‘Star Trek’ Retro Recap: ‘The Way to Eden’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

The closer we get to the end of Star Trek, the more apparent it is becoming that season three of this titular series was incredibly inconsistent. Because at times, we’ve been treated to some powerful storytelling, the kind that explores the human condition and modern society in dynamic and relevant fashion. But we’ve also been privy to stories that try to do too much, polluting the message that it was trying to get across with odd moments and excessive plot threads. And of course, we’ve also been forced to endure some rough episodes, ones that simply don’t hold up to the franchise’s high standards and sadly, it just so happens that the next episode in this storied saga, is another one that outright disappoints.
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Which is a shame, because ‘The Way to Eden’ had the potential to be something quite special. But rather than focusing on plot points that would have fascinated the audience, it instead puts the spotlight squarely on some supremely strange characters. For in essence, the crew of the Enterprise run into space hippies in this episode, who believe that the Federation and what it stands for is a sham and that they should be free from its trappings and living on the legendary planet of Eden, which their leader is convinced exists. And the problem with having these characters in this episode, isn’t the fact that they embrace the free love mantra of the 60s; it’s that they are walking and talking stereotypes. The kind that are straight up annoying in every way imaginable.

Because these guys and gals love to use slang, in excess and they, for some reason, feel the need to break into musical numbers. Long, drawn out musical numbers that eat up a good five minutes of screen time, and the songs are terrible and silly and that just pulls you right out of the story. To the point where this reviewer may or may not have been scrolling social media on their phone while they waited for the next ‘groovy’ jam to end. But all snark aside, the episode really does focus too heavily upon the nature of the space hippie over two key elements that would have made this story brilliant and relevant. Such as the fact that there were people who rejected the utopia of the Federation. Something future stories were happy to explore, and had this episode dug deep into the why of that, it really could have challenged the crew’s ideals like never before.

As for the relevance, well that would have come forth by way of a greater focus upon the hippies’ enigmatic leader; Dr. Sevrin. For this fearless leader decided that science was no longer something he could believe in. Despite the fact that he practiced it for a fair chunk of his life. Instead he was suddenly against taking precautions related to a rare illness he was carrying, because he believed the science was wrong about his condition. Something that immediately echoes the ridiculous Anti-Vax/Anti-Science movement currently infecting America, and had the show taken the time to explore what motivates people to abandon the power of science, it could have offered some timeless commentary and been regarded as a true classic.

Instead, it attributes the good doctor’s beliefs to outright insanity before ending his life in an M. Night Shyamlan type of ending and that’s the cherry on top of a terrible sundae. Because this one is filled to the brim with eye rolling moments and quirky jokes that just don’t work, and it really is hard to say what went wrong here. Because there really is no rhyme or reason to this particular tale. It’s just a hodge podge of ideas and stupid songs and it simply reinforces the fact that the end is near for this storied franchise. Because there are only four episodes left in this pioneering series and after this one, all we can hope for, is at least one more palate cleansing tale. One that will remind us of the sheer brilliance of this series, one more time, before we bid farewell to Kirk and company. Until next time.     

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