One of Our Planets Is Missing
"One of Our Planets is Missing" is an episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series.
Plot outline
The Enterprise encounters a giant cloud creature that feeds on the energy of the planets that lie in its path. They determine it is heading for Mantilles, home to a Federation colony governed by former Starfleet officer Bob Wesley (featured in the TOS episode "The Ultimate Computer)".[1]
The Enterprise must discover a way to head off this threat before Mantilles is destroyed. Kirk takes the Enterprise inside the cloud in an attempt to stop it. Once inside, the ship loses power and Spock realizes that the cloud is an intelligent being which can be reasoned with.[2] Spock mindmelds with the entity and tells it that it is killing life and attempts to persuade it to return to its place of origin. The creature then comprehends that its source of food—planets—are populated by many small living beings.[3] It agrees to leave the Enterprise alone and to depart from this galaxy.[4]
"One of Our Planets is Missing" is regarded by some entertainment critics to be "one of the best [shows] that animated [Trek] spin-off has to offer" and "a highly satisfying episode that nicely encapsulates the Star Trek philosophy.[5] The show's "animation competently conveys the size and scope of the marauding cloud" which threatens the Federation world of Mantilles.[6] Spock's "mind-meld with the cloud is both logical and satisfying, and Kirk and Spock's wrestling with the need to protect [all] life-forms is intelligent and provocative."[7] Kirk even discusses the rationalisation for his decision "not to kill today" by referencing a line from the live action Trek episode "A Taste of Armageddon".[8]
The episode is also noted for its many plot similarities to Star Trek: The Motion Picture.
References
External links
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