‘Star Trek’ Retro Recap: ‘The Ultimate Computer’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

When one hears the phrase, ‘artificial intelligence’, certain images come to mind, and none of them are good. Because we associate that phrase with horrific violence, the kind generated by chrome plated monsters that mankind gave birth to, and they’re tearing down their masters’ world simply because they believe that they can run a planet better than flesh and blood. If anything, it’s disappointing that such clichés are where our mind goes when those words are uttered, but action and adventure and revenge of the machines is what many of these stories focus upon. But while the majority of these tales include one-liners and massive explosions, there are still some A.I. related stories out there that offer up a more unique take, and for proof, look no further than the next episode of Star Trek.

For ‘The Ultimate Computer’ offered up a wonderful twist when it comes to a story involving Artificial Intelligence, but it certainly seemed like it was going to stay within the confines of cliché for quite some time. Because the Enterprise was selected to host a new supercomputer known as the M-5, one that should be able to run a starship with a crew of only twenty and in classic fashion, the possibility of losing his job to a machine didn’t sit well with Kirk, nor was he cool with what the M-5 offered up evaluation wise along the way. For the device time and time again proved itself to be a true master of detail, and the clichés were only further reinforced once the NCC-1701 engaged in light war games with the fleet, since it made faster and quicker decisions than the bridge crew could have.

But the first real break from the norm came shortly after Kirk was insulted by a commodore and deemed useless, simply because he really had to ponder upon the possibility that his career in Starfleet might be over if this machine passed every test with flying colors. And seeing him try and ponder upon life away from the bridge made for some compelling moments, ones that were cut short by more of the same from this style of story. Because as expected, the M-5 went rogue and activated killbot mode and I won’t lie, this part of the story really didn’t hold my attention because it brought nothing new to the table. Granted, I’m sure this was revolutionary and fresh at the time, but it’s nothing new to anyone checking it out today. But thankfully this was the show’s cue to break out the big storytelling guns.

Because we quickly came to learn that the M-5 wasn’t some wild machine that grew at an exponential rate and was ready to take over. It was erratic and angry because that’s what it was programmed to do and how it was programmed matters. For Dr. Richard Daystrom built the machine’s neural network from his own memory engrams and that was a terrible idea. For Daystrom is a shell of his former genius self when we catch up with him in this tale, and the hopeful young man that revolutionized starship travel has been reduced to a bitter and angry individual who consistently thinks someone is out to get him and all of that translated into the M-5’s programming. Making it less of a true killing machine and more of an unfortunate product of its master’s insecurities and this was just a magnificent twist to toss into the mix when all is said and done.
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For it makes A.I. less of a nightmarish prospect, and more of a reflection of who we are and honestly, I would love for more sci-fi shows and stories to dive into concepts such as this. Because that would allow for some powerful character studies to take place, the kind that examine the human condition like never before. But I digress, because in the here and the now, it’s best we celebrate a story that really did try and do something new with a concept that became tired long after this episode hit the airwaves. And this really was a solid tale through and through, one filled with some solid acting and some intense action sequences, especially when the M-5 controlled Enterprise throws down with Starfleet and well, with only two episodes to go in season two, I’m expecting more incredible storytelling to take place because this home stretch has just been a true delight. Until next time.  

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