Alien worlds under some kind of thought control process was a popular theme for Star Trek stories. In this episode the natives are happy in a paradise where all is provided for it, that is unless they do not feed the beast. It's power source is that of the simple Eloi type creatures who live on the planet and gather fuel for it. They call it Vaal.
It's a fearsome looking dragon like statue with a mouth and a roar and defensive capabilities that is keeping the Starship Enterprise at bay. Nevertheless William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and a few other beam down.
Inside this thing when it's at rest is just a very sophisticated computer left millions of years ago by alien creatures who wanted to keep this world a Garden Of Eden.
I'd say the prime directive was good and broken here, but all in a worthy cause.
It's a fearsome looking dragon like statue with a mouth and a roar and defensive capabilities that is keeping the Starship Enterprise at bay. Nevertheless William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy and a few other beam down.
Inside this thing when it's at rest is just a very sophisticated computer left millions of years ago by alien creatures who wanted to keep this world a Garden Of Eden.
I'd say the prime directive was good and broken here, but all in a worthy cause.