Series: Star Trek: The Original Series
Season 2, Episode 3
Original Air Date: September 29, 1967
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| via Memory Alpha |
This is definitely an episode I remember from syndication way back in the '70s. In fact, it's entirely possible this was the first one I ever saw. I distinctly remember that "I am Nomad!" line though I didn't recall much else about the story before watching again this week.
I believe we are now entering an era of more formulaic plots for Trek. For the second week in a row, the show aired a Charlie X-type tale. In this case, the superior being is a planet-destroying space probe called Nomad. It spares the Enterprise because it mistakenly believes Kirk to be its creator. The probe is on a Cylon-like purity cleansing binge and the crew knows it's only a matter of time before Nomad realizes its mistake and wipes them out, too. Unable to overpower the machine, Kirk cleverly tricks it into destroying itself.
"The Changeling" is a good Uhura episode. Nomad overhears her singing and seeks her out for questioning. When she gives unsatisfying answers, Nomad wipes her memory, deeming her flawed. Dr. McCoy and Nurse Barrett set out to reeducate her. In her training, her native Swahili comes to her before the English. Apparently, Nichelle Nichols had to fight for that to be included in the story. Director Marc Daniels wanted her to stick with English, arguing that Nichols herself didn't speak Swahili so why bother? Nichols countered, saying "Nichelle Nichols doesn't speak Swahili, but Uhura does!" Nichols won and a linguist was brought in to teach her the lines.
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| via Memory Alpha |
'Apparently, Nichelle Nichols had to fight for that to be included in the story. Director Marc Daniels wanted her to stick with English, arguing that Nichols herself didn't speak Swahili so why bother? Nichols countered, saying "Nichelle Nichols doesn't speak Swahili, but Uhura does!" Nichols won and a linguist was brought in to teach her the lines.'
ReplyDeleteLove that.
The more I learn about her, the more I admire Nichelle Nichols.
DeleteI LOVE Star Trek so much that my kids gave me the entire series (original) on DVD. I love it and the bonus material that tells you all kinds of neat stuff like this, and what Suze wrote!
ReplyDeleteThe little tidbits are certainly fun. They satisfy my inner Cliff Clavin, as Suze would happily point out.
DeleteI remember being very disappointed with the conclusion of the first movie, "Star Trek: The Motion Picture," when the blatant similarities with this episode were revealed. Everybody remembers V'ger, but poor Jackson Roykirk has been forgotten... :-(
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the original movie in so long. It will be fun to revisit again after this story.
DeleteGood for Nichols supporting her character's African roots! You always have cool trivia from the show Man.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maurice! Thanks for the mention on Twitter, too.
DeleteUhura was my favorite Star Trek character --and the only one from whom I have an autographed photo-- because her beauty, modesty, gentleness and reliability defined what freedom could be. Roddenberry dreamed her up, but Nichelle Nichols made Uhura real.
ReplyDeleteThere is a gentleness in her character that's very appealing. Uhura would be a good friend to have, I think.
DeleteRead her autobiography! She's had an amazing life...she keenly felt the responsibility of being the only black female lead on the show and fought to have her character represented appropriately every week.
ReplyDeleteOn the list it goes! Thank you.
DeleteI remember this episode. I think my siblings and I went around the house chanting "I am nomad." Bet our parents loved that.
ReplyDeleteMy sister still reminds me of my odd little habits along those lines. It's truly a miracle I was allowed out of the house, really.
DeleteNice. The episodes seem to get better and better.
ReplyDeleteWell... maybe. The one I just watched - for next week's post - was quite good, indeed. It was my favorite in a while.
DeleteI just love that she fought for Swahili! There's yet another reason Uhura rocked. As if I needed one more...
ReplyDelete...Veronica
Yes, she's quite awesome.
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