Television Review: The Terratin Incident (Star Trek: The Animated Series, S1X11, 1973)

The Terratin Incident (S01E11)

Airdate: November 17th 1973

Written by: Paul Schneider
Directed by: Hal Sutherland

Running Time: 22 minutes

Star Trek: The Animated Series (TAS) emerged as a bold experiment in the early 1970s, aiming to leverage animation to transcend the physical and financial constraints of its live-action predecessor, The Original Series (TOS). While TOS was confined to studio sets and rudimentary special effects, TAS promised to deliver visually audacious storytelling, exploring cosmic wonders and abstract concepts that would have been prohibitively expensive or technically impossible in live-action. Though the series occasionally stumbled in realising its ambitions, episodes like The Terratin Incident showcase its potential. This instalment, rooted in a premise tailor-made for animation—size-altering technology and surreal environmental shifts—demonstrates how the format could breathe new life into Star Trek’s ethos of exploration and imagination.

The episode’s script is the work of Paul Schneider, a writer whose contributions to TOS are legendary. His Balance of Terror introduced the Romulans, cementing a legacy of tense, claustrophobic encounters with antagonists, while The Squire of Gothos explored themes of power and moral ambiguity. Schneider’s knack for blending suspense with cerebral problem-solving is evident here. Though The Terratin Incident lacks the existential stakes of his earlier work, his ability to craft a narrative that balances character dynamics with urgency ensures the story remains engaging. The writer’s familiarity with Star Trek’s core principles—diplomacy, ingenuity, and ethical dilemmas—anchors the episode’s structure, even as its premise leans into whimsical, animation-driven spectacle.

Gene Roddenberry’s inspiration for the episode derives from Jonathan Swift’s Gulliver’s Travels, transposed into a sci-fi framework. The USS Enterprise is investigating a burned-out supernova, Arachna, when it intercepts a cryptic signal from the Cepheus system. Decoded as the fragmentary word “Terratin,” the message utilises an obsolete “intersat” communication code, hinting at a mystery spanning centuries. Kirk orders the ship to investigate, leading to a volcanic planet where an enigmatic energy burst miniaturises the crew. The Enterprise’s dylithium crystal—damaged by the flash—leaves the crew shrinking uncontrollably, forcing them to adapt to their diminished size to regain control of the ship.

Kirk’s solution comes via the transporter, which temporarily restores his size, allowing him to discover the source: an ancient Earth colony, Terra Ten, whose inhabitants have been miniaturised for generations. The colonists’ city, scaled to their tiny stature, isolates them from the cosmos, prompting them to shrink the Enterprise to send a distress signal. Volcanic eruptions now threaten their survival, compelling Kirk to rescue them. The resolution—Kirk negotiating a peaceful evacuation—reinforces Star Trek’s optimism, underscoring humanity’s capacity for cooperation amid adversity.

The episode’s central premise—the shrinking of characters and environments—is executed with creativity, relying on animation to visualise scenarios live-action could not. The crew’s miniature form allows for both levity and tension. The animation style, while dated by modern standards, amplifies the surrealism of the premise, contrasting the Enterprise’s vastness with the colonists’ cramped, claustrophobic world.

The script balances action and character moments effectively, though it occasionally prioritises spectacle over depth. The ending’s emphasis on diplomacy and mutual aid aligns seamlessly with Star Trek’s humanistic ideals, ensuring the episode feels true to the franchise’s spirit. Yet, the simplicity of the plot—resolved through a single, clear solution—prevents the narrative from feeling overly convoluted, allowing the focus to remain on imaginative visuals and problem-solving.

Despite its strengths, The Terratin Incident falters in its portrayal of certain characters. Dr. McCoy, usually a blend of gruffness and loyalty, here comes across as petulantly uncooperative. Similarly, Sulu’s momentary cowardice contradicts his established reputation as a composed, stalwart officer. These missteps disrupt the episode’s cohesion, creating dissonance for viewers familiar with the characters’ established traits. While minor, such deviations undermine the narrative’s credibility and emotional resonance.

Decades after its debut, The Terratin Incident left an indelible mark on Star Trek’s canon. The premise resurfaced in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s One Little Ship, which modernised the concept with advanced CGI and layered character dynamics. Though DS9’s take benefited from technological advancements, it owed its foundation to TAS’s bold use of animation to explore size-altering scenarios.

The Terratin Incident is a testament to TAS’s potential when its animation-driven creativity aligns with strong storytelling. While its characterisation misfires and occasional narrative simplicity prevent it from being flawless, the episode’s inventive use of its format and adherence to Star Trek’s core themes make it a compelling watch. Its legacy in inspiring later Trek series further cements its status as one of the animated series’ most notable entries—a reminder of what the franchise could achieve when unshackled by the limits of live-action.

RATING: 6/10 (++)

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