Season 2
CBS All Access (Original TV network: NBC)
September 28, 1974
Run Time: 24 minutes
Episode 4 – “Albatross”
Dr. McCoy (AKA Bones) is about to beam up after his work on the planet Dramia when the leaders present Captain Kirk with a stunning request. McCoy is being charged with unleashing a deadly plague on Dramia some 17 years ago. They take McCoy prisoner to stand for his alleged crimes. Soon, thereafter a deadly virus breaks out aboard the Enterprise and they must race against time to get McCoy back to find a cure.
Summary
It’s good to finally see Bones have a story centered around him. The original series had similar episodes where McCoy’s medical training would be essential to saving the crew from diseases and viruses. In this case he has a chance to solve two medical mysteries, if only the aliens on the planet will trust his intentions.
A good episode, but hampered somewhat as several others have been by moving too fast. By the time we’re involved in the problem, a solution is too quickly presented. It would have been cool to get deeper into an alien trial for McCoy and have the Enterprise crew situation steadily worsen.
Also, I immediately thought of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory and Violet turning colors as being similar to the virus symptoms. The movie was released in 1971 and this in 1974 so had me very curious if the writers were taken by that scene and decided to pay homage to it in this episode. If you’ve seen the classic movie and then watched this, you might see the similarity, whether by coincidence or design.
Nonetheless, still an entertaining episode, even if the pacing is too fast. It would have been a better episode if the story didn’t feel so rushed.
Episode rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
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