Star Trek the Original Series was a space travel show that aired 1966 to 1969, with 79 episodes in three seasons and six additional movies. They have one mission: “To boldly go where no one has gone before.” And that is very true throughout the series, especially in “Who Mourns for Adonais?”, one of my personal favorites.

This episode in particular deals with the Enterprise encountering a formation of energy shaped like a hand which stops them in their course. Kirk, Spock, Scotty, Chekov and Carolyn beam down to the planet in order to appease the wrath of a man claiming to be Apollo (the Greek God). Spock remains on the ship with the rest of the crew and tries to find some solution to their immobility due to the energy holding them in place. Kirk and the landing party talk with Apollo who is dead set on the Enterprise crew going back to the “old ways” of being shepherds and worshipping him. He disappears from time to time, giving them time to plan and examine their surroundings. Their goal is to find the source of Apollo’s power and destroy it.

Throughout this another planet is seen, one quite similar looking to Earth both from space and on the planet itself. The main difference between this planet and Earth is the Greek appearance, buildings and other structures as well as the surrounding environment. Granted, not much exploring is done while they’re on the planet, but the primary focus is escaping Apollo’s grasp.

Another episode that shows another planet of note – and another favorite of mine – is “Amok Time” in which Spock is seen in the depths of Pon Farr (a mating ritual on Vulcan). Spock is quite often out of character, acting more aggressive for example. Kirk is, of course, worried about Spock and sends him to Bones to get a physical. Bones determines the ship must divert its course from an important inauguration on Altair IV to immediately go to Vulcan or else Spock would die from the “blood fever.” Spock has Bones and Kirk accompany him to the place where the ceremony will take place, none suspecting that T’Pring would invoke the kal-if-fee. Spock and Kirk face off in a battle to the death for T’Pring’s hand. But all is not as it seems at the end of the fight.

Throughout this affair, a glimpse is given of Vulcan culture. This is a vital part of Spock’s life as he is half Vulcan. On top of that, T’Pau – the officiator of the ceremony – declined a seat on the Federation Council and is the only person to ever do so. Vulcan culture is seen in Spock’s mannerisms in almost every case, excluding where he is highly emotion which is a rare occurrence.