The M5 story
EPISODE 53 AIR DATE 3/8/1968
In the late sixties ,visionary
Gene Rodenbarry forecasted that one day people would try to replace
people with computer automation systems. He also foretold the
failings of this endeavor. He did incorporate this theme in a
number of his works including the original Star Trek. In an episode
named "The Ultimate Computer" Gene spelled out this
plot.
Dr Dastrom who invented the
Duotrinic Circuit that made star ships possible had an ego problem,
he had to top himself. He did this by inventing the Multitronic
Circuit ,light years ahead of the old duotronic technology. The
first four computers he made failed using the new technology.
On Dr. dastroms fifth try "The Multitronic #5 Computer"
was installed on the Enterprise to automate the functions of the
crew and free them to pursue other interest. Then Kirk ,Spock
and Dastrom stayed on board to observe the test. The M5 did well
in a controlled battle test but later it made many errors with
real weapons and star fleet ships, killing and wounding the good
guys. Many atemps were made to shut down the M5 but it continued
to grow and kill. Finally Kirk out wits the M5 and gets the machine
to realize it has killed people and the penalty for this is death.
The M5 then tries to commit suicide by leaving its self open to
attack by star fleet. Kirk now pulls the plug and non verbally
communicates he is back in control. Kirk saved the day, Dr. Dastrom
was hauled off to the star fleet loony bin and the M5 was scraped.
Computers do some things vary
well but human decisions are not in this group!


THE M5 WITH DASTROM,MCCOY,SPOCK&KIRK
EMAIL
ME
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