Catspaw (Star Trek: The Original Series)

Antoinette Bower William Shatner Star Trek 1967

Catspaw is the seventh episode of the second season of the American science fiction television series Star Trek: The Original Series. Written by Robert Bloch, it first aired on October 27, 1967, on NBC. The episode is notable for its blend of science fiction with elements of horror, a combination that was relatively unusual for the series. In "Catspaw", the crew of the USS Enterprise encounters a seemingly omnipotent alien being with the power to create illusions, leading to a series of eerie and dangerous challenges.

Plot

The USS Enterprise arrives at the planet Pyris VII to investigate a distress signal. Captain James T. Kirk, along with Mr. Spock and Dr. Leonard McCoy, beams down to the planet's surface, where they encounter a series of supernatural phenomena, including a haunted castle, black cats, and apparitions. They soon discover that the source of these phenomena is a pair of powerful aliens, Korob and Sylvia, who possess technology that can manipulate matter and create realistic illusions. The aliens are studying the human crew to understand their concepts of fear and power. Ultimately, Kirk and his crew outwit the aliens, revealing their true, less intimidating forms, and break the spell over the Enterprise.

Themes and Analysis

"Catspaw" explores themes of fear, power, and the unknown, common elements in Bloch's writing, who is also known for his horror fiction, including the novel Psycho. The episode examines how fear can be used as a tool for control and how overcoming fear can lead to liberation. The use of horror elements in a science fiction setting serves to highlight the crew's reliance on logic and reason in the face of the unexplainable.

Production

The episode was directed by Joseph Pevney, who directed many other episodes of the series. The choice of Robert Bloch as the writer brought a distinct horror element to the episode, making it unique among Star Trek episodes for its explicit use of horror tropes. The production faced challenges in creating the eerie atmosphere on a limited budget, relying on creative set design and special effects to convey the supernatural elements of the story.

Reception

"Catspaw" received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised the episode for its innovative blend of genres and its atmospheric storytelling, while others criticized it for its departure from the series' usual science fiction themes. Despite the mixed reception, "Catspaw" remains a memorable episode for its unique approach and its contribution to the series' exploration of human fears and the unknown.

Legacy

The episode is considered a cult classic among Star Trek fans, particularly those who appreciate the series' occasional forays into other genres. "Catspaw" has been referenced and parodied in various other media and remains a topic of discussion for its distinctive place in the Star Trek canon.