Episode: "The Jihad"
Series: Star Trek: The Animated Series
Season 1, Episode 16
Original Air Date: January 12, 1974
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| via Memory Alpha |
A team of adventurers on a quest for an object of great value: it's a classic fantasy template but an unusual choice for Trek. For some critics, that was a good thing. For others, not so much. Personally, I'm always happy to see a break from formula.
*****
Thoughts on Season 1
General Impressions
I don't know if the animated series would be enough to sell a newcomer on Star Trek but it's a lot of fun for the faithful. The animation technology was hardly cutting edge by 21st century standards but it was still light years ahead of the live action capabilities of the era. The writers for the series were encouraged to take full advantage of the broader canvas. The result is a deeper experience of Trek's universe.
Favorite Episode: "Yesteryear"
"Yesteryear" is the most important TAS story in regards to the overall Star Trek canon. In fact, it provides more back story for a principal character than any TOS episode either. Through the miracle of time travel, we visit Spock's childhood on Vulcan. While that would be enough on its own to qualify "Yesteryear" for the top spot, the clincher for me is the character of Thelin. Thelin is the Enterprise's First Officer in an alternate time stream. Even though he knows it will have significant consequences for himself, he gives Spock his blessing to go back and set the past right. His generosity is well in keeping with the spirit of the show.
Least Favorite Episode: "The Infinite Vulcan"
I've gotta say, there aren't too many clunkers in this collection. While the best TAS episodes fall well short of the best TOS stories, the quality of the first TAS season is reasonably consistent. The writing for "The Infinite Vulcan" isn't the greatest (sorry, Walter) but even so, there were story elements I enjoyed. For instance...
Favorite New Character: Agmar
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| via Memory Alpha |
Onward
Amazingly, there are only six episodes left. The second and final season of TAS was a short one. 1974 was all about Watergate. By the time Trek returned in September, Richard Nixon had resigned as President of the United States. The day after the second season premiered, Nixon was pardoned by his successor, Gerald Ford.
If you would care to join us for all or part of our travels, sign on to the list below. Also, be sure to join the gang for the live Twitter feed on Tuesday, June 23rd, 5 pm EDT, #StarTrekTAS. Next week: "The Pirates of Orion."
From the introduction to the planet of "the oldest spacefaring race" and Tchar's lament,(we are) "slaves to the illusion of peace" to the closing lines ["How will he {Tchar} be punished?"; "He will be healed of his madness."], I recognized the lovely and gentle storytelling of D.C. Fontana. What a fine episode!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely one of the stronger ones.
DeleteThese are such fun reviews! I never imagined there was an animated series, and now I'm intrigued. I wonder if my library has the DVD...
ReplyDeleteV:)
They are on both Hulu and Netflix streaming.
DeleteThey did that whole story in 22 minutes? That's... impressive.
ReplyDeleteThey do make good use of time in these. I mean, it's not Seinfeld but they do manage to cram a lot in.
DeleteGreat fun and interesting review of this series.
ReplyDeleteAnimation lets us go places that a live show can't.
Rather like the mobility of plant life.
cheers, parsnip
Animation definitely expanded the possibilities for trek.
DeleteSomehow Agmar reminds me of a b/w movie called maybe "The Day of the Triffids"? Tall shaggy monsters attack humans and no weapon stops them, until they are sprayed with (salt?) water?
ReplyDeleteI like Agmar better.
Day of the Triffids sounds like fun. Good RiffTrax fodder, perhaps?
DeleteThe mad planet was very impressive with its volcanic eruptions, snow storms and earthquakes. A lot of creativity goes into these animations, the stories and characters are for the most part quite entertaining far more than the animation itself but then is it really fair to compare TAS with todays new fangled cartoons? It really is fun reliving these adventures, I can't recommend it enough.
ReplyDeleteNo, it's definitely not worth comparing to today's technology.
DeleteI've enjoyed this exploration. It has me pondering prospects for more animated Trek in the future. Obviously, they've made it work for Star Wars.
PS - I nominated you as a creative blogger passing the happy vibes around. I hope you don't mind. I posted more details in my most recent blog post.
DeleteI am honored and flattered that you thought of me. I'll stop by shortly.
DeleteI getting tired of the word "Jihad." You're the only one I'm going to allow to use it (sorry for the burden...but you got it).
ReplyDeleteI doubt one could give such a title to a kids' show now.
DeleteThis was a surprisingly deep episode and pushed the boundaries of children's television. That's why it won an Emmy. Because it dared to talk up to children instead of down to them. Agmar is awesome alright but Lara is a close second
ReplyDeleteIn a franchise of legendary eyebrows, Lara is champion.
DeleteI'm familiar with that template, and I think it's good to break out of formula. Sometimes I watch a show thinking that it's unlike the other episodes, but I'm okay with it.
ReplyDeleteI always applaud a break from formula. Even if it doesn't work, it's important to challenge your audience and yourself.
DeleteI was shocked to see Jihad used in the early 70s... that's interesting.
ReplyDeleteObviously, it's not a new word but I expect a lot more Americans are conscious of it than would have been 41 years ago.
DeleteNow that is a new one...Jihad word used way back and for such innocent thing...hmmm...interesting.
ReplyDeleteFrame of reference makes a huge difference, doesn't it?
Delete