In this episode of Trekking Through Compliance, we consider the most beloved TOS episode of all time, City on the Edge of Forever, which aired on April 6, 1967, Star Date 3134.
In investigating ripples in time, Kirk and Spock are sent back to 1930s Earth to find Dr. McCoy, who has altered time. They meet Edith Keeler, head of the food kitchen, which is the focal point of this change. Kirk falls in love with Keeler, and from her, he learns that McCoy is in town and then immediately sees Bones across the street. Despite his love for Edith Keeler, Kirk holds Bones back to prevent him from saving Keeler as she crosses the street in front of a truck.
The past is returned to what it had been before, and Kirk, Spock, and McCoy return to the planet of the Guardian, where their landing party has been waiting, but for only a few seconds in real-time. Communications with the Enterprise are restored, and when the Guardian asks if anyone else desires to make a journey in time, Kirk responds, “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
Commentary
Originally aired on April 6, 1967, the Episode revolves around dramatic events Dr. McCoy caused after he accidentally altered the past. Fox highlights key compliance lessons from the Episode, including the importance of strict policy enforcement, balancing rules with ethical considerations, promoting transparency, comprehensive risk mitigation, fostering ethical decision-making, and empowering employee concerns. Fox emphasizes how these lessons can help organizations develop more robust, transparent, and ethically grounded compliance frameworks.
Key Highlights
- Plot Summary of ‘City on the Edge of Forever’
- Key Moments and Characters
- Fun Facts and Behind the Scenes
- Compliance Lessons from the Episode
Resources
Excruciatingly Detailed Plot Summary by Eric W. Weisstein
