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AI/LLM reviews of Star TREk - Turnabout Intruder

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**Star Trek – “Turnabout Intruder”**  
[Transcript](http://www.chakoteya.net/StarTrek/79.htm)  
**Rating: 52/100**

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**Review:**  
“Turnabout Intruder” marks the **final episode** 
of *Star Trek: The Original Series*, 
and unfortunately, it’s a rather disappointing 
note to end on.

The episode centers on **Dr. Janice Lester**, 
a former flame of Captain Kirk, who has long resented 
the fact that women are not permitted to command 
starships in Starfleet. In a bid for power, 
she uses an alien body-swapping device to switch
bodies with Kirk, trapping him in her body while
 she assumes command of the Enterprise in his.

The plot plays like a mix of **body-swap comedy 
and psychological thriller**, but it’s marred 
by melodrama and problematic gender politics. 
While the idea of a scorned, ambitious scientist 
trying to take over the body of a starship 
captain has potential, the execution here 
is chaotic and uncomfortable.

Shatner’s performance as “Janice-in-Kirk’s-body”
is theatrical to the point of parody — all wild 
eyes and melodramatic proclamations. Sandra 
Smith, playing “Kirk-in-Janice,” does a far 
more subtle job, but the episode leans too 
heavily into portraying Janice as unstable 
and vindictive, reinforcing dated and sexist ideas.

Even more troubling is the underlying message: 
that women are unfit to be starship captains. 
While Janice’s personal failings are supposed 
to explain her descent into villainy, the script 
repeatedly implies that her **gender is part 
of the problem**, culminating in a line that 
suggests women can't be trusted with command 
due to emotional instability — a tone-deaf 
and regressive sentiment, even for the 1960s.

---

**Strengths:**
- Sandra Smith’s portrayal of Kirk’s mind 
in Janice’s body is surprisingly effective.
- The premise, in theory, could have been 
an intriguing character study or ethical dilemma.

- Some brief tension and courtroom-style 
suspense on the bridge.

**Weaknesses:**
- Rampant overacting by Shatner, 
often unintentionally funny.

- Deeply outdated 
and sexist themes.

- Disjointed pacing 
and weak resolution.

- Unceremonious way 
to end a legendary series.

---

**Verdict:**  
“Turnabout Intruder” is remembered more for how 
it fumbles its premise than for any dramatic 
strengths. It’s an unfortunate final chapter 
for the original *Star Trek* series, failing 
to showcase the optimism, thoughtfulness, 
or progressive ideals that defined 
its best episodes.

**Score: 52/100**  
(*Fascinating premise marred by sexism, 
overacting, and a disappointing farewell 
to the series.*)

Google Gemini

"Turnabout Intruder" is a Star Trek episode 
that explores themes of sexism, the abuse 
of power, and the nature of identity. 
Here's a review:

**Strengths:**

* **Intriguing Premise:** The episode presents a 
compelling scenario: Janice Lester, a former l
over of Kirk's, uses an alien device to switch
bodies with him, trapping Kirk in her dying form.

* **Exploration of Themes:** The episode directly
confronts issues of sexism and the challenges 
faced by women in positions of power. It also 
explores the nature of identity 
and the importance of individual agency.

* **Strong Performances:** William Shatner 
delivers a compelling performance as Kirk 
trapped in Janice Lester's body, convincingly 
portraying her growing madness and desperation. 
Sandra Smith is also memorable as Janice Lester, 
showcasing her resentment and ambition.

* **Suspenseful Narrative:** The episode 
maintains a sense of tension as Janice, 
in Kirk's body, attempts to take control 
of the Enterprise, and the crew struggles 
to believe that their captain has been replaced.

**Possible Weaknesses:**

* **Dated Special Effects:** As with most 
original series episodes, the special 
effects are noticeably dated.

* **Simplistic Resolution:** Some viewers
 may find the resolution of the conflict 
 to be somewhat simplistic.
 
* **Problematic Portrayal of Women:** 
While the episode attempts to address sexism, 
some viewers may find the portrayal of Janice 
Lester to be stereotypical and ultimately 
reinforcing negative stereotypes 
about ambitious women.

**Overall Impression:**

"Turnabout Intruder" is a memorable 
and thought-provoking Star Trek episode 
that tackles complex social issues. 
While it has some flaws, its strong performances 
and intriguing premise make it a worthwhile watch. 
It's an episode that sparks discussion about sexism 
and the importance of challenging traditional 
gender roles.

**Rating:**

Considering its strengths and weaknesses, 
I'd rate "Turnabout Intruder" an **82/100**. 
It's a solid episode with some notable flaws 
and historical context.

**Breakdown for viewers:**

* **For Star Trek fans, viewers who appreciate 
thought-provoking narratives, and those 
interested in themes of sexism and identity:** 85/100

* **For viewers seeking modern special effects, 
a more nuanced plot, or those sensitive 
to potentially problematic portrayals of women:** 77/100

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