A holy book defines a culture. It provides a basis for what a society values and what it condemns. These ideals also shape how the stories are told, as the listener uses his or her cultural lens to discern the morals hidden in the tale. There are many alien races in the Star Trek universe … More People of the Book, TOS: S2E17 “A Piece of the Action”
We cannot become intelligent beings if we don’t value life. A simpleton lacks empathy, but sensitive, compassionate, and well-rounded people can see themselves in the other. An important step in maturity is the ability to recognize others have needs outside of ourselves. On a larger scale, a certain amount of moral growth prompted our ancestors … More A Mind for Mercy, TOS: S2E16 “The Gamesters of Triskelion”
In a seemingly empty part of space, the Enterprise is suddenly held hostage by a giant hand. Held at its mercy, nothing seems to break Kirk’s team free from this oddly-shaped force field. They are soon introduced to their captor, a god-like being called Apollo, who exerts complete control over the ship and crew. In … More The Invisible Hand of God, TOS: S2E2 “Who Mourns for Adonis?”
When Spock experiences the pon farr, a period of intense physical and psychological stress preceding Vulcan mating, he must journey back to his planet to marry his fiancé or he will die. The accompanying ceremony is elaborate, culturally significant, and ancient. The ritual also allows Spock’s potential mate to challenge the offer and choose another husband. In this rare … More Traditional Liberation, TOS: S2E1 “Amok Time”
In this somewhat underwhelming episode of The Original Series, the Enterprise crew encounters a strange man named Lazarus, who seems to blink into existence. After some on-board shenanigans…a phantom dilithium thief, injuries on the man’s face that disappear and reappear… the crew learns that Lazarus has a counterpart in another dimension. This ‘anti-matter’ dimension is … More Antimatter Containment, TOS: S1E27 “The Alternative Factor”
When the Enterprise arrives at the planet Beta III to investigate the disappearance of the USS Archon, only Lt. Sulu returned from the original landing party. If this wasn’t enough to concern the crew, Sulu was acting strangely, as if in a dreamy trance. Kirk, Spock, and the extras beam down to the planet for … More The Will to Break Free, TOS: S1E21 “The Return of the Archons”
Responding to a distress call from the human colony on Cestus III, the Enterprise and crew witness the aftermath of a massacre executed by one of the most iconic classic Star Trek aliens: the Gorn. Not so much infamous for its ruthlessness, but more so its ruthless cheesiness, the Gorn episode remains memorable none the … More Gorn in my Side, TOS: S1E18 “Arena”
On its way through interstellar space, the Enterprise encounters a mysterious and undetectable planet. Lt. Sulu and Captain Kirk soon disappear from the bridge, and it is up to Spock and the extras to conduct a search of the planet’s toxic surface. But instead of a deadly atmosphere, the officers find the planet to be … More A Boy and a Magnifying Glass, TOS: S1E17 “The Squire of Gothos”
As a tribute to Shakespeare, Star Trek, (and Star Trek doing Shakespeare) I give you…a very silly Star Trek sonnet: Flying past stars, aboard the Enterprise Where noble ship and crew bid well adieu Journey to a new world, their mission lies Thou art lazy writing, stock Planet Q Alas it matters not, here cometh strife … More A Silly Star Trek Sonnet, TOS: S1E13 “The Conscience of the King”
From the first grunt of spoken language, human beings have been telling stories. In essence, we have been creating new worlds. Whether it is a heroic epic showing how we can surpass our limitations, or a starship exploring new possibilities, these fantasies help us understand ourselves and the world around us. Or, they can offer … More Freedom in Choice, TOS: S1E11-12 “The Menagerie”
Hopeless Trekkie 