Dr. Morkenstein was the fifth episode of season 2 of Mork and Mindy, also the 30th overall episode in the series. Co-written by Bruce Kalish & Philip John Taylor, the episode, which was directed by Harvey Medlinsky, originally aired on ABC-TV on October 7, 1978.
Synopsis[]
Mork instills human emotions in a robot. Working as a security guard in a science museum, Mork befriends a robot named Chuck. Mork Programs Chuck with conscious thought, unfortunately he also develops emotions.
Plot summary[]
"Dr. Morkenstein" finds Mork now employed at a science exhibit, programming consciousness into their prize robot Chuck, with human emotions and the ability to play cards (voiced by Roddy McDowall). Chuck believes that emotions interfere with his computer banks, and laments that he'll soon be dismantled for 'metal fatigue.' Revealing the very human emotion of wanting to live, to sing and dance, has Mork willing to bring Chuck home to live with him.
Mindy isn't too thrilled with the new house guest, but actually feels sorry for the robot when she learns about his plight. The New York Deli serves as the place for Chuck to perform among people, but starts to run down with insults and wrong answers, willing to die like a human. Robby the Robot was created for the 1956 MGM classic "Forbidden Planet" and its sequel "The Invisible Boy," and was a longtime veteran of many TV shows like The Twilight Zone, Lost In Space, and Columbo.
Mork's Report to Orson[]
A rather somber report this episode different from his usual antics. Mork reports that he created a robot and gave it life and personality, but he is also saddened by the loss of his robot friend. Mork experiences for the first time the emotions of grief and loss. He signs off "nanu-nanu" straight-faced and does not bow to Orson unlike other times.
Trivia[]
- The robot is Robby, who was featured in Lost In Space and various other films.
- Behind-the-scenes rehearsal footage (including some of Robin Williams' improvisations that never would've made it into the show) is included in the documentary The Adventures of Garry Marshall.
- The title of the episode is a reference to Dr. Frankenstein.
- While talking to Orson, Mork says, "I played The Wizard of Oz. I gave the Tin Man a heart."
- This was aired out of sequence. Jim Staahl receives an opening credit, but his character isn't introduced until the next episode.
Cast[]
Starring[]
- Robin Williams as Mork
- Pam Dawber as Mindy McConnell
- Jay Thomas as Remo DaVinci
- Gina Hecht as Jeannie DaVinci
- Tom Poston as Mr. Bickley
- Ralph James as Voice of Orson
Guest starring[]
- Roddy McDowall as Voice of Chuck the Robot (voice)
- Robby the Robot as Chuck the Robot
- Ken Magee as Man #1
- Lu Leonard as Lady #1
- Gregory Itzin as Man #2
- Elizabeth Hoy as Girl
- Jon Schroeder as Grandpa #2