Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Star Trek: Bem

My friends and I are embarking on a new journey to watch all 22 episodes of Star Trek's animated series.  We'll be posting on Wednesdays.  All are welcome to join us for all or parts of our adventure.

Episode: "Bem"
Series: Star Trek: The Animated Series
Season 2, Episode 2
Original Air Date: September 14, 1974
via Memory Alpha
"Bem" combines a couple of prevalent Star Trek themes: the testing of the Enterprise crew by an alien being and avoiding interference with a primitive civilization.  Ari bn Bem, a native of the planet Pandro, is aboard the ship as an independent observer.  Against Kirk's wishes, he accompanies the away team to a newly discovered world.  He soon justifies the Captain's misgivings, getting himself captured by the locals.  Meanwhile, a seemingly divine entity warns our friends against interfering with the reptilian humanoid society she protects.

*****
via Memory Alpha
Bem is a colony creature, meaning he is a cooperative organism composed of multiple composite organisms.  As such, he is able to separate parts of his body from one another, allowing him to get up to all kinds of mischief.  There are precedents in nature among simpler life forms, known as superorganisms.  Coral is a good example.  The name Bem is derived from a sci-fi industry acronym: Bug Eyed Monster.  He isn't one, of course, but the idea still appealed to screenwriter David Gerrold.  Naturally, Bem is voiced by James Doohan.

If you would care to join us for all or part of our travels, sign on to the list below.  Please visit the other participants.  Next week: "The Practical Joker."




26 comments:

  1. That sounds like an interesting storyline and one capable of some humor.
    Susan Says

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    1. It does have its funny moments, though perhaps not all of them intentional. One great line from Spock: "Captain, I'm only a Vulcan."

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  2. Is that the one where Spock takes his body apart?

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    1. Well, if Spock never takes his arms off, maybe I'm actually remembering Bem. It has been 40 years.

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    2. There's still time - four more episodes to go. I'll keep you posted.

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  3. All is not what it seems in this epic caper but you've got to admire those bug eyed monsters! BEM pulls a pretty neat magic trick.

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    1. Yes, and I think I'm going to start referring to myself as he does. "This one craves ice cream."

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  4. This is one whack-a-doodle episode from reptiles to higher beings to Siegfried and or Roy as Bem:)

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    1. A higher being with a sexy, Nichelle Nichols voice, too.

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  5. Just now watched episode for the 1st time. Not familiar with writers Gerrold and Reed but their creation here --with the exception of Bem, who is creepy-- reward attention. Parallels between Delta Theta 3's Guiding Intelligence and, "...almost a god..." struck a chord. Theologians, psychologists and philosophers have long essayed to characterize systems of intelligent guidance on our own planet. Was especially impressed with the line, "Punishment is only necessary where learning cannot occur without it." I don't agree with it but it's a good line, and one that presumes the evolution of conscience.

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    1. You're a lot smarter than I am.

      There is a precedent in Trek: the controlling computer in the TOS episode "The Apple."

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  6. That is so interesting about being a colony creature. I love how stories like this exist thanks to the realm of sci-fi.

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  7. That dude has a cousin who lives in a Black Lagoon.

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    1. Ha! One of our local independent theaters is screening classic scifi movies all summer and The Creature from the Black Lagoon is this weekend's feature.

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  8. What an idea! To be a composite creature that can break apart and make decisions based on that ability...that is pure excellent.

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    1. The story was originally pitched for the original series but they didn't have the special effects to make it work.

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  9. This is interesting. Amazing story twist to it all.

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  10. Seems like a great episode that one. And what a journey you have set for yourself, a truly enchanting one no doubt. Best wishes!

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  11. I'm talking a break from blogging today but the episode is notable for the planet intelligence.Voiced by the sultry Nichele Nichols she does an amazing job. A good episode

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    1. A well-earned break, Maurice.

      It is a fun episode. Nichols was underused in TAS, I think. You can hear her singer's voice in the deity character.

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  12. Looks like it was a great episode. Hope you had a great 4th July weekend!

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    1. It was a nice weekend. I hope yours was good, too.

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