Star Trek Retrospective: Episode 76 The Cloud Minders
This is one of those episodes I only vaguely remember seeing as a kid and therefore was not a huge influence on my life. However, seeing it as an adult reminded me of the kinds of chances Roddenberry took with the show. You see, this episode was a clear comment on modern class and economic disparity. There were other shows that addressed class, but never had such a pro socialist message been delivered.
In a sense it’s kind of weird. Other episodes had been so pro America (Tomorrow is Yesterday and the Omega Glory) and anti hippy and alternative government (The Way to Eden) that this might seem at odds with the overriding message of Star Trek, but in truth the universe of Star Trek has always had a strong socialist trend. There is no real use of money (except Mudd’s Women I guess) and later on in TNG it is plain that in a society capable of producing enough resources for everyone there is no need for economic oppression. Still, the very pro blue collar message of this one seemed off a bit to me.
Not one of the best, but not horrible. The sky city was super cool, and there were plenty of fights with the miners to let Kirk show off his shoulder-roll martial expertize. The anger gas idea was cool, and an equitable solution was found in true Roddenberry fashion. 
Seems like a lot of Star Trek takes place in mines and caves, but I guess that’s really what the budget allowed (mine image courtesy of the movie t shirt category). They can’t all have massive painted backdrops I guess.
Dave
