Star Trek (TV Series)

Plato's Stepchildren (1968)

Liam Sullivan: Parmen

Photos 

Quotes 

• Dr. McCoy : [as the Platonians force Spock into fits of laughter]  He's a Vulcan! You can't force emotion out of him!

  Philana : Oh, you must be joking, Doctor.

  Dr. McCoy : It could destroy him.

  Parmen : We can't let him die laughing, can we?

  [gestures towards Spock, who promply starts crying] 

• Captain James T. Kirk : We've showed our good faith, now you show yours. I want the ship released immediately.

  Parmen : The amenities, Captain. Allow me to remind you that I am the head of this principality. Guests do not come barging in here, making demands and issuing orders.

• Parmen : Uncontrolled, power will turn even saints into savages, and we can all be counted upon to live down to our lowest impulses.

  Captain James T. Kirk : You're very good at making speeches, Parmen. Just make sure that this one sinks in. Now move aside.

• Parmen : In my own defense, allow me to say that my illness was more profoundly disturbing than I myself realized. I am sure, Captain, that you, too, have been out of sorts and have been driven to fits of temper and rage. Unlike you, however, what I think and feel, whether for good or ill, is instantly translated into reality. So please, find it in your heart to forgive me.

  Captain James T. Kirk : Certainly.

• Parmen : Doctor, please... You have destroyed the festive mood of the ladies. We must recapture it at once. I know. What would be better than a seranade from the laughing spaceman?