Why ‘The Inner Light’ Is The Magnum Opus of ‘Star Trek’ (Commentary)

“Star Trek” has spent 50 years indulging in the wonders of space, but the Hugo Award-winning episode “The Inner Light” explores the wonders of everyday life

A great deal of science fiction — at least that which leaves a big mark on pop culture — gets potential readers and viewers in the door with a promise of escapism. Sometimes these tales feature a protagonist like Luke Skywalker who leaves his normal life behind and gets a chance to exchange the dreary and dull for danger and destiny, and we as the audience are invited for a short time to imagine ourselves getting whisked away in the same way.

But ironically, many of these same stories end up putting a high value on the very things we take for granted in the everyday lives that escapism offers release from.

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