Television Review: The Devil in the Dark (Star Trek, S1X26, 1967)

This Devil in the Dark (S01E26)

Airdate: March 9th 1967

Written by: Gene L. Coon
Directed by: Joseph Pevney

Running Time: 50 minutes

The second half of Season 1 of Star Trek: The Original Series marked a pivotal moment in the show’s evolution, as its storytelling matured from episodic sci-fi allegory into a more nuanced exploration of human and alien dynamics. This progression coincided with NBC’s decision to renew the series for a second season—a choice that, in hindsight, proved vital for the franchise’s legacy. Though ratings were modest, the network’s gamble was justified by a string of episodes that not only solidified the show’s canonical foundations but also exemplified Roddenberry’s vision of a future where diplomacy and empathy triumphed over confrontation. Among these standout episodes, The Devil in the Dark stands out as a masterclass in tension, moral complexity, and the show’s core ethos of understanding the “other.” Its success underscored the value of Star Trek’s unique blend of speculative fiction and social commentary, positioning it as a blueprint for what the series could achieve.

The episode’s plot unfolds on the Janus VI mining colony, where a mysterious creature systematically kills miners and sabotages equipment. The colony’s administrator, Vandenberg (Ken Lynch), sends a distress signal to the Enterprise, prompting Kirk, Spock, and McCoy to beam down. Upon arrival, they discover the creature has stolen the colony’s nuclear reactor—a critical act that initially seems like a threat. As the crew investigates, they uncover the creature’s true identity: the Horta, the last surviving member of a silicon-based sentient species. The Horta’s actions, far from malicious, are driven by desperation. The miners had unknowingly destroyed its offspring, which it had hidden in silica nests mistaken for worthless rock. The Horta’s theft of the reactor was an attempt to protect its eggs from further destruction. Kirk and Spock’s differing approaches—Kirk’s impulsive desire to confront the creature versus Spock’s analytical curiosity—culminate in a resolution where mutual understanding prevails. The Horta agrees to cease its attacks in exchange for protection of its young, even aiding the miners in their work. This twist transforms the episode from a monster-of-the-week narrative into a meditation on coexistence.

Two aspects of The Devil in the Dark set it apart within the series. First, the episode lacks any female characters with speaking roles—a decision Gene Roddenberry later acknowledged as a flaw, as noted in a memo to writer Gene L. Coon. This absence, while reflective of the era’s limited representation, contrasts with the show’s broader progressive ideals. Second, the cold open subverts Star Trek’s usual structure: it begins not on the Enterprise but in the mine, with miner becoming a victim of Horta. This horror-film-inspired sequence immerses viewers in the miners’ terror, creating immediate suspense. The choice to delay the Enterprise crew’s arrival until later scenes heightens the isolation and danger, making the eventual resolution feel earned.

Despite its dark premise—mysterious deaths, a seemingly unstoppable threat—the episode remains quintessentially Roddenberry in its optimism. The Horta’s menace stems not from malice but misunderstanding. Once communication bridges the gap between humans and the alien, violence gives way to cooperation. This theme resonated deeply with Cold War anxieties, offering a parable for diplomacy over conflict. Roddenberry’s faith in humanity’s capacity for empathy is on full display: the Horta’s survival hinges not on superior strength but on the crew’s willingness to listen. Even the creature’s grotesque appearance becomes secondary to its emotional vulnerability, as Spock’s logic and Kirk’s leadership forge a truce.

The interplay between Kirk, Spock, and McCoy further cements their roles as the series’ moral compass. Kirk’s leadership is tested by the need to balance action with restraint; Spock’s Vulcan reasoning dissects the Horta’s biology and motives, exemplifying the show’s respect for intellect; and McCoy, in a role reversal, acts as a reluctant “physician” to the silicon-based lifeform. His iconic line—“I’m a doctor, not a bricklayer!”—when tasked with aiding Horta, underscores the trio’s dynamic. Each character’s contribution highlights their strengths: Kirk’s adaptability, Spock’s clarity, and McCoy’s humanity. This synergy not only resolves the crisis but also reinforces the Enterprise’s crew as a microcosm of Starfleet’s ideals.

Yet, The Devil in the Dark is not without flaws. The Horta’s design, played by stuntman Janos Prohaska in a rubber suit, is undeniably dated and comically inept by modern standards. Its glistening, gelatinous form and jerky movements undermine the creature’s menace, leaning more toward camp than horror. However, the episode’s narrative triumphs over this visual shortcoming. The pacing, dialogue, and emotional core compensate for the low-budget effects, adhering to what might later be termed “Spielbergian principles”—where the monster’s gradual reveal amplifies dread. The script’s focus on mystery and character over spectacle ensures that the Horta’s limitations do not derail the story.

The Devil in the Dark is a cornerstone of Star Trek’s legacy, blending suspense, philosophy, and character-driven drama. Though its monster may not hold up to scrutiny, the episode’s message endures: in a universe rife with difference, understanding is the most powerful tool humanity can wield. For all its imperfections, it remains a testament to what Star Trek could achieve when it dared to think boldly—and a reminder that sometimes, the devil is not what we fear, but what we fail to comprehend.

RATING: 8/10 (+++)

Blog in Croatian https://draxblog.com
Blog in English https://draxreview.wordpress.com/
InLeo blog https://inleo.io/@drax.leo

InLeo: https://inleo.io/signup?referral=drax.leo
Hiveonboard: https://hiveonboard.com?ref=drax
Rising Star game: https://www.risingstargame.com?referrer=drax
1Inch: https://1inch.exchange/#/r/0x83823d8CCB74F828148258BB4457642124b1328e

BTC donations: 1EWxiMiP6iiG9rger3NuUSd6HByaxQWafG
ETH donations: 0xB305F144323b99e6f8b1d66f5D7DE78B498C32A7
BCH donations: qpvxw0jax79lhmvlgcldkzpqanf03r9cjv8y6gtmk9