Episode: "The
Enterprise Incident"
Series:
Star Trek: The Original Series
Season 3, Episode 2
Original Air Date: September 27, 1968
Just like that, the series bounced back a bit. A week after what is considered by many to be the Grand Turkey episode of
Star Trek's original series (review
here), our heroes found steadier ground in "The
Enterprise Incident." To the bafflement of his crew, Captain Kirk orders entry into the Neutral Zone, drawing the immediate attention of the Romulans. In time (actually, a little too early for my tastes), it is revealed that Kirk and Spock both have orders from Starfleet to steal a Romulan cloaking device. Along the way, the captain of the enemy ship, a woman, falls in love with Spock and attempts to convince him to come over to the dark side.
I like this story for a lot of reasons. Furthering the broader Romulan narrative was certainly important to the franchise. The brief romance - genuine or not - develops Spock's character and also broadens the concept of Romulan nature, revealing them to be more than the ruthless warriors the Enterprise crew expects. Just as Mark Lenard (Sarek) and Jane Wyatt (Amanda) invented the Vulcan sign of affection for "Journey to Babel," Leonard Nimoy and Joanne Linville (Romulan commander) created their own intimate gestures to take the place of human kissing.
*****
Beverly Joanne Linville was born January 15, 1928 in Bakersfield, California. She had a long and varied acting career over a 50-year period. Film appearances include
The Goddess,
Gable and Lombard and
Scorpio. In addition to Trek, she found television roles in
The Guiding Light,
One Step Beyond,
Twilight Zone and
Bus Stop among many others. She co-starred with George Grizzard in
Bus Stop's final episode, entitled "I Kiss Your Shadow." Stephen King has identified the episode as one of his favorite television horror stories.
That was a good episode for expanding Spock's character, so I'm sure he enjoyed filming it.
ReplyDeleteApparently there was a kiss in the original screenplay and Nimoy was very unhappy about it. He and Linville argued for something more in-character and they got it.
DeleteI don't remember this episode, but it sounds like one I wish I did remember.
ReplyDeleteI was pleasantly surprised.
DeleteMakes me think of the guys on the Big Bang Theory.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe I've never watched that show? At least not an entire episode.
DeleteDefinitely one of my favorites, mostly for the world building, the interactions between Spock and the commander, and the (weirdly interesting) choice for them not to ever give her character's name.
ReplyDeleteThis is one of only two TOS episodes featuring Romulans and in neither is the commander given a name. Interesting contrast with the Klingons. They always get names.
DeleteI don't think I saw any of the 3rd season.
ReplyDeleteSo this is so much fun for me to read.
cheers, parsnip
Thanks, parsnip! I don't know if I've ever seen any of them, either.
Delete1968, yes, wow. I especially identified with Spock's connection with the beautiful Romulan commander. I turned 19 that year and my erogenous zone extended several miles beyond my physical body. That episode made me feel almost normal!
ReplyDelete19... yes, I remember...
DeleteThe unseen sexual tension between the two broadened Spock's character. Loved this one.
ReplyDeleteGlimpses of Spock's emotional being are always memorable.
DeleteThrough every episode, there was never enough Spock. I always wanted more and more back story. He was my favorite.
ReplyDeleteI think he's my favorite, too. He pretty much always has been. However, in my exploration, I've grown to appreciate McCoy and his importance a lot more.
DeleteI like that the series bounced back a bit after the episode that was considered so bad. I didn't know anything about the actresses background- so I always enjoy that portion of the posts because I learn so much. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
The actor bios are my favorite part, too. For fans, Trek is a cultural phenomenon. For the actors, it was just a gig.
Delete