In Trek Highlights, we are showcasing the greatest episodes from the Star Trek Universe…
In Trek Highlights, we will be showcasing some of the best episodes from the Star Trek universe every week. Whether your tastes run to The Original Series, The Next Generation, Voyager, and Deep Space Nine; or even Enterprise, Discovery, Picard, Lower Decks, and Strange New Worlds, we’ve got you covered. So set a course for the final frontier with this week’s featured episode:
STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES “OPERATION: ANNIHILATE!”
‘Operation: Annihilate!’ is the 29th and final episode of the first season of Star Trek: The Original Series. Written by Stephen W. Carabastos, the episode was first broadcast on April 13th, 1967.
THE PLOT
Arriving at the planet Deneva, home of Captain Kirk’s only brother Sam and his family, the U.S.S. Enterprise picks up a transmission from a Denevan pilot who has steered his craft into the sun to destroy some unknown menace.
Beaming down to the planet, Kirk finds his brother dead and Sam’s wife in a fatal condition. It seems that Deneva has been infested with large, amoeba-like aliens that attack humans and intertwine their tentacles with the body’s nervous system. They can move short distances through the air and use excruciating pain as a means of controlling their victims.
When Spock is attacked by one of the creatures, he uses his Vulcan mind control to overcome the pain and return to duty. However, a cure must be found; they must find a way to kill the parasite without harming its host.
In the end, Kirk sets off ultraviolet satellite flares over the planet Deneva, freeing its people from the parasites. Fortunately, Spock’s blindness is temporary, due to a second eyelid developed by Vulcans to protect their eyes from the harsh sun on planet Vulcan.
BRILLIANCE
The episode is packed with series highlights. Most notably the flying rubber “fried egg” parasites that caused so much chaos. But William Shatner’s performance as the grieving Captain was exceptional. As was Leonard Nimoy’s performance as Mr. Spock when the legendary Vulcan became infected with the parasite’s infinite tentacles. It’s a truly memorable episode.
NEXT TIME
Which incredible Star Trek episode will earn its place as next week’s Trek Highlight? Maintain your orbit around Future of the Force to find out. Until then…Live Long and Prosper!
If you have any suggestions…we’d love to hear them. Leave a comment and we’ll add your suggestions into the mix.
Tags: StarTrek.Com
Author
Phil Roberts is the Owner, Daily Content Manager, and Editor-In-Chief of The Future of the Force. He is passionate about Star Wars, Batman, DC, Marvel, Star Trek, Indiana Jones, Ghostbusters, King Kong, and the Ray Harryhausen movies. Follow him on Twitter where he uses the force and babbles frequently!
