Anton Yelchin, known for playing Chekov in the Star Trek reboots, held the “Star Trek: The Original Series” episode titled “Who Mourns for Adonais?” in high esteem. Originally aired on September 22, 1967, the episode unfolds with the USS Enterprise caught by a cosmic green hand. The crew, including Kirk, encounters Apollo (portrayed by Michael Forest), who appears to be the very deity from ancient Greek lore, yearning for adulation.
The crew soon hypothesizes that this so-called god could instead be an extraterrestrial that humans mistakenly worshipped as a deity millennia ago. Kirk informs Apollo that humanity has evolved past the need for gods, leaving Apollo disheartened, ultimately leading him to ascend to realm of his fellow “gods.” The episode concludes with Kirk reflecting on the significant impact of Greek culture on modern society, despite the disappearance of its gods. The episode’s namesake is a nod to Percy Shelley’s elegy mourning the poet John Keats.
Yelchin appreciated the episode, noting Chekov’s proactivity and the intriguing themes it presented:
“Probably the one with Apollo. I think is such an intelligent episode. It is an episode where the basic point is that humanity… looking at it in terms of the ’60s when men are their own gods, and look at where they brought their universe to. It was such a fascinating, touching, weird thing to have an episode. Where men come to a planet where a god wants to be a god again.”
The action-driven 2009 film didn’t encapsulate these profound concepts, but it’s evident that Yelchin found the philosophical depths of the original series quite captivating.
FAQ Section
- What was “Who Mourns for Adonais?” about?
This episode of “Star Trek: The Original Series” features the Enterprise crew’s encounter with Apollo, a being claiming to be the ancient Greek god, who seeks worship from the crew.
- Why did Anton Yelchin favor this “Star Trek: TOS” episode?
Yelchin enjoyed the episode’s intelligent commentary on humanity’s evolution and independence from divine beings, as well as Chekov’s significant involvement in the storyline.
- What message did the episode convey?
The episode suggests that humans have surpassed the need for deities and can reflect on their cultural history with appreciation without the presence of those formerly revered gods.
- Did the 2009 “Star Trek” film incorporate similar philosophical concepts?
According to Yelchin, the reboot focused more on action than exploring the more profound themes presented in “Who Mourns for Adonais?”
Conclusion
Anton Yelchin’s affinity for the “Star Trek: The Original Series” episode “Who Mourns for Adonais?” highlights the depth of storytelling within the original series and the meaningful exploration of human evolution and self-reliance. Despite the action-packed excitement of the newer films, it is evident that the thought-provoking nature of the series’ earlier episodes still resonates with fans and actors alike.