The modern era of our sleeping in individual rooms began in medieval England. Prior to this time the common hall was the scene of all activity. Once private apartments came into being, the social network of the communal hearth that was the heart of village and castle had had a spike driven into its chest.
Social contact, already codified from the classic era, was put into an even greater diaspora than before. From this, and from the fear of spreading germs and sickness, social codes became more tight fisted. Up until the point where affection between man and woman could barely be tolerated.
"Amok Time" deals with this theme. It deals with the veils mankind has created to hide and mask, for better or ill, our more basic physical and emotional desires. The creation of a mysticism by a race driven by logic to enshroud the act and craving for simple love shows that the more a society represses said feelings, the more dangerous the contest and higher the stakes.
The episode goes even deeper than that (but only just) as it examines the estrangement of arranged marriages by a traditional society, and the lengths the parties involved will go to to alter the bargain made in which they had no say. Friend becomes foe in an emotional feast that culminates in some very gripping and dramatic television.
The episode also calls into question the sanity of repressing basic emotions, and the tragic consequences thereof. We witness the strains it puts on the crew of the Enterprise, and some unexpected repercussions, and even more repercussions beyond that.
An interesting episode that may have been done partially for sensationalism as well as social commentary. It's an interesting and entertaining watch if you're so inclined.
Social contact, already codified from the classic era, was put into an even greater diaspora than before. From this, and from the fear of spreading germs and sickness, social codes became more tight fisted. Up until the point where affection between man and woman could barely be tolerated.
"Amok Time" deals with this theme. It deals with the veils mankind has created to hide and mask, for better or ill, our more basic physical and emotional desires. The creation of a mysticism by a race driven by logic to enshroud the act and craving for simple love shows that the more a society represses said feelings, the more dangerous the contest and higher the stakes.
The episode goes even deeper than that (but only just) as it examines the estrangement of arranged marriages by a traditional society, and the lengths the parties involved will go to to alter the bargain made in which they had no say. Friend becomes foe in an emotional feast that culminates in some very gripping and dramatic television.
The episode also calls into question the sanity of repressing basic emotions, and the tragic consequences thereof. We witness the strains it puts on the crew of the Enterprise, and some unexpected repercussions, and even more repercussions beyond that.
An interesting episode that may have been done partially for sensationalism as well as social commentary. It's an interesting and entertaining watch if you're so inclined.