Bem (TAS episode)
Encyclopedia
"Bem" is an episode of Star Trek: The Animated Series
. This episode marks the first time that it is revealed that Captain James T. Kirk's middle initial stood for Tiberius, after the Roman emperor
.
crew is conducting a series of exploratory missions with Commander Bem, a representative from the newly-contacted planet Pandro, who is working for his government as an independent observer of the Federation
.
Bem accompanies a landing party on a mission to a newly discovered planet, but, instead of observing, begins to interfere with the mission.
Before long, Kirk and his people are captured by primitive natives. They soon learn that these primitives are under the guardianship of a powerful noncorporeal entity who is upset that the Enterprise crew has come to her planet.
episode "Justice". The non-corporeal entity there also expressed unhappiness at the presence of Starfleet officers among their "children", and the question of punishment vs understanding were also debated. David Gerrold
worked extensively on the first season of Next Generation, suggesting his using elements of his previous story for "Justice."
In science fiction, BEM is an acronym for Bug Eyed Monster, although this particular alien Bem does not quite meet that criterion.
Star Trek: The Animated Series
Star Trek: The Animated Series is an animated science fiction television series set in the Star Trek universe following the events of Star Trek: The Original Series of the 1960s...
. This episode marks the first time that it is revealed that Captain James T. Kirk's middle initial stood for Tiberius, after the Roman emperor
Tiberius
Tiberius , was Roman Emperor from 14 AD to 37 AD. Tiberius was by birth a Claudian, son of Tiberius Claudius Nero and Livia Drusilla. His mother divorced Nero and married Augustus in 39 BC, making him a step-son of Octavian...
.
Plot outline
The EnterpriseUSS Enterprise (NCC-1701)
The USS Enterprise, NCC-1701, is a fictional starship in the Star Trek media franchise. The original Star Trek series depicts her crew's mission "to explore strange new worlds; to seek out new life and new civilizations; to boldly go where no man has gone before" under the command of Captain James...
crew is conducting a series of exploratory missions with Commander Bem, a representative from the newly-contacted planet Pandro, who is working for his government as an independent observer of the Federation
United Federation of Planets
The United Federation of Planets, also known as "The Federation" is a fictional interplanetary federal republic depicted in the Star Trek television series and motion pictures...
.
Bem accompanies a landing party on a mission to a newly discovered planet, but, instead of observing, begins to interfere with the mission.
Before long, Kirk and his people are captured by primitive natives. They soon learn that these primitives are under the guardianship of a powerful noncorporeal entity who is upset that the Enterprise crew has come to her planet.
Sources
The idea of a native species being under the protection of a non-corporeal life form was also seen in the Star Trek: TNGStar Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: The Next Generation is an American science fiction television series created by Gene Roddenberry as part of the Star Trek franchise. Roddenberry, Rick Berman, and Michael Piller served as executive producers at different times throughout the production...
episode "Justice". The non-corporeal entity there also expressed unhappiness at the presence of Starfleet officers among their "children", and the question of punishment vs understanding were also debated. David Gerrold
David Gerrold
Jerrold David Friedman , better known by his pen name David Gerrold, is an American science fiction author who started his career in 1966 while a college student by submitting an unsolicited story outline for the television series Star Trek. He was invited to submit several premises, and the one...
worked extensively on the first season of Next Generation, suggesting his using elements of his previous story for "Justice."
In science fiction, BEM is an acronym for Bug Eyed Monster, although this particular alien Bem does not quite meet that criterion.