What is it that compels two factions to engage in conflict with one another? What propels them to a state of warfare? An exercise whose only product is the destruction of life? How can sane and mature men engage in such a practice? The "Squire of Gothos" examines a possible explanation for this proposition. Kirk and crew must escape and evade a wandering planet controlled by a being who has all the respect for life that a sadistic child might when it levels a magnifying glass and sunbeam at an unsuspecting ant. Said child gets a sick thrill out of this. But can we blame the child? Does it know enough not to do what it is doing? It is, after all, an undeveloped mind--not having reached full maturity. But is this really an excuse? Excuse or no the author of this episode offers it as a possible explanation to the fascination of warfare by a certain kind of adult. The child reads or hears tales of gallantry on the battlefield, and wants to act "grown up" by mimicking said deeds and his heroes. But, because he is a child, he knows not the peril of the bloody pastime he hopes to partake in.
All boys (and some girls too I guess) went through the period of playing "cops and robbers" or "war" prior to adolescence. For some people that little boy never leaves. Sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes it's bad. "The Squire of Gothos" is slightly farce by sending up a caricature of the proverbial brave yeoman on a 18th or 19th century battlefield. Trelane is a parody of the idolatry that surrounded and generated the myths of battlefield heroics, and shows the audience the absurdity of lionizing the image he portrays.
What's worse is that Kirk and the Enterprise are powerless to stop him. The episode becomes fairly symbolic and drives home a very poignant message near the end. It is ultimately a parental responsibility and obligation to their fellow man to raise and reign in their child and his behavior.
Were it only that simple when it comes to armies clashing on the battlefield.
Science fiction at its thematic best.
Enjoy.
p.s. the "Q" comparison is apt, but is really a minor cog in a much larger clockwork of symbolism.
All boys (and some girls too I guess) went through the period of playing "cops and robbers" or "war" prior to adolescence. For some people that little boy never leaves. Sometimes that's a good thing. Sometimes it's bad. "The Squire of Gothos" is slightly farce by sending up a caricature of the proverbial brave yeoman on a 18th or 19th century battlefield. Trelane is a parody of the idolatry that surrounded and generated the myths of battlefield heroics, and shows the audience the absurdity of lionizing the image he portrays.
What's worse is that Kirk and the Enterprise are powerless to stop him. The episode becomes fairly symbolic and drives home a very poignant message near the end. It is ultimately a parental responsibility and obligation to their fellow man to raise and reign in their child and his behavior.
Were it only that simple when it comes to armies clashing on the battlefield.
Science fiction at its thematic best.
Enjoy.
p.s. the "Q" comparison is apt, but is really a minor cog in a much larger clockwork of symbolism.