"The Trouble with Tribbles"
The Enterprise rushes to the aid of Deep Space Station K-7, which has issued a Priority 1 Distress Call, used only in the most dire of circumstances. To Kirk's chagrin, he learns that the Federation Secretary of Agricultural Affairs, Nilz Barris, issued the call over what Kirk calls "a shipment of wheat." The "wheat" in question is actually a specialized grain called quadrotriticale, the importance of which is quite valid. Kirk is immediately at odds not only with Barris and his irritating assistant Arne Darvin, but also, with a contingent of Klingons led by Captain Koloth. As if that weren't enough, there's also the matter of space trader Cyrano Jones and his remarkably prolific pets, "tribbles." Kirk is ordered to protect the grain from the Klingons, who K-7's commander is obliged to allow shore leave on the station due to the terms of the Organian Peace Treaty. Kirk must juggle the Klingons, Barris, and the problem of the rapidly multiplying Tribbles, which are infesting the Enterprise. The Tribbles find their way into K-7's storage bins and devour the grain. When large numbers of Tribbles die, Spock realizes they've been poisoned, and Kirk figures out that the Klingons would have the most to gain from poisoning Federation foodstuffs. Kirk uses a few Tribbles as "Klingon-detectors" and exposes Darvin as a covert Klingon operative. As things return to normal on the Enterprise, Scotty informs Kirk that he beamed the entire compliment of Tribbles from the Enterprise aboard the Klingon cruiser, a parting gift to the Klingons, who hate the Tribbles as much as the Tribbles hate them.
Story
"The Trouble with Tribbles" is classic Trek at its best. The story by fan-favorite writer David Gerrold never lets up on wonderful character moments, action, and comedy. "Tribbles" is one of the episodes considered among the best by Trekkers, and the reasons why are clear even to the uninitiated Trek fan. The first time I watched this with my wife, she found a few parts cheesy, but laughed in all right places and enjoyed the episode. That's a testament to the episode's success and longevity. This is the kind of Trek story that has bridged the gap between fans and non-fans alike, and which inspired the Trek films which were able to do the same decades later.
Action
The action in "The Trouble with Tribbles" is not the usual flying-kick, phaser-firing, nerve-pinching Trek action. Instead, we're treated to action played for the sake of comedic relief. The episode opens with Kirk sounding battlestations as the Enterprise races to answer a distress call from a Federation outpost. In most episodes, this would pan out as the prelude to an action-packed space battle or perhaps landing party firefight. This is especially true in the later Trek spin-offs, which all too often relied on flash and gunfights instead of substance. Once Kirk and Spock beam aboard K-7, we realize this is not to be the usual kind of Trek action episode. Though the situation is indeed dire, with the potential of genocide from poisoned grain to the implications of a Klingon operative in Federation ranks, the handling of the situation is fun and lighthearted. That treatment of what might turn into the usual sci-fi/Trek action is what enables "Tribbles" to become something more. The most action packed scene involves the bar fight started by Scotty after the Klingon insults the Enterprise.
Performances
Performances are what make this episode shine. So many people I know lambaste Bill Shatner's acting ability, but as I've said countless times, the man is a supremely talented actor whose range and ability is virtually unmatched in his peers and in many actors today. Shatner brought a wonderful sense of awe, adventure, and humanity to Kirk, and it's because of Shatner's portrayal that Kirk is a pop culture icon forty years later. Here Shatner anchors the episode's action with a Kirk who is frustrated but also able to kick back a little and not have to worry so much about saving the ship or the day. There are no vicious fights or demands on Kirk's formidable mind here, only struggles with annoying personalities. As for those personalities, they're brought to colorful life by a slew of actors who are wonderful in their own right. William Campbell's Captain Koloth is filled with arrogance and the usual Klingon posturing. William Schallert, best known for his role in "Patty Duke," is perfectly annoying as Nilz Barris. And finally, Stanley Adams fills the shoes of space con man Cyrano Jones, a character who would have been an entertaining recurring character, a la Harry Mudd. And it goes without saying that Leonard Nimoy and DeForrest Kelly do their usual great work in their roles. Both get hilarious lines throughout the episode, especially in the scene in which Bones and Spock argue about the effect of the Tribbles on humans.
Trektastic Moments
Where to begin? "The Trouble with Tribbles" is a celebration of the heart and spirit of Trek and its lightheartedness. There's Kirk's hilarious treatment of Nilz Barris, there's the proliferation of the Tribbles throughout the Enterprise and Spock's reaction to their soothing nature, there's the antics of Cyrano Jones and the bar fight. One of my favorite lines here in belongs to Scotty, who is able to tolerate insults to his captain but not his beloved Enterprise. When the Klingon calls the Enterprise a garbage scow, Scotty replies "Laddie, don't you think you ought to be...rephrasin' that?" Beautiful stuff. The writing is truly what makes "Tribbles" so enjoyable, and we see that writing in the sense of fun that actors are clearly having as they deliver their lines.
Overall
"The Trouble with Tribbles" is one of the top-ten finest hours of Star Trek, including the spin-off series. Solid writing, characterization, and just downright fun. Highest possible recommendation.
The episode's title card.
Spock is seduced by the cooing of a Tribble, if but briefly.
Scotty's famous line: "Laddie, don't you think you ought to be...rephrasin' that?," uttered just before he defends the honor of his lady, the Enterprise.
A beleaguered Kirk, chest-deep in Tribbles.
Story
"The Trouble with Tribbles" is classic Trek at its best. The story by fan-favorite writer David Gerrold never lets up on wonderful character moments, action, and comedy. "Tribbles" is one of the episodes considered among the best by Trekkers, and the reasons why are clear even to the uninitiated Trek fan. The first time I watched this with my wife, she found a few parts cheesy, but laughed in all right places and enjoyed the episode. That's a testament to the episode's success and longevity. This is the kind of Trek story that has bridged the gap between fans and non-fans alike, and which inspired the Trek films which were able to do the same decades later.
Action
The action in "The Trouble with Tribbles" is not the usual flying-kick, phaser-firing, nerve-pinching Trek action. Instead, we're treated to action played for the sake of comedic relief. The episode opens with Kirk sounding battlestations as the Enterprise races to answer a distress call from a Federation outpost. In most episodes, this would pan out as the prelude to an action-packed space battle or perhaps landing party firefight. This is especially true in the later Trek spin-offs, which all too often relied on flash and gunfights instead of substance. Once Kirk and Spock beam aboard K-7, we realize this is not to be the usual kind of Trek action episode. Though the situation is indeed dire, with the potential of genocide from poisoned grain to the implications of a Klingon operative in Federation ranks, the handling of the situation is fun and lighthearted. That treatment of what might turn into the usual sci-fi/Trek action is what enables "Tribbles" to become something more. The most action packed scene involves the bar fight started by Scotty after the Klingon insults the Enterprise.
Performances
Performances are what make this episode shine. So many people I know lambaste Bill Shatner's acting ability, but as I've said countless times, the man is a supremely talented actor whose range and ability is virtually unmatched in his peers and in many actors today. Shatner brought a wonderful sense of awe, adventure, and humanity to Kirk, and it's because of Shatner's portrayal that Kirk is a pop culture icon forty years later. Here Shatner anchors the episode's action with a Kirk who is frustrated but also able to kick back a little and not have to worry so much about saving the ship or the day. There are no vicious fights or demands on Kirk's formidable mind here, only struggles with annoying personalities. As for those personalities, they're brought to colorful life by a slew of actors who are wonderful in their own right. William Campbell's Captain Koloth is filled with arrogance and the usual Klingon posturing. William Schallert, best known for his role in "Patty Duke," is perfectly annoying as Nilz Barris. And finally, Stanley Adams fills the shoes of space con man Cyrano Jones, a character who would have been an entertaining recurring character, a la Harry Mudd. And it goes without saying that Leonard Nimoy and DeForrest Kelly do their usual great work in their roles. Both get hilarious lines throughout the episode, especially in the scene in which Bones and Spock argue about the effect of the Tribbles on humans.
Trektastic Moments
Where to begin? "The Trouble with Tribbles" is a celebration of the heart and spirit of Trek and its lightheartedness. There's Kirk's hilarious treatment of Nilz Barris, there's the proliferation of the Tribbles throughout the Enterprise and Spock's reaction to their soothing nature, there's the antics of Cyrano Jones and the bar fight. One of my favorite lines here in belongs to Scotty, who is able to tolerate insults to his captain but not his beloved Enterprise. When the Klingon calls the Enterprise a garbage scow, Scotty replies "Laddie, don't you think you ought to be...rephrasin' that?" Beautiful stuff. The writing is truly what makes "Tribbles" so enjoyable, and we see that writing in the sense of fun that actors are clearly having as they deliver their lines.
Overall
"The Trouble with Tribbles" is one of the top-ten finest hours of Star Trek, including the spin-off series. Solid writing, characterization, and just downright fun. Highest possible recommendation.
The episode's title card.
Spock is seduced by the cooing of a Tribble, if but briefly.
Scotty's famous line: "Laddie, don't you think you ought to be...rephrasin' that?," uttered just before he defends the honor of his lady, the Enterprise.
A beleaguered Kirk, chest-deep in Tribbles.
posted by Christopher at 7:24 PM
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