This is a surprisingly good episode with a really good message.
Plot:The Enterprise arrives at Janus VI, where an unknown monster is destroying machinery and killing the miners, threatening the entire mining operation.
Guest Stars:Brad Weston as Appel
Nitpick:Ok I said no trivia but I have to mention that during filming, William Shatner learned his father passed away. Since his flight wasn't for several hours, he decided to keep filming. So when you see Kirk searching the tunnels, that's probably some of the hardest acting Shatner has ever done. Also, it drives me nuts that Spock has the answer right away but keeps it to himself because...the episode needs to happen I guess.
Summary:
Teaser-On Janus VI the miners are concerned about something that hunting them all. One worried man is assured that the Enterprise is coming to help, before he is killed.
Act 1-Kirk, Spock, and McCoy beam down to find out what's going on. Cheif Engineeer Vanderberg explains that some creature has been killing off his men. Vanderberg explains that the creature is moving up fron the extreme lower levels. Spock notices a spherical object, which Vanderberg explains there are dozens of in the lower levels. McCoy explains the way the man was killed, like corrosive acid. Meanwhile the creature manages to steal an important component from the reactor room which powers the facility. If it isn't found or replaced in time the reactor will go super critical.
Act 2-Scotty says he can put together a temporary fix, which will buy time to find the component. Spock says that the theft wasn't an accident, it seems the creature it trying to force the miners off the planet. Though not sure why now, as Spock considers the sphere again. He suggests the possibly of a silicon life form, which lives in solid rock. Kirk and a security team fan out to locate the creature. Spock adjusts his tricorder and picks up a life form. The creature attacks and kills a security guard (because god forbid ta least one red shirt isn't killed). Spock finds a newly created tunnel, and then the rock creature appears behind them. Spock and Kirk phaser the creature causing it to vanish. The phaser blasted a piece off the creature, and Kirk comments that it's been injured making it more dangerous now.
Act 3-The search continues, Spock points out that the creature may be part of a race of creatures and killing it may be a mistake. Kirk insists the creature must be killed. Scotty reports that they have only a few hours before the reactor goes. Spock can tell that the creature is nearby, and the two separate to track it down. Kirk finds his way to a strange room with dozens of silicone spheres like the one Spock admired before. Spock tells him not to damage any pf them, when the creature attacks. Kirk is undamaged, when the creature emerges right in front of him.
Act 4-Kirk aims his phaser, but can't seem to pull the trigger. Seems the creature is being still, almost like its waiting. The creature then reveals the massive damage the phasers inflicted. Mr.Spock arrives and comments on the spheres, dozens of them. He proposes doing a mind meld, and Kirk agrees to communicate with the creature. Spock can sense the pain the creature is in, and says he may need to touch the creature to get more information. The creature then burns the words NO KILL I into a rock. Is that a plea or a promise? Spock reveals the creature is called a Horta, and Kirk calls McCoy to help the creature. McCoy refuses but Kirk insists. Meanwhile Spock in his mind melt cries out about murderers. Kirk tells the security team not to let the miners through under any circumstances. The Horta tells Kirk where the reactor part is, saying to cry for the murdered children, and when he goes to get it he finds dozens upon dozens of destroyed spheres. Kirk returns with the part, and has Spock break the meld. He explains how there are dozens of the spheres, and confirms that they are really eggs. About to hatch. The miners break through to attack the Horta, but Kirk explains that they have killed thousands of her children. The Horta all die except one, who repopulates them and is there mother. The Horta is an intelligent, peaceful creature until they started attacking the children. Kirk points out how much help the Horta and her children would be to their mining operation. McCoy then says he healed the Horta by using some thermal concrete and using it as bandage. As the Enterprise leaves orbit Vanderberg reports how much help the Horta really are.
Final Thoughts:Am I the only one who thinks the Horta looks like a big lasagna? Honestlu it's a good effect but wish it was better. What can I say its a fantastic episode with a great morale and an excellent twist which does everything right. Top ten easily.
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