's woman saving him and sparing him. Would be nice if she killed mirror kirk as soon as he steps off the pad and... while Spock is probably not sexually interested in her, would find the idea of her as someone to confide in and collaborate with as Logical.

Awb

I can’t stand any mirror universe episode because DS9 has way too many of those episodes, and Kira was the only good alternate character.

ALTERNATIVE universes in all shows are ridiculous including the latest spidermans. Its just fanboy fanfilm fan service and lazy writing

I thought it was the Star Trek episode. I'm out of here...