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{{realworld}}
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{{real world}}
{{sidebar episode|
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{{sidebar episode
<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Episode data project]] -->
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|<!-- See [[Memory Alpha:Projects/Episode data project]] -->
| aSelf = Plato's Stepchildren
+
|image = Uhura and Kirk kiss.jpg
| sTitle = Plato's Stepchildren
+
|writer = [[Meyer Dolinsky]]
  +
|director = {{dis|David Alexander|director}}
| sSeries = TOS
 
| nSeason = 3
+
|date = 5784.2 ([[2268]])
| nEpisode = 12
 
|sProductionSerialNumber = 60043-67
 
| nAirdateYear = 1968
 
| sAirdateMonth = November
 
| nAirdateDay = 22
 
| sImage = Uhura and Kirk kiss.jpg
 
| wsWrittenBy = [[Meyer Dolinsky]]
 
| wsTeleplayBy =
 
| wsStoryBy =
 
| wsDirectedBy = [[David Alexander]]
 
| nNthProducedInSeries = 68
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries = 65
 
| nNthReleasedInAll = 65
 
| bFeatureLength = 0
 
| nSerialAirdate = 19681122
 
| wsDate = 5784.2 ([[2268]])
 
| aNextReleasedInAll = Wink of an Eye (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInAll = The Tholian Web (episode)
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries = Wink of an Eye (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries = The Tholian Web (episode)
 
| aNextProducedInSeries = Wink of an Eye (episode)
 
| aPrevProducedInSeries = Day of the Dove (episode)
 
|aNextInUniverseTimeline = The Lights of Zetar (episode)
 
|aPrevInUniverseTimeline = Let That Be Your Last Battlefield (episode)
 
| nNthReleasedInSeries_Remastered = 35
 
| nAirdateYear_Remastered = 2007
 
| sAirdateMonth_Remastered = June
 
| nAirdateDay_Remastered = 16
 
| aNextReleasedInSeries_Remastered = The Omega Glory (episode)
 
| aPrevReleasedInSeries_Remastered = Spock's Brain (episode)
 
| nSerialAirdate_Remastered = 20070616
 
 
}}
 
}}
  +
{{disambiguation|the unseen namesake prop book|Plato's Stepchildren (production art)|rd=Plato's Stepchildren}}
 
The ''Enterprise'' finds a planet inhabited by aliens who were once followers of the Greek philosopher Plato.
 
The ''Enterprise'' finds a planet inhabited by aliens who were once followers of the Greek philosopher Plato.
   
 
==Summary==
 
==Summary==
 
===Teaser===
 
===Teaser===
[[File:Alexander_greets_the_landing_party.jpg|thumb|left|Alexander meets the [[landing party]]]]
+
[[File:Alexander greets the landing party.jpg|thumb|left|Alexander meets the landing party]]
Summoned by an urgent request for medical help, the [[USS Enterprise (NCC-1701)|''Enterprise'']] crew finds a group of aliens who supposedly model their society on the teachings of [[Plato]]. Their leader is suffering from a massive infection in his leg and is close to death.
+
Summoned by an urgent [[distress call]] for medical help, the {{USS|Enterprise|NCC-1701}} [[landing party]] consisting of [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]], [[Spock]], and [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]] find a group of aliens who supposedly model their society on the teachings of [[Plato]]. Their leader is suffering from a massive infection in his leg and is close to death. [[Alexander]], a servant to the [[Platonian]]s, quietly suggests to [[Philana]] that they should not kill the ''Enterprise'' landing party, given that they are trying to save their leader, [[Parmen]]. Before he can finish his sentence, Philana telekinetically makes him bite his hand.
   
 
===Act One===
 
===Act One===
 
[[File:Parmen in pain.jpg|thumb|Parmen reacts to infection]]
The crew discovers the [[Platonian]]s' powerful [[psychokinesis|psychokinetic]] abilities, as the man's delirium has violent effects on his surroundings. Another Platonian trait is extreme longevity, as well as frail physical immunity seemingly caused by their emphasis on mental prowess. This is what caused their powerful ruler to be so vulnerable to what should have been a minor injury.
+
Kirk, Spock, and McCoy discover the Platonians' powerful [[psychokinetic]] abilities, as the man's [[delirium]] has violent effects on his surroundings. Another Platonian trait is extreme longevity, as well as frail physical immunity seemingly caused by their emphasis on mental prowess. This is what caused their powerful ruler to be so vulnerable to what should have been a minor treatable injury.
   
The result of a eugenics program, "Plato's stepchildren" had escaped to Earth in the time of the ancient [[Greek]] philosopher [[Plato]] when their star, [[Sahndara]], went supernova. After Plato's death they established a republic based on his philosophy, where 38 inhabitants live a life of quiet contemplation and self-reliance.
+
The result of a mass eugenics project on their home planet, "Plato's stepchildren" had escaped to Earth in the time of the ancient [[Greek]] philosopher [[Plato]] when their star, [[Sahndara]], went [[supernova]]. After Plato's death they established a republic based on his philosophy, where 38 inhabitants live a life of quiet contemplation and self-reliance.
  +
[[File:Parmen_in_pain.jpg|thumb|Parmen reacts to infection]]
 
 
[[File:McCoy, Kirk, and Spock not in control on Platonius.jpg|thumb|Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are forced into audience with Parmen]]
[[File:TelekeneticGames.jpg|thumb|left|Platonians display their [[telekinesis|telekinetic]] powers]]
 
 
A simple cut in the leg had developed an unknown infection which caused Parmen to have a fever and lose control of his powers. Furniture is thrown around and the ''Enterprise'' is shaken in orbit, while Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Alexander duck and hide from the flying objects. "''Fascinating. I believe we are experiencing the psychokinetic manifestations of Parmen's delirium''", Spock notes. Philana, Parmen's wife, is able to distract Parmen long enough for McCoy to sedate him with a [[hypospray]], ending the chaos. Later, [[Dr.]] McCoy's treatment of Parmen is effective and the landing party prepares to leave the planet. However, the ''Enterprise'' is frozen; [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]] reports that there are no functional [[transporter]]s, [[navigation]] or even [[subspace communication]] with [[Starfleet]]. [[Captain]] Kirk barges into Parmen's chamber, and Parmen strips Kirk of his [[phaser]] and tells him that guests must recognize his supremacy. In an allusion to the [[Greek]] ideal of guest-friend, Kirk retorts: "''Guest? You don't know the meaning of the word. Guests are not treated like common prisoners.''" Parmen uses his psychokinetic powers to force Kirk to [[slap]] himself in the face repeatedly.
[[File:Alexander_with_lyre.jpg|thumb|Alexander tensely observes Kirk slapping himself in the face]]
 
[[File:KirkSlapsSelf.jpg|thumb|left|Kirk is forced to slap himself]]
 
[[File:NotInControlOnPlatonius.jpg|thumb|Kirk, Spock and McCoy are forced into audience with Parmen]]
 
[[File:KirkGetsStampedOut.jpg|thumb|left|Spock's forced foot nearly crushes Kirk]]
 
[[File:SpockLosesControlOnPlatoniu.jpg|thumb|Spock is stripped of his emotional control]]
 
[[File:SpockStrugglesForControl.jpg|thumb|left|Spock tries to reassert control over his emotions]]
 
[[File:Uhura_and_Chapel_on_Platonius.jpg|thumb|lright|Uhura and Chapel in Platonian garb]]
 
[[File:McCoyDecidesOnPlatonius.jpg|thumb|left|Parmen insists that McCoy stay with him and Philana]]
 
A simple cut in the leg had developed an unknown infection which causes Parmen to have a fever and lose control of his powers. Furniture is thrown around and the ''Enterprise'' is shaken in orbit. [[Doctor|Dr.]] [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]]'s treatment of [[Parmen]] is effective and the landing party prepares to leave the planet. However, the ''Enterprise'' is frozen; there are no functional transporters, navigation or subspace communication with [[Starfleet]]. [[Captain]] [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]] barges into [[Parmen]]'s chamber, and Parmen strips Kirk of his weapon and tell him that guests must recognize his supremacy. In an allusion to the [[Greek]] ideal of guest-friend, Kirk retorts: "''Guest? You don't know the meaning of the word. Guests are not treated like common prisoners.''" Parmen uses his psychokinetic powers to force Kirk to slap himself in the face repeatedly.
 
   
 
===Act Two===
 
===Act Two===
 
[[File:McCoyDecidesOnPlatonius.jpg|thumb|left|Parmen insists that McCoy stay with him and Philana]]
Kirk, Spock and McCoy are back in their guest chamber, trying to contact the ''Enterprise'' to no avail. The Platonians summon them and seem grateful for McCoy's help. They provide the landing party with gifts: the [[shield]] of Pericles for Kirk, a ''[[kithara]]'' for Spock and a collection of [[Greek]] cures written by [[Hippocrates]] for McCoy. [[Parmen]] appeals for Kirk's forgiveness. He says he will release the ship, but he wants McCoy to remain on the planet.
+
After the ordeal with Kirk smacking himself around, he, Spock, and McCoy are back in their guest chamber, trying to contact the ''Enterprise'' with his [[communicator]] to no avail. The Platonians summon them and seem grateful for McCoy's help. They provide the landing party with variety of gifts: the [[shield]] of Pericles for Kirk, a ''[[kithara]]'' for Spock, and a collection of Greek cures written by [[Hippocrates]] himself for McCoy. Parmen appeals for Kirk's forgiveness. He says he will release the ship, but he wants McCoy to remain on the planet.
   
McCoy refuses and [[Parmen]] says he will not be refused. Kirk says that he cannot consider himself a descendant of Plato. Spock points out, "''Plato wanted truth and beauty and above all, justice.''" Parmen says that theirs is the most democratic society that ever was &ndash. Unlike the [[Federation]], which uses weapons to enforce justice, the Platonians use the power of the mind. He says he wants to persuade Kirk and Spock to leave peacefully so as not to upset McCoy.
+
McCoy refuses and Parmen says he will not be refused. Kirk says that he cannot consider himself a descendant of Plato. Spock points out, "''Plato wanted truth and beauty and above all, [[justice]].''" Parmen says that theirs is the most democratic society that ever was &ndash; unlike the [[Federation]], which uses weapons and fleets of starships to enforce justice, the Platonians use the power of the mind. He says he wants to persuade Kirk and Spock to leave peacefully so as not to upset McCoy.
   
 
[[File:SpockLosesControlOnPlatoniu.jpg|thumb|Spock is stripped of his emotional control]]
[[Parmen]] uses his mental powers to intimidate and humiliate Captain Kirk and Spock into compliance. First, he makes them sing a song and dance a jig. Kirk tells McCoy that he is not going to let him stay behind and Parmen makes Kirk recite some lines from [[William Shakespeare]]'s Sonnet LVII: "''Being your slave what should I do but tend | Upon the hours, and times of your desire? | I have no precious time at all to spend; | Nor service[s] to do, 'til you ...''". Parmen makes Spock dance some more and then forces him to laugh and cry, torturing his [[Vulcan]] psychology by forcing emotion out of him.
+
Parmen uses his mental powers to intimidate and humiliate Kirk and Spock into compliance. First, he makes them sing a song and dance a jig. Kirk tells McCoy that he is not going to let him stay behind and Parmen makes Kirk recite some lines from [[William Shakespeare]]'s Sonnet LVII: "''Being your slave what should I do but tend | Upon the hours, and times of your desire? | I have no precious time at all to spend; | Nor service[s] to do, 'til you &hellip;''". Parmen makes Spock dance some more and then forces him to laugh and cry, torturing his [[Vulcan]] psychology by forcing severe emotion, such as hearty laughter and a good cry out of him. Kirk is forced to get down on his hands and knees and neigh and trot like a horse and Alexander is forced to ride on Kirk's back
   
 
===Act Three===
 
===Act Three===
McCoy decides to volunteer to stay but Kirk refuses, pointing out that once they are gone they will be destroyed. [[Alexander]] speaks up, saying that Kirk is right. He gives a speech about how he used to think it was his own fault that he did not have the same powers as the Platonians and that he was lucky they had kept him around. But now, after the ''Enterprise'' crew stood up to the Platonians and showed them for what they are, he realizes how they've been putting him down.
+
McCoy decides to volunteer to stay but Kirk still refuses, pointing out that once they are gone they and the ''Enterprise'' will be destroyed. Alexander speaks up, saying that Kirk is right. He gives a speech about how he used to think it was his own fault that he did not have the same powers as the Platonians and that he was lucky that they had kept him around. But now, after the ''Enterprise'' crew stood up to the Platonians and showed them for what they are, he realizes how they've been putting him down.
   
Spock questions Alexander about the powers and determines that the power had manifested itself shortly after the Platonians had used up their food stores and started eating local food. McCoy scans Alexander's blood and finds that Parmen has more [[kironide]], which is broken down by the pituitary gland. McCoy synthesizes some kironide and injects himself, Kirk and Spock &ndash to double that of Parmen's level. Kirk suggests that Alexander get a dose, take [[Parmen]]'s place and rule the planet, but Alexander refuses: "''You think that's what I want? Become one of them? Become my own enemy? Just lie around like a big blob of nothing and have things ''done'' for me? I want to run around for myself. If I am going to laugh or cry, I want to do it for myself. You can keep your precious power. All I ask is one thing: if you do make it out of here, take me with you.''"
+
Spock questions Alexander about the powers and determines that the power had manifested itself shortly after the Platonians had used up their food stores and started eating local food. McCoy scans Alexander's blood with his [[medical tricorder]] and finds that Parmen has more [[kironide]], which is broken down by the [[pituitary gland]]. Alexander remembers that the kironide gave each Platonian different mental powers, but when they tried to combine these powers they failed. McCoy synthesizes some kironide and injects Kirk, and Spock &ndash; to double that of Parmen's level. Kirk suggests that Alexander get a dose, take Parmen's place and rule the planet, but Alexander refuses: "''You think that's what I want? Become one of them? Become my own enemy? Just lie around like a big blob of nothing and have things ''done'' for me? I want to run around for myself. If I am going to laugh or cry, I want to do it for myself. You can keep your precious power. All I ask is one thing: if you do make it out of here, take me with you.''"
   
 
[[File:Uhura and Chapel on Platonius.jpg|thumb|Uhura and Chapel in Platonian garb]]
The conversation is interrupted when the Platonians force Lt. [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]] and Nurse [[Christine Chapel]]&#160; to beam down as Kirk, Spock and McCoy look on in bewilderment. The women, unable to speak, walk away and are forced against their will to prepare for the evening's festivitites.&#160;
+
The conversation is interrupted when the Platonians force [[Lieutenant]] [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]] and [[Nurse]] [[Christine Chapel]] to beam down as Kirk, Spock, and McCoy look on in bewilderment. The women, unable to speak, walk away and are forced against their will to prepare for the evening's festivities. Kirk angrily surmises that the Platonians have now found some new entertainment for their amusement.
   
 
===Act Four===
 
===Act Four===
Later that night, Uhura and Chapel step out into the main hall, both&#160;dressed in&#160;fabulous Greek dresses as Kirk&#160;and Spock join them, clad in short Greek tunics and laurel leaf crowns. Kirk asks Spock to try to lift some plates of food, but the powers have not kicked in yet. Kirk, Spock, Uhura and Chapel are led to a stage. Parmen would like to welcome McCoy but he has to convince McCoy to change his mind first. He makes Spock sing what he calls "[[Maiden Wine|a serenade from the laughing spaceman]]" to Uhura and Chapel.
+
Later that night, Uhura and Chapel step out into the main hall, both dressed in fabulous Greek dresses as Kirk and Spock join them, both clad in short Greek tunics and laurel leaf crowns. Kirk asks Spock to try to lift some plates of food, but the powers have not kicked in yet. Kirk, Spock, Uhura, and Chapel are led to a stage. Parmen would like to welcome McCoy, but he has to convince McCoy to change his mind first. He makes Spock sing what he calls "[[Maiden Wine|a serenade from the laughing spaceman]]" to Uhura and Chapel.
   
Then, the four are split into two pairs: Uhura and Kirk, and Chapel and Spock. Chapel and Spock are forced to kiss despite their protests; Chapel confesses that she has wanted to be close to Spock for so long but now she wants to "crawl away and die". Uhura likewise confesses to Kirk that she was so often calmed by Kirk when she was frightened on the bridge. The two couples struggle in vain to avoid being forced to kiss.
+
Then, the four are split into two pairs: Uhura and Kirk, and Chapel and Spock. Chapel and Spock are forced to [[kiss]] despite their protests; Chapel confesses that she has wanted to be close to Spock [[The Naked Time (episode)|for so long]] but now she wants to "crawl away and die". Uhura likewise confesses to Kirk that she was so often calmed by Kirk's presence when she was frightened on the bridge of the ''Enterprise''. The two couples struggle in vain to avoid being forced to kiss.
   
  +
[[File:Kirk controlling Alexander.jpg|thumb|"''Who did that?''"<br />"I ''did.''"]]
After the kisses, Parmen compels Kirk to crack a [[bullwhip]] at Uhura and Spock to brandish a hot poker on Chapel. While Parmen is distracted controlling the four officers, Alexander attempts to sneak up on him with a knife. Parmen shifts his focus to trying to make Alexander turn the knife on himself. Meanwhile, Kirk begins to feel his telekinetic power building and laughs once he prevents Alexander from hurting himself. Parmen cannot believe that Kirk has telekinetic abilities and tries to test them. He sends Alexander to threaten Kirk with the knife, but again the captain turns the tables on the Platonian. For a brief time, the two minds fight for control of Alexander. Kirk's power is proven the greater but ultimately they both release him. Alexander begins to use his free will to attack Parmen but Kirk stops him, asking simply, "''Do you want to be like him?''" Alexander struggles with his conscience, but finally drops the knife, heaping contempt onto his former leader instead. Parmen sees that Kirk has spared his life, and appears repentant. He promises that he will be benevolent towards future visits by other starships. Spock and Kirk are dubious of the reform and so stresses that any new visitors can easily be dosed with kironide as well. Parmen appears to acquiesce to this truth and Kirk seems satisfied that the "Platonian problem" has been solved.
+
After the kisses, Parmen compels Kirk to crack a [[bullwhip]] at Uhura and Spock to brandish a hot poker rod at Chapel. While Parmen is distracted controlling the four officers, Alexander attempts to sneak up on him with a [[knife]]. Parmen shifts his focus to trying to make Alexander turn the knife on himself. Meanwhile, Kirk begins to feel his telekinetic power building and laughs once he prevents Alexander from hurting himself. Parmen cannot believe that Kirk has telekinetic abilities and tries to test them. He sends Alexander to threaten Kirk with the knife, but again the captain turns the tables on the Platonian. For a brief time, the two minds fight for control of Alexander. Kirk's power is proven the greater but ultimately they both release him. Alexander begins to use his free will to attack Parmen but Kirk stops him, asking simply, "''Do you want to be like him?''" Alexander struggles with his conscience, but finally drops the knife, heaping contempt onto his former leader instead. Parmen sees that Kirk has spared his life, and appears repentant. He promises that he will be more benevolent towards future visits by other starships. Spock and Kirk are very dubious of the reform and so stresses that any new visitors can easily be dosed with kironide as well. Parmen appears to acquiesce to this truth and Kirk seems satisfied that the "Platonian problem" has been solved.
   
Kirk calls Scotty for [[transporter|transport]], saying that he has "a little surprise" for the [[chief engineer]]. Kirk intends to make good on his earlier promise to rescue Alexander from [[Platonius]].
+
Kirk calls Scotty for transport, saying that he has "a little surprise" for the [[chief engineer]]. Kirk intends to make good on his earlier promise to rescue Alexander from Platonius and the ''Enterprise'' departs soon after.
   
==Log Entries==
+
==Log entries==
  +
* [[Captain's log, USS Enterprise (NCC-1701), 2268|Captain's log, USS ''Enterprise'' (NCC-1701), 2268]]
*"''Captain's log, stardate 5784.2. We are responding to desperate distress calls from an unknown planet. My science officer, Mr. Spock, is unable to account for this, since he reported no signs of life on the planet. It is rich in kironide deposits, a very rare and long-lasting source of great power.''"
 
 
*"''Captain's log, stardate 5784.3. Dr. McCoy is endeavoring to treat the leader of a strange group of people. When their planet novaed, millennia ago, they transported themselves to Earth during the time of Socrates and Plato. After the death of the Greek civilization they idolized, they came to this planet and created for themselves a utopia patterned after it.''"
 
   
 
==Memorable quotes==
 
==Memorable quotes==
"''Alexander, where I come from, size, shape or color makes no difference.''"
+
"''Alexander, where I come from, size, shape, or color makes no difference.''"
 
: - '''Kirk''', on life outside Platonius
 
: - '''Kirk''', on life outside Platonius
   
Line 98: Line 63:
   
   
[[File:SpockAndKirkDance.jpg|thumb|Parmen forces Kirk and Spock to perform]]
+
[[File:Spock and Kirk dance.jpg|thumb|Parmen forces Kirk and Spock to perform]]
   
 
"''Philosopher kings have no need of titles.''"
 
"''Philosopher kings have no need of titles.''"
Line 105: Line 70:
   
 
"''I'm Tweedledee, he's Tweedledum.''"<br />
 
"''I'm Tweedledee, he's Tweedledum.''"<br />
"''Two spacemen marching to a drum.''"<br />
+
"''We're spacemen marching to and from.''"<br />
"''We slith among the mimsey toves.''"<br />
+
"''We slythe among the mimsey toves.''"<br />
"''And gyre among the borogoves.''"
+
"''And tire among the borogoves.''"
: - '''Kirk''' and '''Spock''', performing for Parmen
+
: - '''Kirk''' and '''Spock''', performing for Parmen &ndash; {{Audio|file=Tweedledee and Tweedledum.ogg|text=Listen to this quote}}
  +
  +
  +
"''Being your slave, what should I do but tend.''"<br />
  +
"''Upon the hours, and times of your desire?''"<br />
  +
"''I have no precious time at all to spend.''"<br />
  +
"''Nor service to do, 'til you&hellip;''"
  +
: - '''James T. Kirk''', reciting from [[William Shakespeare]]'s Sonnet LVII while under [[Parmen]]'s spell &ndash; {{Audio|file=Being Your Slave.ogg|text=Listen to this quote}}
   
   
Line 115: Line 87:
   
   
[[File:Chapel_and_Spock_kiss.jpg|thumb|The other forced kiss]]
+
[[File:Chapel and Spock kiss.jpg|thumb|The other forced kiss]]
 
 
"''You think that's what I want? Become one of them? Become my own enemy?''"
 
"''You think that's what I want? Become one of them? Become my own enemy?''"
 
: - '''Alexander''' to Kirk, on receiving psychokinesis
 
: - '''Alexander''' to Kirk, on receiving psychokinesis
Line 125: Line 96:
   
   
"''Too much love is dangerous.''"<br />
+
"''Careful, Mr. Spock. Too much love is dangerous.''"<br />
 
"''Remember, Cupid's arrow kills Vulcans.''"
 
"''Remember, Cupid's arrow kills Vulcans.''"
: - '''Dionyd''' and '''Eraclitus''', on Spock's kiss
+
: - '''Dionyd''' and '''Eraclitus''', on Spock's kiss &ndash; {{Audio|file=Too Much Love is Dangerous.ogg|text=Listen to this quote}}
   
   
Line 134: Line 105:
   
   
[[File:AlexanderMoralHighGround.jpg|thumb|Alexander scolds Parmen]]
+
[[File:Alexander takes the moral high ground.jpg|thumb|Alexander scolds Parmen]]
 
 
"''Don't stop me! Let me finish him off!''"<br />
 
"''Don't stop me! Let me finish him off!''"<br />
 
"''Do you want to be like him?''"
 
"''Do you want to be like him?''"
Line 153: Line 123:
   
   
  +
"''Kirk to ''Enterprise''. Mr. Scott, prepare to beam us up. I have a little surprise for you. I'm bringing a visitor aboard.''"
==Background Information==
 
  +
: - '''Kirk''', not forgetting his promise to take Alexander with him (last lines)
[[File:Uhura and Kirk_kiss.jpg|thumb|left|The first interracial kiss on US television?]]
 
* This episode has long been famous for featuring "the first interracial kiss on American network television". To be more precise, it was "the first kiss between a ''fictional'' white male and a ''fictional'' black female to premiere on American network television", as Kirk would kiss an Asian-American actress, France Nuyen, in a previously recorded (but later aired) episode, {{e|Elaan of Troyius}}. Almost a year earlier ({{d|11|December|1967}}), NBC broadcast an Emmy Award-winning musical-variety special entitled ''Movin' With Nancy'', during which singers {{w|Nancy Sinatra}} and {{w|Sammy Davis, Jr.}} greeted each other with a kiss. [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0006/17/lklw.00.html] [[Desilu]]'s flagship show, ''[[I Love Lucy#Background|I Love Lucy]]'', had years previously broken the barrier on Hispanic/Caucasian kissing; of course, since "Hispanic" is an ethnicity and not a race, there can be an argument on whether Desi Arnaz is or can be considered a white or non-white Hispanic. Also, ''{{w|Our Gang|The Little Rascals}}'' had some "innocent" kisses between its child stars, but these shorts, under the title ''Our Gang'', had previously premiered in cinemas; and, David McCallum would kiss an Asian American actress in the 1966 ''Man from U.N.C.L.E'' episode, ''The Her Master's Voice Affair.''
 
* There is some dispute about whether the kiss ''actually'' occurred. According to the photo at left, it appears that the actors' lips are touching. However, both Shatner and Nichols claim in ''[[Star Trek Memories]]'' that [[NBC]] exerted pressure to forbid lip contact, and to use a clever camera technique to conceal the "separation". If you look closely at the image, you can tell that the actors' lips are not touching, the angle only makes it look like they might be slightly touching.
 
* According to [[Nichelle Nichols]], in the early script, it was supposed to be Spock that kissed Uhura, but [[William Shatner]] had it changed, saying "''If anyone's gonna get to kiss Nichelle, it's going to be me, I mean, Captain Kirk!''" ([[2009|40 years later]], Spock and Uhura would freely kiss multiple times - much to Kirk's surprise - in {{film|11}}.) Nichols also said that they got more mail on that episode than any other episode in the history of the series and none of it, surprisingly, was negative. Nichols recalled a letter that [[Gene Roddenberry]] showed her. It was from a man in the American South, and he said "''I am against the mixing of the races, but anytime a red-blooded American boy like Captain Kirk gets his arms around a gal like Lt. Uhura, he ain't gonna fight it!''"
 
* Also according to Nichols, NBC was afraid of the kiss because some stations in the South could decide not to air the episode because of it. Finally, an agreement was made: to film two versions of the scene - one where Kirk and Uhura kissed, and one where they did not. They filmed the first version (with the kiss) successfully, then she and Shatner deliberately flubbed every take of the latter, making it unusable, and leaving the kiss intact. Nichols writes: ''"The next day they screened the dailies, and although I rarely attended them, I couldn't miss this one. Everyone watched as Kirk and Uhura kissed and kissed and kissed. And I'd like to set the record straight: Although Kirk and Uhura fought it, they did kiss in every single scene. When the non-kissing scene came on, everyone in the room cracked up. The last shot, which looked okay on the set, actually had Bill wildly crossing his eyes. It was so corny and just plain bad it was unusable. The only alternative was to cut out the scene altogether, but that was impossible to do without ruining the entire episode. Finally, the guys in charge relented: "To hell with it. Let's go with the kiss." I guess they figured we were going to be canceled in a few months anyway. And so the kiss stayed."'' (''[[Beyond Uhura|Beyond Uhura: Star Trek and Other Memories]]'')
 
* This is [[Alexander Courage]]'s last score for ''Star Trek''. This episode was also the last episode to have an original score, although new songs for {{e|The Way to Eden}} and a [[Johannes Brahms|Brahms]] paraphrase for {{e|Requiem for Methuselah}} were composed.
 
* [[George Takei]] ([[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]]) and [[Walter Koenig]] ([[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]]) do not appear in this episode.[[File:Spock sings Maiden Wine.jpg|thumb|Spock sings "Maiden Wine", composed by Leonard Nimoy, to Uhura and Chapel]]
 
* The story outline was originally titled "The Sons of Socrates" and submitted {{d|13|June|1968}}. [http://www.fastcopyinc.com/orionpress/articles/sons_of_socrates.htm] The episode was filmed early to mid-[[September 1968|September]].
 
* This episode was not shown until {{d|22|December|1993}} in the United Kingdom with the [[BBC]] skipping it due to 'sadistic' elements in the plot. An official BBC statement by Sheila Cundy of the Programme Correspondence Section reads: "''After very careful consideration a top level decision was made not to screen the episodes entitled "[[The Empath (episode)|Empath]]" ''[sic]'', "[[Whom Gods Destroy (episode)|Whom The Gods Destroy]]" ''[sic]'', "Plato's Stepchildren" and "{{e|Miri}}" ''[actually transmitted in 1970, but not re-aired until the '90s]'', because they all dealt most unpleasantly with the already unpleasant subjects of madness, torture, sadism and disease''" (BBC form letter, undated, Reference 28/SPC). Assumptions that {{e|Plato's Stepchildren}} was excluded because the Kirk/Uhura kiss would have been 'controversial' are erroneous. In fact, British television had featured its first 'interracial' kiss several years before US TV; the massively popular prime time soap opera ''{{w|Emergency Ward 10}}'' depicting a long-term [http://www.televisionheaven.co.uk/ward.htm "interracial" relationship] between two major characters throughout 1964 without inciting controversy in the UK (although the producers had expected that it would).
 
However, the "banned" episodes had previously been shown on the UK satellite TV channel Sky before the BBC changed its mind.{{incite}}
 
* Spock's observation that Plato desired justice above all is quite correct. In "The Republic," the philosopher envisioned justice as the highest ideal to which any state could aspire, achieved through the harmonious interplay of wisdom, courage, and temperance.
 
* Leonard Nimoy composed "[[Maiden Wine]]," the song that he performs in this episode.
 
   
 
==Background information==
 
===Production timeline===
 
===Production timeline===
* Story outline by [[Meyer Dolinsky]], {{d|10|June|1968}}
+
* Story outline by [[Meyer Dolinsky]], titled "The Sons of Socrates"{{OrionPress|articles/sons_of_socrates.htm}}, {{d|10|June|1968}}
* First draft teleplay, {{d|8|June|1968}}
+
* Revised story outline, {{d|13|June|1968}}
  +
* First draft teleplay, {{d|8|July|1968}}
  +
* Second draft teleplay, {{d|18|July|1968}}
 
* Third draft teleplay, {{d|8|August|1968}}
 
* Third draft teleplay, {{d|8|August|1968}}
* Filmed, {{d|9|September|1968}} &ndash; {{d|16|September|1968}}
+
* Final draft teleplay by [[Arthur Singer]], {{d|29|August|1968}}, {{d|3|September|1968}}
  +
* Additional page revisions by [[Fred Freiberger]], {{d|3|September|1968}}, {{d|4|September|1968}}, {{d|5|September|1968}}, {{d|9|September|1968}}, {{d|10|September|1968}}, {{d|13|September|1968}}
* Score recorded, {{d|25|October|1968}}
 
* Original airdate, {{d|22|November|1968}}
+
* Filmed: {{d|9|September|1968}} &ndash; {{d|17|September|1968}}
  +
** Day 1 &ndash; {{d|9|September|1968}}, Monday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 9]]: Int. [[Bridge]]; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|Atrium]]
* First UK airdate {{d|22|December|1993}}
 
  +
** Day 2 &ndash; {{d|10|September|1968}}, Tuesday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|Atrium]]
  +
** Day 3 &ndash; {{d|11|September|1968}}, Wednesday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|Atrium]]
  +
** Day 4 &ndash; {{d|12|September|1968}}, Thursday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|Atrium]], [[Platonius|South wing]]
  +
** Day 5 &ndash; {{d|13|September|1968}}, Friday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|South wing]]
  +
** Day 6 &ndash; {{d|16|September|1968}}, Monday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|South wing]]
  +
** Day 7 &ndash; {{d|17|September|1968}}, Tuesday &ndash; [[Desilu Stage 10]]: Int. [[Platonius|South wing]] ("[[Theater]]")
 
* Score recorded: {{d|25|October|1968}}
  +
* Original airdate: {{d|22|November|1968}}
  +
* First UK airdate (on [[ITV]]): {{d|27|May|1984}}
 
* First UK airdate (on [[BBC|BBC2]]): {{d|22|December|1993}}
  +
* Remastered episode airdate: {{d|16|June|2007}}
  +
  +
=== Cast ===
 
* [[George Takei]] ([[Hikaru Sulu|Sulu]]) and [[Walter Koenig]] ([[Pavel Chekov|Chekov]]) do not appear in this episode.
  +
  +
=== Music ===
  +
[[File:Spock sings Maiden Wine.jpg|thumb|Spock sings "Maiden Wine", composed by Leonard Nimoy, to Uhura and Chapel]]
 
* This is [[Alexander Courage]]'s last score for ''Star Trek''. This episode was also the last episode to have an original score, although new songs for {{e|The Way to Eden}} and a Brahms paraphrase for {{e|Requiem for Methuselah}} were composed.
 
* Leonard Nimoy composed "[[Maiden Wine]]", the song that he performs in this episode.
  +
  +
=== Costumes ===
  +
* The togas worn by Shatner and Nimoy in this episode were designed by [[William Ware Theiss]], and were later put up for auction in December 2018. {{el|calgaryherald.com/entertainment/television/batman-star-trek-tv-collectibles-to-be-auctioned/wcm/179d5c3f-91f6-4e35-ab6c-f1fc835a2a5a}}
  +
  +
=== Reception ===
  +
* This episode has been long touted for featuring "the first interracial kiss on [American] network television." (''[[The Star Trek Compendium]]'', p. 120) See: {{w|Kirk and Uhura's kiss}}.
 
** There is some dispute about whether the kiss ''actually'' occurred. According to the on-screen footage, it appears that the actors' lips touched. However, both [[William Shatner]] and [[Nichelle Nichols]] claimed in ''[[Star Trek Memories]]'' (2009 ed., pp. 283-286) that [[NBC]] exerted pressure to forbid lip contact, and to use a clever camera technique to conceal the "separation".
 
** Also according to Nichols, NBC was afraid of the kiss because some stations in the South could decide not to air the episode because of it. Finally, an agreement was made: to film two versions of the scene &ndash; one where Kirk and Uhura kissed, and one where they did not. They filmed the first version (with the kiss) successfully, then she and Shatner deliberately flubbed every take of the latter, making it unusable, and leaving the kiss intact. Nichols writes, "''The next day they screened the dailies, and although I rarely attended them, I couldn't miss this one. Everyone watched as Kirk and Uhura kissed and kissed and kissed. And I'd like to set the record straight: Although Kirk and Uhura fought it, they did kiss in every single scene. When the non-kissing scene came on, everyone in the room cracked up. The last shot, which looked okay on the set, actually had Bill wildly crossing his eyes. It was so corny and just plain bad it was unusable. The only alternative was to cut out the scene altogether, but that was impossible to do without ruining the entire episode. Finally, the guys in charge relented: 'To hell with it. Let's go with the kiss.' I guess they figured we were going to be canceled in a few months anyway. And so the kiss stayed.''" (''[[Beyond Uhura]]''{{page cite}})
  +
** According to Nichols, in the early script, it was supposed to be Spock that kissed Uhura, but William Shatner had it changed, saying, "''If anyone's gonna get to kiss Nichelle, it's going to be me, I mean, Captain Kirk!''"{{incite}}
  +
** [[Trekkie]]s [[Bjo Trimble|Bjo]] and [[John Trimble]] were happy to receive news of this installment. John Trimble remarked, "''Our immediate reaction was, 'Alright, by God, about time!{{'}}''" Added Bjo Trimble, "''And my second immediate reaction was, 'Boy, are they gonna hear from the Bible Belt on ''this'' one!{{'}}''" Bjo Trimble stated, "''We got our share of some really nasty letters. But here was the thing &ndash; you get one nasty letter, and you get a hundred really great letters. It was a step forward, I think.''" (''[[Star Trek: The Real Story]]''{{page cite}})
  +
**Screenwriter [[D.C. Fontana]] recalled, "''There were Southern stations that told NBC: 'Well, we're not going to run this show, because you have a black woman on the bridge,',''" she then added ''“And Gene Roddenberry told NBC to tell them to go to hell.''" According to Nichols who said the scene struck a chord for her personally because her own "''Grandpa was white, and Grandma was black. But professionally speaking? It was just a kissing scene.''" {{YouTube|type=v|rtMNAHwPSgA}}
 
* This episode was not shown until {{d|22|December|1993}} in the United Kingdom, with the [[BBC]] skipping it due to "sadistic" elements in the plot. An official BBC statement by Sheila Cundy of the Programme Correspondence Section declared, "''After very careful consideration a top level decision was made not to screen the episodes entitled '{{dis|The Empath|episode|Empath}}' ''[sic]'', '{{dis|Whom Gods Destroy|episode|Whom The Gods Destroy}}' ''[sic]'', 'Plato's Stepchildren' and '{{dis|Miri|episode}}' ''[actually transmitted in 1970, but not re-aired until the '90s]'', because they all dealt most unpleasantly with the already unpleasant subjects of madness, torture, sadism and disease.''" (BBC form letter, undated, Reference 28/SPC)
   
 
===Remastered information===
 
===Remastered information===
The remastered version of "Plato's Stepchildren" aired in many North American markets during the weekend of {{d|16|June|2007}}. Very few new effects were required. Like all other remastered episodes, the physical model of the ''Enterprise'' has been wholly replaced by a CGI model throughout the episode. Similarly, the ''Enterprise'' is universally shot at different &ndash; and typically closer &ndash; angles than in the original.
+
The remastered version of "Plato's Stepchildren" aired in many North American markets during the weekend of {{d|16|June|2007}}. Very few new effects were required. Like all other remastered episodes, the physical model of the ''Enterprise'' has been wholly replaced by a CGI model throughout the episode. Similarly, the ''Enterprise'' is universally shot at different &ndash; and typically closer &ndash; angles than in the original.
   
 
The most dramatic new effect is that of the planet Platonius. It has changed from its original, Mars-like appearance to one that greatly resembles Earth.
 
The most dramatic new effect is that of the planet Platonius. It has changed from its original, Mars-like appearance to one that greatly resembles Earth.
   
Dr. McCoy's [[tricorder]] insert also received a touch-up. Its display was transformed from a bar graph that approximated [[sickbay]] displays to an integrated line chart. The benefit of the changed effect is that the display now more easily reads as a true comparison of the blood of [[Alexander]] and [[Parmen]], along with (ostensibly) [[Human]] norms.
+
Dr. McCoy's [[tricorder]] insert also received a touch-up. Its display was transformed from a bar graph that approximated [[sickbay]] displays to an integrated line chart. The benefit of the changed effect is that the display now more easily reads as a true comparison of the blood of [[Alexander]] and [[Parmen]], along with (ostensibly) [[Human]] norms.
   
 
In addition, the digital restoration of non-SFX shots has resulted in an overall brightening of color that is perhaps more profound in this abstractly-designed episode than in others.
 
In addition, the digital restoration of non-SFX shots has resulted in an overall brightening of color that is perhaps more profound in this abstractly-designed episode than in others.
   
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:Platonius.jpg|The original Platonius
+
File:Platonius.jpg|The original Platonius…
File:PlatoniusRemastered.jpg|...and its remastered counterpart
+
File:PlatoniusRemastered.jpg|…and its remastered counterpart
File:TricorderComparativeScanOld.jpg|McCoy's original tricorder scan
+
File:TricorderComparativeScanOld.jpg|McCoy's original tricorder scan…
File:TricorderComparativeScanNew.jpg|... and the animated graphical comparison of the remastered version
+
File:TricorderComparativeScanNew.jpg| and the animated graphical comparison of the remastered version
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
   
Line 201: Line 194:
 
* Original US DVD release (single-disc): Volume 34, {{d|18|September|2001}}
 
* Original US DVD release (single-disc): Volume 34, {{d|18|September|2001}}
 
* As part of the [[TOS Season 3 DVD]] collection
 
* As part of the [[TOS Season 3 DVD]] collection
* As part of the [[TOS-R Season 3 DVD]] collection.
+
* As part of the [[TOS-R Season 3 DVD]] collection
   
==Links and references==
+
== Links and references ==
===Starring===
+
=== Starring ===
* [[William Shatner]] as Capt. [[James T. Kirk|Kirk]]
+
* [[William Shatner]] as [[Captain]] [[James T. Kirk]]
   
===Also starring===
+
=== Also starring ===
* [[Leonard Nimoy]] as Mr. [[Spock]]
+
* [[Leonard Nimoy]] as [[Mister|Mr.]] [[Spock]]
:And:
+
;And
* [[DeForest Kelley]] as Dr. [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]]
+
* [[DeForest Kelley]] as [[Dr.]] [[Leonard McCoy|McCoy]]
   
===Guest stars===
+
=== Guest stars ===
 
* [[Michael Dunn]] as [[Alexander]]
 
* [[Michael Dunn]] as [[Alexander]]
 
* [[Liam Sullivan]] as [[Parmen]]
 
* [[Liam Sullivan]] as [[Parmen]]
Line 218: Line 211:
 
* [[James Doohan]] as [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]]
 
* [[James Doohan]] as [[Montgomery Scott|Scott]]
 
* [[Nichelle Nichols]] as [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]]
 
* [[Nichelle Nichols]] as [[Nyota Uhura|Uhura]]
* [[Majel Barrett]] as Nurse [[Christine Chapel|Chapel]]
+
* [[Majel Barrett]] as [[Nurse]] [[Christine Chapel|Chapel]]
 
* [[Ted Scott]] as [[Eraclitus]]
 
* [[Ted Scott]] as [[Eraclitus]]
 
* [[Derek Partridge]] as [[Dionyd]]
 
* [[Derek Partridge]] as [[Dionyd]]
   
===Uncredited co-stars===
+
=== Uncredited co-stars ===
 
* [[William Blackburn]] as [[Hadley]]
 
* [[William Blackburn]] as [[Hadley]]
* [[Jeannie Malone]] as [[Unnamed USS Enterprise (NCC-1701) personnel|Yeoman]]
+
* [[Jeannie Malone]] as [[USS Enterprise operations yeoman 1|Yeoman]]
  +
* [[Frieda Rentie]] as [[USS Enterprise lieutenant 1|sciences crew woman]]
* [[Unknown performers]] as:
 
  +
* [[John Zimeas]] as [[Platonian audience 001|Platonian spectator]]
** Navigator
 
 
* [[Unknown performers]] as
** Command division yeoman
 
  +
** [[Platonian audience 001|Platonian audience members]]
** Sciences division yeoman
 
  +
** [[USS Enterprise command navigator 3|Navigator]]
** Operations division crewman
 
  +
** [[USS Enterprise lieutenant 12|Operations crewman]]
** [[Unnamed Platonians#Bystanders|Eight Platonian bystanders]]
 
   
===Stunt double===
+
=== Photo double ===
* [[Armando Gonzales]] as Leonard Nimoy's flamenco dance double
+
* [[Armando Gonzales]] as [[photo double|dancing double]] for [[Leonard Nimoy]]
   
===References===
+
=== References ===
[[1st millennium BC]]; [[1st millennium AD]]; [[academician]]; [[apple]]; [[bacteria]]; [[brain wave]]; [[chess]]; [[common cold]]; [[court buffoon]]; [[Cupid]]; [[dance]]; [[democracy]]; [[drum]]; [[dwarf]]; [[Earth]]; [[emergency gyro]]; [[emergency stabilizer]]; [[emotion]]; [[eugenics]]; [[Excellency]]; [[fever]]; [[French language]]; [[furniture]]; [[grape]]s; [[Greek]]; [[Greek language]]; [[Hippocrates]]; [[hypo]]; [[infection]]; [[kironide]]; [[kithara]]; [[knife]]; [[laurel]]; [[logic]]; [[lyre]]; "[[Maiden Wine]]"; [[medical arts]]; [[meditation]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[muscle]]; [[Pan]]; [[Pericles]]; [[philosopher king]]; [[physician]]; [[pituitary gland]]; [[Plato]]; [[Platonian]]; [[Platonius]]; [[principality]]; [[psychokinesis]]; [[republic]]; [[Sahndara]]; [[Sahndara (planet)|Sahndara]]; [[science officer]]; [[William Shakespeare|Shakespeare, William]]; [[Shakespeare's sonnets]]; [[shield]]; [[sing]]; [[skin]]; [[slave]]; [[space fleet]]; [[Starfleet]]; [[subspace communication]]; ''[[Through the Looking-Glass]]''; [[tricorder]]; [[Tweedledum and Tweedledee]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[wine]]
+
[[1st millennium BC|44 BC]]; [[1st millennium BC|32 BC]]; [[1st century|85 AD]]; [[academician]]; [[aging]]; [[anger]]; [[anniversary]]; [[answer]]; [[apology]]; [[apple]]; [[Aristophanes]]; [[arm]]; [[arrogance]]; [[arrow]]; [[atmosphere]]; [[bacteria]]; [[beauty]]; [[blood]]; [[blood sample]]; [[bloodstream]]; "[[Bones]]"; [[borogove]]; [[brain]]; [[brain wave]]; [[breathing]]; [[brotherhood]]; [[eyebrow|brow]]; {{dis|bug|illness}}; [[bullwhip]]; [[century]]; [[chamber]]; [[chess]]; [[children]]; [[choking]]; [[common cold]]; [[comparative test]]; {{dis|concentration|psychology}}; [[contact]]; [[contemplation]]; [[court buffoon]]; [[crying]]; [[culture]]; [[Cupid]]; [[cut]]; [[dance]]; [[day]]; [[death]]; [[death warrant]]; [[deficiency]]; [[delirium]]; [[democracy|democratic society]]; [[deposit]]; [[desire]]; [[divine providence]]; [[dignity]]; [[disciple]]; [[distress call]]; [[drum]]; {{dis|dwarf|physiology}}; [[Earth]]; [[emergency gyro]]; [[emergency stabilizer]]; [[emotion]]; [[enemy]]; [[engineer]]; [[environmental condition]]; [[eugenics]]; [[Excellency]]; [[fact]]; [[fear]]; [[fever]]; [[fit]]; [[Flamenco]]; {{dis|flush|physiology}}; [[French language]]; ''{{revname|The|Frogs}}''; [[fruit]]; [[furniture]]; [[genius]]; [[god]]; [[good faith]]; [[grape]]s; [[gratitude]]; [[Greek|Greek civilization]]; [[Greek language]]; [[guest]]; [[hatred]]; [[head of government|head]] (aka [[ruler]]); [[heart]]; [[Hippocrates]]; [[hoof]]; {{dis|hope|feeling}}; [[horn]]; [[hour]]; [[humble]]; [[humiliation]]; [[hypo]]; [[hypothesis]]; [[idea]]; [[ignorance]]; [[infection]]; [[information]]; [[intention]]; [[joke|joking]]; [[justice]]; [[keg]]; [[kironide]]; [[kiss]]; [[kithara]]; [[knife]]; [[knowledge]]; [[laughter|laughing]]; [[laurel]]; [[leader]]; [[leadership]]; [[leg]]; [[life]]; [[light]]; [[logic]]; [[longevity]]; [[love]]; [[lyre]]; "[[Maiden Wine]]"; [[marriage]]; [[meaning]]; [[medical stores]]; [[medical tricorder]]; [[medicine]] (aka [[medical arts]]); [[meditation]]; [[Milky Way Galaxy]]; [[mind]]; [[month]]; [[mood]]; [[morality|moralizing]]; [[murder]]; [[muscle]]; [[music]]; [[night]]; [[supernova|nova]]; [[order]]; [[pain]]; {{dis|Pan|mythology}}; [[patience]]; [[peace]]; [[pebble]]; [[Pericles]]; [[philosopher king]]; [[physician]] (aka doctor); [[plate]]; [[pituitary gland]]; [[pituitary hormone]]; [[place]]; [[Plato]]; [[Platonian]]; [[Platonian leader 001|Platonian's original leader]]; [[Platonius]]; [[population]]; [[power level]]; {{dis|present|gift}}; [[principality]]; [[prisoner]]; [[probability]]; [[problem]]; [[prognosis]]; [[psychokinesis]] (aka psychokinetic power, [[psychokinetic ability]]); [[puppet]]; [[question]]; [[rage]]; [[reality]]; [[recuperative power]]; [[refugee]]; [[republic]]; [[research]]; [[result]]; [[revenge]]; [[rhyme]]; [[sadism]]; [[Sahndara]]; {{dis|Sahndara|planet}}; [[saint]]; [[savage]]; "[[Idioms|scared to death]]"; [[science officer]]; [[secret]]; [[self-reliance]]; [[sensor]]; [[serenade]]; {{revname|William|Shakespeare}}; [[Shakespeare's sonnets]]; [[shape]]; [[shield]]; [[sing]]; [[size]]; [[skin]]; [[slap]]; [[slave]]; [[sleepwalking]]; [[Socrates]]; [[solution]]; [[smile]]; [[space fleet]]; [[spaceship]]; [[speech]]; [[spouse]] ([[wife]]); [[stabilizer]]; [[star]]; [[Starfleet]]; [[starship]]; [[stepchildren]]; [[storm]]; {{dis|strain|biology}}; [[subspace communication]]; [[symbol]]; [[temper]]; [[ten scale]]; "[[theory]]; [[thing]]; [[thinking]]; ''[[Through the Looking-Glass]]''; [[throwback]]; [[time]]; [[time factor]]; [[title]]; [[tone]]; [[torture]]; [[treasure]]; [[treatment]]; [[tricorder]]; [[trick]]; [[truth]]; [[turbulence]]; [[Tweedledum and Tweedledee]]; [[unconscious]]; [[universe]]; [[utopia]]; [[vagabond]]; [[vanity]]; [[velvet]]; [[voice]]; [[Vulcan]]; [[weapon]]; {{dis|will|philosophy}}: [[wine]]; {{dis|wing|building}}; [[word]]; [[year]]
   
===External link===
+
=== External links ===
* {{NCwiki|Plato's Stepchildren}}
+
* {{startrek.com|database_article/platos-stepchildren|"Plato's Stepchildren"|external}}
  +
* {{mbeta-quote|Plato's Stepchildren}}
  +
* {{wikipedia-quote|Plato's Stepchildren}}
  +
* {{ml|platos-stepchildren|"Plato's Stepchildren"|external}}
   
 
{{TOS nav|season=3|last={{e|Day of the Dove}}|next={{e|Wink of an Eye}}|lastair={{e|The Tholian Web}}|nextair={{e|Wink of an Eye}}|lastair_remastered={{e|Spock's Brain}}|nextair_remastered={{e|The Omega Glory}}}}
 
{{TOS nav|season=3|last={{e|Day of the Dove}}|next={{e|Wink of an Eye}}|lastair={{e|The Tholian Web}}|nextair={{e|Wink of an Eye}}|lastair_remastered={{e|Spock's Brain}}|nextair_remastered={{e|The Omega Glory}}}}
 
 
   
 
[[de:Platons Stiefkinder]]
 
[[de:Platons Stiefkinder]]
 
[[es:Plato's Stepchildren]]
 
[[es:Plato's Stepchildren]]
[[fr:Plato's Stepchildren]]
+
[[fr:Plato's Stepchildren (épisode)]]
 
[[it:Umiliati per forza maggiore (episodio)]]
 
[[it:Umiliati per forza maggiore (episodio)]]
[[ja:TOS:キロナイドの魔力]]
+
[[ja:キロナイドの魔力(エピソード)]]
 
[[nl:Plato's Stepchildren]]
 
[[nl:Plato's Stepchildren]]
 
[[pl:Plato's Stepchildren]]
 
[[pl:Plato's Stepchildren]]

Latest revision as of 05:34, 7 December 2023

Real world article
(written from a Production point of view)

Plato's Stepchildren redirects here; for the unseen namesake prop book, please see Plato's Stepchildren (production art).

The Enterprise finds a planet inhabited by aliens who were once followers of the Greek philosopher Plato.

Summary

Teaser

Alexander greets the landing party

Alexander meets the landing party

Summoned by an urgent distress call for medical help, the USS Enterprise landing party consisting of Kirk, Spock, and McCoy find a group of aliens who supposedly model their society on the teachings of Plato. Their leader is suffering from a massive infection in his leg and is close to death. Alexander, a servant to the Platonians, quietly suggests to Philana that they should not kill the Enterprise landing party, given that they are trying to save their leader, Parmen. Before he can finish his sentence, Philana telekinetically makes him bite his hand.

Act One

Parmen in pain

Parmen reacts to infection

Kirk, Spock, and McCoy discover the Platonians' powerful psychokinetic abilities, as the man's delirium has violent effects on his surroundings. Another Platonian trait is extreme longevity, as well as frail physical immunity seemingly caused by their emphasis on mental prowess. This is what caused their powerful ruler to be so vulnerable to what should have been a minor treatable injury.

The result of a mass eugenics project on their home planet, "Plato's stepchildren" had escaped to Earth in the time of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato when their star, Sahndara, went supernova. After Plato's death they established a republic based on his philosophy, where 38 inhabitants live a life of quiet contemplation and self-reliance.

McCoy, Kirk, and Spock not in control on Platonius

Kirk, Spock, and McCoy are forced into audience with Parmen

A simple cut in the leg had developed an unknown infection which caused Parmen to have a fever and lose control of his powers. Furniture is thrown around and the Enterprise is shaken in orbit, while Kirk, Spock, McCoy, and Alexander duck and hide from the flying objects. "Fascinating. I believe we are experiencing the psychokinetic manifestations of Parmen's delirium", Spock notes. Philana, Parmen's wife, is able to distract Parmen long enough for McCoy to sedate him with a hypospray, ending the chaos. Later, Dr. McCoy's treatment of Parmen is effective and the landing party prepares to leave the planet. However, the Enterprise is frozen; Scott reports that there are no functional transporters, navigation or even subspace communication with Starfleet. Captain Kirk barges into Parmen's chamber, and Parmen strips Kirk of his phaser and tells him that guests must recognize his supremacy. In an allusion to the Greek ideal of guest-friend, Kirk retorts: "Guest? You don't know the meaning of the word. Guests are not treated like common prisoners." Parmen uses his psychokinetic powers to force Kirk to slap himself in the face repeatedly.

Act Two

McCoyDecidesOnPlatonius

Parmen insists that McCoy stay with him and Philana

After the ordeal with Kirk smacking himself around, he, Spock, and McCoy are back in their guest chamber, trying to contact the Enterprise with his communicator to no avail. The Platonians summon them and seem grateful for McCoy's help. They provide the landing party with variety of gifts: the shield of Pericles for Kirk, a kithara for Spock, and a collection of Greek cures written by Hippocrates himself for McCoy. Parmen appeals for Kirk's forgiveness. He says he will release the ship, but he wants McCoy to remain on the planet.

McCoy refuses and Parmen says he will not be refused. Kirk says that he cannot consider himself a descendant of Plato. Spock points out, "Plato wanted truth and beauty and above all, justice." Parmen says that theirs is the most democratic society that ever was – unlike the Federation, which uses weapons and fleets of starships to enforce justice, the Platonians use the power of the mind. He says he wants to persuade Kirk and Spock to leave peacefully so as not to upset McCoy.

SpockLosesControlOnPlatoniu

Spock is stripped of his emotional control

Parmen uses his mental powers to intimidate and humiliate Kirk and Spock into compliance. First, he makes them sing a song and dance a jig. Kirk tells McCoy that he is not going to let him stay behind and Parmen makes Kirk recite some lines from William Shakespeare's Sonnet LVII: "Being your slave what should I do but tend | Upon the hours, and times of your desire? | I have no precious time at all to spend; | Nor service[s] to do, 'til you …". Parmen makes Spock dance some more and then forces him to laugh and cry, torturing his Vulcan psychology by forcing severe emotion, such as hearty laughter and a good cry out of him. Kirk is forced to get down on his hands and knees and neigh and trot like a horse and Alexander is forced to ride on Kirk's back

Act Three

McCoy decides to volunteer to stay but Kirk still refuses, pointing out that once they are gone they and the Enterprise will be destroyed. Alexander speaks up, saying that Kirk is right. He gives a speech about how he used to think it was his own fault that he did not have the same powers as the Platonians and that he was lucky that they had kept him around. But now, after the Enterprise crew stood up to the Platonians and showed them for what they are, he realizes how they've been putting him down.

Spock questions Alexander about the powers and determines that the power had manifested itself shortly after the Platonians had used up their food stores and started eating local food. McCoy scans Alexander's blood with his medical tricorder and finds that Parmen has more kironide, which is broken down by the pituitary gland. Alexander remembers that the kironide gave each Platonian different mental powers, but when they tried to combine these powers they failed. McCoy synthesizes some kironide and injects Kirk, and Spock – to double that of Parmen's level. Kirk suggests that Alexander get a dose, take Parmen's place and rule the planet, but Alexander refuses: "You think that's what I want? Become one of them? Become my own enemy? Just lie around like a big blob of nothing and have things done for me? I want to run around for myself. If I am going to laugh or cry, I want to do it for myself. You can keep your precious power. All I ask is one thing: if you do make it out of here, take me with you."

Uhura and Chapel on Platonius

Uhura and Chapel in Platonian garb

The conversation is interrupted when the Platonians force Lieutenant Uhura and Nurse Christine Chapel to beam down as Kirk, Spock, and McCoy look on in bewilderment. The women, unable to speak, walk away and are forced against their will to prepare for the evening's festivities. Kirk angrily surmises that the Platonians have now found some new entertainment for their amusement.

Act Four

Later that night, Uhura and Chapel step out into the main hall, both dressed in fabulous Greek dresses as Kirk and Spock join them, both clad in short Greek tunics and laurel leaf crowns. Kirk asks Spock to try to lift some plates of food, but the powers have not kicked in yet. Kirk, Spock, Uhura, and Chapel are led to a stage. Parmen would like to welcome McCoy, but he has to convince McCoy to change his mind first. He makes Spock sing what he calls "a serenade from the laughing spaceman" to Uhura and Chapel.

Then, the four are split into two pairs: Uhura and Kirk, and Chapel and Spock. Chapel and Spock are forced to kiss despite their protests; Chapel confesses that she has wanted to be close to Spock for so long but now she wants to "crawl away and die". Uhura likewise confesses to Kirk that she was so often calmed by Kirk's presence when she was frightened on the bridge of the Enterprise. The two couples struggle in vain to avoid being forced to kiss.

Kirk controlling Alexander

"Who did that?"
"I did."

After the kisses, Parmen compels Kirk to crack a bullwhip at Uhura and Spock to brandish a hot poker rod at Chapel. While Parmen is distracted controlling the four officers, Alexander attempts to sneak up on him with a knife. Parmen shifts his focus to trying to make Alexander turn the knife on himself. Meanwhile, Kirk begins to feel his telekinetic power building and laughs once he prevents Alexander from hurting himself. Parmen cannot believe that Kirk has telekinetic abilities and tries to test them. He sends Alexander to threaten Kirk with the knife, but again the captain turns the tables on the Platonian. For a brief time, the two minds fight for control of Alexander. Kirk's power is proven the greater but ultimately they both release him. Alexander begins to use his free will to attack Parmen but Kirk stops him, asking simply, "Do you want to be like him?" Alexander struggles with his conscience, but finally drops the knife, heaping contempt onto his former leader instead. Parmen sees that Kirk has spared his life, and appears repentant. He promises that he will be more benevolent towards future visits by other starships. Spock and Kirk are very dubious of the reform and so stresses that any new visitors can easily be dosed with kironide as well. Parmen appears to acquiesce to this truth and Kirk seems satisfied that the "Platonian problem" has been solved.

Kirk calls Scotty for transport, saying that he has "a little surprise" for the chief engineer. Kirk intends to make good on his earlier promise to rescue Alexander from Platonius and the Enterprise departs soon after.

Log entries

Memorable quotes

"Alexander, where I come from, size, shape, or color makes no difference."

- Kirk, on life outside Platonius


"Doctor McCoy, you may yet cure the common cold."

- Spock, after Parmen's recovery


Spock and Kirk dance

Parmen forces Kirk and Spock to perform

"Philosopher kings have no need of titles."

- Parmen, correcting Kirk


"I'm Tweedledee, he's Tweedledum."
"We're spacemen marching to and from."
"We slythe among the mimsey toves."
"And tire among the borogoves."

- Kirk and Spock, performing for Parmen – Listen to this quote file info


"Being your slave, what should I do but tend."
"Upon the hours, and times of your desire?"
"I have no precious time at all to spend."
"Nor service to do, 'til you…"

- James T. Kirk, reciting from William Shakespeare's Sonnet LVII while under Parmen's spell – Listen to this quote file info


"However, I have noted that the healthy release of emotion is frequently very unhealthy for those closest to you."

- Spock to McCoy, on their humiliations


Chapel and Spock kiss

The other forced kiss

"You think that's what I want? Become one of them? Become my own enemy?"

- Alexander to Kirk, on receiving psychokinesis


"For so long I've wanted to be close to you. Now all I want to do is crawl away and die!"

- Chapel, before kissing Spock


"Careful, Mr. Spock. Too much love is dangerous."
"Remember, Cupid's arrow kills Vulcans."

- Dionyd and Eraclitus, on Spock's kiss – Listen to this quote file info


"And now they are making me tremble. But I'm not afraid. I am not afraid."

- Uhura, before her kiss with Kirk


Alexander takes the moral high ground

Alexander scolds Parmen

"Don't stop me! Let me finish him off!"
"Do you want to be like him?"

- Alexander and Kirk, as Alexander points a knife at Parmen


"Despite your brains, you're the most contemptible things that ever lived in this universe. "

- Alexander, scolding Parmen


"To us, killing is murder. Even for revenge."

- Kirk to Parmen, on why he was spared


"Uncontrolled, power will turn even saints into savages. And we can all be counted upon to live down to our lowest impulses."

- Parmen to Kirk, before the landing party departs


"Kirk to Enterprise. Mr. Scott, prepare to beam us up. I have a little surprise for you. I'm bringing a visitor aboard."

- Kirk, not forgetting his promise to take Alexander with him (last lines)

Background information

Production timeline

Cast

Music

Spock sings Maiden Wine

Spock sings "Maiden Wine", composed by Leonard Nimoy, to Uhura and Chapel

Costumes

  • The togas worn by Shatner and Nimoy in this episode were designed by William Ware Theiss, and were later put up for auction in December 2018. [2]

Reception

  • This episode has been long touted for featuring "the first interracial kiss on [American] network television." (The Star Trek Compendium, p. 120) See: Kirk and Uhura's kiss.
    • There is some dispute about whether the kiss actually occurred. According to the on-screen footage, it appears that the actors' lips touched. However, both William Shatner and Nichelle Nichols claimed in Star Trek Memories (2009 ed., pp. 283-286) that NBC exerted pressure to forbid lip contact, and to use a clever camera technique to conceal the "separation".
    • Also according to Nichols, NBC was afraid of the kiss because some stations in the South could decide not to air the episode because of it. Finally, an agreement was made: to film two versions of the scene – one where Kirk and Uhura kissed, and one where they did not. They filmed the first version (with the kiss) successfully, then she and Shatner deliberately flubbed every take of the latter, making it unusable, and leaving the kiss intact. Nichols writes, "The next day they screened the dailies, and although I rarely attended them, I couldn't miss this one. Everyone watched as Kirk and Uhura kissed and kissed and kissed. And I'd like to set the record straight: Although Kirk and Uhura fought it, they did kiss in every single scene. When the non-kissing scene came on, everyone in the room cracked up. The last shot, which looked okay on the set, actually had Bill wildly crossing his eyes. It was so corny and just plain bad it was unusable. The only alternative was to cut out the scene altogether, but that was impossible to do without ruining the entire episode. Finally, the guys in charge relented: 'To hell with it. Let's go with the kiss.' I guess they figured we were going to be canceled in a few months anyway. And so the kiss stayed." (Beyond Uhura [page number?edit])
    • According to Nichols, in the early script, it was supposed to be Spock that kissed Uhura, but William Shatner had it changed, saying, "If anyone's gonna get to kiss Nichelle, it's going to be me, I mean, Captain Kirk!" (citation needededit)
    • Trekkies Bjo and John Trimble were happy to receive news of this installment. John Trimble remarked, "Our immediate reaction was, 'Alright, by God, about time!'" Added Bjo Trimble, "And my second immediate reaction was, 'Boy, are they gonna hear from the Bible Belt on this one!'" Bjo Trimble stated, "We got our share of some really nasty letters. But here was the thing – you get one nasty letter, and you get a hundred really great letters. It was a step forward, I think." (Star Trek: The Real Story [page number?edit])
    • Screenwriter D.C. Fontana recalled, "There were Southern stations that told NBC: 'Well, we're not going to run this show, because you have a black woman on the bridge,'," she then added “And Gene Roddenberry told NBC to tell them to go to hell." According to Nichols who said the scene struck a chord for her personally because her own "Grandpa was white, and Grandma was black. But professionally speaking? It was just a kissing scene." [3]
  • This episode was not shown until 22 December 1993 in the United Kingdom, with the BBC skipping it due to "sadistic" elements in the plot. An official BBC statement by Sheila Cundy of the Programme Correspondence Section declared, "After very careful consideration a top level decision was made not to screen the episodes entitled 'Empath' [sic], 'Whom The Gods Destroy' [sic], 'Plato's Stepchildren' and 'Miri' [actually transmitted in 1970, but not re-aired until the '90s], because they all dealt most unpleasantly with the already unpleasant subjects of madness, torture, sadism and disease." (BBC form letter, undated, Reference 28/SPC)

Remastered information

The remastered version of "Plato's Stepchildren" aired in many North American markets during the weekend of 16 June 2007. Very few new effects were required. Like all other remastered episodes, the physical model of the Enterprise has been wholly replaced by a CGI model throughout the episode. Similarly, the Enterprise is universally shot at different – and typically closer – angles than in the original.

The most dramatic new effect is that of the planet Platonius. It has changed from its original, Mars-like appearance to one that greatly resembles Earth.

Dr. McCoy's tricorder insert also received a touch-up. Its display was transformed from a bar graph that approximated sickbay displays to an integrated line chart. The benefit of the changed effect is that the display now more easily reads as a true comparison of the blood of Alexander and Parmen, along with (ostensibly) Human norms.

In addition, the digital restoration of non-SFX shots has resulted in an overall brightening of color that is perhaps more profound in this abstractly-designed episode than in others.

Video and DVD releases

Released with "Whom Gods Destroy", the volume was originally unrated, as it was released prior to the Video Recordings Act 1984. After 1985, it received a rating of PG.

Links and references

Starring

Also starring

And

Guest stars

Uncredited co-stars

Photo double

References

44 BC; 32 BC; 85 AD; academician; aging; anger; anniversary; answer; apology; apple; Aristophanes; arm; arrogance; arrow; atmosphere; bacteria; beauty; blood; blood sample; bloodstream; "Bones"; borogove; brain; brain wave; breathing; brotherhood; brow; bug; bullwhip; century; chamber; chess; children; choking; common cold; comparative test; concentration; contact; contemplation; court buffoon; crying; culture; Cupid; cut; dance; day; death; death warrant; deficiency; delirium; democratic society; deposit; desire; divine providence; dignity; disciple; distress call; drum; dwarf; Earth; emergency gyro; emergency stabilizer; emotion; enemy; engineer; environmental condition; eugenics; Excellency; fact; fear; fever; fit; Flamenco; flush; French language; Frogs, The; fruit; furniture; genius; god; good faith; grapes; gratitude; Greek civilization; Greek language; guest; hatred; head (aka ruler); heart; Hippocrates; hoof; hope; horn; hour; humble; humiliation; hypo; hypothesis; idea; ignorance; infection; information; intention; joking; justice; keg; kironide; kiss; kithara; knife; knowledge; laughing; laurel; leader; leadership; leg; life; light; logic; longevity; love; lyre; "Maiden Wine"; marriage; meaning; medical stores; medical tricorder; medicine (aka medical arts); meditation; Milky Way Galaxy; mind; month; mood; moralizing; murder; muscle; music; night; nova; order; pain; Pan; patience; peace; pebble; Pericles; philosopher king; physician (aka doctor); plate; pituitary gland; pituitary hormone; place; Plato; Platonian; Platonian's original leader; Platonius; population; power level; present; principality; prisoner; probability; problem; prognosis; psychokinesis (aka psychokinetic power, psychokinetic ability); puppet; question; rage; reality; recuperative power; refugee; republic; research; result; revenge; rhyme; sadism; Sahndara; Sahndara; saint; savage; "scared to death"; science officer; secret; self-reliance; sensor; serenade; Shakespeare, William; Shakespeare's sonnets; shape; shield; sing; size; skin; slap; slave; sleepwalking; Socrates; solution; smile; space fleet; spaceship; speech; spouse (wife); stabilizer; star; Starfleet; starship; stepchildren; storm; strain; subspace communication; symbol; temper; ten scale; "theory; thing; thinking; Through the Looking-Glass; throwback; time; time factor; title; tone; torture; treasure; treatment; tricorder; trick; truth; turbulence; Tweedledum and Tweedledee; unconscious; universe; utopia; vagabond; vanity; velvet; voice; Vulcan; weapon; will: wine; wing; word; year

External links

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"Day of the Dove"
Star Trek: The Original Series
Season 3
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"Wink of an Eye"
Previous episode aired:
"The Tholian Web"
Next episode aired:
"Wink of an Eye"
Previous remastered episode aired:
"Spock's Brain"
TOS Remastered Next remastered episode aired:
"The Omega Glory"