Plato's Stepchildren story

tos3x12 · 1968-11-22

The crew of the Enterprise encounters an ageless and mischievous race of psychic humanoids who claim to have organized their society around Ancient Greek ideals.

44 total · 2 choice · 15 major · 27 minor

ThemeLevelMotivation
power corrupts choice power corrupted Parmen among other Platonians
the lust for power choice Platonian nobles
appearances can be deceiving major the dwarf small in stature but large of mind
civilization vs. savagery major Platonian ideals vs. cruel realities of Platonian society
coping with a disability major The dwarf Alexander was bullied mercilessly by the Platonians because he was the only one among them who lacked telekinetic powers.
discrimination in society major Platonians of dwarfs lacking telekinetic powers.
embarrassment major Spock, Kirk :: Spock and Kirk
eugenics major Platonians were eugenically selected people of their race
leadership major Parmen :: Parmen led by strength
mercy major Alexander :: Alexander to Parmen in the end