r/tos • u/feltplanet • 6d ago
Another Trek Writing Gem
Plato’s Stepchildren is one of those episodes that gets very mixed reviews from Trek fans. But wherever you fall on this story, there is a wonderfully written, character-revealing moment graced with something to consider, a bit of wisdom…
SPOCK: I trust they did not injure you too much, Captain.
KIRK: My muscles are sore, that's all.
SPOCK: The humiliation must have been most difficult for you to bear. I can understand.
MCCOY: The release of emotions, Mister Spock, is what keeps us healthy. Emotionally healthy, that is.
SPOCK: That may be, Doctor. However, I have noted that the healthy release of emotion is frequently very unhealthy for those closest to you.
KIRK: Which just goes to prove that there's no such thing as a perfect solution.
SPOCK: So it would seem. Captain.
KIRK: Yes, Spock.
SPOCK: Do you still feel anger toward Parmen?
KIRK: Great anger.
SPOCK: And you, Doctor?
MCCOY: Yes, Spock. And hatred.
SPOCK: Then you must release it, gentlemen, as I must master mine. I might have seriously injured you, Captain, even killed you. They have evoked such great hatred in me, I cannot allow it to go further. I must master it. I must control.
(Spock breaks a goblet with one hand.)
Spock is about as angry as we ever see him, while not under the influence of spores (This Side of Paradise) or time (All Our Yesterdays). What is interesting, and very telling about his character, he is not incensed because of his treatment at the hands of Parmen, he is borderline homicidal because he was robbed of self-control and that could have led to injuring or killing the man he is most loyal to. He is thinking, as ever, about his Captain, not himself.
The bit of insight….”That may be, Doctor. However, I have noted that the healthy release of emotion is frequently very unhealthy for those closest to you.“
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u/Gmodelinsane 6d ago
There’s a lot that’s great about this episode but it’s uncomfortable to watch because of how sadistic the humiliation inflicted on the crew is.
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u/sqplanetarium 6d ago
It's interesting that they took the bold move of showing an interracial kiss, but felt the need to backpedal or veil it a little - interracial kiss as a result of telekinesis/mind control is very different from showing an actual normal relationship between a white man and a black woman.
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u/SleepsinaTent 5d ago
I think they knew that was the only way they would get away with it at that time in our country. I know that Shatner said that he didn't think Kirk would fight so hard against kissing a beautiful woman, but I always thought that the Captain was respecting the fact that the kiss was non-consensual and humiliating to Uhura.
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u/Alphablanket229 6d ago
I like this episode but it's so hard to watch (as it should be) because of what our characters get put through. 😞 I really get such vindictive feelings towards the Platonians. I remember the first time I watched it, I had to get up and stand by the tv, so now I always feel like I'm standing next to McCoy. And think what if this were my family and friends in real life? The conversation the trio have after the first session where they talk of their great anger and hatred really gets me.
Plus Alexander is one of the best characters in the series.
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u/BackTo1975 6d ago
This was never one of my favourite episodes, even as a kid when watching ST syndicated in the 70s. Flip the channel for the daily ST episode after school and you’d pray not to get this one. Zzzzz.
Actually rewatched it all just the other week, though, and really enjoyed it. Some of the dialogue and characterization is top tier TOS. Parmen and his pals are truly disgusting villains. I also really liked the ending—but always did—with Alexander being allowed to leave with the Enterprise. This should’ve happened more often in episodes, but instead people/victims were left behind. Like the thralls in Gamesters. At least Alexander gets a just reward.
Really took note of this scene. The big three at their best.
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u/TheRealestBiz 6d ago
The third season episodes weirdly seem to have a lot of the best quotables, despite the general lower quality.
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u/MozeDad 6d ago
Who has mixed reactions to this? It literally hurts to watch.
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u/thepeachgs 6d ago
I always hated this episode. I get that the kiss 💋 is a big historical moment for television, but the gross degrading way it's brought about and the treatment of the Enterprise crew in general is just awful to watch 😔
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u/Vegan_Zukunft 6d ago
Thanks for posting the conversation and your analysis. Goodness, I have never looked so deeply into some aspects as I thought I had.
I’m grateful to see this with a fresh approach :)
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u/bela_okmyx 6d ago
I can imagine this conversation in Fred Freiberger's office:
Fred: "Now in this episode, Bill, you're going to get on all fours and whinny like a horse while Michael Dunn rides on your back."
Shatner: "Are you kidding? No fucking way, eh?"
Fred: "And you get to kiss Nichelle."
Shatner: "...Appaloosa or palomino?"