The Animated Series 1x6 "The Survivor"

rating: ***

Memory Alpha summary

From Khan and Cochrane in the original series to Emory Erickson in Enterprise (inventor of the transporter as seen in "Daedalus"), "The Survivor" follows a considerable franchise tradition of featuring the crew interacting with notable figures from Star Trek's fictional future history.  This time it's Carter Winston, a noted civilian who worked to spread the cause of humanity in space.

As usual, the circumstances are less than ideal, but the way "Survivor" handles these particular circumstances serves as one of the better illustrations of the series' potential.  Winston has been replaced by a shape-shifter, one of the many to precede Deep Space Nine's Odo and for the record have no relation to the Founders (another would be the Chameloid from Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country).

via the Viewscreen. Besides, Odo hates that color (except on Kira).

The fake Winston's been employed as a Romulan agent, thereby bringing another layer of significance to the episode.  But he proves invaluable when his morals get the best of him, thanks to Winston's fiancee, who helps him see things the way Winston himself would have.

A nuanced episode filled with a bunch of interesting elements, and it features this timeless quip from Spock as well: "[...]Two Doctor McCoys just might bring the level of medical efficiency on this ship up to acceptable levels."  Zing!

The episode also features the debut of feline communications officer M'Ress, one of several elements unique to the series for somewhat obvious reasons.  Also, the only canon reference to McCoy's daughter Joanna.

four quarter analysis
franchise * series * essential * character

notable guest-stars:
Nichelle Nichols
Majel Roddenberry
James Doohan
Ted Knight