Computer genius Dr Richard Daystrom has developed a new computer, the M-5, which he believes can take over the functions of most members of a star ship's crew. To test M-5 it is fitted aboard the Enterprise and, with only a minimal crew aboard it is to take part in a series of tests. Kirk is unimpressed but is that just because he feels he is being made redundant. M-5 performs admirably in early tests but then something goes wrong; an unmanned freighter is engaged and destroyed despite the crew's attempts to stop the attack. Daystrom considers this to be a minor hiccough but Kirk it is time to disconnect M-5 and end the tests. The problem is M-5 doesn't want to be disconnected and kills the engineer who tries to remove its power supply. The limited crew struggle against M-5 before the next part of the drill where the Enterprise is to be engaged by four Star Fleet vessels. This is to no avail and the ships are engaged at full power leading to enormous casualties. We learn that M-5 has been programmed to act like a human being; based naturally enough on Daystrom. It is this humanity Kirk will have to appeal to if he is to prevent further loss of life.
This is a superior episode for many reasons. Firstly we see Kirk confronting the fact that with the installation of M-5 he may have become redundant on his own ship; M-5 operates the ship more efficiently that its human crew and makes superior decisions. Then when it becomes apparent that M-5 is inherently dangerous there is the excitement of seeing how the remaining crew will deal with it. We also have Daystrom's reaction to M-5's behaviour; something akin to a parent defending a child who has gone off the rails; William Marshall did a fine job in this role. The finale, where Kirk inevitably defeats M-5, was well handled; it was nice that he did it by appealing to the its humanity rather than creating a clichéd paradox. Overall a quality episode with both action and character led drama.
This is a superior episode for many reasons. Firstly we see Kirk confronting the fact that with the installation of M-5 he may have become redundant on his own ship; M-5 operates the ship more efficiently that its human crew and makes superior decisions. Then when it becomes apparent that M-5 is inherently dangerous there is the excitement of seeing how the remaining crew will deal with it. We also have Daystrom's reaction to M-5's behaviour; something akin to a parent defending a child who has gone off the rails; William Marshall did a fine job in this role. The finale, where Kirk inevitably defeats M-5, was well handled; it was nice that he did it by appealing to the its humanity rather than creating a clichéd paradox. Overall a quality episode with both action and character led drama.