Bem
(Star Trek Animated episode #22018 in production order)
written by David Gerrold
directed by Bill Reed
This turns out to be one of Star Trek's most interesting
Prime Directive stories so far - largely because we have
four (count them, four) distinct cultures interacting
and trying to figure out what is the best policy here,
and without the usual Federation-Klingon rivalry
distracting their motives.
Where other stories show primitive cultures that parallel
Earth humans, often way to closely, or in later cases
we have
the Mintakans paralleling early Vulcan/Romulan societies,
this adventure tackles a primitive society
which looks as though it parallels the Gorn seen
in "Arena" and
"The Time Trap". Very nice use of the
animated format utilizing its flexibility.
The other three cultures interacting here are the
Federation through the Enterprise crew, the newly
discovered and equally advanced Pandronian culture
represented by Commander Bem, and the mysterious
local disco-light being that Nichelle Nichols gives
voice to as it lays claim over the development of
the primitives.
In all the various permutations of interactions
which get satisfyingly explored in this episode,
the basic message seems to be about spending less
energy removing the speck in your neighbour's eye,
and more energy on removing the log from your own.
Healthy advice, and a sound foundation upon which
to build the Prime Directive in the first place.
Starfleet's own core interaction with the primitives
here is interesting for several reasons. The Enterprise
is the second ship to encounter the planet, and seems
to be almost forceful in its need to study this culture....
as we later find out, all to determine whether or not
the Prime Directive should apply. For right or wrong,
the Heisenberg principle seems to have been thrown out
the window here.
Of course Bem does things quite differently to Starfleet,
what with his newly encountered race not being a part of the
Federation... yet. And these differences fuel most of the
conflict and debate in the episode. No need to discuss
much of that here; the story itself is most eloquent.
It is nicely refreshing (and more real) to see the Federation
attempting so many first contacts with races of varying
types at the same time - an avenue ripe with rich story
opportunities.
Perhaps the most interesting interaction is that between
Disco-Nichols and the primitives. Even if Bem and the Federation
agree to non-interference with the primitives, why would the
psychedelic creature need to be directing their development?
On the surface, it seems that the Disco creature is violating
the Prime Directive. Even if it never agreed to one, it sure is
keen to enforce one on Bem and the Federation.
Who is really to say what the proto-Gorns' natural development
should be?
The episode actually makes more sense once pre-cut rules and
labels like the Prime Directive are put aside, and values are
studied in context here with all four cultures treated equally.
The proto-Gorns and the Disco lights are local, get along
harmoniously with each other, and are content to remain
on their own. Bem and the Federation both understand and
respect that, while taking steps to offer contact and learn
about them. All is good. Everyone learns something,
perhaps even the proto-Gorns whose memories supposedly
remain intact. Too bad the Gorn characters weren't developed
a little more to say what their take on the adventure might
have been.
In the end, Star Trek has another great adventure in its canon,
perhaps the most thoughtful piece David Gerrold has contributed
yet to the series. Nice one.
How Sharper Than A Serpent's Tooth
(Star Trek Animated episode #22022 in production order)
written by Russell Bates & David Wise
directed by Bill Reed
Here's another classic "reverse prime directive" story,
very much in the same vein as
"Who Mourns For Adonais?",
yet taking full advantage of the animated format's
capacity for strange beings and massive landscapes.
Basically, the "reverse prime directive" type of story
puts advanced aliens on Earth interfering with human development,
doing the very thing that Star Trek characters forbid themselves
to do. Yet again, most of the usual arguments for and against
non-interference are bandied about here, without anyone actually
using the term "prime directive". Most of the arguments presented
here feel like canned responses by now, but once in a while
a new perspective on it shines through the dialogue....
particularly in the end sequence. Indeed, by the time it's
all over, this has become one of the essential
Prime Directive stories of the Star Trek canon.
And it does so by shining light on a fascinating
ancient Earth culture that probably was visited and
heavily influenced by extra-terrestrials. Kudos!
This tale has the essence of truth charging through it,
and does a good job of bringing the Mayan culture to life
through the enjoyable visual design work of the story.
Where it may fall quite short is in the anthropomorphizing
of the aliens' motivations; and indeed it will have to differ
somewhat to allow enough creative freedom to flesh out
an interesting (yet sympathetic) antagonist to make the story
work.
And you've got to love a Capellan Power Cat. Nice one!
This episode certainly cuts no corners in coming up with
cool new creatures to put on screen as well.
In the end, this has to rank as one of the best animated
Star Trek episodes, and, in tandem with
"Who Mourns for Adonais?", perhaps demonstrates that the
concepts of the Prime Directive often work better in reverse
than when played out with Starfleet's usual secrecy
and manipulation.....
These "Season Four" / Animated Series prime directive stories
are available on standard DVD.
Click on the Amazon symbol for the desired disc format
and location nearest you for pricing and availability:
Region 1, NTSC, U.S.
Region 1, NTSC, Canada
Region 2, PAL, U.K.
