Series: Star Trek (The Original Series)
Episode: 2.10 Journey to Babel (11-3-67)
Rating: 3/5
Redshirt Status: 0/14/37
Notable Guest Stars:
Mark Lenard – Sarek. Mark Lenard would reprise this role several times over the years, in different series and in several films.
Jane Wyatt – Amanda Grayson. She is known for being the mother in Father Knows Best
Review:
This is a pretty big episode for many reasons. First, it introduces Ambassador Sarek and his wife Amanda Greyson. Both of them appear in several episodes over the course of the series, in particular Sarek. They are Spock’s parents. This episode really brings a lot of information about Vulcans, from their family relationships, medical information and how they deal with problems.
This episode also deals with the fact that there are more species within the Alpha Quadrant then just the Klingons. This episode introduces the Andorans and the Tellarites. Both species will appear throughout the franchise and several episodes of Enterprise in particular.
While the Orions have been mentioned and shown before, this is the first real interaction we have with them. The previous appearance was during the Menagerie and it was an illusion rather than a real Orion.
This is a good episode for the main three characters, each showing aspects. Spock is forced to deal with his human and Vulcan sides, helped by his friends. McCoy gets to show off his medical skills, although he admits not having much experience with Vulcan patients. Kirk has his usual fights, and has to run the bridge during a crisis.
This episode helps solidify that Scotty is the third officer of the ship and would be the third in command line. I am a little confused as to why Uhura, who is a lieutenant, wouldn’t be put in command on the bridge over Chekov who is an ensign. Perhaps, like Deanna Troi, Uhura never put in for command courses and is not eligible for the position. It is unclear.
Interesting Notes:
- Directed by Joseph Pevney
- Written by DC Fontana
- This episode is the first appearance of Spock’s parents.
Pros:
- Introduction of several key Federation alien species such as the Andorians and Tellerites. Both which figure heavily in Enterprise.
- More in depth information on Vulcan history, and Spock’s personal history
- Kirk gets injured and actually has to sit around and recover
- Chapel interaction where she does her job and does it well.
Cons:
- Nothing to mention.
Sokorra Lewis 