The Empath

[hanoc101]

This episode has always had a nightmarish look to it because of the half-completed sets (probably due to a shrinking budget) and dark background where the Vayans pop in and out. Not one of the most popular ST:TOS episodes but it is one of the most poignant ones.

[DawnHeart15]

You know I don't mind the adds as long as they are differnt ones each time. If I see that Kaiser Permanente thing again I'll scream.

I keep watching because it is my favoirte ep.

[frank47hammer]

If I were to chose a mother she would be Gem. If I had her, I might be almost normal. Imagine falling into her arms, and her love would give hope to the most hopeless. I almost believe she would have been a good mother in real life.

[Reubenhubert]

Love and compassion are dead in you. You're nothing but intellect!

And your point is Captain?

[cianen]

OZABA FOR PRESIDENT! lol

[themusicofthestars]

This is such a great episode. It really shows the friendship between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy.

[stanfordsan]

Spock-"he's dieing jim. we can make him cofortable but that is all"

Jim-"Damn it Spock your a scientist not a doctor!"

[Yoshi741852]

why does McCoy never get 2 go shirtless????? we've seen kirk and spock shirtless before but y not McCoy?

[markos824]

@Yoshi741852 hes ashamed of  his body

[Yoshi741852]

@markos824 lol your right!

[nightflower6489]

i think spock and mccoy are really really really good friends. they're just such good friends they don't need to show it :)

[HubertHoratio]

9:39 awkward acting moment

[controlledfolly11]

love how they write Spock to forget he can mind meld and could have found out was going on in the first place . . .lol

[GodIsArEdsoXfan]

29:38 the empath knows Spock loves Kirk, she caught him staring. :)

[FreedomZealot]

@GodIsArEdsoXfan Actually, she knows Spock loves BOTH of his friends; she watched Spock and McCoy contend for the privilege of dying for the other two. The scene where Gem touches Spock and makes that love visible is among the most beautiful I've ever seen. Its kitschy production values aside, this episode is an extended study of "agape." I think it's utterly amazing, not to mention emotionally draining.

[AzureOctive]

YOUTOOB!! YOUR COMMERCIALS SHOULD NOT BE CAPS LOCK LOUD AND YOUR PROGRAMS lower case loud.

[tribunalfunk]

All the Trekkie ladies go gaga over Spock, and I admit that the mysterious alien allure is intriguing and sexy, but it gets old after a while. McCoy has always been more my speed. In space, but down to Earth. Mature, but he does get his dander up occasionally. He's caring and sentimental, he'd risk his hide to save another. While Spock could get the draws if a sister needed a quickie, McCoy embodies the qualities you'd want in a keeper.

[controlledfolly11]

@tribunalfunk lol . . .he may be a ham, and some may not want to admit it, but its not Spock who "the ladies go gaga over" - it's of course space cowboy Kirk

[chicknumero1]

Hey, how come McCoy didn't get to go shirtless?...

[gamgee87]

Does Spock not realize that saying that he was to go was...emotional? Just a little? Maybe?

[BondFreek]

Warning!!! "aquaristic" is a Troll, and admits it proudly!!

[8088samjam]

one of my favorite episodes -- I love the interplay and friendship between Spock, Kirk, and McCoy, and the usual bit of corniness at the very end :)

[modernlaura]

Its awesome...minimalist...good story...good acting....k/s/m friendship at the heart of it...love it love it love it <3

[JPa311979]

Psalm 95:4 mentioned at 2:00!

[peterinbrat]

One of the worst episodes of the original series. Miri would be close.

[BondFreek]

@peterinbrat. This episode tells a great moral if you are willing to watch it closer. It is a good story, it just needed a better director.

[clickgal]

Totally agree with KTAVERILL! I'm watching the series again as an adult and I'm realizing how much of a buddy movie the whole series was. It's oh no! My best friend is dying in like every episode, it's great.

[superbobfulspiffy]

Edward Cullen, take a hint from Spock: Staring at loved ones while they sleep is freaking adorable. In MODERATION.

That scene was full of "kirk/spock=canon. Seriously. The empath chick just told me with her face."

XD Awesome snarky ending for Spock.

[niraha]

lol @ 16:40... Kirk does Baywatch run.

[JamesTKirkCobain]

Spock has a cold.

[seveeona]

@JamesTKirkCobain I know isnt it cute!

[JamesTKirkCobain]

Kirk kicks butt!

[carpetmermaid]

The totality of all the minds that went into the epic production Star Trek, expresses the media as if it were a by-product of a great alchemy.

[TheBaconChannel]

star trek ftw !!!

[bob5944]

RangerGranger needs to get his facts straight.

[rangergranger]

The most underrated TOS episode of all. Low-budget, for sure, but writing, acting, and direction carry the day instead.

Republican/libertarian types hate this episode because they can't stomach the idea of selfless sacrifice, helping out your fellow man. Makes them squirm, like the worms they are. So that's even more reason to like this excellent third season episode.

[mafitzpat]

You're full of crap. Republican/Libertarian types do most of the volunteer work and give much more to charity than liberals. It's the concept of the government forcing sacrifice upon us that is irksome.

[bob5944]

Well said

[BondFreek]

Boy where do you get your notions from! Self sacrifice is at the hart of all conservatives. What do you think Christianity is? But self sacrifice must come from the individual and not forced by a government. I'm a conservative and I love this episode. Before you generalize go get the facts!! (and I dont mean car fax)

[alyca17]

Excuse me sir, or ma'am, but I am a Republican and work for the disaster relief department of the Red Cross, is that not helping out my fellow man? And for the record, I LOVE this episode BECAUSE of the selfless sacrifice. You have no right to declare what I, or anyone else, hates and does not hate. One thing is for sure though, I strongly dislike anyone who tries to clump me into a large collective group and assume we all think and act the same way.

one of the best episodes though.

[carpetmermaid]

@rangergranger it is the wisest of us who steer clear of anything that encourages herd mentality it is best not to name things either, you know cause that automatically puts limits on your thinking... explore what you observe of the world through the eyes of someone who is totally neutral and see how it will aide in finding encouraging things to think about :)

[neilzep]

@rangergranger whats up rump ranger?

[kittiekat10105]

@rangergranger Excuse me?! I'm a Republican, and I LOVE this episode! And are you kidding me?! Helping fellow man is what every true Conservative/Republican believes in!

[fads90]

Did that one scientist yell Osama before the other scientist disappeared?

[jointhefog]

One of the finest hours of television ever produced, but only if you are human enough to appreciate its moral content.

[CmorandAflo]

i love jem she is beautiful and i love the song they play when shes around.

[PromusKaa]

I don't think I can stand another week in this god-forsaken place."

That line was delivered by Jason Wingreen, who also did the ORIGINAL voice of Boba Fett. Which is really really cool!

[JohnnyDeppFan1433]

I really enjoy this episode. It shows just how much Kirk, Spock, and McCoy care about one another. Each is willing to suffer through torture in order to protect the others from going through the same.

[Risuchan14]

okay i loved Spock's Brain compared to this episode. wow. the worst I've ever seen of such a fantastic show

[Demithegoddess]

I love how Kirk always goes, "We're not going to hurt you." Right after he punches someone, and/or they all have their phasers drawn ready to fire.

YEAH, that sounds really creditable captain.

[XceptingDeniall]

I wish Spock was the one to be tortured. Sounds mean, but I think they would have used a more emotional form of torture on him, and it would have been interesting to see.

[angellcorps1]

The end was pretty funny

[awholelotofhooblah]

I love Jem's outfit with a BURNING PASSION! xD

[KTAVERILL]

This is one of my favs. It lets the trio's friendship shine through, instead of hiding it because of "Starfleet regulation".  Go Bones!!

[AjaofShanghai]

This was not as bad an episode as some have said. It does what The Final Frontier does: elaborate on the friendship between the trinity - Spock, Jim, and Bones.

[JETEYE2012]

would an alien race actually label their test tubes with english writing?

[WhitePhatGuy]

In the 60's, yes.

[XceptingDeniall]

How else could you have read it?

[vfabs31]

sort of

[Totalwar476]

Kirk looks buff in this episode

[shaxincat]

XD kirk fails at pronouncing 'offense'

[Bardlettt]

and tele...KENesis

[timbobos]

they must have spent all their budget on sets to makeup instead...meh.

[rm3334444]

The most stupid story off all the episodes. This writer was dumb!!!!

[jeffmara]

sounds like spock has a cold.

[Hidazuu]

umm if they can transport 1 planet to safety why a eighbor instead of themselves lol? theyre obviously more advanced -.- and being so surely they got ships to fly away in?

[Hidazuu]

idk they knew what the benz was back then -.- i give wayyy less credit to those times than they deserve.

[ramenguy1]

spock has good bedside manners wtf...? was bones just hitting on him!? :O

[twhis]

I love how kirk's natural response to a crazy alien device is to shrug and hand it to Spock :^)

[behathorn]

tin foil clothing must be a fashion trend in alien culture

[phantomphiddler5]

such a sweet episode

and spock's most prominent human emotion is good old sarcasm! <3

[phantomphiddler5]

ew hairy armpits!! XP

[mack583659]

the aliens look like the ones from

the never aired episode: (The Cage)

[jegsimmonsproduction]

by todays standards....the production for the scenery in this show wouldnt even get you a coupon for cambells chicken noodle soup.

[Kool2beAnerd]

So much dust for them to have only been gone for three months

[ghostikailo]

fucking commericals

[frankenshizzle]

eating ice cream

[DMaustrap]

Love the ending. Spock's like "Yeah, ill get right on it yer rat bastards" LOL!

Again  Friendship, compassion, love, all the staples of what separates original writings of Star Trek from the rest.

[CinciVulcan]

I think she's one of my favorite Trek girls ever.

[CinciVulcan]

Anyone else end up hating Brook Shields and Dr. Fang??

[behathorn]

this is one of my favorite episodes. great story

[YukiArashiRaikage]

at 21:18 she's like "...I think I like bondage. "

[xkonohaXcasanax]

hey, i'm trying to remember the name of a star trek tos episode...there's a scene in it where mccoy's doubled-over in pain and screams out "spock!" ? does anyone know the name of that episode? O_O

[TheDudeLordOfFantasy]

its in season one, called "Miri." its the one where mccoy tests out a vaccine for a disease without knowing the correct dosage. a pretty good episode.

[xkonohaXcasanax]

thank you sooooooo much!!!!!!!

[Thatpup16]

Very good episode. Shows the friendship bond between the main characters.

[StarTronAlpha]

This was probably the most bizarre episode so far. Gem's mime acting was too weird for me and she looked so 1960's.

It is amazing that in spite of Roddenberry's atheistic view, there are so many references to God, the Son of God, and the Bible in TOS.

There is NO place that one can hide from God... not even in an atheistic conception of science fiction!

[green5quirrel]

This was also written by a fan. It could be the reason behind the scriptures.

[marysueeasteregg]

"The Empath" was written by a fan. I believe it

was the only unsolicited script accepted for

production. The original version of the script

had McCoy dying, and being resurrected by

Gem. That storyline was rejected as being

too Christ-like.

[rredhawk]

Good point. Most TOS episodes I remember rely heavily on Shakespeare and that writer's superior understanding of human nature, but this episode is LOADED with Biblical allusion and alegory--even the Vians' forcefield, which draws energy from human aggrevation, reflects man being in bondage to his own sin. Kirk's rebuke of the Vians at the end reminds me of Christ laying into the Pharasees for emphasizing zeal for the law over compassion for those who need to be delivered from its burdens.

[stonesundial]

I like how Kirk softly says, "Thank you" at 11:58.

And Bones rules.

[oxymomo]

There's no bastard alien like a bulbous-headed bastard alien!

[zphalgirl87]

This episode is evidence that McCoy would never practice assisted suicide.

[/random comment]

[subaruandseishiro]

I think he did at one point... He mentions it in one of the movies but it's a regret of his.

[prreynolds]

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier

[beautifulpassion]

actually, Bones did.

[Dyslexicthemadly]

What an excellent episode! The set is kinda like "Hey! I'm too lazy to make a whole bunch of blinky light thingies, you wanna go get a coffee?" but it sort of adds to the creepy dream effect. The character writing is great, the woman who plays Gem is drop dead gorgeous, and the aliens are actually pretty scary by Star Trek standards. It's a psychologically interesting episode, for sure.

I like, yes I do.

[eddtoro]

I should be flabergazded because I won't have to buy the $700 cream anymore and can buy the $30 dollar one. Honey, i'ts mostly guys who are into Star Trek. It's what i'd see at conventions and when I did see women, they were arguing with their husbands because she felt he was childish and payed too much for a ST collectible. I don't buy creams especially for ridiculous prices.  and they use Candice Bergen, a spoiled brat of hollywood.

[melarry]

You don't go to the right Trek conventions. Go search "Trek slash" and prepared to have your eyes opened -- wide. :)

[himweproclaim]

"The story of the merchant" -- from the Bible... Star Trek uses tons of biblical references in these episodes.

[DedyPhlincke]

14:40 "Hey, you're the smart one, YOU figure this thing out"

[tiemedown]

bones' eyes break my heart when he knows hes going to die------ can you imagine if mccoy hadnt been able to hypo spock, spock going mad

[gavinvalmont]

I cant get a girl who will wash the dishes let alone take a injury for me, and she cant talk thats a keeper!

Would that have been totaly nuts if that "subject name OZABA" was Osama i thought so cause Osama rhymes with Obama... i thought it was a coincidence... im just commenting as i watch...

[gavinvalmont]

If a Jedi lost his light saiber as many times as the "Federation Star Ship Elite" the sith would have crushed the republic... oh, wait that did happen, but still a Jedi dont lose his light saber its with him till you cut off his hand!

[boobabycluebaby2]

Terrific episode. I love the trio's friendship. Kirk is such a good captain he always wants to make sure his men are safe. Poor McCoy!

[tiemedown]

aww spock just called bones his friend

[SpockAndLoad]

Very nice episode. I love Star Trek very much.

I really enjoyed Kirk's approach to Gem: "We're not going to hurt you. Don't be afraid...I WANNA KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON!" Oh Kirk. Much love.

[LoparXL]

@SpockAndLoad Yeah, but he still holds his phaser out like he's going to shoot her! Oh well, I guess it's just standard operating procedure.

[stonesundial]

Kirk approximately 34:00: "I intend to start offending right now" always makes me think of Mal Reynolds, "I aim to misbehave."

[milanaxc]

one of the best episodes.

[Fronator]

"Spock, why do you have to get so anylitical!" -McCoy

"Your action is highly unethical"- Spock to McCoy on injecting him w/ hypo to make McCoy be the one who will be tortured

McCoy after being tortured made me cry :(

[hanoc101]

I know. They are actually fighting over who will be the one to be tortured. That shows the depth of their friendship.

[magicianspirit]

No, the depth of their loyalty to the Mission. No one has a moral obligation or expectation to be tortured in the place of someone else.

[hanoc101]

I don't see how any reasonable person can interpret my comments about the depth of the Kirk/Spock/McCoy friendship as an endorsement of torture. The episode is largely about sacrifice. The Vayans are demanding Gem sacrifice herself. Link and Ozaba are called "unfit sujbects" probaly meaning that the depth of their friendship and willingness to sacrfice were not as deep as Kirk Spock McCoy. Ofcourse, the Vayans have good motives but their methods are wrong. That should be clear to anyone.

[DemonH2]

I love star trek, but i get tired of watching episodes of all powerful aliens with contraptions that make an interesting fight impossible. There are very few episodes that have any real action because of this.

[FoilFaerie]

notice that they torture kirk without his shirt on, but they're perfectly capable of doing the same thing to bones, with his shirt on. did they need an excuse every episode to show kirk without his shirt?

[euroc2]

"I was convinced in the same way you were Captain--by the good doctor's hypo." - (Spock). LOL

[misscellist12]

this episode makes me love Bones even more (and his eyebrows)!!!!

[surepromise]

OMG his eyebrows, I know!!!! I really think it's awesome/hilarious that Kirk's two best friends are constantly doing the eyebrow lift.

[cassandra5322]

aw gem is so cute!

[roymaster45]

totally, she gets my vote for "best Star Trek TOS girl".

"Well I don't know about you, but I'm going to call her Gem."

"Gem, doctor?"

"Well, that's better than, 'Hey you'."

[surepromise]

Wow, this episode is definitely in my top ten. So sad this it's so underrated...

[CommissionerBele]

I couldn't agree more. I made a video on the top ten episodes and The Empath came in at #3.

[saitheninjedi]

what was #1?

[orkutster]

Someone get that injector thingy away from McCoy!

[orkutster]

I'm a doctor not a coal miner!

Love it.

[orkutster]

is that a camel toe at 18:30?!!

[orkutster]

I think what sets apart the original series from every other series or trek movie is the theatre-like setting of the whole show. Check out 6:12. This scene could be happening in any theatre.

[magicianspirit]

Yes, the original series episodes were very theatrical. Kind of like one-hour morality plays.

[orkutster]

I mean it's like the 7/11 camera zooming in on the robber when the robbery is happening.

[orkutster]

I like how the record tape camera zooms in on people when necessary.

[MCdogma77]

Kirk always has to try and tap that ass!

[surepromise]

Your words are true, though I don't see how they apply to this episode. : )

[burntfish44]

i'd anally pound that shit

[dontcallmesurely]

35:30 "He's dying, Jim"

"Damnit Spock, you're a science officer, not a doctor!"

[prreynolds]

Couple of observations - this is not an episode I have seen too many times:

The scene where they find Linke & Ozaba in the glass cylinders - looks like something out of the 2nd year of Lost in Space. I expected to see Dr. Smith being chased by an evil alien carrot, or something.

Gem looks like a cat - thoughtful, curious, slinky movements

The lead Vian - has a shit eating grin on his face most of the time & I'd like to smack him upside his deformed melon head.

[CatzGNA]

jeez.....do they ever NOT get disarmed immediatly upon beaming down to the surface of a planet and encountering a different species?....they might be highly advanced yet benevolent technocrats.....but superb military tacticians they are most definatly not.

[DedyPhlincke]

Well, they are a navy, rather than a dedicated ground fighting force. I'd like to see a star trek special forces unit...

[gavinvalmont]

yeah they are the red shirts!

[jlennon510]

That's Spock's job. He is a special forces unit. lol. Him or Data.

[roymaster45]

Gem was the best Star Trek girl, hands down.

[surepromise]

I couldn't agree more; I was thinking that the entire episode.

[irvingklaw57]

Such a bizarre episode. I feel empty :(

[sonbuhitsunei]

awe Gem was adorable! And McCoy sneaking up and injecting Spock and his reaction= priceless. Spock shows that he cares for McCoy and Kirk more as the show goes on- damn shame we never got those last 2 years of the 5 year voyage!

[kool5eat]

You do in the Animated Series.

[surepromise]

Is the Animated Series actually any good? I've never seen any of it, but I'd like to know if it is at least worth a try.

[kool5eat]

It's very good and actually was the first before the movies to win an Emmy.

[bcdizzle012]

I bought the series on DVD at walmart for $15. I like watching it. Its kinda corny somethings because of the cartoon style. Its like watching the show Johnny Quest, but with th ST crew. They do have complex episodes though

[SeleneMoon]

Why didn't they just evacutate to Gem's planet?? Stupidheads.

[SeleneMoon]

"That is highly unethical..."

I think that this might be McCoy's best moment.

[americankid0]

Haha, I love Spock's final say.

[1044LargePackage]

those freaky aliens don't even realize..that combined together they each hold a piece of the "Perfect Pushup"!!! Fascinating....

[Paolinifan1]

I think that Spock has one emotion that he VERY often expresses---sarcasm.

[hanoc101]

I know. I think it's touching in this episode though that he and McCoy are actually fighting over who will be tortured.

[Fronator]

Yeah, all the vulcans do! So much for no emotions!LOL

[SerenaDilandau]

This IS a great episode.

[lallen1402]

sorry was commenting on The Tholian Web episode

[lallen1402]

they all look like razors for shaving. Love the show. Hve to laugh at the space suits

[coloh08]

those guys scare the crap out of me when they just appear like that. don't watch this episode late at night like I am right now!

[Landrew120880]

Yer funny. I dig the music in this episode. I put it on to go to sleep.

[Demithegoddess]

Okay, that episode got me. That girl was so sweet and so graceful. She made me want to cry every time she had a look of despair and pain in her face.

No wonder DeForest Kelly's favorite episode was this one :D

[Demithegoddess]

I think I'd almost like to see a completely insane Spock. No inhibitions just madness . . .which can be fun :D If he's not TO tortured by inner demons that is.

[SammySteele]

These alians look like ones from The Cage.

[F2L4Life]

Similar, there are a few major differences.

[lightinthestars]

yea i was thinking the same thing.....