The Enemy Within

Okay, here we go with a very slashy episode indeed. It's very theme is to explore the dual nature of man, Captain Kirk in particular. A transporter accident splits our hero into two very distinct characters. The first to appear is 'good' Kirk described as compassionate, loving, tender and courageous. The second, 'evil' Kirk described as hostile, lustful, violent and fearful. Scotty helps the weak and disoriented 'good' Kirk out of the Transporter Room and whilst he is gone the 'evil' Kirk appears and proceeds to sensually caress the transporter console (an indication of his 'love' of inanimate objects and technology). Scotty's assistant returns to find this Kirk and asks if he can be of assistance. Kirk looks the lad up and down as if filing the image away for future lustful reference!) and leaves in search of sins of the flesh.

Scotty suggests that Good Kirk go and see the Doctor to make sure he is alright; Kirk responds rather suggestively: "All right, Engineer, I'll have my engines looked to." (I would like to help him out with this ;), and enters his cabin to lay down. Meanwhile Evil Kirk makes his way immediately to Sick Bay and rather violently demands Brandy from McCoy. McCoy obviously contacts Mr. Spock immediately to report the aberrant behaviour of their Captain.

Then we are treated to one of the classic slash scenes when Spock visits Good Kirk to find out what the problem is. Good, loving and tender Kirk flirts unashamedly with Spock, who is already beginning to smell a rat. He knows his Captain would not be violent towards McCoy and the Jim he sees, semi-naked and flirty in his quarters, does not gell with what McCoy has just experienced.

Evil Kirk roams the corridors, drinking and looking for trouble, spies Rand's quarters and enters to lay in wait for his Yeoman (who has just been dismissed by Good Kirk from his quarters). Janice returns to her quarters and is confronted by Evil Kirk who wastes no time in attempting to seduce her (and not in the good and charming way we would expect from Jim). She resists him and he then attempts to sexually assault her. She manages to get to the door and yell to Technician Fisher to call Mr. Spock.

When Rand reports the assault to Spock, Kirk and McCoy, it becomes obvious that there is a double on board wreaking havoc. It also becomes obvious that Good Kirk is having difficulties in focus and decision-making. He asks Spock to help him retain command by reminding him when he is straying. Kirk trusts Spock implicitly to keep him together enough to remain as Captain.

Together Kirk and Spock eventually capture the Evil Kirk and restrain him in Sick Bay. There ensues a conversation between Kirk, Spock and McCoy about the nature of man and the fact that the two halves of Jim cannot live and function without each other. With the transporter finally functional, it is decided that the two Kirks must be re-united if they are both to live.

The two are placed in the Transporter and the following conservation takes place:

KIRK: Mister Spock.

SPOCK: Captain?

KIRK: If this doesn't work...

SPOCK: Understood, Captain.

I wonder what is 'understood'? The stakes are so high, there is so little time and so much to say. It seems from the looks they give each other that Jim is saying goodbye and I love you more than any being I have ever known and I want you to remember that. The feeling and the economy of words speaks volumes about where their relationship stands (and it's only episode 4!)

All goes well and we finally see a whole Kirk re-appear on the Transporter Pad. The sigh of relief that is released by Spock when he knows Jim is whole and well is almost orgasmic in nature and Kirk looks at Spock in utter relief as well (see the photos above)...awww safe and sound and back together.

The final scene on the bridge the Bridge sees Jim thanking Spock for believing in him and helping him become whole again, they look lovingly at each other with soft focus lens effects and all is right with the world. And then, Spock showing the rather nasty side of his dual nature, has to have a little dig at Yeoman Rand: "The, er, impostor had some interesting qualities, wouldn't you say, Yeoman? " - What a bitch! sounds like someone marking their territory to me. ;)