‘Star Gore’

I can’t help but express my outrage with the “Conspiracy” episode of “Star Trek: The Next Generation” that aired May 15, on KCOP, Channel 13.

The story concerns an attempted takeover of the Federation and its higher-ups by alien life forms in the guise of oversized pink beetles. These creatures are seen entering and exiting the bodies of their victims by the mouth.

The final 15 minutes of the program shows infected Federation officials dining on live worms, the graphic killing/dismemberment of an infected Star Fleet officer and the mutated life form in the corpse’s exposed innards.

For the past seven months, “Star Trek: The Next Generation” has enjoyed a steady following (of which I am part), high ratings and well-deserved praise for some truly fine stories. Now the show has shaken its credibility by delivering this inexplicable insult.

I truly hope that executive producer Gene Roddenberry and the “Conspiracy” authors are rebuked for their irresponsibility. It is bad enough that movies and the media in general are soaked with violence. To have this spill over into “Star Trek: The Next Generation” is inexcusable.

PATRICIA HAYES

Sherman Oaks