The Magicks of Megas-Tu

1x08 The Infinite Vulcan Once Upon a Planet Star Trek: The Animated SeriesSeason 1

 WRITTEN BY

Larry Brody

 DIRECTED BY

Hal Sutherland

 AIRED ON

October 27, 1973

 RUNTIME

24 minutes

 STARRING

William Shatner	James T. Kirk
Leonard Nimoy	Spock

 VIEWS

246

 LAST UPDATE

2024-09-25 08:23:43

 PAGE VERSION

Version 7

 LIKES

0

 DISLIKES

1

 SUMMARY

At the center of the galaxy, the Enterprise discovers a race of powerful aliens.

 STORY

No story yet.

 BEHIND THE SCENES

• Plot Controversy and Bold Themes: "The Magicks of Megas-tu" deals with themes of magic, the occult, and even a courtroom trial where Captain Kirk defends the human race against the Devil, named Lucien in the episode. The portrayal of Satan-like imagery, along with the show's exploration of witchcraft, made this episode one of the more controversial episodes of Star Trek during its time, especially given the family-friendly nature of The Animated Series.
• First "Star Trek" Exploration of the Occult: This episode stands out because it deals with magic in a universe that typically focused on science and technology. While Star Trek episodes often explored spiritual and philosophical questions, "The Magicks of Megas-tu" took a rare dive into the supernatural realm. Some fans were split over whether this fit well with the core of the franchise's emphasis on science fiction.
• Early Exploration of Parallel Universes: The episode's concept involves the Enterprise crew traveling to the center of the galaxy, where they encounter a parallel universe in which magic functions as a natural law. This exploration of parallel dimensions or alternate universes was relatively new for the Star Trek universe at the time, though later iterations of Star Trek (especially The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine) would delve much deeper into such ideas.
• Lucien – The Devil: Lucien, a powerful being from Megas-tu, is a clear reference to Lucifer or Satan, though he is portrayed as a misunderstood figure who is not inherently evil. This more nuanced interpretation of the Devil-like figure was somewhat radical for 1970s television, challenging the more traditional depictions of Satan in media.
• Inspiration from Real-World History: The episode’s climax features a witch trial, where the humans on the Enterprise are judged for their species' past behavior. This sequence mirrors the Salem Witch Trials, drawing parallels between historical witch hunts and humanity's tendency to fear and persecute the unknown. The show’s creators likely intended to comment on the dangers of superstition and fear, a common theme in Star Trek.
• Animation's Advantages: While live-action Star Trek episodes were often limited by budget constraints, The Animated Series allowed for more imaginative and fantastical stories. In "The Magicks of Megas-tu", this freedom meant the animators could depict highly creative visuals, such as a universe where the laws of physics and time don't apply and where characters perform magical feats like levitating or creating objects from thin air.
• The Courtroom Setting: A Star Trek Tradition: The idea of courtroom trials would later become a recurring theme in Star Trek, especially in The Next Generation. Episodes like "The Measure of a Man" (where Data's rights as a sentient being are debated) and "Encounter at Farpoint" (where Q puts humanity on trial) echo some of the themes from "The Magicks of Megas-tu", where Kirk defends humanity in front of Lucien's people.
• The Influence of Writer Larry Brody: The episode was written by Larry Brody, who was tasked with penning one of the more experimental stories of The Animated Series. Brody later reflected that the freedom in animation allowed him to take bigger risks with the story, pushing the boundaries of what a typical Star Trek episode might explore. Brody would later work on a number of other science fiction projects but considered this episode one of his most unusual writing assignments.
• Gene Roddenberry's Involvement: Gene Roddenberry, the creator of Star Trek, was directly involved in shaping The Animated Series. Although the magical elements in "The Magicks of Megas-tu" seemed contrary to the science-based universe of Star Trek, Roddenberry allowed the story to go forward, showing his willingness to explore different kinds of narratives in the animated format.

 QUOTES

Kirk: We'll ride her through, Bones. What else can we do?
McCoy: Ride her through where?
Spock: Through the centre of things, Doctor. Through what may be the center of everything.

Lucien: Is this better, my friends? I've translated my world into symbols your minds can understand. Welcome, my friends, to Megas-Tu.
Kirk: And just exactly what is Megas-Tu?
Lucien: A world, Captain James Kirk, that operates by rules quite different from those in your universe. Our universe operates by what you superstitiously call magic.

McCoy: You think Lucien really was the demon some men call Lucifer?
Kirk: Does it really matter?
Spock: It just might, Captain. If he was, this would be the second time Lucifer was cast out, and thanks to you, the first time he was saved.

 FILMING LOCATIONS

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 REVIEWS

Fascin... awful

Written by Pike on 2024-09-25
★

The first five minutes of the episode were stunning: the Enterprise going to the "center of everything", the origin of the Big Bang. Simply fascinating.

But what do they discover in it? A ridiculous dude with horns, looking like Satan. Just ridiculous.

VERDICT
I give it 1 out of 5. Very bad.

 TRANSCRIPT

Captain's log, stardate 1254.4. For years scientists have theorised that if our galaxy was created from a great explosion, then the centre of the galaxy might still be creating new matter. The Enterprise is now on a science mission to investigate.
[Bridge]

(The Enterprise is almost obscured by an orange mist)
KIRK: It's an awesome thought that we may actually witness matter being created.
SPOCK: If we do, Captain, we may also encounter forces and phenomena beyond our understanding.
SULU: Galaxy centre, Captain.
KIRK: Lieutenant Uhura, sound Yellow Alert.
UHURA: Aye, sir. Yellow Alert. All stations report Yellow Alert readiness, sir. Captain!
(There's a firework display going on around them, and on the viewscreen)
KIRK: The creation point.
SPOCK: An extraordinary phenomenon, Captain.
KIRK: Reverse power. Hold our position. Deflector screens on.
SULU: Deflectors up. Sir, it's taking considerable power to hold position.
SPOCK: Charting scanners on, Captain. Beginning science survey.
(McCoy enters)
MCCOY: Jim. Spock. What in the name of sanity is going on?
KIRK: We're here, Bones. And the theories about this place seem to be right.
(It's quite a colourful display going on)
SULU: Captain, that thing's pulling us in. I'm up to warp six.
SPOCK: Scanners indicate it's some form of matter-energy whirlwind, Captain.
SULU: Warp seven, Captain. Warp eight.
KIRK: Take us out of here, Mister Sulu.
SULU: Still being drawn in, Captain. Warp nine. Warp ten.
KIRK: Emergency reverse power.
(Everyone gets thrown around)

[Engineering]

SCOTT: Captain, I don't know how much more emergency power we can take before we start to break up.

[Bridge]

SPOCK: There may be only one choice. We must hope this whirlwind is like its atmospheric counterparts, that there is calm at its centre.
KIRK: Agreed. We'll try to make for the eye of the storm.
(But Sulu is out cold on the floor, and Kirk gets knocked off his feet again)
SPOCK: Allow me.
KIRK: Engineering, report.

[Engineering]

SCOTT: Everything can be repaired, Captain.

[Bridge]

SPOCK: An incredible experience, Captain. I find this scientifically fascinating.
MCCOY: At least I have the good sense to be scared, Jim. What now?
KIRK: We'll ride her through, Bones. What else can we do?
MCCOY: Ride her through where?
SPOCK: Through the centre of things, Doctor. Through what may be the centre of everything.
(The Enterprise is surrounded by a golden glow, vanishes, and reappears in a region of concentric circles.)
UHURA: Where are we?
SPOCK: I'm afraid our navigational co-ordinates mean very little here, Lieutenant. My readings indicate we are not in time and space as we understand it. Doctor, these readings may interest you.
UHURA: Captain, the subspace radio. It's dead.
MCCOY: Even the ship's chronometers have stopped.
SCOTT [OC]: Captain, there's no reason for it, but the engines are fading out.
SPOCK: Apparently, the natural laws of our universe don't operate here, Captain.
MCCOY: Ship's life support systems fading. Jim, we need oxygen.
KIRK: Helmsman, emergency battery power.
SULU: (gasping for air) There's none, Captain. All systems are dead.
MCCOY: Jim, we've got to do something.
(Just as everyone is passing out, the Enterprise is surrounded by rainbow colours and a figure appears. He has the head, arms and torso of a man, a goatee beard, small horns, and the legs of a goat)
LUCIEN: Ah, humans. Lovely primitive humans. Can't you do anything right?
KIRK: Please.
LUCIEN: Of course, friend. Of course. Rhadamanthus!
(The Enterprise is now in normal looking space above a pink and red striped planet)
LUCIEN: Everything is working, my friends.
SPOCK: It cannot. It is not logical.
LUCIEN: Logic? Whose logic, my elfin friend?
MCCOY: Look around you, Spock. Everything is working.
LUCIEN: Welcome! I knew eventually humans would come searching for me.
KIRK: Who are you?
LUCIEN: Call me Lucien! Call me friend! Never could I abandon those who come to rollick with me. But not up here. No, no. Let us leave this vessel and go where true delights lie!
(Lucien, Kirk, Spock and McCoy vanish, leaving Uhura, Sulu and Arex open-mouthed)

[Planet surface]

(The four appear inside the orange chaos of the centre of the galaxy)
KIRK: Bones, you all right?
MCCOY: Nothing wrong, Jim, but a face full of dust. But if I had a medical tricorder (opens eyes) Jim, look at yourself.
(Everything is distorted and swirling, including the people)
KIRK: Lucien, do something.
LUCIEN: Very well, Captain. I'd forgotten how much bodily integrity means to you humans. This isn't easy, you know, holding us together like this. It's not even natural.
MCCOY: Being in one piece is very natural where we come from.
SPOCK: I find this all quite absorbing, Doctor.
MCCOY: Probably because you're not very natural to begin with, Spock.
KIRK: Look, Lucien, or whatever you want to call yourself, I want to know why you brought us here.
(Lucien waves his hand, Kirk somersaults, and McCoy and Spock turn into a young Lucien and a spinning top)
LUCIEN: Children will play.
(Then they are back to normal, in a woodland glade)
LUCIEN: Is this better, my friends? I've translated my world into symbols your minds can understand. Welcome, my friends, to Megas-Tu.
KIRK: And just exactly what is Megas-Tu?
LUCIEN: A world, Captain James Kirk, that operates by rules quite different from those in your universe.
(He snaps his fingers, and they're in a meadow by a lake)
LUCIEN: Our universe operates by what you superstitiously call magic.
(He creates two apples and throws one to McCoy)
MCCOY: I know this is just my imagination but
LUCIEN: It is real, Doctor. Beautiful? No. But all our women are as young and beautiful as they want to be. So as to ensnare the man of her dreams, she needs an edge.
(A young woman buys a vial of something)
KIRK: A love philter?
LUCIEN: Never settle for anything less. Do you need a room, a stable, a castle? Stop in at your friendly sorcerer-contractor. Let him do the work.
SPOCK: Of course. Our Federation scientists were more correct than they realised. In order to function, the galactic creation point must extend through space, time, into another dimension where the logic of things is totally different.
LUCIEN: It took magic to get your vessel working again. Magic you, my friends, don't know how to work. But then you never did know, did you.
KIRK: Lucien, you keep calling us friends, implying that you know us. How?
LUCIEN: Ah, Captain, Captain. to feign such ignorance to me. Very well. Look.
(He creates images in the water)
LUCIEN: Megas-Tu may seem to you a chaotic world, but its people are calm, peaceful, contemplative, each a specialist in his own kind of magic. There are no rivals anywhere in our universe, Captain Kirk. No other life forms at all. Millennia ago, in our search for companionship, we Megans passed through the point between dimensions and eventually we found ourselves on your world, Earth. Wherever we went, we became advisors to mankind. To help your ancestors, we drew on the power left behind in our own universe and made it work in your world. But eventually we had to leave. I didn't want to, my friends. Oh, how I fought! I was the generalist amid all the specialists. The trouble-maker, they said. But I'd always loved the people of Earth. Those were the days. But now you've come to me, and I'm so very glad.
KIRK: But why did you Megans leave Earth? If you enjoyed it so much, I don't understand.
LUCIEN: Captain, good Captain, always so curious. That must be why I've always liked you Earthlings so much. No, you must go.
MCCOY: What is it? What's wrong?
LUCIEN: You must return to your vessel. Quickly! Do not give your presence away.

[Bridge]

SCOTT: Captain.
UHURA: Captain Kirk, what
KIRK: Everyone onboard is all right?
SCOTT: Fine, Captain. But you?
KIRK: Mister Scott, I'm bewildered, that's all. But that's enough.
MCCOY: What did he mean, we're not to give ourselves away? Can't they detect the ship up here?
SCOTT: No, unless they have scanners. See, there. It's like a cloud of some kind. It's been between us and the planet since you vanished.
KIRK: If Lucien put it there
SPOCK: If Lucien put it there, Captain, the questions become, why is he hiding us, and, what is our danger if discovered by the rest of his people?
KIRK: Weapons status, Mister Scott? We may have to protect ourselves.
SCOTT: No way, Captain. Everything's out but life support systems, and I can't figure out how they're on.

[Spock's quarters]

SPOCK: (drawing a pentangle on the floor) I believe this is how the ancients used to draw their mystic symbols, Captain.
KIRK: Spock, do you honestly believe that as long as we're in this universe we can work magic too?
SPOCK: One uses the resources at hand, Captain. Watch now. (stands in the pentangle) I will attempt to move a Vulcan chess piece magically. May the energy of this universe be the power in me.
MCCOY: Forget it, Spock. It won't work.
SPOCK: It must work, Doctor. It is logical here. Power of this universe, enter my being. I know I can. I believe I can.
(And he does, with a golden aura around him)

Captain's log, supplemental. In this incredible universe, it appears to be a part of the natural laws that belief is as potent a force as energy and matter are in our own.

[Bridge]

(Sulu is having a go, and conjures up a lovely woman)
UHURA: Good luck.
(The woman turns into Lucien)
LUCIEN: What are you doing?
KIRK: Learning to protect ourselves, Lucien.
LUCIEN: Protect yourselves? Is that all human beings ever think about? I'll take care of you. That's what friends are for. All this mental energy you're using, it can be traced. You'll be found.
MEGAN [OC]: Have been found.
(Lucien cringes as a vapour trail of ghostly images crosses the Bridge)
MEGAN: So, the people of Earth would spread their evil to our home? We are ready for human perfidy this time. This time, it is the humans who shall suffer, the humans and you, Lucien, who shall pay!
(The Enterprise plummets towards the planet)
KIRK: Keep calm.
(The ship splits neatly in two, and explodes)

[Frontier town]

(The crew are in stocks on either side of the road, and the sign reads Salem Massachusetts)
KIRK: It looks like ancient Earth, Spock. Sixteenth or seventeenth century, I'd guess.
SPOCK: Approximately 1691, Captain. Salem Massachusetts, if I recall your historical records correctly.
(A man in puritan garb is standing on a pentacle)
MEGAN: We are gathered here today, good citizens, to see justice done. You are the judges. These are the defendants, as representatives of the vilest species in all the universe, treacherous humanity, and those who would aid them. As a specialist in the ethics of magic, I have been appointed prosecutor here.
KIRK: Wait. If this is a trial, we have the right to know what you think we've done.
MEGAN: Has this one (Lucien) not told you how we visited your Earth? Or what was done to us there?
KIRK: Lucien has said only that you came as wise men, helpful wizards.
MEGAN: Then hear this. Know that one, upon your world, I was known as Asmodeus, he who sees all. Gaze upon my countenance, so that you too may see. (over images of his story) We came to your world as friends. But wherever we went, the story was invariably the same. Some humans would attempt to use us to gain power, to serve their own greed and lust. When we refused to serve them, they turned against us and taught other humans to fear us, to hate. They called us devils, warlocks, evil sorcerers. Those of us who survived came to the town of Salem in Massachusetts, as settlers, and tried to live like other men.
SPOCK: But you made mistakes, used your powers
MEGAN: And burned for it. Burned!
KIRK: As witches.
MEGAN: We massed together, outside the town, immersed ourselves in Megan lore, revived ourselves enough to unite our minds and reach into our own universe, tap enough of its power to return from your hellish Earth to Megas-Tu.
LUCIEN: And loneliness and fear
MEGAN: Should we not fear the Earthlings? Should we not fear the cruelty of outsiders? Never again have we explored. Never again has companionship been sought. Yet here you are.
LUCIEN: And if one Earth ship can find us, friend Kirk, then so can others. That's what they fear.
MEGAN: We do not want to hurt you. We have never had to hurt anyone before. If there were some reason not to. Who will speak in defence of the Earth humans?
SPOCK: I will, Asmodeus. I am not of Earth.
MEGAN: Yes, you are different. The court will hear a defence.
(Spock is freed from the stocks)
SPOCK: I call Lucien as my first witness.
(Lucien appears in a dock)
SPOCK: Lucien, you alone of all those here do not seem to fear or hate humans. Why?
LUCIEN: They are like me, with questions to be answered, with minds that range outward, boundless. But every Megan is always alone in his sphere of knowledge. Humans are always together. They share. That is why I adopted your ship when I saw it arrive.
SPOCK: Thank you, Lucien. Next witness, please. Captain James T Kirk.
(Kirk is in another dock, opposite Lucien)
SPOCK: Tell the court, please, Captain Kirk. Would you say that since Salem, humans have changed?
KIRK: I think we've been trying to, Spock. Humans have their faults, greed, envy, panicky fear. But in the centuries since the Salem witch trials we have learned. We try to understand and respect all life forms.
SPOCK: Indeed, Captain. Could you elaborate?
KIRK: The records of the Enterprise are open for your inspection. All the history of Earth and the Federation is at your disposal. Look, look at General Order number One. No starship may interfere with the normal development of any alien life or society. Compare that with the Earth you once knew.
MEGAN: Enough! Here is your history. Here are your records. Citizens, you have heard, you have read. How do you vote? (pause) According to your records, your entry here was an accident unlikely to be duplicated. With that in mind, plus all you have said, it seems to us that Megas-Tu is safe. But Lucien must be punished. For his betrayal of his people, he shall be confined in limbo for all eternity, to live with only himself.
KIRK: No. To isolate someone like Lucien, that's the same as sentencing him to death.
MEGAN: Do you realise who you defend? He has told you his name is Lucien. Would you defend him still if you knew he had another name too? The Rollicker, the Tempter, Lucifer.
KIRK: We're not interested in legend. He's a living being, and intelligent life form. That's all we have to know about him. We will not join in harming him.
MEGAN: Submit, Captain. You haven't the power to fight us.
SPOCK: Captain, use the magic you know. Believe.
(So, surrounded by auras, Kirk throws lightning bolts, quenches Asmodeus's flames, but)
MEGAN: You cannot beat an entire planet, Captain Kirk. There is no way you can win.
KIRK: I have to, or you'll become as bad as the Earthmen you fear. You're acting out of terror instead of out of thought or respect.
(The Enterprise is back in orbit, and the planet is back to it's red hue with no buildings or vegetation)
MEGAN: You were prepared to die for Lucien, a being who is alien to you?
LUCIEN: As I was sure you would, friend Kirk. I told them their fears were groundless.
KIRK: I don't understand.
MEGAN: This last was a test of your intentions, Captain. We had to be certain your records were no ruse. We have been tricked before much to our pain and sorrow.
SPOCK: I see. The Megans had to have proof that mankind had grown and learned wisdom since they last saw Earth. Your compassion was that proof, Captain.
MEGAN: If your people should visit us now, we shall do our best to welcome them. The banishment of fear will help us all.
(Lucien conjures tankards into their hands)
LUCIEN: A favourite old Earth custom of mine, Asmodeus. A toast to a new friendship.
(They drink)

[Bridge]

SCOTT: All systems go, Captain. We're back to normal.
MCCOY: No more magic for us, Jim. It's all back there. You think Lucien really was the demon some men call Lucifer?
KIRK: Does it really matter?
SPOCK: It just might, Captain. If he was, this would be the second time Lucifer was cast out, and thanks to you, the first time he was saved.

 HISTORY

2024-09-25 08:24:40 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-25 08:24:12 - Pike: Review modified.
2024-09-25 08:23:43 - Pike: Updated the title.
2024-09-25 08:17:19 - Pike: Added some actors.
2024-09-25 08:16:41 - Pike: Added some trivia.
2024-09-25 08:10:40 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-25 07:30:35 - Pike: New review added.
2024-09-25 07:28:19 - Pike: New quote added.
2024-09-21 14:38:38 - Pike: Added the writer.
2024-09-21 14:07:36 - Pike: Added the director.
2024-08-22 19:09:53 - Pike: Added a banner.