The recent death of Sally Kellerman got me to thinking about her role in the Star Trek episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before,” which was not only entertaining but thought-provoking.
Kellerman’s character, Dr. Elizabeth Dehner, and Gary Mitchell, the ship’s helmsman, acquire psychic powers when the Enterprise hits a mysterious force field in deep space. Mitchell, Captain Kirk’s close friend, gradually transforms into a god-like being who increasingly shows contempt for his crew mates, whom he now regards as weak creatures who only get in his way. Worse, Dr. Dehner begins a similar transformation.
It’s one of the original series’ best stories. The theme of how power corrupts was explored further in other Star Trek episodes. In “Plato’s Stepchildren,” Kirk & Co. confront humans who have acquired powerful telekinetic abilities. Their powers have turned them into sadistic bullies. At the story’s end, the chastised leader of the superhumans admits, “Uncontrolled, power will turn even saints into savages, and we can all be counted upon to live down to our lowest impulses.”
In “Patterns of Power,” the Enterprise finds a planet that’s transformed into Nazi Germany, complete with SS uniforms and calls for a “final solution” against its enemies. Turns out a Federation observer, determined to speed up progress on the planet, had introduced the population to National Socialism, thinking he could curb the movement’s nastier tendencies. But as Dr. McCoy observes, “A man who holds that much power, even with the best intentions, just can’t resist the urge to play God.”
Sounds like a timely message to me. In a confused and frightening time when both political parties threaten to bypass traditional constraints to get what they want, these old episodes have something to say.
M.C. Tuggle, Writer 
RIP Sally Kellerman
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Robert,
Amen.
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Star Trek was so good at challenging people to think. I had forgotten that Kellerman was in one of the episodes. (She didn’t play a M.A.S.H. nurse, did she?)
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Ben,
Maybe … ;- )
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Aw, I didn’t know she had died. Star Trek was one of the best TV shows. Thank you for posting one that included Sally.
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Jennie,
It’s sad, but she lived long and remained busy doing what she loved.
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That’s what we all hope for!
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Star Trek should be a blueprint for all modern science-fiction. It’s easy to fill a couple of hours with fantastic special effects, but if you have a great story, a polystyrene rock will suffice. Rip x
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Couldn’t agree more!
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Timely indeed. I listened to the “Big Questions of Philosophy” Great Courses series recently. The professor used numerous examples from Star Trek to illustrate philosophical issues. I admit to not watching much of the show growing up, but I may have to give it a shot.
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This would be a good time to catch up. They’ve remastered the entire series, cleaning up amateurish special effects and updating with new ones.
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I told my wife to add it to our list of things to watch with the kids. I think it would be good for them. Most of the stuff that’s being put out for kids today is drivel with little substance. Star Trek will probably do all of us some good. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Mike,
Follow up to last week’s email. This info came across my Facebook feed today. Gary Lockwood was also in the Star Trek episode with Sally Kellerman. Didn’t know he was in 2001.
Happy (belated) Birthday to Gary Lockwood (born John Gary Yurosek *02/21/37) best known for his roles as astronaut Frank Poole in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey” (1968) as Lieutenant Commander Gary Mitchell in the “Star Trek” second pilot episode “Where No Man Has Gone Before” (1966)
Lookin’ forward,
Ben Sharpton
Now available:
The Awakening of Jim Bishop
The 3rd Option
Camp Fear
2nd Sight
http://www.bensharpton.com
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Ben,
I’d forgotten about Lockwood’s role in 2001. Great to hear from you.
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