Qsvgitguy wrote:Here's my version of the Doomsday Machine I did several years ago in Lightwave. I like the mesh, but the texture needs a lot of work. Enjoy!
It looks incredible to me, but, when it comes to special effects, I admit I'm behind the times.
I still recall being astonished by the original MacIntosh!
I've read at least one review of "The Doomsday Machine" which noted it was similar on Herman Melville's classic novel, "Moby Dick." Commodore Decker is Captain Ahab, obsessed with revenge against the machine which killed his crew, just as Ahab sought revenge against the great white whale. In the process, he nearly brings everyone around him to destruction.
William Shatner and William Windom both turned in outstanding performances. Shatner has been called one of the greatest "scenery chewers" of his generation, but this classically trained Shakespearean actor was also one of the best when he really got into a role. Windom was one of the most versatile actors ever, able to play almost any part and bring a touch of class to it. Does anyone recall him playing the doctor in "Murder, She Wrote"?
There was a curious subtext to "The Doomsday Machine," that of Kirk finding himself at odds with someone he clearly looks up to and respects. I get the impression Kirk sees Decker not simply as a superior, but also something of a friend and mentor. As the episode moves along, it's clear Kirk can see Decker is descending into insanity, but his feelings for Decker and his respect for him prevent him from taking action.
Everything finally boils over for Kirk when Decker nearly destroys the Enterprise in a futile attack on the planet killer. Kirk's explosive reaction is what one would expect from a man whose command has almost been destroyed. In addition, one also senses he feels betrayed by someone he looked up to.
Windom's Matt Decker appears to be a competent officer and commander who's overwhelmed by something he can't understand or defeat. He clearly blames himself for the loss of his crew, and the guilt and anger he feels have pushed him over the brink of insanity. One gets the feeling his driving the tiny shuttlecraft into the mouth of the machine isn't so much an attempt to destroy the machine as it is an attempt to destroy himself.
I agree with Kham regarding the spaceships. In much of sci-fi I see today, even warships are blown up with simple hits (explosions make such cool special effects). Look at the Constellation and the damage it took. Yet, it could still function and even go on the offensive. That's more what one would expect from a warship.
A great episode from perhaps the greatest American science fiction series ever.
- Big Bad John
And, at 4:10, why Montgomery Scott is 5 kinds of awesome 
And the episode "Severed Dreams" is about the most intense television I have ever watched.