Even though this episode feels like one from earlier in the season, I understand why it follows Dagger of the Mind. Kirk and Bones are at odds through the first half of this episode, amplifying the shorter disagreement they had in the previous episode.
It's good I'm invested in the interpersonal dynamics because the plot is a little weak. There's a lot of tense waiting. The interpersonal dynamics carry the plot pretty far, but I don't care about Bailey, so some of the secondary conflict lands flat for me.
That being said, I do love showcasing Kirk's strategic mind, and this is a classic example of his unique approach to problem solving.
The twist at the end is funny the first time, but there's not a lot of rewatch value to this episode. I think part of this is because of the weak plot, and the terrible ending for Bailey.
But aesthetically, even as someone who appreciates the retro graphics of TOS, this episode starts looking goofy and gets goofier. There is also some inexplicably different camera working happening that doesn't add to the show's message at all.
We do get Uhura in gold though, so it's all worth it.
Summary
The USS Enterprise is mapping unexplored space when they run into a giant cube they cannot maneuver around.
When they destroy the cube, an alien ship approaches and contacts them. The alien claims it will destroy the Enterprise for demonstrating violence in ten minutes.
Kirk and McCoy bicker. Spock has no other recommendation. A crewman named Bailey starts cracking under stress.
Kirk bluffs by claiming the ship has a substance that, upon destruction, will also destroy the alien vessel. The alien ultimately delays the threat but drags the Enterprise to a mothership to destroy it there.
Before they get there, the alien ship seems to lose power and starts sending a distress signal.
Kirk decides to help, and he, McCoy and Bailey beam to the alien ship. There, they find a singular alien that looks like a human child, perfectly well, and he tells them the Enterprise passed his test. As a cultural exchange, Kirk leaves Bailey on the alien ship to be picked up at a later time.
For the Time - 😬🔘🔘🔘🔘
Kirk complains about women being yeomen just because Janice is following McCoy's orders? It's odd and unnecessary. He's yelling at her when he should be yelling at McCoy?
It seems like they were still figuring out Kirk's character because he's unusually short with the crew and seems a little tired of being captain. This is especially odd since his bad mood isn't a focus of the episode. His characterization seems closer to what we saw of Pike in the pilot than the Kirk we've known.
Characters
Spock
Sulu
Uhura
Bailey
Bones
Scotty
Janice Rand
Balok
Aliens
The First Federation
Ships
USS Enterprise
Fesarius
The other kind of ships
Because most of this episode is talking, there are some really good moments.
McKirk - This episode demonstrates how much McCoy cares about Kirk even when Kirk can't/won't care for himself. Also, Bones is unafraid of disagreeing with Kirk, even if it's not necessarily his place. I love the moment where McCoy is challenging Kirk and Kirk snaps at him. Afterwards, Kirk tries to apologize and instead McCoy apologizes for his timing. They really care about each other and have a strong bond.
Spirk - All I'm going to say is "It gives me emotional security."
Actually, I'm also going to point out how badly Spock wanted to go on the Fesarius to protect his boys.
AND the conversation when Spock admits he doesn't have a solution to the problem is touching. He's pretty vulnerable in this episode.
Yes, Balok from "the Corbomite Maneuver" was Clint Howard!
He returned to "Star Trek" as a hobo on DS9. Then a Ferengi on "Enterprise" (I'm a bit stunned it took so long to cast him as a Ferengi.) In "Discovery" he played "Creepy Orion," and finally got to play someone normal in "Strange New Worlds."
He's also Johnson in the famous rocket montage from "Austin Powers: the Spy Who Shagged Me."
