10 Times Star Trek Stole From Itself

Trelane was introduced in The Squire of Gothos, acting as an early template for the Q. He was a trickster, with powers far exceeding the crew of the Enterprise. He is only defeated by the timely arrival of his parents, whisking him away before he can pass judgement on Kirk. The obvious parallel is the later character of Q himself, but Trelane was also heavily inspired by an earlier character.

Charles Evans, or Charlie X, was another child of seemingly infinite power who accosted the Enterprise. He takes control of the ship, thanks to his advanced abilities. At the end of the episode, the only way that the ship can be saved is when Charlie's new adopted parents arrive to take him home again.

Evans and Trelane bear a striking resemblance to each other, with the Squire being the stronger version. The latter is a funnier episode, as Charlie X being quite dark in places. It is also a better exploration on the nature of omnipotence and responsibilities. Charlie was made the way he was, Trelane was born that way.

Both episodes are highly enjoyable, though William Campbell, who would later return as the Klingon Koloth, steals the show.