The Corbomite Maneuver
The Enterprise encounters a frightening being known as Balok, and Kirk must make a cunning bluff to save his ship. Is the alien more friend than foe?
Clearly this was one of the first episodes filmed; Uhura is wearing yellow, other officers' black uniform collars are too wide, and everyone's really sweaty. It's also a bottle episode, set almost entirely on the ship with only glowing shapes outside. Since the shapes aren't too threatening, most interest lies with the crew. Kirk and McCoy are most entertaining, first during the physical examination, then as Rand tries to serve salad, then arguing over Bailey. The befuddled navigator provides a useful point of conflict, but never reappears and isn't missed. As for the Corbomite Maneuver itself, it probably wouldn't work on the Klingons or Romulans, but Balok is an inconsistent and gullible foe. He welcomes the Starfleet officers after threatening to kill them and yet they drink up his orange substance. The others must thank their lucky stars Kirk's instincts are so often correct. They wouldn't get far otherwise.
Spock Saves the Day: The Vulcan gives Kirk advice on things he's already made up his mind about. It gives the captain "emotional security."
Oops: The last traces of "shouting Spock" are seen here.
Developments: Spock learns "poker" - or more plainly, the art of bluffing. Though never as proficient as Kirk and apparently incapable of telling a lie, the Vulcan will employ this skill in I, Mudd and The Enterprise Incident.