The Alternative Factor

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

An alien named Lazarus is somehow responsible for a kind of “winking out” effect – all of reality seems on the verge of collapse. He is fleeing a monster whose intent is nothing less than the destruction of reality. But through a mishap, Kirk is transported to the home of that monster. And he looks exactly like Lazarus! Kirk must decide which of them – if either – is the monster. If he guesses wrong, it’s the end of everything.

Our Take

A wobbly middle entry saved by a genuinely creepy premise. Robert Brown throws himself into the dual Lazarus roles hard enough to paper over the cheap sets, and the mystery of which version is the madman keeps you guessing. The corridor fight scenes get repetitive fast and the science is nonsense even by Trek standards, but it’s a decently tense hour. Fine for a lazy evening.