Introduction

“Turnabout Intruder” is the twenty-fourth and final episode of the third season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek.

Written by Arthur H. Singer (based on a story by Gene Roddenberry) and directed by Herb Wallerstein, it was first broadcast on 03 June 1969.

In the episode, a woman switches bodies with Captain Kirk and then tries to take over command of the Enterprise.

Originally scheduled to air at 10pm on Friday, 28 March 1969, NBC pre-empted it with a special report on former US President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who had died earlier that day. On 03 June 1969, after an absence of two months, Star Trek was brought back on a new night and time: Tuesdays at 7:30pm. “Turnabout Intruder” was the only first-run episode to be shown in this new time slot.

This was the last original episode of Star Trek to air on NBC, and was the only episode of the series produced even partly in 1969. The very last material filmed for Star Trek was the story’s opening sequence, committed to 35 mm film on 03 January 1969.

Outline

The Federation starship Enterprise answers a distress call from the planet Camus II, the site of an archaeological expedition. Among the survivors are Dr. Janice Lester, with whom Captain Kirk was once intimately involved, and the expedition’s physician, Dr. Arthur Coleman. Coleman claims that Lester is suffering from radiation exposure.

Dr. Coleman, Science Officer Spock and Chief Medical Officer Dr. McCoy leave to tend to the other survivors, leaving Lester and Kirk alone. Kirk explores the room, and as he examines an alien machine, she activates it, paralysing him. She then joins Kirk in the machine and activates it again. From each of their bodies a ghostly image emerges and then disappears into the other’s body. The person appearing to be Kirk then declares that Janice Lester has taken the place of Captain Kirk, and begins to strangle the person appearing to be Lester.

Spock and McCoy return before “Kirk” can finish the job, and he orders the landing party and the remaining survivors back to the Enterprise. Once there, he gives Dr. Coleman full authority for treatment of “Janice Lester”, over McCoy’s protests.

Alone, Coleman and “Kirk” discuss the situation. It is revealed that the two conspired to kill the expedition’s personnel. Lester has now achieved her lifelong goal of commanding a starship.

Spock becomes suspicious when “Kirk” orders a course change to the Benecia Colony to drop off “Lester” for medical attention, despite the fact that Benecia’s medical facilities are comparatively primitive, and that it would unnecessarily interfere with their current mission. McCoy invokes his authority to order a medical examination of the captain, including a personality test.

“Lester” regains consciousness and seeks help from Spock and McCoy. “Kirk” slaps her back into unconsciousness, and orders her to be put in isolation. Spock interviews “Lester” and is somewhat sceptical of her story. “Lester” suggests that he use his telepathic abilities to learn the truth, and he is convinced.

Spock tries to free “Lester” but is stopped by a security team led by the impostor Kirk, who accuses Spock of mutiny and orders a court-martial. Once on trial, Spock argues that Captain Kirk is really in the body of Dr. Lester. “Kirk” suggests that Spock’s real goal is to take command himself and offers to drop charges if Spock will desist. Spock refuses, and “Kirk” flies into a hysterical rage.

Shocked by Kirk’s behaviour, McCoy and Chief Engineer Scott confer secretly in the corridor. Scott believes that if Spock is acquitted, the “captain” will not let the decision stand, making it necessary to mutiny. “Kirk”, having monitored their conversation, declares McCoy, Scott, Spock, and “Lester” guilty of mutiny and condemned to death.

On the bridge, Chekov and Sulu, having witnessed the trial, determine to resist the “captain”, and refuse to obey his orders. Loudly accusing them of mutiny, “Kirk” falls into his chair, and an image of Lester emerges from his body, only to return again. “Kirk” runs to Coleman, who tells him that the transfer is reversing itself, and that Kirk, in Lester’s body, must die in order to prevent it. The two head to the brig intending to inject “Lester” with a toxic substance. “Lester” resists, and the reversal now completes itself. The hysterical Lester begs Coleman to kill Kirk. Coleman then pleads with Kirk to allow him to care for her. The Enterprise proceeds on its mission.

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Production & Filming Details

• Director(s): Herb Wallerstein.
• Writer(s): Gene Roddenberry.
• Production: Desilu Productions (1966-1967) and Paramount Television (1968-1969).
• Distributor(s): Paramount Pictures (1966-2006), CBS Paramount Television (2006-2007), and CBS Television Distribution (2007-Present).
• Original Network: NBC.
• Release Date: 03 June 1969.
• Running Time: 50 minutes.
• Country: US.
• Language: English.