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Star Trek: The Animated Series

Bem

Season 1, Episode 18, Aired 9/14/74

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Episode Summary

On a planetary survey mission, Kirk and Spock have to deal with a reckless observer named Bem.

6.5

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Cast & Crew

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Leonard Nimoy

Mr. Spock
William Shatner

Capt. James Tiberius Kirk
George Takei

Lt. Hikaru Sulu

Fan Episode Reviews (2)

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Bem, an erratic observer from the planet Pandro, secretly watches the crew of the USS Enterprise to determine whether the Federation is ready to open diplomatic relations with his advanced species.moreless

6.5

"Fair"

By Celedorian, Feb 19, 2011 Report Abuse

The story for this one, by David Gerrold, was one he thought of for the original series; but really, the science fiction idea of a colony character like Bem (who can separate into different parts) fits the Animated Series like a glove. Unfortunately, the episode drags a bit. Even the God-like entity that graces the episode (and sounds remarkably like Uhura) says about twenty minutes in, "You are still here? You are still interfering?" And I'm like, "I hear you, sister. It seems like it's been an hour." But the ending is pretty good, even if it takes a while to get there.moreless

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Kirk and Spock have to baby sit Bem while they survey a new planet, but Bem causes more trouble than he is worth.

5.8

"Mediocre"

By GameraTrekkie, Jan 15, 2011 Report Abuse

I didn't like this episode as much as I though I would have. The character Bem is interesting because he can split into several pieces, but he is also annoying. Besides the ability of being able to split into many body parts, he is a dull character that made no really memorable impression on me. The story wasn't that good either compared to other episodes of the series. Overall, I don't know if everyone would like this episode, it wouldn't be my top choice for must see episodes. But, there are some that like this episode. So, this is definitely left to personal taste.moreless

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Trivia, Notes, Quotes and Allusions

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Trivia
ADD TRIVIA
- Near the end, the turbolift doors behind Kirk on the bridge are closed, then open, then closed. Edit
- While Bem's ability to split up into individual pieces is noted, it's never explained how they can fly, as they do several times in the episode. Edit
- At the 18:15 mark, as Scotty says "Beg pardon, sir?" his hair turns gray. Edit
Notes
ADD NOTES
- DeForest Kelley and Majel Barrett are credited but don't appear. Edit
- This episode along with "Albatross" was released on The Animated Adventures of Gene Roddenberry's Star Trek: Volume 9 for VHS. Edit
- David Gerrold converted this episode from a script he wrote for a third-season Original Trek episode that he never got a chance to produce. Edit
Quotes
ADD QUOTES
- Kirk: We're dealing with possibly a very dangerous planet. Bem: Patience. Every planet is dangerous to the ignorant. This one has decided that the nexus is now. Edit
- Spock: It appears to be a native food-gathering party. Kirk: Yes, and the food they have gathered is Bem. Edit
- Bem: Kirk Captain? Kirk: Shut up. We're rescuing you. Edit
Allusions
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