Enterprise visits a planet on a diplomatic mission.
This is an entertaining episode with solid character moments. It is based on a rather silly but still fairly enjoyable concept.
I found the plot to be relatively formulaic, with a similar structure to 'Return of the Archons'. The idea of what constitutes warfare is an interesting idea, but does require major suspension of disbelief. Particularly the 500 years of tradition, which is a real stretch. If you demand plausibility, you might struggle with it. However, if you go along with the plot as I did, the many decent character moments make it worthwhile.
Kirk is fairly no-nonsense and aggressive in his dealings with the people of Eminiar VII and this is entertaining to watch. Although he gains control of one situation in a ridiculous fight scene, this for me is all part of the charm of the original series.
Scotty has his first opportunity to shine in command of Enterprise and he does so with a number of memorable moments, such as standing up to the hideously annoying Ambassador Fox and admirably handing the threat from Anan 7.
Anan 7 is a credible villain and whilst part of an implausible situation he is watchable. Less can be said for Mea 3, who is poorly written and feels like a excuse to have an attractive female for Kirk to save.
There is plenty of memorable dialogue is this episode, particularly from Kirk, Scotty and Spock.
The visuals are strong, especially on Eminiar, which has some lovely cinematography with nicely lit and colourful sets. The costumes, such as the hats, worn by the guest characters are spectacularly fun.
All performances are solid as ever, with William Shatner, James Doohan, David Opatoshu and in particular Leonard Nimoy on top form. Nimoy delivers some brilliant dialogue in his typical dry humorous way.
This is an entertaining episode with solid character moments. It is based on a rather silly but still fairly enjoyable concept.
I found the plot to be relatively formulaic, with a similar structure to 'Return of the Archons'. The idea of what constitutes warfare is an interesting idea, but does require major suspension of disbelief. Particularly the 500 years of tradition, which is a real stretch. If you demand plausibility, you might struggle with it. However, if you go along with the plot as I did, the many decent character moments make it worthwhile.
Kirk is fairly no-nonsense and aggressive in his dealings with the people of Eminiar VII and this is entertaining to watch. Although he gains control of one situation in a ridiculous fight scene, this for me is all part of the charm of the original series.
Scotty has his first opportunity to shine in command of Enterprise and he does so with a number of memorable moments, such as standing up to the hideously annoying Ambassador Fox and admirably handing the threat from Anan 7.
Anan 7 is a credible villain and whilst part of an implausible situation he is watchable. Less can be said for Mea 3, who is poorly written and feels like a excuse to have an attractive female for Kirk to save.
There is plenty of memorable dialogue is this episode, particularly from Kirk, Scotty and Spock.
The visuals are strong, especially on Eminiar, which has some lovely cinematography with nicely lit and colourful sets. The costumes, such as the hats, worn by the guest characters are spectacularly fun.
All performances are solid as ever, with William Shatner, James Doohan, David Opatoshu and in particular Leonard Nimoy on top form. Nimoy delivers some brilliant dialogue in his typical dry humorous way.