Ep 22. By Any Other Name

In the second season of the beloved science-fiction series, Star Trek, episode 22 is titled "By Any Other Name". The episode features the crew of the USS Enterprise encountering an alien race, the Kelvans, who have traveled across the universe in search of a new home after their own galaxy was destroyed. The Kelvans are incredibly advanced, possessing technology that far surpasses what the Enterprise crew has ever seen. The Kelvans are shown as cold and analytical, with no use for emotion or compassion.

The episode begins with the Enterprise approaching an uncharted planet. While investigating the planet, the crew discovers an ancient alien city which appears to have been recently inhabited. The team discovers strange, humanoid creatures who ambush them immediately. The creatures turn out to be the Kelvans. They incapacitate the Enterprise crew and force them to reveal all of their secrets.

The Kelvans reveal that their own galaxy was destroyed and that they are in search of a new home. The crew of the Enterprise becomes suspicious of the Kelvans' true intentions, especially after they install a device on the ship which neutralizes all of its weapons and defenses. The Kelvans insist that they only want to peacefully coexist with the Enterprise crew, but the crew is wary.

The Kelvans are using their advanced technology to transform the crew into a liquid form of themselves that can be stored inside small gems. The gem is then worn around the neck of the Kelvans. The crew is horrified by this transformation, but under the threat of further punishment, they are forced to comply.

Captain Kirk and his crew, including Mr. Spock and Dr. McCoy, must devise a plan to overthrow the Kelvans and regain control of the Enterprise. The crew members manage to convince one of the Kelvans, named Rojan, to work with them, and they begin to hatch a plan. Rojan starts to exhibit emotions, which is a stark contrast to how his race has previously been portrayed.

The episode takes a turn when Rojan begins to develop feelings for Lieutenant Marla McGivers. The two start to fall in love, and Rojan begins to question whether his quest for a new home is worth destroying the lives of so many innocent beings.

The climax of the episode features the crew of the Enterprise trying to regain control of the ship, with the help of Rojan and his fellow Kelvans. The episode concludes with the Kelvans deciding to abandon their quest for a new home and return the Enterprise crew back to their original form. Rojan decides to stay behind on the planet with McGivers, marking a significant departure from the Kelvans' original plan.

In "By Any Other Name," viewers are exposed to the concept of advanced, emotionless extraterrestrial beings who are intelligent beyond human understanding. The episode also explores the idea of humanity and how our emotions and connection to each other can make us stronger than any advanced technology. The episode's focus on Rojan's newfound emotions is also a commentary on how emotions and empathy are essential components of our humanity.

Overall, "By Any Other Name" is a thrilling and thought-provoking addition to Star Trek's second season. The episode's exploration of extraterrestrial life and our fundamental connection to our emotions makes for an engaging and exciting viewing experience.