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http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Recap/StarTrekS3E22TheSavageCurtain

Recap / Star Trek S3 E22 "The Savage Curtain"

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Original air date: March 7, 1969

The One With… Abraham Lincoln IN SPACE!

Another day on the Enterprise , another new planet to explore. Excalbia will be explored from afar due to excessive amounts of volcanic activity. Kirk asks Spock if he detects any life forms. He actually detects a few, though there should be none. Oh well, obviously a computer error. Time to pack it in and call it a....is that Abraham Lincoln hovering in space? note  We are not making this up, okay?

He's posed just like his statue in the Lincoln Memorial, armchair and all. Somehow, he can not only exist in space but speak in the vacuum of space . He politely requests to be beamed aboard. Kirk beams him aboard with full presidential honors. He realizes there is no logical way this should be the Great Emancipator himself, but he'll play along anyway. Lincoln, still charmingly polite, requests Kirk and Spock to beam down to Excalbia with him. He cannot explain why, only that they must. Bones and Scotty think this is a very dumb idea. So of course Kirk's willing to do it! Spock declares he will accept the invitation too. And so they do.

On beaming down, they meet Surak, a Messianic Archetype from Vulcan history who makes Spock look like a Keet . They also meet a Rock Monster called Yarnek who wants to know if Good or Evil is stronger. To find out, he becomes Teddy Long and makes an 8-person Tag team match, pitting Kirk, Spock, Lincoln and Surak against Genghis Khan , Zora (a Mad Doctor from Tiburon), Colonel Phillip Green (ecoterrorist and genocidal maniac from World War III ) and Kahless the Unforgettable ( Hero of the Klingons ). Why? Eh, why not?

The Savage Tropes:

  • Yarnek is never named in dialogue, but is so named in the script. Even in the closed captioning, he's merely identified when speaking off-screen as "Excalbian."
  • This episode would get a sequel of sorts in the novel Savage Trade , which develops the mindset of the Excalbians and reveals their true motives for staging this fight, as well as the aftereffects that set in after the Enterprise leaves.
  • Artistic License – Biology : The rock monsters are stated to be carbon life forms, where silicon based life would make much more sense. Even more baffling is that silicon based life has appeared on the show earlier.
  • Artistic License – History : The historical characters, most notably Lincoln, do not look or act much like their real counterparts. Justified, since they are based on Kirk's and Spock's images of these historic figures.
  • Badass Pacifist : Surak refuses to take part in battle, even though Kirk insists the war they're fighting is for a just cause. Still, Surak insists on a peaceful negotiation with Col. Green. Even Kirk is moved to remark to Spock that "your Surak is a brave man", to which Spock replies "Men of peace usually are, Captain." Unfortunately, it gets him killed.
  • Black-and-White Morality : Sums up the whole episode, with Yarnek the super power who wants to know if Good or Evil is stronger. Ultimately subverted — at the end, Yarnek expresses confusion because the distinction between the two isn't as clear as he'd been expecting, since Kirk's team also resorted to violence to win. Kirk explains the difference was in what motivated them: the villains were offered power, while Kirk and Spock were fighting for the lives of the Enterprise crew.
  • Blatant Lies : Green tells Kirk that he would like to peacefully team up with Kirk against their common foe. It's all a deception to attack him when his guard's down.
  • Blue-and-Orange Morality : Yarnek does not understand the concept of good and evil.
  • Broke Your Arm Punching Out Cthulhu : Kirk decides he's going to slug Yarnek for what he put Spock and himself through. Yeah, punch the monster made of lava rocks, Jim. You'll have third degree burns on top of that broken arm!
  • Captain Obvious : Yarnek tells Kirk "If you and Spock survive, you return to your vessel. If you do not... your existence is ended." Thanks for telling us, Yarnek! That's right up there with "People die if they're killed!"
  • Characterization Marches On : Kahless is based on the Federation's conception of the Klingon hero, and it is (due to the political climate) both not terribly favorable and comparatively ignorant. If this episode were to be made in the era of Star Trek: The Next Generation , Kahless would undoubtedly be on the good side along with Lincoln and Surak. Especially if Worf were one of the participants. note  The tyrant Molor, established as the true Big Bad in Klingon mythology, would have been a likely candidate for the evil side.
  • Combat Pragmatist : Lincoln advocates fighting just as dirty as Colonel Green and his friends.
  • Door Jam : Yarnek disables the Enterprise 's transporter until they show whether good or evil is stronger. This leaves Kirk and Spock stranded on an alien planet without the support of their crew, with only a pacifist alien and Abe Lincoln to aid them in fighting history's greatest villains.
  • Evil Cannot Comprehend Good : Col. Green expects Surak's peace talks to be a trick. That's what he'd be doing if he tried to talk peace with someone. (In fact, he just did a few minutes ago.)
  • Colonel Green to Kirk - Cunning human officers who easily take charge of their respective packs
  • Zora to Spock - Alien scientists
  • Kahless to Surak - each the greatest influencer of his race
  • Genghis Khan to Lincoln - commanders-in-chief from human history
  • Famous, Famous, Fictional : Of the six "historical" characters in this episode, only two are known to modern day humans. The others got their characterization expanded on in future Star Trek incarnations, save for Zora. Pity. It would've been interesting to see what a female Josef Mengele of the future would be like.
  • Faux Affably Evil : Col. Green seems quite polite and soft-spoken, despite freely admitting to at least some of his bad historical reputation. His good behavior is quickly shown to be a diversionary tactic.
  • Forced into Their Sunday Best : Bones and Scotty rankle at getting gussied up for someone who is probably not Abraham Lincoln.
  • Good Cannot Comprehend Evil : Surak, Spock and President Lincoln have a hard time understanding the motives and actions of the opposing "evil" side. Only Kirk seems to have a grasp of their potential for deceptiveness and duplicity.
  • Historical Domain Crossover : The Hero team is Captain Kirk, Mr. Spock, Abraham Lincoln and Surak of Vulcan. The villain team is Genghis Khan, the Klingon Kahless, Colonel Green and the Mad Scientist Zora. Everyone except Kirk and Spock are actually alien rock creatures masquerading as humanoids.
  • Historical Hero Upgrade : Kirk's idealized picture of Abraham Lincoln is mostly based on the simplistic, idealized version of Lincoln that was popularized up to The '60s or even into The '70s . The dialogue at the end of the episode actually lampshades as Kirk acknowledges that the image of Lincoln was created out of his own idealization of what he wanted the man to be, not necessarily ignorance of actual history.
  • Impromptu Fortress : Kirk and company find a raised outcrop of rock that he says will be their base of operations, because "it's defensible."
  • Innocuously Important Episode : While the episode takes place too near to the end of TOS's run to count for anything in terms of that series, its introduction of Surak and Kahless (and to a lesser extent, Colonel Green) would have far-ranging implications for future spin-off shows.
  • Innocently Insensitive : Lincoln casually refers to Uhura as a "charming negress". He quickly apologizes though Uhura isn't offended since bigoted terms like that are now only a thing of the distant past.
  • Involuntary Battle to the Death : As in in "Arena", "The Gamesters of Triskelion", "Bread and Circuses", "Spectre of the Gun", and "Day of the Dove", Kirk is forced to fight for an alien's amusement.
  • Kirk Summation : Kirk can't punch Yarnek, but he can give him a piece of his mind, demanding "What gives you the right to do this?"
  • The Knights Who Say "Squee!" : Kirk and Spock are both pretty honored to meet their personal heroes. Spock even admits to showing emotion at the sight of Surak (albeit some of which was simple shock).
  • Leitmotif : When Lincoln is beamed aboard, one of the security officers blows a bosun's whistle and they play a recording of "Hail To The Chief". Lincoln looks around and asks where the band is.
  • Mirroring Factions : Played with. Kirk, Spock, Lincoln and Surak represent Good; Colonel Green, Kahless, Khan, and Zora represent Evil. Yarnek complains afterward that he can't see the difference between them; Kirk responds by pointing out that they fought for different things: the evil side fought for power, while he and Spock fought for their ship and its crew.

abraham lincoln in star trek

  • "Not So Different" Remark : Yarnek insists his method of exploration is no different from Kirk's. That's Blue-and-Orange Morality in action, folks.
  • Patrick Stewart Speech : Kind of odd to have an example of this twenty years before Star Trek: The Next Generation began, but that's what it is: Yarnek complains that he doesn't see the difference between 'good' and 'evil'; Kirk points out that he and Spock fought to defend life, while the evil side fought to gain power.
  • Rock Monster : The aliens who set up the morality play are made of carbon-based stones.
  • The Silent Bob : Neither Genghis Khan nor Zora have any dialogue between them, with Colonel Green and Kahless being the only members of the Rogues Gallery who actually speak.
  • Truce Trickery : Kirk points out to Colonel Green that he was notorious for striking his enemies while in the midst of negotiating with them.
  • Two of Your Earth Minutes : The Excalbian recreation of Abraham Lincoln asks if they still measure time in minutes, to which Kirk responds that they "can convert to it". (Lincoln consults a pocket watch as he says this.)
  • Voice Changeling : The fake Kahless is able to perfectly mimic the voices of both Surak and Lincoln. Possibly Justified in that all three are Excalbian impersonations and thus all their voices are "fake".
  • What the Hell, Hero? : Relatively gently, but Bones and Scotty call out Kirk for being a fawning fanboy over Lincoln and not using common sense.
  • We Come in Peace — Shoot to Kill : Green pulls this and assumes Surak is doing the same.
  • White Male Lead : Col. Green instantly takes command of the villain team, with no less than Genghis Khan obeying his orders. There seems to be no reason for this except that he's the one white dude. The real Genghis Khan and Kahless (a member of a race that considers humans inferior) would not approve. Of course, their uncharacteristic behavior is slightly justified because they're not the real Genghis or Kahless.
  • Would Hit a Girl : Spock has no problem laying his fists on Zora. Wouldn't you slug Ilsa Koch if you got the chance?
  • Star Trek S3 E21 "The Cloud Minders"
  • Recap/Star Trek: The Original Series
  • Star Trek S3 E23 "All Our Yesterdays"

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abraham lincoln in star trek

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Published Jan 27, 2013

One Trek Mind #60: Trek's Take On Lincoln

abraham lincoln in star trek

“It is a magnificent work of duplication.” So said Spock himself concerning Lee Bergere's representation of President Abraham Lincoln, as drawn from the collective memories and historical records aboard the USS Enterprise.Daniel Day-Lewis is currently on a grand tour of awards-collecting, getting all sorts of recognition for his portrayal of Abraham Lincoln. In his version, written by Tony Kushner and directed by Steven Spielberg (whoever those two are!) Lincoln is an ends-justify-the-means chess player with a determination to evolve society at whatever cost. He's a raconteur and a kind-hearted man. He also wears a ridiculously ostentatious hat. And, as it is in so many other ways, Star Trek had nailed this down over 40 years earlier!

abraham lincoln in star trek

Star Trek 's third season is loaded with land mines. Alas, the antepenultimate episode to air, “ The Savage Curtain ,” is one of them. I can't lie. It kinda stinks. (Nota bene: “ Spock's Brain ” does not! Look for a future One Trek Mind column defending this oft-maligned work of tremendous entertainment!) The episode tries to rehash an “ Arena ”-style battle on a strange planet, but this time as some sort of tag team between the forces of Good and Evil. It doesn't really work – but it isn't for lack of trying.After an opening that peeks behind the curtain of “just another day on the Enterprise,” Kirk is about to throw in the towel on his current assignment. The planet they are observing is just molten rock with no breathable atmosphere. “There's no intelligent life here,” Bones declares. Sulu gets the order to break orbit, but then… sensors go off. The ship is being probed. And an image appears on the viewscreen that is sure to make Star Trek skeptics snicker.Abraham Lincoln, seated as though he were in his Washington D.C. monument, is floating in the inky blackness of space. Indeed, I have a wisenheimer friend who doesn't much care for the “jumpsuit-fest,” as she calls it, that is our beloved franchise. “Is that the one where they hang out with Ben Franklin?” whenever I mention any episode.

abraham lincoln in star trek

It's not really Abraham Lincoln, obviously, but a projection from the highly advanced Excalbian rock creatures on the planet's surface. (And something of a prelude of forthcoming holodeck adventures.) Kirk demands that the “being,” whose scans read as human, be treated as though he were actually the savior of the Union. He certainly looks like Honest Abe, and acts the way we expect him, too. In the transporter room he shows wide-eyed fascination at taped music and politely, but deliberately, urges the security detail to put away their phasers. He's insistent in his position (that he is real, and not a facsimile), but is thoughtful enough to recognize that that is how others see him. (“For an illusion, my opponent carried a considerable punch. Oh, I forgot. You consider me an illusion, too.”)There's also a bit of business on the bridge that may give modern viewers pause, but in 1969 was absolutely on the right side of progress. Lincoln refers to Uhura as a “charming Negress,” then jumps to apologize for his time period's attitude toward people of color. Uhura (and Kirk) don't miss a beat. That business is so behind them that no offense could possibly be taken.

abraham lincoln in star trek

Soon the meat of the episode is laid out. Kirk, Spock, Lincoln and the Father of Vulcan philosophy, Surak, must play a deadly game of cowboys and Indians opposite projections of Genghis Khan, Kahless the Unforgettable (a character who'll get the second biggest retcon after Zefram Cochrane,) Zora of Tiburon and 21st Century World War III villain Colonel Green. (Notable is how much Colonel Green looks like a space ranger straight out of Tom Paris' Captain Proton holonovels.)

Lincoln and Kirk quickly slip into roles of Commander in Chief and General. Kirk darn near blushes when compared to Ulysses S. Grant, and we get a peek at some of Lincoln's tactical thinking. (Okay, “sneaking around back” isn't exactly genius, but they've got to express these things quickly and efficiently.) What's amazing is how, once we're in the heart of it, you actually do kinda buy that it is Abe Lincoln on the planet's surface.

abraham lincoln in star trek

Lincoln's demise comes with an axe to the back. Not a bullet, mind you, but a weapon thrown by Kahless, who was previously impersonating the voice of Surak. (So, he was an actor just like John Wilkes Booth, if you really want to extend the metaphor.)According to legend, Mark Lenard was originally offered the role. This would have made his third appearance after the Romulan Commander in “ Balance of Terror ” and Spock's father Sarek in “ Journey to Babel .”The role ultimately went to Lee Bergere, who would later find great success on TV's Dynasty . He was a journeyman actor, appearing in guest appearances on many shows as well as theater in New York and Los Angeles. He also pushed the envelope for gay rights playing one of the first openly homosexual characters on a television program, the short-lived 1975 situation comedy Hot L Baltimore .Did Daniel Day-Lewis crib everything for his portrayal of Lincoln from this episode? We can never know for sure. But I say yes. I also say he based There Will Be Blood 's Daniel Plainview on Gul Dukat and prepared for The Boxer by studying the sport of Anbo-jyutsu. Then again, I'm insane. Does Lee Bergere's performance as the 16th US President hold any special meaning for you? Sound off in the comments below.

_______________________________

Jordan Hoffman is a writer, critic and lapsed filmmaker living in New York City. His work can also be seen on Film.com , ScreenCrush and Badass Digest . On his BLOG , Jordan has reviewed all 727 Trek episodes and films, most of the comics and some of the novels.

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The Savage Curtain

The Savage Curtain

  • Kirk, Spock, Abraham Lincoln and Vulcan legend Surak are pitted in battle against notorious villains from history for the purpose of helping a conscious rock creature's understanding of a concept he does not understand, "good vs. evil".
  • The Enterprise's sensor readings indicate a planet unsuitable for any carbon-based life at the level of a developed civilization. Suddenly they get an apparition in space from someone who looks like and claims to be Abraham Lincoln. He insists on them checking him out and coming over to a small part on the planet surface (which has suddenly developed a perfect atmosphere for humans). He is received with full presidential honors and Kirk and Spock agree to beam down with him, but as they do, phasers and tricorders fail to dematerialize with them, and communicators won't work. There they meet Surak, the greatest Vulcan of all time, equally convincing. The quartet is greeted by a creature consisting of molten rock who presents them to notorious historical villains Ghengis Khan, Colonel Green, Zora and the Klingon Kahless the Unforgettable. They're told the teams represent good versus evil and must battle to the death against each other to teach the creature their concept. When Kirk refuses to continue after beating off a first traitorous attack, the creature ups the stake by causing a power disaster which will blow up the Enterprise in four hours unless they win. — KGF Vissers
  • Tracking down space legends of intelligent life leads the Enterprise to encircle a planet with a poisonous atmosphere and a molten rock surface (later known to them as Excalbia). As they're about to leave, they're probed and promptly greeted by former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln. Over Scott and McCoy's objections, this impossible personage is beamed aboard under military honors, after which Kirk and Spock agree to return to the planet with him. Excalbia, by this time, has transformed a section of itself into a habitable state, and it is there they meet up with Surak, the greatest Vulcan who ever lived. Now a true inhabitant of the planet appears, having set up a life and death "drama" to test out a concept alien to his people - good versus evil - pitting Kirk's group of four against another group of four composed of historical figures known for their notorious evil: genocidal war leader Col. Green, Kahless the Unforgettable of Klingon, conqueror Genghis Khan, and Zora of Tiburon who ran body chemistry experiments on tribespeople. Surmising that Kirk won't participant without proper incentive, the Enterprise is set to explode if his good group doesn't defeat the evil group in under four hours. — statmanjeff
  • When someone purporting to be Abraham Lincoln asks them to beam down to the planet below, Kirk and Spock agree to join him. Soon Surak, the greatest Vulcan of all time, is with them. They are told by a rock-like creature that they are there to do battle against four of history's most evil characters. The rock creature's society does not understand the concepts of good and evil and the battle between the two groups will determine which has the greatest merit. They are free to use any materials available to them on the planet and Kirk soon realizes that there are weapons to be made. — garykmcd
  • Tracking down space legends of intelligent life leads the Enterprise to encircle a planet with a poisonous atmosphere and a molten rock surface (later known to them as Excalbia). Spock finds evidence of a carbon based life-form on the planet surface, which is impossible given the circumstances of the planet's surface. All attempts to establish communications are met with no response. As they're about to leave, they're probed and promptly greeted by former U.S. president Abraham Lincoln (Lee Bergere). Lincoln wishes to be beamed aboard and tells Kirk that his ship would be directly overhead his position in 12.5 minutes. All of a sudden, an area of 1000 sq kms clears up the surface, with an oxygen/nitrogen atmosphere. Over Scott and McCoy's objections, this impossible personage (Just before beaming Spock thinks he has locked onto a mass of living rock, with claws, which formed into a human form) is beamed aboard under military honors (full dress uniforms), after which Kirk and Spock agree to return to the planet with him. McCOy again protests as he thinks Kirk is being misguided by the form of Lincoln, who was Kirk's greatest personal hero of all times. Kirk is treating "this form" as the real thing when they all know that the real Lincoln died 300 yrs ago on Earth. Kirk agrees, but argues that the Enterprise exists to make contact with other life-forms. He decides to beam down with Spock. Excalbia, by this time, has transformed a section of itself into a habitable state, and it is there they meet up with Surak (Barry Atwater), the greatest Vulcan who ever lived. But McCoy and Scott notice that when Kirk and Spock beam down, their phasers don't beam down with them. They have their communicators, but they are being jammed. Meanwhile the Enterprise loses all power, but no systems on-board the ship are damaged.. Now a true inhabitant of the planet appears (it is a lava based life form with claws), having set up a life and death "drama" to test out a concept alien to his people - good versus evil - pitting Kirk's group of four against another group of four composed of historical figures known for their notorious evil: genocidal war leader Col. Green (Phillip Pine), Kahless (Bob Herron) the Unforgettable of Klingon, conqueror Genghis Khan (Nathan Jung), and Zora (Carol Daniels) of Tiburon who ran body chemistry experiments on tribes-people. Surmising that Kirk won't participant without proper incentive, the Enterprise is set to explode if his good group doesn't defeat the evil group in under four hours. Surak is against fighting, but Kirk insists that the Enterprise is at stake. Surak says perhaps it is their belief in peace that is being tested. Surak goes to Col Green to negotiate peace, but he is killed instead. Kahless imitates the voice of Surak to call out to Spock for help. Lincoln convinces Spock and Kirk to mount a frontal attack on Col Green, so he can go from the back to rescue Surak. But as this executes, Lincoln finds that Surak is dead and Green and Kahless capture him. A hand to hand battle ensues and Kirk and Spock emerge victorious. Kirk argues with the creature, about what gives him the right to hand out life and death. He says its his right to learn new things. Kirk and Spock are allowed to leave in peace. The ship is functioning normally again and the duo are beamed back aboard. The planet reverts to its normal appearance. Spock speculates that the beings on the planet have the power to arrange molecules in whichever way they see fit. They also scanned the human minds to pick the concept of good and evil and materialized them in the form of historical characters, which were based on the memories and thoughts of the people they scanned.

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Abe Lincoln on Star Trek

In the third season episode of Star Trek: TOS , The Savage Curtain , a 19th-century President Lincoln is thrust into the 23rd century not for laughs, but to represent a person of good nature and character in history in this “good vs. evil” and the struggle for peace-themed episode.

Captain James T. Kirk and the crew of Starship Enterprise are getting readings of possible carbon-based life forms on a seemingly uninhabitable planet they’re orbiting. The planet’s molten lava-like conditions and poisonous atmosphere make it impossible for a landing crew to beam down to the surface and investigate the readings. Just as Kirk gives the order for the ship to warp out and continue on to the next assignment, Spock picks up a signal that the ship is being scanned by a probe. On the ship’s view screen, a familiar outline appears floating in space, which eventually becomes a person resembling Abraham Lincoln, complete with necktie and stovepipe hat, sitting in an armchair reminiscent of the one in the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.

While the crew is skeptical of the Lincoln figure’s identity, armchair Lincoln clearly believes he is the former U.S. President. “I am Abraham Lincoln,” he proclaims.

The episode focuses are several themes: Kirk’s admiration of Abraham Lincoln; Lincoln’s quest for peace in time of war; good vs. evil and the struggle for survival; and self-sacrifice for the greater good. I talk about this episode in length below, so beware of SPOILERS . You can watch a clip of the scene, which takes place before the opening theme, over at Amazon and you can buy the episode there too for $1.99 (or 12 Pepsi points).

Lincoln (played by Lee Bergere ) requests to come aboard the Enterprise and upon arrival via transporter is greeted with Presidential honors by the crew, including ceremonial music (taped, not live) and Kirk, Spock, Dr. McCoy, and Scotty in full-dress uniforms (with Scotty in a Scottish-themed uniform). Scotty tells McCoy that what he beamed aboard could have been made of living rock, and Kirk ponders whether this figure is an illusion or a reincarnation.

Lincoln invites Kirk and Spock down to the surface with him to a small area of the planet with Earth-like conditions. The two officers know they’re being lured down to the planet for some reason, but don’t know why. Spock states that whatever the purpose, it’s obvious that the life form was made to look and act like the President as a way to titillate Kirk’s curiosity, since Lincoln has always been a hero of his. The life form is also meant to affect Spock, who finds the President “fascinating” and charming.

Once down on the surface, Kirk and Spock realize that their phasers and tricorders did not beam with them, and that all communications to the Enterprise have been cut off. The trio finds out from the powerful rock-like entity Yarnek that they’ve been lured to the planet, called Excalbia, to participate in a battle for survival. Lincoln, Kirk, Spock, and Vulcan founder Surak are to fight Genghis Khan and three other notoriously evil figures from Star Trek history, so that Yarnek and his kind can observe which of the two humanoid philosophies — good and evil — is the stronger.

After the evil figures attack, the sides get into a scuffle, but quickly conclude that Yarnek is the real enemy. Yarnek observes that the good side will not fight without a cause, so he sets the Enterprise to self-destruct in four hours if the good side does not defeat its evil opponents.

In an allusion to the American Civil War, Lincoln tells Kirk, “The war is forced upon us. History repeats itself.” They have no choice now but to fight. Kirk strategizes their attack plan, which Lincoln says reminds him of another man he admires — General Grant (leader of the northern Union army — the “good” side — during the U.S. Civil War).

Surak approaches the evil opponents offering peace, but they capture him to provoke the others to battle. Lincoln comes up with a rescue plan that has them fighting on the same level with “trickery, brutality, finality … we match their evil.” He explains that while he’s typically thought of as a gentle man, he was Commander in Chief during the four bloodiest years of his country’s history, giving orders that sent 100,000 men to their deaths during the Civil War.

Both Lincoln and Surak perish in the battle, but ultimately Kirk and Spock win by fighting until their opponents flee. The good side wins out, though the entity still doesn’t see many differences between the two sides. Kirk and Spock are free to return to the Enterprise and all’s well again.

Back aboard the ship, Spock conjectures that the entity was able to scan their minds to create the perfect images of Lincoln and Surak, the two people Kirk and Spock admire, respectively. “They seemed so real,” Kirk says. “I feel I actually met Lincoln.” Kirk says that after seeing Lincoln die again, he feels like he understands what Earth must have gone through to achieve final peace.

Of Lincoln and Surak, Kirks says:

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Lee Bergere

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Lee Bergere ( 10 April 1918 – 31 January 2007 ; age 88) was an actor who played the Excalbians ' recreation of Abraham Lincoln in the Star Trek: The Original Series third season episode " The Savage Curtain ". He filmed his scenes on Wednesday 11 December 1968 , Thursday 12 December 1968 , and between Monday 16 December 1968 and Thursday 19 December 1968 at Desilu Stage 9 and Stage 10 .

He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the Carrington family's majordomo Joseph Arlington Anders on Dynasty from 1981 through 1983. Co-starring with him on this series was fellow Original Series guest performer Joan Collins .

Bergere also co-starred with James Cromwell on Hot L Baltimore and also had a recurring role as Justin Nash during the eighth season of Falcon Crest . Other TV series he appeared on include Perry Mason , The Addams Family (with Ted Cassidy ), My Favorite Martian (with Ray Walston and Michael Barrier ), and Mission: Impossible (with Noél De Souza , Lee Duncan , Joseph Ruskin , Kathie Browne , Karl Bruck , John Crawford , and Patrick Horgan ). He also appeared alongside Kathie Browne in an episode of The Wild Wild West called "The Night of The Colonel's Ghost".

In addition, Bergere had roles in two epic mini-series featuring Jonathan Frakes . The first was 1985's North and South , co-starring Kirstie Alley , Jean Simmons , and David Ogden Stiers . The following year, Bergere and Frakes appeared in Dream West , with F. Murray Abraham , John Anderson , James Cromwell, Michael Ensign , Alice Krige , Matt McCoy , Glenn Morshower , Fritz Weaver , Noble Willingham , and Anthony Zerbe .

On stage, Bergere appeared in several notable productions, including a revival of Man of La Mancha starring Richard Kiley . He also had a supporting role in Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice (1969, with Celeste Yarnall ). He also starred in Time Trackers (1989).

Bergere passed away in New Hampshire in January 2007. He was 82 years old. His career spanned six decades and over two hundred television shows.

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Abraham Lincoln

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Lincoln in space

A simulacrum of Abraham Lincoln was created by the Excalbians in the 23rd century out of the mind of James T. Kirk . He was constructed as part of the first trial of good vs evil, alongside a simulacrum of Surak , to assist Kirk and Spock against the simulacrums of Kahless , Colonel Phillip Green , Zora and Genghis Khan .

Lincoln was killed during the trial, but his simulacrum was recreated as the Excalbians continued to debate good vs evil. During the second trial, in 2411 , he assists the player in navigating the trials and dealing with Yarnek . He is shown as a moderating influence on the Excalbians, defending the player when their choices are criticized.

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  • 4 External links

Notes [ | ]

  • Despite being a simulacrum, Abraham Lincoln is the first real-life person to appear in Star Trek Online , as he is based on the 16th President of the United States .

Missions involved [ | ]

  • “The Measure of Morality (Part 1)”
  • “The Measure of Morality (Part 2)”

References [ | ]

  • ↑ For those of you who asked on the stream, the voice of Lincoln is Mark Dodson. Who, according to IMDB, is also the voice of Salacious Crumb.

External links [ | ]

  • Abraham Lincoln (Excalbian) at Memory Alpha , the Star Trek Wiki.
  • Abraham Lincoln at Memory Beta , the non-canon Star Trek Wiki.
  • 2 Playable starship
  • 3 Reputation System

abraham lincoln in star trek

USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN

“With malice toward none, with charity for all.”

The USS Abraham Lincoln NCC 71809 is a chapter-member of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. located in New York, USA; based out of\ Garnerville but including the Hudson Valley. The chapter formed in 2009 and the fictional timeline of the chapter was originally set in the Trek calendar year of 2386. The Star Trek: Voyager series ended in the Trek calendar of 2378; Star Trek: Nemesis movie was set in the Trek calendar year do 2379.

While aboard the chapter each member takes on the role, a persona, of a Starfleet officer who is serving on the starship, exploring new ways of having fun and socializing with people who share a love of science fiction. The chapter hosts monthly meetings that are generally set on a Saturday. The Abraham Lincoln also participates in many events that include, but is not limited to: BBQ’s and picnics, movies, parties or celebrations, trips to local tourist attractions, and Sci-Fi conventions.

When a person signs aboard the Abraham Lincoln, the member may choose to serve within one of the chapter’s departments:

  • Command (Finance, Personnel, Legal)
  • Operations (Conn, Ops, Shuttle Pilot)
  • Engineering
  • Ship Service (Quartermaster, Commissary, Civilians)

Membership to the Abraham Lincoln is open to any STARFLEET, Int. member in good standing, although the chapter is classified as a meeting chapter. Even though the Abraham Lincoln is classified as a meeting chapter we use several communications mediums to keep in touch and reach the membership base. At present we use the Internet such as: email, listserv, Facebook, messaging and video conferencing.

Each member of the Abraham Lincoln is entitled to:

  • ID Card (chapter)
  • Membership Handbook (electronic copy)
  • Constitution (electronic copy)
  • Crew Roster (electronic copy)
  • Chapter History/Chronology (elctronic copy)
  • Membership access to our Facebook page

The Abraham Lincoln has the special honor of having Vaughn Armstrong (who portrayed Admiral Forrest on Star Trek: Enterprise), Michael Dante (who portrayed Maab on Star Trek: the Original Series episode “Friday’s Child”) and J.G. Hertzler (General/Chancellor Martok DS9) as members of the crew that are listed on special assignment. In addition, the Abraham Lincoln is equipped with the Zhang Heng , a Prius Class Shuttlepod owned and operated by Willie Yee.

Shuttle Zhang Heng: Prius Class Shuttlepod

Are you up to the challenge of exploring “strange new worlds”? Want to “seek out new life forms and new civilizations”? If you are, contact us and we will beam you aboard. The chapter’s motto comes from Abraham Lincoln’s Second Inaugural speech. You can read  his speech posted here on our site.

IMAGES

  1. The Savage Curtain: President Abraham Lincoln, Intergalactic Warrior

    abraham lincoln in star trek

  2. Abraham Lincoln in Enterprise

    abraham lincoln in star trek

  3. Abraham Lincoln

    abraham lincoln in star trek

  4. the savage Curtain : le président Abraham Lincoln

    abraham lincoln in star trek

  5. Presidents’ Day: Abraham Lincoln In ‘Star Trek’ TOS

    abraham lincoln in star trek

  6. Abraham Lincoln

    abraham lincoln in star trek

VIDEO

  1. First Time Watching ALL of Star Trek

COMMENTS

  1. The Savage Curtain

    The image of Abraham Lincoln drifts toward the ship on the viewscreen. Though skeptical that the figure is the real President, Kirk extends full presidential honors as he transports aboard the ship. ... In 2017, Screen Rant ranked this episode the 12th worst episode of the Star Trek franchise and in 2018 ranked it as the 9th worst. Legacy.

  2. "Star Trek" The Savage Curtain (TV Episode 1969)

    The Savage Curtain: Directed by Herschel Daugherty. With William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, Lee Bergere. Kirk, Spock, Abraham Lincoln and Vulcan legend Surak are pitted in battle against notorious villains from history for the purpose of helping a conscious rock creature's understanding of a concept he does not understand, "good vs. evil".

  3. The Savage Curtain (episode)

    Kirk and Spock are forced to fight alongside such historical figures as Abraham Lincoln of Earth and Surak of Vulcan by rock-like aliens who want to understand the concepts of "good" and "evil." The USS Enterprise is conducting some last observation scans of a planet incapable of supporting life - the surface is molten lava and the atmosphere is poisonous. However, from his science station ...

  4. Abraham Lincoln

    Lincoln on Mount Rushmore (right) A matte painting created for a deleted scene from Star Trek V: The Final Frontier featured Lincoln's face on Mount Rushmore monument.. The script of the Star Trek: Deep Space Nine episode "The Homecoming" describes Li Nalas as having "a quiet self-effacing Abraham Lincoln/Gary Cooper charisma.". Abraham Lincoln served as a visual inspiration for the look for ...

  5. Star Trek

    In 1968, this episode of Star Trek - The Original Series (Season 3) featured an episode (Nr. 22) that brilliantly raised the issue of humankind getting rid o...

  6. "Star Trek" The Savage Curtain (TV Episode 1969)

    We've gone along with what and who you think you are. Abraham Lincoln : Despite the seeming contradictions, all is as it appears to be. I am Abraham Lincoln. Surak : Just as I am whom I appear to be. Mr. Spock : Surak. Captain James T. Kirk : Who? Mr. Spock : The greatest of all who ever lived on our planet, Captain. The father of all we became.

  7. President Abraham Lincoln Beams Aboard the Enterprise

    Star Trek: The Original Series Season 3 The Savage Curtain

  8. "Star Trek: The Original Series" The Savage Curtain (TV Episode 1969

    Abraham Lincoln : [interrupting] What a charming negress. Oh, forgive me, my dear. I know that in my time some use that term as a description of property. Uhura ... Star Trek (Timeline) a list of 919 titles created 14 Mar 2019 Star Trek: The Original Series - Season 3 | Episodes Ranked from Best to Worst ...

  9. "The Savage Curtain"

    After encountering Abraham Lincoln (Lee Bergere) floating in space (for realz) the crew beams him aboard. ... Naturally, it shows up in "Star Trek V: The Final Frontier," the worst of the Trek films. All that said, I did kinda like the moment where Lincoln says Kirk reminds him of Ulysses S. Grant — and equates Grant with drinking whiskey.

  10. Star Trek S3 E22 "The Savage Curtain" / Recap

    Create New. Season 3 was weird, people. Original air date: March 7, 1969. The One With…. Abraham Lincoln IN SPACE! Another day on the Enterprise, another new planet to explore. Excalbia will be explored from afar due to excessive amounts of volcanic activity. Kirk asks Spock if he detects any life forms.

  11. One Trek Mind #60: Trek's Take On Lincoln

    Star Trek's third season is loaded with land mines. ... And an image appears on the viewscreen that is sure to make Star Trek skeptics snicker.Abraham Lincoln, seated as though he were in his Washington D.C. monument, is floating in the inky blackness of space. Indeed, I have a wisenheimer friend who doesn't much care for the "jumpsuit-fest ...

  12. Star Trek

    Kirk and Spock are forced into a battle of good and evil with illusory villains (The Savage Curtain)

  13. Abraham Lincoln (Excalbian)

    Abraham Lincoln's lookalike was created by the Excalbians in a 2269 plot devised to better understand the concepts of good and evil, with Lincoln, Surak, James T. Kirk, and Spock representing "good". It was Spock, who later observed that the Excalbian created Lincoln was created, and registered as humanoid, despite being a product of matter-energy conversion, whereby other Excalbians ...

  14. "Star Trek" The Savage Curtain (TV Episode 1969)

    Star Trek. Jump to. Edit. Summaries. Kirk, Spock, Abraham Lincoln and Vulcan legend Surak are pitted in battle against notorious villains from history for the purpose of helping a conscious rock creature's understanding of a concept he does not understand, "good vs. evil". The Enterprise's sensor readings indicate a planet unsuitable for any ...

  15. "The Savage Curtain"

    Review Text. The Enterprise crew finds itself face to face with an entity that appears and claims to be Abraham Lincoln (Lee Berger). Lincoln invites Kirk and Spock down to the surface of a planet, where they all find themselves the pawns in a game of "good versus evil," courtesy of a rock-like creature that wants to learn the difference between the two powerful forces.

  16. Star Trek

    Kirk extends full presidential honors to none other than Abraham Lincoln as he transports aboard the Enterprise (The Savage Curtain)

  17. Presidents' Day: Abraham Lincoln In 'Star Trek' TOS

    In the third season episode of Star Trek: TOS, The Savage Curtain, a 19th-century President Lincoln is thrust into the 23rd century not for laughs, but to represent a person of good nature and ...

  18. Lee Bergere

    Lee Bergere (10 April 1918 - 31 January 2007; age 88) was an actor who played the Excalbians' recreation of Abraham Lincoln in the Star Trek: The Original Series third season episode "The Savage Curtain". He filmed his scenes on Wednesday 11 December 1968, Thursday 12 December 1968, and between Monday 16 December 1968 and Thursday 19 December 1968 at Desilu Stage 9 and Stage 10. He is ...

  19. Abraham Lincoln

    A simulacrum of Abraham Lincoln was created by the Excalbians in the 23rd century out of the mind of James T. Kirk. He was constructed as part of the first trial of good vs evil, alongside a simulacrum of Surak, to assist Kirk and Spock against the simulacrums of Kahless, Colonel Phillip Green, Zora and Genghis Khan. Lincoln was killed during the trial, but his simulacrum was recreated as the ...

  20. Lee Bergere

    Bergere played Abraham Lincoln, in the Star Trek episode "The Savage Curtain". Other parts included comedic guest-star roles on Kentucky Jones , Get Smart , My Favorite Martian , The Munsters , [8] All in the Family , WKRP in Cincinnati (in a pig costume), and a starring role on the short-lived series Hot l Baltimore , [2] : 477 on which he ...

  21. Abraham Lincoln (From StarTrek)

    Abraham Lincoln guest features in this exciting and thrilling episode of StarTrek: 1

  22. About Us

    The USS Abraham Lincoln NCC 71809 is a chapter-member of STARFLEET, the International Star Trek Fan Association, Inc. located in New York, USA; based out of\ Garnerville but including the Hudson Valley. The chapter formed in 2009 and the fictional timeline of the chapter was originally set in the Trek calendar year of 2386. The Star Trek: Voyager series ended in the Trek calendar of 2378; Star ...

  23. Star Trek -- Nothing Good in War

    Season 3 Episode 22Production No. #077Episode: "The Savage Curtain"Whilst performing a planetary survey of a planet incapable of supporting human life, the E...