ST: TOS: Charlie X

Enter the base plot summary for a childlike character with supernatural abilities who interact with the crew and discovers there is more about humanity that he needs to learn before fitting in.  However in this episode, the fitting in part never really happens. 

I have enjoyed episodes of TNG where they introduce super powerful individuals (the Q for example).  This one seemed slightly different.  Charlie was not a Q, however it would have been neat if the Thasians were a precursor to the Q.  I think this is one notable difference between TOS and TNG.  In TOS, the story lines seem to always want to find a logical explanation to events.  In TNG, they have let go of the logical need to explain everything.  I recall a few episodes where they weren't able to explain a phenomenon and it was OK.  A little unsettling, but still OK. 

I guess this also calls to the difference between the maturity of the Federation as well.  In TOS, the Federation is still quite young, but they have the arrogance to believe they are all knowing and have the best solution for everything.  In TNG, they are slightly more mature, however they still hold on to some of that arrogance.  But, they are starting to realize that the universe is a larger place and there are many things they do not understand. 

Back to Charlie X.  They never should have agreed to that arrangement.  But if they didn't, there wouldn't have been an episode for future episodes to borrow from.