Rating: 
Summary: Two of the most Humorous of Trek Episodes!
Review: Both of the episodes on this DVD are among the most humorous from the original 79 episodes of the original Star Trek series. Roger Carmel as "Mudd" is the classic con artist and charleton. In "The Trouble With Tribbles" we find out about yet another "entrepeneur", Cyrano Jones, who unleases the adorable, yet highly prolific tribbles upon Deep Space Station K-7 and the Enterprise! Both of these episodes are fun to watch even if you are not a Star Trek fan. The humor in them is timeless, and the legacy of these is everlasting. A keeper for the Trekker, or non-Trekker alike!
Rating: 
Summary: Comedic space high-jinks, with mixed success
Review: I, Mudd-This episode, which features Harry Mudd and a group of androids, must be one of the toughest to review if only because it is such a bizarre episode. This is one of the few episodes that undeniably means to be campy. None of the actors play this one seriously, and that's for the best given the material. Unfortunately, most of the humor falls completely flat. Nevertheless, I respect the episode for trying something different. This show certainly helped set the carefree tone that would extend FAR more successfully into the next episode. (2 stars) The Trouble With Tribbles-The episode with those furry little creatures was the apex of humor on Star Trek. By this point in the show's run, characters were well enough developed for the actors and brain trust to feel comfortable stepping out a bit. And they certainly step out in this one. Thanks to writer Gerrold, the episode actually has a fairly solid dramatic foundation that includes Klingon intrigue, and threats to both the food supply and the Enterprise itself. One could be forgiven for not realizing this though, since the tribbles
completely steal the show. Actually the enterprise crew (and Adams as Cerano)for the most part prove quite adept in the comedic roles, and the officious Schallert is a perfect straight man under the circumstances. A Starfleet official is even correct in his desire to reign in Kirk, for once! Tidbits: The fight scene was supposedly pinched en masse from a prior film. Recognize the Klingon? He was Trelane from The Squire of Gothos, played by William Campbell. (5 stars)
Rating:
Summary: Comedic space high-jinks, with mixed success
Review: I, Mudd-This episode, which features Harry Mudd and a group of androids, must be one of the toughest to review if only because it is such a bizarre episode. This is one of the few episodes that undeniably means to be campy. None of the actors play this one seriously, and that's for the best given the material. Unfortunately, most of the humor falls completely flat. Nevertheless, I respect the episode for trying something different. This show certainly helped set the carefree tone that would extend FAR more successfully into the next episode. (2 stars) The Trouble With Tribbles-The episode with those furry little creatures was the apex of humor on Star Trek. By this point in the show's run, characters were well enough developed for the actors and brain trust to feel comfortable stepping out a bit. And they certainly step out in this one. Thanks to writer Gerrold, the episode actually has a fairly solid dramatic foundation that includes Klingon intrigue, and threats to both the food supply and the Enterprise itself. One could be forgiven for not realizing this though, since the tribbles
completely steal the show. Actually the enterprise crew (and Adams as Cerano)for the most part prove quite adept in the comedic roles, and the officious Schallert is a perfect straight man under the circumstances. A Starfleet official is even correct in his desire to reign in Kirk, for once! Tidbits: The fight scene was supposedly pinched en masse from a prior film. Recognize the Klingon? He was Trelane from The Squire of Gothos, played by William Campbell. (5 stars)
Rating:
Summary: Starfleet Meets Falstaff
Review: Neither of these episodes could be taken seriously if your life depended on it, and they know it. They're just pure fun. "Tribbles" must have been a working vacation idea for the cast, who get to spread their comic wings for a change - and pretty well, at that. Shatner has always had a flair for comedy, and does a fine job here. Leonard Nimoy was always a natural straight-man, and very funny whenever he got to display offense at injured pride - his best moment in this one is being caught responding to the cuddly loveableness of the furry little title beasties. James Doohan also proves to have a fine flair for the funny, and gets ample opportunity to prove it, upholding the fine honor of Starfleet to Klingon barbarians in a bar-fight, and greater pride in the honor of the Enterprise, itself - at Captain Kirk's expense. The always entertaining William Campbell, seen in the title role of "The Squire of Gothos" the preceding season, guest stars here as a snidely prissy Klingon, and Stanley Adams is more enjoyable than usual in his standard fat Falstaffian fool/con man role. "I, Mudd" finds the Enterprise again encountering another con-man of its past acquaintance, Harcourt "Harry" Fenton Mudd, who is even more Falstaffian than Stanley Adams. Harry's gotten himself made into a king - on a planet he can't leave! The inhabitants are all directionless androids, built long ago to serve their makers, who fled millennia ago after discovering paradise wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Harry's enjoyed the endless schmorgasbord of brothel delights the mechanical lassies among them have to offer, but is restless to con and swindle his way across the galaxy again. In an effort to escape, he has the androids' leader, Norman, hijack the Enterprise to his planet, planning to give its crew to the androids in place of himself - but the androids plan to keep Harry, too, and additionally to use the Enterprise to go about the solar systems looking for other races they might "help." How does one beat such ruthless machine logic? Why, by a pure assault on reason, of course, which manifests itself in Monty Python-ish silliness, that is highly entertaining to watch. "I, Mudd" benefits from the clever casting of sexy twins Alyce and Rhae Andryce as same-model identical androids, enabling them to double and triple for each other in convincing fashion. The set design is minimalist and effective. A very funny cameo appearance by the shrewish harridan Mrs. Harry Mudd is worth the price of admission, alone.
Rating:
Summary: Starfleet Meets Falstaff
Review: Neither of these episodes could be taken seriously if your life depended on it, and they know it. They're just pure fun. "Tribbles" must have been a working vacation idea for the cast, who get to spread their comic wings for a change - and pretty well, at that. Shatner has always had a flair for comedy, and does a fine job here. Leonard Nimoy was always a natural straight-man, and very funny whenever he got to display offense at injured pride - his best moment in this one is being caught responding to the cuddly loveableness of the furry little title beasties. James Doohan also proves to have a fine flair for the funny, and gets ample opportunity to prove it, upholding the fine honor of Starfleet to Klingon barbarians in a bar-fight, and greater pride in the honor of the Enterprise, itself - at Captain Kirk's expense. The always entertaining William Campbell, seen in the title role of "The Squire of Gothos" the preceding season, guest stars here as a snidely prissy Klingon, and Stanley Adams is more enjoyable than usual in his standard fat Falstaffian fool/con man role. "I, Mudd" finds the Enterprise again encountering another con-man of its past acquaintance, Harcourt "Harry" Fenton Mudd, who is even more Falstaffian than Stanley Adams. Harry's gotten himself made into a king - on a planet he can't leave! The inhabitants are all directionless androids, built long ago to serve their makers, who fled millennia ago after discovering paradise wasn't all it was cracked up to be. Harry's enjoyed the endless schmorgasbord of brothel delights the mechanical lassies among them have to offer, but is restless to con and swindle his way across the galaxy again. In an effort to escape, he has the androids' leader, Norman, hijack the Enterprise to his planet, planning to give its crew to the androids in place of himself - but the androids plan to keep Harry, too, and additionally to use the Enterprise to go about the solar systems looking for other races they might "help." How does one beat such ruthless machine logic? Why, by a pure assault on reason, of course, which manifests itself in Monty Python-ish silliness, that is highly entertaining to watch. "I, Mudd" benefits from the clever casting of sexy twins Alyce and Rhae Andryce as same-model identical androids, enabling them to double and triple for each other in convincing fashion. The set design is minimalist and effective. A very funny cameo appearance by the shrewish harridan Mrs. Harry Mudd is worth the price of admission, alone.
Rating: 
Summary: The Ultimate in Star Trek Silliness
Review: REVIEWED ITEM: Star Trek® Original Series DVD Volume 21: I, Mudd © / The Trouble With Tribbles © I, MUDD © PRELIMINARY BRIEFS: Moral, Ethical, and/or Philosophical Subject(s) Driven Into The Ground: The Human Need for Challenge Historical Milestone: Harry Mudd as the only recurring guest character in the original Star Trek series Expendable Enterprise Crewmember ('Red Shirt') Confirmed Casualty List: Several incapacitated REVIEW/COMMENTARY: What this episode lacks in drama-- or melodrama to be more accurate-- it more than makes up for in downright silliness, with what is quite possibly the goofiest 'jailbreak' ever seen on TV as the crew uses the wildly illogical 'performance art' to confuse their android captors. Even the titular guest star Harry Mudd gets into the act, even though he's responsible for getting our Enterprise™ stalwarts in this predicament in the first place! Top it off with Kirk giving one of his heavy-handed spiels about how humans must be presented with challenges to keep them from atrophying physically and spiritually, and you've got a big ol' slab o' ham to go with all that cheese! THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES © PRELIMINARY BRIEFS: Historical Milestone: Considered by many to be the original series' best episode Expendable Enterprise Crewmember ('Red Shirt') Confirmed Casualty List: None REVIEW/COMMENTARY: Continuing this volume's theme of Star Trek's most whimsical episodes, we now arrive at what most consider the most whimsical of them all! Although I do like this particular show, unlike most of the Trekkie nation I don't think it comes even close to being one of Star Trek's best efforts. Sure, there's quite a bit of good-natured fun and a nice dose of levity, but dramatically it doesn't hold a candle to City on the Edge of Forever © or Journey to Babel ©. But at least we get to see William Campbell again, this time 'round as the Klingon antagonist that Kirk must try to outwit. And you gotta admit the tribbles had more realistic hair than Shatner ever did... If you're a big fan of The Trouble With Troubles ©, you may also wanna check out the animated series follow-up eppie More Tribbles, More Troubles ©, and the DS9 'wraparound' show Trials and Tribble-ations ©. 'Late
Rating:
Summary: The Ultimate in Star Trek Silliness
Review: REVIEWED ITEM: Star Trek® Original Series DVD Volume 21: I, Mudd © / The Trouble With Tribbles © I, MUDD © PRELIMINARY BRIEFS: Moral, Ethical, and/or Philosophical Subject(s) Driven Into The Ground: The Human Need for Challenge Historical Milestone: Harry Mudd as the only recurring guest character in the original Star Trek series Expendable Enterprise Crewmember ('Red Shirt') Confirmed Casualty List: Several incapacitated REVIEW/COMMENTARY: What this episode lacks in drama-- or melodrama to be more accurate-- it more than makes up for in downright silliness, with what is quite possibly the goofiest 'jailbreak' ever seen on TV as the crew uses the wildly illogical 'performance art' to confuse their android captors. Even the titular guest star Harry Mudd gets into the act, even though he's responsible for getting our Enterprise™ stalwarts in this predicament in the first place! Top it off with Kirk giving one of his heavy-handed spiels about how humans must be presented with challenges to keep them from atrophying physically and spiritually, and you've got a big ol' slab o' ham to go with all that cheese! THE TROUBLE WITH TRIBBLES © PRELIMINARY BRIEFS: Historical Milestone: Considered by many to be the original series' best episode Expendable Enterprise Crewmember ('Red Shirt') Confirmed Casualty List: None REVIEW/COMMENTARY: Continuing this volume's theme of Star Trek's most whimsical episodes, we now arrive at what most consider the most whimsical of them all! Although I do like this particular show, unlike most of the Trekkie nation I don't think it comes even close to being one of Star Trek's best efforts. Sure, there's quite a bit of good-natured fun and a nice dose of levity, but dramatically it doesn't hold a candle to City on the Edge of Forever © or Journey to Babel ©. But at least we get to see William Campbell again, this time 'round as the Klingon antagonist that Kirk must try to outwit. And you gotta admit the tribbles had more realistic hair than Shatner ever did... If you're a big fan of The Trouble With Troubles ©, you may also wanna check out the animated series follow-up eppie More Tribbles, More Troubles ©, and the DS9 'wraparound' show Trials and Tribble-ations ©. 'Late
Rating:
Summary: Comedy in the Star Trek universe with Mudd and Tribbles
Review: Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good, which pretty much sums up my feelings for the two episodes collected on Volume 21 of the Star Trek DVD series. I just never liked Harcourt Fenton Mudd, not the first time he showed up on Star Trek ("Mudd's Women") and not the second time around in "I, Mudd," when I found him just as insufferable. It seems Harry is now the sovereign of an uncharted planet where he has 200,000 very beautiful androids severing him. The androids also want to study other humans and Harry suggests grabbing a starship so they can find out, which explains why the Enterprise landing party is being waited upon by the androids as well. However, things like this are always too good to be true and the androids eventually reveal that they intend to use their newfound knowledge to control the instabilities of all the humanoids in the galaxy (machines really hate humans in the future). The episode does include a fun twist in that Kirk, who usually defeats super computers by using logic, this time around turns to illogical behavior to confuse the poor androids. Even I am cheered by the final gag of how Kirk and the androids decide to punish poor Harry. Actually, "I, Mudd" is really not that bad of a Star Trek episode, once you get past the fact Harry happens to be in it. I am not going to argue that "The Trouble With Tribbles" is the best Star Trek episode, but it is far and away the funniest. The Enterprise rushes to Deep Space Station K-7 only to find a pretentious bureaucrat named Nilz Baris who wants Kirk to protect tons of quadrotriticale, a hybrid grain that will be used to colonize Sherman's planet. Kirk is ticked off that Baris misused the Priority 1 Distress Call and only allots two guards to watch the wheat. Meanwhile the rest of the ship gets shore leave and Uhura meets Cyrano Jones, a trader of curious items, including the amazing Tribble, the creature that Bones informs us is apparently born pregnant, thus saving a lot of time. While the little beasties threaten to overwhelm the ship, Kirk has to deal with some unhappy Klingons, reprimand Scotty for defending the ship's honor, and try to protect all that quadrotriticale. Watching a clearly peeved Kirk deal with all these headaches is a hoot, as is the classic moment when he has to endure a shower of Tribbles. You can also track down a sequel of sorts on "Star Trek: The Animated Series" plus a wonderful second bite of the apple with Deep Space 9's "Trials and Tribbulations." So Volume 21 is pretty much the comedy disc in the Star Trek DVD series.
Rating:
Summary: Comedy in the Star Trek universe with Mudd and Tribbles
Review: Sometimes you have to take the bad with the good, which pretty much sums up my feelings for the two episodes collected on Volume 21 of the Star Trek DVD series. I just never liked Harcourt Fenton Mudd, not the first time he showed up on Star Trek ("Mudd's Women") and not the second time around in "I, Mudd," when I found him just as insufferable. It seems Harry is now the sovereign of an uncharted planet where he has 200,000 very beautiful androids severing him. The androids also want to study other humans and Harry suggests grabbing a starship so they can find out, which explains why the Enterprise landing party is being waited upon by the androids as well. However, things like this are always too good to be true and the androids eventually reveal that they intend to use their newfound knowledge to control the instabilities of all the humanoids in the galaxy (machines really hate humans in the future). The episode does include a fun twist in that Kirk, who usually defeats super computers by using logic, this time around turns to illogical behavior to confuse the poor androids. Even I am cheered by the final gag of how Kirk and the androids decide to punish poor Harry. Actually, "I, Mudd" is really not that bad of a Star Trek episode, once you get past the fact Harry happens to be in it. I am not going to argue that "The Trouble With Tribbles" is the best Star Trek episode, but it is far and away the funniest. The Enterprise rushes to Deep Space Station K-7 only to find a pretentious bureaucrat named Nilz Baris who wants Kirk to protect tons of quadrotriticale, a hybrid grain that will be used to colonize Sherman's planet. Kirk is ticked off that Baris misused the Priority 1 Distress Call and only allots two guards to watch the wheat. Meanwhile the rest of the ship gets shore leave and Uhura meets Cyrano Jones, a trader of curious items, including the amazing Tribble, the creature that Bones informs us is apparently born pregnant, thus saving a lot of time. While the little beasties threaten to overwhelm the ship, Kirk has to deal with some unhappy Klingons, reprimand Scotty for defending the ship's honor, and try to protect all that quadrotriticale. Watching a clearly peeved Kirk deal with all these headaches is a hoot, as is the classic moment when he has to endure a shower of Tribbles. You can also track down a sequel of sorts on "Star Trek: The Animated Series" plus a wonderful second bite of the apple with Deep Space 9's "Trials and Tribbulations." So Volume 21 is pretty much the comedy disc in the Star Trek DVD series.
Rating:
Summary: These are the 2 funniest Star Trek episodes
Review: These two episodes are probably the funniest and most light-hearted of the original Star Trek show. The Harry Mudd episode really gets wild when Kirk and his crew act totally crazy to befuddle the androids holding them hostage. Scotty's "death" scene is also hilarious. Trouble with Tribbles is even funnier. One scene has a drunken klingon insulting the Enterprise space ship, much to Scott's fury. This klingon also refers to Capt. Kirk as a "tin plated, overbearing dictator with delusions of godhood" and "a Denebian Slime Devil." All this leads to a wild bar fight.
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