The Apple

Episode Summary & Review

Summary

Gamma Trianguli VI is a peaceful planet with abundant plant life. It seems a paradise, but the landing party soon feels the thorns: poisonous plants, killer storms, and explosive rocks all claim lives. Eventually, they discover a small community of primitive people who serve the mysterious Vaal, an immense statue, chiefly by feeding it when it demands this. These people live immensely long lives, and do not age or procreate unless there is an accident. Theirs is a stagnant society, and into the bargain Vaal apparently has the means to attack the Enterprise…

Our Take

A pulpy adventure hour with a heavy-handed message about the evils of complacency. The redshirt deaths pile up so fast it borders on comedy, but the chemistry between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy keeps things watchable, and Vaal’s dragon attack is a fun bit of cheese. Worth it for fans of the campier side of TOS.