This Side of Paradise

This one really is one of the all-time Trek greats - one of the best episodes of the first season and, for that matter, of the whole three years of the series. It begins as a mystery on a very peaceful planet, where settlers were meant to begin an agricultural colony several years ago. Kirk tries to unravel this odd jigsaw puzzle presented before him in the first act - the colonists should all be dead by this point due to what are known as Berthold Rays and all animals have indeed died off. The answers lie in some funky-looking plants which shoot spores into human beings, thereby indoctrinating them into a space-age version of a 'happiness pill' society. All worries melt away and humans can, for the first time since Adam & Eve (one might say), relax in paradise. In a sense, this is "The Naked Time" episode taken to the next level - rather than fighting a form of disease, mankind here seems cured of all ills - there appears to be no reason to escape something so benevolent.

There is a beguiling quality to most of this episode and moments of incredible poignancy. Most of these moments are in Spock's scenes, usually with his newfound lady love (the luminous Ireland). Here we see Spock as perhaps he really is without that wall of anti-emotion he projects - this story hints that it really is an artificial wall, even unnecessary. This is not Spock afflicted by sickness or possessed by an alien force - it's the real Spock, smiles and all, all his usual defense mechanisms swept away, as human as, well, Dr. McCoy. Swept Away - that's probably as good a description as any for what happens to him and then the rest of the crew. And ironically, it's most tragic for Spock, among all the crew, when this happiness is taken away - we realize he loses the most here - everyone else just realizes they've been kind of wasting their time. Interestingly, Kirk proves to be the only one resistant to these spores, to a degree. I guess that's why he's captain - it takes a lot more to dissuade him from his mission than it does the average crew member.

Overall, this episode presents a superlative progression of surprise, suspense and some jarring thrills following on the heels of the early mystery. After Spock gets through that brief, though alarming, painful transition to his new self, we see Kirk's astonishment as he first observes his transformed first officer (more irony here: Kirk could have really enjoyed a relaxed friendship with Spock if things continued as they were here, a typical 'best friends' relationship, though McCoy might've gotten jealous and then burned off the effect of the spores). Then the ship empties; this was the first time something like this happened - now things look really grim - and once Kirk exits, that's it; the ship will burn up in a decaying orbit. I believe this episode has the shot of the empty bridge which was later used in the TNG episode "Relics." Those hints we've seen of Spock's Vulcan strength prove to be quite valid - don't ever anger a Vulcan, especially if you're a frail human. I don't pretend to understand all of Kirk's insults but I think his reference to freakism did the trick. Finally, McCoy gets in the best line towards the end when he tells the colony's leader to make him a mechanic - "Then I can treat little tin gods like you!" Priceless.

The Enterprise investigates a deadly planet that supposed to have killed a community there, but instead they find that a plant's spores not only keeps them safe, but also acts as some "cult love-drug". This episode was defiantly a product of the late 60's, which is actually mentioned. Spock gets hit with the spores and his human-half ignites the flames for an old "interest" who lives in the community, played by Jill Ireland(Charles Bronson's former wife). Great acting job by Nimoy to add that warm love dimension to Spock's usual cold demeanor. The episode is rather light-hearted, and almost even comical, but definitely enjoyable.

Just the other day, as I have on many other days of late, I ventured back in Time to revisit the adventures of Kirk and Spock and McCoy. No, I haven't discovered how to hitch a ride to tachyons into the Past: I simply took out my DVD set of STAR TREK- THE ORIGINAL SERIES and spent some quality time with the original crew of the Enterprise. One of the episodes I chose was THIS one, because it gave fans a rare glimpse into the "other" side of the stoic Science Officer- the Human Side. Leonard Nimoy was capable of great Depth when the opportunity presented itself, and this particular episode of this particular series stands as a Lasting Tribute to the Man who played the Vulcan. If, as has been suggested, Energy never dissipates, he's still Out There, Somewhere, in some New Form- waiting for us to join him.

Enterprise is tasked with resettling the colonists of Omicron Ceti III.

This is a memorable episode with some excellent concepts, different character moments and strong visuals.

The plot is simple but has some interesting psychological themes that are very sixties. The planet in focus is reflective of a counter-culture type community and the catalyst for their happiness and fulfilment are plant spores with mind altering narcotic effects. I found this along with Kirk's opposing viewpoint to be quite thought provoking.

I also love the sci-fi concept regarding the plants and how the writers mix this with the radiation problem. This for me is one of the most creative ideas in the original series.

The eventual resolution is a classic Star Trek anticlimactic technobabble solution but it just about works for me thanks to the prior scene with Kirk and Spock.

For me it is a strong episode for both the above characters. We see Kirk's strength of character and the powerful hold of his dedication to duty. Spock shows his emotional human side and additionally we have some backstory. Bones does not work quite as well for me as no effort is really put into writing him anything more than an overly Southern version of his normal character.

I enjoyed the cinematography, which had a nice mixture of camera angles and tells the story well in a visual way. The shots of Kirk on board the empty bridge are very effective.

William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy both give strong performances, particularly Nimoy. DeForest Kelley has less to do but he does it well. Even Nichelle Nichols has a rare opportunity to give a bit of emotion. Jill Ireland is the most memorable of the guest stars and she contributes well in an important role.

It's a must visit to Omicron Ceti III, where you will never have felt you're so free, organically fed, you'll lose any dread, a final frontier spaced out hippy.

Overcome by the flora and fauna the crew of the Enterprise, including Mr. Spock find peace and harmony in paradise but the captain finds it hard to let go and relax.