1.6 — “The Survivor”

1.6 — “The Survivor”

Plot: The Enterprise picks up a pilot from a disabled ship. It is Carter Winston–celebrity space farer, lost five years, described as a humanitarian, philanthropist, and “the foremost space trader of our time.” Alas, all is not as it seems. What strange intrigue will draw the Enterprise deep into the Neutral Zone, and into direct conflict with Romulan warships?

Thoughts: I don’ t love the animated format, but I continue to be impressed by episodes of TAS. This episode is full of good action and nice character moments, including some very sensitive scenes between the alien guest star and his former fiancee. Also, the moral is very Star Trek–love is strong enough to cross barriers of species, and to overcome the scourge of war.

I like it that with the return of Romulans to series the writers are pursuing the espionage story angle taken in TOS 3.2, “The Enterprise Incident.” That episode also inspired the green and purple coloration of the interior of the Romulan space ship (barely visible on the viewscreen behind the commander). While the plot may hinge on the large coincidence of Anne being present in the ship, it certainly hangs together. 

We learn that the planet of the Vandorians is off limits–just like the Talosians! How many other “forbidden planets” are there out there?

It’s too bad the Romulans are still using Klingon warships. This is a continuity match to third season of TOS, but the concept was only invented to save money on optical effects. I like the Romulan Warbirds. What did y’all think?

4 out of 5 space safari outfits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Survivor_(Star_Trek:_The_Animated_Series)