Mr. Spinrad, perhaps I've missed it but is there any drawing or visual concept for your original DD machine? I'd be most interested to see what you had envisioned.
Thank you for bringing us what is arguably the best original series episode produced. It has always been my favorite all time Star Trek episode, worthy of a sequel. Actually a sequel was produced by James Cawley's ST: Phase II, but it wasn't as good as the original.
Regarding Shatner's "counting lines" on scripts I heard from Harlan Ellison that Shatner was doing the same thing with "The City on the Edge of Forever". It seems that you took it better than Ellison did.
Norman, Why is it I haven't found comments by William Windom about his role as Commodore Matthew Decker anywhere on YouTube??? BTW, excellent episode...still has me on the edge of my seat when I watch Decker's Kamakazi raid on The Doomsday Machine.
When I played Star Trek Online, the supercharged torpedoes made rubble out of the Doomsday Machine, but barely made a dent in the Crystalline Entity. :(
Periodically I return to this, just because your presentation of the Eldritch Truth behind this show and those special effects is hilarious. Would have liked to have seen that Doomsday Machine sketch; I picture it as something Druillet might have cooked up in a particularly fierce, antisocial drawing session. Don't know if you're familiar with Druillet, but that IS a compliment.
Well, Norman, if you read this, it was a good insightful look into one of my favorite Trek stories and I hope you do a similar one on what I consider your finest novel, The Iron Dream.
I've just watched the remastered version and I have to say that the CBS team have done a stunning job; I was as moved as I was when seeing this for the first time as a 6 year old!!
Personally, I like the design of the Planet Killer, it's totally alien and non-generic.....
Defo in my Top 5 fall-time favourites of any Trek episode........
Mr. Spinrad, It was quality writing/stories, like yours, that helped make Star Trek the classic it is today. Thank you for speaking about this particular episode. If I may ask, what did you think of Sol Kaplan's music penned for that episode? Your screenplay combined with a very well done musical score sets "The Doomsday Machine" apart from other episodes. Thank you sir. Daniel Briggs
PS, I always thought the "machine" looked like a "sugar cone". I would have loved to see your design.
Thanks for posting this. Thanks also for your other many contributions to literature and storytelling. You, Clark, Asimov, Heinlein, and Niven, inspired me at an early age to commit myself to help in shaping the future.
The message of "Doomsday" was clear -- even to a boy of then 9 years. How many writers could pull that off?
"... There IS no third planet!" "... Don't you think I know that?" Since I first saw this episode as a kid, that still sends chills down my spine.
Dear Mr Spinrad. THANK YOU for posting this. Star Trek is truly one of my favorits shows, and the Doomsday Machine is one of the best episodes from the series. We would all love to hear more stories for Star Trek TOS so PLEASE DO post more videos here on You Tube. Thanks again :)
Thank you for taking the time to post this insite. Doomsday machine is truly one of the finest episodes of ST. I would like ask if you ever plan to make available your original script, before any 'edits' by the actors. I'd also like to echo the notion of posting your original concepts of the machine. Both would be very interesting and add to the history of ST and your episode.
Thanks again, it'd be great to hear more from you.
Mr. Spinrad, do u by chance still have your concept drawings for the Doomsday machine, if not do u think u may be able to recreate them ? I know many fans would be keen to see your concept of the doomsday machine.
Mr. Spinrad, this is my favorite TOS episode, too. It was my first inspiration and it led to my eventual career as a video producer. I thank you.
As a nine-year-old at the time of the original airing of DDM, I was awe-struck. To my recollection, this was the first time a battle in space had ever been done on the small screen. Is this correct? Maybe some of you older TV viewers can help me out.
Thanks for your comments Mr.Spinrad, Star Trek's The Doomsday Machine had a very inspiring effect on me way back as a kid. I became an animator (blacklisted now in NYC because I love Japanese anime)influenced in part through you and Mr.Roddenberry's sense of balancing action, humor, high concepts and character complexities for a country that couldn't see worth in the arena that it was producing. Thanks for the Drama!
Mr. Spinrad, Thank you for posting your comments about one of the best episodes ever made from the original Star Trek series. Next to "The Trouble With Tribbles", "The Doomsday Machine" was excellently produced, written, and acted as well as it could be...and it also scared the crap out of me as a seven-year-old when I saw it in reruns. It still does...but I now understand the premise behind this episode. It would have been interesting to see Robert Ryan as Commdr. Decker!
And a few more: Thank you very much for taking the time to make and post your youtube behind the scenes clip. I've enjoyed the intellect and creativity you've put into your works, and to hear some of what made the episode is always enjoyable.
Thanks for posting! DDM is my favorite Star Trek episode hands down. Would love to hear how you would have Kirk and Decker meet at Starfleet Academy in the new movie prequel, since you created the Decker character.
Thanks for posting this, Mr. Spinrad. "Doomsday Machine" is one of Star Trek's best episodes, ever. It's great to get the behind-the-scenes info from the actual author.
In Spinrad's original draft of "The Doomsday Machine", commodore "Brand" Decker lived. He was re-written by Gene Coon and Gene Roddenberry. Spinrad's right about Shatner counting his lines. Composer Sol Kaplan's score became a classic. He only did two Star Trek's. He was a rising film composer until blacklisted in the '50s, settling for tv work in the '60s. Pity. I didn't know Theodore Sturgeon was still alive. Quite a writer! Check out his work.
I stand corrected. I'm remembering James Blish's adaptation's of Star Trek scripts, in which Commodore Decker lived. Nice to know you're still alive and well, Mr. Sturgeon. I may go back and re-read some of your work!
Thanks so much for your insight into my favorite TOS episode. The DDM may have just been a Windsock in cement in all that, but it scared the hell out of me when I was 7 in the early 70's.
It was also the first episode I remember seeing another starship the same class as the Enterprise.
Thanks again for your wonderful story and please post more of your comments.
Thank you for posting this. I have loved this episode ever since I was a kid. I belive that the "cement windsock" design had no impact on how the Planet Killer was percieved, since it is was powerful enough to destroy a planet. The windsock approach did not take any mystery or fear out of it.
Mr. Spinrad, thanks for your engaging recounts. Please continue.
P.S. I personally thought that your writing, interpreted by William Windom, was magic. I've shown your episode to non-trekkers who found themselves suddenly silent; I even saw burgeoning tears, at this moment:
Decker: On the third planet.
Kirk: (Yelling) There is no third planet!
Decker: "There was, but not any more! Four hundred of them (...) I couldn't..."
Thankyou Mr Spinrad for creating one of the most fascinating scripts for all of Star Trek :-) And I am wondering ... you could perhaps re-draw the picture of the Doomsday Machine as you originally envisioned it? I'm VERY interested in what you had in mind, as likely many other Star Trek fans are. So Sir, most kindly, please draw it again. I'm dieing to see what it was 'supposed' to look like. Please consider it Sir, for all the Star Trek fans out here. Thankyou Sir :-) ~ Jonathan Rich
It might not have been Blish who essentially bowdlerized the story in the novelization version; everything had to be approved by Paramount, and maybe they dictated something "softer."
Thankyou Mr Spinrad for creating one of the most fascinating scripts for all of Star Trek :-) And I am wondering ... you could perhaps re-draw the picture of the Doomsday Machine as you originally envisioned it? I'm VERY interested in what you had in mind, as likely many other Star Trek fans are. So Sir, most kindly, please draw it again. I'm dieing to see what it was 'supposed' to look like. Please consider it Sir, for all the Star Trek fans out here. Thankyou Sir :-) ~ Jonathan Rich
Thank you for your explanation, Mr. Spinrad. Since James Blish adapted most of the TV scripts from their first draft incarnations, I assumed (incorrectly) that yours was one of them. So it was Blish himself that altered your script in print {I didn't hear your comment on this before, so I apologize for that as well}.
I have no idea why he did that, either...and thank you for your prompt reply!
Warp speed, impulse engines, phasers, and the human dilema to destroy something that apparently can't be destroyed or at least is very resistant resonated in my thoughts. Now I can verbalize it but as a kid the visuals, the dialogue, the sounds, the arguments, and the resolution were great.
It bring my own latent thoughts to the surface. For example, what is your take about only using phasers to stop that machine, when I first saw the episode (early 70s) I said to myself why don't they use all their photon torpedos and now decades later my thought is that at least they could have used somekind of mega-warhead on one torpedo (it was probably a budgetary issue).
The final solution of detonating the other crippled inside the machine seemed sad. Commador Decker died and his ship died too. If it had not been for Desilu Productions (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez)then Star Trek would have never started. She was a great lady. Thank you for your effort again. Byron
There's one thing I'm curious about, Mr. Spinrad- in James Blish's adaptation of your first draft script for "The Doomsday Machine", Commodore Decker lives. But he literally throws himself into the "planet killer" in the actual episode. I know his death made the story even more haunting, but who altered your script? And why?
I was never terribly fond of it but there was a fan-made sequel to The Doomsday Machine.... it was a very good effort, but I think the story was a little too big to fit into the format of a 50 minute episode.
Having said that, it's notable for having a short appearance by the guy that played Decker in the first place!
Anyway... thanks for writing one of my all time favourites.
Do you still have the sketch of the original drawings of your rendition of the planet killer? I would love to see what your idea of how it was supposed to look like in the original series.
I can honestly say that when the remastered one appeared on screen, i was holding my breath and didnt notice till the comercial break that i started gasping for air and coughing...few minutes later my constellation model was knocked off the table lol im planning on making another doomsday machine out of cardboard and aluminum but design it like it was in VENDETTA
Mr. Spinrad, The "DDM" is far and away the best episode of Star Trek.I am curious as to what makes you think "Star Trek" is better than "2001"! 2001 is quite the greatest idea commited to film and practically a religious experience. It's funny how many so-called SF admirers despise this film it seems they don't take SF seriously enough themselves. Also one question; I thought Gene Roddenberry had left Star trek by the third season I'm surprised to hear he had any input on this episode!
DOOMSDAY MACHINE was a second season episode, not third. I've written a lot about 2001, and won't get deep into it here, except to say that to someone who has read a lot of literary science fiction, there was nothing new in it, and as a professional story-teller, I contend that Kubrick in general was a lousy story teller, and as someone with a lot of inside info, I can tell you that Kubrick meddled clumsily in Arthur Clarke's writing of the novelization as well as the screenplay.
Thanks for posting. I myself had not heard of you until a co-worker and writer told me that my favorite episode was written by you. I just forwarded this to him. Thanks for the background and please keep them coming. I too am very curious how your doomsday machine looked. Could we see it please?
Cement windsock or not, it's still looks threatening. It really is a good story, right up there with BoT. BTW, do you still have any drawings of what your original Planet Killer still laying around, or remember what it looks like? I would love to see how you saw it.
Very insightful, as a hobby I tract down first draft scripts, not always easy. Would love if you posted your orginal somewhere, just a thought. Also, I'm most intrested in hearing some more detailed verbal description on your design of the Planet Killer, and ofcourse anyother stories you'd like to share would be very welcomed.
Gracias for the insight, Senor Spinrad. A classic episode, to say the least, so it's great to get a first person review by its progenitor. BTW, Bug Jack Barron is one of the great masterpieces of 60s SF, in my humble opinion. The book singlehandedly gave me faith that SF literature could reach higher when I discovered it in the late 80s.
Laughing at the cement windsock! Pefect description! I remember ever since I was a kid remembering the giant killer-carrot episode. But it seems when it came to great storylines... and what brought the best of the "universe" of the series, always thought of that episode as the epitome. Thanks for the insight!
Mr Spinrad. I am very grateful to you for writing such an episode. This WAS THE episode that got my attention and got me hooked on the Star Trek series back when I was four years old during the 1970's syndication. From a kid's point of view in those days, it was a nail biter. Today, I still enjoy it very much. I thank you very much for getting me to watch an American Icon. Take Care.
Interesting observation on Shatner again...saw the new version last night, considering "the scope" that the new effects offered I was disappointed like yourself with the planet killer.
Do you feel your original doomsday machine was re hashed in Star Trek The Movie and Star Trek iv ?
Mr S: I haven't seen this ep in ca. 25 years, but: it seems to me that you built an aggressively Freudian scenario into it: the device is highly phallic from the side, and a vagina-dentata from the front. Kirk rams his shuttle down the thing's _throat_. In a side-view the phallus cums. Kirk reappears in the transporter, sweating and breathing hard.
The author's response, even if it disillusions me about your cleverness in getting this past the censors, would be greatly appreciated!
I don't think the CGI inserts work very well but thankfully nothing detracts from the quality scripts of the original Star Trek. Doomsday Machine is a great episode and Robert Ryan would have been cool. My only gripe is that Ahab would never have made it to Admiral lol. Thanks for a great video.
Thanks for posting this! I try to get every bit of knowledge from that episode I can and am in the process in writing a short story about Matt Deckers trip to system L-370
Thanks for posting this video! Love Old Trek made "New" and "The Doomsday Machine" was one of my favorites of the Original series and the updated version was a real treat. Just reread an old copy of "Agents of Chaos" that I picked up in High School back in the 80's...how timely it still is! Loved it then...and now! Thanks!
Thanks Mr. Spinrad! The Doomsday Machine is probably my favorite episode from the original series. I wish you had done more writing for the show, particularly in the last season which really needed it. I'll bet Bill Shatner hated that Nimoy was so popular. I'll also bet Nimoy hated his lines being cut out. Who was doing the cutting? Daniels or Shatner himself?
Shatner cut the lines. Nimov was cool about it. All he had to do was stand there in the make-up in front of the camera to steal a scene, and that's what drove Bill Shatner nuts.
As a long time Star Trek fan, I thank you Mr. Spinrad for taking the time to do this. I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look at one of the truly great episodes of Star Trek. Thank you.
Just want to say thanks for doing this. I found it really interesting and it's always great to hear the stories from the early days. I'd definitely like to hear what you have to say about the letter writing campaign.
Also, I completely agree with you regarding SFX. They can be really great to look at and I certainly appreciate the impressive technology that goes into them, but they need to act as a support for everything else, not a replacement.
I have always been interested in first hand tales of the original series. I would love to hear more and I am VERY interested in seeing your design for the Doomsday Machine!
I was tangentially involved in the 2001 project before the film was released and had written about it while it was still in the process, and Doomsday Machine, as I remember was second season Star Trek.
Good story, Norman. The episode's definitely one of the best of the originals. (I always liked Kirk's line about Scotty earning his pay for the week. It felt more _real_ than the "Captain Video" style of dialogue that televised SF had in those days.)
But I got a question about a detail. You said that Roddenberry hired you because of a piece you did comparing his show to _2001_. Thing is, _2001_ didn't come out 'till a year later. Sure it wasn't some other article?
Thank you for your anecdotes on the show you wrote. I am sure I am not alone in the hope that you will treat us to more of your stories about your experiences behind the scenes!!
I think this reaction goes to prove something that Hollywood has forgotten--story, action, character, and acting are more important than wizard FX, though wizard FX are nice. But story should not simply serve as a line on which hang them out for display.
Yes, please let us know your take on the story of the letter writing campaign that saved the original Star Trek.
Thanks so much for all the insights. "Doomsday Machine" was my favorite episode of Star Trek from the time I was about five years old.
Even if it was just a "wind sock dipped in cement" at the time it was a tremendous episode - suspenseful all the way through - not really challenged at all clear up until <i>Wrath of Khan</i> ...
I have to disgree with you about the planet killer design - it scared the s*** out of me as a kid, and even though you had something specific in mind, I think what Greg Jein did was just fabulous as well. Do you have any memories of Marc Daniels? People say he ran a tight ship. Thanks, but please don't let us distract you from your work.
I was there from the very beginning, indeed was part of the initial strategy in a small way, and do know the whole story from the inside, and really have no particular ax to grind. NS
If you are looking for encouragement concerning your take on the infamous "letter writing campaign," you have my vote. I've heard many versions from Nimoy, Solow, Justman, and, of course, Roddenbury and since there are obvious discrepencies in these accounts, your voice could fill in some gaps.
Great episode! Thanks Mr.
Spinrad.
desa415 9 months ago
Great insight Mr. Spinrad. Nice to hear your story.
MLKKAEFEnterprises 9 months ago
I don't know who the other Matt decker was going to be but, this one was the right one and the only one.
couerl 11 months ago
Mr. Spinrad, perhaps I've missed it but is there any drawing or visual concept for your original DD machine? I'd be most interested to see what you had envisioned.
Daniel
dsgm 1 year ago
These revamped episodes are now playing on Australian free-to-air television.
ToxicWastoid 1 year ago
Sorry bit I prefer the "horn o'plenty" design as shown, sorry Norman! :)
MissAdolphHitler1988 1 year ago
Thank you for bringing us what is arguably the best original series episode produced. It has always been my favorite all time Star Trek episode, worthy of a sequel. Actually a sequel was produced by James Cawley's ST: Phase II, but it wasn't as good as the original.
Regarding Shatner's "counting lines" on scripts I heard from Harlan Ellison that Shatner was doing the same thing with "The City on the Edge of Forever". It seems that you took it better than Ellison did.
basherman69 1 year ago
Norman, have you seen the video titled, "Star Trek: "The Doomsday Machine" (Part 1 of 8)"? They have done some great work on that.
dbingamon 1 year ago
Norman, Why is it I haven't found comments by William Windom about his role as Commodore Matthew Decker anywhere on YouTube??? BTW, excellent episode...still has me on the edge of my seat when I watch Decker's Kamakazi raid on The Doomsday Machine.
scottmyers63 1 year ago
When I played Star Trek Online, the supercharged torpedoes made rubble out of the Doomsday Machine, but barely made a dent in the Crystalline Entity. :(
mhirtes12 1 year ago
Periodically I return to this, just because your presentation of the Eldritch Truth behind this show and those special effects is hilarious. Would have liked to have seen that Doomsday Machine sketch; I picture it as something Druillet might have cooked up in a particularly fierce, antisocial drawing session. Don't know if you're familiar with Druillet, but that IS a compliment.
gomro 1 year ago
Well, Norman, if you read this, it was a good insightful look into one of my favorite Trek stories and I hope you do a similar one on what I consider your finest novel, The Iron Dream.
HerrEllsworth 2 years ago
This has been flagged as spam show
I've just watched the remastered version and I have to say that the CBS team have done a stunning job; I was as moved as I was when seeing this for the first time as a 6 year old!!
Personally, I like the design of the Planet Killer, it's totally alien and non-generic.....
Defo in my Top 5 fall-time favourites of any Trek episode........
GNeuman 2 years ago
Comment removed
GNeuman 2 years ago
Mr. Spinrad
I agree withTheGhosthunter 37 as it also reminded me of a giant sugar cone in space.
That said, I think this esp was the most frighting of the ST shows and ranks right up there with the first ALIEN film.
Would very much seeing another UTUBE with you discussing additonal ST and science fiction in general.
Thank You Sir
rangeclerk 2 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, It was quality writing/stories, like yours, that helped make Star Trek the classic it is today. Thank you for speaking about this particular episode. If I may ask, what did you think of Sol Kaplan's music penned for that episode? Your screenplay combined with a very well done musical score sets "The Doomsday Machine" apart from other episodes. Thank you sir. Daniel Briggs
PS, I always thought the "machine" looked like a "sugar cone". I would have loved to see your design.
TheGhosthunter37 2 years ago
Love your scripts! Your work on "The InVadeRs" was excellent too!
FilmsRreel 2 years ago
please tell us more as you mentioned at the end of this clip
jimbonnie 2 years ago
Thanks for posting this. Thanks also for your other many contributions to literature and storytelling. You, Clark, Asimov, Heinlein, and Niven, inspired me at an early age to commit myself to help in shaping the future.
The message of "Doomsday" was clear -- even to a boy of then 9 years. How many writers could pull that off?
"... There IS no third planet!" "... Don't you think I know that?" Since I first saw this episode as a kid, that still sends chills down my spine.
How cool is that?
ianabruce 3 years ago
Dear Mr Spinrad. THANK YOU for posting this. Star Trek is truly one of my favorits shows, and the Doomsday Machine is one of the best episodes from the series. We would all love to hear more stories for Star Trek TOS so PLEASE DO post more videos here on You Tube. Thanks again :)
RedPortiaOne 3 years ago
Mr. Spinrad,
Thank you for taking the time to post this insite. Doomsday machine is truly one of the finest episodes of ST. I would like ask if you ever plan to make available your original script, before any 'edits' by the actors. I'd also like to echo the notion of posting your original concepts of the machine. Both would be very interesting and add to the history of ST and your episode.
Thanks again, it'd be great to hear more from you.
Best of luck,
Daniel
dsgm 3 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, do u by chance still have your concept drawings for the Doomsday machine, if not do u think u may be able to recreate them ? I know many fans would be keen to see your concept of the doomsday machine.
Please let us know.
JonusNavarre 3 years ago
great stuff!! Thank you so much, sir!
SteveTheMeek 3 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, thank you for your excellent work on Star Trek, and for those comments about the Doomsday Machine. We want more !
power2084 3 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, this is my favorite TOS episode, too. It was my first inspiration and it led to my eventual career as a video producer. I thank you.
As a nine-year-old at the time of the original airing of DDM, I was awe-struck. To my recollection, this was the first time a battle in space had ever been done on the small screen. Is this correct? Maybe some of you older TV viewers can help me out.
kayAbee 3 years ago
Thanks for your comments Mr.Spinrad, Star Trek's The Doomsday Machine had a very inspiring effect on me way back as a kid. I became an animator (blacklisted now in NYC because I love Japanese anime)influenced in part through you and Mr.Roddenberry's sense of balancing action, humor, high concepts and character complexities for a country that couldn't see worth in the arena that it was producing. Thanks for the Drama!
DMaustrap 3 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, Thank you for posting your comments about one of the best episodes ever made from the original Star Trek series. Next to "The Trouble With Tribbles", "The Doomsday Machine" was excellently produced, written, and acted as well as it could be...and it also scared the crap out of me as a seven-year-old when I saw it in reruns. It still does...but I now understand the premise behind this episode. It would have been interesting to see Robert Ryan as Commdr. Decker!
scottmyers63 3 years ago
Thanks for the best TOS episode ever! You are THE MAN!
cajunforce 4 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, two words and an emoticon:
YOU. ROCK. :)
And a few more: Thank you very much for taking the time to make and post your youtube behind the scenes clip. I've enjoyed the intellect and creativity you've put into your works, and to hear some of what made the episode is always enjoyable.
Yes, please do post more in the future!
HypnoToad72 4 years ago
Mr. Spinrad,
Thanks for posting! DDM is my favorite Star Trek episode hands down. Would love to hear how you would have Kirk and Decker meet at Starfleet Academy in the new movie prequel, since you created the Decker character.
opusxsmoker 4 years ago
It's would be great to hear more.
sickphil71 4 years ago
I wonder what his inspiration was for the Doomsday Machine, Hee Haw?
Jayfive67 4 years ago
Yes, please! We would love to hear more from you!
jtiesi 4 years ago
Thanks for posting this, Mr. Spinrad. "Doomsday Machine" is one of Star Trek's best episodes, ever. It's great to get the behind-the-scenes info from the actual author.
cubuffalo90 4 years ago
Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look into a great episode.
mattcash76 4 years ago
In Spinrad's original draft of "The Doomsday Machine", commodore "Brand" Decker lived. He was re-written by Gene Coon and Gene Roddenberry. Spinrad's right about Shatner counting his lines. Composer Sol Kaplan's score became a classic. He only did two Star Trek's. He was a rising film composer until blacklisted in the '50s, settling for tv work in the '60s. Pity. I didn't know Theodore Sturgeon was still alive. Quite a writer! Check out his work.
ronboy38 4 years ago
I've said this before--Decker did not survive in any draft I wrote.
normanspinrad 4 years ago
I stand corrected. I'm remembering James Blish's adaptation's of Star Trek scripts, in which Commodore Decker lived. Nice to know you're still alive and well, Mr. Sturgeon. I may go back and re-read some of your work!
ronboy38 4 years ago
???? I'm not Ted Sturgeon!
normanspinrad 4 years ago
And what *did* James Doohan mutter as Scotty hurries to fix the transporter?
richardschumacher 4 years ago
Mr. Spinrad,
Did you have any interaction with Sol Kaplan while he scored your episode? Do you know how he got the job? What do you think of his work?
richardschumacher 4 years ago
God bless you for what you have done. Please tell us more. The best TV ever in this episode. TPK
poopsbirdzilla 4 years ago
Hi Mr. Spinrad,
Thanks so much for your insight into my favorite TOS episode. The DDM may have just been a Windsock in cement in all that, but it scared the hell out of me when I was 7 in the early 70's.
It was also the first episode I remember seeing another starship the same class as the Enterprise.
Thanks again for your wonderful story and please post more of your comments.
oldcode 4 years ago
Oh yeah I just watched it today "The Doomsday Machine" is a brillant story and concept. Spinard is a great sci-fi writer :)
Phaser120 4 years ago
Mr. Spinrad,
Thank you for posting this. I have loved this episode ever since I was a kid. I belive that the "cement windsock" design had no impact on how the Planet Killer was percieved, since it is was powerful enough to destroy a planet. The windsock approach did not take any mystery or fear out of it.
Thedesertcoyote 4 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, thanks for your engaging recounts. Please continue.
P.S. I personally thought that your writing, interpreted by William Windom, was magic. I've shown your episode to non-trekkers who found themselves suddenly silent; I even saw burgeoning tears, at this moment:
Decker: On the third planet.
Kirk: (Yelling) There is no third planet!
Decker: "There was, but not any more! Four hundred of them (...) I couldn't..."
Chuck1701 4 years ago
Thankyou Mr Spinrad for creating one of the most fascinating scripts for all of Star Trek :-) And I am wondering ... you could perhaps re-draw the picture of the Doomsday Machine as you originally envisioned it? I'm VERY interested in what you had in mind, as likely many other Star Trek fans are. So Sir, most kindly, please draw it again. I'm dieing to see what it was 'supposed' to look like. Please consider it Sir, for all the Star Trek fans out here. Thankyou Sir :-) ~ Jonathan Rich
Kavalino 4 years ago
It might not have been Blish who essentially bowdlerized the story in the novelization version; everything had to be approved by Paramount, and maybe they dictated something "softer."
normanspinrad 4 years ago
Thankyou Mr Spinrad for creating one of the most fascinating scripts for all of Star Trek :-) And I am wondering ... you could perhaps re-draw the picture of the Doomsday Machine as you originally envisioned it? I'm VERY interested in what you had in mind, as likely many other Star Trek fans are. So Sir, most kindly, please draw it again. I'm dieing to see what it was 'supposed' to look like. Please consider it Sir, for all the Star Trek fans out here. Thankyou Sir :-) ~ Jonathan Rich
Kavalino 4 years ago
Thank you for your explanation, Mr. Spinrad. Since James Blish adapted most of the TV scripts from their first draft incarnations, I assumed (incorrectly) that yours was one of them. So it was Blish himself that altered your script in print {I didn't hear your comment on this before, so I apologize for that as well}.
I have no idea why he did that, either...and thank you for your prompt reply!
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
As I've said here before, there was never a version of my script in which Decker lived. Why Blish did what he did, I have no idea.
normanspinrad 4 years ago
Warp speed, impulse engines, phasers, and the human dilema to destroy something that apparently can't be destroyed or at least is very resistant resonated in my thoughts. Now I can verbalize it but as a kid the visuals, the dialogue, the sounds, the arguments, and the resolution were great.
travelready2004 4 years ago
It bring my own latent thoughts to the surface. For example, what is your take about only using phasers to stop that machine, when I first saw the episode (early 70s) I said to myself why don't they use all their photon torpedos and now decades later my thought is that at least they could have used somekind of mega-warhead on one torpedo (it was probably a budgetary issue).
travelready2004 4 years ago
The final solution of detonating the other crippled inside the machine seemed sad. Commador Decker died and his ship died too. If it had not been for Desilu Productions (Lucille Ball and Desi Arnez)then Star Trek would have never started. She was a great lady. Thank you for your effort again. Byron
travelready2004 4 years ago
There's one thing I'm curious about, Mr. Spinrad- in James Blish's adaptation of your first draft script for "The Doomsday Machine", Commodore Decker lives. But he literally throws himself into the "planet killer" in the actual episode. I know his death made the story even more haunting, but who altered your script? And why?
fromthesidelines 4 years ago
You are doing an amazing service to the fans!!!
I'd like to urge everyone who's worked on Star Trek
to do something similar - as time progresses we'll lose people and where will all the great memories go?
Thanks!
brookestephen 4 years ago
I was never terribly fond of it but there was a fan-made sequel to The Doomsday Machine.... it was a very good effort, but I think the story was a little too big to fit into the format of a 50 minute episode.
Having said that, it's notable for having a short appearance by the guy that played Decker in the first place!
Anyway... thanks for writing one of my all time favourites.
Zebonka 4 years ago
Mr Spinrad,
Do you still have the sketch of the original drawings of your rendition of the planet killer? I would love to see what your idea of how it was supposed to look like in the original series.
KJOSCOT 5 years ago
As I saidsbefore, the sketches are long lost. Didn't even show up in that crazy Star Trek memorabilias auction.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
I can honestly say that when the remastered one appeared on screen, i was holding my breath and didnt notice till the comercial break that i started gasping for air and coughing...few minutes later my constellation model was knocked off the table lol im planning on making another doomsday machine out of cardboard and aluminum but design it like it was in VENDETTA
TokoGT 5 years ago
Mr. Spinrad, The "DDM" is far and away the best episode of Star Trek.I am curious as to what makes you think "Star Trek" is better than "2001"! 2001 is quite the greatest idea commited to film and practically a religious experience. It's funny how many so-called SF admirers despise this film it seems they don't take SF seriously enough themselves. Also one question; I thought Gene Roddenberry had left Star trek by the third season I'm surprised to hear he had any input on this episode!
SpaceIntruderDetecto 5 years ago
DOOMSDAY MACHINE was a second season episode, not third. I've written a lot about 2001, and won't get deep into it here, except to say that to someone who has read a lot of literary science fiction, there was nothing new in it, and as a professional story-teller, I contend that Kubrick in general was a lousy story teller, and as someone with a lot of inside info, I can tell you that Kubrick meddled clumsily in Arthur Clarke's writing of the novelization as well as the screenplay.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
Thanks for posting. I myself had not heard of you until a co-worker and writer told me that my favorite episode was written by you. I just forwarded this to him. Thanks for the background and please keep them coming. I too am very curious how your doomsday machine looked. Could we see it please?
cruiserc57d 5 years ago
Nice, Please keep the videos coming!
CaptScott 5 years ago
Cement windsock or not, it's still looks threatening. It really is a good story, right up there with BoT. BTW, do you still have any drawings of what your original Planet Killer still laying around, or remember what it looks like? I would love to see how you saw it.
BFGfreak 5 years ago
Mr. Spinrad,
Very insightful, as a hobby I tract down first draft scripts, not always easy. Would love if you posted your orginal somewhere, just a thought. Also, I'm most intrested in hearing some more detailed verbal description on your design of the Planet Killer, and ofcourse anyother stories you'd like to share would be very welcomed.
qland 5 years ago
Wow ... thanks so much for the back story. It's wonderful to hear *real* commentary that isn't glossed over with political nicetys.
This is so much more interesting ... thanks again.
lanesade 5 years ago
Gracias for the insight, Senor Spinrad. A classic episode, to say the least, so it's great to get a first person review by its progenitor. BTW, Bug Jack Barron is one of the great masterpieces of 60s SF, in my humble opinion. The book singlehandedly gave me faith that SF literature could reach higher when I discovered it in the late 80s.
challabuck 5 years ago
Laughing at the cement windsock! Pefect description! I remember ever since I was a kid remembering the giant killer-carrot episode. But it seems when it came to great storylines... and what brought the best of the "universe" of the series, always thought of that episode as the epitome. Thanks for the insight!
idahoMW 5 years ago
LOL! That is exactly what I called it back then! "The Giant Carrot Episode" Me and my friends would watch on the day the TV Guide said it was on.
KJOSCOT 5 years ago
Mr Spinrad. I am very grateful to you for writing such an episode. This WAS THE episode that got my attention and got me hooked on the Star Trek series back when I was four years old during the 1970's syndication. From a kid's point of view in those days, it was a nail biter. Today, I still enjoy it very much. I thank you very much for getting me to watch an American Icon. Take Care.
KJOSCOT 5 years ago
Interesting observation on Shatner again...saw the new version last night, considering "the scope" that the new effects offered I was disappointed like yourself with the planet killer.
Do you feel your original doomsday machine was re hashed in Star Trek The Movie and Star Trek iv ?
Thanks for doing this video...
ciao1966 5 years ago
Mr S: I haven't seen this ep in ca. 25 years, but: it seems to me that you built an aggressively Freudian scenario into it: the device is highly phallic from the side, and a vagina-dentata from the front. Kirk rams his shuttle down the thing's _throat_. In a side-view the phallus cums. Kirk reappears in the transporter, sweating and breathing hard.
The author's response, even if it disillusions me about your cleverness in getting this past the censors, would be greatly appreciated!
danldo 5 years ago
If you listen to the video again, you'll hear that the Doomsday Machine model that was built was nothing like what I designed.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
This is great. The renewed interest in classic Trek is brilliant. Thanks for your blogs Mr Spinrad.
Speedwaymad 5 years ago
Very interesting indeed. I hope we hear more from Mr Spinrad.
Speedwaymad 5 years ago
I don't think the CGI inserts work very well but thankfully nothing detracts from the quality scripts of the original Star Trek. Doomsday Machine is a great episode and Robert Ryan would have been cool. My only gripe is that Ahab would never have made it to Admiral lol. Thanks for a great video.
Haldane4 5 years ago
My mistake - Commodore - and I'm wrong, maybe obsession is a privilege of rank. Great ep.
Haldane4 5 years ago
Decker never made it past Comnmodore, after all!
normanspinrad 5 years ago
Thanks for posting this! I try to get every bit of knowledge from that episode I can and am in the process in writing a short story about Matt Deckers trip to system L-370
TokoGT 5 years ago
Thanks for posting this video! Love Old Trek made "New" and "The Doomsday Machine" was one of my favorites of the Original series and the updated version was a real treat. Just reread an old copy of "Agents of Chaos" that I picked up in High School back in the 80's...how timely it still is! Loved it then...and now! Thanks!
Tanrue 5 years ago
Thanks Mr. Spinrad! The Doomsday Machine is probably my favorite episode from the original series. I wish you had done more writing for the show, particularly in the last season which really needed it. I'll bet Bill Shatner hated that Nimoy was so popular. I'll also bet Nimoy hated his lines being cut out. Who was doing the cutting? Daniels or Shatner himself?
IAMKIROK 5 years ago
Shatner cut the lines. Nimov was cool about it. All he had to do was stand there in the make-up in front of the camera to steal a scene, and that's what drove Bill Shatner nuts.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
As a long time Star Trek fan, I thank you Mr. Spinrad for taking the time to do this. I really enjoyed this behind the scenes look at one of the truly great episodes of Star Trek. Thank you.
bigorangemichael 5 years ago
Thanks so much for making this video! Its always great to hear a different perspective on Star Trek from the people who made it.
novadesigns 5 years ago
Mr. Spinrad,
Just want to say thanks for doing this. I found it really interesting and it's always great to hear the stories from the early days. I'd definitely like to hear what you have to say about the letter writing campaign.
Also, I completely agree with you regarding SFX. They can be really great to look at and I certainly appreciate the impressive technology that goes into them, but they need to act as a support for everything else, not a replacement.
kryndis 5 years ago
Is there any chance we'll ever see those sketches of your vision of the Planet Killer? I would be very interested to see what you had in mind.
aridassofia 5 years ago
My sketches for the Doomsday Machine were pretty primitive drawing-wise, and lost forever.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
That's a shame. I appreciate the reply!
How about a description of what you had in mind?
scifieric 5 years ago
Something that looked both robotic in complexity and yet also alive, a very advanced purpose-built synthetic organism.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
I have always been interested in first hand tales of the original series. I would love to hear more and I am VERY interested in seeing your design for the Doomsday Machine!
scifieric 5 years ago
I was tangentially involved in the 2001 project before the film was released and had written about it while it was still in the process, and Doomsday Machine, as I remember was second season Star Trek.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
Good story, Norman. The episode's definitely one of the best of the originals. (I always liked Kirk's line about Scotty earning his pay for the week. It felt more _real_ than the "Captain Video" style of dialogue that televised SF had in those days.)
But I got a question about a detail. You said that Roddenberry hired you because of a piece you did comparing his show to _2001_. Thing is, _2001_ didn't come out 'till a year later. Sure it wasn't some other article?
BrianSiano 5 years ago
This was quite interesting...the story was always great and now the effects do it justice. Thank you for giving us this piece of trek history.
mojah99 5 years ago
Thank you for your anecdotes on the show you wrote. I am sure I am not alone in the hope that you will treat us to more of your stories about your experiences behind the scenes!!
enoesque 5 years ago
Norman,
Thanks so much for your taking the time to do this. for us old time fans it is very excellent and extra cool to get the inside info.
sanfranman123 5 years ago
I think this reaction goes to prove something that Hollywood has forgotten--story, action, character, and acting are more important than wizard FX, though wizard FX are nice. But story should not simply serve as a line on which hang them out for display.
normanspinrad 5 years ago
"Come now, tell us how you [i]really[/i] feel."
Can't wait for more monologues.
USSMariner 5 years ago
Yes, please let us know your take on the story of the letter writing campaign that saved the original Star Trek.
Thanks so much for all the insights. "Doomsday Machine" was my favorite episode of Star Trek from the time I was about five years old.
Even if it was just a "wind sock dipped in cement" at the time it was a tremendous episode - suspenseful all the way through - not really challenged at all clear up until <i>Wrath of Khan</i> ...
axinar 5 years ago
I have to disgree with you about the planet killer design - it scared the s*** out of me as a kid, and even though you had something specific in mind, I think what Greg Jein did was just fabulous as well. Do you have any memories of Marc Daniels? People say he ran a tight ship. Thanks, but please don't let us distract you from your work.
ancoraio 5 years ago
I was there from the very beginning, indeed was part of the initial strategy in a small way, and do know the whole story from the inside, and really have no particular ax to grind. NS
normanspinrad 5 years ago
Interesting.
If you are looking for encouragement concerning your take on the infamous "letter writing campaign," you have my vote. I've heard many versions from Nimoy, Solow, Justman, and, of course, Roddenbury and since there are obvious discrepencies in these accounts, your voice could fill in some gaps.
coraxMirror 5 years ago