Synopsis: The Enterprise encounters an ancient space capsule from Earth just before it is ordered on a dangerous mission in the Neutral Zone.
This is the last episode in the first season of Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as such, part of its unstated mission is to leave viewers with baited-breathe in anticipation of the next season. The plot of “The Neutral Zone” also incorporates elements of the idea of what the future contains, and I would like to liken this feeling to James Hillman’s concept of the metaxy.
For Hillman, the metaxy was the space in between opposites, and the place where soul was made. It is limitless and also contained, much like outer space itself.
The contained aspect of this concept can be seen as the idea of the Neutral Zone, the agreed upon de-militarized space between two entities that oppose each other. The expanse of the metaxy can be found in the long journey home for the three twentieth century passengers from the Earth space capsule. Everything they had known is gone and everything they now experience is brand new. A rebirth. A place limited only by the imaginative forces of the psyche.
Seen from one perspective, space exploration and science fiction can both be seen as containers of transformation. Going into the unknown, every day, hoping to do true and stay true to ourselves, sometimes succeeding, sometimes not. Allowing ourselves to be authentic while knowing that we are part of everything that exists. That is the human condition. That is the metaxy. That is also the hope inspired by Star Trek.
Original post created 4 June 2021
mydailysoultrek 