5. A legacy that reshaped Star Trek
“Mirror, Mirror” did not just stand out in its own season; it created one of Star Trek’s most enduring narrative toys. Deep Space Nine returned to the concept in a string of episodes, Enterprise gave the Mirror Universe an elaborate prequel, and even series outside Trek, from Doctor Who to South Park, have borrowed the “evil universe” template that this one hour codified.
Season 2 is stacked with classics like “Amok Time,” “The Doomsday Machine,” and “The Trouble with Tribbles,” but none of them spawned an entire sub‑mythology the way “Mirror, Mirror” did. Its combination of franchise-defining worldbuilding, rich character material, and pointed political themes makes a strong case that when it comes to TOS season 2, “Mirror, Mirror” is the episode that truly reflects Star Trek at its best.
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