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“Wink of an Eye” stands as one of the more imaginative episodes in the Star Trek: The Original Series canon, offering a thrilling exploration of speed, perception, and the boundaries of human experience. As the eleventh episode of Season 3, it showcases thought-provoking concepts, clever storytelling, and memorable guest performances, including Kathie Browne’s standout role. This article delves into a comprehensive review of “Wink of an Eye,” featuring insights on its cast, plot, and enduring meaning within the Star Trek universe. Discover what makes this episode a distinctive and fascinating part of Star Trek’s legacy and its pivotal place in the third season.
“Wink of an Eye” is a fascinating episode from the third season of Star Trek: The Original Series that blends science fiction with a surreal, almost fairy-tale atmosphere. The story begins when the starship Enterprise responds to a distress call from the planet Scalos, only to find an abandoned city and no visible inhabitants. However, the crew soon discovers that the Scalosians live at an incredibly accelerated rate, making them invisible to the human eye. When Captain Kirk drinks some water from the planet, he is accelerated too, allowing him to see and interact with Deela, the beautiful queen of the Scalosians. She reveals their plan to take over the Enterprise and make Kirk their king, but this comes with dangerous consequences, as accelerated beings suffer rapid aging and cellular degeneration if harmed. The episode mixes mystery, suspense, and a unique concept of time perception, making it stand out in the series for its imaginative storytelling and eerie tone.

“Wink of an Eye” is a Star Trek episode with an intriguing premise about a race called the Scalosians who live at an accelerated pace, making normal humans appear frozen to them. The story kicks off when the Enterprise responds to a distress call from their planet, only to find it seemingly deserted. Things get interesting when Kirk mysteriously disappears and is later found existing in the Scalosians’ hyper-accelerated time frame. The episode explores this unique concept visually with tilted camera angles and surreal effects that effectively convey the speed difference, creating a distinct atmosphere.
However, the episode struggles with some logical inconsistencies, especially regarding the timeline. For example, Spock uncovers the mystery in what seems like normal time, but from the Scalosians’ perspective, much more time should have passed, which the plot doesn’t fully address. Despite this, the performances, especially Shatner’s, and the clever visual storytelling make it enjoyable if you’re willing to overlook these flaws. The dynamic between Kirk and Deela, the Scalosian leader, adds a bit of charm and tension, though some character motivations feel a bit rushed. Overall, it’s a fun, if imperfect, sci-fi adventure with a memorable concept worth watching for fans of classic Trek.

The cast of Star Trek: Wink of an Eye features many of the iconic actors from the original series. William Shatner stars as Captain James T. Kirk, leading the Enterprise crew through this intriguing episode. Leonard Nimoy plays the ever-logical Mr. Spock, and DeForest Kelley appears as the ship’s doctor, Dr. McCoy. Kathie Browne guest stars as Deela, a standout character who is both confident and emotionally complex, making her a memorable counterpart to Kirk. Jason Evers plays Rael, another key figure in the story.
Supporting the main cast are familiar faces like James Doohan as Montgomery Scott (Scotty), George Takei as Hikaru Sulu, Nichelle Nichols as Uhura, and Majel Barrett as Nurse Chapel. The episode also includes several uncredited roles that add depth to the story’s world. Directed by Jud Taylor and created by Gene Roddenberry, the episode blends strong performances with a unique sci-fi plot, making the cast’s chemistry a highlight of this classic installment.

Kathie Browne was a talented actress best remembered by Star Trek fans for her role as Deela in the 1968 episode “Wink of an Eye.” In this episode, she played a beautiful and mysterious Scalosian woman who becomes involved with Captain Kirk. Deela and her people, the Scalosians, faced a tragic fate, which added a unique and somewhat somber twist to the story, making her character both intriguing and memorable. Browne’s performance stood out because she brought charm and depth to a role that was both villainous and sympathetic.
Beyond Star Trek, Kathie Browne had a prolific television career throughout the 1960s and 70s, appearing in popular shows like Perry Mason and Bonanza. She was known for her versatility, often playing different characters on the same series. Browne retired from acting in 1980 and passed away in 2003, but her work, especially her role as Deela, continues to be appreciated by fans of classic TV and Star Trek alike.

Star Trek Season 3, Episode 11, titled “Wink of an Eye,” features a strong cast of familiar faces alongside some guest stars. The main cast includes William Shatner as Captain James T. Kirk, Leonard Nimoy as Mr. Spock, and DeForest Kelley as Dr. Leonard McCoy. They are joined by James Doohan playing Engineer Montgomery Scott, Nichelle Nichols as Lt. Uhura, and George Takei as Lt. Sulu, all of whom bring their iconic characters to life with great chemistry.
This episode also introduces guest stars Kathie Browne as Deela and Jason Evers as Rael, who play key roles in the story involving time-accelerated aliens taking over the Enterprise. Other supporting cast members include Majel Barrett as Christine Chapel and Erik Holland as Ekor, adding depth to the episode’s dynamic. Directed by Jud Taylor and written by Arthur Heinemann based on a story by Gene L. Coon, the episode aired on November 29, 1968, blending sci-fi adventure with a memorable cast performance.
Overall, the mix of the classic Star Trek crew and compelling guest actors makes this episode a standout in the third season.

“Wink of an Eye” is a memorable episode from the third season of the original Star Trek series that explores a fascinating concept of time acceleration. The Enterprise responds to a distress call from the planet Scalos, where Captain Kirk and his landing party find an abandoned city and no visible inhabitants. Soon, crewman Compton mysteriously disappears, and the ship begins to experience strange malfunctions caused by an unseen force.
The twist is that the Scalosians live at a much faster rate of time, making them invisible and almost untouchable to the Enterprise crew. Kirk himself is accelerated to their time frame after drinking water laced with their substance, allowing him to interact with Deela, the Scalosian queen. She reveals their plan to make Kirk their king and keep him in this accelerated state, which causes rapid aging and cellular degeneration if injured.
The episode blends science fiction with a surreal, almost magical atmosphere, as the crew struggles to understand and counteract this invisible threat. It’s a unique story that plays with perception and time, featuring clever moments like Spock silently joining Kirk in the accelerated world. Though some plot points may stretch logic, the episode remains a fan favorite for its imaginative premise and intriguing mystery.

A wink of the eye is a quick, deliberate closing of one eye that can carry many meanings depending on the situation and culture. Often, it’s a playful gesture used to share a secret, express affection, or spark a laugh between people who understand each other. It’s like a silent way of saying, “You and I know something special.” However, a wink can also be tricky—it sometimes signals deceit or scheming, especially in older texts like the Bible, where it’s linked to dishonesty and causing trouble. In everyday life, a wink can be flirty, teasing, or even a way to lighten the mood. But context is everything; what’s friendly in one place might be rude or confusing in another. Sometimes, a wink isn’t intentional at all but a twitch caused by stress or fatigue. So, while a wink seems simple, it’s actually a rich form of non-verbal communication that depends on timing, relationship, and cultural background to be understood correctly.

In Star Trek Season 2, the episode “Wink of an Eye” offers a fascinating twist on time perception and alien interaction. The Enterprise crew responds to a distress call from the planet Scalos, only to find an apparently deserted city. However, the mystery deepens when crewman Compton vanishes right before their eyes. It turns out the Scalosians live in a hyper-accelerated state, moving so fast that they are invisible to normal humans. Captain Kirk himself is accelerated into their world, where he meets Deela, the Scalosian queen, who hopes to make him her king and help repopulate their dying planet.
The episode cleverly explores the concept of different time scales coexisting, creating a surreal atmosphere as Kirk navigates this strange accelerated reality. While the story has some logical quirks—like how the Scalosians’ rapid actions fit into normal time—it remains an engaging and visually interesting adventure. Deela’s charm and the unique portrayal of the Scalosians add a memorable flavor to this classic Star Trek tale, blending mystery, sci-fi, and a bit of romance in a way that keeps viewers intrigued.

In conclusion, “Star Trek: In the Wink of an Eye” serves as a fascinating exploration of time, perception, and the effects of technology on humanity. Through the lens of Captain Kirk and his crew, the episode challenges viewers to reflect on the nature of time and the ethical dilemmas that arise from advanced civilization. It highlights the complexities of communication and connection across different temporal planes, prompting us to consider how our actions ripple beyond our immediate understanding. Ultimately, this installment of Star Trek not only captivates through its imaginative storytelling but also invites deeper philosophical musings about our place in the universe.