I’m not saying I’ve hit my saturation point with the idea of one superior species or another having been an integral part of a major moment in human history. I’m not saying it’s never a compelling idea.
But I think there’s a problem when a series (or a whole fictional version of the universe) keeps revisiting this idea again and again. I think at some point that series hits its own saturation point in which humanity isn’t responsible for any of the progress made over the course of their history and are just greedy opportunists.
It’s a little lazy to repeat it so often, and
— in its laziness —
harmful for the way it invalidates our potential.
The one saving grace of this episode seems a happy accident. A being who takes the form of a satyr and calls himself Lucien is revealed to be Lucifer. Yes, that Lucifer. A fact which does not deter Kirk from his mercy toward him.
While Bones is concerned at the end about whether or not they just helped the devil (revealing the strictly “Christian” view of Lucifer at the time the episode was made), my curiosity is piqued by what I know of satyrs and “devils” and Pagan gods whose own historic mythologies were revised to fit the narrative of those in power.
Plus, we’re dealing with Sorcerer Spock, here. So there’s got to be a sonnet.
Give me your tests til I have dowsed
your superstitions with such proof
that — while with scepters you would joust —
I'd fashion kindness a new roof.
Come see me as I show my worth,
come hear me as I spread my mirth,
come walk with me and be my friend
because in change we know no end.
Give me your word for this my boon:
that to revolt or celebrate
is either way a fi'ry fate;
but light my way with fuller moon
that we'll both see the gold in reach,
the lessons we each have to teach.