First, I thought Salish was one handsome guy! I would've been happy with him if Kirk wasn't available!
It's been a long time since I've seen the episode, but here's what I remember. Salish's father had been the Medicine Chief, so he was next in line for the position. But I vaguely remember Miramanee telling Kirk that his father died before he revealed the temple secret to Salish.
Apparently it was knowledge that was handed down. Perhaps the custom was that the Medicine Chief revealed it on his death bed. So I'm thinking that Salish's father died in an accident, something totally unexpected.
With Kirok gone, I think (just speculating) that the position would go back to Salish.
I really liked that episode, but Miramanee's death was just too convenient. Of course Kirk had to leave and she would've been heartbroken. I can't believe she suffered such intense injuries from having a few rocks thrown at her. Kirk was being pelted with rocks too! And he was just fine.
Modern medicine in the 23rd century couldn't save her? I've often thought that McCoy did the same thing to Miramanee that he did to Kirk in Amok Time, i.e., slipped her a "neural paralyzer" that simulated death.
That way Kirk could leave with a clear conscience. McCoy would have a private moment with Miramanee's father and give him the antidote.
When Miramanee came to she would "learn" that Kirok had to go back to the "strange lodge in the sky." She'd still be sad but it would've been something that she'd understand. Kirok was a type of god who had to return home. Just my imagination!!
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BiffGG (662)
8 years ago
The episode aired last night on BBCA and I thought it was said that Salish's father waited to pass the info along which was to imply that the info should have passed long before the elder was on his deathbed. It makes no sense to wait because if a freak accident happened before the info was passed the tribe would be screwed. I thought the reason for waiting is perhaps Salish was openly ambitious to the point where the father perceived a threat from the son. I also think based on Kirk's criteria of a healthy culture that minimal violation of the Prime Directive was done. Maybe Kirk observed tribal custom and only told Salish unless the tribe elder dictated otherwise. Further, that no further explanation was made of "the long house in the sky."
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[email protected] (6243)
8 years ago
Okay, yeah I said it was a loong time since I saw the episode. lol From what you said, it appears that Salish's father used poor judgment to, say the least. He may have been someone who really enjoyed the power of his position and didn't want to share it.
They seemed to be a peaceful tribe so I doubt if Salish would have harmed his father just to get to be Medicine Chief a bit early. I'm thinking that dear old dad was just a control freak!
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BiffGG (662)
8 years ago
It still makes no sense to make such vital information a secret to the point of one or two people knowing. But if the episode was not written that way there would be no need for the Enterprise to "come to the rescue" at the last minute. Sad to say but 1960's television has lost some of its charm to me in recent years.
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[email protected] (6243)
8 years ago
Oh I definitely agree! I'll love Star Trek forever. But some of the situations were so contrived in order for the Enterprise to"come to the rescue."
I have several books about the making of the show and one of the criticisms is how the show resorted to "puzzle box" situations a lot. Kirk and often the whole landing party would be captured or otherwise separated from their communicators. They they'd have to work their way out of yet another trap.
It's probably easier to look back and criticize now since in the 21st century technology has evolved. I think in the 23rd century the crew members would have some sort of tiny transponders imbedded in them so the ship would always be able to locate them and beam them out. Remember in Aliens, the colonists had PDTs" Personal Data Transmitters. I think that's what they were called.
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