Ep 2. Charlie X

In the second episode of the iconic TV series Star Trek, entitled "Charlie X," the crew of the starship Enterprise encounters a young man named Charles Evans, who has been stranded alone on a distant planet for most of his life. The boy was picked up by the ship and transported back to civilization, where he is taken care of by the crew while they take him back to Earth.

As the crew gets to know him, they quickly discover there is something different about Charlie. He possesses strange powers that he doesn't seem to fully understand, including the ability to manipulate matter and change reality with his thoughts. Though he appears to be a harmless and well-meaning individual at first, Charlie's lack of socialization soon leads to him developing an unhealthy obsession with the Enterprise crew, particularly young Yeoman Janice Rand.

The episode focuses on the complexities of growing up alone in space, as well as the dangers of unchecked power. Charlie's powers soon spiral out of control, and the episode takes a more suspenseful turn as his obsession with Rand leads him to lash out at the crew and put everyone's lives in jeopardy. The crew struggles to find a way to control Charlie and limit his powers before he causes irreparable damage.

Throughout the episode, the themes of morality and ethics are explored, as the crew debates whether to treat Charlie as a child or as a dangerous threat. The episode also touches on the difficulties of navigating social situations and fitting in with a group of people after a long period of isolation.

As with many episodes of the series, "Charlie X" is both thought-provoking and entertaining, with a mix of drama, action, and humor. It also features standout performances from guest star Robert Walker Jr. as Charlie and Grace Lee Whitney as Janice Rand. Fans of the series will find much to enjoy in this second episode, which set the tone for many of the themes and questions that would be explored throughout the show's run.