This episode is often said to be one of the best episodes in the franchise. I certainly think the concept is excellent but is it the best? Lets find out.
The beginning of the episode is the weakest part. It relies on an accident coupled with incompetence. I think they could have come up with a better way to get us to the story.
The Enterprise is at red alert. They are passing through ripples in time. These ripples shake the ship. They come to an unknown world that is the focus of the time ripples.
After Sulu’s console explodes, McCoy is called to the bridge. He injects Sulu with Cordrazine – a potentially dangerous medicine administered by the drop.
When the ship is rocked again McCoy accidentally injects himself. This part doesn’t really work for me. If cordrazine is measured by the drop why was there so much in the hypospray? That little nitpick out of the way Deforest Kelly does portray this very well.
Subjects failed to recognise acquaintances, became hysterically convinced that they were in mortal danger, and were seeking escape at any cost. Extremely dangerous to himself or to anyone else… Spock, on the effects of Cortrozine (TOS: The City on the Edge of Forever)
Given this description McCoy wants to get off the ship. That makes sense. Even a barren planet might seem appealing in those circumstances.
What makes less sense is how easily McCoy does this. The Enterprise is already at red alert. Despite this there is no extra security in the transporter room. Without any real effort McCoy knocks out the transporter chief and beams down.
Kirk leads a landing party to search for McCoy. For no particular reason, except the plot needs it, this seems to be a literal search – they can’t just pick McCoy’s life signs on the tricorder – or from orbit for that matter.
They discover extensive ruins. Spock calculates that they are 10,000 centuries old. His, and Kirk’s, attention is quickly drawn to a pulsating doughnut shaped object. I suppose I should call it a torus.
The doughnut introduces itself as the guardian of forever. It is a portal to the past. When asked if it is ‘machine or a being’ it states it is ‘both and neither’. Clearly the guardian attended the Royal Vorlon Collage of Not Giving a Straight Answer. Spock is irritated. I agree. I don’t like riddles either. (With the exception of the Voyager episode with that name.)
Kirk wonders if they can use the guardian to prevent McCoy’s accident. This feels like using a laser to remove a hangnail.
Unfortunately the doughnut doesn’t have an iris or a Walter Harriman. McCoy runs past and dives into the past. This is where the episode loses me a little. It is a pretty serious design flaw to allow any one, especially a drug-addled man, to get through.
Suddenly the landing party is all alone. McCoy has changed history. The Enterprise no longer exists. They are people out of time.
Time travel stories are always liable to create paradoxes. If McCoy changed history then the landing party shouldn’t exist either, but also McCoy would never have been born, and so on. (Wibbly Wobbly timey wimey)
Also none of the landing party manages to stop McCoy! You do have a stun setting!
Kirk and Spock head into the past. The doughnut cannot send them to the exact same point. It can only show the passing centuries at one speed. So it is less user friendly than a VCR!
Kirk and Spock arrive in 1930. They are there less than a minute before they commit a crime – stealing clothes off a fire escape. Literal seconds later they are caught by a police officer. Spock nerve pinches him but not before Kirk explains Spock’s ears: ‘He caught his head in a mechanical rice picker.’
Why didn’t Kirk bring Scotty? Surly having Spock along could create unnecessary complications. To show that there is no nitpicking depth I will not plunge – it was very lucky that the stolen clothes included a hat to cover Spock’s ears!
All kidding aside the episode is efficient at getting the characters where they need to be. After making a run for it they end up at the 21st Street Mission.
The first priority is to discover what McCoy did. Spock was monitoring the doughnut when he jumped through. Unfortunately, for reasons the episode doesn’t explain, he can’t access the data on his tricorder.
They are interrupted by Edith Keeler. She offers them work for $0.15 an hour. They start by cleaning the basement.
Keeler gets up on stage and talks about her, for want of a better word, philosophy. For all intents and purposes she is talking about the world Kirk and Spock know. I have to agree with Sfdebris. If I was homeless and hungry I don’t think that knowing that there would be a bright future would help me much.
The reason this is here is because the story depends on Kirk falling in love. Edith, therefore, has to be an intelligent and forward thinking woman. Despite the reputation Kirk is not the womaniser he is often said to be. That applies far more to Riker. (Look no further than his favourite planet.)
I think Edith is a little too on the nose. Talk of space craft and atomic power isn’t much good when you don’t know when, or if, you will eat tomorrow. I think the episode would have been better if she was a progressive thinker – not a seer. She is not literally a seer but that is how it comes across.
Some time later Spock has managed to build a computer. I don’t see how, but Spock is a genius.
Spock is also logical to a fault. He states, in a matter of fact way, that he needs platinum. I tried to look up the value of 5 lbs of platinum in 1930. I couldn’t find a result. However it is safe to say it would be beyond their means.
Kirk walks Edith home. (Spock works and Kirk gets a date. Now that does sound typical) They take a moment to look at the stars. Kirk talks about a writer who lived on a faraway planet. It is things like this that make Temporal Investigations label him a menace.
By the time Kirk returns Spock he has discovered that Edith Keeler is the focal point in time. (Apparently the platinum wasn’t important)
Meanwhile McCoy arrives and is yelling at the sky. He spots a homeless man stealing milk. He yells that he won’t kill him, grabs the man’s head, and passes out. The man checks McCoy’s clothes and finds his phaser. He accidentally kills himself.
The episode spends no time on this man. McCoy probably wasn’t even aware that he died. And I wasn’t aware he had a name. (Rodent according to Memory Alpha) His death, apparently, had no effect on the timeline one way or the other. This leads me to a tangent.
I don’t want to get into the behind the scenes stuff, at least not in depth, but I would be remiss if I didn’t say something. I am given to understand that the original version of this script was very different. If I am understanding correctly that draft did have a homeless character who would have been more important to the story. The script as written has the man’s death not matter at all. I suppose that is true of most of us.
McCoy finds his way to the mission. The cynic in me wants to say it was very convenient. Edith helps get out of sight into a back room. For her the only important thing is that he is in need.
Spock discovers what happened. Edith Keeler became the leader of a peace movement. This delayed the US’s entry into the second world war – which Germany then won. Edith had the right idea – but at the wrong time. To preserve the timeline Edith Keeler must die.
At the top of the stairs Edith stumbles. Kirk catches her saying it is not yet time – it is also not the way that history reported that she died.
McCoy seems to have a hard time believing he is in the past. This seems odd given the events of ‘Tomorrow is Yesterday.’
Quickly everything comes together. Kirk and Spock are reunited with McCoy. Edith crosses the street and is hit by a van. The horrible tragedy is that not only can Kirk not save her he also has to prevent McCoy from doing so.
The presentation of the ending never quite worked for me. It looks like the van had plenty of time to stop and chose not to. However that is getting into some real nitpicking territory.
The trio return to the present, which is the future, and for Scotty no time has passed. The final line of the episode: ‘Let’s get the hell out of here.’, was a big deal at the time. It is hard to imagine that now.
This is an excellent episode. It is one of the best of TOS. Kirk having to weigh personal feelings against larger considerations is very well done. The death of Edith Keeler allowed for the future to happen.
Star Trek is about a positive future. In order for that to happen an innocent woman had to die – not to mention millions of others in the three world wars. This story is very well told and I recommend it if you have not seen it.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
Last time I talked about one of my favourite episodes of TOS. This time we’re looking at one at the other end of the spectrum.
When people talk about bad TOS Spock’s Brain is often talked about. I submit that Spock’s Brain isn’t that bad. The Alternative Factor, to the best of my memory, has no redeeming qualities. It is boring and stupid.
As we go through this lets see if that descriptor holds up…
The Enterprise is in orbit of a planet engaged in the dull side of exploration. They are performing a scan. While doing this there is a sudden, and to my mind, ill-defined disaster. Spock reports that everything within range of the sensors ‘winked out’. This is represented by overlaying stars across the screen.
Let’s talk for a moment about stakes. The stakes in this episode is the entire galaxy maybe the entire universe. In my opinion that is far too much. It is hard to get ones mind around those kinds of consequences. Not to mention that if our heroes can save the universe it makes it look silly that anything can challenge them.
This type of story can work in some circumstances. Doctor Who has done a universe in peril story a few times. I feel this kind of story works for Doctor Who in a way it doesn’t for Star Trek. The Doctor is, for all intents and purposes, a demigod. He understands time in all its wibbly-wobbly glory and can go anywhere in the universe. The Enterprise is very limited by comparison.
When I see an episode like The Alternative Factor I can’t help thinking about the other races in the universe. The Romulans must have detected the winking out too. Yet they can do nothing about it and, I realise this is personal taste, that never quite sat right with me.
After the ‘winking out’ they detect a life form on the planet. Kirk, Spock, and four security men head down. They discover a small craft. To borrow from Doctor Who – if the Doctor has a sports car this thing is a space hopper. (I know making fun of how this thing looks is a cheap shot.) They find the pilot, Lazarus, and he collapses, hinting at some great danger, after falling off a rock. (I was going to say mountain but that is rather more fatal.)
Scotty is absent from this episode so the engineering duties (technically science) are fulfilled by Lieutenant Masters. It is an odd omission as the story deals with an engineering matter. Nevertheless Janet MacLachlan does a fine job in the role. It is also wonderful to see another black woman being in a position of authority – even if only for this episode.
Lieutenant Masters reports that the effect drained the ship’s dilithium crystals. Kirk orders her to ‘Re-amplify ‘ the crystals. I don’t know enough science to know if that makes sense. I am going to guess it doesn’t – technobabble isn’t just for Voyager! Since the lack of crystals would cause the orbit to decay you would think re-amplifying would be standard practice. Also when something is in orbit doesn’t it stay in orbit? I don’t know. Again I know nothing.
Spock cannot explain what is going on. In other words they are screwed! The one thing he can say it is strongest on the planet below.
More good news is received when they are contacted by Starfleet. They believe that the ‘winking out’ is a prelude to invasion. And yet they will not give Kirk any additional ships. (What could be more important than the possible end of everything?) Also how can someone invade an entire universe?
Incidentally the dialog indicates that Starfleet has a presence, or is at least aware of, goings on outside of the galaxy. This would not be true later on. I am not blaming the episode for this. TOS was not a show where continuity was important.
I am supposed to be explaining this episode’s plot. I am not 100% sure it has one…here’s a stock photo of an angel and a devil.
Lazarus is brought to Kirk’s quarters. He says that he is perusing a being that destroyed his entire civilisation. He escaped because he was inspecting ‘magnetic communications satellites’ – I don’t think that makes sense but it does in the world of Trek.
I don’t think it makes sense both in terms of the words but also in an advanced civilisation wouldn’t there always be many people off world?
Kirk arrives on the planet with Lazarus. Lazarus now has a cut on his forehead that wasn’t there before. Then we get the first of many appearances of a blue effect of two figures fighting. I think it is supposed to be in some null space. The planet is shaken by what every it was. Lazarus (or Robert_Brown, his actor, if you prefer) gets to over act. Which is quite a statement as he is next to William Shatner. (Sorry SFdebris but you’re right.) He gets to say kill over and over – that’s always fun.
The biggest stumbling block in this episode, as mentioned up top, is the sheer scale of what is going on. Even if they do lampshade it, Kirk says it is hard to believe. It doesn’t make it work.
Suspension of disbelief is going to be a factor in any science fiction story. For some people a ship powered by crystals might be too much. For me that was grandfathered in. I started watching Star Trek when I was 7. A ship powered by mushrooms breaks my stupid meter.
So does this episode. The universe is in peril from one person? It is not like the anti-Lazarus has a doomsday weapon. He is just some guy.
We get a scene with McCoy and Kirk where the former uses the phrase ‘As you know’ twice in as many minutes. One of them was ‘as we both know’ but let’s not slit hairs. I don’t hate that phrase as much as others but it certainly is over used. (And rarely makes sense in any context.)
What McCoy does say that is interesting (in theory) is that he treated Lazarus for a wound. Then, a little later, the wound was gone.
Not only is the wound gone but so is Lazarus. McCoy is rather blasé about that. Here’s a wild idea. Maybe a visitor to a military (I will die on that hill.) ship, who you know nothing, should have a security escort. Granted Starfleet security couldn’t stop a toddler from stealing from the cookie jar but still. Turns out he is just in the mess hall.
Kirk and McCoy find Lazarus. This is not from a coordinated search they just happen upon him! He does have the plaster on his forehead. McCoy takes it off and the wound is back.
Kirk seems to think that McCoy is just kidding around. I have to ask just how dumb is Kirk? Does he really think that McCoy would do that in a crisis? I don’t know that just doesn’t sit right with me. Then again in The Corbomite Manoeuvre he doesn’t tell Kirk about the red alert lights. McCoy is also seen drinking on duty…never mind.
On the bridge they have detected a rip in the universe. Spock was able to find it using the dilithium crystals crystals. Okay, people. Ready for a geeky diversion?
As I said I have been watching Star Trek since I was 7. I started with TNG and saw TOS much later. As such I might have a rather skewed view of things. TNG, DS9 and Voyager are more consistent with each other than they are with TOS. I cannot recall another time when the dilithium was used to find something. I am guessing it was acting like a compass. I don’t know. I’m just a writer not a science officer.
Lazarus wants the crystals to trap the other one. Kirk, naturally, refuses as they are essential to the operation of the ship.
Lazarus leaves the bridge with a security guard but when we next see him he is alone and no explanation is given. How did he get away from the guard? Incompetence?
That is the real problem with this episode. The story they are trying to tell is stupid but, on top of that, we have these little extra things of the crew being idiots.
Even doing this review I am having a hard time fully understanding what in the hell is going on.
The injured Lazaruses – has an episode (For want of a better term – I mean this in the clinical sense of the word.) and then we see the uninjured one. I think they are switching places each time.
The uninjured one goes to engineering and attacks Masters and her assistant. Security reports that Lazarus is missing. See what I mean about incompetence?
Kirk meets with the injured Lazarus in the briefing room. He says it was the other one who is guilty. Kirk also asks how the other got aboard. I am guessing that because they can switch places where one goes the other goes.
Back on the planet the crew investigate the ship. The crystals are not aboard. Lazarus ends up in the blue zone – with the back up fight music playing (That is my term it is not the famous Trek fight music) – after this fight the injured one emerges and… well he falls off the mountain…again.
In sickbay they get more information. Lazarus says he is from Earth but from another time. The other Lazarus is also a time traveller.
McCoy objects to the security officer – for reasons.
Then Kirk and Spock are illogical. Admittedly I might not have caught this myself. (Thanks Sfdebrs) They say that because the Enterprise’s sensors are designed to scan everything in the universe, and that they are not getting a clear scan, that the radiation they have detected must be from another universe. They conclude the existence of a parallel universes occupying the same space and time. A minus universe. (Rather than concluding that they have discovered something new. Something strange. A strange new world you might say.)
They figure out that Lazarus is two men. I feel it was too subtle – or maybe I am just an idiot.
Spock says ‘Madness has no purpose…but it may have a goal.’ That might be the dumbest thing Spock has said. Purpose and goal are pretty close in definition. I am not quite sure if they are synonyms or not.
There is an anti-matter and a matter universe and they cancel each other out. If the two Lazarus meet there will be annihilation. Not just of them but of the whole universe. How can a few kilograms of a person be a universe level threat?
Injured Lazarus removes something from a panel causing a fire. The crew evacuates and he sneaks in to steal the crystals.
Lazarus knocks out the transporter operator, beams down, and clips the crystals into his space hopper – I mean ship.
Kirk arrives and he ends up in the blue zone. He emerges on another planet. Here he meets the uninjured Lazarus who greets him. So Kirk is now in the antimatter universe.
Kirk agrees to help. The blue zone is an interconnection between the two universes, a corridor. A plan is put together: force the other Lazarus into the corridor and destroy his ship.
For some reason Kirk tells the guards to stand back. Kirk wins, duh, they take the crystals back, and blow up the ship. Lazarus is now trapped forever with his mad doppelganger. The implication is that they will not age.
This episode is a mess. I think it could have worked if the script had been given another pass and a polish but, as it stands, it is a mess. As is this review. I have done a speed run to the end here because I want to get to a more interesting episode. Which isn’t saying much as they are all more interesting than this one.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
I’m sorry. I use stock images for these posts as I am unsure where the line is with using images from the show. There seems to be contradictory information. So in lieu of having a picture of a Klingon the bird will have to do.
Yes. This is the first appearance of the Klingons in Star Trek. It is arguable but I think the Klingons are the most important aliens in all of Trek.
I have liked the Klingons for as long as I can remember. When I first saw them it would have been in TNG. I am pretty sure I used ‘Worf’ as my pseudonym for a school Eisteddfod. Also my brother and I dressed up as Klingons for a school fete in 1999. (TNG Klingons we had paper-mache foreheads)
The opening scene of this episode is efficient. It establishes that the Klingons are an ongoing threat. They are neither new, like the Gorn, or a returning enemy like the Romulans.
We are to proceed to Organia and take whatever steps are necessary to prevent the Klingons from using it as a base. Kirk – Errand of Mercy
The Enterprise is attacked. They are able to easily destroy the attacker – a little too easily in my book. Then they get word they are at war with the Klingons.
Curious how often you humans manage to obtain that which you do not want. Spock – Errand of Mercy
I have always found this an odd thing for Spock to say. It is a Federation/Klingon war not just Earth. If there is a failing here, and Spock implies there is one, then surely it isn’t just a human failing.
Kirk leaves Sulu in command while he and Spock beam down to the planet.
I find myself wondering, and this is a nitpick, how does Kirk decide where to beam down?
Imagine if aliens wanted to make contact with Earth. Where would they beam down? The logical place might be the UN. Now imagine it four hundred years ago. My knowledge of that time is limited (read non-existent) but I think it is fairly safe to say there would not be an obvious location.
Kirk and Spock don’t even seem to take any precautions. They just beam down in the centre of town. The episode does acknowledge that it is strange that the people don’t react. That does fit in with the mystery that will be revealed later.
As well as these people looking exactly human there is also a creature that looks very much like a goat. I know. I know – I am really picking nits now.
As it turns out Kirk and Spock are in exactly the right place. About two seconds after materialising they are approached by Ayelborne. He claims not to be in a position of authority but is also the chairman of the Council of Elders. That feels like the very definition of authority to me.
This scene feels like arriving in London and running into the PM within a few minutes. Given how the episode unfolds it does make sense. Kirk and Spock don’t seem surprised at this development. Then again Kirk is probably glad of the good fortune and Spock would never lower himself to display emotion.
It would be unfair of me to be to nitpick too much. Kirk and Spock’s good fortune is hinting at something more going on. This is also shown by the fact that the Organins have automatic doors. I didn’t actually notice that until I read a review that pointed it out.
Here’s an interesting bit. When Kirk talks to the council he calls himself a ‘soldier.’ Roddenberry was resistant to the idea of Starfleet being a military. To me it is. I mean if it looks like a duck…
The council doesn’t wish any help from the Federation. Kirk tries to assure them that dealing with the Klingons would be very bad indeed.
We are moved. But again we assure you we are in absolutely no danger. If anybody is in danger, you are, and that concerns us greatly. It would be better if you returned to your ship as soon as possible.
Ayelborne – Errand of Mercy
Incidentally I love the presentation of Ayelborne. I am not quite sure how to express it but his sense of smug serenity makes the performance most enjoyable.
It is too late for Kirk and Spock to leave. The Enterprise is under attack. They can’t beam through shields. (This week.)
The arrival of the Klingons, in orbit and on the surface, is reported by Trefayne, a member of the council. He doesn’t check any scanning device and just seems to know. Another hint that these people are not as they seem.
Kirk and Spock are provided with native clothing so as to blend in. Kirk already looks like an Orgainia but Spock needs a cover story – a Vulcan merchant – he could have also worn a hat.
I know it is petty to point this out but Kirk, your mileage may vary, looks as much like a Klingon as he does an Organian. It is just one of the things we have to accept in fiction – like the one-size-fits all uniforms seen in many films and TV shows.
The Klingon make-up might be considered racist. I am white so I do not think it is my place to comment on that. However if I don’t mention it it will be an elephant in the room.
Kor, played by John Colicos, arrives and let me say he nails this performance. It would’ve been very easy for Kor to be a one note villain but he isn’t. Like the Romulan commander (Balance of Terror) and Khan (Space Seed) Star Trek continues the trend of complex villains.
The Organians offer no resistance to the Klingons. Given that Kor is here as a military governor this should be a boon to him. However that is not how Kor sees it.
Kor believes in the superiority of his race. The fact that the Organians just accept subjugation just reinforces that belief. Kirk (With the alias Baroner) doesn’t just capitulate. Kor is impressed.
Well, have we a ram among the sheep? Do you object to us taking (Spock)? Kor – Errand of Mercy
Klingons want to respect their enemies. This is a consistent trait about them. The Organians are unworthy of respect because they won’t stand up to invaders.
Kirk is taken to Kor’s headquarters. As is to be expected the Klingons have some harsh rules for the population to follow.
The non-canon comic book (My apologies if I have the wrong terminology.) ‘Blood Will Tell’ shows that Kor doesn’t like the idea of killing unarmed civilians but will do so if ordered to. That is not in the episode of course but I find it interesting.
Kor and Kirk talk. I like this scene. Kor respects Kirk and Starfleet. It is not something often seen. Klingons tend to assume that because the Federation tries to avoid war they are weak – but if pushed the Federation can be deadly
I realise I am using future knowledge here but I find it interesting to look at the consistency (or lack there off) between the Klingons over several series.
Kor comments that the Klingons and the Federation are very much alike. Kirk sees things differently as the Federation is democratic.
Come now. I’m not referring to minor ideological differences. I mean that we are similar as a species. Here we are on a planet of sheep. Two tigers, predators, hunters, killers, and it is precisely that which makes us great. And there is a universe to be taken. Kor – Errand of Mercy
Ready for a silly nitpick? I am amazed at how well versed Kor is in Earth animals. It could also be that he is saying the names of Klingon animals and it is translating. I know. I know. Pick. Pick. Pick.
I first saw Kor over in DS9. This might give me a different perspective on the character. However in this story he is certainly the villain.
Kor gives Kirk twelve hours to answer his questions or he will use the mind scanner. Again this is an example of the Klingons having respect for their enemies. (I can’t imagine a Cardassian or a Romulan being so generous.)
Kirk and Spock are incarcerated in Kor’s compound. After six of the 12 hours, give or take a few minutes, Ayelbourne comes to release them. Kirk and Spock don’t trust Ayelbourne. It is because of the Organians that they are in this mess. However, as Ayelbourne points out they don’t really have a choice.
When the Klingon guard reports his salute leaves much to be desired. The picture to the left is from WordPress’ new AI system. It came out quite well I think. The salute in the episode looks like a naughty child defending himself to a strict teacher.
Kor has 200 Organians killed because someone helped Kirk and Spock escape. He threatens that more will die unless Kirk and Spock are handed over.
Despite these murders the Organians maintain their total serenity. They seem to be extreme pacifists even when their people are actively being killed.
Kirk and Spock are allowed to have their weapons back. Even in this situation Kirk is resistant to killing.
Incidentally Kirk says that the Federation has invested money in his and Spock’s training. I have no idea why the no money idea was brought in later. However here and now the Federations still use it. (In the Voyage Home money is shown as an alien concept to Kirk.)
We get another hint that something is afoot with the Organians – as they talk about stopping the violence.
Kirk and Spock make it to Kor’s office. Before any violence can happen though we get the reveal. The Organians are not as they seem.
When anyone tries to touch their weapons, or even each other, in a violent manner, they experience extreme heat. I assume it is a mental thing as there are no signs of burns on anyone’s skin.
The Organians reveal themselves to be glowing energy beings. They are not going to allow the war to happen.
One interesting titbit is that they say that the fleets are immobilised wherever they are. Which would mean that some of the ships would be on missions that have nothing to do with the war. I am going to go out on a limb and assume this is a similar situation to The Day the Earth Stood Still. In that film aliens cut off all power on Earth. However they do make an exception for instances where doing so would cause harm. So if, for example, a Federation vessel was using its weapons to stop an asteroid then I guess that would be allowed.
Kirk and Kor both protest the Organins interference. Kor even says ‘…we can handle them…” I love the irony of, almost, suggesting an alliance to be allowed to fight a war against those with whom you are allied.
Kirk argues that the Federation has the right to…well he is cut off mid sentence…
To wage war, Captain? To kill millions of innocent people? To destroy life on a planetary scale? Is that what you’re defending? Ayelborne – Errand of Mercy
War is a difficult topic to discuss. I am far too stupid to be able to talk about it. So much has been said about it down the centuries. I feel that war is sometimes necessary. I also feel that we don’t always exhaust other possibilities first.
In this story the Federation view point is that the Klingons are an expansionist threat. The Klingons view point is that the Federation is trying to cut off supplies. The Organians think that since both are prepared to do violence the difference is negligible.
George, the British Empire, at present, covers a quarter of the globe, while the German Empire consists of a small sausage factory in Tanganyika. I hardly think that we can be entirely absolved of blame on the imperialistic front. Blackadder – (Blackadder Goes Forth – Goodbyeee)
While this is, obviously a joke, I think it speaks to the heart of the matter. The Federation are the good guys but that doesn’t mean that sometimes they might be at fault. In Star Trek, as a whole, I think they show times when the Federation was provocative and when they went too far in the other direction.
Kor meets the news that there will be no war with quiet resignation.
A shame, Captain. It would have been glorious.
Kor – Errand of Mercy
This is a fantastic episode but I feel it has to be viewed in a bit of a vacuum. The Organians stop this war but what about all the other wars? Admittedly we are getting into some TNG/DS9 stuff here but, it feels like the Federation is always in conflict. The most reasonable explanation is that all this is happening in the Organian’s backyard. Even highly evolved beings are not immune to NIMBY.
I don’t think this is exactly a message show but showing how a conflict looks from the outside is certainly interesting.
Kor points out the similarities between the Federation and the Klingon Empire. Both governments wish to expand. The methods might be different but, when all is said and done, they are both prepared to do violence to achieve those aims. That is all that the Organians see.
It is hard for the viewer to be objective. The Federation are the heroes and the Klingons are ruthless. The Organians say that the two sides will be allies in the future. I am unsure if the writer intended this to be a prediction or some form of precognition. Perhaps it is an idealistic notion that friendship between nations is inevitable after a certain point.
The Organians say they were humanoid millions of years ago. I don’t think it is a huge leap to say they had wars too. In that vain the interference is their way of preventing that kind of thing from happening again.
The closest we can get to understanding the Organians is to look at a battle from a long time ago.
The Battle of Hastings is a good example. As a British person it was very easy to see it as a battle we lost. The battle was won by William Duke of Normandy who invaded Britain and defeated King Harold. However since the battle took place 958 years ago it is not that simple.
Had William lost that battle Harold would have remained King. The entire history of my country would have changed. It could therefore be argued that the ‘us’ of that battle was actually the Normans and not the Anglo Saxons.
The elephant in the room is that I am Welsh with some Irish ancestry. In 1066 Wales was still its own country so it wasn’t even my home that was invaded. This makes it even more complicated.
When we look at old wars it is natural to pick a side. This comes from either an ideological or nationalistic association. The Organians are completely separated from that. They have no reason to support the Federation or the Klingons. It makes no more sense to them than supporting one group of ants over another.
I wonder if it is instances like this that made the Prime Directive more dogmatic in the future? Did the Federation decide they hated interference in their affairs so much that they decided not to interfere at all themselves?
I hope you have enjoyed my thoughts on this. Next week we will be looking at…oh no… The Alternative Factor.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
This is one of my favourite episodes of TOS. I would go so far as to say this is one of the quintessential episodes. If someone asked me what Star Trek is about this is the perfect episode to show. It seems like a simple monster hunt story. However this is Star Trek. For the crew of the Enterprise life is rarely so simple.
The episode starts with someone other than our heroes. I don’t think we have seen that before. We are in a mine. The miners discuss a monster that has killed 50 people. One of them, Schmitter, is told he will be fine. He is killed not two seconds later. Specifically he is burnt to a crisp.
After the opening credits we get the captain’s log. The colony is Janus Six and they are mining pergium. Pergium is an element which is vital to the Federation. The Enterprise is tasked with finding and killing the monster in the tunnels – or the devil in the dark.
The conversation between Kirk and Chief Engineer Vanderberg does have a bid of an ‘as you know’ problem but we do get information about the creature and its capabilities.
McCoy examines the body of Schmitter, from the beginning, and says that there isn’t much left. It is as though he had been thrown into a large vat of acid.
Spock notices a silicon nodule on Vanderberg’s desk. You can already see the cogs going in Spock’s brain like he is formulating ideas. I think he already has some notion that it might be important.
On the wall there are maps of the tunnels. I know it is petty to point it out but these maps just make me smile. This colony can’t afford to have maps on a computer just ones sticking out of the wall – like posters in a music shop.
Naturally Kirk calls Scotty to see what he can do. The thing is the part is antiquated. Scotty says he hasn’t seen one in 20 years. This is a bit of a head scratcher. If the pergium from this world is so important why is it operating on such old equipment?
Nevertheless I love Scotty in this scene. His knowledge and expertise is expressed in such a nice way. Doohan really sells it that Scotty is an engineering expert and enthusiast.
The out of universe explanation is obvious. The need to recover the device gives the story a sense of urgency.
Incidentally, and slightly off topic, I have always found the idea of urgency in a story to be interesting. In a show like Star Trek we know our heroes are going to succeed – so the idea that they might not doesn’t always create a sense of jeopardy.
In this story the taking of the pump does serve another purpose. It proves the creature is intelligent and that it wants the colonist off the planet.
The big question is why now? The colony has been established for over 50 years. There is discussion here about the possibility of a silicon based life form. I am no scientist so I can’t comment on that. (I can’t even comment based on Trek science either.)
The upshot is that the Enterprise crew have more powerful weapons and they might be able to affect the creature.
Spock is still fascinated by the silicon sphere. He is unwilling to be drawn on exaclty what it is.
Kirk talks to the security personnel. They are led by Lieutenant Commander Giotto. It is not outright stated but it would seem he is Enterprise’s chief of Security. Insistently this scene is quite meme-able as it is Kirk talking to a bunch of red shirts.
Predictably it isn’t long before one of them buys the farm. Kirk and Spock are alerted by the scream.
I really enjoy the creature design in this episode. Science fiction is always at the mercy of its budget. The Horta design works because it is not humanoid. It is, at least in my book, much easier to suspend disbelief in this instant.
When Kirk and Spock shoot the creature they manage to hurt it. Spock declares the skin to be like ‘fibrous asbestos’ as he examines the piece they blew off.
I want to go off on a slight tangent now if you’ll indulge me. Why is killing the creature considered acceptable to Kirk and Spock? Because they need the resources of this world. However previous episodes show that the Federation will not take from those that do not want to trade.
This has got me thinking about something I haven’t seen discussed before. When does the prime directive kick in?
In the episode Mirror, Mirror the Halkan’s refuse to trade with the Federation. For Kirk that is the end of the matter and his team departs.
In this episode killing a native creature is seen as acceptable. Here is my question… at what point does a creature become advanced enough that the prime directive affects them? I don’t have an answer to that question but I find the whole thing fascinating. We know that contacting pre-warp societies is a big no in trek. The question I have is what constitutes a society?
There are many animals on earth that live in reasonably sized groups and use tools. Would that count? If, for example, the Enterprise encountered a planet where the most intelligent life was orangutans could they visit? Based on what I know of this universe the answer is yes. So at what point does a species go from an animal we can exterminate to a civilisation we have to respect? I have no answer just food for thought.
In another briefing with the security men Spock tries to order that the creature be captured if possible. Kirk countermands the order restating that the creature must be killed. Again this seems like an odd thing for a starfleet officer to say.
Kirk orders Spock to assist Scotty with his work around for the stolen part. Spock states that Scotty has far more knowledge of nuclear reactors than him. I like this because it shows how the Enterprise is really a team. It is all too easy, sometimes, to create the impression that most characters in an ensemble are just dead weight.
With the place likely to explode within 10 hours Kirk orders an evacuation. However Vanderberg, and some of his men, are staying behind to deal with the creature. When Kirk says they do not have enough phasers Vandenberg says they can use clubs.
Two things come to my mind when reading this. Firstly why does the Enterprise have so few phasers? Secondly is a club really going to be effective against this creature? Well, Kirk seems to think so and is quite happy to accept the help. (Perhaps he is thinking he will loose fewer of his own men.)
The atmosphere of this episode is done very well. It is tense and you really feel the danger the crew are in.
Kirk and Spock separate, which never feels like a good idea, and Kirk finds a room full of the silicon nodules. Spock tells him to be sure he doesn’t damage any of the nodules. The nodules are eggs.
The creature approaches Kirk. This time it doesn’t make any overtly aggressive moves. It backs off when Kirk raises his weapon. Suddenly it is Spock who is saying to kill the creature. It is odd for Spock to advocate killing in any situation. Here though it is simply that Kirk’s life is in danger.
Spock’s Vulcan abilities prove invaluable. He is able to make a telepathic link with the creature. He discovers that it is in terrible pain, from the phaser wound, and that it is called a Horta. The creature writes a message ‘No kill I’
In order for Spock to get more information he needs to mind meld with the Horta. Touching a creature with acid skin doesn’t seem like a good idea. My guess is that the Horta can control its secretions. Meanwhile Kirk orders McCoy down to the planet to help to heal the Horta.
It is here that the full story comes together. The Horta has been defending its children. The attacks have only recently started because it is only now that the miners have reached the level of the ‘chamber of the ages’.
The Horta, through Spock, tells Kirk where to find the missing pump. The fact that the Horta didn’t just destroy it might suggest that she was open to some kind of accommodation.
Meanwhile Starfleet security proves, once again, that it is really lacking. The redshirts are overpowered by the miners.
There is a wonderful bit with Vanderberg. When he is informed that his people have killed thousands of Horta, by destroying the eggs, he is obviously bothered by it. I like this characterisation very much. He is more complex than this type of character often is. His men might have died but this changes the situation for him. Very well done.
By golly, Jim, I’m beginning to think I can cure a rainy day. Doctor McCoy – The Devil in the Dark
The episode ends with them making a deal with the Horta. The Horta will be left alone to mine and the humans will extract the minerals. Interestingly it is mentioned that the miners are going to be very rich – so the idea of money being a thing of the past hasn’t come in yet. Actually I am not sure that it ever will in TOS.
This is one of the best episodes of the show and is certainly in my top 10. (Well probably I haven’t written that list just yet.)
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
Let me tell you something funny. I have, largely, been doing these reviews using the script. Which is stupid I know. Well today I am going to write while the episode plays and pause when needed… here we go.
Incidentally I always play these with the enhanced effects.
Tense music plays as we approach Omicron Ceti III. The Enterprise is following up on a previous expedition from some years prior.
There is no expectation of any surviving colonists. The planet is being bombarded by deadly Berthold rays. These were not discovered till after the colony was established. So that the plot can happen these rays are not deadly immediately.
Star Trek has this kind of story a lot. In TOS and TNG the Enterprise is often called to investigate a ship, research team, or colony that has ceased communication. This colony only has 150 people. A bit small for a colony.
The landing party beams down. The buildings are made out of wood. So either the colonists brought timber with them or used local wood. Neither seems very likely.
Kirk laments the ‘Dream that failed.’ With excellent timing, they are welcomed by Elias Sandoval. They are not dead. (Jim)
I find it interesting that Sandoval still calls the planet Omicron Ceti III. That is an astronomer’s name. Omicron Ceti is a real star so Omicron Ceti III would just be the third planet. I would think that a name would have been decided by now. It is only a nitpick – and given what happens later it makes sense. Anyway it was just something I noticed.
In soft focus, and with romantic music, we are introduced to Leila. She says that she has met Mr Spock before. Spock says nothing to her. I suppose even Vulcans have trouble with the idea of meeting the ex. Actually maybe especially Vulcans. Spock in particular would not want to show emotion in front of the crew.
Sandoval explains that they have a philosophy of living a less complicated life. This, essentially, boils down to a life without machines. Star Trek does that quite a lot. Just wait till we get to the DS9 episode Paradise. (Shudder)
I have never understood the appeal. I could stand to spend less time looking at screens. However I have no desire to be technology free. Can you imagine doing laundry with a bucket of water and a mangle? The only way I would give up the internet is if someone was really offering one of those challenges that appear on Facebook from time-to-time. (I could really use £1,000,000)
Sulu and a blue shirt look around. They have been ordered to check to see anything that could be wrong. Sulu says he knows nothing about farming. There is a weird looking plant about 60 centimetres from him. On the one hand you could say that that is something that doesn’t belong. On the other hand this is still an alien planet.
They check the barn and note that they have not seen any animals. Later iterations of Star Trek would state that humans don’t use animals for food any more. To be clear I am not nitpicking here. I simply find it interesting how the world building was developed. Although, even with artificial gravity, carrying animals on a star ship for a year sounds difficult – and not to mention smelly.
Meanwhile we get a scene between Sandoval and Leila. Leila says that she once loved Spock. She also says that there will be no choice but for Spock to stay – because that is not ominous at all.
McCoy completes his examinations of several members of the colony. He finds them to be in perfect health. Including, mentioned a little later on, the fact that Sandoval has regrown his appendix.
The biologist reports that the crops planted are only enough to sustain the colony. This is a bit of a head scratched. If the colony was supposed to be for the purpose of food production then logically it would have been for exports. According to my googling potatoes, specifically mentioned, only take 80 days to grow. So how did no one think to check on these people?
The real focus of this episode is the romance between Spock and Leila. Spock being a Vulcan (or Vulcanian as they are still saying) doesn’t experience emotions. He is more interested in discovering the mystery of this planet than any thing else.
I feel that this episode is trying too hard for this to be a mystery. Spock’s scans show no insects. The natural question is how do the plants grow? I feel the story didn’t need this part. The planet has life aside from the colony and what they brought after all. Also how the planets grow without insects is not answered.
Leila and Spock each take half of two different conversations. She wants to discuss her feelings for him and he wants answers to his questions.
Spock attributes Lelia’s evasiveness to her gender. I don’t think I want to touch that one with a ten foot pole but we do get something interesting to round this conversation out.
Emotions are alien to me. I’m a scientist. Someone else might believe that. Your shipmates, your Captain, but not me.
Spock and Lelia (Star Trek: TOS: This Side of Paradise)
Pon Farr wasn’t established for the show at this time. However it is interesting to note in hindsight that Spock and Lelia’s relationship could very well have coincided with his last Pon Farr. Like I say though that is a complete coincidence.
Kirk receives orders to evacuate all the people from the planet. I am not really sure why. If the rays haven’t killed them yet there is no reason to think they are going to kill them now. Although the rays did, apparently, kill the animals. Sandoval will not explain how that happened. Why Starfleet Command is able to give orders that affect civilians is not explained.
I have been writing for quite some time and have still not got to the crux of the story. Well this happens now…
Leila takes Spock to some flowers and suddenly he is strayed in the face. Spock is in pain from this, as he is experiencing emotions, but after a little while the pain clears and he tells Leila that he can love her.
Kirk tries to contact Spock but he is too busy looking at the clouds. Incidentally he has changed into one of the uniforms worn by the colonists. This could be a nitpick but there has been a bit of time between the kiss and now – there could have been a commercial break too.
I really appreciate that McCoy and Kirk notice immediately that something is wrong. Too often in speculative fiction a change comes over a character and it is not spotted. In real life this would be understandable but in a world of alien possession, shapeshifters, and robots, people should be more alert. Kirk goes off alone to find Spock – after ordering McCoy to make sure no-one spends time alone.
When Kirk reaches Spock he is accompanied by Sulu and his partner – he still left McCoy alone.
Spock is hanging upside down from a tree and calls Kirk by his first name. Something is afoot. If that wasn’t enough the ‘something weird is happening’ music is playing.
Sulu and the blue shirt are sprayed with the spores and then shit goes downhill very fast. Apparently Starfleet hasn’t heard of quarantine.
When Kirk gets back to McCoy he is speaking with an exaggerated southern drawl. He has also beamed up around 100 of the sport plants to the ship.
I have to call BS on this. McCoy is the ship’s CMO. I don’t question that he would be authorised to beam up alien plants. However the transporter room staff should know to follow some kind of quarantine procedure.
When Kirk gets to the bridge Uhura has already been affected by the spores and sabotaged the long range communication system.
Kirk finds a queue outside the transporter room. The whole crew is leaving the ship. Kirk speaks to Leslie telling him that this is mutiny. All he gets in response is agreement. This is interesting. I thought mutiny was specifically taking over the ship. Apparently it is broader than that.
Kirk has been unaffected by the spores. However with no crew he has no way to counteract them. Everyone affected by them has no interest in doing so. Kirk sums up the theme of the episode.
No wants. No needs. We weren’t meant for that. None of us. Man stagnates if he has no ambition, no desire to be more than he is.
Kirk (Star Trek: TOS: This Side of Paradise)
I feel I want to say something about this line. I am not sure I can fully express it but here goes.
I have been watching Red Dwarf recently. I want to talk about Arnold Rimmer.
For those of you who don’t know the show Rimmer can be summed up thusly.
…an incompetent vending machine repairman with a Napoleon complex…
Kyten (Red Dwarf: Justice)
Rimmer greatly desires to be more than he is. Unfortunately he is barely able to do his actual job. The result is a bitter and petty man. Rimmer will cling to any scrap of power he can get. When this happens it ends rather badly.
Rimmer’s ambition brought him nothing but grief. (Not to mention getting people killed) Without his ambition might he have been happier? Would it be better to be happy exactly as you are rather than unhappy because your goals are out of reach? Technically it might be stagnation. Another word could be contentment?
You might be saying that this is all moot. You would be correct. In this episode the contentment is chemically enforced. Nevertheless Kirk seems to have a problem with, as he calls it, stagnation beyond that.
Kirk returns to the Enterprise. He is now the only one on board. The ship can be maintained in orbit but without a crew he is marooned. I think technically Kirk could fly the Enterprise alone. It is just that if there was a malfunction he would be screwed. Just as he is lamenting this he is sprayed by one of the plants.
In his quarters Kirk gathers a few things to join the colony. He discovers his medals. These remind him of his duty. He gets angry and the spell of the spores is broken. Kirk is determined – he cannot leave.
Why does this only happen to Kirk? Hasn’t the whole crew pledged an oath of allegiance? Don’t some of them have families? No? Only Kirk?
Kirk has a terrible plan. Provoke Spock to anger him and free him from the spores. An alternative might have been to wait. Sooner or later the Enterprise will be overdue and Starfleet will send a ship. Maybe there is a reason that wouldn’t work.
Spock is much stronger than Kirk. Why pick Spock? I understand that he needs Spock’s expertise but free someone else first and then you have backup. Also surely Scotty knows the systems as well as Spock.
Kirk beams Spock aboard and starts to insult him. This includes a reference to a circus. Which feels anachronistic. It feels that way now let alone in the 23rd century. Still the plan does work and Spock is back as he was.
…to initiate a brawl with over five hundred crewmen and colonists is hardly logical.
Spock (Star Trek: TOS: This Side of Paradise)
Despite this it is, for all intents and purposes, what they do.
First though there is the matter of Leila. Spock beams her up. Incidentally she says she has never been on a star ship before. At first glance this looks like an error. However in Charlie X it is said that “star ship” is a classification and not just a generic term for a vessel. It is backed up in TNG. In Relics Scotty uses the term in a list of other types of ships he has served on.
It doesn’t take long for her to realise that Spock is no longer one of them. The emotional upset breaks the spell for Leila. Spock wipes away her tears.
So the Enterprise lowers its microphone unto the upper atmosphere of the planet and activates its subsonic transmitter. Kirk likens it to itching powder. I am surprised that that is still a relevant reference in his time.
Fights start to break out on the planet. Including McCoy punching Sandoval. This is enough to help Sandoval realise how little they have achieved. With the influence of the spores gone the colony is evacuated without any further issues.
The Enterprise departs and the final, rather sombre, note is left to Spock.
…for the first time in my life I was happy.
Spock (Star Trek: TOS: This Side of Paradise)
This is an interesting point to end on. I feel that it merits wider discussion and that I am the wrong person to do it but I will try.
If a human had said that it might mean he was mostly unhappy. This has been a question on my mind lately.
The meditation app I use asks me to evaluate my mood each day. The emoji that accompanies that option suggests that the creators of the app think ‘unsure’ is a negative state. I disagree, to me, unsure is a neutral state.
The idea of not having emotions fascinates me. The Vulcan perspective is that emotions cause more harm than good. Spock says has never been happy before. Perhaps, to him, it is worth it if he also doesn’t experience depression, anxiety, and despair.
This is not one of my favourite episodes. It is also not bad. I disagree with the message that we need to struggle to live a full life. Maybe I took Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs too much to heart – or misunderstood it entirely.
In this story it makes sense to leave “paradise” because it was chemically enforced. However what if we removed the spores from the equation? What if those people were content for real? Why would that be a problem? Each day would be the same routine. Maybe even the same meals. Maybe the same walk in the woods. If a person, or a group of people, were genuinely happy like I don’t see a problem. Kirk and I disagree on this point.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
This is one of my favourite episodes of TOS. There is something so engaging about a war fought in this way. The story shows the inherent stupidity of war. I am not going to say there are no just wars. However humans seem to manage to find reasons to kill each other all too easily. The people of this planet are technically not human – but this is 1960s science fiction – there was no budget for anything else.
I have recently been watching the early Doctor Who. That show had a very different approach to the alien characters. In episodes like The Web Planet (1965) the aliens were people in costumes. TOS, the Gorn notwithstanding, tended just to go with different clothes. This is not a judgement of better or worse it is just different. Although I have strong suspicions as to why they did this. It would be difficult to make a man in an ant costume look sexy. I suppose it boils down to two options. You can either have an obvious man in a costume or an alien who looks human.
At the start we are introduced to Ambassador Robert Fox. Fox is listed on TV Tropes in their ‘ass in Ambassador’ page and it is easy to see why.
Fox seems incompetent, bordering on dangerously incompetent. The Enterprise receives a signal warning them off. Not only does Fox not know what the code means but he also orders Kirk to proceed to the planet anyway. Fox’s reasoning is making contact will save lives – Kirk says it could start a war. And, by the end of the episode, had it not been for Scotty, everyone on the Enterprise would be dead.
Fox wants to establish diplomatic relations at all costs. What is the point of diplomatic relations if everybody’s dead, Dave? (I so wish there was a Dave here but I am making that joke anyway.)
Kirk refuses to let Fox beam down until the situation has been evaluated. This is a nice little character moment. The whole reason they are here is because Fox has the authority to order it. Kirk also has his orders. One of those is to keep the ambassador safe. This means that Fox can’t insist on coming along without undermining the whole reason they are here.
The landing party beams down. We have Kirk, Spock, a Yeoman, and two nervous looking security guards – well no, but if I were them I would be.
Photo by Miguel u00c1. Padriu00f1u00e1n on Pexels.com
An interesting thing, that is not directly referenced, is that the people on this planet have numbers. The landing party is met by Mea 3 who introduces them to Anan 7. My Googling has come up empty on why this is. It might be the equivalent of a regnal number. I don’t know if this is explained in Beta canon – nevertheless I really appreciate this shot at making the people seem more alien.
Anan 7 says that establishing diplomatic relations is impossible because of the war. Of course there is no war. At least none as far as Spock can determine. What is going on? The war is fought with computers. The attacks are calculated and then the “casualties” are required to step into disintegration chambers. It’s like playing a game of… here’s where I pretend to know computer games… Halo and the losing team has to off themselves.
Anan 7 reports that the crew of the Enterprise have been declared dead and orders Kirk and his party to be detained till the crew report. Yeah. Good luck with that.
The war has been going on for 500 years. This is the only part of the story that I don’t like. It feels to me a little too long. On the other hand that might be the point. Without the damage to infrastructure that a war causes perhaps it could last that much longer. Nevertheless can you imagine a war started in 1524 that we are still fighting today?
The people die, but our culture goes on.
Anan 7 (Star Trek: the Original Series – A Taste of Armageddon)
Then we get a scene that never made any sense to me. When Mea 3 takes the landing party to a holding room she says she has been declared a casualty. (And she isn’t allowed to take the rest of the day off?) However she was standing right next to Kirk when the “attack” happened – so why is only she “dead”. The question isn’t answered but it is interesting – at least it is interesting to me.
Meanwhile Anan 7 thinks that Scotty is an idiot. He calls the Enterprise, with a voice modulator, and orders all personnel to beam down. Scotty checks with the computer and it confirms this is not the captain.
One of the best things about this episode is it gives Scotty time to shine. TOS is mostly about the big three so I appreciate the times when the other characters have their moment.
All the Star Trek series (at least from 1966-2005) have the special character. The character who is unaffected by whatever mess they have got themselves into this week. This was Spock for TOS. Here Spock is still calling himself a Vulcanian. He is able to influence the mind of a guard, through a wall, and the landing party makes their escape.
After escaping Kirk destroys one of the disintegration chambers. I originally wrote this as an ‘F’ the prime directive moment. Now I am not so sure. Given these devices were going to be used to kill the crew it seems more reasonable.
Discussion of the prime directive could be an entire post in itself. It is interesting how the different captains deal with it. Kirk sees it as “guidelines”. Picard follows it most of the time. In DS9 it rarely comes up. Although when Sisko does break it he can live with it. Janeway will follow the PD to the point of stupidity. And Archer, whose existence predates the PD, will still follow the same idea because genocide is more fun.
Yep. We are going to have a lot of fun if I ever make it to Enterprise – at the current rate that is going to be a long time in the future.
This episode has a number of technobabble issues. I say technobabble as a blanket, and perhaps disingenuous, term for real science and Star Trek science.
The Enterprise is attacked using sonic weapons. I am no scientist but surely that should not work in space. However I am not willing to completely dismiss this. If two people in spacesuits put their heads together, literally, they can talk to each other. So if the sonic weapon was contained in something else then maybe it could work. It would be like throwing a grappling rope and using that to slide something down to your target.
When dealing with science fiction technology there is a fair amount of leeway. Having said that if they wanted to destroy the Enterprise with sound playing awful music would almost be more believable. Then the crew either cover their ears, so no one is at the controls, or they crash into the nearest star.
Then we get a Star Trek technobabble issue. Scotty says that they can’t fire ‘full phasers’ with the screens up. I do not recall that ever being an issue before. (Or since, but that is less important.)
Fox thinks this has all been a misunderstanding. I would tend not to give the benefit of the doubt to someone whose woopsy could get me killed. And that is with ignoring the faked message – as McCoy points out.
On the planet the landing party returns to the room they escaped from. Kirk reasons that it is the last place anyone would look.
Mea 3 is still anxious that she needs to die. Kirk is able to talk her round – it is kind of this shtick – To be more accurate he at least convinces her that he is trying to help.
Meanwhile Anan 7 is having a bad day. I get the impression that, despite presiding over a war, this is the first day in his administration where things have not gone according to plan. Interestingly he says that the loss of one disintegration machine has caused them to fall far behind on quotas. I would have thought the loss of only one would not have had that kind of effect.
Ambassador Fox calls for an explanation of the attack. Anan claims the attack on the Enterprise was accidental. Fox, because he is an idiot, buys this completely. After the channel is closed he orders Scotty to lower the screens. Scotty refuses the order. Fox threatens him but he stands firm and Fox leaves the bridge.
Well, Scotty, now you’ve done it. Aye. The haggis is in the fire for sure, but I’ll not lower my defences on the word of that mealy-mouthed gentleman down below. Not until I know what happened to the Captain.
McCoy and Scotty (Star Trek: TOS: A Taste of Armageddon)
Apparently this is not a common Scottish phrase but I love it. Like I said at the top it is rare for the supporting characters to get their moment to shine so when they do it is marvellous. Incidentally this refusal to obey orders was based off a real event in James Doohan’s military career.
Kirk makes his way to Anan’s quarters. He is armed but Anan seems unconcerned and we get an interesting discussion about the similarities between humans and Eminians. Anan calls us ‘barbarians.’
The guards get the drop on Kirk and he is taken to the council chambers.
There is a bit of a continuity snafu here in that Fox and his aid make it down to the planet. How they got down without Scotty lowering the shields is not explained. I will now cobble together an explanation… even though it doesn’t make a lick of sense.
In TOS they were still working out the universe. In this episode alone the Enterprise is said to be part of the UFP and to be a ship from Earth. Technically these two things do not contradict. However it is like calling a British Royal Navy ship a Portsmouth ship. Equally they were still working out how the technology worked. It is possible that they were toying with the shields being one way. So you could beam people down but couldn’t bring them back. That still doesn’t explain why Scotty would let Fox and his aid beam down. The lack of effective security would!
Beaming down is a very bad idea. Anan quickly informs them that they are to be killed. I feel so sorry for the Ambassador’s aid. He is forced to work with this nincompoop.
Fortunately our heroes are there to save the day. The Eminians use the standard one-size-fits all uniforms. The Enterprise security guards put them on. (Yes. They are still alive.)
Spock and the two guards save the ambassador and his aid. (So the Ambassador lives to screw up another day.)
Nearly being killed convinces Fox that this is indeed a deadly situation. He agrees to help Spock.
Anan once again tries to convince Scotty to start to beam down the crew for execution. However since the alternative is that the landing party being killed this doesn’t really work well as any kind of incentive.
The open channel allows for Kirk to give Scotty an order. He is to initiate General Order 24 in 2 hours.
When I first saw this episode I thought Kirk was bluffing. I assumed that GO24 was something else. I thought that Kirk’s statement that the Enterprise would destroy the surface of the planet was just his way of ‘negotiating’ for the release of his people. I was wrong…
All cities and installations on Eminiar Seven have been located, identified, and fed into our fire-control system. In one hour and forty five minutes the entire inhabited surface of your planet will be destroyed. You have that long to surrender your hostages.
Scotty (Star Trek: TOS: A Taste of Armageddon.)
The idea that Starfleet has a general order to commit this kind of act seems antithetical to what they stand for – especially as we have the prime directive.
With trident we could obliterate all of Eastern Europe.
Sir Sir Humphrey Appleby (Yes, Prime Minister: The Grand Design)
Incidentally that quote isn’t as dark as it seems. Go watch the show for context. You should anyway. I make no apology about recommending it. My reason for using it, tenuous I know, is to highlight the era of MAD in regard to nuclear war.
Kirk destroys the war computers. This means that Vendikar, the enemy, will assume the agreement has been broken so that now both planets face a real war.
Kirk gives the Kirk speech. It is a good speech but, and sorry to dog on this, but Shatner has a rather odd delivery. I am not going to try to replicate it in text. I am sure it is on YouTube.
We’re human beings with the blood of a million savage years on our hands, but we can stop it. We can admit that we’re killers, but we’re not going to kill today. That’s all it takes. Knowing that we won’t kill today.
Kirk (Star Trek: TOS: A Taste of Armageddon.)
And with that we are done. Thankfully Kirk remembers to cancel the implementation of General Order 24 – wouldn’t that have been embarrassing? Fox stays on the planet to assist in the negotiations.
The episode, unfortunately, ends with a joke. Star Trek (TOS) does this a lot. Usually it is at Spock’s expense because only a fool would actually be respectful to the ship’s executive officer(!) Spock observes that Kirk took a big risk. Kirk isn’t so sure. He points out that a real war would not have killed any more people than the fake war. However it would have led to real destruction. So, one way or another, the war would have come to an end.
Captain, you almost make me believe in luck. Why, Mister Spock, you almost make me believe in miracles
Kirk & Spock (Star Trek: TOS: A Taste of Armageddon.)
Small criticisms aside this is an excellent episode. Kirk’s point that we all have the capacity for violence is well made. (Although he makes it sound like not killing someone is a daily struggle.) I think it is an important point. It is very easy to think, especially in the Star Trek universe, that we are above such things. Kirk has already faced this in Arena where he decides not to kill the Gorn captain.
I experienced something interesting a little while back. I received a picture message from a friend showing me a graze on her face. My immediate assumption was that someone had hurt her. I wanted to hurt them. As it turned out she was fine. It was just make up for a play. I find it interesting, especially in light of this episode, that my first assumption was that she had been attacked – and that I wanted to retaliate. Even though this was all in my head it is, for me, a good reminder that the instincts of our ancestors are still inside us.
I hope you have enjoyed my look at this episode and I will see you in the next one.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
Space Seed is perhaps the best known episode of TOS. Fifteen years after this episode came out there would be a follow up: The Wrath of Khan. Of course when this episode was written there was no notion at all that this would happen.
One thing I really appreciate about TOS is that they do villains well. From the the Romulan Commander in ‘Balance of Terror’, to Kor, at the end of this season, and even the Gorn captain in ‘Arena’ it is never as simple as just someone being the bad guy. Khan is no exception.
Of course it helps that Khan is played by Ricardo Montalban who does a great job with this character. So without further ado lets get into the episode.
We get right into the action with the Enterprise coming across an Earth ship.
The ship is identified as SS Botany Bay. While Spock can’t find a record of the ship specifically he does know that the last one of this class was built in the 1990s.
Looking at this in 2023 (now 2024 because I am so slow) it is strange that they put such a specific date in the script. The invention of Stardates was supposed to hide what century we were in. This episode would suggest the 22nd century – other episodes suggest later – but eventually 2267 was settled on as the year of season 1. Star Trek is wildly inconsistent.
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The landing party includes a new character Lieutenant McGivers – or, to borrow from Amanda Tapping, Lieutenant McUseless.
McGivers is the ship’s historian. I am not sure why the Enterprise would need an historian. It would seem Kirk agrees. He comments that this will be an opportunity for her to do some work and also he can’t remember her name.
McGivers seems to spend most of her free time painting. She particularly likes painting powerful men from history.
This feels like an odd thing for a 23rd century woman to admire. Wouldn’t she see such men as barbaric? Today we might recognise the achievements but would not add reverence to that.
Take the British Empire for example.
George, the British Empire at present covers a quarter of the globe, while the German Empire consists of a small sausage factory in Tanganiki.
Blackadder (Blackadder Goes Forth)
Britain is a tiny country and yet it was once a global superpower. Notwithstanding the awful things we did that is an impressive achievement. However I don’t think many today would talk of the leaders of the Empire as something to aspire to. I should note that my knowledge of the British Empire is patchy at best. I know most about the Klingon Empire.
We get a nice character moment establishing Dr McCoy’s dislike of using the transporter. I always appreciate these little moments where characters talk and it is not integral to the plot.
Once aboard Scotty gets his moment. Growing up Scotty was always my favourite character in TOS. As I got older Spock became my favourite. Nevertheless I love Scotty’s enthusiasm for the ship. He wants to learn. And not because of duty or necessity but just to learn and that, to me, is a most admirable quality.
The Botany Bay is a sleeper ship. McGivers gives 2018 as the date where FLT, or at least faster ships, happened. So it may or may not be a retcon when, much later, we learnt of 2063 being the the date of Earth’s first warp flight
The systems of the vessel start to come on. McGivers is so distracted by Khan, immediately finding him attractive, that she barely hears Kirk’s questions. She does soon confirm that, on this type of ship, the leader would be awoken first. That way they can determine if the situation warrants waking the others.
Ten hours later…’He’s alive, Jim.”
Khan awakens and takes a scalpel off the wall. I believe this is the only episode where McCoy has a scalpel on the wall. Very convenient. Khan holds it to McCoy’s throat and grabs his neck. I love McCoy in this scene.
Well, either choke me or cut my throat. Make up your mind.
Doctor McCoy (Star Trek: the Original Series – Space Seed)
McCoy refuses to answer any questions until Khan releases him. He even goes so far as to tell Khan the best place to cut his throat. Khan stands down and clearly respects McCoy’s bravery.
Kirk comes to sickbay. He tells Khan that the rest of his people will not be revived till they reach starbase. I mention this because it is good to see caution being employed. All too often in Star Trek the characters blunder in and don’t take enough precautions.
The exposition in this episode is given out in small chunks so as not to be overwhelming. We learn a little more from Spock about the genetic engineering of the 20th century and perhaps the most important line of the episode.
Because the scientists overlooked one fact. Superior ability breeds superior ambition.
Spock (Star Trek: The Original Series – Space Seed)
It makes me wonder what a genetically engineered introvert would be like. My ambition is mostly to be left alone!
Lieutenant McGivers comes to visit Khan. However he is more interested in her hair than in talking about his ship and its mission.
Here I have a question. Was Khan actually interested in her or did he notice her attraction and realised he could use her to take over the ship? The answer could be both. I do find it interesting to think about. On the other hand, I think I have three hands at this point, he could just be trying to get rid of her.
McGivers suggests a formal dinner to welcome Khan to the, what I am going to call, the 23rd century. First Khan visits her in her quarters.
Khan is honoured to have been included in her paintings of dictators. Clearly McGivers already knows who he is. He kisses her and she responds. Apparently that is all it takes for her to betray her crew. Can you imagine Captain Sisko’s reaction if Eddington’s motivation had been because of some beautiful Marquis woman? I am getting ahead of myself. We are a long way off covering DS9.
The dinner scene is short. Spock is quickly able to get Khan to reveal himself as one of the dictators of 1990s Earth.
One man would have ruled eventually. As Rome under Caesar. Think of its accomplishments.
Khan (Star Trek: the Original Series – Space Seed)
Khan seems quite pleased at having been rumbled. This is what I meant about Star Trek villains having nuance. Being discovered like this is hardly going to help Khan’s plans. Nevertheless Khan is pleased. Why? I think Khan likes the idea of a worthy adversary. There is no glory in defeating an enemy with no cunning or skill.
In Khan’s quarters Khan tells McGivers his intention to take over the ship. When she doesn’t immediately agree to help him he squeezes her hand and forces her down to her knees. It is a rather uncomfortable scene to watch. She agrees to help him.
This is a difficult topic to cover. It might be easy to come down against McGivers. She is betraying her ship and crew just because Khan is her ideal man. On the other hand this could also be seen as an abusive relationship with her as a victim. I would tend to fall down on this side of things. Which makes Kirk’s actions at the end of the episode questionable at best.
Help me out here. We now get to part of the story that doesn’t make much sense. Up till now there has been some question as to who Khan is. However all the staff know the name Khan Noonien Singh – and they even comment on him. Shouldn’t they have been able to put two and two together a bit sooner? They have a picture of him.
It is tricky to put this into modern terms because cryogenic freezing doesn’t exist. So lets pretend that Admiral Nelson hadn’t died at the Battle of Trafalgar but had in fact gone missing. Then in 2005 a man named Nelson was found in a 19th century naval uniform in some sort of preservation box. I realise I am struggling for a metaphor here. My point is that this ‘mystery’ of Khan’s identity doesn’t feel like it completely holds up to me.
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Khan is able to get the door to his quarters open, because he is just that strong, and get passed the security guard. Although circumventing starfleet security is not exactly hard.
Meanwhile McGivers has a gun on the transporter operator. Khan comes in, knocks the poor dope out, and he and McGivers set to work freeing the rest of Khan’s people.
It seems to be a fairly typical story beat in TOS that the ship is taken over. This one is a little better than most. At least hear Khan had help from the inside and is shown to be a good tactician – it makes far more sense than a hippies or mind-controlled children!
Kirk quickly loses control of his ship. Khan and company make it to engineering. They disable the anti-intruder systems and switch off the oxygen on the bridge. Kirk decides to use up what remains of the air to record commendations for the crew. Perhaps doing it in text would have been better.
The senior staff, plus some other personnel, are taken from the bridge and brought to the briefing room. All except for Kirk. Kirk is placed in a medical decompression chamber.
Khan demands that a colony planet be selected for his people to rule. Naturally the crew do not acquiesce to Khan’s demands. He selects Spock to go into the chamber next – perhaps he is planning to go through the crew in rank order.
McGivers has finally come to her senses. She incapacitates the guard and frees Kirk from the chamber. She asks Kirk not to kill Khan. I really don’t understand this woman.
Kirk orders all decks to be gassed, except for the one they are on, so that the enemy is contained. I don’t know that this is the best strategy – the Enterprise crew still outnumber the invaders even if they are very strong.
It soon comes down to just Kirk and Khan – and if you were expecting anything else you don’t know this show well. Khan boasts that he has five times Kirk’s strength but Kirk wins the day – it is his show after all.
After all is said and done Kirk, for no conceivable reason, drops all charges and decides to maroon Khan and his people on Ceti Alpha V. Since they were en route to a starbase they could have incarcerated them properly. My guess is that Kirk felt it was too much of a risk to do otherwise.
Then there is the question of what to do with McGivers. Kirk gives her the choice of going with Khan and his people or being court martialed. She chooses to go with them. An odd choice given that prisons in the Federation (not named as such yet) have been described as being ‘like resort words.’ They’re probably akin to Norwegian prisons in the modern world.
Khan has already committed actions that McGivers deemed to be unacceptable. So I am wondering why now she would choose to stay with him and his people.
I am also doubting if Kirk made the right decision – at least in regard to McGivers. Traitor or not she is still a member of his crew and his responsibility. Do Starfleet captains have the authority to maroon an officer on a barren planet?
I have no answer to that question.
Khan references Milton when asked how he feels about this situation. Kirk explains it to Scotty and the rest.
The statement Lucifer made when he fell into the pit. ‘It is better to rule in hell than serve in heaven.’
Captain Kirk (Star Trek: The Original Series: Space Seed)
The final word of this story goes to Spock – well technically Kirk – you’ll see what I mean.
It would be interesting, Captain, to return to that world in a hundred years and to learn what crop has sprung from the seed you planted today.
Yes, Mister Spock, it would indeed.
Kirk and Spock (Star Trek: The Original Series: Space Seed)
As we now know it would not take more than 15 years to discover the crop. And six months later the neighbouring planet exploded – I…I don’t know how that happens.
Space Seed is a classic episode of TOS. Even if The Wrath of Khan didn’t exist it still would be. It is amazing that that film is so good when obviously this episode wasn’t written with any thought of a conclusion in mind.
Khan is a great villain. He is a credible threat to Kirk. I would question how Kirk was able to get the upper hand. Then again I do know that when it comes to hand-to-hand combat strength is not everything.
Minor quibbles aside this is a great episode. It certainly qualifies as one of the best in the series.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
This episode is best known for Kirk talking a computer to death. Rather strangely this will not be the last time this happens. It is a good thing this doesn’t happen in real life. Imagine if every computer fed contradictory information burst into flames.
The episode opens with Sulu and Lieutenant O’Neil running for their lives. Unfortunately this O’Neil is not a wisecracking Air Force officer, he has only the one L, and probably also has no sense of humour.
O’Neil runs away but Sulu is beamed up. All is not well though as just before be is beamed aboard a hooded figure zaps him with a stick. This leaves Sulu with a mad grin on his face. He speaks of Landru and says that Kirk and the others are not ‘of the body.’
I like this teaser it is effective and sets up the forthcoming story well.
Kirk beams down with a landing party to find O’Neil. The people on the planet speak in an odd cadence. Then, suddenly, everyone starts to riot in what is called the red hour.
It is not explained what the red hour is. I have heard, and I cannot remember where from, that this rioting is supposed to be a human reaction to being controlled. The idea is humans cannot survive being totally controlled so to balance it out they have to have this ‘red hour’.
Technically speaking these people aren’t human. Budgetary restraints do not allow for Star Trek to have alien aliens. I wonder what a series might have done if money was no object.
The Enterprise is here to investigate the disappearance of the star ship Archon. They seem to investigate starship disappearances a lot. It has been a century. I have just one question. ‘What took you so long?’
The landing party is given directions to the home of a man named Reger. They burst into his home seeing shelter from the rioters. The prime directive is important this week so they say they are from the valley. (Apparently there is only one.) Very convenient that these people look human.
Reger’s daughter is outside and in danger becasiue of the riots. Reger says he can do nothing for her as it is the will of Landru.
Reger is with two other men. One of whom, Hacom, recognises that the landing party are ‘not of the body’ and that they should all be at the “Festive” the other name for the red hour.
This is where things get a little muddled. The red hour has a profound effect on the people. They start to scream and riot. It comes across like a machine set to do something at a particular time. However the dialogue suggests that the landing party is choosing not to attend. They are, of course, but it seems odd that that could be possible for a native of the world. It seems Reger and his companions are exempt because of their age.
I am watching this as I write and it would appear that the Festival and the red hour are not entirely the same thing. I am unsure where the line is drawn. Is just the first hour the red hour and then it is the Festival – which looks like a riot – or, if this was Springfield a Tuesday.
Kirk asks about Landru but Reger is frightened to answer such questions.
The landing party spend then night on the planet. The morning comes and the people stop rioting. They start to move again in that dazed state.
Reger asks if Kirk and company are Archons. The implication being whatever happened here was sparked by the starship Archon. The more I watch TOS the more I understand why the PD became so dogmatic later on. There are many episodes of TOS where Federation, or human, interference causes problems on other worlds.
The lawgivers arrive. They kill Tamar, the other of Reger’s friends, and threaten the landing party with being absorbed. Kirk defies them and the lawgivers pause for a moment – they are unprepared for outright disobedience. The confusion gives them a way to get away.
Reger takes them to a safe place. The landing party fake being of the body by acting as they do. Suddenly Landru starts to control the people. They pick up debris to use as weapons. The landing party stuns them, they find O’Neil and, much to the annoyance of Reger, bring him with them.
Reger is part of an underground that opposes Landru. Tamar was his contact. Reger doesn’t know how to contact the underground.
Kirk checks in with Scotty. The Enterprise is under attack. It is a bit of a weird that Scotty didn’t check in when the attack started – but the upshot is that there are heat beams targeted on the Enterprise – we have our ticking clock – twelve hours till the Enterprise hits atmosphere and is destroyed.
Then we get out first look at Landru – and, he is just this guy you know
Incidentally Kirk and Spock talk about the projection of Landru and how advanced it is – take that Disvovery.
Landru describes the world as one of peace – a paradise. To Kirk this is roughly akin to saying a person ended unemployment by killing the unemployed. Landru threatens the landing party with being absorbed. Who does he think he is a Borg or something.
A loud noise renders the landing party unconscious. The landing party is relocated to a maximum security facility. Kirk notices that some of their party have been taken – including McCoy.
McCoy returns with an air of serenity to him. Kirk shakes him. Apparently that is just what you do to someone in distress. This is not the only time this happens. Kirk and Spock are taken next.
The man running the conversion machine is part of the underground. He doesn’t do the conversion on Kirk and Spock – the two of them disarm the guards and take their one size fits all uniforms.
Now that they could leave if they so wished the question of what to do now is brought up. The prime directive is mentioned but Kirk dismisses it. As this is a stagnant culture he believes the PD doesn’t apply.
Kirk and Spock are brought before Landru. Here is where Kirk, with help from Spock, talks Landru to death. It boils down to a logical issue. Landru, a machine created by a man of the same name, was created to protect the people. It is now a threat to the people so it must be destroyed – so maybe Kirk just convinced a sapient machine to kill itself. I don’t want to touch that interpretation with a barge poll.
So we come to the end of the episode. Some experts from the Enterprise are left to help the people transition to a ‘human’ society and the Enterprise heads off to its next job.
I rather like this episode. It feels like a bit of a cliche, people serving a machine, but it is still an enjoyable outing.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
The episode starts at a present day, in this case in the 1960s, detecting an unknown object. As the teaser ends we see that that object is the Enterprise. We are off to a strong start that is a good teaser.
Given that the Enterprise is nearly 300 meters long, not to mention not remotely aerodynamic, it should really raise a few more eyebrows. Nevertheless a fighter is sent up to investigate.
When we see the Enterprise Kirk informs us how this happened but it is also revealed that they do not yet know when (sic) they are. Incidentally I am not going to bother telling you the technobabble. The result is more important than the babble.
It isn’t long before they detect the fighter. They are lucky the pilot didn’t notice the English letters on the hull.
Kirk orders a tractor beam to hold the fighter in place. Unfortunately the beam is too strong and the craft is destroyed.
I like this scene very much. Firstly they acknowledge that the fighter’s weapons could still be a threat. Secondly to Kirk the tractor beam is harmless but to the old fighter, so much less advanced, it is an effective weapon.
Before the fighter is destroyed they beam the pilot aboard. His name is Captain John Christopher. It is noted that Kirk is speaking English.
I would like to take a detour for a moment.
Language in science fiction is always a bit problematic and, broadly speaking there a three approaches:
The most basic is that characters simply learn each other’s languages. This is how Babylon 5 handles things. There is some technological assistance used too. In one episode Sheridan mentions that it took hours to translate a particular alien’s language during first contact.
Star Trek has the universal translator. This device is basically magic. Not as much in TOS but later it is able to translate from the first word an alien says.
Then there are other shows that ignore the language issue completely. This is done in Stargate SG-1. Everyone is able to speak English as soon as they meet people from Earth. However in one episode in particular it is observed by Jonas Quinn that he would be ‘very surprised’ if a woman from 50 million years ago understood English. What is hilarious about that statement is that Jonas himself should not have been able to speak English when the team first met him.
I mention this here because while Kirk does speak English he would speak a future version of English – you only have to have studied Shakespeare to know how much language changes. I know that is the most nitpicking statement I could make but I just don’t have much to say about this episode.
We get a brief moment of Captain Christopher noticing a female crewman. I tried to google the history of women in the American armed forces but, to be honest, it seems a tad confusing. It looks like women were permitting in the US Navy in the 1940s but were not on combat ships till much later. It doesn’t really matter for the purpose of this episode but I find Captain Christopher’s double take interesting.
I am not sure why Kirk thinks it is a good idea to show this man from the past around the ship! Then again I am not a Starfleet officer so what the hell do I know! Maybe Kirk has realised what Spock soon tells him – that they cannot send Captain Christopher back because of his knowledge of the future.
This doesn’t seem like a solid reason. Yes he has seen the Enterprise but that doesn’t translate into being able to build a transporter or something else. He could start writing a science fiction TV show though.
Interestingly in this episode Kirk refers to the Enterprise as belonging to the United Earth Space Probe Agency. To the best of my knowledge this is the only time that is mentioned. It seems a bit of an odd name for manned missions.
In a rather, to my mind, interesting bit of world building we find out that the Enterprise computer now has a personality. And it might even have some level of sentience. The computer calls Kirk ‘Dear’ The reason given is that the computer was overhaled by a planet dominated by women.
Then we get the main dilemma of the episode. Spock discovers that Captain Christopher is going to have a son and because of his significant role in history the Captain has to be returned.
We also find out that Scotty has repaired the ship. Of course they have nowhere to go in the 1960s. How will the Enterprise get back to is own time?
In the meantime they need to reduce the amount of harm done to the timeline. The air force has records of the Enterprise. Kirk and Sulu beam down to destroy those records.
I like that when they get to Earth Sulu is interested in something as mundane as a notice board. It is a nice way to illustrate how different Earth of the past is.
I do however have to question why they beamed into a corridor and not directly into the room they wanted.
While the landing party is down on Earth we get a nice scene in the transporter room. Spock and McCoy are present and waiting for the landing party to return.
McCoy is worried about the landing party. Spock is calm. Which is a Tuesday on the Enterprise. The scene ends with McCoy pestering Spock that he should be working on his time warp calculations. Spock responds: ‘I am’.
As someone who struggles with basic maths this is so impressive. Although trying to live up to be like Spock is a pretty tall order.
Kirk and Sulu are discovered. Spock signals at that moment and the Air Force man is accidentally beamed aboard. It is okay though the music tells us that this is a funny situation not a dangerous one.
The Air force Man is practically frozen in place. Is Spock really that scary? I kid of cause. After all the Air Force man has probably never seen Star Trek!
The episode is good at building up the problems. We have the inciting incident of the Enterprise being stuck in the past, then Captain Christopher, and now not only do we have a second invited guest but the landing party is stuck on Earth.
(Incidentally it is a shame they didn’t know to pick up a couple of whales.)
More air force people arrive. Kirk puts up a good fight, because Kirk, but he is subdued meanwhile Sulu is able to make it back to the ship with the tapes.
I liked that during Kirk’s interrogation he tells the truth – at least in a manner of speaking.
FELLINI: I am going to lock you up for two hundred years. KIRK: That ought to be just about right.
Fellini and Kirk (Star Trek: TOS – Tomorrow is yesterday)
As I said previously this is yet another indication that the original series is set in the 22nd century.
A rescue mission is put together consisting of Spock, Sulu, and Captain Christopher. Christopher accompanied them as he knows the layout of the base.
At least that is the theory. Captain Christopher wants to remain and manages to get the drop on the landing party. Kirk informs him that he will go home but in their way. This is not enough for the Captain but fortunately Spock was prepared for this and is able to nerve pinch him.
Then we come to then end of the episode. To the best of my knowledge this is the only time in Star Trek that time travel is employed in this manner. The Enterprise is able to travel back in time and beam their two guests back to before they were beamed up. Therefore there is no worry about contamination of the timeline because it never happened.
Wibbly wooberly timey wimy is the only explanation.
After travelling back in time, and returning their visitors, the Enterprise is then shot forward in time. The usual Trek stuff happens the shaking of the ship and what not. Then the Enterprise returns to its own time.
I am not really rating these episodes out of ten. When I get to the end of TOS I am planning to rank all the episodes from best to worst. So where does this episode lie? It is average. It is not an episode I would recommend if someone asked me about the best of Trek but it is also by no means bad.
The episode is entertaining, it has some good humour, and it holds your interest. However for me it doesn’t have that extra oomph that makes it great.
That is all for this review.
I just wanted to say that I have checked this post. I really have. Unfortunately my particular combination of dyslexia and dyspraxia makes it really hard for me to spot typos. Please enjoy and I’ll try not to make too many errors.
I am being flippant in that opening sentence but that is only because I do not have a lot to say about this episode. Don’t misread that. This is not a bad episode it is just that because much of it is action there isn’t much to say.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way. The Gorn costume doesn’t look the best. However given the limitations of the time I think they did a damn good job. And honestly, relatively speaking, it is about as good as the CGI Gorn we would later get in Enterprise. Given the story, the Gorn had to look more alien than just a human in strange clothes. Nevertheless I don’t think he needed to make quite so many noises while fighting.
The Enterprise arrives at Cestus III. The crew are excited to take advantage of the famed hospitality of the base’s Commodore. Well not Spock. He would never stoop to expressing an emotion as base as excitement!
When they materialise on the planet they discover the base has been destroyed. I am forced to wonder why the damage was not spotted as soon as they entered orbit.
I am nitpicking again. It is a useful crutch because it is either this or think about the real world. Who wants that?
Kirk concludes that the messages that brought them here were faked. Soon the landing party comes under fire.
The battle is done well. You really feel as though the crew are in danger. Pretty soon one of the redshirts dies. That is not exactly news.
Before that though we get a rather odd line from Spock. He has picked up the Gorn (we don’t know their name yet) on his tricorder and describes them as non-human. Er Spock you aren’t human either. Nothing wrong with not being human it just seems like a strange thing for him to say.
Kirk orders the landing part beamed. Sulu is unable to do that as the Enterprise has come under fire.
This is the first time that an inability to beam through shields has been mentioned. It will continue to be an important detail throughout the francize. Except when the writers decide they don’t want it to be true this week.
Kirk is a bit of a micromanager when it comes to the battle. Since he has left Sulu in command you would think he would trust him to defend the Enterprise.
Eventually the landing party are beamed up. The Enterprise heads off in pursuit of the Gorn. Kirk concludes that the plan must have been to lure the Enterprise to Cestus III, destroy it, and thus leave the Federation open to invasion. Kirk decides that the only option is to make sure the Gorn ship never gets home. Doing this will leave the enemy in ignorance as to their strength and hopeful stop a potential invasion.
In terms of Star Trek this seems like very militant thinking. Honestly though it is hard to argue with Kirk’s way of thinking. The Gorn are shown to be potential as powerful, or maybe more powerful, than Starfleet.
The pursuit leads them to another star system. Both ships are immobilised and hailed by the inhabitance of this system.
We are the Metrons. You are one of two crafts which have come into our space on a mission of violence. This is not permissible. Yet we have analysed you and have learned that your violent tendencies are inherent. So be it. We will control them. We will resolve your conflict in the way most suited to your limited mentalities.
It is a common in Star Trek to impose impose their will on other races. I can’t help but think that if the Metrons are so much more advanced can’t they think of a better way of doing things than a death match?
Apparently not – also I could have done without Uhura screaming when Kirk was taken.
Kirk defeats the Gorn captain by means of a diamond firing bamboo canon – well it is not bamboo considering this is not Earth. Then we get to the crux of the story. Kirk refuses to kill. The Gorn attacked Cestus III because they saw the colony as an invasion. As such their actions were comparable to Kirk’s determination to destroy their ship.
The Metrons state that neither the Gorn ship nor the Enterprise will be destroyed. Yet they do go on to offer to destroy the Gorn. Knowing this kind of story that was probably just another layer to the test.
The meaning of this story episode is fairy obvious. Kirk’s actions show that there is hope for humans. However there is a whiff of human superiority to the story.
I have never like this aspect of science fiction. The idea that humans are better than other races. I think that this episode would have worked much better if the Gorn had also realised that the Federation need not be an enemy.
The Enterprise is flung 500 parsecs from where they were. Kirk orders them back to Cestus III.
The last few lines of the episode nicely rounds off the story. Kirk recounts his conversation with the Metoron. Who told him that there is hope for humans – although it might take a few thousand years for them to prove they are civilised.
End of episode.
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Unstable Orbit 