"Star Trek" Amok Time (1967)

User Rating:

8.8/10   

Director:

Joseph Pevney

Writers:

Theodore Sturgeon (written by)
Gene Roddenberry (creator)

TV Series:

"Star Trek" (1966)

Original Air Date:

15 September 1967 (Season 2, Episode 1)

Genre:

Adventure | Sci-Fi

Plot:

In the throes of his Pon Farr mating period, Spock must return to Vulcan to meet his intended future wife, betrothed from childhood.

Plot Keywords:

Federation | Space | Starship | Computer | Vulcan

Cast

William Shatner	...	Captain James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy	...	Mr. Spock
DeForest Kelley	...	Dr. McCoy
Celia Lovsky	...	T'Pau
Arlene Martel	...	T'Pring
Lawrence Montaigne	...	Stonn
Majel Barrett	...	Nurse Chapel
George Takei	...	Sulu
Nichelle Nichols	...	Uhura
Walter Koenig	...	Chekov
Byron Morrow	...	Admiral Komack

Runtime:

60 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Argentina:Atp

Filming Locations:

Desilu Studios - 9336 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Company:

Desilu Productions

Trivia:

At the beginning, when the ship is diverted away from Vulcan, Kirk mentions "Finagle's Law." This was a phrase invented by science fiction editor John W. Campbell Jr. "Anything that can go wrong, will-at the worst possible moment." It was popularized by author Larry Niven, but his stories were just beginning to be published when this episode aired, so it is unclear what, if any, influence there was.

Goofs:

Continuity: In Spock's room, there is a red blinking light in a bear-like holder in the background when Kirk is talking to him. After their conversation, the light no longer blinks, it is billowing smoke. A scene or two later, the blinker in the same prop blinks red and white.

Quotes:

Spock: You may find that having is not so nearly pleasing a thing as wanting. It is not logical, but it is often true.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Stargate SG-1: Babylon (#9.8)" (2005)

Victorian commentary.

The modern era of our sleeping in individual rooms began in medieval England. Prior to this time the common hall was the scene of all activity. Once private apartments came into being, the social network of the communal hearth that was the heart of village and castle had had a spike driven into its chest.

Social contact, already codified from the classic era, was put into an even greater diaspora than before. From this, and from the fear of spreading germs and sickness, social codes became more tight fisted. Up until the point where affection between man and woman could barely be tolerated.

"Amok Time" deals with this theme. It deals with the veils mankind has created to hide and mask, for better or ill, our more basic physical and emotional desires. The creation of a mysticism by a race driven by logic to enshroud the act and craving for simple love shows that the more a society represses said feelings, the more dangerous the contest and higher the stakes.

The episode goes even deeper than that (but only just) as it examines the estrangement of arranged marriages by a traditional society, and the lengths the parties involved will go to to alter the bargain made in which they had no say. Friend becomes foe in an emotional feast that culminates in some very gripping and dramatic television.

The episode also calls into question the sanity of repressing basic emotions, and the tragic consequences thereof. We witness the strains it puts on the crew of the Enterprise, and some unexpected repercussions, and even more repercussions beyond that.

An interesting episode that may have been done partially for sensationalism as well as social commentary. It's an interesting and entertaining watch if you're so inclined.