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AI/LLM reviews of Star trek By Any Other Name

ChapGPT

### **Review of *Star Trek: By Any Other Name***

#### **Overview**
Aired on February 23, 1968, *"By Any Other Name"*
presents an intriguing mix of hard sci-fi concepts
and classic *Star Trek* problem-solving. The Enterprise
crew faces off against the Kelvans, an advanced
alien race from the Andromeda galaxy who intend
to hijack the ship and use it to conquer
the Milky Way. The episode explores themes
of control, the power of human emotions,
and the limits of logic.

#### **Plot Summary**
The Kelvans, led by Rojan, take control
of the Enterprise, using technology that
can paralyse humans and reduce them into
compact geometric blocks. With their superior
intellect and lack of emotions, they easily
subdue the crew and plan to modify the Enterprise
for a multi-generational journey back to Andromeda.

Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scotty fight back—not
through brute force, but by exploiting the Kelvans’
newfound human bodies. They introduce them
to the complexities of emotion, sensation,
and pleasure: Scotty gets one Kelvan drunk,
McCoy manipulates another with medical treatment,
and Kirk (of course) uses romance
and jealousy to weaken Rojan’s grip on command.

Ultimately, the Kelvans abandon their conquest
in favour of peaceful coexistence, realising
that their rigid, emotionless existence is no
match for the richness of human experience.

#### **Strengths**
✅ **High-Concept Sci-Fi** – The idea
of extragalactic invaders with vastly
superior technology is a fascinating premise.

✅ **Creative Problem-Solving** – Rather than
brute force, the crew defeats the Kelvans by
exposing them to human emotions and pleasures.

✅ **Great Character Moments** – Scotty’s drinking
contest is hilarious, and Kirk’s manipulation
of Rojan and Kelinda adds depth to the episode.

✅ **Classic *Star Trek* Optimism** – The resolution
highlights *Star Trek’s* recurring theme:
that humanity’s capacity for love, fun,
and emotion is its greatest strength.

#### **Weaknesses**
❌ **Pacing Issues** – The initial takeover
is fast and brutal, but the middle section
slows down considerably with comedic diversions.

❌ **Overused Kirk Seduction Trope** – Kirk
flirting with Kelinda to stir jealousy in Rojan
is predictable, though it serves the plot.

❌ **Underdeveloped Kelvan Motivation** – Their
plan to take over the galaxy is glossed over,
making them feel more like generic conquerors
rather than a deeply fleshed-out alien race.

#### **Final Rating: 80/100**
*"By Any Other Name"* is a solid *Star Trek*
episode that blends high-concept sci-fi
with humour and heart. While the pacing
drags in places, the clever resolution
and fun character moments make it a memorable
entry in the series.

Google Gemini

"By Any Other Name" is a Star Trek episode
that explores themes of conformity, individuality,
and the power of human emotion. Here's a review:

**Strengths:**

* **Intriguing Premise:** The episode presents
a compelling scenario: the Enterprise is taken
over by aliens from the Andromeda Galaxy who
possess the ability to transform people
into inanimate objects.

* **Character Development:** The episode showcases
the resilience and adaptability of the crew
as they struggle to regain control
of their ship and their own identities.

* **Exploration of Themes:** The episode delves
into the importance of human emotion
and individuality, contrasting it with the cold,
logical approach of the Kelvans.

* **Strong Performances:** The core cast delivers
solid performances, particularly William Shatner
as Kirk, who uses his charm
and wit to outsmart the Kelvans.

**Possible Weaknesses:**

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

* **Simplistic Resolution:** Some viewers may
find the resolution of the conflict
to be somewhat simplistic.

* **Pacing:** The pacing might feel uneven
to some modern viewers.

**Overall Impression:**

"By Any Other Name" is an entertaining
and thought-provoking Star Trek episode
that offers a unique perspective
on the nature of humanity. Its strong
performances and intriguing premise make
it a memorable entry in the series.

**Rating:**

Considering its strengths and weaknesses,
I'd rate "By Any Other Name" an **85/100**.
It's a highly recommended episode
for any science fiction fan.

**Breakdown for viewers:**

* **For Star Trek fans, viewers who appreciate
thought-provoking narratives,
and those interested in themes of individuality:** 88/100

* **For viewers seeking modern special effects
and a more nuanced plot:** 80/100



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