Tucked into the abomination that is “Plato’s Stepchildren” are a few worthwhile themes and ideas. But they are presented so embarrassingly that the episode is almost entirely worthless. The reality is that, while there are some worthwhile commentaries being made, the presentation obliterates any sense of respectability. It’s a bit like the President of the United States giving a State of the Union speech in his pajamas and slippers. No matter what the content of the speech may be, there’s no way you could take him (or her) seriously.

On the plus side, this is an episode about how absolute power corrupts absolutely. And there are some comments about racism and oppression. On these levels, there is limited amount of value – particularly where the character of Alexander is concerned. But otherwise, this episode sabotages any possibility of respect by way of the methods by which it tells its story.

The very premise, that some alien race has co-opted the philosophy of Plato and built their entire society on its principles is obscure enough. But the fact that these aliens are telekinetic and therefore use their powers to coerce the Enterprise crew – while suitably horrific in its implications – is downright laughable in its execution.

The “torture” scenes in which Kirk and Spock are forced into ludicrous acts is meant to be chilling and terrifying. But seeing Spock tapdance and sing, and seeing Kirk pretend to be a horse, just bursts the bubble and, instead of eliciting horror, elicits fits of derisive laughter. Likewise, the subsequent addition of Nurse Chapel and Uhura add a more sadistic element to the proceedings. But not even the “kiss” between Kirk and Uhura is worth mentioning due to the ludicrous machinations which precede it.

In truth, this episode would have been much more sobering, and effective, had it approached the psychological coercion with a bit more sobriety. It’s almost as if the episode had to present the horror elements as comedy simply to have them be accepted by censors. But even if that were the case, the episode is still unforgivable in its approach.

“Plato’s Stepchildren” is an episode with a decent enough concept that is otherwise drowned out by a preposterous production.

Filed under: Original Series