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Star Trek: The Original Series #80
The Joy Machine
Timshel was once the vacation spot of the galaxy, full of culture, natural beauty, and friendly, hospitable inhabitants. But now Timshel has cut itself off from the universe. No one is allowed to enter or leave. Concerned, the Federation has sent agents to investigate, but none have returned.
Captain Kirk and the crew of the "Starship Enterprisesize="-2">TM" are shocked to discover the truth: the people of Timshel have succumbed to an insidious new technology that guarantees every citizen total pleasure, a soul-destroying ecstasy that has enslaved their entire civilization. Kirk and Spock have faced many threats before, but now
Captain Kirk and the crew of the "Starship Enterprisesize="-2">TM" are shocked to discover the truth: the people of Timshel have succumbed to an insidious new technology that guarantees every citizen total pleasure, a soul-destroying ecstasy that has enslaved their entire civilization. Kirk and Spock have faced many threats before, but now
264 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 1996
About the author
James E. Gunn
269 books109 followersAmerican science fiction author, editor, scholar, and anthologist. His work from the 1960s and 70s is considered his most significant fiction, and his Road to Science Fiction collections are considered his most important scholarly books. He won a Hugo Award for a non-fiction book in 1983 for Isaac Asimov: The Foundations of Science Fiction. He was named the 2007 Damon Knight Memorial Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.
Gunn served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, after which he attended the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1947 and a Masters of Arts in English in 1951. Gunn went on to become a faculty member of the University of Kansas, where he served as the university's director of public relations and as a professor of English, specializing in science fiction and fiction writing. He is now a professor emeritus and director of the Center for the Study of Science Fiction, which awards the annual John W. Campbell Memorial Award for best novel and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award at the Campbell Conference in Lawrence, Kansas, every July.
He served as President of the Science Fiction Writers of America from 1971–72, was President of the Science Fiction Research Association from 1980-82, and currently is Director of The Center for the Study of
Science Fiction. SFWA honored him as a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 2007.
Gunn began his career as a science fiction author in 1948. He has had almost 100 stories published in magazines and anthologies and has authored 26 books and edited 10. Many of his stories and books have been reprinted around the world.
In 1996, Gunn wrote a novelization of the unproduced Star Trek episode "The Joy Machine" by Theodore Sturgeon.
His stories also have been adapted into radioplays and teleplays:
* NBC radio's X Minus One
* Desilu Playhouse's 1959 "Man in Orbit", based on Gunn's "The Cave of Night"
* ABC-TV's Movie of the Week "The Immortal" (1969) and an hour-long television series in 1970, based on Gunn's The Immortals
* An episode of the USSR science fiction TV series This Fantastic World, filmed in 1989 and entitled "Psychodynamics of the Witchcraft" was based on James Gunn's 1953 story "Wherever You May Be".
Gunn served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, after which he attended the University of Kansas, earning a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1947 and a Masters of Arts in English in 1951. Gunn went on to become a faculty member of the University of Kansas, where he served as the university's director of public relations and as a professor of English, specializing in science fiction and fiction writing. He is now a professor emeritus and director of the Center for the Study of Science Fiction, which awards the annual John W. Campbell Memorial Award for best novel and the Theodore Sturgeon Memorial Award at the Campbell Conference in Lawrence, Kansas, every July.
He served as President of the Science Fiction Writers of America from 1971–72, was President of the Science Fiction Research Association from 1980-82, and currently is Director of The Center for the Study of
Science Fiction. SFWA honored him as a Grand Master of Science Fiction in 2007.
Gunn began his career as a science fiction author in 1948. He has had almost 100 stories published in magazines and anthologies and has authored 26 books and edited 10. Many of his stories and books have been reprinted around the world.
In 1996, Gunn wrote a novelization of the unproduced Star Trek episode "The Joy Machine" by Theodore Sturgeon.
His stories also have been adapted into radioplays and teleplays:
* NBC radio's X Minus One
* Desilu Playhouse's 1959 "Man in Orbit", based on Gunn's "The Cave of Night"
* ABC-TV's Movie of the Week "The Immortal" (1969) and an hour-long television series in 1970, based on Gunn's The Immortals
* An episode of the USSR science fiction TV series This Fantastic World, filmed in 1989 and entitled "Psychodynamics of the Witchcraft" was based on James Gunn's 1953 story "Wherever You May Be".
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 18, 2018
Of all of the Star Trek novels out there, there are none that I look forward to reading more than the ones by authors who also scripted episodes of the show itself, in no small part because they developed the canon upon which the entire series is based. Though Theodore Sturgeon's novel was developed from a plot outline for the series by another author (the under-appreciated James Gunn), to read a work originating from the writer of "Shore Leave" and the Vulcan-defining classic "Amok Time" was an exciting prospect, especially considering its origins as a proposed episode for the series.
The result proved every bit as good as I thought it would be. In it the Enterprise is dispatched to Timshel, a planet that has quarantined itself off from the rest of the Federation. Beaming down, Captain Kirk finds a population that has turned away from intellectual pursuits to a life structured around laboring daily for a nightly dose of stimulation from the Joy Machine a computer created to provide a life of perfect happiness for the people. As Kirk investigates further, he grapples with the moral questions entailed in ending the Joy Machine's rule, as well as the frightening prospect of falling under the machine's control himself.
Sturgeon and Gunn's plot evokes a lot of the tropes that often recurred in the original series, echoing in particular the first season episode "Return of the Archons" in which a computer's rule established a tranquil population by eliminating individual expression. What sets the novel apart from the episode is the extended exploration of the implications of the Joy Machine's rule. Often this takes the form of dialogues between various characters, as the Enterprise crew argues with both the computer and its subjects, who readily and even eagerly accept the computer's programmed regimen and who raise larger questions about the purpose of human lives in the process. In this respect it evokes the moral and ethical dilemmas posed in some of the best episodes of the show, which are explored in greater depth than was ever possible due to the constraints posed by the format. As such Gunn's novel possesses a fidelity to the original series often lacking in other products of the franchise, while at the same time showing just what fresh possibilities exist by exploring its themes using other media.
The result proved every bit as good as I thought it would be. In it the Enterprise is dispatched to Timshel, a planet that has quarantined itself off from the rest of the Federation. Beaming down, Captain Kirk finds a population that has turned away from intellectual pursuits to a life structured around laboring daily for a nightly dose of stimulation from the Joy Machine a computer created to provide a life of perfect happiness for the people. As Kirk investigates further, he grapples with the moral questions entailed in ending the Joy Machine's rule, as well as the frightening prospect of falling under the machine's control himself.
Sturgeon and Gunn's plot evokes a lot of the tropes that often recurred in the original series, echoing in particular the first season episode "Return of the Archons" in which a computer's rule established a tranquil population by eliminating individual expression. What sets the novel apart from the episode is the extended exploration of the implications of the Joy Machine's rule. Often this takes the form of dialogues between various characters, as the Enterprise crew argues with both the computer and its subjects, who readily and even eagerly accept the computer's programmed regimen and who raise larger questions about the purpose of human lives in the process. In this respect it evokes the moral and ethical dilemmas posed in some of the best episodes of the show, which are explored in greater depth than was ever possible due to the constraints posed by the format. As such Gunn's novel possesses a fidelity to the original series often lacking in other products of the franchise, while at the same time showing just what fresh possibilities exist by exploring its themes using other media.
August 26, 2018
This novel is just plain weird, even for Star Trek. It makes a good point about free will and humanity, but it just didn't do very much for me. I'm glad this didn't make it onto television.
September 23, 2011
This book is exactly why I've avoided reading "Star Trek" novels. The dialogue and story are incredibly non-Star Trek, and it was quite painful in some places. I definitely wish I'd left this one on the shelf.
March 23, 2016
No bueno. Just a drag.
September 27, 2015
It's as if someone decided to do a mash-up of two classic Trek episodes ("This Side of Paradise" & "The Ultimate Computer"), throw in enormous amounts of philosophizing, add a marine mammal sub-plot that doesn't amount to much at the climax, and wrap it all up in an overly portentous tone. Where is the warmth, wit, and command of the regular characters that is the hallmark of all satisfying "Star Trek"? In fact, the presence of Uhura & McCoy are surplus to requirements, and Scotty has what might as well be a cameo. This is one of two Trek novels (the other being "Dyson Sphere") where the author plunges headlong into one strand of Trek's success...at the expense of any of the others.
November 21, 2020
The planet Timshel has ceded control to a machine which rewards workers with a Payday which comes in the form of perfect joy. When contact is lost with two Federation investigators, Kirk and the 'Enterprise' are sent on an extraction mission.
Gunn's novel based on Sturgeon's story feels like a more thoughtful version of a 'Star Trek' story which has already been told too many times: that humans must struggle through life and not give up to pure pleasure.
Gunn's novel based on Sturgeon's story feels like a more thoughtful version of a 'Star Trek' story which has already been told too many times: that humans must struggle through life and not give up to pure pleasure.
August 24, 2023
I'm going to be honest; I picked this book up because I though it had been written by James Gunn, the famous writer and director. I thought, "Woah, this one is actually going to be good!" Spoiler alert: wrong James Gunn. Furthermore, it's not good. I am going to resist critiquing this book on its merits of startrekiness and instead tackle it based on its merits as a novel.
The premise of the novel is really intriguing. I enjoy the idea of a society drugged to work. It is confusing, however, what they do when they're not working. I mean, they only work eight hour shifts, and all the libraries and parks are defunct. Why would the Joy Machine have them do useless work if the original idea was to create a society that works to deserve its splendor rather than revel in it? This might have been done to illustrate the flaws of a society run by a machine or the flaws of a work-driven society. It might even be an effective detail. I still think it doesn't quite make sense.
The author feels the need to impress on the readers that he is very knowledgeable. In order to this, he alludes to something every two sentences. Then, he explains the quote to you like you're an idiot. Let me figure it out, James, my God. Also, make up some aliens. "A 20th century poet" said this and "the ancient Greeks" said that. If you're writing a vast universe, there is a universe worth of people to quote! Why would the whole world revolve around 19th century Earth?
That one scene when Kirk is just gallivanting along with the children is hilarious. Kirk, you're a genius. Yes, please lead these children, who both inexplicably have a crush on you, into multiple hostile confrontations. Makes total sense.
Why is every woman with an ounce of dialogue in love with Captain Kirk? Linda, you don't need him. He insults your figure constantly. And Kirk, you don't need her. She has daddy issues.
Also, the foreshadowing is a little painfully obvious. "Oh, I bet Dannie lives on the planet." She does. "Oh, I bet Marouk is the playmaster or whatever." He is. "I bet the glacier is going to be a problem." It is. "I bet the starship computer turns on him." It does. (Sort of.)
"As a woman, I know the proper way to raise children is with kindness." Ok, Uhura, where are your children? Gunn, why would she know this?
Just, Dannie. Why?
Overall, I didn't hate this book. I know it may seem like I did, but it had some good moments. I can't think of them, but I'm sure they were there.
The premise of the novel is really intriguing. I enjoy the idea of a society drugged to work. It is confusing, however, what they do when they're not working. I mean, they only work eight hour shifts, and all the libraries and parks are defunct. Why would the Joy Machine have them do useless work if the original idea was to create a society that works to deserve its splendor rather than revel in it? This might have been done to illustrate the flaws of a society run by a machine or the flaws of a work-driven society. It might even be an effective detail. I still think it doesn't quite make sense.
The author feels the need to impress on the readers that he is very knowledgeable. In order to this, he alludes to something every two sentences. Then, he explains the quote to you like you're an idiot. Let me figure it out, James, my God. Also, make up some aliens. "A 20th century poet" said this and "the ancient Greeks" said that. If you're writing a vast universe, there is a universe worth of people to quote! Why would the whole world revolve around 19th century Earth?
That one scene when Kirk is just gallivanting along with the children is hilarious. Kirk, you're a genius. Yes, please lead these children, who both inexplicably have a crush on you, into multiple hostile confrontations. Makes total sense.
Why is every woman with an ounce of dialogue in love with Captain Kirk? Linda, you don't need him. He insults your figure constantly. And Kirk, you don't need her. She has daddy issues.
Also, the foreshadowing is a little painfully obvious. "Oh, I bet Dannie lives on the planet." She does. "Oh, I bet Marouk is the playmaster or whatever." He is. "I bet the glacier is going to be a problem." It is. "I bet the starship computer turns on him." It does. (Sort of.)
"As a woman, I know the proper way to raise children is with kindness." Ok, Uhura, where are your children? Gunn, why would she know this?
Just, Dannie. Why?
Overall, I didn't hate this book. I know it may seem like I did, but it had some good moments. I can't think of them, but I'm sure they were there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Shelved as 'abgebrochen'
July 3, 2020Dnf - this made absolutely no sense whatsoever. It seems the author doesn’t know Star Trek at all. It begins with small things like genetic engineering happening although canon clearly states it’s forbidden. It then goes on to Spock, being an expert in computer science, has no ideas of computers and then to Spock proclaiming to kill of a whole planet before the planet itself was even outed as a threat to anyone outside.
And how can anyone call what they have their happiness? How can they want a life where they only do unnecessary tasks to gain points to get a short burst of stimuli in the pleasure center? I could understand if they’d find the system great as long as the rest of their lives would be interesting. But no, science, art, any job beyond simplest (and sometimes unnecessary) tasks are just as forbidden as any real life leisure. Even a drug addict usually knows there’s something wrong with their choice of life but here even the teenagers that have not yet gotten their first fix find the system perfect? This is so utterly illogical and wrong that it was physically painful to read.
And then they also want to force the system onto others? They completely ignore freedom of choice and that getting others into the system means there are even less job openings and people get their fix less often... Again, utterly illogical. A drug addict wouldn’t share his drug with you, unless he has something to gain out of it. And here they don’t. So WHAT DRUGS DID THE AUTHOR TAKE TO COME UP WITH THIS UTTER BS?!
And how can anyone call what they have their happiness? How can they want a life where they only do unnecessary tasks to gain points to get a short burst of stimuli in the pleasure center? I could understand if they’d find the system great as long as the rest of their lives would be interesting. But no, science, art, any job beyond simplest (and sometimes unnecessary) tasks are just as forbidden as any real life leisure. Even a drug addict usually knows there’s something wrong with their choice of life but here even the teenagers that have not yet gotten their first fix find the system perfect? This is so utterly illogical and wrong that it was physically painful to read.
And then they also want to force the system onto others? They completely ignore freedom of choice and that getting others into the system means there are even less job openings and people get their fix less often... Again, utterly illogical. A drug addict wouldn’t share his drug with you, unless he has something to gain out of it. And here they don’t. So WHAT DRUGS DID THE AUTHOR TAKE TO COME UP WITH THIS UTTER BS?!
September 24, 2010
This book has elements pulled from several other Trek stories recombined into a new one. That of course has been done on other occasions - and done better in some cases.
The question the book tries to make is if people deserve to have everything they want most? This was also questioned in TOS: "The Menagerie", "Shore Leave", "This Side of Paradise", "Who Mourns for Adonais", and likely others. Computers controlling a civilization has also featured in many episodes, most notably "Return of the Archons" and "For The World Is Hollow, And I Have Touched The Sky".
It should be noted that the outline of this story was intended to be a televised episode, and it would have been better in that venue or as a short story instead of a full novel.
The question the book tries to make is if people deserve to have everything they want most? This was also questioned in TOS: "The Menagerie", "Shore Leave", "This Side of Paradise", "Who Mourns for Adonais", and likely others. Computers controlling a civilization has also featured in many episodes, most notably "Return of the Archons" and "For The World Is Hollow, And I Have Touched The Sky".
It should be noted that the outline of this story was intended to be a televised episode, and it would have been better in that venue or as a short story instead of a full novel.
January 29, 2020
Some of the other reviews have talked about how this book is no different than most Star Trek episodes....that's true to a point, but the 'moral' of this story is different than any of the episodes I've seen. Yes the crew arrives at a planet run by technology...but this technology is not just slowing progress or interfering with the planet; it makes the citizens of the planet work for a 'payday' which consists of a temporary burst of joy. The Citizens only get one a week, so they return to their weekly tasks in eager anticipation of their next 'payday.' The Star Trek components of the story are fine, but the metaphor about addiction/materialism are dead on and actually made this one of my favorite Star Trek books!
October 1, 2009
The author took a story outline for the original Trek's TV series and turned it into a novel; however, there's not enough story for that, so it's very drawn out. It would have been a good classic Trek tv episode, but as a book I found it predictable and a bit boring.
March 1, 2011
This book really shook me up when I read it in highschool. Correct or not I compared the joy machine in to the religion I grew up in. It's strange to say a Star Trek book contributed to my decline in belief but this one did.
March 7, 2023
TOS #80: the Joy Machine
“Timshel was once the vacation spot of the galaxy, full of culture, natural beauty, and friendly, hospitable inhabitants. But now Timshel has cut itself off from the universe. No one is allowed to enter or leave. Concerned, the Federation has sent agents to investigate, but none have returned.
Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise are shocked to discover the truth: the people of Timshel have succumbed to an insidious new technology that guarantees every citizen total pleasure, a soul-destroying ecstasy that has enslaved their entire civilization. Kirk and Spock have faced many threats before, but now they face the most seductive menace of all: perfect happiness.
And the rest of the Federation may soon fall under the irresistible control of the Joy Machine…”
A legitimate lost episode of TOS! Originally pitched as an episode by Theodore Sturgeon, writer of Amok Time, one of the best episodes of TOS, wrote a screenplay for an episode called the Joy Machine. But it was basically Kirk fighting another machine, like a Taste of Armageddon, expect this one makes people happy via “payday”. The planet of Tishmel has cut its self off the galaxy, no can leave or enter it. Kirk and co are sent to find out what happened. They’re virtual slaves and the Joy Machine seeks to conquer the galaxy, giving everyone pure joy. In the 90s after Sturgeon passed away, an author called James Gunn (not of Guardians of the Galaxy and DC fame James Gunn, two different people) wrote his original screenplay into a novel.
The novel was… alright. It was a fairly painless affair and just an average novel. Gunn was too reliant on telling and not showing how the characters would deal with it. Too many run on sentences, but beyond that I enjoyed it. The idea of a computer giving you unfiltered, soul sucking happiness is terrifying. They became virtual slaves to the Joy Machine and it felt almost horror movie esque and I wished they played up that angle more. If this was an episode of TOS, it would be a 3rd Season episode in terms of quality and a middle of the road episode. Also a random trip to the polar regions of the planet takes place but it serves the plot a little bit. Anyway, a fairly painless novel and if you’re looking for something familiar, this may be the novel for you. 6/10
“Timshel was once the vacation spot of the galaxy, full of culture, natural beauty, and friendly, hospitable inhabitants. But now Timshel has cut itself off from the universe. No one is allowed to enter or leave. Concerned, the Federation has sent agents to investigate, but none have returned.
Captain Kirk and the crew of the Starship Enterprise are shocked to discover the truth: the people of Timshel have succumbed to an insidious new technology that guarantees every citizen total pleasure, a soul-destroying ecstasy that has enslaved their entire civilization. Kirk and Spock have faced many threats before, but now they face the most seductive menace of all: perfect happiness.
And the rest of the Federation may soon fall under the irresistible control of the Joy Machine…”
A legitimate lost episode of TOS! Originally pitched as an episode by Theodore Sturgeon, writer of Amok Time, one of the best episodes of TOS, wrote a screenplay for an episode called the Joy Machine. But it was basically Kirk fighting another machine, like a Taste of Armageddon, expect this one makes people happy via “payday”. The planet of Tishmel has cut its self off the galaxy, no can leave or enter it. Kirk and co are sent to find out what happened. They’re virtual slaves and the Joy Machine seeks to conquer the galaxy, giving everyone pure joy. In the 90s after Sturgeon passed away, an author called James Gunn (not of Guardians of the Galaxy and DC fame James Gunn, two different people) wrote his original screenplay into a novel.
The novel was… alright. It was a fairly painless affair and just an average novel. Gunn was too reliant on telling and not showing how the characters would deal with it. Too many run on sentences, but beyond that I enjoyed it. The idea of a computer giving you unfiltered, soul sucking happiness is terrifying. They became virtual slaves to the Joy Machine and it felt almost horror movie esque and I wished they played up that angle more. If this was an episode of TOS, it would be a 3rd Season episode in terms of quality and a middle of the road episode. Also a random trip to the polar regions of the planet takes place but it serves the plot a little bit. Anyway, a fairly painless novel and if you’re looking for something familiar, this may be the novel for you. 6/10
June 27, 2023
This was so slow and plodding. As others said maybe if this had been an hour script it might have worked but there just wasn't enough of it to make this exciting. The basic plot is Timshel, a vacation bright spot in the Federation has gone radio silent and two investigators sent to find out why have also not reported in, including a woman Kirk, in theory, loves. Kirk also has a family he's close to there, the kids call him Uncle.
So he's a natural to go down and find out why. It doesn't take long. Everyone but the kids have been hooked into the titular Joy Machine (two words you will get exhausted reading by the end) including Dannie, the woman Kirk 'loves.' The Joy Machine can give you perfect happiness and that's all anyone wants. They are working nominal jobs (like sweeping nothing) to earn that PayDay. Even sex has fallen to the way side (no babies in a couple years).
Naturally Kirk gets hooked into the machine as does Spock, McCoy and Uhura (and I'd be lying if I said I even remembered why those three had beamed down) but he's kidnapped by resistors to the machine, including a scientist, Linda, for whom he promptly forgets his love Dannie....
Let's be honest Kirk is NOT the guy you think of when it comes to fighting computers. And when has making a computer virus ever been interesting? The doomed rebels have some sort of whale creatures, the wampuses, that we spend a lot of time on only to have them not be important later (way to load a gun and not shoot it). There is a very moralistic tone to this with religious undertones. And for most of the novel Spock, McCoy and Uhura are forgotten. We get a little of Scotty on the ship as the Joy Machine tries to take over the Enterprise.
It's so dull a day later I can't even remember how Spock talked the thing to death, almost literally. The Joy Machine is joyless.
So he's a natural to go down and find out why. It doesn't take long. Everyone but the kids have been hooked into the titular Joy Machine (two words you will get exhausted reading by the end) including Dannie, the woman Kirk 'loves.' The Joy Machine can give you perfect happiness and that's all anyone wants. They are working nominal jobs (like sweeping nothing) to earn that PayDay. Even sex has fallen to the way side (no babies in a couple years).
Naturally Kirk gets hooked into the machine as does Spock, McCoy and Uhura (and I'd be lying if I said I even remembered why those three had beamed down) but he's kidnapped by resistors to the machine, including a scientist, Linda, for whom he promptly forgets his love Dannie....
Let's be honest Kirk is NOT the guy you think of when it comes to fighting computers. And when has making a computer virus ever been interesting? The doomed rebels have some sort of whale creatures, the wampuses, that we spend a lot of time on only to have them not be important later (way to load a gun and not shoot it). There is a very moralistic tone to this with religious undertones. And for most of the novel Spock, McCoy and Uhura are forgotten. We get a little of Scotty on the ship as the Joy Machine tries to take over the Enterprise.
It's so dull a day later I can't even remember how Spock talked the thing to death, almost literally. The Joy Machine is joyless.
June 22, 2022
This is actually a reread; when the novel was first published I fell upon it with glad cries ("A new book by Sturgeon??") but I remember virtually nothing from the first time I read this.
Theodore Sturgeon wrote two episodes for Star Trek: "Shore Leave" and "Amok Time". This outline would have been the third, but the producers of the show were frustrated by Sturgeon's inability to meet deadlines.
Rereading it now I'm amused by the way James Gunn 'tuckerized' (i.e., named characters after) Sturgeon's daughters.
I feel that James Gunn tends to write gradually-paced stories that avoid stating their points explicitly. The reader is expected to figure things out and come to their own conclusions.
It also seems to me that this novel separates into parts that seem like they would work for a 1960s TV show (the main ideas and discussions) and a lengthy part that feels like it wouldn't (a "side trip" to the planet's arctic regions). While I was reading the latter, I felt like it was padding, but I later felt that it was very exciting padding with a spectacular disaster scene.
Overall, this is a thoughtful novel that doesn't shortchange the central ideas. I believe that These Are the Voyages - TOS: Season Three implies that it would have been the 25th episode of Star Trek's final season, and William Shatner's directorial debut(!), but the final season was cut off at episode 24. It seems to me that an episode based on this book's main idea would have been a far better send-off than "Turnabout Intruder".
Theodore Sturgeon wrote two episodes for Star Trek: "Shore Leave" and "Amok Time". This outline would have been the third, but the producers of the show were frustrated by Sturgeon's inability to meet deadlines.
Rereading it now I'm amused by the way James Gunn 'tuckerized' (i.e., named characters after) Sturgeon's daughters.
I feel that James Gunn tends to write gradually-paced stories that avoid stating their points explicitly. The reader is expected to figure things out and come to their own conclusions.
It also seems to me that this novel separates into parts that seem like they would work for a 1960s TV show (the main ideas and discussions) and a lengthy part that feels like it wouldn't (a "side trip" to the planet's arctic regions). While I was reading the latter, I felt like it was padding, but I later felt that it was very exciting padding with a spectacular disaster scene.
Overall, this is a thoughtful novel that doesn't shortchange the central ideas. I believe that These Are the Voyages - TOS: Season Three implies that it would have been the 25th episode of Star Trek's final season, and William Shatner's directorial debut(!), but the final season was cut off at episode 24. It seems to me that an episode based on this book's main idea would have been a far better send-off than "Turnabout Intruder".
July 1, 2024
I really did want to like it this book and I had to fight against it the whole time to try and like it but in the end I just was glad it was done. I liked the debates of happiness and what that truly means and also the ethics of taking that away from people so they could actually be people again but the story and the characters seemed to be all over the place and the plot was what really dragged it down to me.
The Prime Directive debate seemed to be a bit off and what Kirk argued at times was questionable.
The Wampu discussion and their part in the story seemed to be a side plot that didn't really go anywhere and was just an odd inclusion in the story.
The end also seemed a little too much like the way they out-reasoned a computer like NOMAD and V'Ger so I didn't care for it plus, if I understand correctly, it was irrelevant as the Enterprise Computer is what persuaded the Joy Machine anyway so its efforts to expand were its undoing? So the whole story was irrelevant and they just had to wait for the Enterprise Computer to save the day?
The Prime Directive debate seemed to be a bit off and what Kirk argued at times was questionable.
The Wampu discussion and their part in the story seemed to be a side plot that didn't really go anywhere and was just an odd inclusion in the story.
The end also seemed a little too much like the way they out-reasoned a computer like NOMAD and V'Ger so I didn't care for it plus, if I understand correctly, it was irrelevant as the Enterprise Computer is what persuaded the Joy Machine anyway so its efforts to expand were its undoing? So the whole story was irrelevant and they just had to wait for the Enterprise Computer to save the day?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2019
The writer already treated the subject in a previous book. Although his own comments are very positive i do not share his enthousiasm. Most of the time i was bored and always glad i could put it down to do something more usefull. Exception is the part in the ice which feels like a real Star Trek episode with action, danger and contact with intelligent aliens.
But most of the time the action is overshadowed by psychological and philosophical reasoning which is definitely not my cup of tea, at least not the points of view that are presented here.
The author is strong in making his point that man is not entitled to happiness, only doomed to pursue it eternally. But he has not objection (and largely ignores the effects) to 1 man (James T. Kirk) deciding for an entire people to take away their happiness. There is no judgement (or even mentioning) on the morality of that, nor the efefcts like mass suicides e.g.
But most of the time the action is overshadowed by psychological and philosophical reasoning which is definitely not my cup of tea, at least not the points of view that are presented here.
The author is strong in making his point that man is not entitled to happiness, only doomed to pursue it eternally. But he has not objection (and largely ignores the effects) to 1 man (James T. Kirk) deciding for an entire people to take away their happiness. There is no judgement (or even mentioning) on the morality of that, nor the efefcts like mass suicides e.g.
December 25, 2019
I only bought this in 2019 from an online used bookseller. The cover painting of Shatner Kirk isn't a good likeness and one doesn't feel the literary Kirk or any of the other characters are their 'likenesses'. It's a very tedious novel, a lot of toing and growing for nothing and no internal logic. In fact, it only reads like a Trek episode in its last twenty pages. I'm glad the story featured faith and specifically the Christian Bible and wasn't used as an attack on faith, as so much SF does, as I am a person of Christian faith.
So overall, not a very good novel and a poor Trek novel, despite the sparkly cover trying to present it as an event.
So overall, not a very good novel and a poor Trek novel, despite the sparkly cover trying to present it as an event.
December 22, 2021
At first I saw "James Gunn" and thought "Oh, cool, the 'Guardians of The Galaxy' guy recently wrote a Star Trek novel!" It was clear he was taking a poke at our ongoing addition to electronic devices. I only learned after finishing the book that it was a different James Gunn, and he wrote this book in 1996. This book was a prophecy of our time.
That being said, it was a pretty good sci-fi pocket novel. I really felt like I completed a journey by the end. The main struggle in this book was right where it belonged - not between two opposing armies, one good and one evil, but right down the middle of each human (and Vulcan) heart.
That being said, it was a pretty good sci-fi pocket novel. I really felt like I completed a journey by the end. The main struggle in this book was right where it belonged - not between two opposing armies, one good and one evil, but right down the middle of each human (and Vulcan) heart.
February 11, 2024
Too Much Happiness is Bad
A masterpiece of work from Ted Sturgeon, who gave us some of the most memorable episodes of the original Star Trek series, like Amok Time, and James Gunn.
A planet used extensively for wonderful shore leave cuts off all contact. Why? Two agents despatched to find out what's happening stop reporting in. The Enterprise, under the command of Captain James Kirk is sent to find out what's happening and the landing party have a fight on their hands against the Joy Machine and a population who don't want to revert back to the creative society that existed before....
A masterpiece of work from Ted Sturgeon, who gave us some of the most memorable episodes of the original Star Trek series, like Amok Time, and James Gunn.
A planet used extensively for wonderful shore leave cuts off all contact. Why? Two agents despatched to find out what's happening stop reporting in. The Enterprise, under the command of Captain James Kirk is sent to find out what's happening and the landing party have a fight on their hands against the Joy Machine and a population who don't want to revert back to the creative society that existed before....
April 16, 2020
After finishing the book its easy to realize what others mean by "doesnt sound like Star Trek".
Personally I did enjoy the writing style of James Gunn. The story is highly philosophical and ponders a lot on different abstract concepts of human nature and their philosophy.
But it feels detached from actual Star Trek universe and I could hardly imagine Kirk or Spock saying anything they did say..
Not meaning that the book would be bad though - its an enjoyable read and an interesting view on AI becoming omnipotent
Personally I did enjoy the writing style of James Gunn. The story is highly philosophical and ponders a lot on different abstract concepts of human nature and their philosophy.
But it feels detached from actual Star Trek universe and I could hardly imagine Kirk or Spock saying anything they did say..
Not meaning that the book would be bad though - its an enjoyable read and an interesting view on AI becoming omnipotent
May 18, 2020
A computer is able to give people a shot of perfect joy and happiness. The society governed by this computer seeks the joy to the exclusion of everything else. Kirk and the crew of the Enterprise team up with the rebels to stop it before it exports its "gift of joy" across the galaxy.
I was told the novel is based on a script that would have been used if the original Trek had made it into a season four. I could see this story as an episode of the show. That may have the book's weakness: not enough story to make the book as long as it is. A lot of filler was added.
I was told the novel is based on a script that would have been used if the original Trek had made it into a season four. I could see this story as an episode of the show. That may have the book's weakness: not enough story to make the book as long as it is. A lot of filler was added.
April 25, 2023
3.5/5
decent book! (but it would have been a better TOS episode)
features:
- an interesting question: what's happiness worth of you don't have to struggle for it?
- Kirk quoting a literary classic every other page
- not one but two romances that go nowhere. but they're also not for manipulation purposes. they're really just a little awkward. but Kirk puts his whole heart into them like always
- alien whales for some reason. and a 6-page infodump about these delightful creatures
- 'lots of,' the reviewer said, 'weird dialogue tags that break sentences in awkward places'
- Kirk mansplaining his way through the science side of the plot, which is really fucking funny
- so much coffee. they don't have other drinks on Timshel
- one surprisingly sweet computer and one surprisingly human one
decent book! (but it would have been a better TOS episode)
features:
- an interesting question: what's happiness worth of you don't have to struggle for it?
- Kirk quoting a literary classic every other page
- not one but two romances that go nowhere. but they're also not for manipulation purposes. they're really just a little awkward. but Kirk puts his whole heart into them like always
- alien whales for some reason. and a 6-page infodump about these delightful creatures
- 'lots of,' the reviewer said, 'weird dialogue tags that break sentences in awkward places'
- Kirk mansplaining his way through the science side of the plot, which is really fucking funny
- so much coffee. they don't have other drinks on Timshel
- one surprisingly sweet computer and one surprisingly human one
August 15, 2023
Major character here is Kirk. He’s basically the main character and he does some nearly impossible things. He has a friend on this planet that has a master computer controlling inhabitants by hooking them up to a payday of complete and utter joy. They are like slaves to it. Kirk joins the rebellion. Computer just has all the power. There seems to be no way to stop it. Honestly the way they stop it at the end is a bit lame in my opinion. It has controlled Kirk Spock McCoy and Uhura completely. No one can stop it then the end of it is pretty simple
August 6, 2018
There are a lot of not so good reviews, but I liked it. Many say it is too much like old episodes, but originally it was a TOS episode that never got made. Other say too cliche and predictable, but when it was written many of the ideas were not cliche or predictable. This book should be read with a historic understanding of the Star Trek and science fiction community.
February 26, 2023
Interesting story that fits into TOS world well but lacks depth in the writing. I also found it hard at times to see the characters from the enterprise as themselves from their dialog and felt the background world needed more expansion. I have no idea of what a screenplay looks like but it felt more like I'd imagine that to be.
January 10, 2022
Brain Candy = Joy
Couldn't resist. Fun read using characters from original show. Love the interaction of the characters. Weaves sci-fi with philosophy to offer enjoyment with thought provoking questions.
Couldn't resist. Fun read using characters from original show. Love the interaction of the characters. Weaves sci-fi with philosophy to offer enjoyment with thought provoking questions.
January 28, 2023
A dystopian novel that was incredibly well that asks the question, "what happens when humans are given unfettered joy?" A cerebral book that looks at the consequences of pure joy with no work and how that affects the human psyche and soul. A worth while and fascinating read.
December 29, 2018
Interesting discussion on the dangers of too much happiness. It was a fun read, but the grammatical errors were distracting and disappointing.
January 1, 2020
Quite an odd one, doesn’t really come across as a trek novel
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