TOS – Journey to Babel

Plot – Is this a character study, a political thriller, a medical drama or a murder mystery? DC Fontana wants to have all the cake this week and make it all four. At times it feels like there is an overload of plot and not enough time to adequately deal with it all, not a problem that often strikes a TOS episode (usually the plots are fairly slight and the episodes padded). Kirk gets very grumpy on the Bridge at one point because there is simply too much going on and nobody is giving him any answers.

Character – You can see precisely why the battle between humanity and Vulcan exists within Spock as we are introduced to his mother and father. He hasn’t spoken to his father in 18 years and their logic is what has kept them apart.

The relationship between Sarek and Amanda is beautifully depicted; she tries to understand and embrace the Vulcan way but she is always coming at it from a human perspective whereas he is entrenched in his own culture but cannot help but admire her slavery to her emotions. There is an unspoken respect between them and they are both ideally cast. It would have harmed the character of Spock had they fudged the casting and characterisation of his parents but Journey to Babel scores so well on both that it only enhances my love for his character.

This is the point where the series was riding high on its success and the cast had gelled into a fully formed ensemble (albeit with some characters given much more focus than others) with chemistry that is tangible. Certainly, any scene between Kirk, McCoy and Spock has a warmth to it that exudes from the screen, despite their differences. The final scene is a complete delight in that respect.

Performance – Leonard Nimoy. What an actor. This was the role that could have sunk Star Trek. Spock was such a distinct (somewhat ridiculous) looking alien character who was written to exclude all human emotions. It could have invited a robotic performance or a wooden one but instead Nimoy chose to play the role with huge dignity, as though people have been playing Vulcan’s since acting first began. He refused to play up the alien elements and spoke his lines with a gravity and clarity that meant you were always looking at him. Whilst a lot of the actors on this show were doing insane things to try and get your attention, Nimoy was still and composed and stole focus all the time because of it. Journey to Babel shows Nimoy at his absolute best, playing a character in conflict with himself, fulfilling his duties and both a Starfleet Officer and as a son. The success of this episode isn’t down to the busy script or polished direction (although both help) but down to Nimoy’s distinguished turn in the role.

Production – Again I have nothing but praise for the work of those who have given these TOS episodes a little spit and polish, making the picture quality as crisp as it can possibly be and working in unobtrusive but visually stunning new special effects. The shuttle coming in to land on the Enterprise’s hangar deck does so with an appropriate sense of dignitary importance now.

This being TOS there are a number of amusing and imaginative aliens on display. Perhaps its easy to mock the lengths that this series went to to be exotic but it is certainly more creative than some of the latter series. Where else would you see a dwarf painted gold wearing a tea cosy on his head, hairy pig like creatures with trotters for hands or blue aliens with antennae that wiggle when they get excited. That two of these would turn up again on Enterprise many decades later when special effects have come on in leaps and bounds and yet they still look exactly the same just goes to show the level of respect The Original Series garners.

Best moment – Spock’s confrontation with his mother might be a little overwrought but the scene has a real charge to it because you can fully understand Spock’s position and his mothers, despite the fact they have opposing viewpoints. There is no right answer and that makes for great drama.

The climax on the Bridge with the lights down and the fake Andorian revealed is a marvellous set piece, atmospheric and full of wonderful Kirk bluff.

Worst moment – The fight between Kirk and the Andorian is hilariously staged. He has about thirteen good moments where he could have stabbed the good Captain to death and yet fails to avail himself of them. The music goes crazy in that scene too, so much so I had turn down my speakers in fear of losing my hearing. It’s all a bit much.

A reason to watch this episode again – Politics, murder and backstabbing abound in this colourful and characterful episode. It’s high drama all the way as Spock is reunited with his parents and has to face up to responsibilities both to Starfleet and to them and at times the two simply do not reconcile. DC Fontana has written a plot heavy script with loads going on and in an ideal world this would be a two-part story to allow some of the threads time to breathe but the flipside is that is this is a really fast paced piece and that is a rare beast on TOS. Nimoy excels, as do the actors who play his parents and it is further proof that it is great acting that provides the ultimate shine on television.

**** out of *****

Clue for tomorrow's episode: