Ep 20. Return to Tomorrow

In season 2 episode 20 of Star Trek, titled "Return to Tomorrow," the crew of the USS Enterprise encounters a group of ancient, disembodied beings seeking to take control of their bodies in order to experience physical existence once again. The episode begins with the Enterprise receiving a distress signal from an unexplored planet. Upon arrival, Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, and Dr. Ann Mulhall of the Daystrom Institute beam down to the source of the signal, where they discover a group of advanced beings who have been living on the planet in a disembodied state for over half a million years.

The beings explain that their bodies have long since disintegrated but their consciousness has survived and they have been searching for a means to experience physical existence once again. They propose to use Kirk, Spock, and Mulhall as hosts for their consciousness, allowing them to move, speak, and interact with the world once again. Though initially hesitant, the crew agrees to help, and the disembodied beings take over their bodies.

Kirk, Spock, and Mulhall each respond differently to their new occupants. Mulhall becomes increasingly protective of the being inside her, while Kirk and Spock remain composed and logical. As the crew works to help the beings construct android bodies to house their consciousness, they begin to experience a series of unexplainable phenomena, including telekinesis and the ability to communicate with one another through thought alone.

As the android bodies near completion, the crew learns that one of the beings, named Sargon, intends to keep the use of Kirk's body permanently and become captain of the Enterprise. When Kirk resists, Sargon threatens to destroy his own and Spock's bodies in retaliation. The crew is forced to find a solution that will allow the beings to experience physical existence while also ensuring the safety of the Enterprise and its crew.

Through a combination of quick thinking and bold action, the crew is able to outsmart Sargon and save the ship. In the end, the beings are able to experience physical existence once again, but only temporarily, as they recognize the danger their own immense power presents. As the Enterprise departs the planet, Kirk reflects on the experience, acknowledging that it was the "mind's ability to construct a physical world" that truly sets humanity apart.

"Return to Tomorrow" is a thought-provoking and intense episode that explores the potential implications of merging mind and body. It poses fascinating questions about the nature of existence and the limits of human consciousness, and offers a unique perspective on what it means to be alive. Though some viewers may find the plot confusing or heavy-handed, the strong character development and deft handling of complex themes make this episode a standout in the Star Trek canon.