Shore Leave (TOS S1 E15)

Shore Leave (Star Trek: The Original Series (TOS), S1 E15) was recommended by He/Him, who said: "Velcome to FANTASY PLANET!"

Okay, I'll be honest. 90% of the reason I'm recommending this episode is to see Khaki's reaction to the beginning of Star Trek's long, and weirdly specific, obsession with stereotyping the Irish. Aside from that, I like it because this one of the most lighthearted of the early Trek episodes, coming right after the incredibly tense "Balance of Terror." Ultimately, there's no antagonist, no one is hurt (well, permanently anyway), and everyone has a good time. It's just a chance for the actors to have a few nice character bits as the episode explores the mystery of the planet itself, which every show needs.

Oh, and Kirk wanting a massage from Spock is a COMPLETELY PLATONIC desire, I swear!

Shore Leave first aired on November 17, 1966, written by Theodore Sturgeon, and directed by Robert Sparr

Part I: Spock hijacks the Enterprise to take his crippled former captain, Christopher Pike, to the forbidden world of Talos IV. He then demands a court martial, where he uses the events of The Cage to tell the tale of Pike's captivity on the planet years earlier

The Joy of Trek is hosted by Khaki & Kay, with editing & production by Chief Engineer Greg and music by Fox Amoore (Bandcamp | Bluesky)

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