An odd-looking wanted man whose face is bright white on one side and black on the other is caught by the Enterprise. Soon, another similar man shows up and claims that the man is his prisoner. What exactly the first guy did that was illegal is a bit difficult to discern--as the "charges" against him are mostly platitudes and vitriol. The crew isn't sure why they hate each other so much and are shocked to hear that the reason they hate so much is OBVIOUS--one is white on the right side while the other is white on the left! The very conclusion of the episode when both escape is extremely fitting and well-done.
I've heard some people praise this episode because it addressed race relations and this is true and quite commendable. The problem is that despite its plot, the show is pretty dull and the way racial prejudice is handled seems a tad heavy-handed. In fact, the biggest problem is that almost the entire episode (except for a teeny, tiny clip) takes place on the Enterprise--and so many of the ship-bound episodes are more static and less exciting.
I've heard some people praise this episode because it addressed race relations and this is true and quite commendable. The problem is that despite its plot, the show is pretty dull and the way racial prejudice is handled seems a tad heavy-handed. In fact, the biggest problem is that almost the entire episode (except for a teeny, tiny clip) takes place on the Enterprise--and so many of the ship-bound episodes are more static and less exciting.