The episode begins with the trial of a murderer. He is convicted and sentenced to the ultimate personality--"death of personality". It seems that in the 23rd century, they no longer do capital punishment as we know it, but use telepaths to literally wipe away the old mind and re-create a new one that is devoted to a lifetime of service to others. However, Talia hates being pressed into this duty--especially since the minds of killers can be so frightening. And, when it comes to sick and disturbed minds, this murderer is in a class by himself! A concurrent plot involves the doctor finding out about a "healer" (June Lockhart) in Down Below who seems to be using some sort of "quack cure". However, when he investigates, he is surprised to find that the alien device DOES work after all! There's a lot to this episode, and unlike many episodes, the two plots merge perfectly late in the show. This one really got me thinking about my own feelings about the death penalty--and I love shows that make me think and intelligently challenge my opinions. Well-written and acted, despite being a "filler episode" (one that doesn't directly relate to the plot involving the Shadows), it's well worth seeing.