Synopsis: The Enterprise finds the U.S.S. Exeter in orbit over the planet Omega IV, where an ongoing battle between the Yangs and the Kohms echoes the Cold War.
Star Trek lore has it that this was one of the original story ideas written by Gene Roddenberry and pitched at the inception of Star Trek: The Original Series, yet it was not produced and aired until late in the second season. It once again deals with the sin of hubris and the excesses of the Titans. Which seems to be an ongoing theme, especially in episodes, such as “Patterns of Force” that deal with instances when the Prime Directive of non-interference with alien worlds is disobeyed.
When Captain James T. Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. Leonard (Bones) McCoy beam down to Omega IV, they find Captain Ronald Tracey, the only survivor from the crew of the Exeter. Their first glimpse of him is of Tracey brandishing a phaser in order to stop the village Kohms from carrying the landing party away. In this first sighting, in addition to the obvious violation of the non-interference Prime Directive, Tracey is caricatured as sweaty, slimy, and with eyes bulging out in a mask of frenzied energy. This can also be seen an embodiment of Titan excess. Tracey, like the Titan Prometheus, believes that he has found a great gift for mankind on Omega IV – the proverbial fountain of youth. And this discovery Tracey believes gives him carte blanche to do with what he will on the planet.
Alas, just as Prometheus was punished by Zeus for his disobedience, Tracey, in the end was captured for further prosecution by the Federation for his transactions against its laws and the inhabitants of Omega IV. However, Kirk is once again working as a different agent of disruption, telling the Yangs that their holy words are not only for the leaders of their community, but for all the people. However, his interference, which is of a more Mercurial manner, seem to be condoned by the Federation. Perhaps the moral is a little disruption is good for the soul-making, but excessive hubris must be penalized.
Original post created 3 March 2021
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