Star Trek (TV Series) The Enterprise Incident (1968) User Reviews

The Mission of the Enterprise is Impossible

[Bogmeister · 8/10 · 6 January 2007]

The "Mission:Impossible"-style entry of the original series, dealing with espionage and subterfuge and con games of galactic proportions. This is the return of the Romulans ("The Deadly Years" doesn't really count) after their smashing debut in "Balance of Terror." It's small wonder that this race is a favorite among Trek fans; both their original episodes are particularly strong. At the start of the episode, we learn, via an echoing voice-over from McCoy, that Kirk has been behaving oddly, as if the stress of command had taken its toll. Indeed, when I first saw this as a kid, I thought, by the end of the first act, that - yep, Kirk's lost it; he's really sailed over the edge in this one; all those conflicts with Klingons, Kelvans, crazy computers, space amoebas, cloud creatures, disembodied brains, doomsday machines and Tribbles have finally produced some post-traumatic stress syndrome in the poor captain's psyche. Yep, it was only a matter of time - Kirk isn't invincible, after all. It was a great set-up: both on the audience and on the soon-to-be hapless Romulans. They're cool here, as to be expected, but when up against the likes of both Kirk & Spock in full 'special mission' mode, they have no chance. These two have altered the cultures of entire planets, after all.

This episode also represents an interesting insight into the culture and social politics of our sixties decade. Here we meet a commander, of either captain or commodore rank, who is (surprise) female; this was unprecedented back then, yet she is on the Romulan (the enemy) side. On our side, the Federation, females up to this point filled such occupations as yeomans and nurses only, with the occasional prosecutor and communications assist. This appeared to be all that was allowed by the powers-that-be until then, as indicated by the rejection of the 2nd-in-command female officer from the first pilot, "The Cage." So, it seems as if Roddenberry and the writers sneaked in this high-ranking female because a supposed villainess or enemy of high rank was deemed acceptable by decision makers - let the enemy indulge in these strange promotions and see what happens. Well, as it happens, it worked against the Romulans: it was unusual to see Spock in the role of seducer, the part usually played by Kirk (who also reverted to his crazy-eyed bonkers routine here, recalling the excesses of such episodes as "The Enemy Within"). This was a fine thriller all-around, with unexpected twists and turns during each act, such as the unveiling of the Vulcan death grip technique, up to and including the conclusion. Oh, yeah, and Spock gets slapped again (his mom did the honors back in "Journey to Babel").

Exceptionally interesting and keeps you guessing

[planktonrules · 8/10 · 8 December 2006]

I really liked this episode. The plot was pretty exciting plus it gave Spock a big chance to stretch himself as a character--without McCoy or Shatner tagging along. Also, any episode with the Romulans is great fun, as they were in many ways a more dangerous and less stupid foe than the Klingons.

The episode begins with Kirk behaving very erratically. He even orders the ship into Romulan space and nearly starts a war. It seems that the Captain has gone mad and the Romulans take possession of the ship. At the same time, Spock becomes very chummy with the Romulan commander, a sexy lady who seems determined to climb into Spock's trousers. I'd like to say more, but it really would spoil the suspense. Just let me say that there is a lot more to the story than this and the show is both interesting and keeps you guessing.

Spock and the Romulan

[Samuel-Shovel · 9/10 · 7 July 2018]

In "The Enterprise Incident", the Enterprise crosses over the Romulan Neutral Zone in direct violation of Federation orders. A stressed and temperamental Kirk gives the order and gets the Enterprise stuck in a bad situation when a group of cloaked Romulan ships surround the Enterprise and order for its surrender. A Romulan commander orders Spock and Kirk aboard her vessel for negotiations.

When the duo are aboard, the commander charges Kirk with espionage and locks him up; Kirk injures himself whilst trying to escape. The Romulan commander is attracted to Spock and attempts to turn him. Everyone aboard the Enterprise thinks Spock is a turncoat but it turns out to be all a ploy. Spock gives Kirk a "Vulcan Death Grip" ostensibly to kill him. But when Bones transports Kirk's body back to the Enterprise, it is discovered that he's alive. Kirk and Spock have been in on it all along via top secret orders from Star Fleet to steal the Romulan cloaking device. While Spock distracts the Romulan commander, Kirk disguises himself as a Romulan and beams back aboard the ship. He locates the cloaking device and takes it back to the Enterprise. Spock is charged with treason and sentenced to death. He stalls for time as the Enterprise installs the device. They beam him and the commander back aboard, cloak themselves from the enemy, and head back into Federation space. Spock and the commander lament their lost love but understand each other perfectly. Maybe in another life...

I am a really big fan of this episode. It's really got it all: a good, fast-moving plot, good acting, a decent plot twist, and a bit of suspense. Joanne Linville is absolutely stellar as the Romulan commander. The chemistry she has with Spock is definitely palpable; even the emotionless Spock is victim to her charms.

Kirk's irascibility is a nice added layer to the plot. There seems to be a rift between him and the rest of the crew at the beginning of the episode. I am currently re-watching the series in stardate order and the previous episode is "The Paradise Syndrome". I wrote his mood swings off as a reaction to the death of his beloved from that episode. It really adds a whole other layer to contemplate when viewed from this perspective. It actually turns out to be all an act. But for the first half of the episode, the viewer doesn't know this. It really adds some suspense.

One the Best and Meatiest Episodes of the Original Star Trek

[classicalsteve · 10/10 · 23 August 2015]

Has Captain Kirk (William Shatner) not only lost his ability to captain his ship but lost his mind? At episode's beginning, Captain Kirk is irritable, irrational, and nearly insufferable. And then he takes the Enterprise into the so-called "Neutral Zone", an area of the galaxy which is off-limits to Federation fleet ships under current treaty with the Romulans, the nemesis of the galaxy. The Neutral Zone acts as an interstellar buffer between the Federation and the Romulan Empire. Kirk violates the treaty and is immediately confronted by Romulan military starships.

Their commander is a beautiful but highly intelligent Romulan woman, simply called "Commander" (Joanne Linville). She is aware of the violation of the treaty and will not let the Enterprise return to Federation space without making a point. She desires to take the Enterprise and crew hostage, and to execute Captain Kirk as an example to other wayward starship captains. She then finds a strange ally in Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy) who, after beaming to the Romulan ship with Kirk, confirms that Captain Kirk is suffering from delusion and insanity. An unexpected subdued flirtation evolves between the Vulcan and the Romulan. Both Nimoy and Linville play their rolls perfectly, subtly engaging but never overt. Captain Kirk appears to become more infuriated when the Vulcan appears to have betrayed both him and the Federation.

This is one of the best episodes from the original Star Trek series of the 1960's. It exploits the rivalry of the Romulans and the Federation, and it has some of the best acting of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy combined with a compelling and unpredictable storyline. Highest marks also for Joanne Linville as the Romulan Commander who never raises her voice, even when she condemns Captain Kirk to death.

You underestimate yourself, Commander

[snoozejonc · 9/10 · 29 September 2021]

Captain Kirk inexplicably orders the Enterprise into the Romulan neutral zone.

This is a great episode with an intriguing story and strong character moments.

The plot is quite engrossing as it hooks you with some unusual behaviour on the part of the lead characters and swiftly changes direction in an interesting way. It does require some suspension of disbelief for some of the key moments of espionage to work, but it's Star Trek.

Kirk and Spock lead well as they have the most memorable scenes. William Shatner goes through a range of emotions with the character and is quite compelling. Leonard Nimoy whilst retaining all his cool Vulcan persona portrays Spock in a quite calculating yet human light during his interactions with a guest character.

Bones and Scotty also make good contributions to the episode. DeForest Kelley and James Doohan are typically entertaining.

Joanne Linville is excellent as the Romulan commander and gives one of the most memorable guest appearances on the original series. For me she is the standout performer in this episode.

Visually it is solid, with the restrained physical contact between Nimoy and Linville used sensually and to great effect. The mattes, costuming, and make-up effects are also well designed.

For me it's an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.

Strategically Interesting

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 3 May 2014]

After the ludicrous "Spock's Brain," this is a decent episode, worthy of praise. Kirk puts the Enterprise in grave danger by crossing into the neutral zone. Soon the Romulans are at the door, threatening to take over Kirk's ship. Their ships have been cloaked which poses a threat to the Federation. Kirk responds by threatening to blow up the Enterprise if they don't back off. This leads to an exchange of crew members, Spock going to the Romulan ship. While there, he strikes up a romantic thing with the beautiful Romulan commander. Vulcans and Romulans come from the same roots and she sees him as a potential ally. The reason this works so well is that we are not privy to what Kirk and Spock are up to. Kirk seems utterly insane and Spock seems to be a traitor, but we know, don't we? It is interesting to see someone beside Kirk putting the moves on an attractive female alien. The conclusion is satisfactory and worth the wait.

Great plot!!!!

[SusanJL · 10/10 · 11 July 2019]

Wish all episodes had this level of writing. Way better than most!!

The best show of Season 3

[fabian5 · 10/10 · 3 September 2007]

This is simply the best episode of Season three of Star Trek--and one of the top 10 shows of Classic Trek in my view. Kirk behaves strangely and appears psychologically unstable to his crew and to Dr. McCoy when he orders the Enterprise to enter into Romulan space. The Enterprise is then quickly captured by the Romulans. To make matters worse, Kirk attacks Spock in a fit of rage while in a Romulan brig before Dr. McCoy. Spock unthinkingly but spontaneously appears to kill the Captain with the Vulcan Death Grip. It looks like all is lost due to Kirk's bout of insanity...until we see how the story finishes. Meanwhile, the Romulan commander tempts Spock with several rewards and incentives to betray the Enterprise crew and allow the ship to fall under her control. Can things get even worse? Soon, however, we notice that all is not all it seems. Nurse Chapel is the one first Enterprise member of the crew to notice that something is wrong when she tells Dr. McCoy: '...there's no such thing as a Vulcan Death Grip.'

At the show's conclusion, it is the unfortunate Romulan commander who winds up looking like the dunce instead. Like Hamlet, Kirk is saying to us: 'There is method to my madness. Just watch me, I'm not really crazy.' Once she becomes a prisoner on the Enterprise, the Romulan commander retains her smarts and tells Spock (who had tried to seduce her) that their sensuous contact will be their secret alone to keep. I thought this was a classy touch from her. Joanne Linville is marvellous as the emotionally sensitive Romulan commander--one of the best performances that anyone can ever dream off from a visiting cast member.

This was one of Dorothy Fontana's greatest Star Trek scripts after "Journey to Babel." It is strange to think today that Gene Roddenberry was so afraid NBC would reject her scripts because she was a woman that he asked her to sign her plays as 'DC Fontana' instead. Talent certainly does not discriminate between gender here.

Has Kirk gone mad? Is Spock a traitor?

[Tweekums · 9/10 · 26 July 2015]

It appears that the stress of command has got to Capt. Kirk; he is getting snappy with the crew, ordering them to redo tasks they have just competed then finally he orders a change of course… directly into Romulan space! Here they are almost immediately surrounded by three Romulan ships that appear to have cloaking technology. They are given one hour to surrender or be destroyed. Kirk and Spock are 'invited' over to the Romulan where they are questioned by the Romulan commander; a rather attractive woman. Kirk claims they entered Romulan space due to a navigational error but Spock tells the Romulans about Kirk's recent behaviour; this is later confirmed by McCoy who is called over to treat Kirk. Enraged by Stock's treachery Kirk attacks him but finds himself at the wrong end of the Vulcan 'Death Grip'. As the Romulan commander tries to persuade Spock that as a Vulcan he should feel more at home with Romulans than the Federation we learn the truth behind what is going on; Kirk is not dead and everything we have seen is part of a top secret Federation plan to steal a Romulan cloaking device! It will still be dangerous though; if they are to survive they will have to steal it and get it working on the Enterprise before the Romulans realise what is going on.

This was a really good episode; the opening gets the viewer wondering just why the normally rational Kirk has ordered his ship to cross the Neutral Zone. We are then left wondering just how the crew will get out of the predicament when they are surrounded. Once aboard the Romulan ship we get some great interaction between Spock and the Romulan commander; both Leonard Nimoy and Joanne Linville are great in their respective roles. It was interesting to learn more about the Romulans and nice to see that their commander was a beautiful woman after Kirk had assumed a man held the position. The first half of the story is a nice mystery about why Kirk is behaving how he is and why they entered Romulan space and the second is exciting as we see whether or not they will be able to get the device and even if they can will they be able to rescue Spock. Overall I'd say this was a really good episode; up there with the best.

Well Played and Suspenseful Episode

[chrstphrtully · 6/10 · 7 July 2006]

This is a nicely paced, genuinely suspenseful episode which finds its roots in the best espionage stories. Kirk takes the Enterprise into Romulan territory on his own initiative, leading many to question his competency to command and increasing hostilities with the Romulans. Is Kirk actually losing it, or is something else afoot? This episode resembles some of the best spy fiction -- "The Spy Who Came In From the Cold" in particular -- and Shatner's staginess actually works to the episode's advantage. Nimoy's inscrutability is equally compelling, particularly when the Romulan commander (well played by Joanna Linville) tries to persuade him to join the dark side, as it were.

Intelligently written and played, and a lot of fun to boot.

"What is your present form of execution"?

[classicsoncall · 9/10 · 8 January 2011]

This is certainly a Top Ten episode in my book, with Captain Kirk and Science Officer Spock playing against type for most of the story until it's revealed that they're on a secret Federation mission. The one thing that bothered me however, was why they were on this mission in the first place. Why didn't The Federation have the smarts to develop a cloaking device before the Romulans, huh? That would be on a par with, say, the Russians putting a man in space before America? Oh, wait a minute.

This is a pretty suspenseful episode, with elements of intrigue and espionage that keep the viewer guessing. Captain Kirk orders the Enterprise into a Romulan Neutral Zone to the consternation of the rest of the crew, and it appears that he may have inadvertently set themselves up as an ultimate prize for the Romulan Commander (Joanne Linville). Does anyone else think it odd that the Commander didn't have a name?

Said Commander attempts to romance Spock, and one wonders how it is that Spock breaks character here to be (seemingly) tempted by the Romulan's charms. There's actually a conflicting duality to Spock's nature here when it's emphasized that Vulcans are incapable of lying, yet he has no trouble feigning his willingness to become a traitor to the Federation. That's a form of lying isn't it? I guess you'd have to chalk that up to his half human counterpart.

Anyway, this is one of the better Star Trek episodes, maybe even one of the great ones. It introduces the Romulan Right of Statement delivered by Spock before his 'execution', and just like the movie "Casablanca" that perpetuates the line "Play it again Sam" even though it was never said, this story introduces the Vulcan Death Grip - Whoa!! Come on, there HAS to be a Vulcan Death Grip.

That Old Vulcan Charm

[bkoganbing · 7/10 · 12 April 2014]

Watching this Star Trek episode again tonight I was wondering why it began with DeForest Kelley recording in his medical log his concern about the state of William Shatner's mental health. As it turns out there is a good reason and not just for viewer suspense in why Dr. McCoy duly records this. In case the object of a certain mission happens to be listening in.

That object is Joanne Linville, beautiful and deadly commander of a Romulan battle cruiser. Long before Kathryn Janeway was commanding a star ship, the Romulans achieved equality of the sexes having her commanding one of their war vessels. Said war vessel has a cloaking device which gives the Romulans a strategic advantage that Star Fleet would like to overcome.

William Shatner takes the Enterprise into the neutral zone and then into Romulan space whereupon three Romulan ships appear out of nowhere and Captain and Kirk and Mr. Spock board the vessel.

Linville is intrigued by a Vulcan being second in command of an Earth ship and Spock while not the most romantic of figures apparently is an object of fascination for her. What's there left but for Leonard Nimoy to put on that old Vulcan charm.

What then becomes obvious to the viewer is that this was a well thought out espionage mission and Linville and her libido were targeted by Star Fleet.

Who would have guessed it, Mr. Spock as a Vulcan Mata Hari.

Flawless Plan

[slydude07 · 4/10 · 21 September 2021]

Ok, So here's the plan.

An extremely valuable starfleet captain deliberately sends his ship into enemy territory where he quickly finds enemy ships around him and threatening his ship's destruction.

So, He boards the enemy ship with his first officer, where his first officer blames the captain for the encroachment and the captain is locked up. (all as planned) But the captain's death is faked and he is transported back to his own ship.

Then the cap gets disguised as an enemy soldier and transports back to the enemy ship and proceeds to steal their valuable but unguarded cloaking device while his first officer distracts and wows the female enemy commander with his quiet steamy hulkitude.

Then they're all back to their home ship (along with the Spock-groupie commander) and live happily ever after.

Prefect plan, and Starfleet Command signed off on it.

What could go wrong?

A Season 3 winner

[Fluke_Skywalker · 8/10 · 17 March 2017]

Plot; On a mission known only to he and Mr. Spock, Captain Kirk leads the Enterprise into the Romulan neutral zone, where they will attempt to steal the Romulan Empire's new cloaking device.

Season 3 of Star Trek is somewhat infamous for the diminished quality of its episodes thanks in no small part to a slashed budget and a more hands off approach by creator Gene Roddenberry. But some of the series' best episodes can be found there, and "The Enterprise Incident" is certainly among them.

Shatner gets to ham it up a bit early on before going into Mission: Impossible territory as a Romulan, complete with pointy ears. But it's Leonard Nimoy who really gets to shine as he seduces the beautiful Romulan Commander (And I don't use that term loosely. Actress Joanne Linville is flat-out stunning) in his dry, Vulcan way.

Excellent Episode

[csm-78119 · 9/10 · 21 January 2021]

There is lots going on here with an interesting plot that sees the Enterprise surrounded by 3 Romulan ships after Kirk takes it into forbidden territory. Kirk and Spock beam over to meet the Romulan commander who turns out to be a beautiful woman who takes a shine to Spock! Has Kirk lost the plot? Is Spock being disloyal? What's this all about? It's well done and Joanne Linville gives a lovely and memorable performance as the Romulan leader.

Cloak & Dagger...

[Xstal · 8/10 · 16 February 2022]

Three Romulan vessels gather round, as Captain Kirk's actions confound, enemy territory, gone looking for glory, but the outcome is rather profound.

The captain loses his marbles and invades Romulan space where a confrontation is established and everything is to lose.

Well done intrigue

[mhubbard-54657 · 9/10 · 24 April 2017]

An excellent episode full of mysterious motivations. Has the Captain gone totally crazy? He hasn't been himself for weeks, erratic and irritable. The Doctor is worried about him. Suddenly the Enterprise is at war with the Romulans by entering their neutral zone, and breaking the treaty, apparently on Kirk's unauthorized command.The Enterprise is quickly surrounded by 3 enemy Romulan ships.

OK, I will cut to the chase. The best part of this episode is the cat and mouse game with Spock and the sexy female Romulan commander. I love her dress, BTW. She is obviously interested in Spock, even apparently wines and dines him, although the colorful liquid they drink is not identified.They engage in some subdued, but classy flirtation. She offers him a command position within the Romulan empire, and some associated unnamed perks.He seems somewhat interested. Ahem! Has Mr Spock gone totally crazy? This is not like our first officer. He is only interested in sex during the Vulcan mating season.

Soon it all becomes clear. Kirk beams aboard the alien vessel in disguise and steals the coveted cloaking device, which Scotty implements at the last minute. Then, Kirk and Spock are back aboard the Enterprise with the Romulan commander, whom they will drop off at the next space station. She makes a poignant statement to Spock about keeping their "relationship" a secret.

Good episode. Nimoy, especially, is really excellent in this.

Kirk's Insanity Into The Romulan Territory

[Rainey-Dawn · 9/10 · 12 January 2017]

Season 3, episode 2. Kirk being extremely stressed out without relief has fallen into a state of temporary insanity. Kirk is very snappy at all crew members and has given orders to cross into the Neutral Zone - Romulan territory. They are met with a Klingon ship approaching them and others surrounding them. The Romulans have acquired Klingon technology. Kirk has violated a major space treaty. The Romulans made a deal 2 crew members as prisoners in exchange for 2 crew members as prisoners. Kirk agrees and the Romulans made good on the exchange. The Romulan Commander is interested in Spock since he is a Vulcan. Spock cannot lie being a Vulcan and tells the truth to the Commander, while an insane Kirk listens. Romulan Commander charges the Enterprise's Kirk with espionage but will not hold the Enterprise's crew responsible. Mr. Scott is left in charge of the Enterprise and will not follow the Romulan Commander's requests - only those of Kirk. Kirk is still mad, Spock is being wooed by the female Romulan Commander and Scotty refuses to budge. Kirk requires McCoy's medical help and the Romulan's allow McCoy to board the ship and attend to Kirk. The tension builds as the conclusion draws near.

It is one of the best Star Trek episodes of all 3 seasons. Some believe that season 3 is by far the worst season but this episode proves differently.

9/10

Got me glued to the franchise!

[TheTvGuru · 10/10 · 15 July 2015]

This is the first episode of Star Trek The Original Series that I ever saw and almost immediately I was glued to the show from that day on. Being a die hard Trekkie, I'll admit that series 3 wasn't as good as 1 and 2, but this episode salvaged the 3rd series to show it still had potential - especially after the lacklustre reception of "Spocks Brain". Kirk acts insane and orders the ship into the neutral zone at the reluctance of the crew. And before you know it, they are surrounded by the romulans. Kirk and Spock go over, and of course Spock speaks the "truth" which subsequently leads to Kirk being imprisoned by the romulans. He tries to fight back, but is eventually overpowered and declared "dead". All of which turns out to be a set up by the federation in an endeavour to steal the cloaking device from the romulans ship. Of course Kirk succeeds, the enterprise is fitted with the cloaking device, and they disappear back into federation space. This episode ranks in my top 5, with other episodes such as "Space Seed" and "City on the Edge of Forever"

The unforeseen Spock's illogical flirting a female Romulan!!

[elo-equipamentos · 7/10 · 7 October 2023]

After a flawed on previous opening episode this time worthwhile a look in this precious story concerning a supposed Spock's affair even it's an illogical mindset under a Vulkan roots notably explicit on Star Trek Series, thus it sounds strongly oxymoronic at first glance, however remains a slight sense that something habits on Spock heart that is hidden there, the premise is established to upcoming episodes, the Vulkan no longer has a iron heart.

The story itself sounds weird due the Captain Kirk goes mad on opening scenes acting as despot as regards yours commanded, worst in breach of rules and also invading the borderline of Federation as well, entering on Romulans space, it cause a prompt reaction of them, surrounding the Enterprise at once, put all crew in jeopardy by a unpredictable act of folly carried out by Capt. Kirk, demanding a judgement on Romulan starship of Kirk and Spock sponsored by female Romulan commander, believe or not they interact with other with extremally warmth, meanwhile Kirk tries get the secret of Cloak device that is able to becoming any starship invisible instantly.

Further Captain Kirk is also operated by Bone in order to present himself as Romulan and after the assignment is completed McCoy means if Kirk wants looks like a Vulkan hybrid form like Romulans actually are, right way he delivers himself at McCoy's hands to be back as earthling human form, triggering many chuckles from the crew except from the immutable Spock's face, funniest moment allowed by the ironic Bone!!

Thanks for reading

Resume:

First watch: 2023 / How many: 1 / Source: DVD / Rating: 7.5.

... reflects historical events!

[jamesvaughanantwerp · 8/10 · 28 July 2018]

Fascinating! None of the other humans has mentioned how this episode involves events and conflicts which mirror those of real life super-power conflict in the history of your Earth.

Almost nine months before 'The Enterprise Incident' aired a US Navy 'spy-ship' ( the USS Pueblo) was seized off the coast of North Korea. Two of the crew were killed by enemy fire and the remaining 80 officers and seaman were held captive for almost a year. Some prisoners were tortured.

So the idea of 'ships' engaging in secret spy missions was still high on a lot of minds when Kirk and Spock launched their complex plot of subterfuge.

Of other interest in the episode is the rather silly way Romulans dress; as if their entire sense of fashion was based on knitting of grandmothers. Also; in spite of some rather rude jokes- Captain Kirk actually looks quite dashing with pointy ears and eyebrows!

It should be noted, sadly, that the Romulan Commanders fate, once returned to her side of the neutral Zone (given the seriousness of the cloaking device falling into Federation hands) could not have been pleasant!

Star Trek Mission Impossible Edition. Derivative and boring scenes, Low key derivative music!

[Bababooe · 1/10 · 22 May 2018]

The acting was decent but the dialogue and scenes sucked. It opens with Bones voiceover stating Kirk is irate, and we are shown Kirk irate, then he orders the ship to Romlan space, and from behind we see Scott whispering to Uhura asking if they received Star Fleet command. This is well and good but I didn't buy the execution.

Then the ship is surrounded by 3 Romulan ships. The Romulans' give Kirk 1 hour to surrender the ship or be destroyed. Kirk calls a conference to comes up with options 1) Fight, 2) destroy the ship, 3) Surrender? Spock confronts Kirk for stupid decision to enter Romulan space. All this is fine, but again, it's not executed well. I see the ideas here, but the screenwriting and direction does not work. It's unconvincing.

Then Romulans invite Kirk and Spock to their ship, & meet the female Romulan commander, where it is revealed that Kirk is guilty & Spock outs Kirk, Kirk calls Spock a traitor. The commander is trying to seduce/induce Spock to take control of the ship & bring it to Romulan base. Kirk is thrown in jail, hurts himself in the force field. Bones makes a house call. Kirk attacks Spock, Spock kills him with the non-existing Vulcan Death Hand to Face trick. This facilitates Bones taking dead Kirk back to the enterprise. This was all done in Amok Time. Derivative, Copy and Paste. Lazy writing.

We have more scenes of the Romulan commander trying to seduce Spock. This has to be some of the most unconvincing/uncomfortable scenes of the original Star Trek.

In sick bay Kirk wakes up, since the Vulcan death hand to face was a ploy to get Kirk back to the Enterprise. Bones then surgically alters Kirk to appear like a Romulan. Scott beams Romulan Kirk back to the Romulan ship where he disables 2 guards and steels the cloaking device (Device enabling the ship to be invisible).

Ok please read this! 2 Guards! No locks. No alarms. No electric fence, no moat, Nothing.

Spock is uncovered by the commander and sentenced to death for being a spy. Spock asks to record his testimony, giving Scott time to beam him back to the Enterprise. While this is going on the commander hugs Spock, beaming her to the Enterprise along with Spock.

The Enterprise decloaks and takes off.

My rating is a 5, 1 given as balance for all the Blind Faith Trek fans who give 8, 9 and 10 stars.

Someone mentioned that it was forward leaning for the Romulans to give such a high command to a female, where the Star Fleet females are communications, Nurse and Yeomen, only in second in command in the pilot "Cage". Sorry to burst your bubble. They made this woman out to be dumb as a doorknob. Low security on the cloaking device. Spock still had his communicator. Why hug Spock as he's being beamed aboard the Enterprise. Was hugging Spock going to stop him from leaving? Dumb. She's a poor example of a commander, the worst, she loses a strategic weapon to the enemy, the Enterprise. She is a good looking woman and had a solid presence, but she needed a bit more whorish qualities to seduce The Mr Spock.

Nimoy's acting in Amok Time was at least 1 or 2 degrees higher than in this. He's too mild, and maybe trying to act too cool here. It does not work.

Some mentioned that after the disaster that was Spock's Brain, that this is a superior episode. I disagree. Brain was not great, but it was fun and it had great music. Brain compared to this is a masterpiece.

So my dear friends, all of you who give this high marks, anything more than 5 for a copy paste story, subdued acting may want to reconsider. It's still Star Trek and they all deserve at least a 5, mediocre, worth checking out for the fun.

Rating 1, for Balance.

Star Trek The Original Series--The Enterprise Incident

[Scarecrow-88 · 8/10 · 13 April 2013]

Well, after Spock's Brain, any episode remotely good would probably have sufficed. But we get much, much more with The Enterprise Incident. Some episodes are just fun. Let's be honest, though, a good deal of what makes this episode so memorable comes with the image of Kirk disguised as Romulan next to an uncomfortable (well, as far as discomfort can show on a Vulcan) Spock. When the episode begins, it appears Kirk has begun to show signs of mental fatigue due to long-term duty without much shore leave. Any question of his decisions is met with hair-trigger snaps. Then he orders the Enterprise into the Neutral Zone towards Romulan space! So the crew is a bit miffed, a bit confused, about why he'd do such a fool thing. Well matters don't get any better as three Romulan ships surround them, two designed to closely resemble Klingon ships. Has Kirk snapped and completely gone off the grid? Or is there an actual method to the madness? Obviously instead of just blowing up the Enterprise, the Romulans are a bit inquisitive about why Kirk would bring it into Romulan space, a defying of the Neutral Zone Treaty, and so the Romulan commander (Joann Linville, very good) wants Kirk to board her ship out of interest in why he's there and to demand a surrender. Spock accompanies him and seems to gain favor with Linville's Romulan, with her smitten with him! This episode actually offers the possibility that Spock develops "feelings" for the Romulan Commander, and the idea that a Vulcan will actually use someone so that a mission can be accomplished in securing a cloaking device was (to borrow from Spock) fascinating to watch. Of course, he uses logic during a statement (according to Romulan law, the accused is allowed to say his piece prior to conviction, punishment, and death) to explain his actions, and how they fit perfectly within the duties of a Starfleet officer. The cloaking device is an obvious threat to Federation safety, so securing it for study makes sense if you wish to protect yourself against an enemy in battle. Seeing the Enterprise actually cloaking, evading the Romulans right on their doorstep, with a Romulan Commander on board, Spock admitting that his time on her ship was perhaps far more than just a mission, The Enterprise Incident has so many memorable moments worth savoring for any Trek fan. A vast improvement over the first episode, The Enterprise Incident does stand as proof that the third season isn't a total wash. There are some great ones in that season. If anything, seeing Scotty in the Captain's chair, and later being responsible for getting the cloaking device to work, this character has a lot of importance in the development of the plot, as well. We get a good laugh from Spock being not-too-amused with Kirk continuing to look similar to him (not just Kirk, but any human), and Spock has lots of time alone with the Romulan commander. The seductive dialogue had me in ribbons, considering it was the Romulan Commander who instigates a possible "erotic interlude" with Spock; seeing Spock somewhat encourage it is even more of a hoot.

Romancing the Romulan.

[BA_Harrison · 8/10 · 15 June 2022]

Lurching from the abject lunacy of Spock's Brain to the intrigue and suspense of The Enterprise Incident, Season Three is proving to be a lot more fun than I had expected, although I've yet to come to terms with the blue titles.

This episode starts with McCoy worried about Kirk's stress Levels, the captain behaving most erratically. The doctor's concerns prove well founded when Kirk orders the Enterprise through neutral territory and into Romulan space. At first it appears as though they have been lucky - there are no enemy ships to be seen - but suddenly they are surrounded by Romulan craft, previously hidden by cloaking devices. Kirk and Spock agree to beam aboard the Romulan flagship to talk terms; Kirk ascertains that the Enterprise's instruments had failed, but Spock tells the sexy Romulan commander (Joanne Linville) that Kirk deliberately violated their territory and that he believes that his captain has gone insane!

It should be blatantly obvious that Spock and Kirk's actions are a masquerade, but precisely what the pair are up to isn't so easy to guess. Before we discover the truth, Spock continues to play traitor by cosying up to the Romulan commander, who clearly wants into the Vulcan's pants; meanwhile, Kirk escapes and puts part two of his plan into action, which involves him being disguised as the enemy, complete with surgically altered ears and angled eyebrows.

The performances from Nimoy and Shatner are great, both Spock's seduction techniques and Kirk's craziness giving the actors the chance to do something a little different, but it is Linville that really impressed me here, playing both strong and commanding and soft and feminine whilst looking lovely throughout (I wouldn't have blamed Spock at all if he had really switched sides).

8/10.

Excellent spy plot

[chrisbaird-ma · 8/10 · 1 April 2013]

This is one of Star Trek's better episodes. The suspense and unpredictability is masterfully developed. Kirk and Spock seem to fall into the hands of the Romulans and seem to be loosing control of the situation when in reality they are on a spy mission retrieving a cloaking device. When Spock starts giving into the Romulan commander's enticements to become a traitor by playing on his emotions, you get the feeling that something is fishy but don't know what. For once, the female lead is not a young, dim, half-dressed bimbo. Cunning, intellectual, and forceful, this female commander is the perfect match to go head to head with Spock, which unfortunately can't be said to the females Spock gushed over later in the third season.

Yes, Kirk overacts in this episode as he does in almost all third season episodes. But if you just get used to his hamminess and take it for what it's worth, it does not detract from the show too much in most cases.