

(written from a Production point of view Real World article

While investigating the theory of creation, the Enterprise is caught inside an energy/matter tornado. After emerging from the storm, the crew encounter a world where magic works and science doesn't.

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Summary

"Captain's log, stardate 1254.4. For years scientists have theorized that if our galaxy was created from a great explosion then the center of the galaxy might still be creating new matter. The Enterprise is now on a science mission to investigate. It's an awesome thought that we may actually witness matter being created."

The Enterprise was sent on a scientific mission to find the creation point, an area in the galactic core where matter was being created. Upon arrival, the starship was caught in what Spock described as a matter-energy whirlwind and thrown into an alternate universe. All of the ship's computers and systems began to fail, and the crew started to lose consciousness due to the lack of oxygen.

Suddenly, a red-skinned humanoid with small horns on his head appeared on the bridge. He repaired the systems and welcomed the crew as if they were old friends, but preached caution. He took Kirk, Spock, and McCoy to his planet, Megas-Tu, where he explained to them that Megas-Tu was not governed by the same physical laws as their own universe and that magic thrived here. He then sent them back to the Enterprise, seeming afraid that someone might discover them.

"Captain's log, supplemental. In this incredible universe it appears to be part of the natural laws that belief is as potent a force as energy and matter are in our own."

Back on board, some of the crew began experimenting with magic, starting with Spock. It was discovered by the crew that in this universe, belief is as real as matter and energy. Spock explored these new abilities by drawing a mystic symbol on the floor, and while standing in it, used the power of his belief to move a Vulcan chess piece; and Sulu used magic to conjure up a beautiful woman. Lucien reappeared, telling them that using these mental powers would attract unwanted attention. His warning was too late – the Megans had noticed the activity and arrived in non-corporeal form on the Enterprise.

The crew was transported to what appeared to be Salem, Massachusetts, in what seemed to be the middle of a witch trial. The prosecutor, Asmodeus, explained that the Megans had gone to Earth many years prior in search of companions (as there were no other lifeforms in their own universe who practiced magic), but they were met with hatred and fear, and eventually driven out, accused of witchcraft. The remaining few gathered together, and combining their powers, were able to return to Megas-Tu.

At the trial, Spock volunteers to speak in defense of the Humans, since he was not from Earth. Kirk also explained how much Humanity has grown since 1691, trying to accept all forms of life with an open mind. Kirk invited Asmodeus to view the ship's computer, which convinced him that Humanity has changed, and that they should go free.

However, the Megans were now putting Lucien on trial for bringing evil to their planet, since they expected that the Enterprise would bring more Humans to their world. Lucien's punishment would be condemnation to Limbo for eternity. Spock and Kirk defended Lucien's actions, but their words did nothing to convince the court. Seeing no other course of action, Kirk used magic himself, against Asmodeus, in defense of Lucien, despite the knowledge that he could not win. He explained that the Megans were in danger of becoming like the Humans they so feared. Despite the knowledge that Lucien was the inspiration, or even the embodiment of Lucifer, Kirk continued to defend him, stating that he would give his life to save Lucien. This impressed the Megans, and they gave Lucien his freedom.

The Megans told Kirk that, if any other Humans make it to their planet, they will be welcomed, and the Enterprise was returned to its proper universe. McCoy asks Kirk if he believes that Lucien was really Lucifer. Kirk asks if that really matters, but Spock tells the captain that it may be significant, as this would be the second time Lucifer was cast out. However, thanks to Kirk, it would be the first time he was saved.

Memorable quotes

"Ah, Humans. Lovely, primitive Humans. Can't you do anything right?"

- Lucien



"Children will play."

- Lucien



"These are the defendants, as representatives of the vilest species in all the universe, treacherous Humanity."

- Megas prosecutor



"Know that once, upon your world, I was known as Asmodeus, he who sees all. Gaze upon my countenance so that you too may see."

- Megas prosecutor



"Captain, good captain! Always so curious, that must be why I've always liked you Earthlings so much!"

- Lucien, to Kirk



"Some Humans would attempt to use us to gain power... to serve their own greed and lust. When we refused to serve them they turned against us and taught other Humans to fear us, to hate. They called us devils, warlocks, evil sorcerers. Those of us who survived came to the town of Salem in Massachusetts as settlers and tried to live like other men."

"But you made mistakes, used your powers..."

"And burned for it. Burned!"

"As witches."

- Asmodeus, Spock, and Kirk



"Knowledge is freedom."

- Kirk



"We massed together outside the town, immersed ourselves in Megan lore, revived ourselves enough to unite our minds and reach into our own Universe, and tap enough of its power to return from your hellish Earth to Megas-Tu."

- Asmodeus



"Protect yourselves?! Is that all Human beings ever think about? I'll take care of you. That's what friends are for. All this mental energy you're using, It can be traced. You'll be found."

"Have been found!! So... the people of Earth would spread the evil to our home?! We are ready for Human perfidy this time!! This time, it is the Humans who shall suffer... the Humans, and you, Lucien, who shall pay!!"

- Lucien and Megan Spirits



"Do you think Lucien really was the demon some men call Lucifer?"

"Does it really matter, Bones?"

"It just might, captain. If he was, this would be the second time Lucifer was cast out, and, thanks to you, the first time he was saved."

- McCoy, Kirk, and Spock

Background information

Story and script

Cast

The cast recording session for this episode was accessible to the installment's writer. Larry Brody explained, " Gene called to invite me to the voice recording session on the episode so I could meet Bill Shatner and Leonard Nimoy and the other actors. " ( Turning Points in Television , p. 130)

" ( , p. 130) Having found TOS enjoyable, Asmodeus actor Ed Bishop was "delighted" to take part in this episode. (Star Trek Magazine issue 180, p. 65)

Continuity

This is the only episode of the series to feature Earth.

The stardate of this episode, 1254.4, is a lower-numbered stardate than that of the second pilot for Star Trek: The Original Series , " Where No Man Has Gone Before ", which has a stardate of 1312.4. Due to the ambiguous interpretation of stardates, it cannot be assumed that this episode takes place prior to the other. Nor is the stardate here assumed to be an error.

, " ", which has a stardate of 1312.4. Due to the ambiguous interpretation of stardates, it cannot be assumed that this episode takes place prior to the other. Nor is the stardate here assumed to be an error. This outing, with its theme of magic, has a precedent in the form of TOS : " Catspaw ". According to Larry Brody, Gene Roddenberry cited this connection during their pitch meeting. Brody later remembered Roddenberry having said, "We tried to do a show on magic the second year of the series. Antoinette Bower guest-starred. But we were limited then, by the fact that we couldn't do the special effects we wanted. Now we can do it all!" [13]

Reception

Adaptation

This episode was adapted into short-story form by Alan Dean Foster in Star Trek Log 3. As such, its stardate was changed to 5524.5 and the events of its narrative were described as being set after both " Once Upon a Planet " and " Mudd's Passion ", though this does not match the sequence of the actual episodes, in which this installment comes immediately before the other two.

Video and DVD releases

Starring

And

Also starring

Guest star

Background characters

References

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