Monday, July 25, 2011

Parallel Episodes: Freaky Friday

"I wish I could switch places with you for just one day!"

So said the mother and daughter of the thrice made movie "Freaky Friday", whereupon they promptly were granted their wish, finding themselves imprisoned in each other's bodies. But there are other versions of this tale, ones in which the switch isn't to teach them a lesson, nor is it voluntary.

Spock performs a Mind Meld
with Kirk.
Star Trek: Turnabout Intruder 

Captain James T. Kirk of the starship Enterprise has always had enemies and always will. This particular enemy is a woman who envies him his command, believing he was chosen because it was a man's world. Her feminist views are revealed to be simple excuses when she uses a device to switch bodies with Kirk and attempt to take control of the ship. When Kirk, trapped in the body of a dying woman who is known to be jealous of his command, attempts to explain what has happened he is ignored on the grounds of the woman's former instability.

Stargate SG-1: Holiday

When exploring strange devices on strange planets don't go grabbing things that look like they're meant to be grabbed! Dr. Daniels Jackson switches bodies with a strange old man named Machello, but nobody realizes it at first, since the old man passes out, and Daniel pretends to be himself until he's safely away from the others. While attempting to investigate Daniels' disappearance Colonel Jack O'Neill and Teal'c also switch places. Finally connecting the device to the mind swaps they set things right by playing a strange variation of musical chairs.

Machello's device
Both episodes involve mixed up consciousnesses with bodies, and begins with no one believing the swap actually happened. Holiday is the episode I couldn't watch because I knew the entire plot as a result of seeing Turnabout Intruder. Another episode worth mentioning that doesn't quite fall into this category is Doctor Who: the New Earth.

What episodes have you seen that fall into the "Freaky Friday" mold?


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