3.77 : The Savage Curtain. - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Dave · 7th May 2002, 02:37 PM

The one with Abraham Lincoln, and the first appearances of Surak and Kahless.

The Excalbians invited Kirk and Spock to participate in a battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ so that they can learn about humanoid concepts.

It is a kind of morality play, attempting to illustrate the ‘Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations’ concept, but it is a little weak, and the premise appears a little pointless when Yarnek observes that both ‘good’ and ‘evil’ use the same tactics to win he battle. Kirk argues that his only motivation is the welfare of his crew.

The most memorable part of the episode is the characters it introduces:

Colonel Green – an unprincipled, aggressive human killer from the period of Earth’s Third World War.

Kahless – the Klingon who set the style for his entire empire. A character whose exploits are revisited time and time again in modern Trek (but he is always shown with a ribbed forehead ‘Rightful Heir’ TNG.)

Surak – the Vulcan who united the people of his planet and taught them to suppress their emotions and live in peace. Also revisited in modern Trek. A Vulcan will always make reference to the teachings of Surak, but this is the only time he has been seen.

Zora – a merciless criminal scientist, never heard of again.

Abraham Lincoln is a person who epitomizes concepts deeply appreciated by Gene Roddenberry and his creation James Kirk. Surak personifies the Vulcan credo. In a stunning display of Trek's Earthcentric attitudes, Spock needs to explain to Kirk who Surak is, whereas he seems to need no introduction to Lincoln.

7th May 2002, 02:37 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dave Wherever I Am, I'm There Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Greater London Posts: 11,443	3.77 : The Savage Curtain. The one with Abraham Lincoln, and the first appearances of Surak and Kahless. The Excalbians invited Kirk and Spock to participate in a battle between ‘good’ and ‘evil’ so that they can learn about humanoid concepts. It is a kind of morality play, attempting to illustrate the ‘Infinite Diversity in Infinite Combinations’ concept, but it is a little weak, and the premise appears a little pointless when Yarnek observes that both ‘good’ and ‘evil’ use the same tactics to win he battle. Kirk argues that his only motivation is the welfare of his crew. The most memorable part of the episode is the characters it introduces: Colonel Green – an unprincipled, aggressive human killer from the period of Earth’s Third World War. Kahless – the Klingon who set the style for his entire empire. A character whose exploits are revisited time and time again in modern Trek (but he is always shown with a ribbed forehead ‘Rightful Heir’ TNG.) Surak – the Vulcan who united the people of his planet and taught them to suppress their emotions and live in peace. Also revisited in modern Trek. A Vulcan will always make reference to the teachings of Surak, but this is the only time he has been seen. Zora – a merciless criminal scientist, never heard of again. Abraham Lincoln is a person who epitomizes concepts deeply appreciated by Gene Roddenberry and his creation James Kirk. Surak personifies the Vulcan credo. In a stunning display of Trek's Earthcentric attitudes, Spock needs to explain to Kirk who Surak is, whereas he seems to need no introduction to Lincoln.