In "The Apple", the Enterprise is asked to do further analysis on a strange, uncontacted planet. After beaming to the surface and finding an Eden-like garden, the crew quickly realizes that something is off. One crewman is killed by the spores of a plant, another is struck down by lightning, a third steps on an exploding rock. The people of the planet, known as Vaalians, live in peace and good health under their god Vaal, an ancient computer disguised as a statue of a dragon-like creature. The Vaalians sole purpose is to worship and feed Vaal. Meanwhile, Vaal has a tractor beam slowly pulling the Enterprise down to the surface, jeopardizing it and the crew. The landing party must figure out how to disable the machine to save the Enterprise and free the Vaalians.
This episode stuffs more Star Trek tropes into it than it can handle. There's a robotic overlord, red shirts are dropping left and right, the Enterprise is on the verge of destruction, it's all a bit much.
How many races can Kirk free from computer overlords in a 2 season span? The answer: a lot. This plot has reoccurred numerous times thus far and unfortunately, this episode isn't the best of the bunch.
This episode stuffs more Star Trek tropes into it than it can handle. There's a robotic overlord, red shirts are dropping left and right, the Enterprise is on the verge of destruction, it's all a bit much.
How many races can Kirk free from computer overlords in a 2 season span? The answer: a lot. This plot has reoccurred numerous times thus far and unfortunately, this episode isn't the best of the bunch.