10 Star Trek Characters That Gained SUPERPOWERS

7. Kirk And Spock Vs. Plato's Stepchildren

Plato's Stepchildren
CBS Media Ventures

The Original Series really did like its 'absolute power corrupts absolutely' stories, and Plato's Stepchildren is no exception.

Responding to a call for aid, Kirk, Spock, and McCoy form an away team to heal the leader of the Platonians...only to be trapped and tortured for their efforts. Using powerful psychokinetic abilities, the Platonians force them to perform a series of humiliating acts when they refuse to leave McCoy behind.

They force Kirk to slap himself over and over, provoke emotional outbursts from Spock, make them sing and dance, and have Kirk prance like a pony while being ridden by their servant. They even make Kirk recite Shakespeare. Savage.

Things take an even darker turn when Uhura and Chapel arrive, leading to that famous forced kiss between Uhura and Kirk. Luckily, McCoy had worked out that the Platonians' power came from consuming kironide and had injected both Kirk and Spock with enough to overpower even their leader. The dynamic duo's psychokinetic powers take effect in the nick of time, and they beat the Platonians at their own mind games, putting an end to the disturbing tableau.

This uncomfortable episode leaves viewers with a few thoughts. Superpowers don't necessarily make superheroes. But...apparently there's sometimes a need to fight fire with fire? Honestly, the morality tale gets a little messy, but one warning is undeniable...actors should do everything in their power to stay on the writer's good side for fear of receiving a script like this.

Contributor

Katherine has been boldly going since childhood, when the BBC Two 6pm Star Trek slot changed her life. She was drawn in by the franchise's optimism, compassion and flair for character-driven storytelling. She's been writing stories since she could pick up a pen and has spent far too much time immersed in television, films, books, music and theatre. She loves any chance to talk or write about her favourite fandoms, of which there are many. When not busy writing, she can usually be found playing video games or explaining why the concept of a transporter is actually terrifying.