There's something about this sequence that always leaves this one in tears, seeing how Gem has learned compassion in her willingness to help McCoy, despite the immense pain she endures in the process. Her lack of vocal chords helps to generate the viewer's sense of empathy for her. She conveys her feelings through her expressions that don't need any audible response to get a compassionate response from the viewer. Kathryn Hays' performance as Gem is touching and heartfelt.
Kathryn Hays recently moved back to her home town of Princeton, IL, about 16 miles from where I live. Princeton is also the home town of Richard Widmark, who lived there, and graduated high school. It is where he first developed his interest in acting.
Notice that it is the PLOT/Story Line that made Star Trek the Original Series GREAT. They didn't have access to all the special effects we have today. In fact, today the dependency on special effects is nuts. Film makers need to focus on the story and character development. Special effects are secondary for a good film. This episode, The Empath, and my other favorite "The City on the Edge of Forever" are what makes Star Trek shine above all other SciFi series - Again: "It's the Plot/Story Line Dummy, NOT special effects!"
Oddly enough, this episode is very polarizing. A lot of women love it and a lot of men hate it-with the notable exception of combat veterans, who find McCoy’s sacrifice very moving.
i remember back in late 1985 seeing this episode for the first time i really love it i was like 14 year old then i cried at the ending when the vians had took gem with them as they told Kirk Spock & Dr.MCCoy farewell & this heartouching music plays...up to this day I just love this episode & the entire original series as well, good work Mr.roddenberry.
Got to watch this the first time in black and white TV. Back when it was new . Later on got see this a few years later in color. Got me thinking about my childhood from years ago!
This episode and that episode are the two that have always moved me to tears, with Gem's suffering to heal McCoy and her beautiful face crying in pain, to the heartbreaking tragedy of Edith Keeler's death being necessary to restore the proper timeline.
Here's some interesting trivial information for all you folks out there. Gem there is potrayed by actress Kaythryn Hayes, and was in a episode of Bonanza called, The Wild One which she potrayed a pregnant Quaker girl. After her portrayal of Gem, she also was on Night Gallery with Leonard Nimoy in an episode called, She'll Be Good Company For You, as Leonard lost his wife, and a scene showing him at the graveyard by her casket, before burial. Leonard was given a cat, and i can recall his words saying, Forget it cat, your not staying.
Believe it or not, here in the UK the BBC refused to screen this episode because it was deemed too sadistic. I think we eventually got it in the 1990s. I had read it many times in the James Blish books so didn't realise I'd not actually seen it.
UA-cam actually made me hit one of those, "This video contains images or content that may be upsetting to some viewers. The following video may contain adult content. Do you wish to proceed?" waivers before I could watch it, so...
What was once one of my least favorite episodes is now one of my favorite episodes. I used to think Gem's pantomime was hokey but now realize it's a perfect expression of her almost Christ-like character. I now see the Vians as much more complex than I used to. Deep below their very dominant cold, rational, and scientific sense of duty they actually have hearts which motivated them to try to save Gem's race in the first place. The lesson of the Vians is that it is easy over time to let yourself get caught up in the process to such an extent that you lose sight of the original goal, purpose, and underlying sentiment.
True. Your comments are also repeated with the Vians refusal to save Bones. Once Jim reminded them, they corrected their stance and saved the Doctor. Highlights centuries of logic development, perfection, the real incentives get forgotten.
Tell me about it. When the original Star Trek was on, each episode was about 51 minutes long. When The Next Generation came out, it was down to 44 minutes. I bet it's even money now. I agree with you: Give all the commercials their own channel, and leave the regular programming alone. They can call it the 'As Seen On TV' Channel, we would call it 'quarantine'.
I am old enough to know that many scences are left out do to commercials. "The Man Trap." Cut out a scene of Kirk looking down the empty corridors in search of the salt vampire.
You have to watch the entire episode to understand that it was her ability as an Empath to take on the pain of others and heal. Bones would not let her finish healing him for fear it would kill her being he had internal injuries as well.
That was part of her ability. To heal the wounds she took away. Just like in "A Private Little War." Nona had to rest after using the plant to heal Kirk from the Mugato bite.
@X4PP3D BEHOLD......a good episode.. well, I don't like these long ads.. the short ones with an opt out are better.. most vids on here have no ads.. every can't be free..I'd rather pay a subscription to UA-cam..
Really, I never "got" this episode at all. But then again, this isn't one of those OST episodes that I binge watch over and over because I enjoyed the production so much. No, this is one of those episodes that I usually click by whenever it shows up because it's so puerile and unentertaining that I have never examined it closely enough to learn its finer points. But as far as I can tell, it seems to be about a woman with a face like two miles of bad road spending an hour doing a series of ballet steps for the amusement of a couple of alien eggheads and somehow, at the end of that hour, earning plaudits for the self-sacrifice that is supposed to be inherent in her actions.
Then "You remember the story of the merchant who when he found one pearl of great price, he sold all that he had to possess it." - Scotty (Empath episode of Star Trek) Trek wasn't afraid of biblical references and ended this episode doing so.
yea, pretty much. but in the COMMON SENSE department with their crew they shouldn't send down the three most important people on the ship to a planet that isn't responding to calls. but it's a TV show and it's the 60s, so who gives a shit.
There are strange contrasts and tensions in this story. Totally cerebral aliens seek compassion and pro-social behaviors. Friends do not want to harm others. I think that the music was over done. Could have done without.
I just love how Kirk and Spock are standing there watching McCoy die! There unheard dialogue would be funny! Kirk: "hey Spock. Ya think we should try and help him? Spock: "That is most unlogical." Kirk: 'Why?" Spock: ......It serves him right for calling me a green-blooded goblin." Kirk: ......Oh no! That poor lady just fainted!" Runs over cause he didn't get to sleep with her while Spock pouts.
@@ArthurAlfred1 Hey, I was too when I watched this episode for the first time, 8 to be exact.😊 (Okay, I didn't notice the date of your comment either :)
What a great person and actor. Rest in peace dear Kathryn.
She was a dear friend back in the 60s. A lovely person who I will miss.
I think this is one of the best episodes! The music really makes it so!
There's something about this sequence that always leaves this one in tears, seeing how Gem has learned compassion in her willingness to help McCoy, despite the immense pain she endures in the process. Her lack of vocal chords helps to generate the viewer's sense of empathy for her. She conveys her feelings through her expressions that don't need any audible response to get a compassionate response from the viewer. Kathryn Hays' performance as Gem is touching and heartfelt.
yes i agree! everytime I see this episode it makes me cry as well! I love kathryn Hay !
Music performed by Grorge Dunning who also performed the music for The Big Valley.
@@danbasta3677 It's the music that always brings me back to this very episode.
Kathryn Hays recently moved back to her home town of Princeton, IL, about 16 miles from where I live. Princeton is also the home town of Richard Widmark, who lived there, and graduated high school. It is where he first developed his interest in acting.
@@Halad49 - Have you heard thr sad news, Kathryn Hayes passed away on April 8 2022??
My Mom and I used to watch “As the World Turns”
Face of an angel.
DeForest Kelley said that he thought this episode was their best "ensemble" piece on the show.
My favourite episode
Notice that it is the PLOT/Story Line that made Star Trek the Original Series GREAT. They didn't have access to all the special effects we have today. In fact, today the dependency on special effects is nuts. Film makers need to focus on the story and character development. Special effects are secondary for a good film. This episode, The Empath, and my other favorite "The City on the Edge of Forever" are what makes Star Trek shine above all other SciFi series - Again: "It's the Plot/Story Line Dummy, NOT special effects!"
Completely agree. Hopefully film makers will realise this and make a return to character driven plots, such as the classic, The Empath.
Totalmente 100% de acuerdo.
Nowadays, it's Participation Trophy authors who write all of your entertainment.
Oddly enough, this episode is very polarizing. A lot of women love it and a lot of men hate it-with the notable exception of combat veterans, who find McCoy’s sacrifice very moving.
I loved it even BEFORE I enlisted.
I think this has got to be my favorite Star Trek TOS episode. The soundtrack written by George Duning is absolutely haunting, moving, and beautiful!
Star Trek is known for the best motifs in music....
Hopeful but dark..
Agreed. Any idea what the instuments playing the melody were?
The Empath and The Tholian Web are my two favorite episodes in Season 3.
What a great performance by Kathryn Hays.
This was Kathryn Hayes, who went on to play “Kim Hughes” on “As the World Turns” among her other roles.
She passed away on April 8 2022
She died on March 25th. The news about her passing was reported on April 8th. She was a fantastic actress.
@@METerrell - Yes, thank you.
She was a wonderful actress.
i remember back in late 1985 seeing this episode for the first time i really love it i was like 14 year old then i cried at the ending when the vians had took gem with them as they told Kirk Spock & Dr.MCCoy farewell & this heartouching music plays...up to this day I just love this episode & the entire original series as well, good work Mr.roddenberry.
I agree with Martin Fuller comment , Kathryn Hays was GORGEOUS and I love the musical score.
The makeup on Kathryn Hay's eyes gave Gem's face a countenance of perpetual sadness.
My favorite Star Trek!!! She has such astonishing eyes. So filled with soul.
I've always found the sentiment combined with the score to be both beautiful and powerful.
"Time Grows Short" will always be a beautiful score from Star Trek TOS. This scene the most memorable.
True acting...they perfected the craft.
empath means the ability to feel anothers physical & emotional stages.
Yes I believe its the noun form.
A Vulcan mind meld would be most interesting of Gem.
love the musical score.
I managed to find a high quality version of it here ua-cam.com/video/bMe5gJkyvR8/v-deo.html
"Time Grows Short" is a beautiful score.
It reminds me of some of the work Bernard Herrmann did for The Twilight Zone.
@@Emper0rH0rde Any particular episode you remember his music was in?
Got to watch this the first time in black and white TV. Back when it was new . Later on got see this a few years later in color.
Got me thinking about my childhood from years ago!
Same here
Saw this when I was a young teen, fell in love with her eyes.
RIP, Kathryn Hayes.
Beautiful Kathryn Hays..
This may be my favorite Star Trek episode as well. Of course, "The City on the Edge of Forever" was excellent, too.
This episode and that episode are the two that have always moved me to tears, with Gem's suffering to heal McCoy and her beautiful face crying in pain, to the heartbreaking tragedy of Edith Keeler's death being necessary to restore the proper timeline.
Because they're the Holy Trinity of Star Trek.
An excellent scene/episode and behold, most significant..
R.I.P. Kathryn Hays. ❤🌹🙏🖖
It is amazing how the ying and yang rings true to the feeding of our nature even on this level. Love this program.
Yin*
This has always been one of my favorite episodes. ❤❤
Kathryn Hays was GORGEOUS
I am crying again after SO MANY YEARS!
Tremendous acting by the woman playing Gem. No dialogue, but you got every emotion in her face. Classic.
Here's some interesting trivial information for all you folks out there. Gem there is potrayed by actress Kaythryn Hayes, and was in a episode of Bonanza called, The Wild One which she potrayed a pregnant Quaker girl. After her portrayal of Gem, she also was on Night Gallery with Leonard Nimoy in an episode called, She'll Be Good Company For You, as Leonard lost his wife, and a scene showing him at the graveyard by her casket, before burial. Leonard was given a cat, and i can recall his words saying, Forget it cat, your not staying.
She was married to Patrick McNee from the Brit 60’s series The Avengers
Basically, "Star Trek does Performance Art"...
For the real empaths
Absolutely!
A parallel of Christ taking our marks , blemishes , sins, upon Himself, giving us new life
Amen.+
Star trek , is a great great story
Believe it or not, here in the UK the BBC refused to screen this episode because it was deemed too sadistic. I think we eventually got it in the 1990s. I had read it many times in the James Blish books so didn't realise I'd not actually seen it.
UA-cam actually made me hit one of those, "This video contains images or content that may be upsetting to some viewers. The following video may contain adult content. Do you wish to proceed?" waivers before I could watch it, so...
I read that the Avengers `A Touch of Brimstone´ wasn´t aired in the USA.
Same with "Plato's Stepchildren."
I vividly rember this scene from my childhood, very powerful.
This episode is definitely in my top ten, love it. ❤️
One of my favorite Spock and McCoy-centric episodes along with The Tholian Web.
Very much ahead of its time.
What was once one of my least favorite episodes is now one of my favorite episodes. I used to think Gem's pantomime was hokey but now realize it's a perfect expression of her almost Christ-like character. I now see the Vians as much more complex than I used to. Deep below their very dominant cold, rational, and scientific sense of duty they actually have hearts which motivated them to try to save Gem's race in the first place. The lesson of the Vians is that it is easy over time to let yourself get caught up in the process to such an extent that you lose sight of the original goal, purpose, and underlying sentiment.
I agree
I have shed tears watching thus episode
True. Your comments are also repeated with the Vians refusal to save Bones. Once Jim reminded them, they corrected their stance and saved the Doctor. Highlights centuries of logic development, perfection, the real incentives get forgotten.
How is She christ like? Christ had power "supposedly" to heal people but refused at times when it didnt suit him
@@BlueBrainMountainStream curious… when did he refuse to heal someone?
Kathryn Hays 🙏🏽🕯😔
that is most significant...
This is a great original Star Trek. Not as popular as Trouble with Tribbles. But this has a moral.
The actress passed away March 2022.
I recall this was the first time I heard the word 'Empath.'
Some humans today may have the gift to be Empaths. Sadly, science does not have the technology to identify it...
selflessness
Spock is always ahead of the game.
Vions admire love
BRILIANT
The Empath!
Dear Gem, you were never so lovely as you were when you were putting yourself in harm's way.😢
Those two aliens look very much like the Talosians from the pilot episode featuring Capt. Christopher Pike.
rip, sister.
The key to ascension!
I heard the tubes in the background were
borrowed from "Lost in Space" Jupiter 2
I never saw this episode growing up in England. The BBC had banned it due to the torture scenes.
The Vians are modeling evening dresses !
The Vians look like the Talosians from The Cage. probably not intentional . . . but still sort of neat.
Looks like a nightie to me
You can't beat TOS.
Alot like when Christ, who took the pain for all world and suffer an agonizing death.
I had the hots for that women the firs time i seen this one. In the 7th grade. She could have made cold water steam just by walking by it!
Love is key
Tell me about it. When the original Star Trek was on, each episode was about 51 minutes long. When The Next Generation came out, it was down to 44 minutes. I bet it's even money now.
I agree with you: Give all the commercials their own channel, and leave the regular programming alone. They can call it the 'As Seen On TV' Channel, we would call it 'quarantine'.
I am old enough to know that many scences are left out do to commercials. "The Man Trap." Cut out a scene of Kirk looking down the empty corridors in search of the salt vampire.
When SyFy did a Quantum Leap marathon, they played 11 episodes in 12 hours.
Her face is like Debbie Reynolds'.
This is me .. an Empath.
Could our Country make such changes? What force has sent Us to the place we are? Ponder ones tomorrow.
1:05
Behold!..
But how did she recover from her scars?
You have to watch the entire episode to understand that it was her ability as an Empath to take on the pain of others and heal. Bones would not let her finish healing him for fear it would kill her being he had internal injuries as well.
That was part of her ability. To heal the wounds she took away. Just like in "A Private Little War." Nona had to rest after using the plant to heal Kirk from the Mugato bite.
The first time I watched this I must have missed the beginning because I was trying to figure out what was going on.
What would she say, if she could speak?
Doc should of taken her with them. Just send her when someone gets sick or hurt. Be bad for his job security tho.
de old star trek it was boutifulle
Before we had a household name for reiki.
how is it always kirk, spock AND mccoy who get into this kind of thing?!
Because the Senior Team on that Ship tended not to trust their JOs . . . .
too many ads!
Are Kirk and Spock going to just stand there and leave the I/O Tower On? 'Not even talk to Allen 1? OK...Just checking...
@X4PP3D BEHOLD......a good episode.. well, I don't like these long ads.. the short ones with an opt out are better.. most vids on here have no ads.. every can't be free..I'd rather pay a subscription to UA-cam..
Really, I never "got" this episode at all. But then again, this isn't one of those OST episodes that I binge watch over and over because I enjoyed the production so much.
No, this is one of those episodes that I usually click by whenever it shows up because it's so puerile and unentertaining that I have never examined it closely enough to learn its finer points.
But as far as I can tell, it seems to be about a woman with a face like two miles of bad road spending an hour doing a series of ballet steps for the amusement of a couple of alien eggheads and somehow, at the end of that hour, earning plaudits for the self-sacrifice that is supposed to be inherent in her actions.
This is about right, but the theatrical set is interesting and an excellent, haunting score accompanies the early scenes. I watch it for the score.
Why TOS was great.
JJ Abrams rips this off in the new Star Wars episode "The Rise of Skywalker"
He really did 😂
your forgeting what it says in the bible jesus himself puts it on himself the sins of the world!
Then "You remember the story of the merchant who when he found one pearl of great price, he sold all that he had to possess it." - Scotty (Empath episode of Star Trek) Trek wasn't afraid of biblical references and ended this episode doing so.
yea, pretty much. but in the COMMON SENSE department with their crew they shouldn't send down the three most important people on the ship to a planet that isn't responding to calls. but it's a TV show and it's the 60s, so who gives a shit.
R F v
Try to stop them. They are senior and think it is their duty.
A
The hottest of the Trek hotties.... IMHO ....
Actually Shanha is hotter because of her skimpy outfit.
In my book, it's a tie between Andrea (What Are Little Girls Made Of) and Dr. Helen Noel (Dagger of the Mind).
There are strange contrasts and tensions in this story. Totally cerebral aliens seek compassion and pro-social behaviors. Friends do not want to harm others.
I think that the music was over done. Could have done without.
how can any race evolve and not have compassion.
It's already happened. They're called politicians.
politicians are not a race, more like a disease
I just love how Kirk and Spock are standing there watching McCoy die! There unheard dialogue would be funny!
Kirk: "hey Spock. Ya think we should try and help him?
Spock: "That is most unlogical."
Kirk: 'Why?"
Spock: ......It serves him right for calling me a green-blooded goblin."
Kirk: ......Oh no! That poor lady just fainted!"
Runs over cause he didn't get to sleep with her while Spock pouts.
Kat Hipps they were being held prisoner in a force field and couldn't help! Sheesh. Learn your Star Trek history. ;)
what a spoiled sense of humor you have, huh? Zero for this narrative of yours.😒😒
@@queenheart6167 Come on man, give me a break! I was a kid then! :D
@@ArthurAlfred1 Hey, I was too when I watched this episode for the first time, 8 to be exact.😊 (Okay, I didn't notice the date of your comment either :)
Script for the actress: Stare at them sadly for the early acts then overact in the last act.
If Gem could heal my pain from sitting through this tedious ep, that would be a real trick.
You're in the minority, this episode happens to be one of the most watched and liked episodes....
I thought it was tedious when I was a child. Then I grew up and realized what it's actually about.
Gen would realize that his brain is beyond repair.
Those guys got kicked in the head by a mule...