Television Review: Mudd's Women (Star Trek, S1X03, 1966)

Mudd’s Women (S01E03)

Airdate: October 13th 1966

Written by: Stephen Kandell
Directed by: Harvey Hart

Running Time: 50 minutes

When a television show is in its early days, the creators often find themselves in a period of experimentation, attempting to strike the perfect tone and formula. This trial-and-error approach can lead to some fascinating and entertaining episodes, but it can also result in moments that leave fans scratching their heads, wondering what the creators were thinking. In the case of Star Trek: The Original Series, one such experiment is the episode Mudd's Women, a fascinating yet flawed instalment that showcases the show's growing pains.

Mudd's Women was the third episode to be produced, with its concept dating back to 1964, when it was considered as one of the possible pilots for the series. This early background is evident in the episode's tone and style, which sets it apart from the rest of The Original Series. The influence of Western television shows, which were incredibly popular on US broadcasting networks at the time, is also apparent, and to a certain degree, the episode gives in to these influences.

The plot of Mudd's Women, retroactively set in the year 2266 by fans, begins with the USS Enterprise engaging in a high-stakes chase of an unregistered cargo ship. The pursuit ultimately leads to the asteroid belt, where the cargo ship is destroyed, but not before the Enterprise beams up four individuals on board. Among them is the charismatic and shady businessman, Harcourt Fenton Mudd, played by the Roger C. Carmel. Mudd is accompanied by three stunningly beautiful women - Eve McHuron (played by Karen Steele), Ruth Bonaventure (played by Maggie Thrett), and Magda Kovacs (played by Susan Dengerg)- whom he describes as his "cargo". These women, who have a profound impact on the male crew members of the Enterprise, have volunteered to travel to a distant colony in search of husbands. However, the Enterprise has sustained damage during the chase and requires lithium to effect the necessary repairs. The closest source of this resource is a mining colony on Rigel XII, and the cunning Mudd sees an opportunity to strike a deal with the lonely miners, offering them his "merchandise" as potential brides. As the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the women's allure may be the result of a mysterious "Venus drug" provided by Mudd, which could pose a problem when Eve finds herself with a miner named Childress (played by Gene Dynarsky), who may not appreciate her looks once the drug's effects wear off.

The episode's blend of a moustache-twirling quasi-villain, beautiful women in exotic clothes and bright colours is more reminiscent of 1960s camp than the thoughtful, science fiction that Star Trek is known for. The storyline, revolving around mail-order brides and ruthless businessmen, seems to have been mechanically transported from Westerns, rather than being an organic part of the 23rd Century universe that Star Trek inhabits. This universe, often depicted as a progressive, quasi-socialist utopia, is at odds with the episode's portrayal of women as commodities and its emphasis on traditional gender roles.

Furthermore, the treatment of women in Mudd's Women is likely to infuriate feminists, as they are depicted as objects to be bought and sold, with their primary role being to take care of the home while men provide for them. The content of the episode was borderline problematic even at the time of its production, with not-so-implicit references to drugs and prostitution that raised eyebrows among some cast and crew members over 1960s broadcast television censorship standards. It is surprising that the episode managed to pass NBC's content control, given its suggestive themes. The episode does attempt to convey a positive message towards the end, with a twist that some viewers might find too heavy-handed.

Despite its problematic elements, Mudd's Women was a popular episode during its initial run, and according to some testimonies, it was even considered one of the favourites among the original fans. The episode is undoubtedly a product of its time, but it also provided the audience with what they wanted - a light-hearted, entertaining story with over-the-top performances. Roger C. Carmel's portrayal of Mudd is particularly noteworthy, and his character's charm and charisma have endured, making him a memorable figure in the Star Trek universe. Carmel's performance was so well-received that his character reappeared in the Season 2 episode I, Mudd, making him the only character to be featured in two episodes during The Original Series. The character of Mudd has left such a strong imprint on the franchise that he was even paid homage to in Star Trek: Discovery, decades later, with Rainn Wilson taking on the role.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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