"Bonk Bonk On The Head!" - Star Trek & Yarn Video Clips
Can a single, seemingly insignificant phrase truly define a television episode, leaving a lasting (and perhaps unwelcome) impression on viewers? In the case of Star Trek: The Original Series episode "Miri," the answer seems to be a resounding yes, thanks to the repetitive and grating phrase, "Bonk bonk on the head!"
The episode, which first aired in 1966, has become a point of contention among Star Trek fans. The premise is simple: the U.S.S. Enterprise encounters a planet mirroring Earth, inhabited solely by children. These children, it turns out, are afflicted by a disease that rapidly ages them upon reaching puberty. This sets the stage for a story exploring themes of isolation, disease, and the inevitable passage of time. However, the execution, particularly the dialogue delivered by the children, frequently falls short of its potential.
One of the most criticized aspects of "Miri" is the juvenile behavior of the children. Their communication is riddled with simplistic phrases, most notably, "Bonk bonk on the head!" This phrase is delivered repeatedly, often during moments of violence or conflict, and has become synonymous with the episode's perceived shortcomings. This is not to diminish the episode entirely; It is about children, disease, and a desperate battle for survival. The Enterprise crew finds themselves in a race against time, struggling to understand the nature of the disease and find a cure before they, too, succumb to its effects.
The episode is not without its merits. The visuals, for their time, are striking, and the concept of a planet mirroring Earth is intriguing. However, the constant repetition of "Bonk bonk on the head!" and other such phrases detracts from the viewing experience, making it difficult for some viewers to engage with the more serious themes at play.
| Episode Title | "Miri" |
|---|---|
| Season | 1 |
| Episode Number | 9 |
| Original Air Date | October 27, 1966 |
| Directed by | Vincent McEveety |
| Written by | Arthur Z. Goodman |
| Starring | William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley |
| Plot Summary | The Enterprise crew lands on a planet inhabited by children who contract a fatal disease upon reaching puberty. |
| Notable Elements | The phrase "Bonk bonk on the head!", the concept of a planet mirroring Earth, the exploration of themes like disease and aging. |
| Critical Reception | Mixed, with criticism often directed at the juvenile dialogue and the episode's execution of its themes. |
| Availability | Available on various streaming services and home video releases of Star Trek: The Original Series. |
| Reference Website | Memory Alpha: Miri |
The crew, led by Captain James T. Kirk, faces a series of challenges. They must decipher the nature of the illness, find a way to communicate effectively with the children, and navigate a world where the traditional rules of society have been turned upside down. The episode offers a glimpse into a society where the normal stages of life are disrupted, forcing the crew to confront uncomfortable truths about life, death, and the very definition of humanity.
The young actors' performance is often cited as a contributing factor to the episode's mixed reception. While some viewers found the children's portrayal of their characters compelling, others felt the delivery was overly simplistic, even annoying. The repetitive nature of their dialogue, compounded by phrases like "Bonk bonk on the head!", further fueled this sentiment.
Beyond the children's dialogue, the episode explores several themes, which includes exploration of the fear of the unknown, the importance of compassion, and the frailty of life. Kirk's attempts to reason with the children, his struggles to understand their motivations, and the crew's efforts to find a cure for the disease are key elements of the narrative. The crew faces the challenge of protecting themselves and the children. The disease on Miri, which acts as a metaphor for the inevitability of aging and death, is a central component of the episode's impact.
The phrase "Bonk bonk on the head!" has even become a recognizable element for those who have watched the episode, it embodies the episode's flaws. The phrase, once used by the children, now appears in memes and social media posts. Fans often quote the phrase to express their feeling about the episode.
The episode's legacy is complex. It is a part of the Star Trek canon, and is subject to analysis and debate. The episode raises several questions about the role of children in a science fiction setting, the portrayal of disease, and the effectiveness of storytelling techniques.
The experience of watching "Miri" can be torturous in spots. The acting and pacing do not provide a relief for the audience. The story struggles to maintain a balance between its more profound themes and the more outlandish elements. For instance, the children's behavior, which borders on the obnoxious, is often at odds with the gravity of the situation. These elements, combined, cause a clash of sentiments between the watchers.
Despite the criticism, the episode has also garnered positive attention. Some view "Miri" as a bold and experimental episode of the series. Others appreciate its exploration of complex themes. It has some merits such as, it pushes the boundaries of science fiction storytelling. The episode offers a reflection on society, and it allows the viewers to look at their own worlds and their place in the universe.
For those unfamiliar with the episode, the search term "Yarn is the best search for video clips by quote" can be used. This highlights the ability to find specific moments from the episode based on its memorable lines, allowing fans to revisit or share the scene that has "Bonk bonk on the head!"
The show has many aspects of its production, from the acting to the script. But ultimately it is the phrase "Bonk bonk on the head!" that lingers in the memory. It serves as a reminder of the challenges of creating effective storytelling.
The episode is a reminder that even with the best of intentions, every story has room for improvement. Its lasting impact stems from the dialogue, the portrayal of the children, and the way those elements interacted to create a viewing experience that is either memorable or regrettable, depending on one's perspective. The phrase, a simple, repetitive utterance, is the perfect example of how a single element can overshadow the broader scope of the narrative.
The context is the U.S.S. Enterprise answering a distress call. The landing party of Captain Kirk, First Officer Spock, and Chief Medical Officer Dr. McCoy discover a planet identical to Earth, but with a population of children who contract a fatal disease upon reaching puberty. The children, who have developed a primitive, almost savage society, are prone to violent outbursts and communicate using phrases like "Bonk bonk on the head!".
The Enterprise crew's mission becomes a race against time as they try to understand and cure the disease. The children's behavior and the pervasive use of phrases like "Bonk bonk on the head!" is the center of conflict for the viewers. Kirk must persuade the children to cooperate and allow the crew to aid them. The children's actions are sometimes violent. And so the conflict evolves around communication.
The technical aspects, the dimension measurement of the planet by Spock, with its circumference of 24,874 miles, contributes to the sense of realism and scientific inquiry. The exploration, the interactions, and the use of the ship's instrument is the way the show makers convey how the information is delivered to the audience.
The children's actions are at the heart of the episode's drama and conflict. The disease, the children's behavior, their communication style are the elements that make this episode the subject of discussion. It is a perfect example of how a narrative can be shaped by the smallest details, and how viewers will react to that.
