WARNING: This thread WILL contain unhidden spoilers for this entry. Because this re-watch is in a slightly-subjective chronological order and not in production order, please refrain from talking about the content of other episodes or movies in this thread. If you do, please put that content inside spoiler tags. Some people here may be watching Star Trek for the first time.
#30: Star Trek: The Original Series, season 2, episode 9 “Metamorphosis”
Written by Gene L. Coon, directed by Ralph Senensky.
Stardates 3219.8 through 3220.3 (October 2267)
The given Stardate has this entire episode occurring entirely within the timeframe of The Gamesters of Triskelion, making it too early. Suggested revised Stardates: 3269.8 through 3270.3 (November 2267).
“Believe me, Captain, immortality consists largely of boredom.” - Zefram Cochrane
The shuttlecraft Galileo is carrying Federation Commissioner Nancy Hedford (Elinor Donahue) to Epsilon Canaris III to prevent the outbreak of war. However, she contracted a very rare disease and must be treated aboard the Enterprise first. Before the Galileo can rendezvous with the Enterprise, an unknown entity picks it up and drags it off course all the way to a planetary remnant that, while perfectly hospitable to humanoids, is completely devoid of life. That is, until a lone man flags them down who later reveals himself to be an important historical figure that disappeared 150 years ago.
Originally released: 10 November 1967
“Metamorphosis” on Memory Alpha
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What did you think?
Turns out this episode is ripe for memeing.
I don’t hate this ep or anything, but it sure doesn’t stand out in my head, much.
Conceptually I feel like it’s okay, but would have been better as a James Blish short story (and those were excellent). This one feels kind of like “Obsession,” but more maudlin or something. Sometimes a story just works better with the more simplified, traditional enemy, I guess…
Visual effects comparison of the original broadcast & the Remastered versions.
