Friday, November 08, 2013

Star Trek The Galileo Seven

In  Star Treks classic 14th episode, "the Galileo Seven" is dispatched by Captain Kirk to investigate a mysterious quasar like formation. "An opportunity for scientific investigation" emerges but all is not what it seems. Mr Spock, Lieutenant Commander Scott, Dr. McCoy, Lieutenants Latimer, Gaetano, and Boma, and Yeoman Mears gear up for the special mission. So far, so good.



But when the "Class F" Galileo gets pulled into the heart of the spatial disturbance, treks melodramatic drums start beating, doom, doom, doom, doom, hehe. Yes these sound effects are hilariously goofy by modern standards but you got to love these quirky sounds. These "clues" reveal when a situation is getting critical and whats going down.

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Boma confirms radiation from the spatial formation is "extremely disruptive" and time for Galileo crew is running out. This is Mr Spocks first shuttle command. Subspace communication, sensor scanners and transporters are neutralized by the spatial disturbance cutting the Galileo off from the Enterprise. Its not looking good.



Eventually Muraski's ion storm forces the Galileo to crash land on Tarus II. Ion cloud radiation is also hampering Captain Kirks search and rescue operation. To make matters worse, Galactic High Commissioner Ferris is spouting rules and regulations thwarting the Captain. Uhura confirms the Galileo is pulled off course. Its a catch 22 scenario when the shuttlecraft Columbus returns empty handed.

So now the Galileo crew are on their own with depleted fuel reserves, on a planet inhabited by Giant furry aliens. Heroically, two junior crew members die defending the ship. In true logical vulcanian fashion, Spocks analytical appraisal of the furry aliens weaponry nearly sends the Enterprise's Astrophysicist Lieutenant Boma diving off at the deep end.

SPOCK: "A bit more crude about the shaft, I believe. Not very efficient"
         BOMA: Not very efficient? Is that all you have to say?

         SPOCK: Am I in error, Mister Boma?
BOMA: You? Error? Impossible.  


Perhaps Boma is being disrespectful and insubordinate to Mr Spock? Remember this is war on a hostile alien planet. The vulcans strategic logic apparently gives the Galileo crew the edge they need for survival. Except the human "unpredictable element" towards Latimers death runs high. Star Trek's Galileo Seven is so undeniably fun with such an evocative storyline. Dr McCoys emotional outburst aboard the Galileo is totally epic, lol.




"Now look, We may all die here! At least let us die like men not machines!

So when the Giant Furry Aliens come back to bash the Galileo to bits, the crew understandably begin to panic. Red Alert! Spock has an emotional epiphany! Pure vulcan logic failed to frighten the scary giants? Impossible! But you've got to wonder. Whats the point of having phasers with amazing stun settings? I bet pointy ears kicked himself for not listening to Gaetano. The poor dude actually predicted Spocks would get him killed!




Top trek tip. Don't argue with command or you'll get the redshirt treatment, hehe. Spock abandons Gaetano on guard duty, alone and ready to be murdered. Re-energizing the Galileo's fuel reserves with phasers to escape the gravity of the planet is what really counts.

Good ol' Scotty saves everyones bacon or was it Mr Spock's shuttlecraft distress flare?
Which do you think is the coolest? Who really saved the Galileo crew?

Live Long and Prosper, Trekkers.



6 comments:

Tony Laplume said...

One of those classic episodes I really need to see again, legendary as far as Spock goes. Good write-up.

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I'd need to go back and watch most of the original episodes again, as I remember most of them only vaguely.

Maurice Mitchell said...

What a great episode and I love that the fans restored the original Shuttlecraft Galileo to it's original glory.

SpacerGuy said...

The Galileo Seven is a winning classic. This lovable shuttlecraft really is very vulnerable to harsh conditions over long range distances. The intricate mechanics of the shuttle engines, combined with Spocks ultra logic, Scotty's ingenious creativity tempered by McCoys and Bomas frustration makes it a real favorite.

Susan Kane said...

This episode established Spock as a decisive commander, able to make decisions that superseded other less capable crew. Loved this episode.

SpacerGuy said...

The Galileo Seven shuttlecraft is a real treasure now Maurice with this episode really pushing the crew to their limits. Its interesting because these guys know they can achieve orbit if they work together. theres no beam out technology to save them this time. When tempers flare and tough decisions have to be made - the final decision depends upon Mr Spocks logic - The perfect black comedy!

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