The Empath
Advanced aliens kidnap Kirk, Spock, and McCoy on whom to perform deadly experiments. Yet they might have a nobler purpose, and the truth lies with the mysterious, empathic Gem.
Our holy trinity's loyalty to one another is laid out as bare as this set. While such a theme can nicely underpin a story, it can't be the story, especially since the viewer is already keenly aware of these qualities. The plight of Gem and her people is revealed too late to arouse much sympathy, and her healing powers, though impressive, don't generate a sufficient sense of wonder to be the episode's focal point. There's not much focus, though as in Spectre of the Gun, the minimalist sets are striking enough to stay in the memory. Good to see McCoy taking change, and not letting Kirk take all the punishment. (Though at this point it's clear he's a sucker for it.) The aliens' extreme methods are not really explained, and they're forgiven awfully quickly considering what they put their "subjects" though. Not a bad episode, but sometimes baffling.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock makes some well-timed nerve pinches, escapes an emotion-powered force field, and tweaks the alien device.
Oops: Don't turn your back on a determined doctor with a hypo.
Developments: There's some affection expressed for the dying McCoy, with Spock's "good beside manner." He's the most reserved of this emotional group (naturally), and ironically the one most likely to endure torture never receives it. (Lucky guy.) Most impressive is that Spock knows his own brainwave frequency! When does one pick that up?