Ep 4. Who Mourns for Adonais?
- September 22, 1967
In the episode "Who Mourns for Adonais?" of Star Trek: The Original Series (Remastered), Best of season 2 episode 4, the crew of the USS Enterprise encounter an all-powerful being named Apollo. Apollo, who claims to be the Greek god of the same name, demands worship and adoration from the crew, particularly from Lieutenant Carolyn Palamas whom he has taken an instant liking to.
As the Enterprise attempts to free itself from Apollo's grasp, the crew becomes aware of his true nature as an alien being who was worshipped by the ancient Greeks as a god. Spock and Kirk must find a way to reason with Apollo and convince him to release the Enterprise and its crew from his influence. Along the way, the crew is forced to confront their own beliefs and the nature of faith.
Throughout the episode, the Enterprise crew faces many challenges as they attempt to escape Apollo's grasp. There are moments of tension and action as the crew struggles to find a way to overcome Apollo's power and assert their own autonomy. The episode is also notable for its exploration of themes related to religion and belief systems.
As the episode progresses, viewers are invited to reflect on the nature of faith and the relationship between religion and authority. The episode offers a powerful critique of authoritarianism and blind obedience, demonstrating the dangers of handing over power to charismatic leaders without critical reflection.
The dynamic between the characters is also particularly compelling in this episode. Lieutenant Palamas, in particular, is a fascinating character with a complex relationship to both Apollo and the Enterprise crew. Her struggle to reconcile her loyalty to her commanding officers with her growing attachment to Apollo forms an emotional core to the episode.
Overall, "Who Mourns for Adonais?" is a compelling and thought-provoking episode of Star Trek: The Original Series (Remastered) that tackles complex themes in a dynamic and engaging way. It is a must-see for fans of the series and a great introduction for newcomers to the franchise.