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{{real world}}
{{sidebar episode|
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{{sidebar episode
<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
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|<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Projects/Episode data project]] -->
| aSelf = The Lights of Zetar
+
|image = Memory Alpha technicians and landing party.jpg
| sTitle = The Lights of Zetar
+
|writer = [[Jeremy Tarcher]] and [[Shari Lewis]]
| sSeries = TOS
+
|director = [[Herb Kenwith]]
| nSeason = 3
+
|date = 5725.3 ([[2269]])
| nEpisode = 18
 
|sProductionSerialNumber = 60043-73
 
| nAirdateYear = 1969
 
| sAirdateMonth = January
 
| nAirdateDay = 31
 
| sImage = Memory Alpha technicians and landing party.jpg
 
| wsWrittenBy = [[Jeremy Tarcher]] and [[Shari Lewis]]
 
| wsTeleplayBy =
 
| wsStoryBy =
 
| wsDirectedBy = [[Herb Kenwith]]
 
| nNthProducedInSeries = 74
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 73
 
| nNthReleasedInAll = 73
 
| bFeatureLength = 0
 
| nSerialAirdate = 19690131
 
| wsDate = 5725.3 ([[2269]])
 
| aNextReleasedInAll = Requiem for Methuselah (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInAll = That Which Survives (episode)
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries = Requiem for Methuselah (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries = That Which Survives (episode)
 
| aNextProducedInSeries = The Cloud Minders (episode)
 
| aPrevProducedInSeries = The Mark of Gideon (episode)
 
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = The Cloud Minders (episode)
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Plato's Stepchildren (episode)
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries_Remastered = 72
 
| nAirdateYear_Remastered = 2008
 
| sAirdateMonth_Remastered = June
 
| nAirdateDay_Remastered = 7
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries_Remastered = The Way to Eden (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries_Remastered = The Mark of Gideon (episode)
 
| nSerialAirdate_Remastered = 20080607
 
 
}}
 
}}
At planetoid Memory Alpha, an ''Enterprise'' crew member's body is taken over by mysterious energy lifeforms.
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At the planetoid Memory Alpha, an ''Enterprise'' crew member's body is taken over by mysterious energy lifeforms.
   
 
==Summary==
 
==Summary==
 
===Teaser===
 
===Teaser===
[[File:Mira Romaine and Scotty.jpg|thumb|Scott and Romaine]]
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[[File:Mira Romaine and Montgomery Scott.jpg|thumb|Scott and Romaine]]
While the [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'']] ferries [[Lieutenant]] [[Mira Romaine]] to [[Memory Alpha]], a planetoid that serves as the central library of the [[Federation]], [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]] and Romaine spend a good deal of time together and Scott seems to be falling in love with her.
+
While the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} ferries [[Lieutenant]] [[Mira Romaine]] to [[Memory Alpha]], a [[planetoid]] that serves as the central library of the [[Federation]], [[Montgomery Scott]] and Romaine spend a good deal of time together working in [[engineering]] and Scott seems to be falling in love with her.
   
[[Spock]] detects an apparent storm, approaching the ship at [[warp factor]] 2.6, and concludes that it cannot be a natural phenomenon. The storm bypasses the shields and penetrates the ''Enterprise''. Romaine speaks gibberish and other [[bridge]] personnel report various paralysis effects. [[Captain]] [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] characterizes the event as an "attack" and Spock agrees.
+
On the [[bridge]], [[Spock]] detects an apparent storm from his [[science station|station]], approaching the ship at [[warp factor]] 2.6, and concludes that it cannot be a natural phenomenon. After Kirk orders yellow alert, the storm bypasses the shields and penetrates the ''Enterprise''. Soon after, the crew loses their voice.
   
 
===Act One===
 
===Act One===
  +
[[File:Leonard McCoy treats Mira Romaine.jpg|thumb|left|"''Well, I think she's coming around now.''"]]
In [[sickbay]], Romaine minimizes the event, but [[Doctor]] [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]] insists that Romaine was the most affected of the crew of 430 and he wants to know why. Scott coaxes Romaine to cooperate more fully but Romaine fears her assignment is at risk.
 
  +
The phenomenon backs off, and the crew is normal again. Romaine, however, faints after making some strange inaudible sounds, and upon regaining consciousness on the bridge, is taken to [[sickbay]]. [[Dr.]] [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]] examines the lieutenant, but Romaine minimizes the event to the point of being uncooperative. Dr. McCoy insists that Romaine was the most affected of the crew of 430 and he wants to know why. Scott attributes it being her first deep space mission, and coaxes Romaine to cooperate more fully but Romaine fears her assignment is now at risk.
   
Lt. [[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]] projects the storm's course as heading for Memory Alpha, which was built without defensive [[shield]]s in view of its academic purpose. The ''Enterprise'' cannot contact Memory Alpha to warn it, nor reach Memory Alpha until the storm has come and gone.
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Lieutenant [[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]] reports to Captain Kirk that he projects the storm's course as heading for Memory Alpha, which was built without defensive [[shield]]s in view of its academic purpose. The ''Enterprise'' cannot contact Memory Alpha to warn it, nor reach Memory Alpha until the storm has come and gone.
   
[[File:Memory Alpha technician possessed.jpg|thumb|left|Zetarian victim]]
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[[File:Memory Alpha technician possessed.jpg|thumb|Zetarian victim]]
Kirk assembles a landing party, annoyed that Scott is dallying in sickbay to tend to Romaine. On Memory Alpha, all the staff is dead except for a female who is making the same garbled sounds Romaine made during the "attack" on the bridge.
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Kirk assembles a landing party. Upon beaming over to Memory Alpha, they learn the generator is inoperative and all the staff are dead.
   
 
===Act Two===
 
===Act Two===
The female on Memory Alpha dies of "''severe brain hemorrhaging due to distortion of all neural systems, dissolution of autonomic nervous system''," according to McCoy. The other Memory Alpha personnel have each had a different brain center destroyed.
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The landing party finds one person alive &ndash; a female who is making the same garbled sounds Romaine made during the initial "attack" on the bridge. She soon dies, of "''severe brain hemorrhaging due to distortion of all neural systems, dissolution of autonomic nervous system''", according to McCoy. The other Memory Alpha personnel have each had a different brain center destroyed.
   
Kirk interrogates Romaine to try to find a link, but Romaine interrupts the dialogue to urge the crew back to the ''Enterprise'', as she is sure the storm is returning. When Sulu reports the same thing, Kirk orders the landing party back to the ship. The [[Transporter|transport]] of Romaine is interfered with but eventually completed.
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Kirk asks Sulu to have Romaine beamed down for questioning. Romaine, however, interrupts the dialogue, seeing that the staff is dead, to urge the crew to get back to the ''Enterprise'', as she is sure the storm is returning. When Sulu soon reports the same thing, Kirk orders the landing party back to the ship. Lieutenant [[Kyle]] has a tough time trying to complete the [[transporter|transport]] of Romaine, though, as it is interfered with but eventually completed by Scott.
   
Romaine tells Scott she saw the dead workers on Memory Alpha, "''in their exact positions''." Scott ascribes it simply to "space" and tells Romaine not to report it unless "''you want to spend the rest of the trip in Sickbay''."
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Romaine tells Scott she saw the dead workers on Memory Alpha, "''in their exact positions''." Scott ascribes it simply to "space" and tells Romaine not to report it unless "''you want to spend the rest of the trip in sickbay.''"
   
As the storm closes, [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] cannot evade it. Spock reports ten distinct lifeforms in the cloud and doubts that the ship can adequately be shielded against it. The cloud approaches the ship.
+
As the storm closes in on the ''Enterprise'', [[Ensign]] [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] cannot evade it. Spock reports ten distinct lifeforms in the cloud and doubts that the ship can adequately be shielded against it. The cloud approaches the ship. Since Spock has reported that the entity may be alive, Kirk believes he can reason with it through communication. He has [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]] open hailing frequencies and tie in the [[universal translator]]. He announces that the crew of the ''Enterprise'' mean it no harm and asks that the "storm" cease its approach as physical contact with their form of life is fatal. The cloud passes the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s [[starboard]] side and positions itself directly in front of the ship.
   
 
===Act Three===
 
===Act Three===
Kirk says that "''perhaps it understands another kind of language''." He orders [[red alert]] and for [[phaser]]s to be fired, first a warning shot, then a shot directly into the cloud. As Sulu reports that the direct shot has slowed the cloud, Kirk orders phaser crews to fire again. But Scott reports by [[intercom]] that the damage to the cloud seems to be killing Romaine as well. Kirk orders key personnel to the [[briefing room]].
+
It is increasing its approach. Kirk says that "''perhaps it understands another kind of language.''" He orders the ship be put on [[red alert]] and for [[phaser]]s to be fired, first a warning shot, then a shot directly into the cloud. As Sulu reports that the direct shot has slowed the cloud, Kirk orders phaser crews to fire again. In engineering, Romaine has become affected by the phenomenon again in agony, comforted by Scott. Scott reports by [[intercom]] that the damage to the cloud seems to be killing Romaine as well, so Kirk calls off the attack.
   
There, Kirk searches for personal data on Romaine that might relate to the attacking cloud. McCoy reports that two [[hyperencephalogram]]s show that Romaine's brain wave patterns have been altered since the encounter. Spock thinks McCoy has presented the wrong [[tape]], but his concern shows that the hyperencephalogram now matches the ship's tracking of the cloud. Her mind is joining that of the attacker.
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Kirk orders key personnel to the [[briefing room]]. There, Kirk searches for personal data on Romaine from [[Starfleet]] that might relate to the attacking cloud. McCoy reports that two [[hyperencephalogram]]s show that Romaine's [[brain wave pattern]]s have been altered since the encounter. Spock thinks McCoy has presented the wrong [[tape]], but his concern shows that the hyperencephalogram now matches the ship's tracking of the cloud. Her mind is joining that of the attacker. Scott now discloses that Romaine has been seeing future events. Kirk asks Romaine to describe each event. She describes the effects that have occurred, and one that has not occurred: Scott dying.
   
 
Sulu reports from the bridge that attempting to escape at warp factor 8 is useless. Kirk asks Romaine not to resist but to let the aliens operate through her, hoping to control that moment to save the ship. Finally, he orders the [[medical lab]] to prepare antigrav units. As they make their way to the lab, the lights appear in a [[corridor]], heading toward Romaine.
Scott now discloses that Romaine has been seeing future events. Kirk asks Romaine to describe each event. She describes the effects that have occurred, and one that has not occurred: Scott dying.
 
 
Kirk orders escape at warp factor 8, but it is useless. He also asks Romaine not to resist but to let the aliens operate through her, hoping to control that moment to save the ship. Finally, he orders the [[medical lab]] to prepare antigrav units.
 
   
 
===Act Four===
 
===Act Four===
[[File:Mira Romaine in pressure chamber.jpg|thumb|Zetarians being exorcised from Romaine in the pressure chamber.]]
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[[File:Mira Romaine in pressure chamber.jpg|thumb|Zetarians being exorcised from Romaine in the pressure chamber]]
The lights swarm on Romaine and enter her body. Scott despairs that Romaine is lost, and McCoy believes there is no way to force the lights out without killing her. Romaine is determined to retain her identity, but begins speaking for the aliens, which Spock encourages.
+
The lights swarm on Romaine and enter her body. Scott despairs that Romaine is lost, and McCoy believes there is no way to force the lights out without killing her. Romaine is determined to retain her identity, but begins speaking for the aliens, which Spock encourages.
 
The alien reports through Romaine that they are from [[Zetar]], where all humanoid life was destroyed. They are the will of the last hundred from Zetar, who have searched for a millenium "''for one through whom we can see and speak and hear and live out our lives''."
 
   
 
The alien reports through Romaine that they are from [[Zetar]], a planet where all humanoid life was destroyed. They are the will of the last hundred from Zetar, who have searched for a millennium "''for one through whom we can see and speak and hear and live out our lives.''"
Kirk insists that Romaine's body "''has its own life to lead''." The aliens say they regret the killing they have done, but intend to survive. Scott carries Romaine to the pressure chamber. The aliens attack Scott &ndash; as Romaine foresaw &ndash; but the attack is not fatal. Chamber pressure is increased, despite the risk of killing Romaine. The aliens are driven out of Romaine's body and are gone.
 
   
 
Kirk insists that Romaine's body "''has its own life to lead.''" The aliens say they regret the killing they have done, but intend to survive. Scott insists to Kirk that Romaine cannot hurt him and carries her to the pressure chamber. The aliens attack Scott &ndash; as Romaine foresaw &ndash; but the attack is ultimately not fatal. Chamber pressure is increased, despite the risk of killing Romaine. The aliens are successfully driven out of her body. "''Now, we have all the time in the world,''" Scott beams.
The ''Enterprise'' prepares to return to Memory Alpha to let Romaine begin her assignment. In sickbay, Kirk asks his aides for estimates on the incident's permanent impact on her. Spock thinks the episode should strengthen her. Kirk has trouble believing that the aides are, for once, in complete agreement.
 
   
  +
The Zetarians did not further attack the ''Enterprise''. In sickbay, Kirk asks McCoy and Spock for estimates on the incident's long-term impact on her. Spock thinks the episode should strengthen her. Kirk orders a return to Memory Alpha to let Romaine begin her assignment. Kirk believes they may have an "Enterprise ''first,''" with Scott, McCoy, and Spock, for once, in complete agreement. Kirk laughs at this.
==Log Entries==
 
* ''[[Captain]]'s log, [[stardate]] 5725.3. The Enterprise is en route to Memory Alpha. It is a planetoid set up by the Federation solely as a central library containing the total cultural history and scientific knowledge of all planetary Federation members. With us is specialist Lieutenant Mira Romaine. She is on board to supervise the transfer of newly designed equipment directly from the Enterprise to Memory Alpha ... When a man of Scotty's years falls in love, the loneliness of his life is suddenly revealed to him. His whole heart once throbbed only to the ship's engines. He could talk only to the ship. Now he can see nothing but the woman.''
 
   
 
==Log entries==
* ''Captain's log, supplemental, stardate 5725.6. The storm has cleared Memory Alpha. It is heading away at incredible speed. We have been unable to make contact with the planetoid. Its silence is ominous. We are beaming down to investigate.''
 
  +
* [[Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), 2269|Captain's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701), 2269]]
   
==Memorable Quotes==
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==Memorable quotes==
 
"''I didn't think Mister Scott would go for the brainy type.''"<br />
 
"''I didn't think Mister Scott would go for the brainy type.''"<br />
 
"''I don't think he's even noticed she has a brain.''"
 
"''I don't think he's even noticed she has a brain.''"
: - '''Chekov''' and '''Sulu''', on Scott and Mira
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: - '''Chekov''' and '''Sulu''', on Scott and Romaine
   
   
 
"''With a bedside manner like that, Scotty, you're in the wrong business.''"
 
"''With a bedside manner like that, Scotty, you're in the wrong business.''"
: - '''Chapel''', before leaving him and Mira in sickbay
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: - '''Chapel''', before leaving him and Romaine in sickbay
   
   
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"''Doctor McCoy can no more cure it than he can a cold.''"
 
"''Doctor McCoy can no more cure it than he can a cold.''"
: - '''Scott''', convincing Mira not to report her visions
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: - '''Scott''', convincing Romaine not to report her visions
   
   
 
"''I'd rather die than hurt you. I'd rather die!''"
 
"''I'd rather die than hurt you. I'd rather die!''"
: - '''Mira''' to Scott, on foretelling his death
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: - '''Romaine''' to Scott, on foretelling his death
  +
  +
  +
"''Somehow, I find transporting into the darkness unnerving.''"
  +
: - '''McCoy''' when the landing party beams down to a dark Memory Alpha
   
   
 
"''Mira will not kill me.''"
 
"''Mira will not kill me.''"
: - '''Scott''', before placing her in the chamber
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: - '''Scott''', before placing Romaine in the chamber
   
   
 
"''Reduce the pressure very, very gradually, Spock.''"<br />
 
"''Reduce the pressure very, very gradually, Spock.''"<br />
"''We may tax Mister Scott's patience, Doctor.''"
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"''We may tax Mister Scott's patience, doctor.''"
: - '''McCoy''' and '''Spock''', on ending Mira's treatment
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: - '''McCoy''' and '''Spock''', on ending Romaine's treatment
   
   
 
"''Now we have all the time in the world.''"
 
"''Now we have all the time in the world.''"
: - '''Scott''' to Kirk, on Mira
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: - '''Scott''' to Kirk, on Romaine
   
   
 
"''Humans do claim a great deal for that particular emotion.''"
 
"''Humans do claim a great deal for that particular emotion.''"
: - '''Spock''' to Kirk, on love as a factor in Mira's recovery
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: - '''Spock''' to Kirk, on love as a factor in Romaine's recovery
   
   
 
"''Mister Scott, how's Lieutenant Romaine?''"<br />
 
"''Mister Scott, how's Lieutenant Romaine?''"<br />
"''Beautiful, Captain.''"
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"''Beautiful, captain.''"
 
: - '''Kirk''' and '''Scott'''
 
: - '''Kirk''' and '''Scott'''
   
   
"''Well, this is an ''Enterprise'' first. Doctor McCoy, Mister Spock and Engineer Scott find themselves in complete agreement. Can I stand the strain?''"
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"''Well, this is an ''Enterprise'' first. Doctor McCoy, Mister Spock, and Engineer Scott find themselves in complete agreement. Can I stand the strain?''"
 
: - '''Kirk'''
 
: - '''Kirk'''
   
==Background Information==
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==Background information==
 
===Script and production===
 
===Script and production===
* The co-writer of this episode was the [[Shari Lewis]] of "Lamb Chop" fame. She was a huge fan of ''Star Trek'' and fulfilled a dream by co-writing this episode with her husband Jeremy Tarcher. She also wanted to play Mira Romaine, but was not cast. [http://www.digitallyobsessed.com/showreview.php3?ID=2827]
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* The co-writer of this episode was ventriloquist and puppeteer [[Shari Lewis]] of "Lamb Chop" fame. A fan of ''Star Trek, ''she co-wrote this episode with her husband Jeremy Tarcher. She also wanted to play Mira Romaine, but was not cast. {{el|digitallyobsessed.com/showreview.php3?ID{{=}}2827}}
* When Lewis originally pitched the idea to producer [[Fred Freiberger]], he turned it down, saying that they were already working on a similar concept. When Lewis came back with another story idea, Freiberger told her that he'd buy the first one, because the other similar project had been scrapped.[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1pTcU4l8Ak&p=B2246EE90736AB16&playnext=1&index=14]
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* When Lewis originally pitched the idea to producer [[Fred Freiberger]], he turned it down, saying that they were already working on a similar concept. When Lewis came back with another story idea, Freiberger told her that he'd buy the first one, because the other similar project had been scrapped. {{YouTube|type=v|p1pTcU4l8Ak}}
* Lewis wrote the love affair of Scotty into the episode because she thought "Captain Kirk is the one who always gets the girl".[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p1pTcU4l8Ak&p=B2246EE90736AB16&playnext=1&index=14]
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* Lewis wrote Scott's love affair into the episode because she thought "Captain Kirk is the one who always gets the girl". {{YouTube|type=v|p1pTcU4l8Ak}}
* In a story outline dated {{d|12|September|1968}}, Mira was Scotty's new engineering assistant and shared his fascination for machinery. Final draft script {{d|28|October|1968}}, filmed early [[November 1968|November]].
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* In a story outline dated {{d|12|September|1968}}, Romaine was Scott's new engineering assistant and shared his fascination for machinery. Final draft script {{d|28|October|1968}}, filmed early [[November 1968|November]].
* The overhead zoom shot of the bridge in the teaser was not shot for this episode. It apparently was filmed for (but not used in) {{e|The Galileo Seven}}. [[Bill Blackburn]], rather than [[Walter Koenig]], is at the Navigator station in the shot. It is noticeable that he is wearing [[Lieutenant]] stripes in the shot. The crew is also noticeably wearing the velour uniforms seen in season 1 and 2, not the nylon variety that replaced them in season 3.
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* The overhead zoom shot of the bridge in the teaser was not shot for this episode. It apparently was filmed for (but not used in) {{e|The Galileo Seven}}. [[Bill Blackburn]], rather than [[Walter Koenig]], is at the navigator station in the shot. It is noticeable that he is wearing [[lieutenant]] stripes in the shot. The crew is also noticeably wearing the velour uniforms seen in season 1 and 2, not the nylon variety that replaced them in season 3.
* There is extensive use of Alexander Courage's music from {{e|Where No Man Has Gone Before}} in this episode. Most notable is the piece used for the approach of the Zetarians which was scored for the "Where No Man..." scene when the Enterprise encounters the galactic barrier.
+
* There is extensive use of Alexander Courage's music from {{e|Where No Man Has Gone Before}} in this episode. Most notable is the piece used for the approach of the Zetarians which was scored for the "Where No Man&hellip;" scene when the ''Enterprise'' encounters the galactic barrier.
  +
* This is the only episode of ''The Original Series'' in which the four principal personnel of the ''Enterprise'' (Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scott) beam down from the ship without any supporting crewmembers.
   
 
===Sets and props===
 
===Sets and props===
* This is the last time the [[emergency manual monitor]] and [[engineering]] sets will be used. Engineering is seen briefly in {{e|The Savage Curtain}}, but as stock footage.
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* This is the last time the [[emergency manual monitor]] and [[engineering]] sets were used. Engineering was seen briefly in {{e|The Savage Curtain}}, but as stock footage.
 
* This is the only time more of Dr. McCoy's [[medical lab]], including an antigrav tube, is seen.
 
* This is the only time more of Dr. McCoy's [[medical lab]], including an antigrav tube, is seen.
 
* The [[Memory Alpha]] monitor room was the reused [[control room]] set from {{e|Whom Gods Destroy}}.
 
* The [[Memory Alpha]] monitor room was the reused [[control room]] set from {{e|Whom Gods Destroy}}.
Line 151: Line 122:
   
 
===Continuity===
 
===Continuity===
* This was [[John Winston]]'s only appearance during Star Trek's final season. It is also the only episode in which he appears in addition to all eight regulars, including [[Christine Chapel]].
+
* This was [[John Winston]]'s only appearance during ''Star Trek''{{'}}s final season. It is also the only episode in which he appears in addition to all eight regulars, including [[Christine Chapel]].
* Additionally, this is the final episode in which we will see a Tellarite and an Andorian in TOS.
+
* Additionally, this is the final episode in which a Tellarite and an Andorian appears in TOS.
* The Human-looking female Memory Alpha technician was originally scripted as being a member of a species known as the "Reidonians". [http://www.fastcopyinc.com/orionpress/articles/lights_of_zetar.htm]
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* The Human-looking female Memory Alpha technician was originally scripted as being a member of a species known as the "Reidonians". {{OrionPress|articles/lights_of_zetar.htm}}
* All the scenes of Mr. Scott while Lt. Romaine is being treated in the chamber in the medical lab show him with a Sciences style chest insignia (with a stylized "globe," as Spock and Dr. McCoy would wear) as opposed to the usual "spiral" on his red duty uniform.
+
* All the scenes of Scott while Lt. Romaine is being treated in the chamber in the medical lab show him with a Sciences style chest insignia (with a stylized "globe," as Spock and Dr. McCoy would wear) as opposed to the usual "spiral" on his red duty uniform.
   
 
===Reception===
 
===Reception===
* [[Ronald D. Moore]] once cited this episode as his least favorite installment of the original ''Star Trek'' series, saying that it "''doesn't even have the campy fun of '[[Spock's Brain (episode)|Spock's Brain]]' to get you through it.''" (''[[Star Trek: The Magazine Volume 1, Issue 1]]'', p. 112)
+
* [[Ronald D. Moore]] once cited this episode as his least favorite installment of the original ''Star Trek'' series, saying that it "''doesn't even have the campy fun of {{e|Spock's Brain}} to get you through it.''" ({{STTM|1|1|112}})
   
 
===Remastered information===
 
===Remastered information===
[[File:MemoryAlphaLogo.png|thumb|Okuda's [[Memory Alpha]] emblem]]
+
[[File:Memory Alpha emblem.png|thumb|Okuda's Memory Alpha emblem]]
"The Lights of Zetar" was the seventy-second episode of the remastered version of ''The Original Series'' to air. It premiered in syndication on the weekend of {{d|7|June|2008}} and aside from the standard [[CGI]] replacement footage of the ''Enterprise'', this episode most notably featured new effects shots of the [[Zetarian]]s and [[Memory Alpha]], which included the appearance of the library complex, where none had appeared before.
+
"The Lights of Zetar" was the seventy-second episode of the remastered version of ''The Original Series'' to air. It premiered in syndication on the weekend of {{d|7|June|2008}} and aside from the standard [[CGI]] replacement footage of the ''Enterprise'', this episode most notably featured new effects shots of the [[Zetarian]]s and [[Memory Alpha]], which included the appearance of the library complex, where none had appeared before.
  +
 
According to [[Michael Okuda]]: "''Based on the size and spacing of the windows, I'd estimate that each of the domes must be similar to the {{w|Louisiana Superdome|Superdome}}.''" Also, "''if you look very closely at the far left dome, you might notice a small blue patch on the top of the dome. That's the Memory Alpha emblem.''" {{TrekMovie.com|2008/06/05/preview-images-from-lights-of-zetar-remastered}}
   
According to [[Michael Okuda]]: "''Based on the size and spacing of the windows, I'd estimate that each of the domes must be similar to the {{w|Louisiana Superdome|Superdome}}.''" Also, "''if you look very closely at the far left dome, you might notice a small blue patch on the top of the dome. That's the Memory Alpha emblem.''" [http://trekmovie.com/2008/06/05/preview-images-from-lights-of-zetar-remastered/]
 
 
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Zetarians engulf the Enterprise.jpg|The original Zetar attack...
+
File:Zetarians engulf the Enterprise.jpg|The original Zetar attack&hellip;
File:Zetarians engulf the Enterprise, remastered.jpg|...and the remastered counterpart.
+
File:Zetarians engulf the Enterprise, remastered.jpg|and the remastered counterpart
File:Zetarians.jpg|The original Zetar effect...
+
File:Zetarians.jpg|The original Zetar effect&hellip;
File:Zetarians, remastered.jpg|...and the remastered counterpart.
+
File:Zetarians, remastered.jpg|&hellip;and the remastered counterpart
File:TOS generic planet 5.jpg|The original Memory Alpha approach...
+
File:TOS generic planet 5.jpg|The original Memory Alpha approach&hellip;
File:Memory Alpha.jpg|...and the remastered counterpart.
+
File:Memory Alpha.jpg|&hellip;and the remastered counterpart
File:Zetarians approaching the Enterprise.jpg|The original Zetarian/''Enterprise'' standoff...
+
File:Zetarians approaching the Enterprise.jpg|The original Zetarian/''Enterprise'' standoff&hellip;
File:Zetarians approaching the Enterprise, remastered.jpg|...and the remastered counterpart.
+
File:Zetarians approaching the Enterprise, remastered.jpg|&hellip;and the remastered counterpart
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
:''The next remastered episode to air was {{e|The Way to Eden}}.
 
:''The next remastered episode to air was {{e|The Way to Eden}}.
Line 179: Line 150:
 
===Apocrypha===
 
===Apocrypha===
 
* The third book in Wallace Moore's "Balzan of the Cat People" pulp SF series, 1975's "The Lights of Zetar," was apparently an homage to this episode.
 
* The third book in Wallace Moore's "Balzan of the Cat People" pulp SF series, 1975's "The Lights of Zetar," was apparently an homage to this episode.
* Star Trek Novel #42, ''[[Memory Prime]]'' by Gar and Judith Reeves-Stevens, continues the story of Mira on Memory Prime, the successor to Memory Alpha. Other than her romance with Scotty and a very brief mention of the Zetarians, no other story elements are carried over from the episode.
+
* ''Star Trek'' Novel #42, ''[[Memory Prime]]'' by Gar and Judith Reeves-Stevens, continues the story of Romaine on Memory Prime, the successor to Memory Alpha. Other than her romance with Scott and a very brief mention of the Zetarians, no other story elements are carried over from the episode.
* The short story "Ancient History" in the ''[[Strange New Worlds VI]]'' anthology portrayed Scotty and Captain [[Morgan Bateson]], both catapulted into the future by their respective mishaps, meeting and hashing out, physically and verbally, old rivalries, one of which was based on the fact that Mira Romaine married Bateson after her relationship with Scotty had ended.
+
* The short story "Ancient History" in the ''[[Strange New Worlds VI]]'' anthology portrayed Scott and Captain [[Morgan Bateson]], both catapulted into the future by their respective mishaps, meeting and hashing out, physically and verbally, old rivalries, one of which was based on the fact that Mira Romaine married Bateson after her relationship with Scott had ended.
  +
 
===Production timeline===
 
* Story outline by [[Shari Lewis]] and [[Jeremy Tarcher]], titled "Sentry 7", {{d|22|August|1968}}
 
* Revised story outline, titled "The Lights of Zetar", {{d|6|September|1968}}
 
* Second revised story outline, {{d|12|September|1968}}
 
* First draft teleplay, {{d|8|October|1968}}
 
* Second draft teleplay, mid-{{m|October|1968}}
  +
* Final draft teleplay by [[Arthur Singer]], {{d|28|October|1968}}
  +
* Additional page revisions by [[Fred Freiberger]], {{d|30|October|1968}}, {{d|31|October|1968}}, {{d|1|November|1968}}, {{d|4|November|1968}}, {{d|8|November|1968}}
 
* Filmed: {{d|1|November|1968}} &ndash; {{d|11|November|1968}}
  +
** Day 1 &ndash; {{d|1|November|1968}}, Friday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Bridge]]
  +
** Day 2 &ndash; {{d|4|November|1968}}, Monday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Bridge]], [[Corridor]]s
  +
** Day 3 &ndash; {{d|5|November|1968}}, Tuesday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Briefing room]]
  +
** Day 4 &ndash; {{d|6|November|1968}}, Wednesday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Briefing room]], [[Sickbay]], [[Transporter room]]
  +
** Day 5 &ndash; {{d|7|November|1968}}, Thursday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Medical lab]] (with the [[Decompression chamber]])
  +
** Day 6 &ndash; {{d|8|November|1968}}, Friday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Medical lab]] (with the [[Decompression chamber]]), [[Briefing room]], [[Emergency manual control]]
  +
** Day 7 &ndash; {{d|11|November|1968}}, Monday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Emergency manual control]]; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Memory Alpha|Memory Alpha control room]]
 
* Original airdate: {{d|31|January|1969}}
 
* Rerun airdate: {{d|26|August|1969}}
 
* First UK airdate (on [[BBC|BBC1]]): {{d|17|November|1971}}
  +
* First UK airdate (on [[ITV]]): {{d|22|July|1984}}
  +
* Remastered episode airdate: {{d|7|June|2008}}
   
  +
During the [[syndication]] run of ''Star Trek'', no syndication cuts were made to this episode.
===Production Timeline===
 
* Story outline by [[Shari Lewis]] and [[Jeremy Tarcher]], {{d|22|August|1968}}
 
* Story outline, {{d|6|September|1968}}
 
* Story outline, {{d|12|September|1968}}
 
* Teleplay, {{d|8|October|1968}}
 
* Final draft script, {{d|28|October|1968}}
 
* Filmed, {{d|5|November|1968}} &ndash; {{d|12|November|1968}}
 
* Original airdate, {{d|31|January|1969}}
 
* Rerun airdate, {{d|26|August|1969}}
 
* First UK airdate {{d|17|November|1971}}
 
   
 
===Video and DVD releases===
 
===Video and DVD releases===
* Original US Betamax release: {{y|1988}}.
+
* Original US Betamax release: {{y|1988}}
* [[Star Trek VHS releases in the UK|UK VHS release]] (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): [[TOS Season 3 UK VHS|Volume 38]], catalogue number VHR 2434, {{d|4|February|1991}}.
+
* [[Star Trek VHS releases in the UK|UK VHS release]] (two-episode tapes, [[CIC Video]]): [[TOS Season 3 UK VHS|Volume 38]], catalog number VHR 2434, {{d|4|February|1991}}
* US VHS release: {{d|15|April|1994}}.
+
* US VHS release: {{d|15|April|1994}}
* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 3.6, {{d|5|January|1998}}.
+
* UK re-release (three-episode tapes, CIC Video): Volume 3.6, {{d|5|January|1998}}
* Original US DVD release (single-disc): Volume 37, {{d|27|November|2001}}.
+
* Original US DVD release (single-disc): Volume 37, {{d|27|November|2001}}
* As part of the [[TOS Season 3 DVD]] collection.
+
* As part of the [[TOS Season 3 DVD]] collection
* As part of the [[TOS-R Season 3 DVD]] collection.
+
* As part of the [[TOS-R Season 3 DVD]] collection
   
==Links and References==
+
==Links and references==
 
===Starring===
 
===Starring===
 
* [[William Shatner]] as Capt. [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]]
 
* [[William Shatner]] as Capt. [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]]
   
===Also Starring===
+
===Also starring===
 
* [[Leonard Nimoy]] as Mr. [[Spock]]
 
* [[Leonard Nimoy]] as Mr. [[Spock]]
:And:
+
;And
 
* [[DeForest Kelley]] as Dr. [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]]
 
* [[DeForest Kelley]] as Dr. [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]]
   
===Guest Stars===
+
===Guest stars===
 
* [[Jan Shutan]] as Lt. [[Mira Romaine]]
 
* [[Jan Shutan]] as Lt. [[Mira Romaine]]
 
* [[James Doohan]] as [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]]
 
* [[James Doohan]] as [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]]
Line 219: Line 203:
 
* [[Majel Barrett]] as Nurse [[Christine Chapel|Chapel]]
 
* [[Majel Barrett]] as Nurse [[Christine Chapel|Chapel]]
 
* [[John Winston]] as Lt. [[Kyle]]
 
* [[John Winston]] as Lt. [[Kyle]]
* [[Libby Erwin]] as a [[Memory Alpha personnel#Human technician (female)|technician]]
+
* [[Libby Erwin]] as [[Human 23rd century MA technician 1|Technician]]
   
===Uncredited Co-Stars===
+
===Uncredited co-stars===
* Majel Barrett as the [[computer voice]]
+
* Majel Barrett as [[Computer Voice]]
 
* [[William Blackburn]] as [[Hadley]]
 
* [[William Blackburn]] as [[Hadley]]
 
* [[Frank da Vinci]] as [[Brent]]
 
* [[Frank da Vinci]] as [[Brent]]
 
* [[Roger Holloway]] as [[Roger Lemli]]
 
* [[Roger Holloway]] as [[Roger Lemli]]
* [[Jeannie Malone]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel|Yeoman]]
+
* [[Jeannie Malone]] as [[USS Enterprise operations yeoman 1|Yeoman]]
* [[Unknown performers]] as
+
* [[Barbara Babcock]] as voice of the [[Zetarian]]s
  +
* [[Unknown actor]]s as
** [[Memory Alpha personnel#Alien technician|Alien technician]]
 
** [[Memory Alpha personnel#Andorian technicians|Two Andorian technicians]]
+
** [[Alien Memory Alpha 001|Alien technician]]
** [[Memory Alpha personnel#Human technician (male)|Male Human technician]]
+
** [[Andorian Memory Alpha 001|Andorian technician 1]] & [[Andorian Memory Alpha 002|2]]
** [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel|Medical lab technician]]
+
** [[Human 23rd century MA technician 2|Human technician 2]]
 
** [[USS Enterprise sciences medical technician 5|Medical lab technician]]
  +
** [[USS Enterprise command lieutenant 12|Command lieutenant]]
  +
** [[USS Enterprise command crew woman 25|Command crew woman]]
   
===References===
+
=== References ===
[[Andorian]]; [[anti-grav test unit]]; [[autonomic nervous system]]; [[atmosphere (unit)]]; [[biography]]; "[[Bones]]"; [[brain]]; [[brain circuitry pattern]] (B.C.P.); [[brain hemorrhage]]; [[brain wave pattern]]; [[briefing room]]; [[central brain]]; [[common cold]]; [[condition yellow]]; [[emergency manual monitor]]; [[empathy]]; [[Federation]]; [[fingerprint]]; [[general quarters]];[[hyperencephalogram]]; [[intruder alert]]; [[library]]; [[logic]]; [[love]]; [[Martian Colony 3]]; [[medical lab]]; [[Memory Alpha]]; [[memory core]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[neural system]]; [[pathology]]; [[phaser]]; [[phaser tracking control]]s; [[planetoid]]; [[power generator]]; [[precognition]]; [[pressure chamber]]; [[psychological profile]]; [[psychosomatic illness]]; [[red alert]]; [[researcher]]; [[Jacques Romaine|Romaine, Jacques]]; [[Lydia Romaine|Romaine, Lydia]]; [[scholar]]; [[scientist]]; [[security condition three]]; [[space sickness]]; [[specialist]]; [[speed of light]]; [[starbase]]; [[Starfleet preliminary examination]]s; [[Steinman analysis]]; [[telepathy]]; [[Tellarite]]; [[universal translator]]; [[voice analysis]]; [[Zetar]]; [[Zetarian]]s
+
"[[Idioms|a shot across the bow]]"; [[ability]]; [[acceleration]]; [[accent]]; [[agreement]]; [[alien]]; [[analysis]]; [[Andorian]]; [[anti-grav test unit]]; [[area]]; [[assignment]]; [[attack]]; [[attack on Memory Alpha]]; [[attacker]]; {{dis|atmosphere|unit}}; [[autonomic nervous system]]; [[bedside manner]]; [[biographical material]]; [[blast]]; [[body]]; "[[Bones]]"; [[brain]]; [[brain hemorrhage]]; [[brain circuitry pattern]] (BCP); [[brain hemorrhage]]; [[brain wave]]; [[brain wave pattern]]; [[briefing room]]; [[business]]; [[calibration]]; [[career]]; [[case]]; [[central brain]]; [[chief engineer]]; [[communication channel|channel]]: [[common cold]]; [[community]]; [[computer]]; [[computer analysis]]; [[conclusion]]; [[condition yellow]]; [[contact]]; [[cooperation]]; [[course]]; [[creature]]; [[cultural history]]; [[damage report]]; [[darkness]]; {{dis|data|unit}}; [[death]]; [[deck]]; [[deductive reasoning]]; [[deep space assignment]]; [[deflector shield]]; [[desire]]; [[disaster]]; [[discipline]]; [[dissolution]]; [[distortion]]; {{doctor}}; [[duty]]; [[ego]]; [[emergency]]; [[emergency manual monitor]]; [[emotion]]; [[empathy]]; [[enemy]]; [[energy]]; [[environment]]; {{dis|error|concept}}; [[estimated time of arrival]] (ETA); [[evasive action]] (aka [[evasive maneuvers]] or [[evasion tactics]]); [[event]]; [[experience]]; [[explanation]]; [[eye]]; [[fact]]; [[fainting]]; [[Federation]]; [[Federation members]]; [[feeling]]; [[fingerprint]]; [[file]]; [[formulation]]; [[forward scanner]]; [[French language]]; [[frequency]]; [[friend]]; [[general quarters]]; [[gravity]]; [[hail]]; [[hand]]; [[harm]]; [[heart]]; {{dis|hope|emotion}}; [[Human]]; [[humanoid]]; [[hyperencephalogram]]; [[identity]]; [[impact]]; [[impulse tracking]]; [[information]]; [[impulse tracking]]; [[interference]]; [[intruder alert]]; [[investigation]]; [[investigative procedure]]; [[judge]]; [[landing party]]; [[language]]; [[library]]; [[library complex]] (aka [[computer complex]]); [[lifeform]]; [[life unit]]; [[electric light|light]]; [[logic]]; [[loneliness]]; [[long range scanner]]; [[love]]; [[magnification]]; [[main screen projection]]; [[Martian Colony 3]]; [[medical lab]]; [[medical record]]; [[Memory Alpha]]; [[memory core]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[millennium]]; [[mind]]; [[minute]]; [[motivation]]; [[neural system]]; [[number]]; [[orbit]]; [[orbit range]]; [[order]]; [[paralysis]]; [[parent]]; [[pathology]]; [[patience]]; [[person]]; [[personality]]; [[personality factor]]; [[phaser]]; [[phaser tracking control]]s; [[phenomenon]]; [[physical contact]]; [[place of birth]]; [[planet]]; [[planetoid]]; [[power generator]]; [[precognition]]; [[pressure]]; [[pressure chamber]] (aka [[gravity chamber]]); [[price]]; [[prognosis]]; [[progamming]]; [[protective shield]]; [[psychological profile]]; [[psychosomatic illness]]; [[question]]; [[red alert]]; [[researcher]]; [[result]]; [[retirement]]; {{revname|Jacques|Romaine}}; {{revname|Lydia|Romaine}}; [[scholar]]; [[scientist]]; [[scientific knowledge]]; [[Scots language]]; [[search]]; [[Security Condition Three]]; [[sensor]]; {{dis|slide|image}}; [[sound]]; [[space legs]]; [[space sickness]]; [[space travel]]; [[speaking]]; [[specialist]]; {{dis|speech|linguistics}}; [[speed]]; [[speed of light]]; "[[stand by]]"; [[starbase]]; [[starboard]]; [[Starfleet]]; [[Starfleet preliminary examination]]s; [[Starfleet records]]; [[Steinman analysis]]; [[storm]]; [[tape deck D]] (aka [[tape D]]); [[tape H]]; [[technician]]; [[teenage]]; [[telepathy]]; [[telepathic ability]]; [[Tellarite]]; [[terror]]; [[therapy]]; [[thought]]; [[threat]]; [[transporter control]]; [[transporter coordinates]]; [[transporter room]]; [[transporter signal]]; [[transporter suspension]]; [[treatment]]; [[trick]]; [[truth]]; [[unconscious]]; [[universal translator]]; [[velocity]]; [[victim]]; [[viewing range]]; [[vision]]; [[voice]]; [[voice analysis]]; [[voluntary nerve function]]; [[walking]]; [[warp engine]]; [[warp factor]]; {{dis|will|psychology}}; [[word]]; [[year]]; [[Zetar]]; [[Zetar system]]; [[Zetarian]]s
   
===External link===
+
=== External links ===
* {{NCwiki|The Lights of Zetar}}
+
* {{startrek.com|database_article/lights-of-zetar-the|"The Lights of Zetar"|external}}
  +
* {{mbeta-quote|The Lights of Zetar}}
  +
* {{wikipedia-quote|The Lights of Zetar}}
  +
* {{ml|the-lights-of-zetar|"The Lights of Zetar"|external}}
   
 
{{TOS nav|season=3|last={{e|The Mark of Gideon}}|next={{e|The Cloud Minders}}|lastair={{e|That Which Survives}}|nextair={{e|Requiem for Methuselah}}|lastair_remastered={{e|The Mark of Gideon}}|nextair_remastered={{e|The Way to Eden}}}}
 
{{TOS nav|season=3|last={{e|The Mark of Gideon}}|next={{e|The Cloud Minders}}|lastair={{e|That Which Survives}}|nextair={{e|Requiem for Methuselah}}|lastair_remastered={{e|The Mark of Gideon}}|nextair_remastered={{e|The Way to Eden}}}}
 
 
   
 
[[de:Strahlen greifen an]]
 
[[de:Strahlen greifen an]]
 
[[es:The Lights of Zetar]]
 
[[es:The Lights of Zetar]]
[[fr:The Lights of Zetar]]
+
[[fr:The Lights of Zetar (épisode)]]
 
[[it:Le speranze di Zetar (episodio)]]
 
[[it:Le speranze di Zetar (episodio)]]
[[ja:TOS:消滅惑星ゼータの攻撃]]
+
[[ja:消滅惑星ゼータの攻撃(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:The Lights of Zetar]]
 
[[nl:The Lights of Zetar]]
 
[[pl:The Lights of Zetar]]
 
[[pl:The Lights of Zetar]]

Latest revision as of 06:32, 29 November 2023

Real world article
(written from a Production point of view)

At the planetoid Memory Alpha, an Enterprise crew member's body is taken over by mysterious energy lifeforms.

Summary

Teaser

Mira Romaine and Montgomery Scott

Scott and Romaine

While the USS Enterprise ferries Lieutenant Mira Romaine to Memory Alpha, a planetoid that serves as the central library of the Federation, Montgomery Scott and Romaine spend a good deal of time together working in engineering and Scott seems to be falling in love with her.

On the bridge, Spock detects an apparent storm from his station, approaching the ship at warp factor 2.6, and concludes that it cannot be a natural phenomenon. After Kirk orders yellow alert, the storm bypasses the shields and penetrates the Enterprise. Soon after, the crew loses their voice.

Act One

Leonard McCoy treats Mira Romaine

"Well, I think she's coming around now."

The phenomenon backs off, and the crew is normal again. Romaine, however, faints after making some strange inaudible sounds, and upon regaining consciousness on the bridge, is taken to sickbay. Dr. McCoy examines the lieutenant, but Romaine minimizes the event to the point of being uncooperative. Dr. McCoy insists that Romaine was the most affected of the crew of 430 and he wants to know why. Scott attributes it being her first deep space mission, and coaxes Romaine to cooperate more fully but Romaine fears her assignment is now at risk.

Lieutenant Sulu reports to Captain Kirk that he projects the storm's course as heading for Memory Alpha, which was built without defensive shields in view of its academic purpose. The Enterprise cannot contact Memory Alpha to warn it, nor reach Memory Alpha until the storm has come and gone.

Memory Alpha technician possessed

Zetarian victim

Kirk assembles a landing party. Upon beaming over to Memory Alpha, they learn the generator is inoperative and all the staff are dead.

Act Two

The landing party finds one person alive – a female who is making the same garbled sounds Romaine made during the initial "attack" on the bridge. She soon dies, of "severe brain hemorrhaging due to distortion of all neural systems, dissolution of autonomic nervous system", according to McCoy. The other Memory Alpha personnel have each had a different brain center destroyed.

Kirk asks Sulu to have Romaine beamed down for questioning. Romaine, however, interrupts the dialogue, seeing that the staff is dead, to urge the crew to get back to the Enterprise, as she is sure the storm is returning. When Sulu soon reports the same thing, Kirk orders the landing party back to the ship. Lieutenant Kyle has a tough time trying to complete the transport of Romaine, though, as it is interfered with but eventually completed by Scott.

Romaine tells Scott she saw the dead workers on Memory Alpha, "in their exact positions." Scott ascribes it simply to "space" and tells Romaine not to report it unless "you want to spend the rest of the trip in sickbay."

As the storm closes in on the Enterprise, Ensign Chekov cannot evade it. Spock reports ten distinct lifeforms in the cloud and doubts that the ship can adequately be shielded against it. The cloud approaches the ship. Since Spock has reported that the entity may be alive, Kirk believes he can reason with it through communication. He has Uhura open hailing frequencies and tie in the universal translator. He announces that the crew of the Enterprise mean it no harm and asks that the "storm" cease its approach as physical contact with their form of life is fatal. The cloud passes the Enterprise's starboard side and positions itself directly in front of the ship.

Act Three

It is increasing its approach. Kirk says that "perhaps it understands another kind of language." He orders the ship be put on red alert and for phasers to be fired, first a warning shot, then a shot directly into the cloud. As Sulu reports that the direct shot has slowed the cloud, Kirk orders phaser crews to fire again. In engineering, Romaine has become affected by the phenomenon again in agony, comforted by Scott. Scott reports by intercom that the damage to the cloud seems to be killing Romaine as well, so Kirk calls off the attack.

Kirk orders key personnel to the briefing room. There, Kirk searches for personal data on Romaine from Starfleet that might relate to the attacking cloud. McCoy reports that two hyperencephalograms show that Romaine's brain wave patterns have been altered since the encounter. Spock thinks McCoy has presented the wrong tape, but his concern shows that the hyperencephalogram now matches the ship's tracking of the cloud. Her mind is joining that of the attacker. Scott now discloses that Romaine has been seeing future events. Kirk asks Romaine to describe each event. She describes the effects that have occurred, and one that has not occurred: Scott dying.

Sulu reports from the bridge that attempting to escape at warp factor 8 is useless. Kirk asks Romaine not to resist but to let the aliens operate through her, hoping to control that moment to save the ship. Finally, he orders the medical lab to prepare antigrav units. As they make their way to the lab, the lights appear in a corridor, heading toward Romaine.

Act Four

Mira Romaine in pressure chamber

Zetarians being exorcised from Romaine in the pressure chamber

The lights swarm on Romaine and enter her body. Scott despairs that Romaine is lost, and McCoy believes there is no way to force the lights out without killing her. Romaine is determined to retain her identity, but begins speaking for the aliens, which Spock encourages.

The alien reports through Romaine that they are from Zetar, a planet where all humanoid life was destroyed. They are the will of the last hundred from Zetar, who have searched for a millennium "for one through whom we can see and speak and hear and live out our lives."

Kirk insists that Romaine's body "has its own life to lead." The aliens say they regret the killing they have done, but intend to survive. Scott insists to Kirk that Romaine cannot hurt him and carries her to the pressure chamber. The aliens attack Scott – as Romaine foresaw – but the attack is ultimately not fatal. Chamber pressure is increased, despite the risk of killing Romaine. The aliens are successfully driven out of her body. "Now, we have all the time in the world," Scott beams.

The Zetarians did not further attack the Enterprise. In sickbay, Kirk asks McCoy and Spock for estimates on the incident's long-term impact on her. Spock thinks the episode should strengthen her. Kirk orders a return to Memory Alpha to let Romaine begin her assignment. Kirk believes they may have an "Enterprise first," with Scott, McCoy, and Spock, for once, in complete agreement. Kirk laughs at this.

Log entries

Memorable quotes

"I didn't think Mister Scott would go for the brainy type."
"I don't think he's even noticed she has a brain."

- Chekov and Sulu, on Scott and Romaine


"With a bedside manner like that, Scotty, you're in the wrong business."

- Chapel, before leaving him and Romaine in sickbay


"Is the doctor there with you, or will I find him in engineering?"

- Kirk to Scott, on his dereliction of duty


"Doctor McCoy can no more cure it than he can a cold."

- Scott, convincing Romaine not to report her visions


"I'd rather die than hurt you. I'd rather die!"

- Romaine to Scott, on foretelling his death


"Somehow, I find transporting into the darkness unnerving."

- McCoy when the landing party beams down to a dark Memory Alpha


"Mira will not kill me."

- Scott, before placing Romaine in the chamber


"Reduce the pressure very, very gradually, Spock."
"We may tax Mister Scott's patience, doctor."

- McCoy and Spock, on ending Romaine's treatment


"Now we have all the time in the world."

- Scott to Kirk, on Romaine


"Humans do claim a great deal for that particular emotion."

- Spock to Kirk, on love as a factor in Romaine's recovery


"Mister Scott, how's Lieutenant Romaine?"
"Beautiful, captain."

- Kirk and Scott


"Well, this is an Enterprise first. Doctor McCoy, Mister Spock, and Engineer Scott find themselves in complete agreement. Can I stand the strain?"

- Kirk

Background information

Script and production

  • The co-writer of this episode was ventriloquist and puppeteer Shari Lewis of "Lamb Chop" fame. A fan of Star Trek, she co-wrote this episode with her husband Jeremy Tarcher. She also wanted to play Mira Romaine, but was not cast. [1]
  • When Lewis originally pitched the idea to producer Fred Freiberger, he turned it down, saying that they were already working on a similar concept. When Lewis came back with another story idea, Freiberger told her that he'd buy the first one, because the other similar project had been scrapped. [2]
  • Lewis wrote Scott's love affair into the episode because she thought "Captain Kirk is the one who always gets the girl". [3]
  • In a story outline dated 12 September 1968, Romaine was Scott's new engineering assistant and shared his fascination for machinery. Final draft script 28 October 1968, filmed early November.
  • The overhead zoom shot of the bridge in the teaser was not shot for this episode. It apparently was filmed for (but not used in) "The Galileo Seven". Bill Blackburn, rather than Walter Koenig, is at the navigator station in the shot. It is noticeable that he is wearing lieutenant stripes in the shot. The crew is also noticeably wearing the velour uniforms seen in season 1 and 2, not the nylon variety that replaced them in season 3.
  • There is extensive use of Alexander Courage's music from "Where No Man Has Gone Before" in this episode. Most notable is the piece used for the approach of the Zetarians which was scored for the "Where No Man…" scene when the Enterprise encounters the galactic barrier.
  • This is the only episode of The Original Series in which the four principal personnel of the Enterprise (Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Scott) beam down from the ship without any supporting crewmembers.

Sets and props

Continuity

  • This was John Winston's only appearance during Star Trek's final season. It is also the only episode in which he appears in addition to all eight regulars, including Christine Chapel.
  • Additionally, this is the final episode in which a Tellarite and an Andorian appears in TOS.
  • The Human-looking female Memory Alpha technician was originally scripted as being a member of a species known as the "Reidonians". [4]
  • All the scenes of Scott while Lt. Romaine is being treated in the chamber in the medical lab show him with a Sciences style chest insignia (with a stylized "globe," as Spock and Dr. McCoy would wear) as opposed to the usual "spiral" on his red duty uniform.

Reception

Remastered information

Memory Alpha emblem

Okuda's Memory Alpha emblem

"The Lights of Zetar" was the seventy-second episode of the remastered version of The Original Series to air. It premiered in syndication on the weekend of 7 June 2008 and aside from the standard CGI replacement footage of the Enterprise, this episode most notably featured new effects shots of the Zetarians and Memory Alpha, which included the appearance of the library complex, where none had appeared before.

According to Michael Okuda: "Based on the size and spacing of the windows, I'd estimate that each of the domes must be similar to the Superdome." Also, "if you look very closely at the far left dome, you might notice a small blue patch on the top of the dome. That's the Memory Alpha emblem." [5]

The next remastered episode to air was "The Way to Eden".

Apocrypha

  • The third book in Wallace Moore's "Balzan of the Cat People" pulp SF series, 1975's "The Lights of Zetar," was apparently an homage to this episode.
  • Star Trek Novel #42, Memory Prime by Gar and Judith Reeves-Stevens, continues the story of Romaine on Memory Prime, the successor to Memory Alpha. Other than her romance with Scott and a very brief mention of the Zetarians, no other story elements are carried over from the episode.
  • The short story "Ancient History" in the Strange New Worlds VI anthology portrayed Scott and Captain Morgan Bateson, both catapulted into the future by their respective mishaps, meeting and hashing out, physically and verbally, old rivalries, one of which was based on the fact that Mira Romaine married Bateson after her relationship with Scott had ended.

Production timeline

During the syndication run of Star Trek, no syndication cuts were made to this episode.

Video and DVD releases

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

And

Guest stars

Uncredited co-stars

References

"a shot across the bow"; ability; acceleration; accent; agreement; alien; analysis; Andorian; anti-grav test unit; area; assignment; attack; attack on Memory Alpha; attacker; atmosphere; autonomic nervous system; bedside manner; biographical material; blast; body; "Bones"; brain; brain hemorrhage; brain circuitry pattern (BCP); brain hemorrhage; brain wave; brain wave pattern; briefing room; business; calibration; career; case; central brain; chief engineer; channel: common cold; community; computer; computer analysis; conclusion; condition yellow; contact; cooperation; course; creature; cultural history; damage report; darkness; data; death; deck; deductive reasoning; deep space assignment; deflector shield; desire; disaster; discipline; dissolution; distortion; doctor; duty; ego; emergency; emergency manual monitor; emotion; empathy; enemy; energy; environment; error; estimated time of arrival (ETA); evasive action (aka evasive maneuvers or evasion tactics); event; experience; explanation; eye; fact; fainting; Federation; Federation members; feeling; fingerprint; file; formulation; forward scanner; French language; frequency; friend; general quarters; gravity; hail; hand; harm; heart; hope; Human; humanoid; hyperencephalogram; identity; impact; impulse tracking; information; impulse tracking; interference; intruder alert; investigation; investigative procedure; judge; landing party; language; library; library complex (aka computer complex); lifeform; life unit; light; logic; loneliness; long range scanner; love; magnification; main screen projection; Martian Colony 3; medical lab; medical record; Memory Alpha; memory core; Milky Way Galaxy; millennium; mind; minute; motivation; neural system; number; orbit; orbit range; order; paralysis; parent; pathology; patience; person; personality; personality factor; phaser; phaser tracking controls; phenomenon; physical contact; place of birth; planet; planetoid; power generator; precognition; pressure; pressure chamber (aka gravity chamber); price; prognosis; progamming; protective shield; psychological profile; psychosomatic illness; question; red alert; researcher; result; retirement; Romaine, Jacques; Romaine, Lydia; scholar; scientist; scientific knowledge; Scots language; search; Security Condition Three; sensor; slide; sound; space legs; space sickness; space travel; speaking; specialist; speech; speed; speed of light; "stand by"; starbase; starboard; Starfleet; Starfleet preliminary examinations; Starfleet records; Steinman analysis; storm; tape deck D (aka tape D); tape H; technician; teenage; telepathy; telepathic ability; Tellarite; terror; therapy; thought; threat; transporter control; transporter coordinates; transporter room; transporter signal; transporter suspension; treatment; trick; truth; unconscious; universal translator; velocity; victim; viewing range; vision; voice; voice analysis; voluntary nerve function; walking; warp engine; warp factor; will; word; year; Zetar; Zetar system; Zetarians

External links

Previous episode produced:
"The Mark of Gideon"
Star Trek: The Original Series
Season 3
Next episode produced:
"The Cloud Minders"
Previous episode aired:
"That Which Survives"
Next episode aired:
"Requiem for Methuselah"
Previous remastered episode aired:
"The Mark of Gideon"
TOS Remastered Next remastered episode aired:
"The Way to Eden"