My perceptions of the mirror universe were tainted by some of the DS9 episodes which returned to it, but this episode shows why they thought it was a good idea to try. It features a classic, "I'm a doctor Jim, not an engineer," and introduces the idea that the evil form of a man is the one with a beard. As a bearded individual I find this highly questionable (or my theory is correct and we live in the mirror universe already).
The episode begins seemingly at the end of an episode we missed. The captain is wrapping up negotiates with the planet of the neutrals (I don't remember the name, but they are clearly what inspired Futurama). The neutrals won't let the Federation have their dilithium crystals because even though they are good now, they might turn out to be evil someday or kill a fly or something. Kirk beams back up along with Scotty, McCoy, and Uhura. But the ion storm they are in messes things up and they are sent to a violent mirror universe. Spock tortures a man for a minor mistake and things get worse from there. Chekov tries to kill the captain, but Kirk is saved by a man disloyal to Chekov.
Scotty starts working on a plan to get them home and Kirk uses the computer to figure out it is possible, but security chief Sulu and first officer Spock are on to them. Kirk returns to his cabin and finds a beautiful woman waiting for him. She thinks he has stopped loving her because if his odd behavior, but he convinces her he still loves her, which is good because she has access to his magic box that assassinates people remotely. Kirk ordered the ship to not kill and the neutrals and Spock informs him he is orders to kill Kirk if Kirk doesn't carry out his orders in 4 hours.
But they don't have even that long as the gap between the universes is clenching shut fast. Uhura distracts Sulu on the bridge while McCoy and Scotty divert power to the transporters. Spock confronts them in sickbay and is injured as they disable him. McCoy stays behind to save Spock while the other rush to the transporter room. Spock awakens and mindmelds with McCoy and figures out what is happening. He decides to help them to get his Kirk back, but not before good Kirk talks him into maybe being a little less evil.
Reviewishness: One of the best alternate universe stories ever told Mirror, Mirror inspired numerous knock offs, for some reason more that The Alternative Factor. The episode is a fun chance to see the actors playing different versions of themselves. Other than Spock who is still Spock, but adapted to different circumstances. Sulu is especially good as evil Sulu.
8 out of 10
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