Star Trek: The Devil in the Dark

The Japanese TV guide talked about the horuta - it took me a moment to recognize the Horta! Over here http://www.startrek.com/startrek/view/series/TOS/episode/68712.html they characterize this as an unknown monster threatens a mining operation. Lots of fun. Starts with a nervous young man being left in a cave, fretting about the others that have died . . . and a shadow comes up, he screams, and of course, that's the end of him. But we know the Enterprise is on its way.

Janus 6 and frijium (I'm guessing on spelling, cause I don't think I know what that one is). Gold, platinum, rare earths - and the frijium that the Federation needs.

It's amusing that the strange monster knows enough to steal the main circulating pump out of the reactor, quite precisely, which will cause a runaway reaction and run everyone off. I think perhaps it was the precision of the action that made Spock suspicious.

I appreciated the fact that the chunk they blast off the Horta pulsates while Kirk holds it.

And there's Spock's protest - if this is the last of a dying race, to kill it would be a crime against science!

Funny that the first search party was 6 redshirts. Kill one, and the next time they get together, there are 8. Of course, Spock comments that they have a hundred men in the search - just before he announces that the odds of them both being killed are 2,228 to 1.

Nice dialog:
McCoy: "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer."
Kirk: "You're a healer, that's a patient. Treat it. That's an order."

a bit later, with muddy hands, McCoy announces with a smile, "I'm beginning to think I can cure a rainy day."

And of course the mirror observation by the mine operator and the Horta that "They aren't so bad, once you get used to their appearance."

This was an interesting use of Spock's Vulcan mindmeld to give the lump of silicon creature a voice.

The misunderstandings possible between species -- still a good theme.

And a lump of rock will lead them. :-)

Is there a Tarot Card Meme in your future?

Sigh. I have been taken to a tarot deck and shown my card. It is:

You are The Hermit

Prudence, Caution, Deliberation.

The Hermit points to all things hidden, such as knowledge and inspiration,hidden enemies. The illumination is from within, and retirement from participation in current events.

The Hermit is a card of introspection, analysis and, well, virginity. You do not desire to socialize; the card indicates, instead, a desire for peace and solitude. You prefer to take the time to think, organize, ruminate, take stock. There may be feelings of frustration and discontent but these feelings eventually lead to enlightenment, illumination, clarity.

The Hermit represents a wise, inspirational person, friend, teacher, therapist. This a person who can shine a light on things that were previously mysterious and confusing.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Let your little light shine?