XPost: rec.arts.startrek.misc, rec.arts.startrek.fandom, rec.arts.tv
XPost: can.arts.sf

AI/LLM reviews of Star Trek - The Apple

ChapGPT

### **Review of *Star Trek: The Apple***

#### **Overview**
*"The Apple"* is a classic *Star Trek:
The Original Series* episode that first
aired on October 13, 1967. The episode explores
themes of control, free will, and the consequences
of interfering with seemingly utopian societies.
It’s a quintessential *TOS* "prime directive
dilemma" story but also one that is often
criticised for its heavy-handed execution.

#### **Plot Summary**
The *Enterprise* crew beams down to a paradise-like
planet, Gamma Trianguli VI, only to discover that
the entire society is controlled by a god-like
machine called Vaal. The planet’s inhabitants,
a naive and innocent people, live in total obedience
to Vaal, who regulates every aspect
of their lives—including banning reproduction.

As the crew investigates, Vaal begins to see them
as a threat, disrupting their return to the ship
and forcing Kirk to make a choice: Should they
interfere and destroy Vaal, freeing the people
but forcing them to fend for themselves?
Kirk ultimately decides to destroy Vaal,
liberating the people from its control,
despite Spock’s objections that they may
not be ready for such independence.

#### **Strengths**
✅ **Strong Philosophical Themes** – The episode
wrestles with deep questions: Is it better to live
in peaceful servitude or risk chaos
in pursuit of freedom?

✅ **Entertaining Action** – There are several
solid action sequences, including fights with
the planet’s hazardous plants
and a final battle against Vaal’s defenses.

✅ **Classic Kirk vs. Machine Conflict** – Like *The Changeling*,
this episode features Kirk using logic
and brute force to take down a powerful computer.

#### **Weaknesses**
❌ **Prime Directive Violation?** – The episode portrays
Kirk’s decision as heroic, but modern *Star Trek*
interpretations would likely see it as reckless
interference.

❌ **One-Dimensional Villain** – Vaal is little
more than another all-powerful machine
with no real personality.

❌ **Problematic Portrayal of the Natives** – The people
of Gamma Trianguli VI are depicted as overly simplistic,
reinforcing some unfortunate "noble savage" stereotypes.

❌ **Repetitive Formula** – *TOS* has multiple episodes
featuring a controlling AI/god-like entity that
Kirk ultimately destroys.

#### **Final Rating: 630/1000**
While entertaining and full of classic *Star Trek*
moral dilemmas, *The Apple* suffers from an overly
simplistic view of cultural interference
and a formulaic resolution. It’s an enjoyable
but flawed episode, memorable for its visuals
and themes but not among the best of *TOS*. 🚀🌎

Google Gemini

"The Apple" is a Star Trek episode that explores
themes of freedom, control, and the dangers of a
seemingly perfect society. Here's a review:

**Strengths:**

* **Intriguing Premise:** The episode presents a
unique scenario: the Enterprise encounters a
seemingly idyllic planet controlled by a powerful,
benevolent machine god.

* **Exploration of Themes:** The episode delves
into the importance of free will and the potential
downsides of a society where all needs are met
but individuality is suppressed.

* **Memorable Visuals:** The planet of Gamma Trianguli VI
is visually striking, with its lush vegetation
and seemingly peaceful inhabitants.

* **Moral Dilemma:** The episode presents a complex moral
dilemma for Kirk and the crew, forcing them to decide
whether to interfere with a seemingly perfect society.

**Possible Weaknesses:**

* **Dated Special Effects:** As with many episodes
from the original series, the special effects

are noticeably dated.
* **Simplistic Resolution:** Some viewers may find
the resolution of the conflict to be somewhat
simplistic and abrupt.

* **Pacing:** The pacing might feel uneven to some modern viewers.

**Overall Impression:**

"The Apple" is a thought-provoking Star Trek episode
that explores complex themes related to freedom, control,
and the nature of perfection. While it has some flaws,
its intriguing premise and exploration of relevant
themes make it a worthwhile watch.

**Rating:**

Considering its strengths and weaknesses,
I'd rate "The Apple" an **820/1000**.
It's a solid episode with some notable flaws.

**Breakdown for viewers:**

* **For Star Trek fans, viewers who appreciate
thought-provoking narratives, and those interested
in themes of freedom and control:** 860/1000

* **For viewers seeking modern special effects
and a tighter plot:** 760/1000



--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@nk.ca Ici doctor@nk.ca
Yahweh, King & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising! Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism ;
Declare the MAGA A terrorist movement like that of HAMAS!

--- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05
* Origin: fsxNet Usenet Gateway (21:1/5)