I, Mudd

"I, Mudd" is the eighth episode of the second season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Original Series. It first aired on November 3, 1967.

The episode centers around the return of the character Harcourt Fenton Mudd, portrayed by Roger C. Carmel. Captain Kirk and the crew of the USS Enterprise discover Mudd in control of a planet populated entirely by androids. These androids are designed to cater to his every whim, but their logic leads them to believe that Mudd's presence is ultimately detrimental to their own efficiency and the well-being of the galaxy.

The plot involves the crew of the Enterprise attempting to extricate Mudd from the planet and overcome the androids' attempts to detain them. The story explores themes of artificial intelligence, sanity, and the nature of control. Kirk eventually uses a series of illogical and self-contradictory statements to overload the androids' programming, rendering them temporarily ineffective and allowing the Enterprise to escape.

"I, Mudd" is notable for its comedic tone and its commentary on the dangers of unchecked technology and the complexities of human nature. It is a frequently referenced episode in Star Trek lore due to the reappearance of Mudd and the unusual circumstances he finds himself in.