How Sharper Than a Serpent's Tooth
An ancient Mayan god, Kulkulkan, is found inhabiting space, still under the illusion that humans worship him. But Kirk will quickly change his perception.
As TAS neared its end, the writers might have had a bet on to see who could cram the greatest number of TOS clichés into, say, a five-minute period. This is no doubt the winner. While Walking Bear, a Cherokee, provides some diversity, things get bad, and fast. Kulkulkan, meanwhile, is another boring super being voiced by Jimmy Doohan. (Plus I don't think Shatner can pronounce the being's name.) We're then presented with - get ready for it - an off-world visitor forming the basis of an Earth legend, the Federation's plight as peaceful explorers, humans having no need for gods, artificial dream worlds, the Prime Directive of Non-Interference, a menagerie, an ancient being's wish to protect his children. in five minutes. Later on we're also treated to a Shakespeare quote, a jab at Vulcans, and Kirk's lamenting the inevitable death of the creature. Lacking even the usual zaniness of TAS, this is a totally redundant piece.
Spock Saves the Day: He "both pushes and pulls" against the giant bubble in which the ship is trapped, releasing it.
Oops: Spock chides Uhura for showing concern for Kirk. This is mischaracterization on two levels. The Vulcan is always polite to Uhura, and always the first to agree he misses Jim.
Developments: The most affecting "Spock" moment here actually comes from Scotty, who says, " Spock wouldn't be proud of caging wee beasties." It amazes me that such subtle character touches are found amidst this dreck. It's unsurprising that Spock knows a lot about Mayans, or that visiting aliens were wiser on leaving Vulcan.