The Magicks of Megas-tu
Federation scientists theorize that at the center of the universe, spontaneous creation continues. Kirk discovers this is true, but there are consequences to dabbling in both science and magic.
It's said that for The Final Frontier, Shatner wanted the crew to literally meet the Christian devil, as well as God. What Paramount's purse strings prevented in "real life" is achieved through the power of animation. Once again we remark, " No wonder this isn't canon!" And it's not exactly scientifically plausible, in either case. But hey, we knew Kirk and Spock would gain magical powers eventually, if only briefly in an alternate dimension. The tie-in to Earth history is clever but not as well researched as earlier stories. Anyone familiar with the events of Salem would agree the Megans' tale is suspect. However, the trial scene does continue the Star Trek tradition of advanced beings appearing in familiar Earth settings. There are a few good "falling over" shots for humour, particularly Kirk's 360° back flip. Lucian, for all his merriment, seems a little soulless, and the "final test of humanity" hasn't been fresh since Arena. Still, the formula is punctuated with pleasing nods to fantasy.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock gets the instruments working with - literally - his magical powers. Hey, whatever.
Oops: His efforts invoke the wrath of the Megans, who put him on trial.
Developments: Spock's mental discipline and faith in his theories allows him to use magic first, though as usual Kirk is the one to use the newly-discovered power in the final confrontation.