This has always been one of my favorite episodes though over the years I feel as if I am in a minority on it.
Plot:The Enterprise is captured by an alien claiming to be Apollo, the Greek god of the sun.
Guest Stars:Michael Forest as Apollo, Leslie Parrish as Carolyn
Nitpick:The romance between Scotty and Carolyn is awful. I never get the feeling she has any interest in him at all, and his over protectiveness just kind makes him a jerk. This would be done again, and better, in season three. Even the episode doesn't really take it seriously.
Summary:
Teaser-The crew comment on Scotty's new infatuation with Carolyn Palamas. I love McCoy's comment about how she will marry and be out of the service, why exactly? They are surveying a planet when something strange happens-a green hand appears and sees to want to grab the ship!
Act 1-The Enterprise is being held in place. Despite there best efforts, they can't seem to break free. Suddenly a figure appears on the viewscreen. spouting all kind of Greek references from Earth. He invites Kirk and his crew to beam down, and when Kirk refuses, the being demonstrates his power by almost destroying the ship. He tells Kirk not to bring Spock because Spocl reminds him of Pan who always annoyed him. Kirk says they have no choice but to accept his invitation, and tells Spock they'll tackle him together. On the surface they landing party are welcomed by the being, who formally introduces himself as the actual Greek god Apollo. McCoy says he's a simple humanoid. Apollo says he visited Earth 5000 years ago, and takes an immediate notice of Palamas. Apollo then says the crew will no longer be allowed to leave. They are to serve worship him. Apollo then demonstrates his powers again by growing incredibly tall.
Act 2-On the Enterprise the crew are trying to break through the communications and transporter interferences. On the planet Apollo fades away, and Palamas reviews what is known of Apollo. Scotty points out power is what he controls, as the crew try to narrow it down Kirk wonders if he really is Apollo. Apollo then reappears and insists the crew worship him. Saying that Enterprise are now his. When Palamas stands up to him, he is attracted to her. He changes her uniform to a dress and wants her to go with him. When Scotty protests, he gets backflipped. Palamas agrees to go with him, and when Kirk checks on Scotty he tells him to stop taking unauthorized actions against Apollo. Kirk then explains his theory, that maybe Apollo was part of a band of space travelers that visited Earth years ago and where taken as gods by the primitive people of ancient Greece. On the ship, Sulu is still working on the force holding them. Spock tells Uhura to fix the communications problem while Kyle says he has the crew on sensors. Spock asks about Apollo (by name, don't ask me how he figured out what Apollo's name was) and Kyle says he has no readings on him. On the planet Apollow is romancing Palamas, and explains that other Greek Gods were lonely when they returned home and they passed onto whatever after life awaits them. Chekov points out that some creatures can channel energy with no harm to themselves, and Apollo may do just that. McCoy points out Apollo has an extra organ in his chest, but before Kirk can point out the obvious Apollo returns. When he doesn't return with Palamas he lightning bolts Scotty across the temple. Kirk then gets enraged, but his quickly brought to his knees by Apollo. I still wonder what he was going to do or say before Scotty attacked!
Act 3-Apollo fades away and Chekov notices how tired he looks. Scotty has a little nerve damage but is otherwise alright. Kirk remembers how the gods would often need rest after expending energy, which is just what Apollo is probably doing. He is using energy not to mention maintaining the force field. He comes up with an idea to overwork him, so that they can jump him. On the ship Uhura is working to restore communications (and in a great moment Spock compliments her skills) while Spock works to negate portions of the force field so they can fire the phasers. Apollo and Palamas returns, but the four refuse to go to them. Kirk points out that mankind has no need for gods, the one is adequate. The four then ignore Apollo and then mock him. Just as he is about to act our in a moment of rage, Palamas stops him and begs him to be kind. Apollo calms down and says that Kirk will bring his crew down to serve him. They will dismantle the ship for supplies, and he will crush its empty shell. McCoy asks Kirk if he has any other ideas, and Kirk says he has one more and it depends on Palamas's loyalty.
Act 4-Palamas returns to tell them that Apollo wants them to live in peace. Kirk then tells her that it's time for her to start doing her job. He says she has to spurn him, if she doesn't then they will be condemning them all to slavery for the rest of their lives. She refuses to at fist, but Kirk talks to her about they are connected as humans. When Apollo calls her back, he reminds her of her duty. On the ship, Uhura has fixed the communications problem and they contact Kirk. Spock has figured that the source of power is the temple itself. Kirk tells him to ready the phasers, and confirms with McCoy that the extra organ must allow to channel the energy. So if they attack the temple, he should be brought back. Meanwhile, despite it breaking her heart she spurns Apollo by telling him she has no feelings for him and has just been studying him. Apollo grows enraged, and becomes a face in the clouds attacking her. Kirk finally tells Spock to fire the phasers, and despite Apollo's best efforts the ship succeeds in destroying it. The temple is gone and Apollo is in tears. He says he would have cherished them, and asks if asked so much? Kirk explains they have outgrown gods and asked for something they could not give. Apollo finally fades away, and Kirk admits he wishes they hadn't had to do what they did.
Final Thoughts:Of course one of the reasons I love this one is that it is a true ensemble piece. Everyone has something to do and a role to play. That is awesome. Michael Forrest is also fantastic in the role, selling every scene he is in from being blissfully happy to cruelly pissed off to that sad ending which really does feel tragic. Fantastic performance. Same for Leslie Parrish; I have taken some shots at her character from time to time due to the non existent Scotty romance but the truth is she is excellent here especially when she has to break Apollo's heart. In fact I once wrote a fan fic sequel to this story, because I wondered what became of Palamas afterwards. I know some have issues with some of the concepts raised here, it touches on religion and other things people disagree with not to mention the apparent rape of Parish which can be a tad off putting, but this will always be a favorite of mine.
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