Customer Reviews

Star Trek - The Original Series, Vol. 4, Episodes 8 & 9: Charlie X/ Balance of Terror

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was surprised to see they bumped the schedule run on these and we will have 6 discs by the end of the year (and with any hope that will hop to 8). The transfers are gorgeous, though the audio does drop out here and there (problem of remixing mono to stereo...and certainly harder to make mono surround).

I think the Sci-Fi channel interviews would have been cool to add to these episodes, but I also understand that licensing doesn't always go smoothly. Perhaps we can get some DVD's at the end of the series release that has all the interviews on a single disc? (maybe even with a coupon in the last few discs that will give you the interview disc(s) free with proofs of purchase of several of the episodes?)

If you own the series on VHS, I HIGHLY recommend you upgrade to these digital transfers, they are so much cleaner, brighter, and sharper than ANY of the VHS transfers I have ever seen.

Being a huge Trek fan, I'm glad to see that Paramount is releasing all of the classic episodes on DVD. And they are all digitally enhanced and remastered from their "Special Edition" showing on the Sci-Fi channel. Which brings up the biggest problem I've got with them so far. The Sci-Fi channel changed the opening credits on several of the earliest episodes before a massive outcry caused them to restore the credits to the way they SHOULD be. I figured when the DVDs came out, Paramount would see the error of their ways and restore the original credits. Not so here. Charlie X features the new credits sequence as a different version of the classic theme. (If you listen closely you can tell). Thankfully, this error is corrected on later releases, but surely Paramount should have known that if anything, we Trekkers are meticulous about details concerning our favorite show.

Not that this should turn you off of these magnificent DVDs. The digitally enhancement and super sound more than make-up for any minor defects. And Charlie X and Balance of Terror are two of the finer early entries from the Star Trek universe. Charlie is a study in tragedy, the first work from the great D.C. Fontana and Balance features the first appearance of the Romulans as well as a superb chess match between Kirk and the Romulan commander. The episodes stand up well, even after over 30 years of repeat viewings--they are still fresh, entertaining and original (something I doubt will be said about Voyager in 30 years)

All in all, two Treks well worth taking.

I saw with some disappointment that Balance of Terror had been bundled with Charlie X. A better match would have been a more action-oriented episode, such as Amok Time. Still, Balance of Terror is worth the price of the bundle. In my opinion, it is one of the top 5 ST:TOS eps, and also one of the most "adult." The nobility, professionalism and skill of the two soldiers (Kirk and the Romulan captain) are admirable as the story twists and turns through basically a 45-minute battle. The opening and closing, with the married couple who suffers a loss, is a final dramatic touch. Along with City on the Edge of Forever, Balance of Terror is classic, classic Trek. I have to say, though, that the lack of DVD extras is extremely disappointing. The clarity is nice, but when you are talking about 30+-year-old TV shows, the DVD package should include extras to add value for the many loyal Trek fans. Paramount goofed on this.

Volume 4 of Paramount's reissue and refurbishment of Classic Trek contains two outstanding stories which provide continuous entertainment and enlightenment.

Charlie X is a remarkably frank and moving study of adolescence, with a supernatural twist. Robert Walker, Jr's. awkward Charlie Evans may well be the most sympathetic "villain" in the Trek canon. Anyone who has ever embarrassed himself during adolescence (who among us hasn't?) will feel for Charlie and the agonizing loneliness he endures. William Shatner has some surprisingly subtle moments as Kirk tries to explain the facts of life to Charlie. This episode also contains a glaring continuity error: When Kirk enters the turbolift en route to the bridge, he's wearing his standard gold tunic, but when the turbolift doors on the bridge open, he's wearing his green v-necked pullover!

Balance of Terror consistently winds up on nearly every Trekker's top ten list. This story gets a lot of its flavor from the classic submarine film Run Silent, Run Deep. Viewers who have also seen the recent U-571 can also see the influence of this episode on that movie: Both stories contain an "enemy alien," Spock in this episode, Wentz in U-571. Kirk's forthright confrontation with prejudice ("Leave any bigotry in your quarters. There's no room for it on my bridge.") should be part of a training manual for company managers. Mark Lenard's scenes aboard the Romulan ship have an almost Shakespearean gravitas.

The picture is remarkably clean, considering the source elements are over 35 years old. The sound has been enhanced with stereo effects, although this has not been overdone.

Balance of Terror illustrates a moral dillemma of a DMZ. DMZ represent a stalemate and the pride and arrogance of two nation engaged in a conflict with nether nation willing to admit defeat and end the useless conflict.

The Romulans ended a 70 year war with the Federation. Undoubtable the Federation make numerous errors; the Federation had superior military power and the Romulan territory should have fallen as a Federation domain.

The peace treaty establishing the Neutral Zone could not be enforced because Federation Ships could enter intentional or accidentally into the zone. The Romulans using cloaking technology had the distinct advantage with the capability too move through the neutral zone into Federation space undetected.

The Romulan empire was impoverished. The Romulan empire was not a Roman empire of great power. The Roman empire continually extended its power through constant conflicts throughout the middle east and Europe with many nations becoming subject to Roman rule. The Romulan empire does have an Roman like form of government, a military ruling class, and a warlike society. However, the society is N Korean pour. They have no industry, they are a constant threat too the federation, and historical silent for the last 70 years, in the activity of the world. The Romulans are desparate for Federation technology, education, and help.

Kirk defeats the Romulan cloak ship, but fails to understand the Romulan crisis. The Romulan ruling class arrogantly ignore the suffering of their people. The Romulan people are arouse to militant hatred of the federation, the only people who can liberate them from their improvishment. The Romulan empire never built industry, thriving and prosperous societies, nor prevail militarily against the Federations, Western Warfare - democratic way. Only Spock, a distance relative to the Romulans would understand their desparation. However, one could see Spock's cowboy diplomacy would be ignored by the Federation for another 100 years and the Romulans would continue in their peril. Some Romulans want free trade, new idealogy, and freedom; the Romulan empire will not die immediate and just as the Roman empire last 20 decades in decay, so will the Romulan empire continue its slow descent down.

The Vulcan hold the best hope for the Romulans. The Vulcans are skilled educationally, prize peace, and possess technology; Romulans have a false sense of superiority and pride, but they are increasing impoverishing the people from long military campaigns against the Federation.

The Romulan empire does not value free trade and the Vulcans are not wanted by the ruling elite. However, some of the Romulan elite want a trade agreement between Romula and Vulcan and hope for reunification between the two peoples. Eventually Romula will begin too break down and look to Vulcan for support.

In "Charlie X," Robert Walker plays another of Gene Roddenberry's mad omnipotent beings, in this case a young man who was given incredible power by benevolent aliens to enable him to survive on a barren planet. Rescued by humans, he lacks the social skills, maturity, and self-control to use his abilities responsibly and soon endangers the crew of the Enterprise. This is an excellent episode with several chilling moments; a brief shot of a faceless young woman groping along the wall really freaked me out as a kid and remains effective today. The theme of "power corrupts" had not yet become the Trek cliché that it would, but coming so soon on the heels of "Where No Man Has Gone Before," one can definitely see a pattern developing.

"Balance of Terror" introduces the Romulans and features a cat-and-mouse game between the Enterprise and a new generation of Romulan warship that has been sent across the Neutral Zone to probe the Federation for weaknesses. This was the first episode to place the Federation of Planets within a geopolitical (spacial-political?) context that would set the stage for the many stories and arcs concerning the confrontations of galactic superpowers that is a particular strength of the various Trek series. Mark Lenard gives a commanding performance as the Romulan captain.

Star Trek: The Original Series Volume 4 presents two episodes originally aired in 1966:

"Charlie X:" A troubled adolescent with powerful telekinetic abilites comes aboard the Enterprise and horrifyingly subjects the crew to his undisciplined, torturous powers. Writers Gene Roddenberry and Dorthy Fontana serve up a mature and utterly captivating yarn of space horror that further explores the "power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely" theme, which was well presented in the (second) pilot "Where No Man Has Gone Before" (episode #2). Highly memorable. GRADE A+

"Balance of Terror:" The Enterprise plays cat and mouse with a cloaked (i.e. invisible) Romulan ship in this space version of "The Enemy Below." This is Mark Lenard's first role for Star Trek as the Romulan commander. He is much better known as Spock's Vulcan father Sarek, who first appears in the second season episode "Journey to Babel" (episode #44). Interestingly, Lenard would also go on to play a klingon in "Star Trek: The Motion Picture." He thus holds the distinction for being the only actor to play a Romulan, a Vulcan and a Klingon on Star Trek. Bottom Line: Okay, but generally boring; ridiculously overrated by some. Grade: B- (I'm being generous)

I agree with the other reviewer here: "Balance of Terror" is one of the best of the Original Series episodes, and worth the price of the disk by itself. The episode illuminates both the excitement and horror of war as Kirk and the Romulan commander trade strategy and tactics, with the fate of millions resting on the outcome of their decisions. The story also weaves in a subplot on prejudice when it is discovered Spock looks very much like a Romulan. The DVD itself is light on features, but the quality of the video is superb. The DVD insert lists all of the volumes in the collection and the episodes on each, but alas, gives no expected availability date for the remaining releases other than "coming to DVD in the new millenium." Hurry up Volume 18! (The Doomsday Machine)

Please note,Paramount,that there are Star trek videos of the original series(released in Britain,Australia etc)that have introductions by original cast members(James Doohan,George Takei etc).Why not put these on the DVD's as well?

2 more additions to the continuing episodes of the first season: "Charlie X" which is strikingly similar in storyline albeit different in setting to a very memorable "Twilight Zone" episode and "Balance of Terror" where we are introduced to the Romulans, that cousin race to the Vulcans which evolved in a very different direction.

"Charlie X" echoes a theme from the first episode in this series, "Where No Man Has Gone Before", by asking the question, can man given great powers suddenly be able to act responsibly and for the good of all or will he eventually end up destroying all around him? A young boy is given incredible powers, "Q-like" using TNG lingo by a bunch of well-meaning aliens who are simply trying to save the sole crash survivor from certain death on a desolate planet. Charlie is finally rescued by a Federation vessel which is extremely happy at being able to pass him over to the Enterprise. The final scene is touching as the painful and difficult decision about how to deal with this troublesome teen is made.

"Balance of Terror" is a little less complicated plot-wise but very importantly introduces us to the Romulans who play continuing and recurring roles throughout the entire Trek-dom. Curiously, the Romulan commander here eventually is re-cast as Spock's father Sarek in later episodes although none of the crew seems to notice. This episode is one of the better space battle episodes where we see Kirk and his counterpart pit their wits against each other in a winner take all contest.

Gene Roddenberry's ideas are also represented here in a very interesting element where the clear anti-bigotry stance shown by Kirk when he tells a crewman who is prejudiced against Spock and his resemblance to the Romulans to "keep your bigotry in your quarters as there is no room for it on the bridge".

2 of the better episodes in the series and a keeper.