25 top Trek episodes - The Omega Glory
17. The Omega Glory
Quotes of the ep:
“Liberty and Freedom have to be more than just words.” - Kirk
“Pity you can’t teach me that (the nerve pinch.)" -Kirk “I have tried, Captain.” -Spock
Summary: Spock, Kirk, and McCoy beam down to Omega IV and encounter a civilization that had suffered from nuclear war. They are divided by race - the Yangs and the Kohms. The Kohms are civilized, and the Yangs are supposedly wild and barbaric. Can they escape from the clutches of leader former Captain Tracey before Kirk dies in battle?
So why this ep?
- Once again Kirk deals with a Starfleet officer gone bad, and comes out on top. Other examples of this are Captain Garth, Matt Decker, and John Gill.
- I love the speech Kirk gives at the end. Yeah I know it’s aimed solely at Americans, but I believe it can be applied to all democratic countries. It’s a beautiful message, that the words of freedom and personal rights must apply to everyone or they mean nothing. Inside info: Apparently when Roddenberry took a trip to D.C. he saw the Constitution and was inspired to write this episode.
-The commentary on the Yanks and the Commies was just awesome. Back in the 60s, this was a very controversial issue, and wasn’t dealt with outright. Roddenberry thinly disguised the issue - it wasn’t difficult to recognize the parallels in this one.
- The Yangs thought that Spock was the devil! ROFL. *cuddles Spock* He’s the most peaceful creature in the world, unless Kirk is threatened, of course. Then, watch out!!
- One of Spock’s lesser known powers was revealed in this episode. He placed a suggestion in one of the female’s minds from across the room that she should pick up his taken communicator and call for help. Spock does this to save Kirk’s life when he’s in the middle of a battle with Captain Tracey.
Did K&S break the Prime Directive?
That would be a resounding FUCK YES. They told the natives what the ‘holy words’ meant! However, Tracey had been the first to break the directive by introducing new technology, so it wasn’t like they started it. IMO, translating the words would help the civilization move forward, so it was a good thing. Kirk always breaks the directive for the good of the natives.
How'd they do in the effects department?
Eh, nothing really caught my eye. But I did enjoy how Kirk and Tracey’s first confrontation was choreographed. Classic Shat moves!
How'd they do with costuming?
They made the Yang women wear skimpy costumes, as usual. But I’m digging the one shoulder look! The men don’t wear much either. Why the natives didn’t insist that Kirk and Spock change into the local attire, I’ll never understand.
K/S Slash-factor?
Grading scale: A B- C D F
They had a cute little scene in prison, but them being in separate cells wasn’t the best possible scenario. Still, Spock watches over him - and like always manages to find a way to save his t’hy’la’s life when it is threatened. : )
Check back in a few days for my analysis of :
16. Day Of The Dove
Questions, comments, concerns? Let me know!