If you ever thought the “Time Guardian” portal in the original “City on the Edge of Forever” episode would offer a great opportunity to study history, it turns out Federation eggheads had the same idea. “Lucky” Kirk and Spock got to experience history first-hand, exploring the portal, while the scientists recorded their findings. However, when they returned, nobody remembers Spock. Instead, the Enterprise seems to have a new First Officer, Commander Thelin, an Andoran, who makes Spock look warm and fuzzy.
According to the new historical record, Ambassador Sarek’s son died as a child. As it happens, Spock remembers that day, when a distant cousin, who looked suspiciously like his does now, rescued him in the Vulcan wilderness. Apparently, his dual adult presence negated the original rescue or something-something, blah blah blah.
Regardless of the time travel double talk, Spock must go back, to assume the role of cousin Selek. Yet, even for a Vulcan, seeing his bullied youthful self and I-Chaya, his big furry pet Sehlat brings back something almost like emotions.
Even though the animated series has a questionable canonical status, D.C. Fontana’s script greatly shaped subsequent Vulcan worldbuilding. It is also ranks with “Edge of Forever” (the one in which Kirk fell in love with Joan Collins) as one of the most tear-jerking Star Trek episodes ever. Fontana’s storytelling is truly inspired, but it also establishes the animated series’ tradition of building on elements from the late 1960s series, in intriguing new ways.
This episode constitutes science fiction at its most character-driven. The 1970s animation had its limits, but big adorable I-Chaya is perfectly designed to endear himself to viewers. This is just great Star Trek. Very highly recommended, “Yesteryear” airs tonight (9/27) on ME-TV Tunes.
