Star Trek 007: Mudd's Women

7. Mudd's Women

WHY WE LIKE IT: Probably for the same reasons the boys of the Enterprise do.

WHY WE DON'T: Sexist 60s attitudes rear their ugly heads.

REVIEW: On the one hand, I quite appreciate this is as one of the classics, but can't for the life of me understand why Harry Mudd is supposed to be a popular character. He's over the top, almost anachronistic in dress and style, and pretty annoying. We've only been trained to think of him as a lovable rogue, when he's anything BUT lovable.

The character of Eve is at least well realized, a smart and independent woman despite her apparent need to get a husband no matter what. The other ladies are pretty enough to look at as well, with "Magda" having been a Playboy playmate. Of course, the whole idea of the Venus drug and that Eve can recreate its effects by "thinking sexy" is laughable and only highlights the fact that these were beautiful women to start with. I wonder if the one that seemed scarred could do the same?

So the message is a little hokey, but that's nothing compared to the way the male members of the crew are treated. They make complete fools of themselves, and Kirk's insistence that these girls are having an "inexplicable" effect on the crew are also ridiculous. The episode is only really saved by strong acting from some of the guest stars (nope, not Mudd).

Interesting is the mention of dilithium crystals, and the way of life of the miners, really showing Star Trek's western origins.

LESSON: Being sexy is a state of mind. It acts as a natural make-up and hair conditioner.

REWATCHABILITY - Medium: For the eye candy, mostly. It's otherwise a bit repetitive and my feelings about Harry Mudd mirror Kirk's.