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Kirk and Spock are forced to fight alongside such historical figures as Abraham Lincoln of Earth and Surak of Vulcan by aliens who want to understand the concepts of "good" and "evil."
 +
Kirk and Spock are forced to fight alongside such historical figures as Abraham Lincoln of Earth and Surak of Vulcan by rocklike aliens who want to understand the concepts of "good" and "evil."
   
 
==Summary==
  
==Summary==
 
===Teaser===
  
===Teaser===
−
The [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'']] is surprised to detect [[life sign]]s coming from an apparently lifeless, uninhabitable [[planet]]. During the ensuing investigation, an image of [[Abraham Lincoln]] appears on the [[viewscreen]].
 +
The [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'']] detects [[life sign]]s coming from a molten lava-covered and apparently uninhabitable [[planet]]. During the ensuing investigation, the ship undergoes a deep, swift scan from the surface of the planet. Then an image of [[Abraham Lincoln]] appears on the [[viewscreen]].
   
 
===Act One===
  
===Act One===
  +
"President Lincoln" asks to be [[Transporter|beamed]] aboard. [[Captain]] [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] orders dress uniforms and for the crew to take the guest at face value, with [[President]]ial honors, while his real nature is determined. [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]] locks the transporter on Lincoln but [[Spock]] says that their target a moment earlier appeared "''almost mineral, like living rock with heavy fore claws.''" The [[lifeform]] is beamed aboard.
−
Kirk orders dress uniform and President Lincoln is promptly beamed aboard. However, before Lincoln was beamed aboard, Scotty noticed that the lifeform that became Lincoln had claws.
  
   
 
===Act Two===
  
===Act Two===
 
[[File:Yarnek.jpg|thumb|[[Yarnek]], an Excalbian]]
  
[[File:Yarnek.jpg|thumb|[[Yarnek]], an Excalbian]]
  +
Lincoln makes a brief tour of the ship, impressing Kirk with his charm. A meeting with [[Lieutenant]] [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]] illustrates the progress from the era of [[slavery]] and Lincoln escapes from a gaffe with the same grace. He acknowledges gaps in his knowledge and memory (though it extends to [[Vulcan philosophy]]) but has no explanation. It then occurs to him that Kirk and Spock are to [[Transporter|beam]] down with him to an [[Earth]]-like region that suddenly appears on the [[sensor]]s.
⚫
:"''Captain's log, stardate 5906.4. Who or what has been beamed aboard our vessel? An alien who has changed himself into this form? An illusion? I cannot conceive it possible that Abraham Lincoln could have actually been reincarnated. And yet his kindness, his gentle wisdom, his humor, everything about him is so right.''"
  
   
−
Lincoln makes a brief tour of the ship, then invites [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] and [[Spock]] to [[Transporter|beam]] down to a thousand-[[kilometer]] [[Earth]]-like region that suddenly appears on the [[sensor]]s. Kirk seems all too ready to admire the "illusion," whereas [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]] and [[Montgomery Scott|Scotty]] insist that the whole affair is a setup to lure Kirk and Spock to their deaths on the planet's deadly surface. Kirk and Spock accept the invitation, and discover themselves locked in a mortal combat of good versus evil, with the good represented by themselves, Lincoln, and [[Surak]] (the legendary [[Vulcan]] philosophical leader), and evil represented by four archetypes, including [[Kahless the Unforgettable|Kahless]], founder of the [[Klingon Empire]]; [[Zora]] of [[Tiburon]]; ancient human conqueror [[Genghis Khan]], and the charismatic but thoroughly despicable [[21st century]] tyrant [[Phillip Green|Colonel Green]]. The planet's denizens reveal themselves to be a race of [[Excalbian|rock-like beings]], who often stage such combats to learn more about [[alien]] [[philosophy|philosophies]].
 +
Kirk calls a meeting in the [[briefing room]] to consider the situation. [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]] warns Kirk of the risks on discipline of Kirk being seen admiring an impostor. McCoy and Scott insist that the whole affair is a [[trap]] to lure Kirk and Spock to their deaths on the planet's deadly surface of [[lava]] but Spock has no doubt that the aliens could destroy the entire ship more easily if that were their goal. Kirk declares that they have been offered contact with a new race—the reason for their mission—and that he will accept it. He declines to order Spock along, but Spock volunteers, as he was also invited. Kirk, Lincoln and Spock are beamed down, but the phasers are left strangely behind.
  +
  +
The surface resembles a canyon on Earth. [[Yarnek]], one of the planet's rocklike inhabitants, called [[Excalbian]]s, say they stage "plays" to learn more about [[alien]] [[philosophy|philosophies]]. The current contest, their first experiment with [[Human]]s, is to compare good and evil—"good" being represented by the two ''Enterprise'' officers, Lincoln and [[Surak]] (the legendary [[Vulcan]] philosophical leader), and "evil" represented by four archetypes: [[Kahless the Unforgettable|Kahless]] (founder of the [[Klingon Empire]]), [[Zora]] of [[Tiburon]], ancient human conqueror [[Genghis Khan]] and the charismatic but duplicitous [[21st century]] genocidal military officer [[Phillip Green|Colonel Green]]. Kirk protests the manner of the invitation, to which Yarnek responds by enabling the ''Enterprise'' crew to watch the contest.
   
 
===Act Three===
  
===Act Three===
  +
Green appeals to Kirk with the [[logic]] that all eight were tricked, and that they should join forces to defeat the real enemy, the Excalbians. But the truce is insincere and Green's associates ambush during the parley. "Good" repulses "evil," which retreats.
−
After an insincere truce, the "evil" ones attack Kirk and Spock. After a minor fight, the "evil" ones are repulsed. It is at this point that Kirk refuses to participate any further with the experiment. Since Kirk refuses to fight, the aliens raise the stakes by damaging the ''Enterprise''{{'}}s [[matter]]/[[antimatter]] equipment, which will cause the ship to "blow to bits" in four [[hour]]s – unless the "good" side manages to defeat their opponents.
 
⚫
:"''Supplemental log, stardate 5906.5. Engineer Scott reporting. The ''Enterprise'' is doomed to explode in two hours if Captain Kirk is defeated by the enemy on the surface of the planet. The enormous power of the ''Enterprise'' has been neutralized and we sit here watching, unable to assist.''"
  
   
  +
Kirk refuses to participate further, and the Excalbians re-enable communication with the ''Enterprise'' for just long enough to reveal that its [[matter]]/[[antimatter]] seal is failing, which will cause the ship to "''blow to bits''" in four [[hour]]s. Yarnek says this can only be avoided by victory in the combat.
−
Meanwhile, on the surface of Excalbia, Colonel Green wants to strike a deal with Kirk. He claims he wants the same thing that Kirk wants (to get off the planet), and that he has no quarrel with Kirk. While they are talking, Khan, Zora, and Kahless ambush Kirk's team. A fight ensues, and both groups retreat to find higher ground. Surak goes to make peace with the other group and is captured. His cries for aid are then heard from the other camp.
  
   
  +
Kirk selects high ground for a defensible base, though noting there is no time for a defensive war. Surak says he is no warrior, but proposes to become an [[ambassador|emissary]], the option that resolved the final war on [[Vulcan]]. Kirk protests that Vulcan logic will not sway the treacherous enemy on Excalbia, but Surak says that their belief in peace may be what the Excalbians are testing. Ultimately, Kirk says he cannot command Surak, who leaves for the enemy camp. He is captured and his cries and screams for help are heard.
   
 
===Act Four===
  
===Act Four===
  +
[[File:Excalbia.jpg|thumb|The ''Enterprise'' leaving orbit of Excalbia]]
−
Kirk feels they should go and help him, saying that "he's in agony." Spock insists that he should have known what would happen to him when he left, and that a Vulcan "would not cry out so." Lincoln proposes that they should do what the other "side" wants them to do, "but not the way they want." Lincoln crawls over to where Surak is being held, only to find him dead, or unconscious. Kahless reveals that he has been imitating Surak's voice, and now imitates Lincoln's. Meanwhile, Kirk voices to Spock his worry over Lincoln taking so long. Then, Lincoln comes walking over to Kirk, holding his hands behind his back. He tells Kirk to stay back, then topples over with a four-foot long spear embedded in his back. Kirk and Spock notice the "evil side" approaching their emplacement. A battle follows, and the "good side" is the winner. Yarnek emerges again, telling Kirk and Spock that, "it seems that evil runs off when forcibly confronted." But, he also adds that he sees no difference between good and evil. Kirk points out the difference in motivation that Yarnek had to employ to force each side to confront each other – saving oneself, vs saving others one cared for. Kirk and Spock return to the ''Enterprise'', its [[matter]]/[[antimatter]] equipment repaired. Kirk and Spock reflect on the "Lincoln" and "Surak" they had met, and Kirk remarks that there is still much work to be done for the values they represented.
  
  +
Kirk says they should rescue Surak: "''He's in agony.''" Spock says that Surak knew his risks and that a Vulcan "''would not cry out so.''" Lincoln proposes that they should do what the other side wants – "''Not the way they want it, however.''" He proposes a clumsy frontal attack with a stealth rescue from behind. Lincoln crawls to effect the rescue, only to find Surak dead. Kahless was imitating Surak's voice, and now starts to imitate Lincoln's. At great length, Lincoln walks back to Kirk's base. But he warns Kirk to stay back, then topples over with a spear in his back.
  +
  +
Though it is now four-on-two, "good" wins the battle after Kirk breaks Green's [[neck]] and the others run off. Yarnek reappears and says that, "''it would seem that evil runs off when forcibly confronted.''" But he sees no difference between good and evil. Kirk points out that "evil" fought for personal gain, while "good" fought when it became necessary to save others. He asks Yarnek by what right the Excalbians compelled the humans to participate. Yarnek replies, "''The same right that brought you here: the need to know new things.''"
  +
  +
Back aboard the ''Enterprise,'' Scott and [[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]] report that the damage to the ship is reversing, for which they have no explanation. Kirk and Spock reflect on how real "Lincoln" and "Surak" seemed. Spock says it could not be otherwise, since the replicas were created "''out of our own thoughts.''" Kirk feels he understands the effort on Earth to achieve final peace – and the work left to be done in [[Milky Way Galaxy|the galaxy]].
  +
  +
==Log entries==
  ⚫
*"''Captain's log, stardate 5906.4. Who or what has been beamed aboard our vessel? An alien who has changed himself into this form? An illusion? I cannot conceive it possible that Abraham Lincoln could have actually been reincarnated. And yet his kindness, his gentle wisdom, his humor, everything about him is so right.''"
  +
  +
  ⚫
*"''Supplemental log, stardate 5906.5. Engineer Scott reporting. The ''Enterprise'' is doomed to explode in two hours if Captain Kirk is defeated by the enemy on the surface of the planet. The enormous power of the ''Enterprise'' has been neutralized and we sit here watching, unable to assist.''"
   
 
==Memorable Quotes==
  
==Memorable Quotes==
Line 68: Line 81:
   
   
−
"''What a charming Negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know that in my time some used that term as a description of property.''"<br />
 +
"''What a charming negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know that in my time some used that term as a description of property.''"<br />
 
"''But why should I object to that term, sir? You see, in our century we've learned not to fear words.''"
  
"''But why should I object to that term, sir? You see, in our century we've learned not to fear words.''"
 
: - '''"Lincoln"''' and '''Uhura'''
  
: - '''"Lincoln"''' and '''Uhura'''
Line 80: Line 93:
 
"''You're the science officer. Why aren't you -- well, doin' whatever a science officer does at a time like this?''"
  
"''You're the science officer. Why aren't you -- well, doin' whatever a science officer does at a time like this?''"
 
: - '''McCoy''', to Spock
  
: - '''McCoy''', to Spock
  +
  +
  +
"''Despite the seeming contradictions, all is as it appears to be. I ''am'' Abraham Lincoln!''"<br />
  +
"''Just as I am whom I appear to be.''"<br />
  +
"''Surak.''"
  +
: - '''"Lincoln"''' is confronted by Kirk on his true identity only to be joined by '''"Surak"''', surprising '''Spock'''
   
   
Line 98: Line 117:
 
"''Men of peace usually are, Captain.''"
  
"''Men of peace usually are, Captain.''"
 
: - '''Kirk''' and '''Spock''', before "Surak" is killed
 
: - '''Kirk''' and '''Spock''', before "Surak" is killed
−  
−  
−
"''Help me, Spock!''"
  
−
: - '''"Kahless"''', mimicking the voice of '''"Surak"'''
 
   
   
 
"''There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war except its ending.''"
  
"''There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war except its ending.''"
 
: - '''"Lincoln"''', to Kirk and Spock
 
: - '''"Lincoln"''', to Kirk and Spock
−  
−  
−
"''It would seem that evil retreats when forcibly confronted.''"
  
−
: - '''Yarnek''', to Kirk
 
   
   
Line 119: Line 130:
   
 
==Background information==
  
==Background information==
−
===Story and production===
 +
===Casting===
  +
*The first choice for the role of Lincoln was none other than [[Mark Lenard]], but prior commitments prohibited him from taking the part. As Lenard explained it, ''“I was doing a series at the time called ''Here Come the Brides'' in which I played Aaron Stemple, the resident bad guy/rich man. The Lincoln segment came up about Christmas time when we had a slight hiatus, and I thought I could work it in. I had already played two roles on Star Trek and they were well received. But it turned out we just couldn’t work it in. I think we went back to work on the other series too soon, and instead of having the six or seven days I would have needed to do the role, I only had three or four days.”'' [http://sarekandamanda.deviantart.com/journal/Mark-Lenard-Star-Trek-amp-x2019-s-Other-Alien-219516537]
−
* Colonel Green argues with Surak that while the latter is there "talking peace" the others ("the good guys") are preparing to attack. This may be a paraphrase of a well-known Latin proverb ''{{w|Si vis pacem, para bellum}}'': "if you wish for peace, prepare for war."
  
   
 
===Continuity===
  
===Continuity===
−
* This episode includes two further contributions to the ambiguous time period that the series is set in, establishing that "Lincoln died [[19th century|three centuries ago]]," indicating a mid-[[22nd century]] time period, while at the same time establishing, more accurately, that the [[21st century]] was "centuries ago."
+
* This episode includes two further contributions to the ambiguous time period that the series is set in, establishing that "Lincoln died [[19th century|three centuries ago]]," indicating a mid-[[22nd century]] time period, while at the same time establishing, more ambiguously, that the [[21st century]] was "centuries ago."
 
* This episode marks the second time TOS encounters a [[silicon]]-based [[lifeform]]. The first time is in {{e|The Devil in the Dark}}. [[Janos Prohaska]] played both lifeforms, with [[Bart LaRue]] supplying the Excalbian's voice.
  
* This episode marks the second time TOS encounters a [[silicon]]-based [[lifeform]]. The first time is in {{e|The Devil in the Dark}}. [[Janos Prohaska]] played both lifeforms, with [[Bart LaRue]] supplying the Excalbian's voice.
 
* Yarnek is never named in dialog. Even in the closed captioning, he's merely identified as "Excalbian."
  
* Yarnek is never named in dialog. Even in the closed captioning, he's merely identified as "Excalbian."
−
* This episode introduces several notable figures in the ''Star Trek'' universe, including the Human despot [[Phillip Green|Colonel Green]]; the founder of the [[Klingon Empire]], [[Kahless the Unforgettable]]; and the father of modern [[Vulcan]] civilization, [[Surak]], all of whom were characters who would be revisited in later series.
+
* This episode introduces several notable figures in the ''Star Trek'' universe, including the Human despot [[Phillip Green|Colonel Green]], later mentioned in {{ENT|Demons}}; the founder of the [[Klingon Empire]], [[Kahless the Unforgettable]], subsequently mentioned in all four live-action spin-off series and whose clone would later appear in {{TNG|Rightful Heir}}; and the father of modern [[Vulcan]] civilization, [[Surak]], also mentioned in subsequent series and {{ENT|Awakening}}.
 
* The appearances of Kahless and Surak mark the final respective appearances of a Klingon and (full) Vulcan in ''The Original Series''.
  
* The appearances of Kahless and Surak mark the final respective appearances of a Klingon and (full) Vulcan in ''The Original Series''.
−
* This episode marks the final appearance of [[dress uniforms]] in the original series. [[Dickerson]]'s top may have been previously used by the court recorder in [[Court-Martial]].
+
* This episode marks the final appearance of [[dress uniform]]s in the original series.
  +
* Dickerson's dress uniform may have been previously worn by the court reporter in {{e|Court Martial}}.
 
* Uniquely, the security guards wear weapons belts constructed of white Velcro.
  
* Uniquely, the security guards wear weapons belts constructed of white Velcro.
−
* This episode also marks the final appearance of [[Nichelle Nichols]] ([[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]]) in the series.
 +
* This is the final episode of the series to feature the entire ensemble cast of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov. As a result, this episode also marks the final appearance of [[Nichelle Nichols]] (Uhura) in the series.
−
* This episode marks only the third time that Sulu is seen in the Captain's chair while temporarily in command; it happened before in {{e|Errand of Mercy}} and {{e|Spock's Brain}}.
+
* In this episode Sulu remains in command while his senior officers are present on the bridge; he remains in the command chair while Kirk and Spock give Lincoln a tour of the bridge.
 
* This is the second and final mention in a TOS episode that it may be possible to separate the [[nacelle]]s from the ship, in this case by specifically jettisoning them.
  
* This is the second and final mention in a TOS episode that it may be possible to separate the [[nacelle]]s from the ship, in this case by specifically jettisoning them.
 
* Kahless is seen here in the Klingon style typical of TOS. It would seem to contradict the explanation given in {{ENT|Divergence}} for the change in physical appearance of the Klingons, since Kahless lived long before those events. However, since the image of Kahless was drawn from Kirk's and Spock's minds, not from "fact", this is not necessarily a contradiction.
  
* Kahless is seen here in the Klingon style typical of TOS. It would seem to contradict the explanation given in {{ENT|Divergence}} for the change in physical appearance of the Klingons, since Kahless lived long before those events. However, since the image of Kahless was drawn from Kirk's and Spock's minds, not from "fact", this is not necessarily a contradiction.
   
−
===Response===
 +
===Reception===
−
* As with the [[Journey to Babel (episode)#Response|fan mail phenomenon]] that occurred after the broadcast of {{e|Journey to Babel}}, the airing of "The Savage Curtain" resulted in another flood of mail in response to the introduction of Surak. The fans were intrigued by Surak, and demanded to see more of him. (''[[The World of Star Trek]]'')
 +
* As with the [[Journey to Babel (episode)#Reception|fan mail phenomenon]] that occurred after the broadcast of {{e|Journey to Babel}}, the airing of "The Savage Curtain" resulted in another flood of mail in response to the introduction of Surak. The fans were intrigued by Surak, and demanded to see more of him. (''[[The World of Star Trek]]'') Surak, however would not appear on-screen again until {{e|Awakening}}, over thirty-five years later, (though he was referenced in numerous episodes and films in the intervening years).
 
* In 2005, the episode was mentioned in a ''Time'' Magazine article, "The True Lincoln", [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1077281-1,00.html] (the centerpiece of a "special issue" largely devoted to him), contrasting the lionized, iconic Lincoln seen in the episode, common in the 1960s, with the more flawed, "Human" portrayals often found today.
  
* In 2005, the episode was mentioned in a ''Time'' Magazine article, "The True Lincoln", [http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1077281-1,00.html] (the centerpiece of a "special issue" largely devoted to him), contrasting the lionized, iconic Lincoln seen in the episode, common in the 1960s, with the more flawed, "Human" portrayals often found today.
  +
* In 2014, the episode again made its way into the news, after supermodel Bar Refaeli, on her Twitter account, repeated the "no honorable way to kill" line as an authentic Lincoln quote.[http://www.breitbart.com/Big-Hollywood/2014/07/17/bar-refaeli-abe-gaffe-twitter]
   
 
===Remastered information===
  
===Remastered information===
Line 162: Line 175:
 
* Teleplay by [[Gene Roddenberry]] and [[Arthur Heinemann]], {{d|27|November|1968}}.
  
* Teleplay by [[Gene Roddenberry]] and [[Arthur Heinemann]], {{d|27|November|1968}}.
 
* Final draft script, {{d|6|December|1968}}
  
* Final draft script, {{d|6|December|1968}}
−
* Filmed, {{d|12|December|1968}} &ndash; {{d|19|December|1968}}
 +
* Filmed, {{d|11|December|1968}} &ndash; {{d|19|December|1968}}
 
* Original airdate, {{d|7|March|1969}}
  
* Original airdate, {{d|7|March|1969}}
 
* Rerun airdate, {{d|1|July|1969}}
  
* Rerun airdate, {{d|1|July|1969}}
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* 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.
−
{{watch online|cid=649548575|pid=Uov29DwwNKBcz4UCQsiSfSpVCu5IBx9_}}
  
   
 
==Links and References==
  
==Links and References==
Line 204: Line 216:
 
* [[Bart LaRue]] as voice of Yarnek
  
* [[Bart LaRue]] as voice of Yarnek
 
* [[Janos Prohaska]] as [[Yarnek]]
  
* [[Janos Prohaska]] as [[Yarnek]]
  +
  +
===Stunt doubles===
  +
* [[Unknown stunt performer]] as stunt double for [[William Shatner]]
  +
* [[Unknown stunt performer]] as stunt double for [[Leonard Nimoy]]
  +
* [[Unknown stunt performer]] as stunt double for [[Lee Bergere]]
  +
* [[Unknown stunt performer]] as stunt double for [[Barry Atwater]]
   
 
===References===
  
===References===
−
[[19th century]]; [[21st century]]; [[American Civil War]]; [[antimatter]]; [[Arcturian dog bird]] ([[Arcturian]]); [[balloon]]; [[boomerang]]; [[boatswain's whistle]]; [[carbon cycle lifeform]]; [[class M]]; [[commander in chief]]; [[Starfleet dress uniform|dress uniform, Starfleet]]; [[Earth]]; [[emergency battery power]]; [[evil]]; [[Excalbia]]; [[Excalbian]]s; [[galley]]; [[General]]; [[good]]; [[Ulysses S. Grant|Grant, Ulysses S.]]; [[haggis]]; [[honor detachment]]; [[Human]]; [[insubordination]]; [[Klingon]]; [[lava]]; [[Louis of France|Louis of]] [[France]]; [[matter]]; [[mile]]; [[mineral]]; [[minute]]; [[Mr. President]]; [[musician]]; [[nacelle]]; [[Negress]]; [[nitrogen]]; [[Nome]]; [[oxygen]]; [[power]]; [[presidential honor]]; [[restart cycle]]; [[Robert the Bruce]]; [[rock]]; [[Roman]]; [[Rome]]; [[slavery]]; [[sling]]; [[spear]]; [[Starfleet Command]]; [[surgeon]]; [[tape]]; [[telegraph]]; [[Tiburon]]; [[Time of Awakening]]; [[transporter]]; [[Union Army]]; [[United States of America]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan language]]; [[Vulcan philosophy]]; [[whiskey]]; [[woodsman]]; [[World War III]]
 +
[[19th century]]; [[21st century]]; [[American Civil War]]; [[antimatter]]; [[Arcturian dog bird]] ([[Arcturian]]); [[balloon]]; [[battery]]; "[[Bones]]"; [[boomerang]]; [[boatswain's whistle]]; [[carbon cycle lifeform]]; [[class M]]; [[commander in chief]]; [[Starfleet dress uniform|dress uniform, Starfleet]]; [[Earth]]; [[emergency battery power]]; [[evil]]; [[Excalbia]]; [[Excalbian]]s; [[galley]]; [[General]]; [[good]]; [[Ulysses S. Grant|Grant, Ulysses S.]]; [[haggis]]; [[honor detachment]]; [[Human]]; [[insubordination]]; [[kilometer]]; [[Klingon]]; [[lava]]; [[Louis of France|Louis of]] [[France]]; [[logic]]; [[matter]]; [[mile]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[mineral]]; [[minute]]; [[Mr. President]]; [[musician]]; [[nacelle]]; [[Negress]]; [[nitrogen]]; [[Nome]]; [[oxygen]]; [[pocket watch]]; [[power]]; [[presidential honor]]; [[red alert]]; [[restart cycle]]; [[Robert the Bruce]]; [[rock]]; [[Roman]]; [[Rome]]; [[slavery]]; [[sling]]; [[spear]]; [[Starfleet Command]]; [[surgeon]]; [[tape]]; [[telegraph]]; [[Tiburon]]; [[Time of Awakening]]; [[transporter]]; [[Union Army]]; [[United States of America]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[Vulcan (planet)]]; [[Vulcan language]]; [[Vulcan philosophy]]; [[whiskey]]; [[woodsman]]; [[World War III]]
   
−
===External link===
 +
=== External links ===
 
* {{NCwiki|The Savage Curtain}}
  
* {{NCwiki|The Savage Curtain}}
  +
* {{ml|077-the-savage-curtain|"The Savage Curtain"|external}}
   
 
{{TOS nav|season=3|last={{e|Requiem for Methuselah}}|next={{e|All Our Yesterdays}}|lastair={{e|The Cloud Minders}}|nextair={{e|All Our Yesterdays}}|lastair_remastered={{e|Requiem for Methuselah}}|nextair_remastered={{e|The Cloud Minders}}}}
  
{{TOS nav|season=3|last={{e|Requiem for Methuselah}}|next={{e|All Our Yesterdays}}|lastair={{e|The Cloud Minders}}|nextair={{e|All Our Yesterdays}}|lastair_remastered={{e|Requiem for Methuselah}}|nextair_remastered={{e|The Cloud Minders}}}}
−  
   
 
[[Category:TOS episodes|Savage Curtain, The]]
  
[[Category:TOS episodes|Savage Curtain, The]]
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[[de:Seit es Menschen gibt]]
  
[[de:Seit es Menschen gibt]]
 
[[es:The Savage Curtain]]
  
[[es:The Savage Curtain]]
−
[[fr:The Savage Curtain]]
 +
[[fr:The Savage Curtain (épisode)]]
−
[[ja:TOS:未確認惑星の岩石人間]]
 +
[[ja:未確認惑星の岩石人間（エピソード）]]
 
[[nl:The Savage Curtain]]
  
[[nl:The Savage Curtain]]
 
[[pl:The Savage Curtain]]
  
[[pl:The Savage Curtain]]

Revision as of 15:51, 12 December 2014

Template:Realworld

Kirk and Spock are forced to fight alongside such historical figures as Abraham Lincoln of Earth and Surak of Vulcan by rocklike aliens who want to understand the concepts of "good" and "evil."

Summary

Teaser

The Enterprise detects life signs coming from a molten lava-covered and apparently uninhabitable planet. During the ensuing investigation, the ship undergoes a deep, swift scan from the surface of the planet. Then an image of Abraham Lincoln appears on the viewscreen.

Act One

"President Lincoln" asks to be beamed aboard. Captain Kirk orders dress uniforms and for the crew to take the guest at face value, with Presidential honors, while his real nature is determined. Scott locks the transporter on Lincoln but Spock says that their target a moment earlier appeared "almost mineral, like living rock with heavy fore claws." The lifeform is beamed aboard.

Act Two

Yarnek

Yarnek, an Excalbian

Lincoln makes a brief tour of the ship, impressing Kirk with his charm. A meeting with Lieutenant Uhura illustrates the progress from the era of slavery and Lincoln escapes from a gaffe with the same grace. He acknowledges gaps in his knowledge and memory (though it extends to Vulcan philosophy) but has no explanation. It then occurs to him that Kirk and Spock are to beam down with him to an Earth-like region that suddenly appears on the sensors.

Kirk calls a meeting in the briefing room to consider the situation. McCoy warns Kirk of the risks on discipline of Kirk being seen admiring an impostor. McCoy and Scott insist that the whole affair is a trap to lure Kirk and Spock to their deaths on the planet's deadly surface of lava but Spock has no doubt that the aliens could destroy the entire ship more easily if that were their goal. Kirk declares that they have been offered contact with a new race—the reason for their mission—and that he will accept it. He declines to order Spock along, but Spock volunteers, as he was also invited. Kirk, Lincoln and Spock are beamed down, but the phasers are left strangely behind.

The surface resembles a canyon on Earth. Yarnek, one of the planet's rocklike inhabitants, called Excalbians, say they stage "plays" to learn more about alien philosophies. The current contest, their first experiment with Humans, is to compare good and evil—"good" being represented by the two Enterprise officers, Lincoln and Surak (the legendary Vulcan philosophical leader), and "evil" represented by four archetypes: Kahless (founder of the Klingon Empire), Zora of Tiburon, ancient human conqueror Genghis Khan and the charismatic but duplicitous 21st century genocidal military officer Colonel Green. Kirk protests the manner of the invitation, to which Yarnek responds by enabling the Enterprise crew to watch the contest.

Act Three

Green appeals to Kirk with the logic that all eight were tricked, and that they should join forces to defeat the real enemy, the Excalbians. But the truce is insincere and Green's associates ambush during the parley. "Good" repulses "evil," which retreats.

Kirk refuses to participate further, and the Excalbians re-enable communication with the Enterprise for just long enough to reveal that its matter/antimatter seal is failing, which will cause the ship to "blow to bits" in four hours. Yarnek says this can only be avoided by victory in the combat.

Kirk selects high ground for a defensible base, though noting there is no time for a defensive war. Surak says he is no warrior, but proposes to become an emissary, the option that resolved the final war on Vulcan. Kirk protests that Vulcan logic will not sway the treacherous enemy on Excalbia, but Surak says that their belief in peace may be what the Excalbians are testing. Ultimately, Kirk says he cannot command Surak, who leaves for the enemy camp. He is captured and his cries and screams for help are heard.

Act Four

Excalbia

The Enterprise leaving orbit of Excalbia

Kirk says they should rescue Surak: "He's in agony." Spock says that Surak knew his risks and that a Vulcan "would not cry out so." Lincoln proposes that they should do what the other side wants – "Not the way they want it, however." He proposes a clumsy frontal attack with a stealth rescue from behind. Lincoln crawls to effect the rescue, only to find Surak dead. Kahless was imitating Surak's voice, and now starts to imitate Lincoln's. At great length, Lincoln walks back to Kirk's base. But he warns Kirk to stay back, then topples over with a spear in his back.

Though it is now four-on-two, "good" wins the battle after Kirk breaks Green's neck and the others run off. Yarnek reappears and says that, "it would seem that evil runs off when forcibly confronted." But he sees no difference between good and evil. Kirk points out that "evil" fought for personal gain, while "good" fought when it became necessary to save others. He asks Yarnek by what right the Excalbians compelled the humans to participate. Yarnek replies, "The same right that brought you here: the need to know new things."

Back aboard the Enterprise, Scott and Chekov report that the damage to the ship is reversing, for which they have no explanation. Kirk and Spock reflect on how real "Lincoln" and "Surak" seemed. Spock says it could not be otherwise, since the replicas were created "out of our own thoughts." Kirk feels he understands the effort on Earth to achieve final peace – and the work left to be done in the galaxy.

Log entries

  • "Captain's log, stardate 5906.4. Who or what has been beamed aboard our vessel? An alien who has changed himself into this form? An illusion? I cannot conceive it possible that Abraham Lincoln could have actually been reincarnated. And yet his kindness, his gentle wisdom, his humor, everything about him is so right."


  • "Supplemental log, stardate 5906.5. Engineer Scott reporting. The Enterprise is doomed to explode in two hours if Captain Kirk is defeated by the enemy on the surface of the planet. The enormous power of the Enterprise has been neutralized and we sit here watching, unable to assist."

Memorable Quotes

"President Lincoln, indeed! No doubt to be followed by Louis of France and Robert the Bruce!"

- Scott, as Kirk and Spock enter the transporter room


"What a charming negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know that in my time some used that term as a description of property."
"But why should I object to that term, sir? You see, in our century we've learned not to fear words."

- "Lincoln" and Uhura


"Jim, I would be the last to advise you on your command image..."
"I doubt that, Bones, but continue."

- McCoy and Kirk, in the briefing room


"You're the science officer. Why aren't you -- well, doin' whatever a science officer does at a time like this?"

- McCoy, to Spock


"Despite the seeming contradictions, all is as it appears to be. I am Abraham Lincoln!"
"Just as I am whom I appear to be."
"Surak."

- "Lincoln" is confronted by Kirk on his true identity only to be joined by "Surak", surprising Spock


"May we together become greater than the sum of both of us."

- "Surak", to Kirk


"You're somewhat different than the way history paints you, Colonel Green."
"History tends to exaggerate."

- Kirk and "Green"


"The face of war has never changed."

- "Surak", to Kirk


"Your Surak is a brave man."
"Men of peace usually are, Captain."

- Kirk and Spock, before "Surak" is killed


"There's no honorable way to kill, no gentle way to destroy. There is nothing good in war except its ending."

- "Lincoln", to Kirk and Spock


"What gives you the right to hand out life and death?"
"The same right that brought you here: the need to know new things."
"We came in peace."
"And you may go in peace."

- Kirk and Yarnek, before Kirk and Spock depart

Background information

Casting

  • The first choice for the role of Lincoln was none other than Mark Lenard, but prior commitments prohibited him from taking the part. As Lenard explained it, “I was doing a series at the time called Here Come the Brides in which I played Aaron Stemple, the resident bad guy/rich man. The Lincoln segment came up about Christmas time when we had a slight hiatus, and I thought I could work it in. I had already played two roles on Star Trek and they were well received. But it turned out we just couldn’t work it in. I think we went back to work on the other series too soon, and instead of having the six or seven days I would have needed to do the role, I only had three or four days.” [1]

Continuity

  • This episode includes two further contributions to the ambiguous time period that the series is set in, establishing that "Lincoln died three centuries ago," indicating a mid-22nd century time period, while at the same time establishing, more ambiguously, that the 21st century was "centuries ago."
  • This episode marks the second time TOS encounters a silicon-based lifeform. The first time is in "The Devil in the Dark". Janos Prohaska played both lifeforms, with Bart LaRue supplying the Excalbian's voice.
  • Yarnek is never named in dialog. Even in the closed captioning, he's merely identified as "Excalbian."
  • This episode introduces several notable figures in the Star Trek universe, including the Human despot Colonel Green, later mentioned in ENT: "Demons"; the founder of the Klingon Empire, Kahless the Unforgettable, subsequently mentioned in all four live-action spin-off series and whose clone would later appear in TNG: "Rightful Heir"; and the father of modern Vulcan civilization, Surak, also mentioned in subsequent series and ENT: "Awakening".
  • The appearances of Kahless and Surak mark the final respective appearances of a Klingon and (full) Vulcan in The Original Series.
  • This episode marks the final appearance of dress uniforms in the original series.
  • Dickerson's dress uniform may have been previously worn by the court reporter in "Court Martial".
  • Uniquely, the security guards wear weapons belts constructed of white Velcro.
  • This is the final episode of the series to feature the entire ensemble cast of Kirk, Spock, McCoy, Scotty, Uhura, Sulu and Chekov. As a result, this episode also marks the final appearance of Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) in the series.
  • In this episode Sulu remains in command while his senior officers are present on the bridge; he remains in the command chair while Kirk and Spock give Lincoln a tour of the bridge.
  • This is the second and final mention in a TOS episode that it may be possible to separate the nacelles from the ship, in this case by specifically jettisoning them.
  • Kahless is seen here in the Klingon style typical of TOS. It would seem to contradict the explanation given in ENT: "Divergence" for the change in physical appearance of the Klingons, since Kahless lived long before those events. However, since the image of Kahless was drawn from Kirk's and Spock's minds, not from "fact", this is not necessarily a contradiction.

Reception

  • As with the fan mail phenomenon that occurred after the broadcast of "Journey to Babel", the airing of "The Savage Curtain" resulted in another flood of mail in response to the introduction of Surak. The fans were intrigued by Surak, and demanded to see more of him. (The World of Star Trek) Surak, however would not appear on-screen again until "Awakening", over thirty-five years later, (though he was referenced in numerous episodes and films in the intervening years).
  • In 2005, the episode was mentioned in a Time Magazine article, "The True Lincoln", [2] (the centerpiece of a "special issue" largely devoted to him), contrasting the lionized, iconic Lincoln seen in the episode, common in the 1960s, with the more flawed, "Human" portrayals often found today.
  • In 2014, the episode again made its way into the news, after supermodel Bar Refaeli, on her Twitter account, repeated the "no honorable way to kill" line as an authentic Lincoln quote.[3]

Remastered information

The episode was remastered in 2008 featuring new shots of Excalbia.

Production Timeline

Video and DVD releases

This volume is a three-episode tape to close out the series.

Links and References

Starring

Also Starring

And:

Guest Star

Co-Starring

Uncredited Co-Stars

Stunt doubles

References

19th century; 21st century; American Civil War; antimatter; Arcturian dog bird (Arcturian); balloon; battery; "Bones"; boomerang; boatswain's whistle; carbon cycle lifeform; class M; commander in chief; dress uniform, Starfleet; Earth; emergency battery power; evil; Excalbia; Excalbians; galley; General; good; Grant, Ulysses S.; haggis; honor detachment; Human; insubordination; kilometer; Klingon; lava; Louis of France; logic; matter; mile; Milky Way Galaxy; mineral; minute; Mr. President; musician; nacelle; Negress; nitrogen; Nome; oxygen; pocket watch; power; presidential honor; red alert; restart cycle; Robert the Bruce; rock; Roman; Rome; slavery; sling; spear; Starfleet Command; surgeon; tape; telegraph; Tiburon; Time of Awakening; transporter; Union Army; United States of America; Vulcan; Vulcan (planet); Vulcan language; Vulcan philosophy; whiskey; woodsman; World War III

External links

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