The Enterprise finds itself drawn into conflict with another species.
This is a classic episode with strong themes, great character moments and some enjoyable camp value.
The story is about the violent nature of humans but contains a typically Star Trek slice of hope for a better future. The narrative is simple, starting with a fairly intense situation that twists it into something different and more compelling. I love how ingenuity and intelligence drives the combat scenes as opposed to physical prowess or firepower. For me the final resolution is what makes it special, delivering an important arc for Captain Kirk and making a beautiful statement about the positive side of humanity.
Although Kirk mostly takes centre stage, It is one of my favourite Spock episodes with some superb bridge moments where he respectfully and plausibly challenges Kirk. These exchanges are loaded with tension by making Spock's sharp observations fairly subtle and understated. Later on there are some great moments when Spock is in command but submits to the logic of being powerless to do anything, whilst McCoy finds himself overcome with emotion.
I enjoyed the camp moments for the unintended humour. The creature effects, (or lack of) being the most obvious with the iconic scenes of Captain Kirk battling stuntmen in an outrageous rubber suit. Also, one moment where Uhura screams in reaction to something is another great example.
Generally I think the visuals are good. I particularly enjoyed the use of the location to make a suitably alien environment. One iconic zoom out from Kirk scrambling up Vasquez Rocks is superb. The direction of the actors body language in the bridge scenes is also good considering they were just scenes of people watching something unfold on a big screen. It is done in a way that translates how the characters feel about the situation.
All performances are great, my favourite being Leonard Nimoy who is fantastic in all scenes. I'm not sure if it's intentional or not but it feels like this story is being seen from Spock's perspective and he lives and breathes the character. William Shatner is also strong as he is the main focus of everything. Deforest Kelley doesn't have as much screen time, but when McCoy contributes he is as great as ever.
This is a classic episode with strong themes, great character moments and some enjoyable camp value.
The story is about the violent nature of humans but contains a typically Star Trek slice of hope for a better future. The narrative is simple, starting with a fairly intense situation that twists it into something different and more compelling. I love how ingenuity and intelligence drives the combat scenes as opposed to physical prowess or firepower. For me the final resolution is what makes it special, delivering an important arc for Captain Kirk and making a beautiful statement about the positive side of humanity.
Although Kirk mostly takes centre stage, It is one of my favourite Spock episodes with some superb bridge moments where he respectfully and plausibly challenges Kirk. These exchanges are loaded with tension by making Spock's sharp observations fairly subtle and understated. Later on there are some great moments when Spock is in command but submits to the logic of being powerless to do anything, whilst McCoy finds himself overcome with emotion.
I enjoyed the camp moments for the unintended humour. The creature effects, (or lack of) being the most obvious with the iconic scenes of Captain Kirk battling stuntmen in an outrageous rubber suit. Also, one moment where Uhura screams in reaction to something is another great example.
Generally I think the visuals are good. I particularly enjoyed the use of the location to make a suitably alien environment. One iconic zoom out from Kirk scrambling up Vasquez Rocks is superb. The direction of the actors body language in the bridge scenes is also good considering they were just scenes of people watching something unfold on a big screen. It is done in a way that translates how the characters feel about the situation.
All performances are great, my favourite being Leonard Nimoy who is fantastic in all scenes. I'm not sure if it's intentional or not but it feels like this story is being seen from Spock's perspective and he lives and breathes the character. William Shatner is also strong as he is the main focus of everything. Deforest Kelley doesn't have as much screen time, but when McCoy contributes he is as great as ever.