Errand of Mercy
The Klingons begin occupation of a primitive planet, and Kirk and Spock must convince the pacifist council members to join the Federation, while they maintain their cover as townspeople.
Klingons! Odd that the series's default villains don't show up till almost the end of Season One, but they're here and Kirk's gonna do something about it. It's been said we don't see much of their culture, their reasoning. True, but we see through Kirk's eyes, and the episode implies there's really little difference between humans and their cruel foes. It's a strong statement against government or imperial interference in a "less developed" society. From Napoleon's era through George Bush's, we've seen peoples offered freedom, peace, and protection - at gunpoint. Portraying Kirk as such a leader is daring. Kor provides an excellent foil, just as pompous, but under no illusion that he's doing anything but conquering the Organians. This race wins "best super beings," since their true nature is foreshadowed (no deus ex machina) and their influence on the warring factions, major. Though TOS offers a bright future, its Federation is not free of problems that have plagued empires since Rome. Kirk admits, "I'm a soldier, not a diplomat." No kidding. Finally, nice costumes for our heroes (tights!) and the random explosion is appreciated.
Spock Saves the Day: Spock's mental disciplines keep him from revealing information under torture, and he helps Kirk battle Klingons.
Oops: Leg warmers, a fashion faux pas.
Developments: Spock is open-minded towards the Organians, and lacks Kirk's blood lust for the Klingons. But he is a Starfleet officer first, and stays at the captain's side. Spock's mental powers are reaffirmed as he confronts the unpleasant-sounding mind sifter, which most humans would buckle under.