Meaning in Star Trek

by Karin Blair, Vincent Cahill (Illustrator)

Book by Karin Blair

Genres: Star Trek, Nonfiction, Psychology, Pop Culture, Tv

157 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1978

Reviews

[George Eraclides · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Jungian analysis of the acclaimed Star Trek TV series (the original and still best), its characters and specific episodes, with a decidedly 'early period feminist' theme. There are very interesting insights into the archetypes involved in the stories and represented by the characters, especially Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Thinking, Sensation, Intuitive and Feeling are the key axes in Jungian (Analytical) Psychology, as well as the projected anima (female for males) and animus (male for females). The author seems to believe that Spock is a new kind of masculine hero archetype for females (the liberator type) but I think she is wrong. He is not the male-hero archetype but the knower/wisdom archetype. She carefully analyses each episode under thematic headings, clearly and with insight which serious fans will appreciate. Jungian analysis is used to illuminate, revealing aspects of the original episodes we may have missed. It also helps explain why we so often liked certain episodes so much even though by today's modern special effects and politically correct characters, the episodes seem dated. No serious fan of Star Trek should ignore this book whether you agree with the author, and the ideas of Jung, or not. There is an introduction by Leonard Nimoy, ever thoughtful and intellectual, who appreciates the insights on offer in this book.

[Bruce Stephenson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at symbolism and meaning in Star Trek primarily through a Jungian psychotherapeutic lens. While the cover of the book poses questions about Star Trek's popularity, this is not really addressed, and what we find instead are interpretations of events and objects pulled out of almost every episode of the show. The analysis is at times interesting and compeling, and at other times entirely manufactured. Much is made of the Jung archetypes but the analysis often seems 'made up' and rings false. For example, the saucer section of the Enterprise is described as a Jungian Mandala and as relating to the feminine while the straight lines of the main hull and nacelles relate to the masculine (for obvious reasons). Much is made of the circular arrangement of the bridge with Kirk at its center as well, ignoring the obvious practicle reasons for the Captain of the ship to be at the center and have quick access to the crew working at the various stations.

So, in the end, interesting, but ultimately unsatisfying. It made me think of the entire 'subliminal persuasion' argument that was popular in the '70s as well - interesting, but fiction.