Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Star Trek TOS: Episode 39 - JOURNEY TO BABEL

"While transporting dignitaries to an important peace conference the Enterprise is pursued by a mysterious vessel and an assassin is discovered among the passengers"

The classic "who dunnit?" episode. Who killed the Tellirite? Was it the Vulcan? Who poisoned the Vulcan? Was it the Andorian? It must be because the Andorian just stabbed Kirk. But wait the Andorian's antennae fell off! He was really an Orion!! (This is me being a 1930's radio-drama announcer)

This episode revolves around a conference involving a bunch of delegates from different planets. The Orion's are bent on causing disaster, for selfish purposes. The subplot is focused around Spock's disconnection from his father Sarek. His mother Amanda (the mom from Father Knows Best) tries to mediate a compromise between them. Sarek nearly dies and Spock gives him a blood transfusion, now they patch things up. It was an interesting glimpse into the life of Spock. Also, one of the things that I love about TOS is McCoy's constant razzing of Spock ... this episode has a ton this. When Spock's mother brings up his favorite childhood teddy bear, well Bones can't help but bust his balls over this.

I don't have much else to say except, season one was so good that in comparison season two seems pretty shitty. In reality these are quality episodes, but the first season of TOS had many stellar episodes. I did enjoy Journey to Babel, although having Kirk nearly getting killed was a bit over the top. He was overpowered fairly easily which is way out of character.

ST TOS COUNTDOWN: 40 down 40 to go

5 comments:

capt.naps. said...

can't say ive ever seen this episode...that pic looks terrible.

and would they have teddy bears in the future?? i bet kids would have stuffed Sandworms

Mugato said...

Spock does say that his teddy bear was alive and had fangs. Like my wife! oohhh.

Donald said...

Was this the first appearance of Sarek? I can't remember. Anyway... ok episode, if only because Sarek is cool. Did I spell that right?

mugato said...

This is the first episode with Sarek...although the same actor played the Romulan Commander in season one.

Donald said...

Oh yeah. That's why I was confused.