The Devil in the Dark // Star Trek: The Original Series Reaction // Season 1

[@Alexandrashepiro]

William Shatner says this is his favorite episode of the series. His father died during its filming, but Shatner insisted on going through with production, and felt closer to the cast and crew for helping him through the difficult time!

[@roland7565]

Interesting

[@jsmurd]

Actually, William Shatner said his favorite episode is The City on the Edge of Forever. DeForrest Kelly said the same thing. Leonard Nimory said that his favorite is Amok Time.

[@1monki]

My favorite too

[@pleasantvalleypickerca7681]

I think Shatner took a few days away and did attend his fathers funeral and they shot scenes he wasn't in. The cast did pull together to support him I remember.

[@paulwalsh2344]

I did not know that ! And I have the Star Trek Compendium for the original series... and TNG, DS9 and Voyager... Maybe I read it and forgot decades ago...

[@RobertSmith-js2kz]

"I'm a doctor Jim, not a bricklayer!" Pure McCoy gold 😁

[@DumblyDorr]

This is one of my all-time favorite Trek episodes. It perfectly encapsulates what Star Trek is about - facing the unknown and dangerous not with hostility, but with openness, rationality, and empathy. It encourages us to question our moral assumptions, value all life in its diversity - to seek understanding and cooperation.

[@Roller-Ball]

Their banter back and forth at the end of the shows are so much fun.

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Yes!

[@crhu319]

That's called the #WhimsicalEpilogue and in syndication it serves the purpose of putting a tiny bit of the show after the last commercial break so you don't just see credits afterwards ​@@bunnytailsREACTS

[@docsavage8640]

I like how the title of the episode flips from the humans describing the Horta to the reverse perspective.

[@MGower4465]

It seems improbable that a creature that lives its life in the depths of solid rock has a concept of light and dark, it would have no sense of sight.

[@conservativecatholic9030]

@@MGower4465you’re stretching the analogy too far.

[@ammaleslie509]

Oh. My. God. I've been loving this episode for 50+ years and the double nature of the title never occurred to me, even though NO KILL I is my favorite part of the script!

[@ammaleslie509]

​@@MGower4465the humans aren't in the literal dark, they are "in the dark" in terms of not understanding the nature and the value of the life form they are dealing with.

[@landline00]

@@conservativecatholic9030 No. docsavage8640 is right.

[@tvdroid22]

Spock was concerned about his friend dying when he escalated emotionally and went from "Captain" to "Jim!!"

[@MichaelJShaffer]

One of the truly greatest Star Trek episodes. During the shooting of this episode, Shatner's father passed away and they had to stop filming. When he came back to set to continue filming, it was during the scene when Spock was performing the mind meld with the Horta. Nimoy was trying to help Shatner get into the scene and was reciting his lines off camera, "Pain. PAIN!" Trying to lighten the mood Shatner said, "Get this man an asprin."🖖

[@gribbly8166]

This episode weaves all of Trek's finest qualities together. Not just a good layered story, but also shows how Kirk and Spock complement each other.

[@edquinn5773]

I like that it shows we aren't the only intelligent or important species. A good lesson. Trek does great morality plays

[@nonconsensualopinion]

Agreed! Great set design. Starts off with a scary monster mystery for suspense. A twist, followed by a light-hearted ending. Perfection.

[@gribbly8166]

@@edquinn5773 It goes both ways too - the Horta called humans 'devils' to begin with.

[@davidmarquardt9034]

The scene where McCoy is told to treat the Horta by Kirk and his response is "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!" is one of the most memorable of his character in the series. It made such an impression on people, many years later Saturday Night Live did a skit parodying it, with McCoy repeating various versions of the line. "I'm a doctor, not a painter", I'm a doctor, not a carpenter!" and on and on.

[@kenmcauliffe3028]

"You're a doctor, there's a patient." Best reply.

[@dupersuper1938]

@@kenmcauliffe3028 Healer, but yes.

[@SciTrekMan]

My favorite is the SNL did a skit called ‘the restaurant Enterprise’; one patron got sick, and Kirk tells McCoy “there’s sick guest, help him”, and McCoy responds, “Dammit, Jim I’m a doctor, not a…. Oh yea!”

[@Nostromo4261]

“I’m a doctor, not a Sturgeon.”

[@luminiferous1960]

Although this episode is the first one in which Dr. McCoy says this line, he says I'm a doctor, not a... with several different occupations several times in TOS, but I will not say how many times and in what episodes to avoid spoilers. I am just saying that Dr. McCoy's repetition of this phrase with different occupations is what prompted the parodies. Dr. McCoy does say something very similar to this earlier in "The Corbomite Maneuver" in which he says "What am I, a doctor or a moon shuttle conductor?" The line has been misquoted in media as "Damn it, Jim, I'm a doctor…" although McCoy never used this expletive in the series.

[@jeffthompson9622]

I liked that this episode featured a non-anthropomorphic alien with its own viewpoint. I also appreciate the transition from an apparent monster hunt to first contact with an intelligent species.

[@AlanCanon2222]

Along the lines of The Day the Earth Stood Still, in a way, coming to realize that we're the "bad guys" in the situation.

[@paulwalsh2344]

@ jeffthompson9622 Yeah that exactly the reason why it made such an impression on me too. A really fantastic episode and really great science fiction too and a perfect example of what Gene Roddenberry was trying to achieve with this series.

[@Dmarcoot]

Nimoy’s performance on this for me is unforgettable

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

For sure!

[@jsmurd]

@@bunnytailsREACTS I wish you could meet William Shatner and tell him what you think of his Kirk character as you mentioned in your video. His birthday is coming up on March 22. He’ll be 93. I’ve wished I could meet the main cast since I was a kid.

[@tehawesomeface1337]

One of the scariest episodes of the series. I was about 9 years old when I saw it on a black and white TV set just slightly bigger than a microwave oven. The ‘monster’ is crudely made, a design that would be laughed at today. (You did laugh, Bunnytail!), but when I saw it I was so scared, I wanted them to just beam everyone aboard The Enterprise and the h… with the planet. I remember I really barely saw the episode, as I was hiding behind a chair, peeking out of the back seat. I was ducking for cover everytime the music became ominous. It was a few more years when we finally got our first colored TV. By then I was aware and feared for all the ‘red shirts’. When you watch it again, I swear that I think one of the red shirts was unnecessarily repeatedly bludgeoned by the miners! I think he’s dead, Jim!

[@paulwalsh2344]

I've probably said this before, but I was watching Star Trek with my Dad since before I was on solid foods. Probably saw THIS episode twice before even starting school at 5 ! So I never remember being frightened by the Horta... Now the Salt Vampire from “The Man Trap”... THAT scared me still for years and years ! The Gorn didn't "scare" me as a terrifying creature, but as dangerous adversary. ____ _____ _____ _____ DARN !... I had a list of Star Trek original series creatures ranked from scary to just cool typed out, but I had to delete it due to Bunny's spoilers prohibition !

[@tehawesomeface1337]

@@paulwalsh2344I think because it lacked a face, and the men who died let out a blood curdling scream. Very scary letting your imagination run wild hiding behind a chair. The salt vampire was a pretty woman, specially the younger blonde one. It’s true form was really terrifying and a classic monster now. As for the Gorn, I had a pet turtle…And yes, I am also deleting spoilers now and then, so not to upset Bunny. Now that I’m not scared anymore, this has become one of my favorite episodes.

[@MichaelJShaffer]

You're spot on with your assessment as to why Spock did a 180 on killing the Horta when Kirk was in danger. Continually impressed with your ability to get to the heart of what Star Trek is all about. Absolutely love your reactions.🖖

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Thank you!

[@rickjohnston2667]

I absolutely agree. Your reactions are spot on. And on a sid note, your outfit vaguely resembles what the female crew members wore on the Enterprise in the Cage, and the 2nd pilot episode, "Where No Man Has Gone Before." Dr. Elizabeth Dehner would be proud. 🙂👍

[@datacipher]

No this is totally wrong. It’s the result of emotional histrionics projecting their irrational and inconsistent way of thinking onto Spock. We have seen many times how important the friendship is to Spock. However to misunderstand his fundamental nature and really degrade the character as an unprincipled idiot who kills because it’s his buddy, is sickening. Time and time again - including in THIS episode we see Spock object to killing UNLESS NECESSARY, and we also see that he absolutely will do it if NECESSARY, or even if simply ordered. So you think Spock would have just shrugged had it been McCoy in direct danger? How about a redshirt? Is that the way Spock is? Just another emotional punk who violates his principles if it’s emotionally appealing to him at the moment? Of course not. 🤦

[@emilsitka9537]

Moreso than the Gorn episode, this one established a common Star Trek concept. What is initially perceived as evil is in fact misunderstood. Resolution comes not from defeating evil but from understanding the adversary.

[@fyreflye100]

This is one of my favorite episodes, because I think it represents Star Trek at its best -- overcoming our fears and prejudices about a new, strange being. Learning to open our minds and look at things from a new perspective.

[@kennethbaker5223]

Amen

[@darthmaul13]

This is one of my favorite episodes. My dad & I called the creature the pizza creature. It looks like a pepperoni pizza Lol😂

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

It kinda does! Hehe

[@peterdolkart7338]

I always thought that it appeared more like a sausage pizza.

[@captmurdock]

@@bunnytailsREACTS I would have said sausage and extra cheese, pan style. But yeah. Dammit, now I'm hungry!

[@jodytierney9474]

In one of the Star Trek novels from the late '80s, there's a Horta ensign aboard the Enterprise who Kirk humorously thinks (to himself) resembles a walking pan-pizza.

[@jsmurd]

I’ve always thought that too except it looks like bits of ground beef with the pizza sauce to me.

[@Squeesher]

"I'm all smiles after that!" That is why we love Star Trek

[@markfilla9305]

Great reaction to one of my favorite TOS episodes! I had to laugh, however, when you kept speculating that the horta eggs were horta poop. I've never come across anyone thinking that was what the spheres were 😂😂😂😂

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

It was something that Spock said that made me think it 😬

[@Wertsir]

This episodes leaves me in tears every-time i watch it, even though i already know everything going in. It’s one of very few pieces of media that is able to evoke such an intense emotional response from me consistently (another being the DS9 episode “Duet”).

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

It’s a very powerful episode and message

[@s.patrickmarino7289]

RE: Nimoy's acting, after Star Trek, he had a cameo in a very low budget production of Brave New World. It was cool because, he played the Comptroler. While everyone else was programmed from birth and largely robotic, he was a happy, free thinking human, the only one on Earth that was in on the joke. Watching that, I first came to the realization how good of an actor he was and how a truly great actor can bring up the quality of an otherwise average film.

[@GermanNightmare1976]

I remember watching this episode growing up and to this day consider it quintessential Trek. It's definitely among my most favorite ones (which I'll refrain from naming, following a wish by a certain bunny going where no bunny has gone before).

[@hanoc101]

Nimoy was a fantastic actor. He was nominated for best supporting actor every season Star Trek was on.

[@Soulsphere001]

This is definitely one of my favourite Star Trek episodes. As you mentioned, the twist in the episode is great and it's what really makes the episode.

[@edgarcia4794]

Shmitter was burnt to a crisp . His brother Fritter was just toasted golden brown .

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

😂

[@zmani4379]

lol

[@rickjohnston2667]

Very clever Lol! Smitter became a fritter!

[@ChrisReise]

17:01

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Love it 😁

[@MichaelJShaffer]

@ChrisReise My favorite of all the "I'm a doctor..." lines.🖖

[@paulsander5433]

Maybe this inspired him to join the freemasons.

[@ChrisReise]

Another one is "I'm a doctor, not an escalator."@@MichaelJShaffer

[@mjbull5156]

"You're a healer. There's a patient. That's an order." was a great comeback to Bones' griping.

[@hkpew]

"They went down too deep. They woke him up." I had never before realized that the Horta was a Balrog.

[@randallwong7196]

McCoy: I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer! ( later ) I feel like I could cure a rainy day!

[@gallendugall8913]

"What is it?" It's a dog under a bath mat. Not just a classic TOS episode, but an all time classic.

[@generoberts9151]

Wonder how much they paid that guy to crawl on all fours with a shag rug over him?

[@fredklein3829]

Actually, it's a little man named Janos Prohaska who was inside many Trek costumes. The genesis of this episode came when Prohaska crawled into Gene Coon's office unanounced and scared the silicon out of Coon. "What the hell is that?!" and Coon got to writing a story for it.

[@maxducoudray]

Oooh, another classic episode that really stands out from most in my memory.

[@mikemartin8408]

I love that a kid like you gets it. I say kid because I’m old (I was born 10 days after Star Trek aired on television) and grew up watching it every night in the 70s. You recognize just how good the original show was. And you watch it in retrospect and forgive its shortcomings given when it was made. Star Trek really did change scifi and television. You really can see it in just about Everything that has been produced since. I appreciate that you’re staring to recognize this as well. Thanks for your posts. I’ve been enjoying them.

[@PGoodmanCOG]

This is one of the best of them; I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@vincentsaia6545]

As for Leonard Nimoy's acting, he got an Emmy nomination every year he was on the show.

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Well deserved!

[@docsavage8640]

Going through life with a name like Schmitter, he probably welcomed death. 🖖

[@s.patrickmarino7289]

It's worse. His full name was John Jacob Jinglhimer Schmitter. I can sympathies with his burden because, I suffer it too.

[@mmattson8947]

I'm worried that BT has already moved on from saying "that red-shirt is going to die" to "he looks like another Schmitter".

[@zoppie]

The world needs Schmitters. Without them dying, how else are you going to prove that the situation is serious?

[@s.patrickmarino7289]

@@zoppie, Yet he had a yellow shirt! How strange is that?

[@AlanCanon2222]

@@zoppie Turns out he wasn't the plucky comic relief he signed up to be.

[@nicksambidesjr]

It is fun to watch you watch the show because the episodes have been ingrained in my head for more than 50 years now. A fresh response is interesting and shows how timeless this series is. Magical.

[@fredklein3829]

Same experience for me 🙂

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

I'm very glad to hear!

[@kenglasson2920]

Love your reactions. Gives me a good start to my day.

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

I’m glad to hear!

[@mirozen_]

This was the first episode of Star Trek I ever saw - when I was 5 years old and visiting my grandparents. That was in 1967 and I've loved this show ever since!

[@jodytierney9474]

That was a great read you made of Spock's character when he was ready to kill the Horta in order to protect Kirk. Remember he also risked his career and freedom in "The Menagerie" to help Captain Pike.

[@vytallicaq.6881]

That chief engineer was in a hilarious episode of All in the Family. "Everybody Tells the Truth". He did some Gomer Pyle episodes too. Another one of those great character actors you recognize by face, but not by name.

[@BenWillyums]

Scotty was played by James Doohan. He had a couple fingers blown off his right hand during his service in WW2 but they always filmed him in a manner where you can't see that hand

[@watchmanonthewall14]

He played his hand perfectly.

[@flashgordon6238]

Just one finger.

[@crhu319]

I liked the ending of this episode showing the cooperative relationship that the miners were able to develop after the two species forgave their failure to comprehend each other, and the deaths.

[@laminar0886]

No one reacts to Star Trek like you! Can’t wait for The Next Generation, Deep Space 9, and Voyager! You gotta keep this up… 😊

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Thanks, I will!

[@jsmurd]

@@bunnytailsREACTS If you do continue these videos going through the different Star Trek series, besides the original series, I like Star Trek Voyager.

[@laminar0886]

@@jsmurd yes.. I think Voyager might be too underrated. It’s TOS, TNG, and Voyager for me. They DO NOT make them like that anymore… it’s unfortunate.

[@rickjohnston2667]

Please don't skip the Animated series made in the early 1970's also. I'd really like your perspective on those episodes also. It's very underrated, but I consider it canon, because many of the writers of the live action episodes write for the series. Also, the original cast all returned to do their characters voices. And after Voyager, PLEASE review the first prequel series Star Trek: Enterprise, starring Scott Bakula as Captain Archer. It's also a very underrated series with a lot of great episodes, especially in it's later seasons.

[@dupersuper1938]

TOS, TAS, Continues, TOS movies, TNG, DS9, Voyager, TNG movies, Enterprise, Kelvin movies, Discovery, Short Treks, Picard, Lower Decks, Prodigy, Strange New Worlds, more fan made stuff, The Orville, Captain Star, Galaxy Quest, Trekkies, Free Enterprise...Star Trek reactors don't have to worry about running out of content any time soon.

[@mcbeezee2120]

Yes, ma'am. You didn't even need to get through the entire first season before realizing, yup, a bunch of red shirts usually translates into a bunch of "Schmitters". Keep 'em coming.

[@Capohanf1]

The creature made appearances in the Star Trek Books as members of Star Fleet. There is a passage in one of the books where McCoy appears to be sitting on a rock talking to himself. In reality, he is sitting on and talking to a Ensign Horta that had been sent ahead to scout out the planet.

[@lukefallon8276]

A lot of people feel not only that this is a great episode but that it is the epitome of what Star Trek is about. Overcoming our fears and prejudices in order to work and grow together is central to the show.

[@wkanost]

This episode scared me as a little kid. In our household it was the “cheeseburger” monster. It definitely does veer away from the usual bug eyed monster formula as something that has to be destroyed. It sort of has a Frankenstein vibe to it making the creature sympathetic to the audience. Who doesn’t want to protect their children? This is the kind of science fiction where Star Trek excelled in those days. Shatners performance here is excellent considering his personal loss and you can’t tell as a viewer he’s going through any issues. A true professional. My favorite thing here is the creature though and it was the most interesting monster and the photography is terrific, creating a great sense of claustrophobia. Some of the visuals were updated in the early two thousands but the basic physical effects are still there. Great reaction! I look forward to more!

[@donovanbradford8231]

I feel you on it not only being a family favorite but the funny nickname ours was the pizza monster.

[@tomwhistler9772]

So glad you're reacting to Star Trek TOS! You're doing an excellent job! Loving ❤️ it!

[@chrisgarrett1257]

More famous Dr. McCoy quotes: "I'm a Doctor, not a bricklayer!", "By golly Jim, I'm beginning to believe I can cure a rainy day". More to come.

[@danielyeshe]

I can’t hear that line without hearing Data saying “That is by no means certain, Doctor.” Because there used to be a big advert for TOS and TNG on the old VHSs.

[@photonicus]

I like how you remembered Kirk's words in "A taste of Armageddon" and how he followed his own words here. He actually did "choose not to kill today !" I can't blame him for wanting to at first. When redshirts or any crew die, he feels like he's failed them. Despite this, he saw more than "just another predator" in this creature and showed compassion.

[@miguelbotelho2613]

Another awesome episode, love bones solution to repairing the Horta’s injury. Classic Bones. “I’m a doctor not a bricklayer” LoL!

[@generoberts9151]

“Schmitter Shitter”made my day….lol

[@watchmanschannelofdespair]

Happy Star Trek Sunday, Bunny! As always, my lips are sealed regarding future episodes. 🖖👽🤖 PS. It's _not_ poop! 💩

[@jrny375]

Great episode and reaction. Season 2 is my favorite season of Star Trek so looking forward to that. Thank you for doing this. I found you because Robert Burnett talked about your reactions. So glad he did and I found you!! It’s wonderful seeing your reactions and how well you get the themes of Star Trek. Your beautiful smile and beautiful spirit really add to the reactions. You are absolutely amazing. Thank you again beautiful!!

[@MGower4465]

Kirk and crew meet lots of new beings as they travel, but the Horta are real rock stars.

[@crhu319]

#SoSayWeAll

[@esausjudeannephew6317]

I've seen this episode a thousand times....but seeing it thru your eyes is like watching it new. (You're analysis is extremely adorable...alot more than mine)

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

I’m happy to hear it 😁

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Captain Bunny, you do well at "cogitating" the possibilities. You get a glimpse of Spock letting out his emotions when he learns that Kirk's life is in danger. Especially when he yells, "Jim! Jim!!", calling his captain by his first name. Final thought: If Bones and Spock were still living and could watch you reviewing their episodes, indeed, THEY would be impressed and have a smile on their faces. Same with Scotty and of course Kirk, if he discovered to watch your channel.

[@noneofyourbz4007]

Once again Bunny, you hit out of the park with reaction. always enjoy your analysis of the characters' motivations and moral compass.

[@dino_j]

I think Kirk hesitated not only because of his compassion for the wounded creature, but also because of Spock's earlier speech. I think Spock was genuinely concerned for Kirk's life and that's why he was encouraging him to kill the creature. Really good writing on this episode, and one of Bone's best lines: "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer!"

[@superneilcomics8196]

I think Kirk realized Spock was right about not killing the Horta.

[@Shadowace724]

I always liked this episode, even as a young child it spoke to me. Funnily enough I had just brought this episode up in conversation about 4 hours ago. Fun episode and great reaction Bunny!

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Thanks!

[@roykassinger6903]

You should have had a caption at the end say "This episode of Bunnytails Reacts is dedicated to the memory of Shmitter- he died with his boots on, and his red shirt off."

[@portland-182]

The original black and white Outer Limits might be worth a visit. It very much sticks to 'monster of the week'. Star Trek is a bit more subtle than 'monster of' the week' and through the writing, and Nimoy's acting, gets you to feel for a very non-human being. A very good episode for the big 3, with sterling support from Scotty, and it develops the Vulcan lore too. The Devil in, 'Devil in the Dark', are actually the humans here, as revealed in the Horta's dialogue, although at the end Chief Vandenburg refers to the Horta as 'little devils', so you can view it either way.

[@craigborchard7424]

This was the first time McCoy used his "I'm a doctor, not a [fill in the blank]" catchphrase.

[@zmani4379]

Very nice reaction - to keep the name of poor Schmitter alive, apparently he was played by Biff Elliot, who was a prolific TV actor - and the striking set decoration is by Marvin March, who also worked on They Live and Lethal Weapon - this episode looked and felt different - even the people they cast looked different and more rugged than usual, and the mood was somehow muted, shifting between different emotions - it seems carefully thought out, how our attitude shifts in stages - a good example of how the series is committed to the idea of reflection, the need to seek understanding instead of rushing to judgement - see how it injects complexity into the situation - we're encouraged to react one way, teased by a presumably simple solution, and then in the process we catch ourselves, just like Kirk - notice how we're presented with a viscerally repellant adversary, that evokes a reflex to destroy it because it's so alien - and then notice the reversals, in the thinking of Spock vs Kirk, in showing first the Horta and then the colonists as the villain, and finally neither of them - - it seems very important to the showrunners to lead the audience into making the same mistake as the characters, so that we can then go thru the process of correcting ourselves, like a kind of learning process on our part - you do an excellent job of spelling this out as you go thru your own impressions - I think the show is saying this is how we should deal with one another, and our conflicts, as fellow human beings - I'm just realizing now that this may be central to the whole vision of a bright and optimistic future it shows us for the human race - the idea that we can be reasonable - that we can all balance Spock's logic and Bones' compassion, and Scotty's ingenuity, in the way that Kirk does, to grow into the best version of ourselves - in a way that really might lead us into such a bright path to the future - like the show wants to guide us forward, step by step - the showrunners believe that, despite our problems and flaws, everything really will turn out all right for us - I want to believe this -

[@matthewdunham1689]

Well said

[@ChrisReise]

7:03 Yep. I was just thinking, "uh oh...they're all wearing red shirts."

[@doorofnight87]

I LOVE Devil in the Dark, this was one of the episodes that I owned on VHS back in the day (feeling old again). The plot and theme/message are both strong, the performances are great, the direction and camera work are very well done. This is a great example of something that ended up far, far better than it sounds if you were to just describe the episode to someone, or just show a still picture of the creature, which looks a bit like a meatloaf, but is surprisingly effective. Loved your reaction as always!

[@scottmitchell3641]

Excellent post episode discussion and analysis, Bunny! I really liked the touching on the idea of Kirk's compassion. Remarkable.

[@corgiluver9718]

Enjoyed your reaction. This is easily one of my favorite Trek episodes. Long live the Horta!

[@Chris_Marrero]

Great episode and reaction. One of my all time favorite TOS quotes is in this one "I'm a doctor, not a bricklayer." LOL!

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Thanks!

[@artvankampen8993]

You nailed the characters and who they are, how they think with your (per usual) highly perceptive reaction. Great episode, thanks! And, R.I.P. to your Dad.

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Thank you so much!

[@kerry-j4m]

One of my favorite episodes in all of the trek series,GREAT episode. I LOVE the horta too. LOL. This episode had so many extras in it,a welcome sight.The poop jokes had me laughing,keep the humor coming BUNNY,you're funny.I also like how they didn't show the horta until it was necessary,the horta wasn't like the salt creature,she killed to protect her eggs/kids to continue her race.

[@kerry-j4m]

PS,the Smither jokes had me in stitches !!! Couldn't stop laughing-THANKS. LOL.

[@richwagener]

I really like your analysis of Kirk. People often don't account for his humanity and compassion and really think of him as a blunt instrument compared to other. There's a "Set phasers to kill" meme that comes to mind. The fact that Kirk tends to go with his gut instinct works BECAUSE of his great compassion and humanity. He doesn't ignore science, but he lets his compassion guide how he applies it.

[@Robotrik1]

Definitely a Top 20 show . The double turn is quite enjoyable -- both with the "Devil in the Dark" episode title, with at first seemingly referring to the creature, but as the episode progressed it turned out to be "us / the miners" being "in the dark" (i.e. us not understanding) . And of course the turn between Spock and Kirk is great as well, with first Kirk urging the murder of the Horta, and later on Spock taking that path, with Kirk urging restraint & understanding -- while demonstrating a dynamic thought process and an ability to change his mind , going from good to right -- from what was good for the miners, to what was right for everyone involved . He is the"ideal" Captain after all . 😊

[@mjbull5156]

Kirk is primarily concerned with not losing any more of his crew. When it is his own life on the line and realizes the creature is rational and not simply a vicious wild animal, he is willing to take some risks.

[@technofilejr3401]

15:38, there is a Star Trek novel called The Romulan Way that takes place years after this episode on the Romulan homeworld. It’s interesting because one of the characters is a Horta that actually joined Starfleet. His name was believe it or not Lt. Rock if memory serves me correctly. No joke. Since Rock couldn’t wear a normal uniform, he had a communicator shaped like an Enterprise Arrow glued to his side. Rock was used to back up Dr. McCoy on a long range espionage mission to Romulus. For most of the novel, Rock hid out underground near where McCoy was being held. Towards the end of the novel, Rock comes out to back up Dr. McCoy when he has to make an escape under fire. Correction: Naraht not Rock

[@paulsander5433]

I think I remember this novel. The crew were trapped somewhere, and their escape was to have the good lieutenant tunnel their way out through some kind of forged alloy structure. He started with enthusiasm, but quickly slowed, complaining that the material was awfully rich. I'd really hate to see what comes out of a horta with indigestion.

[@dngillikin]

Lieutenant Naraht, introduced as an Ensign in Diane Duane's earlier novel, "My Enemy, My Ally" a few years earlier. She also used Naraht in a couple of issues of DC's Star Trek comic in the movie era.

[@technofilejr3401]

@@dngillikinAwesome thanks for the correction

[@rickjohnston2667]

Close enough.

[@crhu319]

We need a Horta episode of #LowerDecks. Actually we need like 20 seasons of Lower Decks lol.

[@masudashizue777]

Mr. Spock just looks like he's trying to pick up a 7-10 split.

[@TylerD288]

I knew Bunnytails would laugh at the Horta's appearance. 😢 AND she called her eggs "poop"! 😭 How _DARE_ you! 😠

[@zoppie]

I like to believe that the crew learned from their experience with the Salt Vampire ("The Man Trap"). It isn't a good feeling to know that you caused the extinction of a whole species, even if it was killing your people. In both cases, the "monster" was just trying to survive, but in this one, the Horta was a little smarter.

[@ianburns1167]

I love this, how they learn to co-exist and how the thing which seems to be a monster is in fact the one threatened and in danger. And it's actually appropriate the Horta is kind of silly looking. Not only is it an alien creature, it's not supposed to look like a monster.

[@Ravenscroft82]

Another very intuitive reaction, thank you! This is in my Top Ten of the whole series. It's thought provoking, and as you said, very illustrative of the basic tenets of the major characters. Kirk is great for so many reason, but one of them is his ability to learn and grow from experience. Also his ability to stick by his guns and not waver once he's taken a moral stance. He's strong but sensitive. And Nimoy hits a home run here too, hell, they all do. Hard to believe you are almost done with S1, well, beyond it on your Patreon I think. Can't wait for S2!

[@jamesw1659]

Spock changed his position and told Kirk to kill the Horta not because he is Kirk's friend, it was because he is the Captain, the most important and most irreplaceable person on the ship.

[@mikejankowski6321]

You're absolutely right that Spock has a strong emotional component in his friendship with Kirk. It goes beyond the chain of command and being a valuable StarFleet officer. You also picked up quickly on the plot. Bravo! I love the episodes that give Nimoy the opportunity to show his acting range. This is one of the best. And you are so on point that all four had important spotlight participation in this one. It is really tough to pick a top 5 from any season. Then consider the three seasons here, the many seasons of Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, and Enterprise, and it is overwhelming. So much great Star Trek to enjoy!

[@xander66644]

Your review is 100% correct. Great reaction!

[@richardlee2120]

Another favorite tv series of mine is "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" starring Darren McGavin. It inspired "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "The X-Files." The last episode of "Kolchak" was Episode 20: "The Sentry," which copies the plot points of this Star Trek episode. Several guest stars from "Star Trek" also appeared on "Kolchak."

[@HachimanMVP]

Wonderful, classic episode. So glad you loved it. You know, modern culture views Kirk as a guy who resorts to fists and phasers, but this episode proves that wrong. He's ready for action, but he wins with his humanity. And I've always agreed, Spock's juxtaposition absolutely proves his love for his friend.

[@NoMastersNoMistress]

"You're a healer. There's a patient. That's an order" is my favorite line of dialogue in TOS..

[@UnderDriven17]

Bravo! Great reaction to one of the great TOS episodes! Each side thought the other was "the devil in the dark," and both sides had legitimate reasons to think so. Not only is the conflict resolved, but it's to the mutual benefit of both parties. Most conflicts are not that easily resolved, but it's nice to see an instance where it occurs. It would have been so easy to kill the 'monster' and leave it at that--Star Trek was often able to move beyond the B-movie sci-fi tropes of the 1950's, and give us more than victory by killing. It is interesting to note that the creature in "The Man Trap" was also intelligent and the last of its species, but there was much less interest in preserving its existence. I'll put that down to the show being new, and many of its moral attitudes not having been defined at that time--other than Starfleet being a benign organization and humanity having progressed beyond its barbaric past (for the most part).

[@MackerelCat]

This is one of my favourites, such a thoughtful story. True Trek.

[@kojiattwood]

I see why this is a a favourite episode as we get to see the main characters do what they do best. Kirk's courage, leadership, and compassion, Spock's scientific curiosity and the mind meld, Scotty's engineering know-how and improvisation, and McCoy's healing skills.

[@bunnytailsREACTS]

Yes!

[@empirejeff]

There is a moment where Kirk and Spock comes across a dead crewman, Spock keeps going and Kirk takes a moment to pause and grieve the loss. Shatner had just got a message from his mother that his father had just passed away.

[@hippusmaximus9319]

From Wikipedia - HORTA (mining). The term is a backronym for the Horta from Star Trek, a new species introduced in the Original Series episode "The Devil in the Dark." HORTA stands for Honeywell Ore Retrieval and Tunneling Aid

[@bfdidc6604]

I'm glad someone finally showed some empathy for poor Shmitter.

[@johnclawed]

Through the mind meld, the horta even refers to us as devils once.

[@watchmanschannelofdespair]

Yes, to answer your question (now that I came upon it 😋), Spock cares for his friend and Captain, James T. "Jim" Kirk!

[@Bobby-ez9so]

BunnyTails, your reactions really make my day. Your humor and insight into the Star Trek episodes is both entertaining and interesting. Keep up the great Star Trek reactions.

[@deadfan1964]

No way ... Those rock/silicone creatures aren't silly. Top level special effects.

[@TheDolfanar]

Along with Balance of Terror (The Romulan Episode) this is my second favourite of the episodes you’ve seen so far. It is a subversion of the Man Trap and it’s amazing how they make you feel empathy for a big crawling carpet. In a way it’s the quintessential distillation of the philosophy of Star Trek. Love it. I also love how Kirk is the one who makes contact. He comes off as a soldier first, but he’s ultimately an explorer first. And what a great positive ending. Fun fact: Horta is also the name of a weird Greek steamed vegetable dish my parents were constantly trying to get me to eat… this definitely led me to be on the « kill the Horta » side of things until we find out she’s just an over protective baby momma! If you’ve ever seen Greek Horta… there’s definitely a resemblance!

[@winslowredcross2835]

Another one of my favorite Star Trek episodes. Great reaction Bunnytails!!

[@emwungarand]

I absolutely love how much you're enjoying Trek.

[@GoSolar]

"Schmitter shitter" has got to be one of the best, and least expected, Star Trek TOG observations. Thank you for that. (I will cogitate on it for a while.)

[@DanielWilson-kj3po]

Poor Schmitter. One of the lesser known Star Trek quotes. As I recall, a prop guy made this costume and asked Gene Roddenberry to buy it or use it for the show. Roddenberry came up with the idea of this episode based on the costume. It was reworked by the writers and voila, a heartwarming story about a mother protecting her babies...

[@vincentsaia6545]

I share your views regarding Spock changing his mind about destroying the creature. Notice when he called out to Kirk when he heard the cave in, first calling him Captain then when he got no response calling him Jim.