The Ultimate Computer
Dr. Daystrom develops a computer capable of fully running a starship, perhaps making positions like Kirk's obsolete. But the machine's "human judgment" comes with a high price.
We must give TOS credit for raising difficult issues, even if they'll settle for conventional solutions. Unstable computer? Destroy it. But there's more here than just another short-lived conversational companion for Kirk. Daystrom is sympathetic, even if the acting's hammy - something TOS fans of all people should be able to tolerate! - as he tries to recapture past glories. Kirk is not just afraid of losing his job, but his life's purpose. This is the first use of Masefield's Sea Fever, and a lovely and fitting verse it is. The reality is, since the computer runs many of the ship's systems, this is a logical final step. But in TOS, machines can't truly replace humans. Naturally it's going to destroy some "friendly" ships, and an admission of Daystrom's questionable methods comes out. That the machine is flawed because of human engrams is not far from Nomad's flaw of merely having been built by humans. That's a weapon. Anyway, Kirk is safe - at least we know he's a reckless human.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock distracts the computer while Daystrom and Kirk talk it to death. (A double threat this time.)
Oops: Spock's enthusiasm over M5 might have been premature.
Developments: Spock really likes computers. Sometimes he prefers their company to humans, but he does like having some humans around. He also has no wish to serve under computers, and reassures Kirk of this.