‘Star Trek’ Retro Recap: ‘The Apple’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

​If there is one life lesson that we often learn the hard way, it’s the meaning of the phrase ‘it is too good to be true’. Because we’ve all stumbled upon an incredible job opportunity, or a relationship or a place that seemingly resembles perfection in our minds, only to discover that the dream gig is a nightmare, the perfect mate has a poisonous soul and that flawless vacation spot is located next to a landfill. But what’s truly fascinating about this harsh lesson, is that we are forced to learn it time and time again, simply because we are always hoping for the best and it’s also a lesson; that Captain James T. Kirk was forced to learn once again in the next episode of Star Trek.
 
For ‘The Apple’ brought the crew of the Enterprise to what appeared to be the perfect planet. Because Gamma Trianguli VI featured lush jungles and beautiful scenery and well, that made it worth exploring and it made it seem as though it would also be a wonderful place to take a break from the lonely void of space. But it didn’t take Kirk and the away team all that long to discover that this place was indeed too good to be true, since there were violent plants that fired deadly darts into the crew. Plus, there were lightning storms that could vaporize a man and to top it all off, there were explosive rocks to be found everywhere and a strange power source emanating from the surface was draining the ship’s resources and dragging it toward the atmosphere.
 
But while all of that alone should have been enough challenges for the crew to handle, this episode took the problems present in this bastardized paradise one step forward, by having everyone interact with a unique and underdeveloped species native to this planet. For these poor souls knew nothing of life, they simply worshipped a strange mechanized cave that identified itself as Vaal, and it dictated how they were to live. I mean, sure it gave them immortality and a lack of pain or trouble. But that greatly stunted the growth of these people and forced them to do things that a civilized person simply would not do and that frustrated the away team at every turn and forced Kirk and company to get creative to beat Vaal at last. Which of course they did, and of course they offered help to these unique, Oompah Loompah colored humanoids.
 
Yet I couldn’t help but notice at first glance that this seemed like a step back for season two. Because this episode resembled standard fare with its wild planet wherein wild events happen, and therein lies the trick to this tale. Because it really does do a wonderful job of expressing just how quick we are to accept things at face value, since Kirk really did believe this to be an instant paradise, and definitely paid the price for it. Which made it quite nice to see him atone for his mistake and his foolhardy decision by working to keep the inhabitants of this world alive. Plus, I have to admit, that I was quite impressed with the subtle nods to religion that were present in this tale, because you so rarely see religious allegories present in Star Trek and I am glad this episode handled it in classy fashion from beginning to end.
 
If anything, this episode was quite the unexpected surprise when all is said and done. For season two came out swinging with supremely thoughtful and unique storylines. But this one is in many ways all over the place. Because at times, it’s filled with action and adventure, while at other times it is aloof and lighthearted, and it is also supremely dark on a moment’s notice. Yet everything works here, and it kept my attention the whole way through and really, that’s a credit to the quality writing this season. For there is just enough depth present here to make this episode worthwhile for an audience that’s quickly coming to expect more from this show, and while it may not go down as the finest this franchise has to offer, it definitely entertained, and there’s nothing wrong with this franchise taking the time to enthrall us with a simpler storyline here and there. Until next time.  

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