‘Star Trek’ Retro Recap: ‘Dagger of the Mind’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

When one thinks of science fiction or horror for that matter, our minds instantly recognize the fact that these two genres, are masters of social commentary. Because both of them are able to take issues from our world and transform them into thoughtful yet entertaining stories, but there is one particular caveat that accompanies this particular feat, in that, these genres tend to tackle the bigger and broader topics. That’s due in large part to the fact that it is indeed easier to tackle something as broad and important as say, our addiction to social media. But going big, also means that we see a glut of stories tackling similar topics, which in a way cheapens the experience since there is so much about our world to explore and discuss. Which is why I am supremely pleased when I stumble upon a show or a story that explores something new and unique, and that’s why I was thrilled as the next episode of Star Trek unfolded before my eyes.
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Because ‘Dagger of the Mind’ went right after something that few science fiction stories tackle, since it examined the humane treatment of prisoners, and what it would take to properly reform them, a topic that quite frankly we barely discuss in this day and age, so it was quite lovely to see Trek tackle this for starters. But, before we dive too deeply into the commentary in question, let’s talk about the sheer wonder of how Gene Roddenberry took the time to further explore a notion introduced in ‘Mudd’s Women’, in that, not everyone subscribes to what the Federation stands for, since there are plenty of other people like Harry Mudd to who break the law in an attempt to get ahead in the galaxy. And while that’s not necessarily a huge revelation at this point, the fact that the Federation still has a crime problem and has people actively working to wipe crime out are important to say the least.

For those elements set up the commentary in question in this tale since Dr. Adams’ work on the Tantaulus colony more or less dives into several issues that still have relevance in this day and age. Because let’s be honest, modern America has a problem when it comes to prisons. They’re overcrowded, and a vast majority of those who go in, tend to go back after serving their sentence, and at this point in time, no one has a solution on how to properly reform criminals to ensure that they stay in the world after they’ve done their time. And while the episode doesn’t exactly offer up a direct answer on how to solve this problem, it does do a fine job of pointing out what we shouldn’t do, and that’s to rob those who have broken the law of hope and make them feel as though they are lesser citizens and should bend to the will of others for their crimes.

If anything, the grand message here, was that prisoners and criminals are human beings as well, and only a handful of them have committed crimes so grievous that they’re worthy of book study and perhaps a Netflix true crime special. Which means that the majority of the incarcerated out there, deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and we should work with them to help them understand where they went wrong and how to get on the right track, and it was lovely to see Trek address such matters in entertaining fashion. Because providing this commentary without making it obvious is what allows for it stick and Kirk’s time in the colony, his love interest in this tale and a fascinating villain in Dr. Adams are what allow for everything in this episode to work so well since the story just draws you in and never lets go.

But, while all of this was fascinating, I need to take a moment and geek out once again over another first when it comes to The Original Series. For this particular tale also featured the first ever appearance of the Vulcan Mind Meld since Spock used it to learn more about what was happening on the penal colony and this, was just so cool to see. In the end however, this really was quite the impressive episode. It was thoughtful, poignant and surprisingly relevant to the 21st Century and genuinely fun to watch, since Kirk was put in some supremely awkward situations for him to get out of, and I am really loving how the show continues to get better with every single story that comes along and that the rough stuff is seemingly behind us and I am definitely ready for more. So, if you’ll excuse me, it’s off to Netflix to enjoy another trek through the stars. Until next time.  

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