For those who don't know, network TV in the early to mid 1960s was riddled with service comedies. Some were set during World War II (McHale's Navy, Broadside, Mister Roberts, Hogan's Heroes), some were contemporary (Hennessey, Ensign O'Toole, No Time For Sergeants, I Dream of Jeannie), and one was even from the 19th century (F Troop). So with The Lieutenant airing in 1963-1964, there must have been pressure on the producers to wander into that territory. For the most part Gene Roddenberry resisted the temptation, but this episode is the point where they yielded to it...to their sorrow. What was typically a quality series here panders to a "lighter touch" that is simply discordant with the central thrust of the show. The comedy is weak and almost half-hearted, it is undercut with the underlying need for the show to treat the USMC with respect, and while Gary Lockwood actually had some experience with comedy (particularly with the Elvis Presley movies he worked on), his laudable need to portray Lieutenant Rice with integrity clashes repeatedly with the moments where the script requires Lt. Rice to be, basically, a buffoon. In fact, the comedy eventually collapses under the weight of the real-life consequences of irresponsible decisions. It's not that comedic situations can't happen in military settings (believe me, they really do). It's that a series meant to show the pressures and responsibilities of a Marine Corps officer suddenly doesn't want those qualities treated seriously. Until it does. Overall, THE LIEUTENANT is quite a good series. This episode is simply a misstep that in no way should be considered a sample of the quality of the overall show.